### where a member state police authority has been so empowered by national legislative measures as referred to in paragraph 2 , it may , solely for the purpose of identifying a person , query the cir with the biometric data of that person taken during an identity check . ### where a member state police authority is unable to identify a person on the basis of his / her travel document , or of another credible document proving his / her identity , or with the identity data provided by that person in accordance with rules and procedures laid down in national law , and where a member state police authority has been so empowered by national legislative measures as referred to in paragraph 2 , it may , in the presence of that person , and solely for the purpose of identifying that person , query the esp or the shared bms with the biographical or biometric data of that person taken during the identity check .


### where the query indicates that data on that person is stored in the cir , the member states authority shall have access to consult the data referred to in article 18 . ### where the query indicates that data on that person is stored in the eu information systems or the sis , the member states police authority shall have access to consult the following data : the data referred to in [ article 16 to and article 17 to of the ees regulation ] ; the data referred to in article 9 to , and of regulation no767 / 2008 ; and [ the data referred to in article 15 to of the etias regulation ] .


### for the purposes of preventing , detecting and investigating terrorist offences or other serious criminal offences in a specific case and in order to obtain information on whether data on a specific person is present in the ees , the vis and [ the etias ] or the member state designated authorities and europol may consult the cir . ### where there are reasonable grounds to believe that consultation of eu information systems will substantially contribute to the prevention , detection or investigation of terrorist of other serious criminal offences , in particular where there is a substantiated suspicion that the suspect , perpetrator or victim of a terrorist offence or other serious criminal offence falls under the category of third - country nationals whose data are stored in [ the ees ] , the vis , [ the etias ] or the eurodac system , and where a prior search in national databases has been carried out and a query of the automated fingerprint identification system of the other member states under decision 2008 / 615 / jha has been launched , the member states designated authorities and europol may use the esp and the shared bms in order to obtain information on whether data on a specific person is present in the ees , the vis and [ the etias ] .


### a multiple - identity detector creating and storing links between data in the eu information systems included in the common identity repository and the sis and as a consequence detecting multiple identities , with the dual purpose of facilitating identity checks and combating identity fraud , is established for the purpose of supporting the functioning of the cir and the objectives of the ees , the vis , the etias ] , eurodac , the sis and [ the ecris - tcn system ] . ### a multiple - identity detector is established to create and store links between data in the eu information systems and the sis , and as a consequence to detect multiple identities , in order to facilitate identity checks and combat identity fraud , and thus in order to support the functioning and the objectives of the ees , the vis , the etias ] , eurodac , the sis and [ the ecris - tcn system ] .


### where the data contained within an information system as referred to in paragraph 1 contains biometric data , the common identity repository and the central - sis shall use the shared biometric matching service in order to perform the multiple - identity detection . the shared bms shall compare the biometric templates obtained from any new biometric data to the biometric templates already contained in the shared bms in order to verify whether or not data belonging to the same third - country national is already stored in the cir or in the central sis . ### where the data contained within an information system as referred to in paragraph 1 contains biometric data , that information system and the central - sis shall use the shared biometric matching service in order to perform the multiple - identity detection . the shared bms shall compare the new biometric data obtained from the relevant information system against any biometric data already contained in the other information systems in order to verify whether or not data belonging to the same third - country national is already stored in another information system .


### without prejudice to paragraph 4 , the authority responsible for verification of different identities shall have access to the related data contained in the relevant identity confirmation file and to the identity data linked in the common identity repository and , where relevant , in the sis , and shall assess the different identities and shall update the link in accordance with articles 31 , 32 and 33 and add it to the identity confirmation file without delay . ### without prejudice to paragraph 4 , the authority responsible for verification of different identities shall have access to the related data contained in the relevant identity confirmation file and to the identity data linked in the relevant information systems , and shall assess the different identities and update the link in accordance with articles 31 , 32and 33 and add it to the identity confirmation file without delay .


### where the authority responsible for the verification of different identities in the identity confirmation file is the border authority creating or updating an individual file in the ees in accordance with article 14 of the ees regulation , and where a yellow link is obtained , the border authority shall carry out additional verifications as part of a second - line check . during this second - line check , the border authorities shall have access to the related data contained in the relevant identity confirmation file and shall assess the different identities and shall update the link in accordance with articles 31 to 33 and add it to the identity confirmation file without delay . ### where the authority responsible for the verification of different identities in the identity confirmation file is the border authority creating or updating an individual file in the ees in accordance with article 14 of the ees regulation , and where a yellow link is obtained , the border authority shall carry out additional verifications . for that purpose only , the border authorities shall have access to the related identity data contained in the relevant identity confirmation file and shall assess the different identities and shall update the link in accordance with articles 31 to 33 and add it to the identity confirmation file without delay .


### the linked data has different identity data and no manual verification of different identity has taken place . ### the linked data has different identity data , there is no biometric data to compare , and no manual verification of different identity has taken place .


### the linked data has similar identity data and the authority responsible for the verification of different identities concluded it refers unlawfully to the same person . ### the linked data has similar identity data and the authority responsible for the verification of different identities concluded it refers to the same person in an unjustified manner .


### where the cir or the sis are queried and where a red link exists between two or more of the information systems constituting the cir or with the sis , the multiple - identity detector shall reply indicating the data referred to in article 34 . follow - up to a red link shall take place in accordance with union and national law . ### where the eu information systems and the sis are queried and where a red link exists between two or more of the information systems , the multiple - identity detector shall reply indicating the data referred to in article 34 . follow - up to a red link shall take place in accordance with union and national law . no legal consequence for the person or persons concerned shall derive solely from the existence of a red link .


### without prejudice to the provisions related to the handling of alerts in the sis referred to in the [ regulations on sis in the field of border checks , on sis in the field of law enforcement and on sis in the field of illegal return ] , and without prejudice to limitations necessary to protect security and public order , prevent crime and guarantee that any national investigation will not be jeopardised , where a red link is created , the authority responsible for verification of different identities shall inform the person of the presence of multiple unlawful identities . ### without prejudice to the provisions related to the handling of alerts in the sis referred to in the [ regulations on sis in the field of border checks , on sis in the field of law enforcement and on sis in the field of illegal return ] , and without prejudice to limitations laid down in article 13 if directive 680 / 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of prevention , investigation , detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties , and on the free movement of such data where a red link is created , the authority responsible for verification of different identities shall inform the person of the presence of multiple unjustified identities .


### the identity confirmation files and its data , including the links , shall be stored in the multiple - identity detector only for as long as the linked data is stored in two or more eu information systems . ### the identity confirmation files and its data , including the links , shall be stored in the multiple - identity detector only for as long as the linked data is stored in two or more eu information systems . once this condition is no longer met , the identity confirmation files and their data , including all related links , shall be deleted automatically .


### eu - lisa shall establish automated data quality control mechanisms and procedures on the data stored in the ees , the [ etias ] , the vis , the sis , the shared biometric matching service , the common identity repository and the multiple - identity detector . ### eu - lisa shall establish as soon as possible automated data quality control mechanisms and procedures on the data stored in the ees , the [ etias ] , the vis and the sis , and the multiple - identity detector . those automated data quality control mechanisms should be adequately tested prior to the start of operations of the interoperability components in accordance with article 62 .


### one year after the establishment of the automated data quality control mechanisms and procedures and common data quality indicators and every year thereafter , the commission shall evaluate member state implementation of data quality and shall make any necessary recommendations . the member states shall provide the commission with an action plan to remedy any deficiencies identified in the evaluation report and shall report on any progress against this action plan until it is fully implemented . the commission shall transmit the evaluation report to the european parliament , to the council , to the european data protection supervisor and to the european union agency for fundamental rights established by council regulation no 168 / 2007 . 75 _________________ 75 council regulation no 168 / 2007 of 15 february 2007 establishing a european union agency for fundamental rights . ### one year after the establishment of the automated data quality control mechanisms and procedures and common data quality indicators and every year thereafter , the commission shall evaluate member state implementation of data quality and , in particular , data quality issues deriving from erroneous historical data in existing eu information systems and in the sis . the commission shall make any necessary recommendations . the member states shall provide the commission with an action plan to remedy any deficiencies identified in the evaluation report and shall report on any progress against this action plan until it is fully implemented . the commission shall transmit the evaluation report to the european parliament , to the council , to the european data protection supervisor and to the european union agency for fundamental rights established by council regulation no 168 / 2007 . 75 _________________ 75 council regulation no 168 / 2007 of 15 february 2007 establishing a european union agency for fundamental rights .


### the commission shall lay down detailed rules on the operation of the crrs , including specific safeguards for processing of personal data referred to under paragraph 2 and 3 and security rules applicable to the repository by means of implementing acts . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 64 . ### the commission shall lay down detailed rules on the operation of the crrs , including specific safeguards for processing of personal data referred to under paragraph 2 and 3 and security rules applicable to the repository by means of a delegated act . that delegated act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 63 .


### in relation to the processing of data in the shared biometric matching service , the member state authorities that are controllers for the vis , ees , and sis respectively , shall also be considered as controllers in accordance with article 4 of regulation 2016 / 679 in relation to the biometric templates obtained from the data referred to in article 13 that they enter into respective systems and shall have responsibility for the processing of the biometric templates in the shared bms . ### in relation to the processing of data in the shared biometric matching service , the member state authorities that are controllers for the vis , ees , and sis respectively , shall also be considered as controllers in accordance with article 4 of regulation 2016 / 679 in relation to the processing of biometric data that they enter into respective systems . in relation to information security management of the shared bms , eu - lisa shall be considered a controller .


### the european border and coast guard agency shall be considered a data controller in accordance with article 2 of regulation no 45 / 2001 in relation to processing of personal data by the etias central unit ; ### the european border and coast guard agency shall be considered a data controller in accordance with article 2 of regulation no 45 / 2001 in relation to processing of personal data by the etias central unit . in relation to information security management of the etias central system , eu - lisa shall be considered a controller ;


### both eu - lisa and the member state authorities shall ensure the security of the processing of personal data that takes place pursuant to the application of this regulation . eu - lisa , [ the etias central unit ] and the member state authorities shall cooperate on security - related tasks . ### both eu - lisa and the member state authorities shall ensure the security of the processing of personal data that takes place pursuant to the application of this regulation . eu - lisa shall be responsible for the central systems and member state authorities shall be responsible for the security at the end - points controlling access to the systems , [ the etias central unit ] and the member state authorities shall cooperate on security - related tasks .


### monitor the effectiveness of the security measures referred to in this paragraph and take the necessary organisational measures related to internal monitoring to ensure compliance with this regulation . ### monitor the effectiveness of the security measures referred to in this paragraph and take the necessary organisational measures related to internal monitoring to ensure compliance with this regulation and to assess those security measures in the light of new technological developments .


### without prejudice to the notification and communication of a personal data breach pursuant to article 33 of regulation 2016 / 679 , article 30 of directive 2016 / 680 , or both , member states shall notify the commission , eu - lisa and the european data protection supervisor of security incidents . in the event of a security incident in relation to the central infrastructure of the interoperability components , eu lisa shall notify the commission and the european data protection supervisor . ### without prejudice to the notification and communication of a personal data breach pursuant to article 33 of regulation 2016 / 679 , article 30 of directive 2016 / 680 , or both , member states shall immediately notify the commission , eu - lisa and the european data protection supervisor of security incidents . in the event of a security incident in relation to the central infrastructure of the interoperability components , eu - lisa shall notify the commission and the european data protection supervisor .


### member states and the relevant eu bodies shall ensure that each authority entitled to access the interoperability components takes the measures necessary to monitor its compliance with this regulation and cooperates , where necessary , with the supervisory authority . ### member states and the relevant eu bodies shall ensure that each authority entitled to access the interoperability components takes the measures necessary to monitor its compliance with this regulation and cooperates , where necessary , with the supervisory authority . where the member states establish that this regulation has been infringed , they must define and apply the appropriate penalties .


### 46right of information ### 46right to information


### the member state responsible for the manual verification of different identities as referred to in article 29 or the member state to which the request has been made shall reply to such requests within 45 days of receipt of the request . ### the member state responsible for the manual verification of different identities as referred to in article 29 or the member state to which the request has been made , either directly from the data subject in accordance with paragraph 1 or via the web service established by eu - lisa in accordance with paragraph 2 , shall reply to such requests at the latest within 14 days of receipt of the request .


### if a request for correction or erasure of personal data is made to a member state other than the member state responsible , the member state to which the request has been made shall contact the authorities of the member state responsible within seven days and the member state responsible shall check the accuracy of the data and the lawfulness of the data processing within 30 days of such contact . ### if a request for correction or erasure of personal data is made to a member state other than the member state responsible , the member state to which the request has been made shall contact the authorities of the member state responsible within seven days and the member state responsible shall check the accuracy of the data and the lawfulness of the data processing within 14 days of such contact . the person concerned shall be informed by the member state which contacted the authority of the member state responsible that his or her request was forwarded about the further procedure .


### in order to contribute to the enhancement of the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the union ' s defence industry , a european defence industrial development programme should be established . the programme should aim at enhancing the competitiveness of the union ' s defence industry inter alia cyber defence by supporting the cooperation between undertakings in the development phase of defence products and technologies . the development phase , which follows the research and technology phase , entails significant risks and costs that hamper the further exploitation of the results of research and adversely impact the competitiveness of the union ' s defence industry . by supporting the development phase , the programme would contribute to a better exploitation of the results of defence research and it would help to cover the gap between research and production as well as to promote all forms of innovation . the programme should complement activities carried out in accordance with article 182 tfeu and it does not cover the production of defence products and technologies . ### in order to contribute to the enhancement of the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the union ' s defence industry with a view to the european union’s strategic and technological autonomy , a european defence industrial development programme should be established . the programme should aim at defining and implementing the progressive framing of a common defence policy in accordance with article 2 tfeu and is intended to develop the modern capabilities needed by the armed forces of the member states and to improve their security . this programme should aim at enhancing the competitiveness of the union ' s defence industry inter alia cyber defence by supporting the cooperation between undertakings , including research centres , in the development phase of defence products and technologies leading to greater efficiency and a reduction of resource wasting and overlaps in the defence market . the development phase , which follows the research and technology phase , entails significant risks and costs that hamper the further exploitation of the results of research and adversely impact the competitiveness of the union ' s defence industry . by supporting the development phase , the programme would contribute to a better exploitation of the results of defence research and it would help to cover the gap between research and production as well as to promote all forms of innovation . the programme , as well as its potential continuation after 2020 , regardless of its form , should complement activities carried out in accordance with article 182 tfeu and it does not cover the production of defence products and technologies .


### in order to contribute to the enhancement of the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the union ' s defence industry , a european defence industrial development programme should be established . the programme should aim at enhancing the competitiveness of the union ' s defence industry inter alia cyber defence by supporting the cooperation between undertakings in the development phase of defence products and technologies . the development phase , which follows the research and technology phase , entails significant risks and costs that hamper the further exploitation of the results of research and adversely impact the competitiveness of the union ' s defence industry . by supporting the development phase , the programme would contribute to a better exploitation of the results of defence research and it would help to cover the gap between research and production as well as to promote all forms of innovation . the programme should complement activities carried out in accordance with article 182 tfeu and it does not cover the production of defence products and technologies . ### in order to contribute to the enhancement of the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the union ' s defence industry , a european defence industrial development programme should be established . the programme should aim at enhancing the competitiveness of the union ' s defence industry inter alia cyber defence by supporting the cooperation between undertakings in the development phase of defence products and technologies . the development phase , which follows the research and technology phase , entails significant risks and costs that hamper the further exploitation of the results of research and adversely impact the competitiveness of the union ' s defence industry . by supporting the development phase , the programme would contribute to a better exploitation of the results of defence research and it would help to cover the gap between research and production as well as to promote all forms of innovation . the programme should complement activities carried out in accordance with article 182 tfeu and it does not cover the production of defence products and technologies . it clearly complies with international obligations under the cwc and bwc , as well as with the eu’s commitments in connection with goods which could be used for capital punishment , torture or other cruel , inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment ;


### cross - border collaboration in the development of defence products and technologies has often been hampered by the difficulty to agree on common technical specifications . the absence or limited level of common technical specifications have led to increased complexity , delays and inflated costs in the development phase . the agreement on common technical specifications should be a condition in order to benefit from the union ' s support under this programme . actions aiming at supporting the creation of a common definition of technical specifications should also be eligible for support under the programme . ### cross - border collaboration in the development of defence products and technologies has often been hampered by the difficulty to agree on common technical specifications . the absence or limited level of common technical specifications have led to increased complexity , duplications , delays and inflated costs in the development phase . the agreement on common technical specifications should be a condition in order to benefit from the union ' s support under this programme . actions aiming at supporting the creation of a common definition of technical specifications should also be eligible for support under the programme .


### as the union support aims at enhancing the competitiveness of the sector and concerns only the specific development phase , the commission should not have ownership or intellectual property rights over the products or technologies resulting from the funded actions . the applicable intellectual property rights regime will be defined contractually by the beneficiaries . ### the commission should have ownership or intellectual property rights over the products or technologies resulting from the funded actions . the applicable intellectual property rights regime will be defined contractually between the commission and the beneficiaries .


### the commission should draw up an implementation report at the end of the programme , examining the financial activities in terms of financial implementation results and where possible , impact . this report should also analyse the cross border participation of smes in projects under the programme as well as the participation of smes to the global value chain . ### the commission should draw up an implementation report at the end of the programme , and an interim report after one year of implementation of the programme , examining the financial activities in terms of financial implementation results and where possible , impact . the reports should also analyse the cross border participation of smes in projects under the programme as well as the participation of smes to the global value chain . the interim report should be presented to the european parliament and should be part of the text of the new programme for the period after 2020 . the implementation report shall be presented to the european parliament .


### to support and leverage the cooperation between undertakings , including small and medium - sized enterprises , in the development of technologies or products in line with defence capability priorities commonly agreed by member states within the union ; ### to support and leverage the cross - border cooperation between undertakings , including small and medium - sized enterprises , as well as intermediate manufacturing enterprises , in the value chains of defence technologies or products ;


### to foster better exploitation of the results of defence research and contribute to closing the gaps between research and development . ### to foster better exploitation of the results of defence research thus contributing to closing the gaps between research and development by encouraging the production of researched products and technologies and thus to support the competitiveness of the european defence industry on the internal market and the global marketplace , including , where appropriate , by consolidation ;


### the design of a defence product , tangible or intangible component or technology as well as the technical specifications on which such design has been developed ; ### the design of a defence product or a product supporting the undertakings ' aim to convert from military to civil production , tangible or intangible component or technology as well as the technical specifications on which such design has been developed ;


### the action shall be undertaken in a cooperation of at least three undertakings which are established in at least two different member states . the undertakings which are beneficiaries shall not effectively be controlled , directly or indirectly , by the same entity or shall not control each other . ### the action shall be undertaken in a cooperation of undertakings in a consortium of at least three eligible entities which are established in at least two different member states . at least three of the eligible entities established in at least two different member states shall not be effectively controlled , directly or indirectly , by the same entity or shall not control each other .


### the action shall be undertaken in a cooperation of at least three undertakings which are established in at least two different member states . the undertakings which are beneficiaries shall not effectively be controlled , directly or indirectly , by the same entity or shall not control each other . ### the action shall be undertaken in a cooperation of at least three undertakings which are established in at least three different member states and shall remain open to other undertakings based in other member states . none of those three undertakings which are beneficiaries shall effectively be controlled , directly or indirectly , by the same entity or shall control each other .


### when it relates to actions defined under point to of the first paragraph , the action must be based on common technical specifications . ### when it relates to actions defined under point to of the first paragraph , the action must be based on common technical specifications . consortia shall demonstrate that at least two member states intend to jointly procure the final product or use the technology in a coordinated way , including joint procurement where applicable .


### beneficiaries shall be undertakings established in the union , in which member states and / or nationals of member states own more than 50% of the undertaking and effectively control it within the meaning of article&#160 ; 6 , whether directly or indirectly through one or more intermediate undertakings . in addition , all infrastructure , facilities , assets and resources used by the participants , including subcontractors and other third parties , in actions funded under the programme shall not be located on the territory of non - member states during the entire duration of the action . ### beneficiaries and their subcontractors shall be undertakings established in the union , in which member states and / or nationals of member states own more than 50% of the undertaking and effectively control it within the meaning of article&#160 ; 6 , whether directly or indirectly through one or more intermediate undertakings . in addition , all infrastructure , facilities , assets and resources used by the participants , including subcontractors and other third parties , in actions funded under the programme shall not be located on the territory of non - member states during the entire duration of the action . all or part of the assets of an undertaking under a technology transfer contract with an undertaking directly or indirectly controlled by a third country , or by third - country nationals , shall be deemed ineligible .


### contribution to the security and defence interests of the union by enhancing defence technologies which contribute to implement defence capability priorities commonly agreed by member states within the union ; and , ### contribution to the security and defence interests of the union by enhancing defence technologies which contribute to implement defence capability priorities agreed by the union ; and ,


### article 10 award criteria actions proposed for funding under the programme shall be evaluated on the basis of the following cumulative criteria : excellence contribution to the innovation and technological development of defence industries and thus to fostering the industrial autonomy of the union in the field of defence technologies ; and , contribution to the security and defence interests of the union by enhancing defence technologies which contribute to implement defence capability priorities commonly agreed by member states within the union ; and , viability notably via a demonstration by the beneficiaries that the remaining costs of the eligible action are covered by other means of financing such as member states’ contributions ; and for actions described in points to of article 6 , the contribution to the competitiveness of the european defence industry through the demonstration by the beneficiaries that member states have committed to jointly produce and procure the final product or technology in a coordinated way , including joint procurement where applicable . ### article 10 award criteria actions proposed for funding under the programme shall be evaluated in a transparent manner , based on objective and measurable parameters , taking into account the overall aim of the programme and in particular to support , leverage and level - up the cross - border cooperation between undertakings on the basis of the following criteria : contribution to the security and defence interests of the union by enhancing defence technologies which contribute to the implementation of defence capability priorities commonly agreed by member states within the union in the context of the capability development plan or the coordinated annual review on defence and , where appropriate , in the context of regional and international cooperative agreements ; and , contribution to excellence , industrial performance and competition by showing that the proposed work achieves measurable enhancements and significant advantages over existing products or technologies , or when the project aims at the development of a critical or a breakthrough technology ; and , viability , notably via a demonstration by the beneficiaries that the remaining costs of the eligible action are covered by other means of financing such as member states’ contributions and private sources of funding ; and , contribution to innovation in particular by showing that the proposed actions include ground - breaking or novel concepts and approaches , new promising future technological improvements or the application of technologies or concepts previously not applied in defence sector and thus to the technological development of defence industries and to fostering the industrial autonomy of the union in relation to the capability requirements under the common security and defence policy ; contribution to the unification of technical specifications ; the proportion of the overall budget for the action that is to be allocated in such a way as to enable participation by smes established in the european union that provide added value , whether as members of the consortium or as subcontractors , and in particular to smes that are not established in the member states in which the undertakings in the consortium are established ; contribution to greater efficiency and lower costs in the european defence industry by reducing duplication and overlaps ; increased or new cross - border cooperation ; for actions described in points to of article 6 , the contribution to a more efficient and further integrated european defence sector through the demonstration by the beneficiaries that member states have declared to jointly produce and procure or intend to jointly use , own or maintain the final product or technology in a coordinated way .


### the commission shall not own the products or technologies resulting from the action nor shall it have any ipr claim pertaining to the action . ### the union institutions , bodies , offices or agencies enjoy , for the duly justified purpose of developing , implementing and monitoring union policies or programmes , access rights solely to the results of a beneficiary that has received union funding . such access rights are limited to non - commercial and non - competitive use . such access is to be granted on a royalty - free basis . with regard to results which are generated by beneficiaries that have received funding under the programme , the agreement between the commission and the beneficiary shall provide that the commission may object to transfers of ownership or to grants of a licence to third parties established in a third country not associated with the programme , if it considers that the grant or transfer is inconsistent with the ethical principles laid down in the eu common position on arms exports or security considerations . in such cases , the transfer of ownership or grant of licence can not take place unless the commission is satisfied that appropriate safeguards will be put in place . where appropriate , the agreement between the commission and the beneficiary will provide that the commission is to be notified at least six months prior to any such transfer of ownership or grant of a licence . non - compliance with these provisions will be subject to the measures stipulated in regulation no 966 / 2012 and regulation no 1268 / 2012 .


### the proposals submitted following the call for proposals shall be evaluated by the commission assisted by independent experts on the basis of the award criteria of article 10 . ### the proposals submitted following the call for proposals shall be evaluated by the commission , assisted by independent european experts approved by the committee referred to in article 16 , on the basis of the award criteria set out in article 10 .


### the commission shall be assisted by a committee . that committee shall be a committee within the meaning of regulation no 182 / 2011 . the european defence agency shall be invited as observer . ### the commission shall be assisted by a committee . that committee shall be a committee within the meaning of regulation no 182 / 2011 and it shall be composed of representatives of the member states and chaired by a representative of the commission . the european defence agency shall be invited to contribute as observer . the european external action service , through its relevant structures , shall also assist the work of the committee .


### to support greater efficiency and effectiveness of future union policy actions , the commission shall draw up a retrospective evaluation report and send it to the european parliament and to the council . the report - building on relevant consultations of member states and key stakeholders - shall notably assess the progress made towards the achievement of objectives set out in article 2 . it shall also analyse cross border participation of smes in projects implemented under the programme as well as the participation of smes to the global value chain . ### to support greater efficiency and effectiveness of future union policy actions , the commission shall draw up annual evaluation reports and send them to the european parliament and to the council . the reports - building on relevant consultations of member states and key stakeholders - shall , in particular , assess the progress made towards the achievement of objectives set out in article 2 , while examining the efficiency and effectiveness of the supported actions in terms of financial implementation , results , costs and , where possible , impacts . they shall also analyse the different award criteria as set out in article 10 and provide relevant data , including information on the participation of smes and small mid - cap companies in the implemented projects and in the global value chain . the reports shall also include information on the distribution of the intellectual property rights generated .


### to support greater efficiency and effectiveness of future union policy actions , the commission shall draw up a retrospective evaluation report and send it to the european parliament and to the council . the report - building on relevant consultations of member states and key stakeholders - shall notably assess the progress made towards the achievement of objectives set out in article 2 . it shall also analyse cross border participation of smes in projects implemented under the programme as well as the participation of smes to the global value chain . ### the commission shall draw up an annual monitoring report examining the efficiency and effectiveness of the supported actions in terms of financial implementation , results , costs and , where possible , impact . to support greater efficiency and effectiveness of future union policy actions , the commission shall draw up an evaluation report annually and send it to the european parliament and to the council . the report - building on relevant consultations of member states and key stakeholders - shall notably assess the progress made towards the achievement of objectives set out in article 2 . it shall also analyse cross border participation of smes in projects implemented under the programme as well as the participation of smes to the global value chain .


### to support greater efficiency and effectiveness of future union policy actions , the commission shall draw up a retrospective evaluation report and send it to the european parliament and to the council . the report - building on relevant consultations of member states and key stakeholders - shall notably assess the progress made towards the achievement of objectives set out in article 2 . it shall also analyse cross border participation of smes in projects implemented under the programme as well as the participation of smes to the global value chain . ### to support greater efficiency and effectiveness of future union policy actions , the commission and the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy / vice - president of the commission shall draw up a retrospective evaluation report and send it to the european parliament and to the council . the report - building on relevant consultations of member states and key stakeholders - shall notably assess the progress made towards the achievement of objectives set out in article 2 . it shall also analyse cross border participation , including that of mid - caps , in projects implemented under the programme as well as the participation of mid - caps to the value chains of defence technologies or products . the report shall also include information on the origin of beneficiaries and , where possible , the distribution of the intellectual property rights that are generated .


### the digitisation of the economy is accelerating . information and communications technology is no longer a specific sector but the foundation of all modern innovative economic systems and societies . electronic data is at the centre of those systems and can generate great value when analysed or combined with services and products . ### the digitisation of the economy is accelerating . information and communications technology is no longer a specific sector but the foundation of all modern innovative economic systems and societies . electronic data is at the centre of those systems and can generate great value when analysed or combined with services and products . at the same time , cybersecurity represents one of the major threats to our societies . securing network and information systems in the european union is essential for the further development of the online economy , as well as for ensuring that there is trust in the digital economy as a whole . consequently , this regulation and the enisa regulation [ 2017 / 0225 ] need to be fully consistent with one another .


### the digitisation of the economy is accelerating . information and communications technology is no longer a specific sector but the foundation of all modern innovative economic systems and societies . electronic data is at the centre of those systems and can generate great value when analysed or combined with services and products . ### the digitisation of the economy is accelerating . information and communications technology is no longer a specific sector but the foundation of all modern innovative economic systems and societies . electronic data is at the centre of those systems and can generate great value when analysed or combined , under secure conditions , with services and products .


### such obstacles to the free movement of data storage or other processing services and to the right of establishment of data storage or other processing providers originate from requirements in the national laws of member states to locate data in a specific geographical area or territory for the purpose of storage or other processing . other rules or administrative practices have an equivalent effect by imposing specific requirements which make it more difficult to store or otherwise process data outside a specific geographical area or territory within the union , such as requirements to use technological facilities that are certified or approved within a specific member state . legal uncertainty as to the extent of legitimate and illegitimate data localisation requirements further limits the choices available to market players and to the public sector regarding the location of data storage or other processing . ### such obstacles to the free movement of data storage or other processing services and to the right of establishment of data storage or other processing providers originate from requirements in the national or federal laws of member states to locate data in a specific geographical area or territory for the purpose of storage or other processing . other rules or administrative practices have an equivalent effect by imposing specific requirements which make it more difficult to store or otherwise process data outside a specific geographical area or territory within the union , such as requirements to use technological facilities that are certified or approved within a specific member state . legal uncertainty as to the extent of legitimate and illegitimate data localisation requirements further limits the choices available to market players and to the public sector regarding the location of data storage or other processing .


### in order to take full advantage of the competitive environment , professional users should be able to make informed choices and easily compare the individual components of various data storage or other processing services offered in the internal market , including as to the contractual conditions of porting data upon the termination of a contract . in order to align with the innovation potential of the market and to take into account the experience and expertise of the providers and professional users of data storage or other processing services , the detailed information and operational requirements for data porting should be defined by market players through self - regulation , encouraged and facilitated by the commission , in the form of union codes of conduct which may entail model contract terms . nonetheless , if such codes of conduct are not put in place and effectively implemented within a reasonable period of time , the commission should review the situation . ### in order to take full advantage of the competitive environment , professional users should be able to make informed choices and easily compare the individual components of various data storage or other processing services offered in the internal market , including as to the contractual conditions of porting data upon the termination of a contract . in order to align with the innovation potential of the market and to take into account the experience and expertise of the providers and professional users of data storage or other processing services , the detailed information and operational requirements for data porting should be defined by the commission , in the form of implementing acts which may entail model contract terms .


### the commission should periodically review this regulation , in particular with a view to determining the need for modifications in the light of technological or market developments . ### the commission should periodically review this regulation , in particular with a view to determining the need for modifications in the light of technological or market developments , especially with regards to the development of artificial intelligence , machine learning , internet of things , big data analysis among others .


### member states shall make the details of any data localisation requirements applicable in their territory publicly available online via a single information point which they shall keep up - to - date . ### member states shall provide the public with the details of any data localisation requirements applicable in their territory via an online single information point which they shall keep up - to - date .


### the internal market is a cornerstone of the union . since its inception , it has proved a major contributor to growth , competitiveness and employment . it has generated new opportunities and economies of scale for european businesses , notably micro , small and medium sized enterprises , and strengthened their industrial competitiveness . the internal market contributed to the creation of jobs and offered greater choice at lower prices for consumers . it continues to be an engine for building a stronger , more balanced and fairer economy . it is one of the union ' s major achievements and its best asset in an increasingly global world . ### the internal market is a cornerstone of the union . since its inception , it has proved a major contributor to growth , economic development , prosperity , competitiveness and employment . it has generated new opportunities and economies of scale for european businesses , notably micro , small and medium sized enterprises , clusters and enterprise networks and consortium of companies , and strengthened their industrial competitiveness , and has also aimed to create and to reinforce the value chain where businesses are involved in all aspects of the process . the internal market contributed to the creation of jobs and offered greater choice at lower prices for consumers . it continues to be an engine for ensuring economic growth and for building a sustainable , stronger , more balanced and transparent , inclusive and fairer economy . it is one of the union ' s major achievements and its best asset in an increasingly global world and a core element in succeeding in the transformation into a resource - and energy efficient sustainable economy .


### several programmes for union action exist currently in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises including smes , consumer protection , customers and end - users in financial services , policy making in financial services and food chain . some additional activities are financed directly under the internal market budget lines . it is necessary to streamline and exploit synergies between various actions and provide for a more flexible and agile framework to finance activities aiming to achieve a well - functioning internal market in the most cost - efficient manner . it is therefore necessary to establish a new programme bringing together activities financed previously under those other programmes and other relevant budget lines . the programme should also include new initiatives which aim to improve the functioning of the internal market . ### several programmes for union action exist currently in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises , micro - enterprises , including smes , consumer protection , customers and end - users in financial services , policy making in financial services and food chain . some additional activities are financed directly under the internal market budget lines . it is necessary to streamline and exploit synergies between various actions and provide for a more flexible , transparent and agile framework to finance activities aiming to achieve a well - functioning internal market in the most cost - efficient manner . it is therefore necessary to establish a new programme bringing together activities financed previously under those other programmes and other relevant budget lines . the programme should also include new initiatives which aim to improve the functioning of the internal market .


### several programmes for union action exist currently in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises including smes , consumer protection , customers and end - users in financial services , policy making in financial services and food chain . some additional activities are financed directly under the internal market budget lines . it is necessary to streamline and exploit synergies between various actions and provide for a more flexible and agile framework to finance activities aiming to achieve a well - functioning internal market in the most cost - efficient manner . it is therefore necessary to establish a new programme bringing together activities financed previously under those other programmes and other relevant budget lines . the programme should also include new initiatives which aim to improve the functioning of the internal market . ### several programmes for union action exist currently in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises including smes , consumer protection , customers and end - users in financial services , policy making in financial services and food chain . some additional activities are financed directly under the internal market budget lines . it is necessary to streamline and exploit synergies and complementarities between various actions , creating added value through the improvement of additionality and to provide for a more flexible and agile framework to finance activities aiming to achieve a well - functioning internal market that is efficient , , consumers friendly and take into consideration environmental and social aspects . it is therefore necessary to establish a new programme bringing together activities financed previously under those other programmes and other relevant budget lines . the programme should also include new initiatives which aim to improve the functioning of the internal market .


### it is therefore appropriate to establish a programme for the internal market , competitiveness of enterprises , including micro , small and medium - sized enterprises , and european statistics . the programme should be established for the duration of seven years from 2021 to 2027 . ### it is therefore appropriate to establish the single market programme , for strengthening the internal market and improving its functioning , in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises , especially micro , small and medium - sized enterprises , standardisation , consumer protection , food supply chain and european statistics . the programme should be established for the duration of seven years from 2021 to 2027 .


### the programme should support the design , implementation and enforcement of union legislation underpinning the proper functioning of the internal market . the programme should support the creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market : businesses , citizens including consumers , civil society and public authorities . to that end , the programme should aim to ensure the competitiveness of businesses , notably smes , but also supporting the enforcement of consumer protection and safety rules and by raising the awareness of businesses and individuals by providing them with the right tools , knowledge and competence to make informed decisions and strengthen their participation in union’s policy - making . furthermore , the programme should aim to enhance regulatory and administrative cooperation , notably through exchange of best practices , building of knowledge and competence bases , including the use of strategic public procurement . the programme should also aim to support the development of high - quality international standards that underpin the implementation of union legislation . this also includes standard setting in the field of financial reporting and audit , thereby contributing to the transparency and well - functioning of the union’s capital markets and to enhancing investor protection . the programme should support rulemaking and standard setting also by ensuring the broadest possible stakeholder involvement . the objective of the programme should also be to support the implementation and enforcement of union legislation providing for a high level of health for humans , animals and plants along the food chain and the improvement of the welfare of animals . ### the programme should support the design , implementation and enforcement of union legislation underpinning the proper functioning and improvement of the internal market . the programme should support the creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market : businesses , employees , citizens including consumers , civil society and public authorities building on the success of the current programme for competitiveness for small and medium enterprises . to that end , the programme should aim to ensure the competitiveness of businesses , notably smes , but also by supporting the conditions for quality job creation , local economic development , the enforcement of a high level of consumer protection , safety rules as well as environmental standards and by raising the awareness of businesses and individuals by providing them with the right information , tools , training , knowledge and competence to make informed decisions and strengthen their participation in union’s policy - making . furthermore , the programme should aim to enhance regulatory and administrative cooperation , notably through exchange of best practices , building of knowledge and competence bases , including the use of strategic public procurement and the support to the digital knowledge centres . the programme should also aim to support the development of high - quality international standards that underpin the implementation of union legislation . this also includes standard setting in the field of financial reporting and audit , thereby contributing to the transparency and well - functioning of the union’s capital markets and to enhancing investor protection . the programme should support rulemaking and standard setting also by ensuring the broadest possible stakeholder involvement . the objective of the programme should also be to support the implementation and enforcement of union legislation providing for a high level of health for humans , animals and plants along the food chain and the improvement of the welfare of animals .


### a modern internal market promotes competition and benefits consumers , businesses and employees . making better use of the ever evolving internal market in services should help european businesses create jobs and grow across borders , offer wider choice of services at better prices , and maintain high standards for consumers and workers . to achieve this , the programme should contribute to the removal of remaining barriers , and to ensure a regulatory framework that can accommodate new innovative business models . ### a modern internal market promotes competition and benefits consumers , businesses and employees . making better use of the ever evolving internal market in services should help european businesses , irrespective of their size , create new jobs and grow across borders , offer a wider choice of services at better prices , and maintain high standards for consumers and workers . to achieve this , the programme should contribute to the removal of remaining barriers , and to ensure a regulatory framework that can accommodate new innovative business models and start - up type initiatives .


### a modern internal market promotes competition and benefits consumers , businesses and employees . making better use of the ever evolving internal market in services should help european businesses create jobs and grow across borders , offer wider choice of services at better prices , and maintain high standards for consumers and workers . to achieve this , the programme should contribute to the removal of remaining barriers , and to ensure a regulatory framework that can accommodate new innovative business models . ### a modern internal market is based on principles of fairness and transparency , promotes competition and benefits consumers , businesses and employees . making better use of the ever evolving internal market in services should help european businesses create jobs and grow across borders , offer wider choice of services at better prices , and maintain high standards for consumers and workers . to achieve this , the programme should contribute to the better monitoring of internal market developments , including of the impact of new technologies and innovative business models , the identification and the removal of remaining barriers , and to ensure a regulatory framework that can accommodate new innovative business models , including social entrepreneurship .


### new regulatory and enforcement challenges relate to a rapidly changing environment of the digital revolution , concerning issues such as cybersecurity , internet of things or artificial intelligence . should damage occur , stringent rules on product safety and liability are essential to ensure a policy response that allows european citizens , including consumers and businesses , to benefit from such rules . the programme should therefore contribute to the rapid adaptation and enforcement of a union product liability regime which fosters innovation . ### new regulatory and enforcement challenges relate to a rapidly changing environment of the digital revolution , concerning issues such as cybersecurity , privacy policy and data protection internet of things or artificial intelligence and related ethical standards . this complex challenge , which is technological , cultural , organisational and social , should be adressed with the support of all sectors and actors concerned . should damage occur , stringent rules on product safety and liability are essential to ensure a policy response that allows european citizens , including consumers and businesses to access and to benefit from such rules . the programme should therefore contribute to the rapid adaptation and enforcement of a union product liability regime which fosters innovation .


### new regulatory and enforcement challenges relate to a rapidly changing environment of the digital revolution , concerning issues such as cybersecurity , internet of things or artificial intelligence . should damage occur , stringent rules on product safety and liability are essential to ensure a policy response that allows european citizens , including consumers and businesses , to benefit from such rules . the programme should therefore contribute to the rapid adaptation and enforcement of a union product liability regime which fosters innovation . ### new regulatory and enforcement challenges relate to a rapidly changing environment of the digital revolution , concerning issues such as cybersecurity , internet of things or artificial intelligence . should damage occur , stringent rules on product safety and clarity with regard to liability , as well as strict enforcement of rules , are essential to ensure a policy response that allows european citizens , including consumers and businesses , to benefit from such rules . the programme should therefore contribute to the rapid adaptation and enforcement of a union product liability regime which fosters innovation , whilst ensuring the safety and security of users .


### placing on the market of products that are not compliant with union law puts those who comply at disadvantage and may endanger consumers . many entrepreneurs disregard the rules either through lack of knowledge or intentionally to gain a competitive advantage . market surveillance authorities are often underfunded and constrained by national boundaries , while entrepreneurs trade at union or even global level . in particular , in the case of e - commerce , market surveillance authorities have great difficulties in tracing non - compliant products imported from third countries and identifying the responsible entity within their jurisdiction . the programme should therefore seek to strengthen product compliance by providing the right incentives to entrepreneurs , intensifying compliance checks and promoting closer cross - border cooperation among enforcement authorities . the programme should also contribute to the consolidation of the existing framework for market surveillance activities , encourage joint actions of market surveillance authorities from different member states , improve the exchange of information and promote convergence and closer integration of market surveillance activities . ### placing on the market of products that are not compliant with union law or type - approved puts those who comply at a disadvantage and may endanger consumers . many entrepreneurs disregard the rules either through lack of knowledge or intentionally to gain a competitive advantage . market surveillance authorities are often underfunded and constrained by national boundaries , while entrepreneurs trade at union level , at a cross - border level , or even at a global level . in particular , in the case of e - commerce , market surveillance authorities have great difficulties in tracing non - compliant products imported from third countries and identifying the responsible entity within their jurisdiction . the programme should therefore seek to strengthen product compliance by providing the right incentives to entrepreneurs , intensifying compliance checks and promoting closer cross - border cooperation among enforcement authorities . the programme should also contribute to the consolidation of the existing framework for market surveillance activities , encourage joint actions of market surveillance authorities from different member states , improve the exchange of information and promote convergence and closer integration of market surveillance activities .


### placing on the market of products that are not compliant with union law puts those who comply at disadvantage and may endanger consumers . many entrepreneurs disregard the rules either through lack of knowledge or intentionally to gain a competitive advantage . market surveillance authorities are often underfunded and constrained by national boundaries , while entrepreneurs trade at union or even global level . in particular , in the case of e - commerce , market surveillance authorities have great difficulties in tracing non - compliant products imported from third countries and identifying the responsible entity within their jurisdiction . the programme should therefore seek to strengthen product compliance by providing the right incentives to entrepreneurs , intensifying compliance checks and promoting closer cross - border cooperation among enforcement authorities . the programme should also contribute to the consolidation of the existing framework for market surveillance activities , encourage joint actions of market surveillance authorities from different member states , improve the exchange of information and promote convergence and closer integration of market surveillance activities . ### placing on the market of products that are not compliant with union law regardless of whether products are placed on the market by traditional or electronic means and regardless of whether they are produced in the union or enter it from third countries , puts european citizens and consumers at risk . economic operators selling compliant products face distorted competition from those who do not comply with the rules either due to lack of knowledge or intentionally to gain a competitive advantage . market surveillance authorities are often underfunded and constrained by national boundaries , while entrepreneurs trade at union or even global level . in particular , in the case of e - commerce , market surveillance authorities have great difficulties in tracing non - compliant products imported from third countries , identifying the responsible entity within their jurisdiction or conducting risk - assessments or safety tests due to the lack of physical access to products . the programme should therefore seek to strengthen product compliance by strengthening market surveillance , providing clear , transparent and comprehensive rules to economic operators , intensifying compliance checks and promoting closer cross - border cooperation among enforcement authorities . the programme should also contribute to the consolidation of the existing framework for market surveillance activities , encourage joint actions of market surveillance authorities from different member states , improve the exchange of information and promote convergence and closer integration of market surveillance activities , in particular by ensuring that the provisions of the regulation 2018 / 858 of the european parliament and of the council1a are strictly implemented so as to avoid the sale of non - compliant products to european citizens . __________________ 1a regulation 2018 / 858 of the european parliament and of the council of 30 may 2018 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers , and of systems , components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles , amending regulations no 715 / 2007 and no 595 / 2009 and repealing directive 2007 / 46 / ec .


### product safety is a common concern . the conformity assessment bodies verify whether products meet the safety requirements before they are placed on the market . it is therefore of paramount importance that the conformity assessment bodies are reliable and competent . the union has put in place a system of accreditation of the conformity assessment bodies , verifying their competence , impartiality and independence . the main challenge is now to keep the accreditation system in line with the latest state of the art and to ensure that it is applied with the same stringency across the union . the programme should therefore support measures to ensure that conformity assessment bodies continue fulfilling the regulatory requirements and to enhance the european accreditation system , in particular in new policy areas , by supporting the european co - operation for accreditation referred to in article 14 of regulation no 765 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council48 . __________________ 48 regulation no 765 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 july 2008 setting out the requirements for accreditation and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products and repealing regulation no 339 / 93 . ### product safety is a common concern . the conformity assessment bodies verify whether products meet the safety requirements before they are placed on the market . it is therefore of paramount importance that the conformity assessment bodies are reliable and competent . the union has put in place a system of accreditation of the conformity assessment bodies , verifying their competence , impartiality and independence . however , regulation no 765 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council48 has been implemented in many different ways at national level . those differences concern the distribution of competences between market surveillance authorities and the internal coordination mechanisms at national level , the level of deployed financial resources dedicated to market surveillance and the market surveillance strategies and approaches , as well as the powers with regard to non - compliant products and the level of penalties for infringements , resulting in the fragmented enforcement of union harmonisation legislation . this fragmentation leads to market surveillance being more rigorous in some member states than in others , potentially undermining the deterrent effect of the legislation , creating an unequal playing field among businesses in some member states and resulting in imbalances in the level of product safety throughout the union . the main challenge is now to keep the accreditation system in line with the latest state of the art and to ensure that it is applied with the same stringency across the union . the programme should therefore support measures to ensure that conformity assessment bodies continue fulfilling the regulatory requirements and to enhance the european accreditation system , in particular in new policy areas , by supporting the european co - operation for accreditation referred to in article 14 of regulation no 765 / 2008 . __________________ 48 regulation no 765 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 july 2008 setting out the requirements for accreditation and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products and repealing regulation no 339 / 93 .


### as consumer markets know no borders with the development of online trade and travel services , it is important to ensure that consumers residing in the union can benefit from adequate protection when importing goods and services from economic operators based in third countries . the programme should therefore allow supporting cooperation with relevant bodies located in key trading third country partners of the union where necessary . ### as consumer markets know no borders with the constant rapid development of online trade and travel services , it is important to ensure that consumers residing in the union can benefit from adequate protection when importing goods and services from economic operators based in third countries . the programme should therefore allow supporting cooperation with relevant bodies located in key trading third country partners of the union .


### as consumer markets know no borders with the development of online trade and travel services , it is important to ensure that consumers residing in the union can benefit from adequate protection when importing goods and services from economic operators based in third countries . the programme should therefore allow supporting cooperation with relevant bodies located in key trading third country partners of the union where necessary . ### the development of e - commerce poses certain challenges regarding the protection of the health and safety of end - users from non - compliant products . as consumer markets know no borders with the development of online trade and travel services , it is important to ensure that consumers residing in the union can benefit from equivalent protection when importing goods and services from economic operators based in third countries . the programme should therefore allow supporting cooperation with relevant bodies located in key trading third country partners of the union where necessary with regard to the exchange of information on non - compliant products , on recent scientific developments and new technologies , on emerging risks , and on other aspects related to control activities .


### public procurement is used by public authorities to ensure value for public money spent and to contribute to a more innovative , sustainable , inclusive and competitive internal market . directive 2014 / 23 / eu of the european parliament and of the council49 , directive 2014 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council50 and directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council51 provide the legal framework for the integration and effective functioning of the public procurement markets representing 14% of union’s gross domestic product , to the benefit of public authorities , businesses as well as citizens , including consumers . the programme should therefore support measures to ensure a wider uptake of strategic public procurement , the professionalisation of public buyers , improved access to procurement markets for smes , increase of transparency , integrity and better data , boosting the digital transformation of procurement and promotion of joint procurement , through strengthening a partnership approach with the member states , improving data gathering and data analysis including through development of dedicated it tools , supporting exchange of experiences and good practices , providing guidance , pursuing beneficial trade agreements , strengthening cooperation among national authorities and launching pilot projects . _________________ 49 directive 2014 / 23 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on the award of concession contracts . 50 directive 2014 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on public procurement and repealing directive 2004 / 18 / ec . 51 directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water , energy , transport and postal services sectors and repealing directive 2004 / 17 / ec . ### public procurement is used by public authorities to ensure value for public money spent and to contribute to a more innovative , sustainable , inclusive and competitive internal market , including by applying criteria other than simply the lowest price or cost effectiveness , taking into account qualitative , environmental and / or social aspects . directive 2014 / 23 / eu of the european parliament and of the council49 , directive 2014 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council50 and directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council51 provide the legal framework for the integration and effective functioning of the public procurement markets representing 14% of union’s gross domestic product , to the benefit of public authorities , businesses as well as citizens , including consumers . the programme should therefore support measures to ensure a wider uptake of strategic public procurement , the professionalisation of public buyers , to facilitate and improve access to procurement markets for smes and microenterprises , in particular through advisory services and training , increase of transparency , integrity and better data , boosting the digital transformation of procurement and promotion of joint procurement , through strengthening a partnership approach with the member states , improving data gathering and data analysis including through development of dedicated it tools , supporting exchange of experiences and good practices , referencing european and international standards , providing guidance , pursuing beneficial trade agreements , strengthening cooperation among national authorities and launching pilot projects . _________________ 49 directive 2014 / 23 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on the award of concession contracts . 50 directive 2014 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on public procurement and repealing directive 2004 / 18 / ec . 51 directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water , energy , transport and postal services sectors and repealing directive 2004 / 17 / ec .


### public procurement is used by public authorities to ensure value for public money spent and to contribute to a more innovative , sustainable , inclusive and competitive internal market . directive 2014 / 23 / eu of the european parliament and of the council49 , directive 2014 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council50 and directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council51 provide the legal framework for the integration and effective functioning of the public procurement markets representing 14% of union’s gross domestic product , to the benefit of public authorities , businesses as well as citizens , including consumers . the programme should therefore support measures to ensure a wider uptake of strategic public procurement , the professionalisation of public buyers , improved access to procurement markets for smes , increase of transparency , integrity and better data , boosting the digital transformation of procurement and promotion of joint procurement , through strengthening a partnership approach with the member states , improving data gathering and data analysis including through development of dedicated it tools , supporting exchange of experiences and good practices , providing guidance , pursuing beneficial trade agreements , strengthening cooperation among national authorities and launching pilot projects . _________________ 492014 / 23 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on the award of concession contracts . 50 directive 2014 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on public procurement and repealing directive 2004 / 18 / ec . 51 directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water , energy , transport and postal services sectors and repealing directive 2004 / 17 / ec . ### public procurement is used by public authorities to ensure value for public money spent and to contribute to a more innovative , sustainable , inclusive and competitive internal market . directive 2014 / 23 / eu of the european parliament and of the council49 , directive 2014 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council50 and directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council51 provide the legal framework for the integration and effective functioning of the public procurement markets representing 14% of union’s gross domestic product , to the benefit of public authorities , businesses as well as citizens , including consumers . the programme should therefore support measures to ensure a wider use of strategic public procurement , the professionalisation of public buyers , improved access to procurement markets for smes , increase of transparency , integrity and better data , boosting the digital transformation of procurement and promotion of joint procurement , through strengthening a partnership approach with the member states , improving data gathering and data analysis including through development of dedicated it tools , supporting exchange of experiences and good practices , providing guidance , pursuing beneficial trade agreements , strengthening cooperation among national authorities and launching pilot projects . _________________ 49 directive 2014 / 23 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on the award of concession contracts . 50 directive 2014 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on public procurement and repealing directive 2004 / 18 / ec . 51 directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water , energy , transport and postal services sectors and repealing directive 2004 / 17 / ec .


### in order to meet the objectives of the programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses , high - quality user - centric public services need to be put in place . this implies that public administrations will need to start working in new ways , bring down silos between the different parts of their administrations , and to engage in the co - creation of these public services with citizens and businesses . moreover , the continuous and steady increase of cross - border activities in the internal market requires provision of up - to - date information on the rights of businesses and citizens , but also information explaining the administrative formalities . in addition , provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross national level becomes essential . furthermore , connecting national administrations in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary . the programme should therefore support the following existing internal market governance tools : the your europe portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming single digital gateway , your europe advice , solvit , the internal market information system and the single market scoreboard in order to improve citizens ' daily lives and businesses ' ability to trade across borders . ### in order to meet the objectives of the programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses , high - quality user - centric public services need to be put in place in all fields . this implies that public administrations will need to start working in new ways , bring down silos between the different parts of their administrations , and to engage in the co - creation of these public services with citizens and businesses at local , regional , cross - border and national level and ensuring more accessible government websites where essential information can be more easily found . moreover , the continuous and steady increase of cross - border activities in the internal market requires the regular provision of up - to - date information on the rights and obligations of businesses and citizens , but also information explaining the administrative formalities and taxes inherent in the respective activities . in addition , provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross national level becomes essential . furthermore , connecting regional and national administrations , where appropriate , in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary . the programme should therefore support the following existing internal market governance tools : the your europe portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming single digital gateway , your europe advice , solvit , the internal market information system and the single market scoreboard in order to improve citizens ' daily lives and businesses ' ability to trade across borders .


### in order to meet the objectives of the programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses , high - quality user - centric public services need to be put in place . this implies that public administrations will need to start working in new ways , bring down silos between the different parts of their administrations , and to engage in the co - creation of these public services with citizens and businesses . moreover , the continuous and steady increase of cross - border activities in the internal market requires provision of up - to - date information on the rights of businesses and citizens , but also information explaining the administrative formalities . in addition , provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross national level becomes essential . furthermore , connecting national administrations in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary . the programme should therefore support the following existing internal market governance tools : the your europe portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming single digital gateway , your europe advice , solvit , the internal market information system and the single market scoreboard in order to improve citizens ' daily lives and businesses ' ability to trade across borders . ### in order to meet the objectives of the programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses , high - quality user - centric public services need to be put in place . this implies that public administrations will need to start working in new ways , bring down silos between the different parts of their administrations , and to engage in the co - creation of these public services with citizens and businesses . moreover , the continuous and steady increase of cross - border activities in the internal market requires provision of up - to - date information on the rights of citizens and businesses , but also information explaining the administrative formalities . in addition , provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross national level becomes essential . furthermore , connecting national administrations in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary . the programme should therefore support the following existing internal market governance tools : the your europe portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming single digital gateway , your europe advice , solvit , the internal market information system and the single market scoreboard in order to improve citizens ' daily lives and businesses ' ability to trade across borders .


### in order to meet the objectives of the programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses , high - quality user - centric public services need to be put in place . this implies that public administrations will need to start working in new ways , bring down silos between the different parts of their administrations , and to engage in the co - creation of these public services with citizens and businesses . moreover , the continuous and steady increase of cross - border activities in the internal market requires provision of up - to - date information on the rights of businesses and citizens , but also information explaining the administrative formalities . in addition , provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross national level becomes essential . furthermore , connecting national administrations in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary . the programme should therefore support the following existing internal market governance tools : the your europe portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming single digital gateway , your europe advice , solvit , the internal market information system and the single market scoreboard in order to improve citizens ' daily lives and businesses ' ability to trade across borders . ### in order to meet the objectives of the programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses , high - quality user - centric public services need to be put in place and e - administration and e - government efforts further boosted . this implies that public administrations will need to start working in new ways , bring down silos between the different parts of their administrations , and to engage in the co - creation of these public services with citizens and businesses . moreover , the continuous and steady increase of cross - border activities in the internal market requires the availability of up - to - date information on the rights of businesses and citizens , but also information explaining the administrative formalities . in addition , provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross national level becomes essential . furthermore , connecting national administrations in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary . the existing internal market governance tools already play an important role in facilitating the achievement of those objectives . to this end , and in order to keep up with technology and market developments , as well as with new regulatory and enforcement challenges , the programme should support the enhancing of quality , visibility and transparency and of the security of the internal market governance tools . the programme should therefore support , among others , the following existing internal market governance tools : the your europe portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming single digital gateway , your europe advice , solvit , the internal market information system and the single market scoreboard in order to improve citizens ' daily lives and businesses ' ability to trade across borders .


### the programme should support the development of the union regulatory framework in the area of company law and corporate governance , as well as contract law , with a view to make business more efficient and competitive while providing protection for stakeholders affected by company operations , and to react to emerging policy challenges . it should also ensure appropriate evaluation , implementation and enforcement of the relevant acquis , inform and assist stakeholders and promote information exchange in the area . the programme should further support the commission ' s initiatives in favour of a clear and adapted legal framework for the data economy and innovation . those initiatives are necessary to enhance legal certainty with regard to contractual and extra contractual law , in particular with regard to liability and ethics in the context of emerging technologies , such as internet of things , artificial intelligence , robotics , 3d printing . the programme should aim at stimulating the development of data - driven business , as it will be decisive for the position of the union economy in a global competition . ### the programme should support the development of the union regulatory framework in the area of company law and corporate governance , as well as contract law , with a view to make business , especially smes , more efficient and competitive while providing protection for stakeholders affected by company operations , and to react to emerging policy challenges . it should also ensure appropriate evaluation , implementation and enforcement of the relevant acquis , inform and assist stakeholders and promote information exchange in the area . the programme should further support the commission ' s initiatives in favour of a clear and adapted legal framework for the data economy and innovation . those initiatives are necessary to enhance legal certainty with regard to contractual and extra contractual law , in particular with regard to liability and ethics in the context of emerging technologies , such as internet of things , artificial intelligence , robotics , 3d printing . the programme should aim at stimulating the development of data - driven business , as it will be decisive for the position of the union economy in a global competition .


### considering that the internal market as set out in article 3 of the treaty on european union includes a system ensuring that competition is not distorted , the programme should support the union’s competition policy , networks and cooperation with national authorities and courts , as well as outreach to a wider group of stakeholders in communicating and explaining the rights , benefits and obligations of union competition policy . ### considering that the treaty on the functioning of the european union includes a system of rules ensuring that competition is not distorted in the internal market , the programme should contribute to support the union’s competition policy , by improving and reinforcing the cooperation with the european competition network and with national authorities and courts , including by way of strengthening international cooperation as well as communicating and explaining the rights , benefits and obligations of union competition policy . the programme should in particular help the commission to enhance its analysis and assessment of market developments , also through extensive use of sector inquiries and by systematic sharing of results and best practices within the european competition network . this should contribute to ensuring fair competition and a level playing field , also at international level , and empowering businesses , in particular smes , and consumers in order to reap the benefits of the single market .