### ' 1 . support under point of article 36 shall only be granted where the drop of income exceeds 30 % of the average annual income of the individual farmer in the preceding three - year period or a three - year average based on the preceding five - year period excluding the highest and lowest entry . income for the purposes of point of article 36 shall refer to the sum of revenues the farmer receives from the market , including any form of public support , deducting input costs . payments by the mutual fund to farmers shall compensate for less than 70 % of the income lost in the year the producer becomes eligible to receive this assistance . ' ### in article 39 , paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : ' 1 . support under point of article 36 shall only be granted where the drop of income exceeds 20 % of the average annual income of the individual farmer in the preceding three - year period or a three - year average based on the preceding five - year period excluding the highest and lowest entry . income for the purposes of point of article 36 shall refer to the sum of revenues the farmer receives from the market , including any form of public support , deducting input costs . payments by the mutual fund to farmers shall compensate for less than 70 % of the income lost in the year the producer becomes eligible to receive this assistance . indexes may be used to calculate the annual loss of income of the farmer . '


### working capital that is ancillary to , and linked to a new investment , which receives eafrd support through a financial instrument established in accordance with article 37 of regulation no 1303 / 2013 , may be eligible expenditure . such eligible expenditure shall not exceed 30 % of the total amount of the eligible expenditure for the investment . the relevant request shall be duly substantiated . ### where support is provided through a financial instrument established in accordance with article 37 of regulation no 1303 / 2013 , working capital may be eligible expenditure . such eligible expenditure shall not exceed eur 200 000 or 30 % of the total amount of the eligible expenditure for the investment , whichever is the higher .


### ' 1 . without prejudice to paragraphs 5 , 6 and 7 of this article , the total amount of union support for rural development under this regulation for the period from 1 january 2014 to 31 december 2020 shall be eur 84 936 million , in 2011 prices , in accordance with the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014 to 2020 . ' ### in article 58 , paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : ' 1 . without prejudice to paragraphs 5 , 6 and 7 of this article , the total amount of union support for rural development under this regulation for the period from 1 january 2014 to 31 december 2020 shall be eur 84 936 million , in 2011 prices , in accordance with the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014 to 2020 . without prejudice to a redefinition of the total amount of union support for rural development , the current rural development programmes , approved in accordance with article 10 , shall continue to apply until 2024 or until a new reform is adopted . '


### ' article 37 crop , animal and plant insurance maximum amount in eur or rate : 65 % of the insurance premium due ' ### in annex ii , article 37 is replaced by the following : ' article 37 crop , animal and plant insurance maximum amount in eur or rate : 70 % of the insurance premium due '


### ' article 38 mutual funds for adverse climatic events , animal and plant diseases , pest infestations and environmental incidents maximum amount in eur or rate : 65 % of the eligible costs ' ### in annex ii , article 38 is replaced by the following : ' article 38 mutual funds for adverse climatic events , animal and plant diseases , pest infestations and environmental incidents maximum amount in eur or rate : 70 % of the eligible costs '


### ' article 39 income stabilisation tool maximum amount in eur or rate : 65 % of the eligible costs ' ### in annex ii , article 39 is replaced by the following : ' article 39 income stabilisation tool maximum amount in eur or rate : 70 % of the eligible costs '


### ' ' grasses or other herbaceous forage ' means all herbaceous plants traditionally found in natural pastures or normally included in mixtures of seeds for pastures or meadows in the member state , whether or not used for grazing animals ; ' ### - 1c . in article 4 , point is replaced by the following : ' ' grasses or other herbaceous forage ' means all herbaceous plants traditionally found in natural pastures or normally included in mixtures of seeds for pastures or meadows in the member state , whether or not used for grazing animals , including leguminous crops which are seeded pure ; '


### ' the first subparagraph shall apply only to the units of a holding that are used for organic production in accordance with article 11 of regulation no 834 / 2007 . ' ### in article 43 , the second subparagraph is replaced by the following : ' the first subparagraph shall apply only to the units of a holding that are used for organic production in accordance with article 11 of regulation no 834 / 2007 or for those which apply agri - environmental schemes in accordance with regulation no 1305 / 2013 . '


### ' where the arable land of the farmer covers between 10 and 30 hectares and is not entirely cultivated with crops under water for a significant part of the year or for a significant part of the crop cycle , there shall be at least two different crops on that arable land . the main crop shall not cover more than 75 % of that arable land . ' ### in article 44 , the first subparagraph is replaced by the following : ' where the arable land of the farmer covers between 15 and 30 hectares and is not entirely cultivated with crops under water for a significant part of the year or for a significant part of the crop cycle , there shall be at least two different crops on that arable land . the main crop shall not cover more than 75 % of that arable land . '


### ' 2 . without prejudice to the number of crops required pursuant to paragraph 1 , the maximum thresholds set out therein shall not apply to holdings where grasses or other herbaceous forage or land lying fallow cover more than 75 % of the arable land . in such cases , the main crop on the remaining arable area shall not cover more than 75 % of that remaining arable land , except where this remaining area is covered by grasses or other herbaceous forage or land lying fallow . ' ### in article 44 , paragraph 2 is replaced by the following : ' 2 . without prejudice to the number of crops required pursuant to paragraph 1 , the maximum thresholds set out therein shall not apply to holdings where grasses or other herbaceous forage or land lying fallow or cultivated with crops under water for a significant part of the year or for a significant part of the crop cycle cover more than 75 % of the arable land . in such cases , the main crop on the remaining arable area shall not cover more than 75 % of that remaining arable land , except where this remaining area is covered by grasses or other herbaceous forage or land lying fallow . '


### ' where more than 75 % of the arable land is used for the production of grasses or other herbaceous forage , is land lying fallow , or is subject to a combination of these uses , provided that the arable area not covered by these uses does not exceed 30 hectares ; ' ### in article 44 , point is replaced by the following : ' where more than 75 % of the arable land is used for the production of grasses or other herbaceous forage , is land lying fallow , or is subject to a combination of these uses ; '


### ' where more than 75 % of the arable land is used for the production of grasses or other herbaceous forage , is land lying fallow , is used for cultivation of leguminous crops , or is subject to a combination of those uses , provided that the arable area not covered by those uses does not exceed 30 hectares ; ' ### in article 46 , point is replaced by the following : ' where more than 75 % of the arable land is used for the production of grasses or other herbaceous forage , is land lying fallow , is used for cultivation of leguminous crops , or is subject to a combination of those uses ; '


### ' where more than 75 % of the eligible agricultural area is permanent grassland , is used for the production of grasses or other herbaceous forage or for the cultivation of crops under water for a significant part of the year or for a significant part of the crop cycle , or is subject to a combination of these uses , provided that the arable area not covered by these uses does not exceed 30 hectares ; ' ### in article 44 , point is replaced by the following : ' where more than 75 % of the eligible agricultural area is permanent grassland , is used for the production of grasses or other herbaceous forage or for the cultivation of crops under water for a significant part of the year or for a significant part of the crop cycle , or is subject to a combination of these uses ; '


### ' where more than 75 % of the eligible agricultural area is permanent grassland , is used for the production of grasses or other herbaceous forage or for the cultivation of crops under water either for a significant part of the year or for a significant part of the crop cycle , or is subject to a combination of those uses , provided that the arable area not covered by these uses does not exceed 30 hectares . ' ### in article 46 , point is replaced by the following : ' where more than 75 % of the eligible agricultural area is permanent grassland , is used for the production of grasses or other herbaceous forage or for the cultivation of crops under water either for a significant part of the year or for a significant part of the crop cycle , or is subject to a combination of those uses . '


### ' 1 . where the arable land of a holding covers more than 15 hectares , the farmer shall ensure that , from 1 january 2015 , an area corresponding to at least 5 % of the arable land of the holding that the farmer declared in accordance with point of the first subparagraph of article 72 of regulation no 1306 / 2013 and , if they are considered to be ecological focus area by the member state in accordance with paragraph 2 of this article , including the areas mentioned in points , , and of that paragraph is ecological focus area . ' ### in article 46 , the first subparagraph is replaced by the following : ' 1 . where the arable land of a holding covers more than 15 hectares , the farmer shall ensure that , as from that hectare onwards from 1 january 2015 , an area corresponding to at least 5 % of the arable land of the holding that the farmer declared in accordance with point of the first subparagraph of article 72 of regulation no 1306 / 2013 and , if they are considered to be ecological focus area by the member state in accordance with paragraph 2 of this article , including the areas mentioned in points , , and of that paragraph is ecological focus area . '


### “7 . member states applying article 36 shall each year calculate the amount of the payment for young farmers by multiplying a figure corresponding to 25 % of the single area payment calculated in accordance with article 36 by the number of eligible hectares that the farmer has declared in accordance with article 36 . ” ### in article 50 , paragraph 7 is replaced by the following : “7 . member states applying article 36 shall each year calculate the amount of the payment for young farmers by multiplying a figure corresponding to a value between 25 % up to a value of no more than 50 % of the single area payment calculated in accordance with article 36 by the number of eligible hectares that the farmer has declared in accordance with article 36 . ”


### “instead of applying paragraphs 6 to 9 , member states may allocate an annual lump sum amount per farmer calculated by multiplying a fixed number of hectares by a figure corresponding to 25 % of the national average payment per hectare , as established in accordance with paragraph 8 . ” ### in article 50 , the first paragraph is replaced by the following : “instead of applying paragraphs 6 to 9 , member states may allocate an annual lump sum amount per farmer calculated by multiplying a fixed number of hectares by a figure corresponding to a value between 25 % up to a value of no more than 50 % of the national average payment per hectare , as established in accordance with paragraph 8 . ”


### “11 . in order to guarantee the protection of the rights of beneficiaries and to avoid discrimination among them , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 70 concerning the conditions under which a legal person may be considered to be eligible to receive the payment for young farmers . ” ### in article 50 , paragraph 11 is replaced by the following : “11 . notwithstanding paragraph 10 , member states shall ensure that young farmers who join an agricultural cooperative with a legal personality do not lose their payment entitlements . they shall therefore undertake to identify the proportional share corresponding to the young farmer in the cooperative in order to apportion payment entitlements due to the young farmer , in accordance with this article . ”


### coupled support may only be granted to the extent necessary to create an incentive to maintain current levels of production in the sectors or regions concerned . ### in article 52 , paragraph 5 is replaced by the following : with the exception of protein crops , coupled support may only be granted to the extent necessary to create an incentive to maintain current levels of production in the sectors or regions concerned .


### bulgaria , croatia , cyprus , estonia , finland , greece , hungary , lithuania , luxemburg , malta , poland , romania , slovakia and slovenia may grant producer organisations on their request national financial assistance equal to a maximum of 1 % of their value of marketed production . that assistance shall be additional to the operational fund . ### in regions of member states in which the degree of organisation of producers in the fruit and vegetables sector is particularly low , member states may grant producer organisations national financial assistance equal to a maximum of 80 % of the financial contributions referred to in point of article 32 and of up to 10 % of the value of the marketed production of any such producer organisation . that assistance shall be additional to the operational fund .


### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 227 amending paragraph 1 to add member states where the degree of organisation of producers in the fruit and vegetable sector is particularly low and to delete member states where that is no longer the case . ### the degree of organisation of producers in a region of a member state shall be considered particularly low where the average degree of organisation has been less than 20 % for three consecutive years preceding the date of request for national financial assistance . such the degree of organisation shall be calculated as the value of fruit and vegetable production that was obtained in the region concerned and marketed by producer organisations , associations of producer organisations and producer groups , divided by the total value of the fruit and vegetable production that was obtained in that region . the commission shall adopt implementing acts defining the average degree of organisation in the union and also the degree of organisation in member states and regions and laying down further detailed rules on the calculation of the degree of organisation . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 229 .


### “2 . the contract and / or the offer for a contract referred to in paragraph 1 shall : ” ### in article 148 , the introductory part is replaced by the following : “2 . the contract and / or the offer for a contract referred to in paragraphs 1 and 1a shall : ”


### ' 4 . any contract or offer for a contract referred to in paragraph 1 shall : ' ### in article 168 , the introductory part is replaced by the following : ' 4 . any contract or offer for a contract referred to in paragraphs 1 and 1a shall : '


### “3 . by way of derogation from paragraph 1 , a contract and / or an offer for a contract shall not be required where raw milk is delivered by a farmer to a co - operative of which the farmer is a member if the statutes of that cooperative or the rules and decisions provided for in or derived from these statutes contain provisions having similar effects to the provisions set out in points , and of paragraph 2 . ” ### in article 148 , paragraph 3 is replaced by the following : “3 . by way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 1a , a contract and / or an offer for a contract shall not be required where raw milk is delivered by a farmer to a co - operative of which the farmer is a member if the statutes of that cooperative or the rules and decisions provided for in or derived from these statutes contain provisions having similar effects to the provisions set out in points , and of paragraph 2 . ”


### ' 5 . by way of derogation from paragraph 1 , a contract or an offer for a contract shall not be required where the products concerned are delivered by a producer to a purchaser which is a cooperative of which the producer is a member if the statutes of that cooperative or the rules and decisions provided for in , or derived from , these statutes contain provisions having similar effects to the provisions set out in points , and of paragraph 4 . ' ### in article 168 , paragraph 5 is replaced by the following : ' 5 . by way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 1a , a contract or an offer for a contract shall not be required where the products concerned are delivered by a producer to a purchaser which is a cooperative of which the producer is a member if the statutes of that cooperative or the rules and decisions provided for in , or derived from , these statutes contain provisions having similar effects to the provisions set out in points , and of paragraph 4 . '


### “associations of producer organisations” ### in article 156 , the title is replaced by the following : “associations of producer organisations and associations of bargaining organisations”


### “2 . by way of derogation from paragraph 1 , member states may , on request , recognise an association of recognised producer organisations in the milk and milk products sector if the member state concerned considers that the association is capable of carrying out effectively any of the activities of a recognised producer organisation , and that it fulfils the conditions laid down in article 161 . ” ### in article 156 , paragraph 2 is replaced by the following : “2 . member states may , on request , recognise an association of recognised bargaining organisations if the member state concerned considers that the association is capable of carrying out effectively any of the activities of a recognised bargaining organisation , and that it fulfils the conditions laid down in article 154a”


### ' by way of derogation from articles 152 to 158 , member states shall , on request , recognise : ' ### 3 u . in article 159 , the introductory part is replaced by the following : ' by way of derogation from articles 152a to 158 , member states shall recognise , upon request : '


### ' producer organisations in : the fruit and vegetables sector in respect of one or more products of that sector and / or such products solely intended for processing , the olive oil and table olives sector , the silkworm sector , the hops sector ; ' ### 3 v . in article 159 , point is replaced by the following : ' bargaining organisations in the milk and milk products sector ; '


### “article 101 tfeu shall not apply to agreements , decisions and concerted practices of farmers , farmers’ associations , or associations of such associations , or producer organisations recognised under article 152 of this regulation , or associations of producer organisations recognised under article 156 of this regulation , which concern the production or sale of agricultural products or the use of joint facilities for the storage , treatment or processing of agricultural products , unless the objectives of article 39 tfeu are jeopardised . ” ### in article 209 , subparagraph 2 is replaced by the following : “article 101 tfeu shall not apply to agreements , decisions and concerted practices of farmers , farmers’ associations , or associations of such associations , or producer organisations recognised under article 152 of this regulation , or bargaining organisations recognised under article 152a of this regulation , or their associations recognised under article 156 of this regulation , which concern the production or sale of agricultural products or the use of joint facilities for the storage , treatment or processing of agricultural products , unless the objectives of article 39 tfeu are jeopardised . ”


### ' such measures may to the extent and for the time necessary to address the market disturbance or threat thereof extend or modify the scope , duration or other aspects of other measures provided for under this regulation , or provide for export refunds , or suspend import duties in whole or in part including for certain quantities or periods as necessary . ' ### in article 219 , the fourth subparagraph is replaced by the following : ' such measures may to the extent and for the time necessary to address the market disturbance or threat thereof extend or modify the scope , duration or other aspects of other measures provided for under this regulation , or provide for export refunds , suspend import duties in whole or in part including for certain quantities or periods as necessary or propose any appropriate supply management measures . '


### “1 . during periods of severe imbalance in markets , the commission may adopt implementing acts to the effect that article 101 tfeu is not to apply to agreements and decisions of recognised producer organisations , their associations and recognised interbranch organisations in any of the sectors referred to in article 1 of this regulation , provided that such agreements and decisions do not undermine the proper functioning of the internal market , strictly aim to stabilise the sector concerned and fall under one or more of the following categories : ” ### in article 222 , the introductory part is replaced by the following : “1 . during periods of severe imbalance in markets , the commission may adopt implementing acts to the effect that article 101 tfeu is not to apply to agreements and decisions of farmers , farmers’ associations , or associations of such associations or recognised producer organisations , recognised bargaining organisations , their associations and recognised interbranch organisations in any of the sectors referred to in article 1 of this regulation , provided that such agreements and decisions do not undermine the proper functioning of the internal market , strictly aim to stabilise the sector concerned and fall under one or more of the following categories : ”


### “– the upper limit for the total alcoholic strength may exceed 15 % volume for wines with a protected designation of origin which have been produced without enrichment ; ” ### 4 m . in annex vii , part ii , paragraph i , point c , the second indent is replaced by the following : “– the upper limit for the total alcoholic strength may exceed 15 % volume for wines with a protected designation of origin which have been produced without enrichment , with the exception of the partial concentration procedures listed in annex viii , part i , section b , paragraph 1 ; ”


### ' 2 . the increase in natural alcoholic strength by volume shall be achieved by means of the oenological practices referred to in section b and shall not exceed the following limits : 3 % volume in wine - growing zone a ; 2 % volume in wine - growing zone b ; 1 , 5 % volume in wine - growing zones c . ' ### 4 n . in annex vii , part i , point a , paragraph 2 is replaced by the following : ' 2 . the increase in natural alcoholic strength by volume shall be achieved by means of the oenological practices referred to in section b and shall not exceed the following limits : 3 , 5 % volume in wine - growing zone a ; 2 , 5 % volume in wine - growing zone b ; 2 % volume in wine - growing zones c . '


### the overall contribution from the union budget to cef blending facilities shall not exceed 10% of the overall financial envelopes of the cef as referred to in article 5 . ### the sum of the overall contribution from the union budget to cef blending facilities and the financial instruments laid down in article 14 , shall not exceed 10% of the overall financial envelopes of the cef as referred to in article 5 .


### ‘ 7 . blending operations in third countries may be supported by means of a cef transport blending facility if those actions are necessary for the implementation of a project of common interest . ’ ### ‘ 7 . blending operations in third countries may be supported by means of a cef blending facility if those actions are necessary for the implementation of a project of common interest . ’


### ensuring internal security , which is a competence of the member states , is a shared endeavour to which the eu institutions , relevant union agencies and member states should jointly contribute . in the period 2015 to 2020 , the commission , the council of the european union and the european parliament have defined common priorities as set out in the european agenda on security of april 201510 , which were reaffirmed by the council in the renewed internal security strategy of june 201511 and by the european parliament in its resolution of july 201512 . that shared strategy aimed at providing the strategic framework for the work at union level in the area of internal security , and defined the main priorities for action to ensure an effective union response to security threats for the period 2015 - 2020 , namely tackling terrorism and preventing radicalisation , disrupting organised crime and fighting cybercrime . __________________ 10 com 185 final of 28 april 2015 . 11 council conclusions of 16 june 2015 on the renewed european union internal security strategy 2015 - 2020 . 12 european parliament resolution of 9 july 2015 on the european agenda on security ) . ### ensuring internal security , which is a competence of the member states , is a shared endeavour to which the eu institutions , relevant union agencies and member states should jointly contribute . in the period 2015 to 2020 , the commission , the council of the european union and the european parliament have defined common priorities as set out in the european agenda on security of april 201510 , which were reaffirmed by the council in the renewed internal security strategy of june 201511 and by the european parliament in its resolution of july 201512 . that shared strategy aimed at providing the strategic framework for the work at union level in the area of internal security , and defined the main priorities for action to ensure an effective union response to security threats for the period 2015 - 2020 , namely preventing and combatting terrorism and preventing radicalisation and violent extremism , intolerance and discrimination , disrupting organised crime and fighting cybercrime . __________________ 10 com 185 final of 28 april 2015 . 11 council conclusions of 16 june 2015 on the renewed european union internal security strategy 2015 - 2020 . 12 european parliament resolution of 9 july 2015 on the european agenda on security ) .


### to preserve the schengen acquis and to strengthen its functioning , member states have , since 6 april 2017 , been obliged to carry out systematic checks against relevant databases on eu citizens who are crossing the eu’s external borders . furthermore , the commission issued a recommendation to member states to make better use of police checks and cross - border cooperation . solidarity among member states , clarity about the division of tasks , respect for fundamental rights and freedoms and the rule of law , a strong attention to the global perspective and the necessary coherence with the external dimension of security should be key principles guiding the union and member states’ action towards the development of an effective and genuine security union . ### to preserve the schengen acquis and the entire eu internal market space , and to strengthen its functioning , member states have , since 6 april 2017 , been obliged to carry out systematic checks against relevant databases on eu citizens who are crossing the eu’s external borders . furthermore , the commission issued a recommendation to member states to make better use of police checks and cross - border cooperation . solidarity among member states , clarity about the division of tasks , respect for fundamental rights and freedoms and the rule of law , a strong attention to the global perspective and the necessary coherence with the external dimension of security should be key principles guiding the union and member states’ action towards the development of an effective and genuine security union .


### the fund should be implemented in full compliance with the rights and principles enshrined in the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and with the union’s international obligations as regards fundamental rights . ### the fund should be implemented in full compliance with the rights and principles enshrined in the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and with the union’s international obligations as regards human rights . in particular , this regulation seeks to ensure full respect for fundamental rights and human dignity , the right to life , the prohibition of torture an inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment , the right to protection of personal data , the rights of the child and the right to have an effective remedy . it also seeks to promote the application of the principles of non - discrimination .


### within the comprehensive framework of the fund , the financial assistance provided through the fund should in particular support police and judicial cooperation and prevention in the fields of serious and organised crime , illicit arms trafficking , corruption , money laundering , drug trafficking , environmental crime , exchange of and access to information , terrorism , trafficking in human beings , exploitation of illegal immigration , child sexual exploitation , distribution of child abuse images and child pornography , and cybercrime . the fund should also support the protection of people , public spaces and critical infrastructure against security - related incidents and the effective management of security - related risks and crises , including through the development of common policies , legislation and practical cooperation . ### within the comprehensive framework of the fund , the financial assistance provided through the fund should in particular support police and judicial cooperation and prevention in the fields of serious and organised crime , illicit arms trafficking , corruption , money laundering , drug trafficking , environmental crime , exchange of and access to information , terrorism , trafficking in human beings , exploitation of irregular immigration , child and women sexual exploitation , distribution of child abuse images and child pornography , and cybercrime . the fund should also support the protection of people , public spaces and critical infrastructure against security - related incidents and the effective management of security - related risks and crises , including through the development of common policies , legislation and practical cooperation .


### there is a need to maximise the impact of union funding by mobilising , pooling and leveraging public and private financial resources . the fund should promote and encourage the active and meaningful participation and involvement of civil society , including non - governmental organisations , as well as the industrial sector in the development and implementation of security policy , including where relevant with involvement of other relevant actors , union agencies and other union bodies , third countries and international organisations in relation to the objective of the fund . ### there is a need to maximise the impact of union funding by mobilising , pooling and leveraging public financial resources . the fund should promote and encourage the active and meaningful participation and involvement of civil society , including non - governmental organisations , as well as the industrial sector in the development and implementation of security policy , in particular cybersecurity , including where relevant with involvement of other relevant actors , union agencies and other union bodies and international organisations in relation to the objective of the fund .


### the fund should be coherent with and complementary to other union financial programmes in the field of security . synergies will be sought ensured in particular with the asylum and migration fund , the integrated border management fund consisting of the border management and visa instrument established by regulation x and the customs control equipment instrument established by regulation x as well as the other cohesion policy funds covered by regulation x [ cpr ] , the security research part of the horizon europe programme established by regulation x , the rights and values programme established by regulation x , the justice programme established by regulation eu x , the digital europe programme established by regulation eu x and the investeu programme established by regulation eu x . synergies should be sought in particular on security of infrastructure and public spaces , cybersecurity and the prevention of radicalisation . effective coordination mechanisms are essential to maximise the effective achievement of policy objectives , exploit economies of scale and avoid overlaps between actions . ### the fund should be coherent with and complementary to other union financial programmes in the field of security . synergies will be ensured in particular with the asylum and migration fund , the integrated border management fund consisting of the border management and visa instrument established by regulation x and the customs control equipment instrument established by regulation x as well as the other cohesion policy funds covered by regulation x [ cpr ] , the security research part of the horizon europe programme established by regulation x , the rights and values programme established by regulation x , the justice programme established by regulation eu x , the digital europe programme established by regulation eu x and the investeu programme established by regulation eu x . synergies should be sought in particular on security of infrastructure and public spaces , cybersecurity and the prevention of violent extremism , including radicalisation . effective coordination mechanisms are essential to maximise the effective achievement of policy objectives , exploit economies of scale and avoid overlaps between actions .


### ‘ exchange of and access to information’ means the secure collection , storage , processing , analysis and exchange of information relevant to the authorities referred to in article 87 tfeu as well as to europol in relation to the prevention , detection , investigation , and prosecution of criminal offences , in particular cross - border organised crime ; ### ‘ exchange of and access to information’ means the secure collection , storage , processing , analysis and exchange of information relevant to the authorities referred to in article 87 tfeu as well as to europol in relation to the prevention , detection , investigation , and prosecution of criminal offences , in particular cross - border organised crime processed in compliance with directive 2016 / 680 , regulation 2016 / 794 and regulation 2018 / 1725 ;


### ‘ preparedness’ means any measure aimed at preventing or reducing risks linked to possible terrorist attacks or other security - related incidents ; ### ‘ preparedness’ means specific measures aimed at preventing or reducing risks linked to possible terrorist attacks or other security - related incidents ;


### to intensify cross - border joint operations among and within the union law enforcement and other competent authorities in relation to serious and organised crime with a cross - border dimension ; and ### to improve and intensify the relevant cross - border joint operations among the union law enforcement and other competent authorities in relation to serious and organised crime with a cross - border dimension ; and


### to support effort at strengthening the capabilities in relation to combatting and preventing crime including terrorism in particular through increased cooperation between public authorities , civil society and private partners across the member states . ### to support the necessary strengthening of the capabilities in relation to combatting and preventing crime , including terrorism , violent extremism , including radicalisation , in particular through increased cooperation between public authorities and the civil society , within and across the member states .


### actions funded shall be implemented in full respect for fundamental rights and human dignity . in particular , actions shall comply with the provisions of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , union data protection law and the european convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms . in particular , wherever possible , special attention shall be given by member states when implementing actions to the assistance and protection of vulnerable persons , in particular children and unaccompanied minors . ### actions funded shall be implemented in full compliance of fundamental rights and human dignity . in particular , actions shall comply with and promote the provisions of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , union data protection law and the european convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms . in particular , special attention shall be given by member states when implementing actions to the assistance and protection of vulnerable persons , in particular children and unaccompanied minors .


### when funding from the thematic facility is granted in direct or indirect management to member states , it shall be ensured that selected projects are not affected by a reasoned opinion by the commission in respect of an infringement under article 258 of the tfeu that puts at risk the legality and regularity of expenditure or the performance of projects . ### when funding from the thematic facility is granted in direct or indirect management to member states , no funding shall be available for projects , where the legality of those projects , or the legality and regularity of that funding , or the performance of the project , would be called into question as a result of a reasoned opinion issued by the commission in respect of an infringement procedure under article 258 tfeu .


### when funding from the thematic facility is implemented in shared management , the commission shall , for the purposes of article 18 and article 19 of the regulation no [ cpr ] , assess whether the foreseen actions are not affected by a reasoned opinion by the commission in respect of an infringement under article 258 of the tfeu that puts at risk the legality and regularity of expenditure or the performance of the projects . ### when funding from the thematic facility is implemented in shared management , the commission shall , for the purposes of article 18 and article 19 of the regulation no [ cpr ] , make an assessment and ensure that no funding shall be available for projects , where the legality of those projects , or the legality and regularity of that funding , or the performance of the project , would be called into question as a result of a reasoned opinion issued by the commission in respect of an infringement procedure under article 258 tfeu .


### the commission may associate the union agency for law enforcement cooperation , the european union agency for law enforcement training and the european monitoring centre for drugs and drug addiction where appropriate in the monitoring and evaluation tasks as specified in section 5 in particular in view of ensuring that the actions implemented with the support of the fund are compliant with the relevant union acquis and agreed union priorities . ### the commission may associate the union agency for law enforcement cooperation , the european union agency for law enforcement training , the european monitoring centre for drugs and drug addiction the european data protection board , the european data protection supervisor , and the european union agency for fundamental rights , where appropriate , in the monitoring and evaluation tasks as specified in section 5 , in particular in view of ensuring that the actions implemented with the support of the fund are compliant with the relevant union acquis and agreed union priorities .


### –monitoring of the implementation of union law and union policy objectives in the member states in the area of security information systems ; ### –monitoring of the implementation of union law and union policy objectives in particular the data protection , privacy and data security provisions in the member states in the area of security information systems ;


### –cooperation with the private sector in order to build trust and improve coordination , contingency planning and the exchange and dissemination of information and best practices among public and private actors including in the protection of public spaces and critical infrastructure ; ### –cooperation with the private sector in the field of cybersecurity in order to build trust and improve coordination , contingency planning and the exchange and dissemination of information and best practices among public and private actors including the protection of critical infrastructure ;


### a supplier shall address a complaint to the enforcement authority of the member state in which the buyer suspected to have engaged in a prohibited trading practice is established . ### a supplier shall address a complaint to the enforcement authority of the member state in which the buyer suspected to have engaged in a prohibited trading practice is established , without bearing the relevant administrative and procedural costs .


### amongst measures to support the vision of european connectivity , it promotes the deployment of local wireless access points through simplified planning procedures and reduced regulatory obstacles . such access points , including those ancillary to the provision of other public services or non - commercial in character , can make an important contribution to the improvement of current and the deployment of future generations of wireless communications networks by facilitating more granular coverage in line with evolving needs . ### amongst measures to support the vision of european connectivity , it promotes the deployment of local wireless access points through simplified planning procedures and reduced regulatory obstacles . such access points , including those ancillary to the provision of other public services or non - commercial in character , can make an important contribution to the improvement of current and the deployment of future generations of wireless communications networks by facilitating more granular coverage in line with evolving needs . given the rapid progress of the digital technology , regular checks and quality controls shall be carried out in order to ensure the high quality and proper functioning of the local wireless access points , aiming to turn this initiative more sustainable and long - lasting .


### following the communication setting out a european vision of internet connectivity for the digital single market and in order to promote digital inclusion , the union should support the provision of free local wireless connectivity in the centres of local public life , including outdoor spaces accessible to the general public , through targeted support . such support is so far not covered by regulations no 1316 / 201315 and no 283 / 201416 . _________________ 15 regulation no 1316 / 20136 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing the connecting europe facility , amending regulation no 913 / 2010 and repealing regulations no 680 / 2007 and no 67 / 2010 , oj l 348 , 20 . 12 . 2013 , p . 129 , as last amended by regulation 2015 / 1017 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 june 2015 , oj l 169 , 1 . 7 . 2015 , p . 1 . 16 regulation no 283 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 march 2014 on guidelines for trans - european networks in the area of telecommunications infrastructure and repealing decision no 1336 / 97 / ec , oj l 86 , 21 . 3 . 2014 , p . 14 . ### following the communication setting out a european vision of internet connectivity for the digital single market and in order to promote digital literacy and inclusion , the union should support the provision of free , high speed local wireless connectivity of high quality in the centres of local public life , including outdoor spaces accessible to the general public , through targeted support , with a minimum connection speed of 100 megabit / s thus meeting the gigabit society related targets which aim to deploy ultra - fast speed broadband by 2025 . such support is so far not covered by regulations no 1316 / 201315 and no 283 / 201416 . digital inclusion should not discriminate remote location and rural zones . better internet connectivity should lead to better access to information and communications and therefore have a positive impact to the social progress index of regions . _________________ 15 regulation no 1316 / 20136 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing the connecting europe facility , amending regulation no 913 / 2010 and repealing regulations no 680 / 2007 and no 67 / 2010 , oj l 348 , 20 . 12 . 2013 , p . 129 , as last amended by regulation 2015 / 1017 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 june 2015 , oj l 169 , 1 . 7 . 2015 , p . 1 . 16 regulation no 283 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 march 2014 on guidelines for trans - european networks in the area of telecommunications infrastructure and repealing decision no 1336 / 97 / ec , oj l 86 , 21 . 3 . 2014 , p . 14 .


### support of this kind should encourage entities with a public mission such as public authorities and providers of public services to offer free local wireless connectivity as an ancillary service to their public mission so as to ensure that local communities can experience the benefits of very high - speed broadband in the centres of public life . such entities could include municipalities and other local public authorities , libraries and hospitals . ### support of this kind should encourage entities with a public mission such as public authorities and providers of public services to offer free local wireless connectivity - while guaranteeing high level of cyber security - , as an ancillary service to their public mission so as to ensure that local communities can experience the benefits of very high - speed broadband in the centres of public life , including municipalities , in and around public buildings , parks , town squares and other local public authorities , libraries , schools , universities , hospitals and health centres . the offer of high - speed free wireless connectivity should be also provided to free accessible spaces of public transport , such as waiting areas .


### support of this kind should encourage entities with a public mission such as public authorities and providers of public services to offer free local wireless connectivity as an ancillary service to their public mission so as to ensure that local communities can experience the benefits of very high - speed broadband in the centres of public life . such entities could include municipalities and other local public authorities , libraries and hospitals . ### support of this kind should encourage entities with a public mission such as public , and in particular regional , authorities and providers of public services to offer free local wireless connectivity as an ancillary service to their public mission so as to ensure that local communities can experience the benefits of very high - speed broadband in the centres of public life . such entities could include municipalities and other local public authorities , libraries and hospitals .


### to ensure that connectivity in accordance with this regulation is provided quickly , financial assistance should be implemented using to the fullest extent possible on - line tools that allow for the swift submission and handling of applications and support the implementation , monitoring and auditing of the local wireless access points installed . ### to ensure that connectivity in accordance with this regulation is provided quickly and effectively , financial assistance should be implemented using to the fullest extent possible on - line tools that allow for the swift submission and handling of applications and support the implementation , monitoring and auditing of the local wireless access points installed .


### given internet connectivity needs within the union and the urgency of promoting access networks that can deliver , throughout the eu , an internet experience of high quality based on very high - speed broadband services , financial assistance should seek to attain a geographically balanced distribution . ### given internet connectivity needs within the union , the evolution of the urban - rural digital divide which broadens with new technological developments and the subsequent urgency of promoting access networks that can deliver , throughout the eu , an internet experience of high quality based on very high - speed broadband services , financial assistance should seek to attain a geographically balanced distribution that contributes to the eu ' s economic , social and territorial cohesion by taking particular account of the needs of local communities . in case of natural disasters the free wifi network should be as robust as possible in order to support quick communication between emergency services and citizens .


### given internet connectivity needs within the union and the urgency of promoting access networks that can deliver , throughout the eu , an internet experience of high quality based on very high - speed broadband services , financial assistance should seek to attain a geographically balanced distribution . ### given internet connectivity needs within the union and the urgency of promoting access networks that can deliver , throughout the eu , including in isolated regions , areas with limited access and the outermost regions , an internet experience of high quality based on very high - speed broadband services , financial assistance should seek to attain a geographically balanced distribution .


### support the provision of free local wireless connectivity in local communities . ### support the provision of free , high speed local wireless connectivity in local communities .


### actions contributing to projects of common interest in the field of providing free local wireless connectivity in local communities shall meet conditions set out in section 4 in the annex . ### actions contributing to projects of common interest in the field of providing free , high speed local wireless connectivity in local communities shall meet conditions set out in section 4 in the annex .


### actions aiming at the provision of free local wireless connectivity in the centres of local public life , including outdoor spaces accessible to the general public that play a major role in the public life of local communities , shall be eligible for financial assistance . ### actions aiming at the provision of free , high speed local wireless connectivity of high quality in the centres of local public life , including outdoor spaces accessible to the general public that play a major role in the public life of local communities , shall be eligible for financial assistance .


### actions aiming at the provision of free local wireless connectivity in the centres of local public life , including outdoor spaces accessible to the general public that play a major role in the public life of local communities , shall be eligible for financial assistance . ### actions aiming at the provision of free local wireless connectivity in the centres of local public life , including outdoor spaces accessible to the general public that play a major role in the public life of local communities and local public transport , shall be eligible for financial assistance .


### is free , easy to access , and uses state - of - the - art equipment , and ### is free , safe , easy to access , and uses state - of - the - art equipment , and


### the available budget shall be allocated in a geographically balanced manner to projects meeting the above conditions in view of the proposals received and , in principle , on a ' first come , first served ' basis . ### the available budget shall be allocated to projects in a geographically balanced manner that contributes - within the limits of the received proposals - to the eu ' s economic , social and territorial cohesion by taking particular account of the needs of local communities . at least 20% of the budget should be allocated to areas that are less developed economically and digitally , with particular emphasis on islands and on mountainous , border and peripheral areas , as well as on areas that have been exposed to natural disasters , in order to invest the resources where they are most needed .


### the united kingdom government has stated its intention not to require a visa from citizens of the eu - 27 when travelling to the united kingdom for short stays for business or tourism as from the date on which union law ceases to apply to the united kingdom . in case the united kingdom introduces a visa requirement for nationals of at least one member state in the future , the reciprocity mechanism provided for in [ article 1 of regulation no 539 / 2001 ] 27 should apply . the european parliament , the council , the commission and the member states should act without delay in applying the mechanism . ### the united kingdom government has stated its intention not to require a visa from citizens of the eu - 27 when travelling to the united kingdom for short stays for business or tourism as from the date on which union law ceases to apply to the united kingdom . in case the united kingdom introduces a visa requirement for nationals of at least one member state in the future , the reciprocity mechanism provided for in [ article 1 of regulation no 539 / 2001 ] 27 should apply . the european parliament , the council , the commission and the member states should act without delay in applying the reciprocity mechanism for visa requirements .


### the united kingdom government has stated its intention not to require a visa from citizens of the eu - 27 when travelling to the united kingdom for short stays for business or tourism as from the date on which union law ceases to apply to the united kingdom . in case the united kingdom introduces a visa requirement for nationals of at least one member state in the future , the reciprocity mechanism provided for in [ article 1 of regulation no 539 / 2001 ] 27 should apply . the european parliament , the council , the commission and the member states should act without delay in applying the mechanism . _________________ 27 see footnote 23 . ### the united kingdom government has stated its intention not to require a visa from citizens of the eu - 27 when travelling to the united kingdom for short stays for business or tourism as from the date on which union law ceases to apply to the united kingdom . in case the united kingdom introduces a visa requirement for nationals of at least one member state in the future , the reciprocity mechanism provided for in this regulation should apply . the european parliament , the council , the commission and the member states should act without delay in applying the mechanism .


### the contribution of the investeu fund to the achievement of the climate target will be tracked through an eu climate tracking system developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners and using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment14 ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable . _________________ 14 com353 . ### the contribution of the investeu fund to the achievement of the climate target and sectoral targets included in the 2030 climate and energy framework will be tracked through an eu climate tracking system developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners and using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment14 ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable . _________________ 14 com 321 final .


### investment projects receiving substantial union support , notably in the area of infrastructure , should be subject to sustainability proofing in accordance with guidance that should be developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners under the investeu programme and , using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable and coherently with the guidance developed for other programmes of the union . such guidance should include adequate provisions to avoid undue administrative burden . ### investment projects receiving union support should be subject to sustainability proofing in accordance with guidance appropriate for the size and type of investment that should be developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners under the investeu programme and , using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable and coherently with the guidance developed for other programmes of the union . such guidance should include adequate provisions to avoid undue administrative burden .


### low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis undermined the union ' s ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence . sizeable investments in the european infrastructure are fundamental to meet the union ' s sustainability targets , including the 2030 energy and climate targets . accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into transport , energy , including energy efficiency and renewable energy , environmental , climate action , maritime and digital infrastructure . to maximise the impact and the value added of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process enabling visibility of the project pipeline and consistency across relevant union programmes . bearing in mind security threats , investment projects receiving union support should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces . this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds such as the european regional development fund providing support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure . ### low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis undermined the union ' s ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence . sizeable investments in the european infrastructure are fundamental to meet the union ' s sustainability targets , including the 2030 energy and climate targets as well as the 2050 decarbonisation target . accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into clean transport , energy , especially energy efficiency and renewable energy , environmental , climate action , maritime and digital infrastructure . to maximise the impact and the value added of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process enabling visibility of the project pipeline and consistency across relevant union programmes . bearing in mind security threats , investment projects receiving union support should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces . this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds such as the european regional development fund providing support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure .


### whereas the level of overall investment in the union is increasing , investment in higher - risk activities such as research and innovation is still inadequate . the resulting underinvestment in research and innovation is damaging to the industrial and economic competitiveness of the union and the quality of life of its citizens . the investeu fund should provide the appropriate financial products to cover different stages in the innovation cycle and a wide range of stakeholders , in particular to allow the upscaling of and deployment of solutions at a commercial scale in the union , in order to make such solutions competitive on world markets . ### whereas the level of overall investment in the union is increasing , investment in higher - risk activities such as research and innovation is still inadequate . the resulting underinvestment in research and innovation is damaging to the industrial and economic competitiveness of the union , the quality of life of its citizens and to the achievement of the energy and climate goals . the investeu fund should provide the appropriate financial products to cover different stages in the innovation cycle and a wide range of stakeholders , in particular to allow the upscaling of and deployment of solutions at a commercial scale in the union , in order to make such solutions competitive on world markets .


### to support financing and investment operations in research , innovation and digitisation ; ### to support financing and investment operations in research , innovation and digitisation in particular to allow for a timely shift to a low carbon and circular economy ;


### sustainable infrastructure policy window : comprises sustainable investment in the areas of transport , energy , digital connectivity , supply and processing of raw materials , space , oceans and water , waste , nature and other environment infrastructure , equipment , mobile assets and deployment of innovative technologies that contribute to the environmental or social sustainability objectives of the union , or to both , or meet the environmental or social sustainability standards of the union ; ### sustainable infrastructure policy window : comprises sustainable investment in the areas of transport , energy in particular the increased deployment of renewable energy , energy efficiency investments , and improving interconnection levels , digital connectivity and access especially in rural areas , supply and processing of raw materials , space , oceans and water , waste and the circular economy , nature and other environment infrastructure , equipment , mobile assets and deployment of innovative technologies that contribute to the environmental or social sustainability objectives of the union , or to both , or meet the environmental or social sustainability standards of the union ;


### sustainable infrastructure policy window : comprises sustainable investment in the areas of transport , energy , digital connectivity , supply and processing of raw materials , space , oceans and water , waste , nature and other environment infrastructure , equipment , mobile assets and deployment of innovative technologies that contribute to the environmental or social sustainability objectives of the union , or to both , or meet the environmental or social sustainability standards of the union ; ### sustainable infrastructure policy window : comprises sustainable investment in the areas of transport , clean energy , digital connectivity , supply and processing of raw materials , space , oceans and water , waste , nature and other environment infrastructure , equipment , mobile assets and deployment of innovative technologies that contribute to the environmental or social sustainability objectives of the union , or to both , and meet the environmental or social sustainability standards of the union ;


### research , innovation and digitisation policy window : comprises research and innovation activities , transfer of research results to the market , demonstration and deployment of innovative solutions and support to scaling up of innovative companies other than smes as well as digitisation of union industry ; ### research , innovation and digitisation policy window : comprises research and innovation activities , transfer of research results to the market , demonstration and deployment of innovative solutions and support to scaling up of innovative companies including smes as well as digitisation of union industry ;


### social investment and skills policy window : comprises microfinance , social enterprise finance and social economy ; skills , education , training and related services ; social infrastructure ; social innovation ; health and long - term care ; inclusion and accessibility ; cultural activities with a social goal ; integration of vulnerable people , including third country nationals . ### social investment and skills policy window : comprises microfinance , social enterprise finance and social economy ; skills , education , training and related services ; social infrastructure ; social innovation ; health and long - term care ; inclusion and accessibility ; cultural activities with a social goal ; integration of vulnerable people , including third country nationals ; redeployment , re - skilling and up - skilling of workers , education , job - seeking initiatives as well as development of new jobs in carbon - dependent regions affected by the necessary transition to a low - carbon economy .


### financing and investment operations under the sustainable infrastructure policy window referred to in point of paragraph shall be subject to climate , environmental and social sustainability proofing with a view to minimise detrimental impacts and maximise benefits on climate , environment and social dimension . for that purpose , promoters requesting financing shall provide adequate information based on guidance to be developed by the commission . projects below a certain size defined in the guidance shall be excluded from the proofing . ### financing and investment operations under the policy windows referred to in points to of paragraph shall be subject to climate , environmental and social sustainability proofing through minimum sustainability thresholds in project scoreboards with a view to minimise detrimental impacts and maximise benefits on climate , environment and social dimension . for that purpose , promoters requesting financing shall provide adequate information according to guidance to be developed by the commission based on the regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment 353 ) . the guidance may differentiate between investments according to their type and size .


### the commission shall confirm whether the proposed financing and investment operations by the implementing partners comply with union law and policies . ### the commission shall confirm whether the proposed financing and investment operations by the implementing partners comply with union law and policies and whether it is considered to count towards the targets specified in article 7 paragraph 5 .


### expansion of the generation , supply or use of clean and sustainable renewable energy ; ### expansion of the generation , supply , storage&#160 ; or use of clean and sustainable renewable energy ;


### development , smartening and modernisation of sustainable energy infrastructure ; ### development , smartening and modernisation of sustainable electricity infrastructure ;


### water , including supply and sanitation , and coastal infrastructure and other water - related green infrastructure ; ### water , including supply and sanitation , and coastal and insular infrastructure and other water - related green infrastructure ;


### sustainable urban , rural and coastal development ; ### sustainable urban , rural , coastal and insular development ;


### projects and enterprises that implement circular economy by integrating resource efficiency aspects in the production and product life - cycle , including the sustainable supply of primary and secondary raw materials ; ### projects and enterprises that implement circular economy by integrating resource efficiency aspects in the production and product life - cycle , including the sustainable supply of primary and secondary raw materials as well as the eventual re - use and recycling ;


### corporate projects ; ### research and innovation processes , technology transfer and cooperation between enterprises focusing on the new low carbon economy , resilience and adaptation to climate change and the circular economy ;


### 2investment supporting climate objectives ### 2investment supporting climate objectives and estimated co2 reduction


### the visa application procedure should be as easy as possible for applicants . it should be clear which member state is competent for examining an application for a visa in particular where the intended visit covers several member states . where possible , member states should allow for application forms to be completed and submitted electronically . deadlines should be established for the various steps of the procedure in particular to allow travellers to plan ahead and avoid peak seasons in consulates . ### the visa application procedure should be as easy and at reasonable costs as possible for applicants . it should be clear which member state is competent for examining an application for a visa in particular where the intended visit covers several member states . member states should allow for application forms to be completed and submitted electronically . deadlines should be established for the various steps of the procedure in particular to allow travellers to plan a reasonable time in advance and avoid peak seasons in consulates . as part of the further development of the acquis towards a truly common visa policy , procedures and conditions for issuing visas should be further harmonised and their uniform application be reinforced .


### the visa fee should ensure that sufficient financial resources are available to cover the expenses of visa processing , including appropriate structures and sufficient staff to ensure the quality and integrity of the examination of visa applications . the amount of the visa fee should be revised on a two - yearly basis on the basis of objective criteria . ### the visa fee should ensure that sufficient financial resources are available to cover the expenses of visa processing , including appropriate structures and sufficient staff to ensure the quality , speed and integrity of the examination of visa applications . the amount of the visa fee should be revised every two years on the basis of objective assessment criteria .


### applicants who have been refused a visa should have the right to appeal which should , at a certain stage of the proceedings , guarantee an effective judicial appeal . more detailed information on the refusal grounds and procedures for appeal of negative decisions should be provided in the notification of the refusal . ### applicants who have been refused a visa should have the right to appeal which should , at a certain stage of the proceedings , guarantee an effective judicial appeal . more detailed information on the refusal grounds and procedures for appeal of negative decisions should be provided in the notification of the refusal . appeal procedures should take a maximum of 10 days to ensure that disputes are resolved within a reasonable period .


### flexible rules should be established to allow member states to optimise the sharing of resources and to increase consular coverage . cooperation among member states could take any form suited to local circumstances in order to increase geographical consular coverage , reduce member states ' costs , increase the visibility of the union and improve the service offered to visa applicants . ### it is necessary to establish flexible and efficient rules to allow member states to optimise the sharing of resources and to extend consular coverage . cooperation among member states could take any form suited to local circumstances in order to increase geographical consular coverage , reduce member states ' costs , increase the visibility of the union and improve the service offered to visa applicants .


### flexible rules should be established to allow member states to optimise the sharing of resources and to increase consular coverage . cooperation among member states could take any form suited to local circumstances in order to increase geographical consular coverage , reduce member states ' costs , increase the visibility of the union and improve the service offered to visa applicants . ### flexible rules should be established to allow member states to optimise the sharing of resources and to increase consular coverage . cooperation among member states could take any form suited to local circumstances in order to increase geographical consular coverage , reduce member states ' costs , increase the visibility of the union and improve the service offered to visa applicants . the common visa policy should contribute to generating growth and be coherent with other union policies , such as those concerning external relations , trade , education , culture and tourism .


### electronic visa application systems developed by member states help to facilitate application procedures for applicants and consulates . a common solution allowing full digitisation should be developed , making full use of the recent legal and technological developments . ### electronic visa application systems developed by member states help to facilitate application procedures for applicants and consulates . the development of a common solution allowing full digitisation is necessary , making full use of the recent legal and technological developments and ensuring rapid and effective cooperation between countries .


### electronic visa application systems developed by member states help to facilitate application procedures for applicants and consulates . a common solution allowing full digitisation should be developed , making full use of the recent legal and technological developments . ### electronic visa application systems developed by member states are essential in order to facilitate application procedures for applicants and consulates . a common solution ensuring full digitisation should be developed by 2025 in the form of an online platform and an eu e - visa , thereby making full use of the recent legal and technological developments , to allow visa application online to accommodate the needs of applicants and attract more visitors to the schengen area . the electronic visa application system should be fully accessible for the people with disabilities . straightforward and streamlined procedural guarantees should be strengthened and uniformly applied .


### a member state may agree to represent another member state that is competent in accordance with article 5 for the purpose of examining applications and issuing visas on behalf of that member state . a member state may also represent another member state in a limited manner solely for the collection of applications and the enrolment of biometric identifiers . ### paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : ‘ 1 . without prejudice to article 6 , a member state may agree to represent another member state that is competent in accordance with article 5 for the purpose of examining applications and issuing visas on behalf of that member state . a member state may also represent another member state in a limited manner solely for the collection of applications and the enrolment of biometric identifiers . ’ ;


### in individual cases , the amount of the visa fee to be charged may be waived or reduced when to do so serves to promote cultural or sporting interests as well as interests in the field of foreign policy , development policy and other areas of vital public interest or for humanitarian reasons . ### paragraph 6 is replaced by the following : ‘ 6 . in individual cases , the amount of the visa fee to be charged may be waived or reduced when to do so serves to promote cultural or sporting interests , interests in the field of foreign policy , development policy and other areas of vital public interest , or for humanitarian reasons or because of international obligations . ’ ;


### by way of derogation , an application that does not meet the requirements set out in paragraph 1 may be considered admissible on humanitarian grounds or for reasons of national interest . ### in article 19 , paragraph 4 is replaced by the following : ‘ 4 . by way of derogation , an application that does not meet the requirements set out in paragraph 1 may be considered admissible on humanitarian grounds , for reasons of national interest or because of international obligations . ’ ;


### the commission shall inform member states of such notifications . ### paragraph 4 is replaced by the following : ‘ 4 . the commission shall publish such notifications . ’ ;


### a decision on refusal and the reasons on which it is based shall be notified to the applicant by means of the standard form set out in annex vi . ### paragraph 2 is replaced by the following : ‘ 2 . a decision on refusal and the reasons on which it is based shall be notified to the applicant by means of the standard form set out in annex vi in a language which the applicant understands or can be reasonably supposed to understand . ’ ;


### innovation of new technologies helps to lower vehicle emissions , supporting the decarbonisation of the transport sector . an increased uptake of low - and zero - emission road vehicles is likely to reduce emissions of co2 and certain pollutant emissions and to promote competitiveness and growth of the european industry in the increasing global markets for low - and zero - emission vehicles . ### innovation of new technologies helps to lower vehicle emissions , supporting the decarbonisation of the transport sector . an increased uptake of low - and zero - emission road vehicles is likely to reduce emissions of co2 and certain pollutant emissions . such pollutants have been linked to numerous lung diseases and more than 400 . 000 premature deaths in europe and generate health costs of between 330 billion euro and 940 billion euro , equivalent to 3 % to 9 % of the union’s gdp . in order to reduce air and noise pollution and meet the eu air quality standards in urban and rural areas , concrete and ambitious policies and measures , including the use of public procurement of clean emission vehicles , are needed .


### innovation of new technologies helps to lower vehicle emissions , supporting the decarbonisation of the transport sector . an increased uptake of low - and zero - emission road vehicles is likely to reduce emissions of co2 and certain pollutant emissions and to promote competitiveness and growth of the european industry in the increasing global markets for low - and zero - emission vehicles . ### innovation of new technologies helps to lower vehicle emissions , supporting the decarbonisation of the transport sector and reducing noise pollution harmful to human health . an increased uptake of low - and zero - emission road vehicles is likely to reduce emissions of co2 and certain pollutant emissions and to promote competitiveness and growth of the european industry in the increasing global markets for low - and zero - emission vehicles .


### innovation of new technologies helps to lower vehicle emissions , supporting the decarbonisation of the transport sector . an increased uptake of low - and zero - emission road vehicles is likely to reduce emissions of co2 and certain pollutant emissions and to promote competitiveness and growth of the european industry in the increasing global markets for low - and zero - emission vehicles . ### innovation of new technologies helps to lower vehicle emissions , supporting the decarbonisation of the transport sector . an increased uptake of low - and zero - emission road vehicles will to reduce emissions of co2 and certain pollutant emissions and to promote competitiveness and growth of the european industry in the increasing global markets for low - and zero - emission vehicles .


### public authorities , through their procurement policy , can establish and support markets for innovative goods and services . directives 2014 / 24 / eu24 and 2014 / 25 / eu25 set out minimum harmonised public procurement rules harmonising the way public authorities and certain public utility operators purchase goods , works and services . in particular , they set overall thresholds for the volume of contracts to be subject to union legislation , which also apply to the clean vehicles directive . _________________ 24 oj l 94 , 28 . 3 . 2014 , p . 65 - 242 . 25 oj l 94 , 28 . 3 . 2014 , p . 243 – 374 . ### taking into account that government expenditure on goods , works and services represents around 14% of gdp , public authorities , through their procurement policy , can establish and support markets for innovative goods and services . directives 2014 / 24 / eu24 and 2014 / 25 / eu25 set out minimum harmonised public procurement rules harmonising the way public authorities and certain public utility operators purchase goods , works and services . in particular , they set overall thresholds for the volume of contracts to be subject to union legislation , which also apply to the clean vehicles directive . _________________ 24 oj l 94 , 28 . 3 . 2014 , p . 65 - 242 . 25 oj l 94 , 28 . 3 . 2014 , p . 243 – 374 .


### the impact assessment carried out underlines the benefits of changing the overall governance approach to clean vehicle procurement at union level . setting minimum procurement targets can effectively reach the objective of impacting market uptake of clean vehicles in comparison to relying on the internalisation of external cost into overall procurement decisions , while noting the relevance to consider environmental aspects in all procurement decisions . the medium and long - term benefits for european citizens and enterprises fully justify this approach insofar as it does not prescribe a specific technology to use for contracting authorities , entities and operators . ### the impact assessment carried out underlines the benefits of changing the overall governance approach to clean and energy - efficient vehicle procurement at union level . setting minimum procurement targets can effectively reach the objective of impacting market uptake of clean vehicles in comparison to relying on the internalisation of external cost into overall procurement decisions , while noting the relevance to consider environmental aspects in all procurement decisions . the medium and long - term benefits for european citizens and enterprises fully justify this approach insofar as it does not prescribe a specific technology to use for contracting authorities , entities and operators .


### there is widespread support from key stakeholders for a definition of clean vehicles taking account of reduction requirements for greenhouse gases and air pollutant emissions from light - and heavy - duty vehicles . to ensure that there are adequate incentives to supporting market - uptake of low - and zero - emission vehicles in the union , provisions for their public procurement under this amendment should be aligned with provisions of union legislation on co2 emission performance of cars and vans for the post - 2020 period26 . action carried out under the amended directive will contribute to compliance with the requirements of these standards . a more ambitious approach for public procurement can provide an important additional market stimulus . _________________ 26 com 676 final ### the amended directive should contribute to a reduction of emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse from light - and heavy - duty vehicles . to ensure that there are adequate incentives to supporting market - uptake of low - and zero - emission vehicles in the union , provisions for their public procurement under this amendment should be aligned with provisions of union legislation on co2 emission performance of cars and vans for the post - 2020 period26 - this approach must also apply to heavy - duty vehicles . action carried out under the amended directive will contribute to compliance with the requirements of these standards . a more ambitious approach for public procurement can provide an important additional market stimulus ; in particular , the supply of heavy - duty vehicles must be further stimulated , due to the less advanced level of market maturity of ' clean ' heavy - duty vehicles . _________________ 26 com 676 final


### setting minimum targets for clean vehicle procurement by 2025 and by 2030 at member state level should contribute to policy certainty for markets where investments in low - and zero - emission mobility are warranted . the minimum targets support market creation throughout the union . they provide time for the adjustment of public procurement processes and give a clear market signal . the impact assessment notes that member states increasingly set targets , depending on their economic capacity and how serious the problem is . different targets should be set for different member states in accordance with their economic capacity and exposure to pollution . minimum procurement targets should be complemented by the obligation of the contracting authorities , entities and operators to consider relevant energy and environmental aspects in all their procurement procedures . the territorial impact assessment of this amended directive illustrated that the impact will be evenly distributed among regions in the union . ### setting minimum targets for clean vehicle procurement by 2025 and by 2030 at member state level should contribute to policy certainty for markets where investments in low - and zero - emission mobility are warranted . the minimum targets support market creation throughout the union . they provide time for the adjustment of public procurement processes and give a clear market signal , while at the same time helping to provide a good example for the public . the impact assessment notes that member states increasingly set targets , depending on their economic capacity and how serious the problem is . different targets should be set for different member states in accordance with their economic capacity and exposure to pollution ; however , it is still necessary to seek rapid harmonization by the member states , especially those sharing a border . minimum procurement targets should be complemented by the obligation of the contracting authorities , entities and operators to consider relevant energy , environmental and noise abatement aspects in all their procurement procedures . the territorial impact assessment of this amended directive illustrated that the impact will be evenly distributed among regions in the union .


### setting minimum targets for clean vehicle procurement by 2025 and by 2030 at member state level should contribute to policy certainty for markets where investments in low - and zero - emission mobility are warranted . the minimum targets support market creation throughout the union . they provide time for the adjustment of public procurement processes and give a clear market signal . the impact assessment notes that member states increasingly set targets , depending on their economic capacity and how serious the problem is . different targets should be set for different member states in accordance with their economic capacity and exposure to pollution . minimum procurement targets should be complemented by the obligation of the contracting authorities , entities and operators to consider relevant energy and environmental aspects in all their procurement procedures . the territorial impact assessment of this amended directive illustrated that the impact will be evenly distributed among regions in the union . ### setting minimum targets for clean vehicle procurement to be achieved by 2025 and by 2030 at member state level should contribute to policy certainty for markets where investments in low - and zero - emission mobility are warranted . the minimum targets support market creation throughout the union . they provide time for the adjustment of public procurement processes and give a clear market signal . the impact assessment notes that member states increasingly set targets , depending on their economic capacity and how serious the problem is . different targets should be set for different member states in accordance with their economic capacity and exposure to pollution . minimum procurement targets should be complemented by the obligation of the contracting authorities , entities and operators to consider relevant energy and environmental aspects in all their procurement procedures . the territorial impact assessment of this amended directive illustrated that the impact will be evenly distributed among regions in the union .


### the maximum impact can be achieved if public procurement of clean vehicles is targeted in areas that have a relatively high degree of air pollution . public authorities in member states are encouraged to particularly focus on those areas when concluding the implementation of their domestic minimum targets and to reflect related action in their reporting under this amended directive . ### the maximum impact can be achieved if public procurement of clean vehicles is targeted in areas that have a relatively high degree of air and noise pollution . public authorities in member states are encouraged to particularly focus on those areas when concluding the implementation of their domestic minimum targets and to reflect related action in their reporting under this amended directive .


### life - cycle costing is an important tool for contracting authorities and entities to cover energy and environmental costs during the life - cycle of a vehicle , including the cost of greenhouse gas emission and other pollutant emissions on the basis of a relevant methodology to determine their monetary value . given the scarce use of the methodology for the calculation of operational lifetime costs under directive 2009 / 33 / eu and the information provided by contracting authorities and entities on the use of own methodologies tailored to their specific circumstances and needs , there should be no methodology mandatory to use , but contracting authorities , contracting entities or operators should be able to choose any life - costing methodology in order to support their procurement processes . ### life - cycle costing with appropriate monitoring and management instruments is an important tool for contracting authorities and entities to cover energy and environmental costs during the life - cycle of a vehicle , including the cost of greenhouse gas emission and other pollutant emissions on the basis of a relevant methodology to determine their monetary value .


### reporting on public procurement under this amended directive should provide a clear market overview to enable effective monitoring of the implementation . it should start with an intermediate report in 2023 and continue with a first full report on the implementation of the minimum targets in 2026 and thereafter every three years . to minimise administrative burden on single public bodies and establish an effective market overview , simple reporting should be facilitated . the commission will ensure full reporting for low - and zero - emission and other alternative - fuel vehicles within the context of the common procurement vocabulary of the union . specific codes in the common procurement vocabulary will help the registration and monitoring under the tender electronic daily database . ### reporting on public procurement under this amended directive should provide a clear market overview to enable effective monitoring of the implementation . it should start with an intermediate report in 2023 and continue with a first full report on the implementation of the minimum targets in 2026 and thereafter every three years . to minimise administrative burden and additional costs for single public bodies and establish an effective market overview , simple reporting should be facilitated . the commission will ensure full reporting for low - and zero - emission and other alternative - fuel vehicles within the context of the common procurement vocabulary of the union . specific codes in the common procurement vocabulary will help the registration and monitoring under the tender electronic daily database .


### a vehicle of category m1 or m2 with a maximum tail - pipe emission expressed in co2g / km and real driving pollutant emissions below a percentage of the applicable emission limits as referred to in table 2 in the annex , or ; ### a vehicle of category l , m1 or m2 with a maximum tail - pipe emission expressed in co2g / km and real driving pollutant emissions below a percentage of the applicable emission limits as referred to in table 2 in the annex , or ;


### member states shall ensure that purchase , lease , rent or hire - purchase of road transport vehicles , and public service contracts on public passenger transport by road and rail and public service contracts as referred to in article 3 of this directive comply with the minimum procurement targets for light - duty vehicles referred to in table 4 of the annex and for heavy - duty vehicles referred to in table 5 in the annex . ### member states shall ensure that purchase , lease , rent , hire - purchase or retrofitting to clean or zero - emission vehicle standards of road transport vehicles , and public service contracts on public passenger transport by road and rail and public service contracts as referred to in article 3 of this directive comply with the minimum procurement targets for light - duty vehicles referred to in table 4 of the annex and for heavy - duty vehicles referred to in table 5 in the annex .


### member state authorities may apply higher minimum mandates than those referred to in the annex of this directive . ### given that this directive is meant to foster the market for clean vehicles and improve air quality , member state authorities are encouraged to apply higher minimum mandates than those referred to in the annex of this directive .


### member states shall submit to the commission a report on the implementation of this directive by 1 january 2026 , and every three years thereafter . member states shall submit to the commission an intermediate report by 1 january 2023 . that report shall contain information on the steps undertaken to implement this directive , including on the number and the categories of vehicles procured by authorities and entities , on the dialogue carried out between the different levels of governance , information on member states ' intentions regarding the above reporting activities , as well as any other valuable information . information’s should follow the categories contained in regulation no 2195 / 2002 on the common procurement vocabulary 31 as noted in the annex . _________________ 31 oj l 340 , 16 . 12 . 2002 , p . 1 , ### member states shall submit to the commission a report on the implementation of this directive by 1 january 2026 , and every three years thereafter . member states shall submit to the commission an intermediate report by 1 january 2023 . that report shall contain information on the steps undertaken to implement this directive , including on the number and the categories of vehicles procured by authorities and entities , on the dialogue carried out between the different levels of governance , information on member states ' intentions regarding the above reporting activities , as well as information on the financial instruments already available or in preparation and on the member states ' strategies to foster the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure , in particular for public transport networks . information’s should follow the categories contained in regulation no 2195 / 2002 on the common procurement vocabulary 31 as noted in the annex . _________________ 31 oj l 340 , 16 . 12 . 2002 , p . 1 ,


### the burden of proof of justification and proportionality lies on the member states . the reasons for regulation invoked by a member state by way of justification should thus be accompanied by an analysis of the appropriateness and proportionality of the measure adopted by that state and by specific evidence substantiating its arguments . ### the burden of proof of justification and proportionality lies on the member states . the reasons for regulation invoked by a member state by way of justification should thus be accompanied by an analysis of the appropriateness and proportionality of the measure adopted by that state and by specific evidence substantiating its arguments . this should not prevent member states from taking immediate measures in the field of health care which they consider necessary to protect public health .