### considering that the internal market as set out in article 3 of the treaty on european union includes a system ensuring that competition is not distorted , the programme should support the union’s competition policy , networks and cooperation with national authorities and courts , as well as outreach to a wider group of stakeholders in communicating and explaining the rights , benefits and obligations of union competition policy . ### considering that the internal market includes a system of rules ensuring that competition is not unnecessarily distorted , the programme should support the union’s competition policy , networks and cooperation with national authorities and courts , as well as outreach to a wider group of stakeholders in communicating and explaining the rights , benefits and obligations of union competition policy .


### the programme in particular needs to tackle the radical implications for competition and the functioning of the internal market resulting from the ongoing transformation of the economy and business environment , in particular through the exponential growth and use of data , taking account of the increasing recourse to artificial intelligence and other it tools and expertise by companies and their advisors . it is also essential that the programme supports networks and cooperation with member state authorities and courts , considering that undistorted competition and the functioning of the internal market depend critically on action by those entities . in view of the particular role of competition policy in preventing harm to the internal market resulting from anticompetitive conduct beyond the union’s border , the programme should also support cooperation with third country authorities , as appropriate . finally , widening outreach activities is necessary in order to allow more citizens and businesses to reap the full benefits of fair competition in the internal market . given that a number of initiatives in the programme are new and that the competition part of the programme is particularly affected by dynamic developments in the conditions of competition in the internal market , notably relating to artificial intelligence , algorithms , big data , cybersecurity and forensic technology , the pace and magnitude of which are difficult to estimate , it is anticipated that flexibility will be required to face the evolving needs under this part of the programme . ### the programme in particular needs to tackle the radical implications for competition and the functioning of the internal market resulting from the ongoing transformation of the economy and business environment the digital economy , in particular through the exponential growth and use of data , taking account of the increasing recourse to artificial intelligence and other it tools and expertise by companies and their advisors . it is also essential that the programme supports networks and cooperation with member state authorities and courts , considering that undistorted competition and the functioning of the internal market depend critically also on action by those entities . in view of the particular role of competition policy in preventing harm to the internal market resulting from anticompetitive conduct beyond the union’s border , the programme should in addition support cooperation with third country authorities , where appropriate . finally , widening outreach activities is necessary in order to allow more citizens and businesses to reap the full benefits of fair competition in the internal market . given that a number of initiatives in the programme are new and that the competition part of the programme is particularly affected by dynamic developments in the conditions of competition in the internal market , notably relating to the digital economy , including artificial intelligence , algorithms , big data , cybersecurity and forensic technology , the pace and magnitude of which are difficult to estimate , it is anticipated that flexibility will be required to face the evolving needs under this part of the programme .


### to overcome these market failures and to ensure that smes continue to play their role as the foundation for the union economy´s competitiveness , small and medium sized enterprises need extra support through debt and equity instruments to be established under the sme window of the investeu fund established by regulation [ … ] of the european parliament and of the council52 . the loan guarantee facility put in place under regulation no 1287 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council53 has a proven added value and is expected to bring a positive contribution to at least 500 000 smes ; a successor will be established under the sme window of the investeu fund . _________________ 52 com 439 final 53 regulation no 1287 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing a programme for the competitiveness of enterprises and small and medium - sized enterprises and repealing decision no 1639 / 2006 / ec . ### to overcome these market failures and to ensure that smes continue to play their role as the foundation for the union economy´s competitiveness , small and medium sized enterprises need extra support also through debt and equity instruments to be established under the sme window of the investeu fund established by regulation [ … ] of the european parliament and of the council52 . the loan guarantee facility put in place under regulation no 1287 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council53 has a proven added value and is expected to bring a positive contribution to at least 500 000 smes ; a successor will be established under the sme window of the investeu fund . _________________ 52 com 439 final 53 regulation no 1287 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing a programme for the competitiveness of enterprises and small and medium - sized enterprises and repealing decision no 1639 / 2006 / ec .


### the programme should provide effective support for smes throughout their life - cycle . it should build on the unique knowledge and expertise developed with regard to smes and industrial sectors and on a long experience in working with european , national and regional stakeholders . this support should build on the successful experience of the enterprise europe network as a one - stop - shop to improve smes competitiveness and develop their business in the single market and beyond . the network plans to continue delivering services on behalf of other union programmes , notably for the horizon2020 programme , using the financial resources of these programmes . also the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs should remain the tool to enable new or aspiring entrepreneurs to gain business experience by matching with an experienced entrepreneur from another country and thus allow strengthening entrepreneurial talents . the programme should further strive to grow and extend its geographical coverage and thus offer wider range of matching possibilities to entrepreneurs in complementarity with other union initiatives where relevant . ### the programme should provide effective support for smes throughout their life - cycle . it should build on the unique knowledge and expertise developed with regard to smes , industrial and service sectors , including tourism , and on a long experience in working with european , national and regional stakeholders . this support should build on the successful experience of the enterprise europe network as a one - stop - shop to improve smes competitiveness and develop their business in the single market and beyond . the network plans to continue delivering services on behalf of other union programmes , notably for the horizon2020 programme , using the financial resources of these programmes . also the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs should remain the tool to enable new or aspiring entrepreneurs to gain business experience by matching with an experienced entrepreneur from another country and thus allow strengthening entrepreneurial talents . the programme should further strive to grow and fully extend its geographical coverage and thus offer wider range of matching possibilities to entrepreneurs in complementarity with other union initiatives where relevant .


### the union contributes to ensuring a high level of consumer protection , empowering consumers and putting them at the heart of the internal market by supporting and complementing member states’ policies in seeking to ensure that citizens when acting as consumers can fully reap the benefits of the internal market and that , in so doing , their safety and legal and economic interests are properly protected by means of concrete actions . the union has also to ensure that consumer and product safety laws are properly and equally enforced on the ground and that businesses enjoy a level playing field with fair competition in the internal market . moreover , it is necessary to empower , encourage and assist consumers in making sustainable choices , thus contributing to a sustainable , energy and resource efficient and circular economy . ### the union contributes to ensuring a high level of consumer protection , empowering consumers and putting them at the heart of the internal market by supporting and complementing member states’ policies in seeking to ensure that citizens when acting as consumers can fully reap the benefits of the internal market and that , in so doing , their safety and legal and economic interests are properly protected by means of concrete actions . the union has also to ensure that consumer and product safety laws are properly and equally enforced on the ground and that businesses enjoy a level playing field with fair competition in the internal market . moreover , it is necessary to empower , encourage and assist consumers in making sustainable choices , thus contributing to a sustainable , energy and resource efficient and circular economy which follows the goals set under the un 2030 agenda for sustainable development .


### citizens are particularly affected by the functioning of financial services markets . these are a key component of the internal market and require a solid framework for regulation and supervision which ensures not only financial stability and a sustainable economy , but also provides a high level of protection to consumers and other financial services end users , including retail investors , savers , insurance policyholders , pension fund members and beneficiaries , individual shareholders , borrowers and smes . it is important to enhance their capacity to participate in policy making for the financial sector . ### citizens are particularly affected by the functioning of financial services markets and should , therefore , be further informed on pertinent rights , risks and benefits . these are a key component of the internal market and require a solid framework for regulation and supervision which ensures not only financial stability and a sustainable economy , but also provides a high level of protection to consumers and other financial services end users , including retail investors , savers , insurance policyholders , pension fund members and beneficiaries , individual shareholders , borrowers and smes . it is important to enhance their capacity to participate in policy making for the financial sector .


### the programme should therefore continue to support the specific activities covered by the 2017 - 2020 capacity - building programme enhancing the involvement of consumers and other financial services end - users in union policy - making , as set out in regulation 2017 / 826 of the european parliament and of the council60 which continued the pilot programme and preparatory action of the years 2012 - 2017 . this is necessary in order to provide policy makers with views from stakeholders other than financial sector professionals and ensure a better representation of the interests of consumers and other financial services end - users . this should result in better financial services policies , notably thanks to a better public understanding of the issues at stake in financial regulation and enhanced financial literacy . _________________ 60 regulation 2017 / 826 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 may 2017 on establishing a union programme to support specific activities enhancing the involvement of consumers and other financial services end - users in union policy - making in the area of financial services for the period 2017 - 2020 . ### the programme should therefore continue to support the specific activities covered by the 2017 - 2020 capacity - building programme enhancing the involvement of consumers and other financial services end - users in union policy - making , as set out in regulation 2017 / 826 of the european parliament and of the council60 which continued the pilot programme and preparatory action of the years 2012 - 2017 . this is necessary in order to provide policy makers with views from stakeholders other than financial sector professionals and ensure a better representation of the interests of consumers and other financial services end - users . the programme shall continuously develop its methodology and best practices on how to increase the engagement of consumers and financial - services end - users in order to identify issues relevant for union policy - making and ensuring the interests of consumers in the area of financial services . this should result in better financial services policies , notably thanks to a better public understanding of the issues at stake in financial regulation and enhanced financial literacy . _________________ 60 regulation 2017 / 826 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 may 2017 on establishing a union programme to support specific activities enhancing the involvement of consumers and other financial services end - users in union policy - making in the area of financial services for the period 2017 - 2020 .


### european statistics are indispensable for union decision - making and for the measurement of the performance and impact of union initiatives . therefore , the continued provision and development of european statistics , taking a union - wide approach and going beyond an internal market perspective should be ensured in order to cover all union activities and policy areas , including empowering businesses and citizens to take informed decisions . ### european statistics are indispensable for union decision - making and for the measurement of the performance and impact of union initiatives . therefore , the continued provision and development of european statistics , taking a union - wide approach and going beyond an internal market perspective should be ensured in order to cover all union activities and policy areas , including empowering citizens and businesses to take informed decisions , specifically in the framework of the programme dealing with the social dimension of europe and its stated objective to support the european pillar of social rights .


### considering the increasing interconnectivity of the world economy , the programme should continue to provide the possibility of involving external experts , such as officials of third countries , representatives of international organisations or economic operators in certain activities . ### considering the increasing interconnectivity of the world economy , including the digital economy , the programme should continue to provide the possibility of involving external experts , such as officials of third countries , representatives of international organisations or economic operators in certain activities .


### where relevant the programme ' s actions should be used to address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , in a proportionate manner , without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear european added value . ### where relevant the programme ' s actions should be used to address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , with special consideration to the peripheral regions of the eu , in a proportionate manner , without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear european added value .


### regulation 2016 / 679 of the european parliament and of the council90 governs the processing of personal data carried out in the member states in the context of this regulation and under the supervision of the member states competent authorities . regulation 45 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council91 governs the processing of personal data carried out by the commission within the framework of this regulation and under the supervision of the european data protection supervisor . any exchange or transmission of information by competent authorities is to comply with the rules on the transfer of personal data as laid down in regulation 2016 / 679 and any exchange or transmission of information by the commission is to comply with the rules on the transfer of personal data as laid down in regulation no 45 / 2001 . _________________ 90 regulation 2016 / 679 of the european parliament and of the council of 27 april 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data , and repealing directive 95 / 46 / ec . 91 regulation no 45 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data . ### regulation 2016 / 679 of the european parliament and of the council90 governs the processing of personal data carried out in the member states in the context of this regulation and under the supervision of the member states competent authorities . regulation 45 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council91 governs the processing of personal data carried out by the commission within the framework of this regulation and under the supervision of the european data protection supervisor . any exchange or transmission of information by competent authorities , including in the process of developing and disseminating statistics where the principle of statistical confidentiality is also recognised through regulation no223 / 2009 , is to comply with the rules on the transfer of personal data as laid down in regulation 2016 / 679 and any exchange or transmission of information by the commission is to comply with the rules on the transfer of personal data as laid down in regulation no 45 / 2001 . _________________ 90 regulation 2016 / 679 of the european parliament and of the council of 27 april 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data , and repealing directive 95 / 46 / ec . 91 regulation no 45 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data .


### this regulation establishes the programme for improving the functioning of the internal market and the competitiveness of enterprises , including micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and the framework for financing of development , production and dissemination of european statistics within the meaning of article 13 of regulation no 223 / 2009 . ### this regulation establishes the programme for improving the functioning of the internal market to the benefit of all eu citizens and , in this respect , the competitiveness of enterprises , including micro , small and medium - sized enterprises , financial services , and the framework for financing of development , production and dissemination of european statistics within the meaning of article 13 of regulation no 223 / 2009 .


### to provide high - quality , comparable and reliable statistics on europe which underpin the design , monitoring and evaluation of all the union policies and help policy makers , businesses , academia , citizens and media to make informed decisions and actively participate in the democratic process . ### to provide high - quality , comparable , reliable , and well - timed statistics on europe , as well as on pertinent issues that impact the internal market , such as those related to trade and migration , which underpin the design , monitoring and evaluation of all the union policies and help citizens , policy makers , businesses , academia , and media to make informed decisions and actively participate in the democratic process .


### support the development of high - quality international financial reporting and auditing standards , facilitate their integration into the union law and promote the innovation and development of best practices in corporate reporting ; ### support the development of high - quality international financial reporting and auditing standards , facilitate their integration into the union law and promote the innovation and development of best practices in corporate reporting for both small and big companies ;


### enhancing the participation of consumers , other financial services end - users and civil society in financial services policy - making ; promoting a better understanding of the financial sector ; ### enhancing the participation of consumers , other financial services end - users and civil society in financial services policy - making ; promoting a better understanding of the financial sector and ensuring the interests of consumers in the area of retail financial services ;


### creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market , including businesses , citizens and consumers , civil society and public authorities through transparent information and awareness raising campaigns , best practice exchange , promotion of good practices , exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge and organization of trainings ; ### creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market , including citizens and consumers , businesses , &#160 ; civil society and public authorities through transparent information and awareness raising campaigns , best practice exchange , promotion of good practices , exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge and organization of trainings ;


### support for the effective enforcement and modernisation of the union legal framework and its rapid adaptation to the ever - changing environment , including through data gathering and analyses ; studies , evaluations and policy recommendations ; organization of demonstration activities and pilot projects ; communication activities ; development of dedicated it tools ensuring transparent and efficient functioning of the internal market . ### support for the effective enforcement and modernisation of the union legal framework and its rapid adaptation to the ever - changing environment , particularly in the digital context , including through data gathering and analyses ; studies , evaluations and policy recommendations ; organization of demonstration activities and pilot projects ; communication activities ; development of dedicated it tools ensuring transparent and efficient functioning of the internal market .


### facilitating smes ' access to markets , supporting them in addressing global and societal challenges and business internationalisation , and strengthening union industrial leadership in global value chains , including the enterprise europe network ; ### facilitating smes ' access to eu and global markets , supporting them in addressing global and societal challenges and business internationalisation , and strengthening union industrial leadership in global value chains , including the enterprise europe network ;


### addressing market barriers , administrative burden and creating a favourable business environment to empower smes to benefit from the internal market ; ### addressing market barriers , including geographical barriers , administrative burden and creating a favourable business environment to empower smes from all eu regions to be able to equally benefit from the internal market ;


### facilitating the growth of businesses , including skills development , and industrial transformation across manufacturing and service sectors ; ### facilitating the growth of businesses in line with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development , including skills development , digital , and industrial transformation across manufacturing and service sectors ;


### –better measuring of trade in services , foreign direct investment , global value chains and the impact of globalisation on the union economies . ### –better measuring of trade in goods and services , foreign direct investment , global value chains and the impact of globalisation on the union economies .


### –providing high quality , timely and reliable statistics to support the european pillar of social rights and the union skills policy , including statistics on the labour market , employment , education and training , income , living conditions , poverty , inequality , social protection , undeclared work and satellite accounts on skills ; ### –providing high quality , timely and reliable statistics to support the european pillar of social rights and the union skills policy , including , but not exclusive to , statistics on the labour market , employment , education and training , income , living conditions , poverty , inequality , social protection , undeclared work and satellite accounts on skills ;


### against this background , it is necessary to establish a structural reform support programme with the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement growth - enhancing administrative and structural reforms , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . the programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery , job creation , boosting europe ' s competitiveness and stimulating investment in the real economy . ### against this background , it is necessary to establish a structural reform support programme with the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement growth - enhancing administrative and structural reforms , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . the programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery and job creation , guaranteeing a high level of social protection and high - quality health and education services , combating poverty and social exclusion and boosting europe ' s competitiveness and stimulating investment in the real economy .


### their complementarity and synergy with other union programmes and policies at national , union and international level ; ### their complementarity and synergy with other union programmes and policies at national , regional , local , union and international level ;


### to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design their reforms according to priorities , taking into account initial conditions and expected socio - economic impacts ; ### to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design their reforms in such a way that they promote growth and social well - being according to priorities , taking into account initial conditions and expected socio - economic impacts ;


### to support the national authorities to enhance their capacity to formulate , develop and implement reform policies and strategies and pursue an integrated approach ensuring consistency between goals and means across sectors ; ### to support the national authorities to enhance their capacity to formulate , develop and implement reform policies and strategies connected with growth and social well - being and pursue an integrated approach ensuring consistency between goals and means across sectors ;


### these objectives shall be pursued in close cooperation with beneficiary member states ### these objectives shall be pursued in close cooperation with beneficiary member states and with due respect for member states’ priorities and for dialogue with the social partners .


### institutional reform and efficient and service - oriented functioning of public administration , effective rule of law , reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti - fraud , anti - corruption and anti - money laundering ; ### institutional reform and efficient and service - oriented functioning of an effective , high - quality , public service - oriented public administration , effective rule of law , reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti - fraud , anti - corruption and anti - money laundering , as well as policies aiming at combating tax avoidance and evasion ;


### institutional reform and efficient and service - oriented functioning of public administration , effective rule of law , reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti - fraud , anti - corruption and anti - money laundering ; ### institutional reform and efficient and high - quality public service - oriented functioning of public administration , effective rule of law , reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti - fraud , anti - corruption and anti - money laundering ;


### education and training , labour market policies , social inclusion , social security and social welfare systems , public health and healthcare systems , asylum , migration and borders policies ; ### education and training , labour market policies for the creation of good jobs , social inclusion , social security and social welfare systems , public health systems , the fight against poverty , and healthcare systems , and asylum , migration and borders policies ;


### taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state . taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes , the commission in close cooperation with the member state concerned shall identify the priority areas for support , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support . ### taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state . taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes and international organisations , the commission in close cooperation with the member state concerned shall identify the priority areas for support , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support . the commission shall respond to the support request of a member state within two months upon submission of the request .


### taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state . taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes , the commission in close cooperation with the member state concerned shall identify the priority areas for support , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support . ### taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment , respect for the role of the social partners and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state . taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes , the commission in close cooperation with the member state concerned shall identify the priority areas for support , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support .


### the commission may define the support envisaged for beneficiary member states in cooperation with other member states or international organisations . ### the organization of support shall be defined under a support agreement between the commission and the beneficiary member state . support shall be tailored to the specific situation in the requesting member state .


### the beneficiary member state , in coordination with the commission , may enter into partnership with one or more other member states which shall act as reform partners in respect of specific areas of reform . a reform partner shall , in coordination with the commission , help formulate strategy , reform roadmaps , design high - quality assistance or oversee implementation of strategy and projects . ### the commission , in coordination with the beneficiary member state , shall select reform partners in respect of specific areas of reform . a reform partner shall implement the actions envisaged in the support agreement according to article 6 , in cooperation with the beneficiary member state .


### the beneficiary member state , in coordination with the commission , may enter into partnership with one or more other member states which shall act as reform partners in respect of specific areas of reform . a reform partner shall , in coordination with the commission , help formulate strategy , reform roadmaps , design high - quality assistance or oversee implementation of strategy and projects . ### the beneficiary member state , in coordination with the commission , may enter into partnership with one or more other member states which shall act as reform partners in respect of specific areas of reform on the basis of a reciprocal agreement . a reform partner shall , in coordination with the commission and the beneficiary member state , help formulate strategy , reform roadmaps , design high - quality assistance or oversee implementation of strategy and projects . the commission and the member states shall keep the european parliament and national parliaments , respectively , fully informed about the participation of a partner in the reform and its role in the cooperation and support plan .


### grants may be awarded to member states ' national authorities , the european investment bank group , international organisations , public and / or private bodies and entities legally established in any of the following : ### grants may be awarded to member states ' national , regional and local authorities , the european investment bank group , international organisations , and public bodies and entities legally established in any of the following :


### grants may be awarded to member states ' national authorities , the european investment bank group , international organisations , public and / or private bodies and entities legally established in any of the following : ### grants may be awarded to reform partners . eligible reform partners are : member states ' national authorities , the european investment bank group , international organisations , public and / or private bodies and entities legally established in any of the following :


### support may also be provided by individual experts who may be invited to contribute to selected activities organised under the programme wherever that is necessary for the achievement of the specific objectives set out in articles 5 . ### support may also be provided by individual experts who may be invited to contribute to selected activities organised under the programme wherever that is necessary for the achievement of the specific objectives set out in article 5 . experts shall be selected on the basis of their experience in the area concerned and their professional career .


### in order to implement the programme , the commission shall adopt , by way of implementing acts , multi - annual work programmes . multi - annual work programmes shall set out the policy objectives pursued through the envisaged support and the expected results , as well as funding priorities in the relevant policy areas . the multi - annual work programmes shall be further specified in annual work programmes , adopted by way of implementing acts , identifying the measures needed for their implementation , together with all the elements required by regulation no 966 / 2012 . ### the commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 16 for the adoption of multi - annual work programmes . multi - annual work programmes shall set out the policy objectives pursued through the envisaged support and the expected results , as well as funding priorities in the relevant policy areas . the multi - annual work programmes shall be further specified in annual work programmes , adopted by way of implementing acts , identifying the measures needed for their implementation , together with all the elements required by regulation no 966 / 2012 .


### to ensure timely availability of resources , the annual work programme may indicate that in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring an immediate response , including a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a member state going beyond its control , the commission may , on request by a member state , adopt special measures in accordance with the objectives and actions defined in this regulation to support the national authorities in addressing urgent needs . such special measures may account only for a limited proportion of the annual work programme and shall not be subject to the conditions set out in article 7 . ### to ensure timely availability of resources , the annual work programme may indicate that in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring an immediate response , including a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a member state going beyond its control , the commission may , on request by a member state , adopt special exceptional measures in accordance with the objectives and actions defined in this regulation to support the national authorities in addressing urgent needs . such special measures may account only for a limited proportion of the annual work programme and shall not be subject to the conditions set out in article 7 . these special measures shall end within six months and may be replaced by support in accordance with the conditions set out in article 7 .


### ensure close cooperation between those responsible for implementation at union and national level to deliver coherent and streamlined support actions . ### ensure close cooperation between those responsible for implementation at union and local , regional and national level to deliver coherent and streamlined support actions .


### the commission shall take appropriate measures ensuring that , when actions financed under this regulation are implemented , the financial interests of the union are protected by the application of preventive measures against fraud , corruption and any other illegal activities , by effective checks and , if irregularities are detected , by the recovery of the amounts wrongly paid and , where appropriate , by effective , proportionate and deterrent penalties . ### the commission shall take appropriate measures ensuring that , when actions financed under this regulation are implemented , the financial interests of the union are protected by the application of preventive measures against fraud , corruption and any other illegal activities , by effective checks and , if irregularities are detected , by the recovery of the amounts unduly paid or incorrectly used and , where appropriate , by effective , proportionate , administrative and financial penalties in accordance with regulation no 966 / 2012 .


### the commission shall provide the european parliament and the council with an interim evaluation report , by mid of 2019 , at the latest , and an ex - post evaluation report by end of december 2021 . ### the commission shall provide the european parliament and the council with annual monitoring reports , including requests that have been rejected , on the implementation of the programme including an analysis of the application of the criteria referred to in article 7 for assessing the requests for support submitted by member states and an analysis , where possible , of the impact of technical assistance , as well as an interim evaluation report , by mid of 2019 , at the latest , and an ex - post evaluation report by end of december 2021 . the final evaluations shall be carried out by the commission or its european control bodies .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in the second subparagraph of article 15 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of four years from 1 january 2017 . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 12 and the second subparagraph of article 15 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of four years from 1 january 2017 .


### the delegation of power referred to in the second subparagraph of article 15 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect on the day following publication in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force . ### the delegation of power referred to in article 12 and the second subparagraph of article 15 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect on the day following publication in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force .


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to the second subparagraph of article 15 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or by the council within a period of two months of the notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 12 and the second subparagraph of article 15 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or by the council within a period of two months of the notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council .


### the number and type of national authorities , administration services and other public entities such as national ministries or regulatory authorities , by beneficiary member state to which support under the programme was provided ; ### the number and type of national , regional and local authorities , administration services and other public entities such as national ministries or regulatory authorities , by beneficiary member state to which support under the programme was provided ;


### support recipients from the beneficiary member state such as national authorities . ### support recipients from the beneficiary member state such as national , regional or local authorities .


### in its communication “a european solidarity corps” of 7 december 201618 , the commission emphasised the need to strengthen the foundations for solidarity work across europe , to provide young people with more and better opportunities for solidarity activities covering a broad range of areas , and to support national and local actors , in their efforts to cope with different challenges and crises . the communication launched a first phase of the european solidarity corps whereby different union programmes have been mobilised to offer volunteering , traineeship or job opportunities to young people across the eu . these activities , whether implemented before or after the entry into force of this regulation , should continue to apply the rules and conditions set by the respective union programmes that have financed them under the first phase of the european solidarity corps . _________________ 18 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions a european solidarity corps , com 942 final of 7 . 12 . 2016 . ### in its communication “a european solidarity corps” of 7 december 201618 , the commission emphasised the need to strengthen the foundations for solidarity work across europe , to provide young people with more and better opportunities for solidarity activities covering a broad range of areas , and to support national and local actors , in their efforts to cope with different challenges and crises . the communication launched a first phase of the european solidarity corps whereby different union programmes and initiatives have been mobilised designed to offer more opportunities for young people not only to carry out volunteering activities , but also to obtain a job , traineeship or apprenticeship with an activity which entails solidarity – at home or abroad . these activities , whether implemented before or after the entry into force of this regulation , should continue to apply the rules and conditions set by the respective union programmes that have financed them under the first phase of the european solidarity corps . _________________ 18 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions a european solidarity corps , com 942 final of 7 . 12 . 2016 .


### young people should be provided with easily accessible opportunities to engage in solidarity activities , which could enable them to express their commitment to the benefit of communities while acquiring useful experience , skills and competences for their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , thereby improving their employability . those activities would also support the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers . ### young people should be provided with easily accessible opportunities to engage in solidarity activities , which could enable them to express their commitment to the benefit of communities while acquiring useful experience , skills and competences for their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , thereby improving their employability . those activities would also support the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers and bolster the european solidarity initiative targeting young people from rural communities .


### the european solidarity corps would provide a single entry point for solidarity activities throughout the union . consistency and complementarity of that framework should be ensured with other relevant union policies and programmes . the european solidarity corps should build on the strengths and synergies of existing programmes , notably the european voluntary service . it should also complement the efforts made by member states to support young people and ease their school - to - work transition under the youth guarantee19 by providing them with additional opportunities to make a start on the labour market in the form of traineeships or jobs in solidarity - related areas within their respective member state or across borders . complementarity with existing union level networks pertinent to the activities under the european solidarity corps , such as the european network of public employment services , eures and the eurodesk network , should also be ensured . furthermore , complementarity between existing related schemes , in particular national solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people , and the european solidarity corps should be ensured , building on good practices where appropriate . _________________ 19 council recommendation of 22 april 2013 on establishing a youth guarantee . ### the european solidarity corps would provide a single entry point for solidarity activities throughout the union . consistency and complementarity of that framework should be ensured with other relevant union policies and programmes . the european solidarity corps should build on the strengths and synergies of existing programmes , notably the european voluntary service . it should also complement the efforts made by member states to support young people and ease their school - to - work transition under the youth guarantee19 by providing them with additional opportunities to make a start on the labour market in the form of traineeships or jobs in solidarity - related areas within their respective member state or across borders . complementarity with existing union level networks pertinent to the activities under the european solidarity corps , such as the european network of public employment services , eures and the eurodesk network , should also be ensured . furthermore , complementarity between existing related schemes , in particular national solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people , including schemes operating at regional or local level , and the european solidarity corps should be ensured , building on good practices where appropriate . _________________ 19 council recommendation of 22 april 2013 on establishing a youth guarantee .


### in order to maximise the impact of the european solidarity corps , provisions should be made to allow other union programmes such as the asylum , migration and integration fund , the europe for citizens programme , the european regional development fund and the health programme to contribute to the objectives of the european solidarity corps by supporting activities within its scope . this contribution should be financed in accordance with the respective basic acts of the concerned programmes . once they have obtained a valid european solidarity corps quality label , the beneficiaries should be given access to the european solidarity corps portal and receive the quality and support measures provided according to the type of activity offered . ### in order to maximise the impact of the european solidarity corps , provisions should be made to allow other union programmes such as the asylum , migration and integration fund , the europe for citizens programme , the european regional development fund and the health programme to contribute to the objectives of the european solidarity corps by supporting activities within its scope . this contribution should be financed in accordance with the respective basic acts of the programmes concerned and as a complement to cohesion policy , with a view to securing greater involvement of young people , civil society , and existing volunteering schemes in member states . once they have obtained a valid european solidarity corps quality label , the beneficiaries should be given access to the european solidarity corps portal and receive the quality and support measures provided according to the type of activity offered .


### in order to maximise the impact of the european solidarity corps , provisions should be made to allow participating countries to make additional national funding available in accordance with the rules of the european solidarity corps . ### in order to maximise the impact of the european solidarity corps , provisions should be made to allow participating countries to make additional national , regional or local funding available in accordance with the rules of the european solidarity corps .


### appropriate outreach , publicity and dissemination of the opportunities and results of the actions supported by the european solidarity corps should be ensured at european , national and local level . the outreach , publicity and dissemination activities should rely on all the implementing bodies of the european solidarity corps , including , when relevant , with the support of other key stakeholders . ### appropriate outreach , publicity and dissemination of the opportunities and results of the actions supported by the european solidarity corps should be ensured at european , national , regional and local level . the outreach , publicity and dissemination activities should rely on all the implementing bodies of the european solidarity corps , including , when relevant , with the support of other key stakeholders .


### to ensure that the solidarity activities that are offered to the european solidarity corps participants contribute to addressing concrete , unmet societal needs and strengthening communities , are of high quality and properly validated . ### to ensure that the solidarity activities that are offered to the european solidarity corps participants contribute to addressing concrete , unmet societal and environmental needs and strengthening communities , are of high quality and properly validated .


### the commission and the participating countries shall cooperate to achieve efficiency and effectiveness , by ensuring coherence between national programmes and schemes related to solidarity , education , vocational training and youth on the one hand and actions under the european solidarity corps on the other hand . those actions shall build on relevant good practices and existing programmes . ### the commission and the participating countries shall cooperate to achieve efficiency and effectiveness , by ensuring coherence between national , regional and local programmes and schemes related to solidarity , education , vocational training and youth on the one hand and actions under the european solidarity corps on the other hand . those actions shall build on relevant good practices and existing programmes .


### a participating country may make national funding available to beneficiaries to be managed in accordance with the rules of the european solidarity corps and , to this end , use the decentralised structures of the european solidarity corps , as long as it ensures the complementary pro rata funding of these structures . ### a participating country or regional or local authority may make national funding available to beneficiaries to be managed in accordance with the rules of the european solidarity corps and , to this end , use the decentralised structures of the european solidarity corps , as long as it ensures the complementary pro rata funding of these structures .


### in order to implement this regulation , the commission shall adopt work programmes by way of implementing acts . each work programme shall ensure that the general and specific objectives set out in articles 3 and 4 are implemented in a consistent manner and shall outline the expected results , the method of implementation and its total amount . the work programmes shall also contain a description of the actions to be financed , an indication of the amount allocated to each action , an indication of the distribution of funds between the participating countries for the actions to be managed through the national agencies and an indicative implementation timetable . ### in order to implement this regulation , the commission shall adopt work programmes by way of delegated acts in accordance with article 25a . each work programme shall ensure that the general and specific objectives set out in articles 3 and 4 are implemented in a consistent manner and shall outline the expected results , the method of implementation and its total amount . the work programmes shall also contain a description of the actions to be financed , an indication of the amount allocated to each action , an indication of the distribution of funds between the participating countries for the actions to be managed through the national agencies and an indicative implementation timetable .


### in order to support the harmonious development of the union ' s territory at different levels , the erdf should support cross - border cooperation , transnational cooperation , maritime cooperation , outermost regions’ cooperation and interregional cooperation under the european territorial cooperation goal . ### in order to support the harmonious development of the union ' s territory at different levels , the erdf should support cross - border cooperation , transnational cooperation , maritime cooperation , outermost regions’ cooperation and interregional cooperation under the european territorial cooperation goal , with a particular focus on culture and creativity as key enablers of social and international development , in line with the action plan of the european year of cultural heritage and taking into account the objectives of the eu strategy for international cultural relations .


### based on the experience with the interregional cooperation programmes under interreg and the lack of such cooperation within programmes under the investment for jobs and growth goal during the programming period 2014 - 2020 , the interregional cooperation component should focus more specifically on boosting the effectiveness of cohesion policy . that component should therefore be limited to two programmes , one to enable all kind of experience , innovative approaches and capacity building for programmes under both goals and to promote european groupings of territorial cooperation set up or to be set up pursuant to regulation no 1082 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council24 and one to improve the analysis of development trends . project - based cooperation throughout the union should be integrated into the new component on interregional innovation investments and closely linked to the implementation of the communication from the commission ' strengthening innovation in europe ' s regions : strategies for resilient , inclusive and sustainable growth ' 25 , in particular to support thematic smart specialisation platforms on fields such as energy , industrial modernisation or agrifood . finally , integrated territorial development focusing on functional urban areas or urban areas should be concentrated within programmes under the investment for jobs and growth goal and in one accompanying instrument , the ‘ european urban initiative” . the two programmes under the interregional cooperation component should cover the whole union and should also be open for the participation of third countries . _________________ 24 regulation no 1082 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 july 2006 on a european grouping of territorial cooperation . 25 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions ' strengthening innovation in europe ' s regions : strategies for resilient , inclusive and sustainable growth ' - com 376 final , 18 . 7 . 2017 . ### based on the experience with the interregional cooperation programmes under interreg and the lack of such cooperation within programmes under the investment for jobs and growth goal during the programming period 2014 - 2020 , the interregional cooperation component should focus more specifically on boosting the effectiveness of cohesion policy . that component should therefore be limited to two programmes , one to enable all kind of experience , innovative approaches and capacity building for programmes under both goals and to promote european groupings of territorial cooperation set up or to be set up pursuant to regulation no 1082 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council24 and one to improve the analysis of development trends . project - based cooperation throughout the union should be integrated into the new component on interregional innovation investments and closely linked to the implementation of the communication from the commission ' strengthening innovation in europe ' s regions : strategies for resilient , inclusive and sustainable growth ' 25 , in particular to support thematic smart specialisation platforms on fields such as energy , industrial modernisation , culture , cultural heritage and cultural and creative sectors , agrifood . finally , integrated territorial development focusing on functional urban areas or urban areas should be concentrated within programmes under the investment for jobs and growth goal and in one accompanying instrument , the ‘ european urban initiative” . the two programmes under the interregional cooperation component should cover the whole union and should also be open for the participation of third countries . _________________ 24 regulation no 1082 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 july 2006 on a european grouping of territorial cooperation . 25 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions ' strengthening innovation in europe ' s regions : strategies for resilient , inclusive and sustainable growth ' - com 376 final , 18 . 7 . 2017 .


### improving access to and the quality of education , training and lifelong learning across borders with a view to increasing the educational attainment and skills levels thereof as to be recognised across borders ; ### improving access to and the quality of education , training , mobility and lifelong learning across borders with a view to increasing the educational attainment and skills levels thereof as to be recognised across borders ;


### [ the european union agency for asylum ] should assist member states in the implementation of union resettlement framework in accordance with its mandate . ### [ the european union agency for asylum ] should assist member states in the implementation of union resettlement framework and cooperate with the related third countries , in accordance with its expanded mandate .


### third - country nationals , who , owing to a well - founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race , religion , nationality , political opinion or membership of a particular social group , are outside the country of nationality or the part of that country in which they formerly habitually resided , and are unable or , owing to such fear , are unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country , or stateless persons , who , being outside of the country of former habitual residence or of the part of that country in which they formerly habitually resided , for the same reasons as mentioned above , are unable or , owing to such fear , unwilling to return to or stay in it , or , failing that , ### third - country nationals , who , owing to a well - founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race , religion , nationality , sexual orientation , political opinion or membership of a particular social group , are outside the country of nationality or the part of that country in which they formerly habitually resided , and are unable or , owing to such fear , are unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country , or stateless persons , who , being outside of the country of former habitual residence or of the part of that country in which they formerly habitually resided , for the same reasons as mentioned above , are unable or , owing to such fear , unwilling to return to or stay in it , or , failing that ,


### –the minor children of couples referred to in the first indent or of third - country nationals or stateless persons to be resettled , on the condition that they are unmarried , regardless of whether they were born in or out of wedlock or adopted as defined under national law ; ### –the minor children of couples referred to in the first indent or of third - country nationals or stateless persons to be resettled , on the condition that they are unmarried , regardless of whether they were born in or out of wedlock or adopted as defined under the national law of the member state ;


### member states shall make that assessment on the basis of documentary evidence , including , where applicable , information from unhcr on whether the third - country nationals or the stateless persons qualify as refugees or on the basis of a personal interview or a combination of both . ### member states shall make that assessment on the basis of documentary evidence , including , where applicable , information from unhcr , iom , fra and relevant civil society organizations on whether the third - country nationals or the stateless persons qualify as refugees or on the basis of a personal interview or a combination of both .


### member states may also request unhcr to fully assess whether third - country nationals or stateless persons referred to them by unhcr qualify as refugees within the meaning of article 1 of the 1951 geneva convention . ### member states may also request unhcr , iom and relevant civil society organizations to fully assess whether third - country nationals or stateless persons referred to them by unhcr , iom and relevant civil society organizations qualify as refugees within the meaning of article 1 of the 1951 geneva convention .


### shall not require unhcr to assess whether the third - country nationals or the stateless persons qualify as refugees within the meaning of article 1 of the 1951 geneva convention ; ### shall not require unhcr , iom , and relevant civil society organizations to assess whether the third - country nationals or the stateless persons qualify as refugees within the meaning of article 1 of the 1951 geneva convention ;


### the rule of law is a prerequisite for the protection of the other fundamental values on which the union is founded , such as freedom , democracy , equality and respect for human rights . respect for the rule of law is intrinsically linked to respect for democracy and for fundamental rights : there can be no democracy and respect for fundamental rights without respect for the rule of law and vice versa . ### the rule of law is a prerequisite for the protection of the other fundamental values on which the union is founded , such as freedom , democracy , equality and respect for human rights . respect for the rule of law is intrinsically linked to respect for democracy and for fundamental rights : there can be no democracy and respect for fundamental rights without respect for the rule of law and vice versa . the coherence and consistency of internal and external democracy , rule of law and respect for fundamental human rights is key to the credibility of the union .


### generalised deficiencies in the member states as regards the rule of law which affect in particular the proper functioning of public authorities and effective judicial review , can seriously harm the financial interests of the union . ### generalised deficiencies in the member states as regards the rule of law which affect in particular the proper functioning of public authorities and effective judicial review , can seriously harm the financial interests of the union . efficient investigations into such deficiencies , and the application of effective and proportionate measures when a generalised deficiency is established , are needed not only to secure the financial interests of the union , including the effective collection of revenue , but also to ensure public trust in the union and its institutions . only an independent judiciary that upholds the rule of law and legal certainty in all member states can ultimately guarantee that money from the eu budget is sufficiently protected .


### the possible measures to be adopted in the event of generalised deficiencies and the procedure to be followed to adopt them should be determined . those measures should include the suspension of payments and of commitments , a reduction of funding under existing commitments , and a prohibition to conclude new commitments with recipients . ### the possible measures to be adopted in the event of generalised deficiencies and the procedure to be followed to adopt them should be clear , and should ensure equal criteria and equal treatment among all member states . those measures should include the suspension of payments and of commitments , a reduction of funding under existing commitments , and a prohibition to conclude new commitments with recipients .


### before proposing the adoption of any measure pursuant to this regulation , the commission should inform the member state concerned why it considers that a generalised deficiency regarding the rule of law might exist in that member state . the member state should be allowed to submit its observations . the commission and the council should take those observations into account . ### before proposing the adoption of any measure pursuant to this regulation , the commission should inform the member state concerned why it considers that a generalised deficiency regarding the rule of law might exist in that member state . the commission should immediately inform the european parliament and the council about the notification and its contents . the member state concerned should be allowed to submit its observations . the commission should take those observations into account .


### before proposing the adoption of any measure pursuant to this regulation , the commission should inform the member state concerned why it considers that a generalised deficiency regarding the rule of law might exist in that member state . the member state should be allowed to submit its observations . the commission and the council should take those observations into account . ### before proposing the adoption of any measure pursuant to this regulation , the commission should inform the member state concerned of the outcome of the evaluation undertaken by the independent panel of experts , and why it considers that a generalised deficiency regarding the rule of law might exist in that member state . the member state should be allowed to submit its observations . the commission , the parliament and the council should take those observations into account .


### one or more of the following appropriate measures may be adopted ### the following appropriate measures may be adopted :


### where the commission finds that it has reasonable grounds to believe that the conditions of article 3 are fulfilled , it shall send a written notification to that member state , setting out the grounds on which it based its finding ### where the commission finds that it has reasonable grounds to believe that the conditions of article 3 are fulfilled , it shall ask for an assessment by the independent panel of experts , and send a written notification to the member state concerned , setting out the grounds on which it based its finding . the commission shall also inform the european parliament and the council of this notification .


### the commission may take into account all relevant information , including decisions of the court of justice of the european union , reports of the court of auditors , and conclusions and recommendations of relevant international organisations . ### when assessing whether the conditions of article 3 are fulfilled , the commission may take into account all relevant information , including decisions of the court of justice of the european union , resolutions of the european parliament , reports of the court of auditors , and conclusions and recommendations of relevant international organisations , non - governmental organisations and networks , such as the bodies of the council of europe and the european networks of supreme courts and councils for the judiciary . the commission shall also take into account the criteria used in the context of eu accession negotiations , in particular the chapters on judiciary and fundamental rights , justice , freedom and security , financial control and taxation , as well as the guidelines used in the context of the cooperation and verification mechanism to track the progress of a member state .


### the commission shall immediately inform the european parliament of any measures proposed or adopted pursuant to articles 4 and 5 ### the european parliament may invite the commission for a structured dialogue on the measures proposed or adopted , having regard to articles 4 , 5 and 6 , including on the issue of the protection of final beneficiaries .


### where employers are required by legislation or collective agreements to provide training to workers to carry out the work for which they are employed , it is important to ensure that such training is provided equally , including to those in non - standard forms of employment . the costs of such training should not be charged to the worker nor withheld or deducted from the worker ' s remuneration . ### where employers are required by legislation or collective agreements to provide training to workers to carry out the work for which they are employed , it is important to ensure that such training is provided equally without discrimination based on any ground such as sex , including to those in non - standard forms of employment . the costs of such training should not be charged to the worker nor withheld or deducted from the worker ' s remuneration .


### the amount of paid leave to which the worker is entitled or , where this cannot be indicated when the information is given , the procedures for allocating and determining such leave ; ### the amount of paid leave to which the worker is entitled or , where this cannot be indicated when the information is given , the procedures for applying for , allocating and determining such leave ;


### in order to simplify requirements for beneficiaries , simplified grants in the form of lump - sums , unit - costs and flat - rate funding should be used to the maximum possible extent . the simplified grants to support the mobility actions of the programme , as defined by the commission , should take into account the living and subsistence costs of the host country . the commission and national agencies of the sending countries should have the possibility to adjust these simplified grants on the basis of objective criteria , in particular to ensure access to people with fewer opportunities . in accordance with national law , member states should also be encouraged to exempt those grants from any taxes and social levies . the same exemption should apply to public or private entities awarding such financial support to the individuals concerned . ### in order to simplify requirements for beneficiaries , simplified grants in the form of lump - sums , unit - costs and flat - rate funding should be used to the maximum possible extent . the simplified grants to support the mobility actions of the programme , as defined by the commission , should take into account the living and subsistence costs of the host country . the commission and national agencies of the sending countries should have the possibility to adjust these simplified grants on the basis of objective criteria , in particular to ensure access to people with fewer opportunities . in accordance with national law , member states should exempt those grants from any taxes and social levies . the same exemption should apply to public or private entities awarding such financial support to the individuals concerned .


### ' learning mobility ' means moving physically to a country other than the country of residence , in order to undertake study , training or non - formal or informal learning ; it may be accompanied by measures such as language support and training and / or be complemented by online learning and virtual cooperation . in some specific cases , it may take the form of learning through the use of information technology and communications tools ; ### ' learning mobility ' means moving physically to a country other than the country of residence , in order to undertake study , training or non - formal or informal learning ; it may take the form of traineeships , apprenticeships , youth exchanges , teaching or participation in a professional development activity ; it may be accompanied by measures such as language support and training and / or be complemented by online learning and virtual cooperation . in some specific cases , additional to physical mobility , it may take the form of learning through the use of information technology and communications tools ;


### proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council laying down common provisions on the european regional development fund , the european social fund plus , the cohesion fund , and the european maritime and fisheries fund and financial rules for those and for the asylum and migration fund , the internal security fund and the border management and visa instrument ### proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council laying down common provisions on the european regional development fund , the european social fund plus , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , and the european maritime and fisheries fund and financial rules for those and for the asylum and migration fund , the internal security fund and the border management and visa instrument


### horizontal principles as set out in article 3 of the treaty on the european union and in article 10 of the tfeu , including principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in article 5 of the teu should be respected in the implementation of the funds , taking into account the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . member states should also respect the obligations of the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure accessibility in line with its article 9 and in accordance with the union law harmonising accessibility requirements for products and services . member states and the commission should aim at eliminating inequalities and at promoting equality between men and women and integrating the gender perspective , as well as at combating discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation . the funds should not support actions that contribute to any form of segregation . the objectives of the funds should be pursued in the framework of sustainable development and the union ' s promotion of the aim of preserving , protecting and improving the quality of the environment as set out in article 11 and article 191 of the tfeu , taking into account the polluter pays principle . in order to protect the integrity of the internal market , operations benefitting undertakings shall comply with union state aid rules as set out in articles 107 and 108 of the tfeu . ### horizontal principles as set out in article 3 of the treaty on the european union and in article 10 of the tfeu , including principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in article5 of the teu should be respected in the implementation of the funds , taking into account the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and the united nations sustainable development goals . member states should also respect the obligations of the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure accessibility in line with its article 9 and in accordance with the union law harmonising accessibility requirements for products and services . member states and the commission should aim at eliminating inequalities and at promoting equality between men and women and integrating the gender mainstreaming and gender equality , as well as at combating discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation . the funds should not support actions that contribute to any form of segregation . the objectives of the funds should be pursued in the framework of sustainable development and the union ' s promotion of the aim of preserving , protecting and improving the quality of the environment as set out in article 11 and article 191 of the tfeu , taking into account the polluter pays principle . in order to protect the integrity of the internal market , operations benefitting undertakings shall comply with union state aid rules as set out in articles 107 and 108 of the tfeu .


### financial rules for the european regional development fund , the european social fund plus , the cohesion fund , , the european maritime and fisheries fund , the asylum and migration fund , the internal security fund and the border management and visa instrument ; ### financial rules for the european regional development fund , the european social fund plus , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , the european maritime and fisheries fund , the asylum and migration fund , the internal security fund and the border management and visa instrument ; with regard to the eafrd the following provisions shall apply : - title i ; - in title ii , chapter i , articles 11 and 12 of chapter ii and chapter iii ; - in title iii , chapter ii ; - in title iv , articles 33 to 36 of chapter i , chapter ii and chapter iii ; - in title v , chapter i and section 2 of chapter i ; and - title ix .


### a more connected europe by enhancing mobility and regional ict connectivity ; ### a more connected europe by enhancing , both land and maritime , mobility and regional ict connectivity ;


### a europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban , rural and coastal areas and local initiatives . ### a europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban , rural , coastal and island areas , and local initiatives .


### the commission may request a member state to review and propose amendments to relevant programmes , where this is necessary to support the implementation of relevant council recommendations . ### the commission may request a member state to review and propose amendments to relevant programmes , where this is necessary to support the implementation of relevant council recommendations but without prejudice to the good implementation of the policy objectives of each funds .


### specific territories targeted , including the planned use of integrated territorial investment , community - led local development or other territorial tools ; ### specific territories targeted , including arrangements to address key challenges of insular and peripheral regions and the planned use of integrated territorial investment , community - led local development or other territorial tools ;


### member states may request the transfer of up to 5 % of programme financial allocations from any of the funds to any other fund under shared management or to any instrument under direct or indirect management . ### a member state may , upon its voluntary decision , request the transfer of up to 5 % of programme financial allocations from any of the funds to any other fund under shared management or to any instrument under direct or indirect management .


### member states may request the transfer of up to 5 % of programme financial allocations from any of the funds to any other fund under shared management or to any instrument under direct or indirect management . ### member states may request the transfer of up to5 % of programme financial allocations from instruments of erdf , cf or esf + to any of the instruments of erdf , cf or esf + .


### support may be provided for the preparation and design of territorial strategies . ### support may be provided for the preparation and design of territorial strategies , especially as regards technical assistance towards geographical areas which suffer from permanent natural or demographic handicaps as referred to in article 174 tfeu ; .


### the managing authority , in managing the financial instrument pursuant to paragraph 2 , or the body implementing the financial instrument , in managing the financial instrument pursuant to paragraph 3 , shall keep separate accounts or maintain an accounting code per priority and per each category of region for each programme contribution and separately for resources referred to in articles 54 and 56 respectively . ### the managing authority , in managing the financial instrument pursuant to paragraph 2 , or the body implementing the financial instrument , in managing the financial instrument pursuant to paragraph 3 , shall keep separate accounts or maintain an accounting code per priority and per each category of region or by type of interventions for the eardf for each programme contribution and separately for resources referred to in articles 54 and 56 respectively .


### 2021 : 0 . 5 % ; ### 2021 : 3 . 5 % ;


### 2021 : 0 . 5 % ; ### 2021 : 2 % ;


### resources for the investment for jobs and growth goal shall amount to 97 . 5 % of the global resources and shall be allocated as follows : ### resources for the investment for jobs and growth goal shall amount to 97 % of the global resources and shall be allocated as follows :


### however , the commission may delegate its powers of budget implementation concerning the operational appropriations of its own section to the heads of union delegations and , in order to ensure business continuity during their absence , to the deputy heads of delegations . when heads of union delegations act as subdelegated authorising officers of the commission and their deputies in the absence of the latter , they shall apply the commission rules for the implementation of the budget and shall be subject to the same duties , obligations and accountability as any other subdelegated authorising officer of the commission . ### however , the commission may delegate its powers of budget implementation concerning the operational appropriations of its own section to the heads of union delegations and , limited to the operational appropriations for preparatory measures in the field of title v of the teu under article 56 , to the civilian operations commander , and , in order to ensure business continuity during their absence , to their deputies . when heads of union delegations and the civilian operations commander and in their absence their deputies act as subdelegated authorising officers of the commission , they shall apply the commission rules for the implementation of the budget and shall be subject to the same duties , obligations and accountability as any other subdelegated authorising officer of the commission .


### for the purposes of the first subparagraph , the high representative shall take the measures necessary to facilitate cooperation between union delegations and commission departments . ### for the purposes of the first subparagraph , the high representative shall take the measures necessary to facilitate cooperation between union delegations and the civilian operations commander on the one side and commission departments on the other .


### a board chaired by the commission shall be established for each union trust fund to ensure the fair representation of the donors , and of the non - contributing member states as observers , and to decide upon the use of the funds . the rules for composition of the board and its internal rules shall be laid down in the constitutive act of the trust fund adopted by the commission and adhered to by the donors . those rules shall include the requirement to have the positive vote of the commission for the final decision on the use of the funds . ### a board chaired by the commission shall be established for each union trust fund to ensure the fair representation of the donors , and of the non - contributing member states and the european parliament as observers , and to decide upon the use of the funds . the rules for composition of the board and its internal rules shall be laid down in the constitutive act of the trust fund adopted by the commission and adhered to by the donors . those rules shall include the requirement to have the positive vote of the commission for the final decision on the use of the funds .


### draft legislative resolution ### –having regard to the resolution of the european parliament of 17 may 2017 on fintech : the influence of technology on the future of the financial sector ,


### pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the inter - institutional agreement for better law - making of 13 april 201654 , there is a need to evaluate this programme on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements , while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens , in particular on member states . these requirements , where appropriate , can include measurable indicators , as a basis for evaluating the effects of the programme on the ground . _________________ 54 interinstitutional agreement between the european parliament , the council of the european union and the european commission on better law - making of 13 april 2016 ; oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1–14 . ### pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the inter - institutional agreement for better law - making of 13 april 201654 , there is a need to evaluate this programme on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements , while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens , in particular on member states . these requirements , where appropriate , can include measurable quantitative and qualitative indicators , as a basis for evaluating the effects of the programme on the ground . _________________ 54 interinstitutional agreement between the european parliament , the council of the european union and the european commission on better law - making of 13 april 2016 ; oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1–14 .


### the european council concluded in particular that the union should urgently address emerging trends : this includes issues such as artificial intelligence and distributed ledgers technologies , while at the same time ensuring a high level of data protection , digital rights and ethical standards . the european council invited the commission to put forward a european approach to artificial intelligence by early 2018 and called on the commission to put forward the necessary initiatives for strengthening the framework conditions with a view to enable the eu to explore new markets through risk - based radical innovations and to reaffirm the leading role of its industry . ### the european council concluded in particular that the union should urgently address emerging trends : this includes issues such as digital divide , artificial intelligence and distributed ledgers technologies , while at the same time ensuring a high level of data protection , rights and ethical standards . the european council invited the commission to put forward a european approach to artificial intelligence by early 2018 and called on the commission to put forward the necessary initiatives for strengthening the framework conditions with a view to enable the eu to explore new markets through risk - based radical innovations and to reaffirm the leading role of its industry .


### the commission ' s communication on ' a new , modern multiannual financial framework for a european union that delivers efficiently on its priorities post - 2020 ' 57 outlines among the options for the future financial framework a programme for europe ' s digital transformations to deliver ' strong progress towards smart growth in areas such as high quality data infrastructure , connectivity and cybersecurity ' . it would seek to secure european leadership in supercomputing , next generation internet , artificial intelligence , robotics and big data . it would reinforce the competitive position of industry and businesses in europe across the digitised economy and would have a significant impact on filling the skills gap across the union . __________________ 57 com 98 final ### the commission ' s communication on ' a new , modern multiannual financial framework for a european union that delivers efficiently on its priorities post - 2020 ' 57 outlines among the options for the future financial framework a programme for europe ' s digital transformations to deliver ' strong progress towards smart growth in areas such as high quality data infrastructure , connectivity , digitisation of public administrations and cybersecurity ' . it would seek to reduce the gap between the european union and leading economies in supercomputing , next generation internet , artificial intelligence , robotics and big data . it would reinforce the competitive position of industry and businesses in europe across the digitised economy and would have a significant impact on filling the skills gap across the union . __________________ 57 com 98 final


### the commission ' s communication on ' a new , modern multiannual financial framework for a european union that delivers efficiently on its priorities post - 2020 ' 57 outlines among the options for the future financial framework a programme for europe ' s digital transformations to deliver ' strong progress towards smart growth in areas such as high quality data infrastructure , connectivity and cybersecurity ' . it would seek to secure european leadership in supercomputing , next generation internet , artificial intelligence , robotics and big data . it would reinforce the competitive position of industry and businesses in europe across the digitised economy and would have a significant impact on filling the skills gap across the union . _________________ 57 com 98 final ### the commission ' s communication on ' a new , modern multiannual financial framework for a european union that delivers efficiently on its priorities post - 2020 ' 57 outlines among the options for the future financial framework a programme for europe ' s digital transformations to deliver ' strong progress towards smart growth in areas such as high quality data infrastructure , connectivity and cybersecurity ' . it would seek to secure european leadership in supercomputing , next generation internet , artificial intelligence , robotics and big data . it should reinforce the competitive position of industry and businesses in europe across the digitised economy and it should ensure that european citizens have the necessary skills , competences and knowledge to face the digital transformation of our societies and economies . _________________ 57 com 98 final


### the commission ' s communication on ' a new , modern multiannual financial framework for a european union that delivers efficiently on its priorities post - 2020 ' 57 outlines among the options for the future financial framework a programme for europe ' s digital transformations to deliver ' strong progress towards smart growth in areas such as high quality data infrastructure , connectivity and cybersecurity ' . it would seek to secure european leadership in supercomputing , next generation internet , artificial intelligence , robotics and big data . it would reinforce the competitive position of industry and businesses in europe across the digitised economy and would have a significant impact on filling the skills gap across the union . _________________ 57 com 98 final ### the commission ' s communication on ' a new , modern multiannual financial framework for a european union that delivers efficiently on its priorities post - 2020 ' 57 outlines among the options for the future financial framework a programme for europe ' s digital transformations to deliver ' strong progress towards smart growth in areas such as high quality data infrastructure , connectivity , cybersecurity ' and digitalization of public administrations . it would seek to secure european leadership in supercomputing , next generation internet , artificial intelligence , robotics and big data . it would reinforce the competitive position of industry and businesses in europe across the digitised economy , ensure accessibility to the opportunities connected to the digitalization of public services throughout europe and would have a significant impact on filling the skills gap across the union . _________________ 57 com 98 final