### (iv) set up a prioritisation policy for cases in which the undertaking is not in a position to deal with all the risks at the same time. undertakings shall consider the level of severity and urgency of the different risks present , the scope of the risks , their scale and how irremediable they might be , and if necessary , use the prioritisation policy in dealing with these; ### (iv) set up a prioritisation policy in line with article 17 of the un guiding principles on business and human rights for cases in which the undertaking is not in a position to deal with all the risks at the same time. undertakings shall consider the level of severity and urgency of the different risks present , the scope of the risks , their scale and how irremediable they might be , and if necessary , use the prioritisation policy in dealing with these;


### (iv) set up a prioritisation policy for cases in which the undertaking is not in a position to deal with all the risks at the same time. undertakings shall consider the level of severity and urgency of the different risks present , the scope of the risks , their scale and how irremediable they might be , and if necessary , use the prioritisation policy in dealing with these; ### (iv) set up a prioritisation strategy for cases in which the undertaking is not in a position to deal with all the risks at the same time. undertakings shall consider the level of severity , likelihood and urgency of the different potential or actual adverse impacts , the scope of the risks , their scale and how irremediable they might be , and if necessary , use the prioritisation policy in dealing with these;


### 7. the subsidiaries of an undertaking or the companies controlled by an undertaking shall be deemed in compliance with the obligation to establish a due diligence strategy if their parent or controlling company includes them in their due diligence strategy. ### 7. the subsidiaries of an undertaking or the companies controlled by an undertaking shall not be deemed in compliance with the obligation to establish a due diligence strategy merely as a result of their parent or controlling company including them in their due diligence strategy.


### 8. undertakings shall carry out value chain due diligence which is proportionate and commensurate to their specific circumstances , particularly their sector of activity , the size and length of their supply chain , the size of the undertaking , its capacity , resources and leverage. ### 8. undertakings shall define a due diligence strategy which is commensurate and proportionate to the severity and probability of their risks and their specific circumstances , particularly their sector of activity , the size and length of their supply chain and the size of the undertaking , and shall implement it efficiently.


### 9. undertakings shall ensure by means of contractual clauses and the adoption of codes of conduct that their business relationships put in place and carry out human rights , environmental and governance policies that are in line with their due diligence strategy. ### 9. undertakings shall ensure by means of contractual clauses , by means of the adoption of codes of conduct and , where relevant , by means of certified and independent audits , that their business relationships put in place and carry out human rights , environmental and governance policies that are in line with their due diligence strategy.


### involvement of trade unions and consultation of stakeholders ### involvement and consultation of stakeholders


### 1. member states shall ensure that undertakings carry out in good faith effective , meaningful and informed consultations with stakeholders when establishing and implementing their due diligence strategy in a manner that is appropriate to their size and the nature and context of their operations , and shall guarantee , in particular , the right for trade unions at the relevant level to be involved in the establishment and implementation of the due diligence strategy in good faith with their undertaking. ### 1. member states shall ensure that undertakings carry out in good faith effective , meaningful and informed consultations with stakeholders when establishing and implementing their due diligence strategy in a manner that is appropriate to their size and the nature and context of their operations , and shall guarantee , in particular , the right for trade unions or workers' representatives or workers themselves at the relevant level to be involved in the establishment and implementation of the due diligence strategy in good faith with their undertaking.


### 5. workers or their representatives shall be informed and consulted on the due diligence strategy of their undertaking in accordance with directive 2002/14/ec establishing a general framework for informing and consulting employees in the european community , directive 2009/38/ec on the establishment of a european works council and council directive 2001/86/ec supplementing the statute for a european undertaking with regard to the involvement of employees. ### 5. workers or their representatives shall be informed and consulted on the due diligence strategy of their undertaking in accordance with directive 2002/14/ec establishing a general framework for informing and consulting employees in the european community , directive 2009/38/ec on the establishment of a european works council , council directive 2001/86/ec supplementing the statute for a european undertaking with regard to the involvement of employees , the right to bargain collectively recognised in particular by ilo conventions 87 , 98 and 154 , the council of europe european convention of human rights and european social charter , and the decisions of the ilo committee on freedom of association , the committee of experts on application of conventions and recommendations (ceacr) and the council of europe european committee of social rights (ecsr).


### 1. member states shall ensure that undertakings make their due diligence strategy publicly available , accessible and free of charge , especially on the undertakings’ websites. ### 1. member states shall ensure that undertakings’ websites publicly communicate the risks identified and the due diligence measures taken in accordance with article 4 , the evaluation and review of the due diligence strategy implemented in accordance with article 8 , and a regular report on its implementation. undertakings shall make this information publicly available , accessible and free of charge , especially on the undertakings’ websites.


### 27. is of the view that businesses have a responsibility to ensure that their activities do not undermine or harm the protection of human and environmental rights; insists they must not promote , participate or in any manner contribute to , or endorse policies and activities , which can lead to human rights violations; underlines that businesses must do everything possible , within their capacities , to prevent and mitigate the effect of adverse impacts; ### 27. is of the view that businesses and financial institutions have a responsibility to ensure that their activities do not undermine or harm the protection of human and environmental rights; insists they must not promote , participate or in any manner contribute to , or endorse policies and activities , which can lead to human rights violations; underlines that businesses must do everything possible , within their capacities , to prevent and mitigate the effect of adverse impacts;


### 30. notes that human right risks are context-specific and that , to accurately assess human rights risks , prevent , mitigate and remedy adverse impacts , businesses should include in their analysis , in addition to information from employees , right-holders , affected communities and workers’ representatives , information from reliable independent expert sources , for which transparency is key; stresses in this regard , the key role of national human rights institutions , ngos human rights oversight bodies such as the united nations , ilo and council of europe , osce supervisory mechanisms , and the european union agency for fundamental rights as relevant sources of information and reporting; ### 30. notes that human right risks are context-specific and that , to accurately assess human rights risks , prevent , mitigate and remedy adverse impacts , businesses and financial institutions should include in their analysis , in addition to information from employees , right-holders , affected communities and workers’ representatives , information from reliable independent expert sources , for which transparency is key; stresses in this regard , the key role of national human rights institutions , ngos human rights oversight bodies such as the united nations , ilo and council of europe , osce supervisory mechanisms , and the european union agency for fundamental rights as relevant sources of information and reporting;


### 35. notes that rights holders primarily affected by business-related human rights abuses often lack adequate access to information about their rights and about how they are given effect in domestic legislative systems , and have difficulty accessing state agencies and organisations concerned with protection and enforcement of their rights; recommends that the legislation encourage businesses to engage with all affected and potentially affected stakeholders , with their representatives , or both , including workers’ representatives , at all stages of the due diligence process , from development to monitoring and evaluation , in a timely and meaningful manner; ### 35. notes that rights holders primarily affected by business-related human rights abuses often lack adequate access to information about their rights and about how they are given effect in domestic legislative systems , and have difficulty accessing state agencies and organisations concerned with protection and enforcement of their rights; recommends that the legislation encourage businesses and financial institutions to engage with all affected and potentially affected stakeholders , with their representatives , or both , including workers’ representatives , at all stages of the due diligence process , from development to monitoring and evaluation , in a timely and meaningful manner;


### 37. suggests that the companies establish effective alert mechanisms; through recourse to such mechanisms any interested party , including trade unions , consumers , journalists , civil society organisations , lawyers , and human rights and environmental defenders , or members of the public , should be able to warn the company of adverse impacts and human rights violations; ### 37. suggests that companies and financial institutions establish effective alert mechanisms; through recourse to such mechanisms any interested party , including trade unions , consumers , journalists , civil society organisations , lawyers , and human rights and environmental defenders , or members of the public , should be able to warn the company of adverse impacts and human rights violations;


### 43. stresses that as part of due diligence , as required by the corporate responsibility to respect human rights , companies should put in place processes to enable the adverse human rights impacts they cause or to which they contribute to be remedied; accordingly , operational level grievance mechanisms should be legitimate , accessible , predictable , equitable , transparent , rights-compatible , based on engagement and dialogue and a source of continued learning as established in united nations guiding principle 31; emphasises that such mechanisms should never be used to obstruct access to justice via state-based , judicial and non-judicial , grievance mechanisms; ### 43. stresses that as part of due diligence , as required by the corporate responsibility to respect human rights , companies and financial institutions should put in place processes to enable the adverse human rights impacts they cause or to which they contribute to be remedied; accordingly , operational level grievance mechanisms should be legitimate , accessible , predictable , equitable , transparent , rights-compatible , based on engagement and dialogue and a source of continued learning as established in united nations guiding principle 31; emphasises that such mechanisms should never be used to obstruct access to justice via state-based , judicial and non-judicial , grievance mechanisms;


### 44. insists that access to evidence and time limitations can be major practical and procedural barriers faced by victims of human rights abuses in third countries , obstructing their access to effective legal remedies; stresses that that the burden of proof should be shifted from the victims to the company and that the legislation must require companies to disclose all necessary information for interested parties to engage in judicial proceedings and for victims to access remedies; ### 44. insists that access to evidence and time limitations can be major practical and procedural barriers faced by victims of human rights abuses in third countries , obstructing their access to effective legal remedies; stresses that that the burden of proof should be shifted from the victims to the company or financial institution and that the legislation must require companies to disclose all necessary information for interested parties to engage in judicial proceedings and for victims to access remedies;


### 48. recommends that union due diligence legislation require member states to determine effective , proportionate and dissuasive penalties and sanctions for non-compliance by companies with due diligence obligations , including in relation to the making of false or misleading statements; ### 48. recommends that union due diligence legislation require member states to determine effective , proportionate and dissuasive penalties and sanctions for non-compliance by companies and financial institutions with due diligence obligations , including in relation to the making of false or misleading statements;


### 48. recommends that union due diligence legislation require member states to determine effective , proportionate and dissuasive penalties and sanctions for non-compliance by companies with due diligence obligations , including in relation to the making of false or misleading statements; ### 48. recommends that union due diligence legislation require member states to determine effective , proportionate and dissuasive administrative penalties and sanctions for non-compliance by companies with due diligence obligations , including in relation to the making of false or misleading statements;


### 51. recommends that the legislation include criminal liability provisions for companies and directors and management that are held responsible in the event of severe violations of human rights. ### 51. recommends that the legislation include criminal liability provisions for companies , financial institutions , directors , and management that are held responsible in the event of severe violations of human rights;


### 1. stresses that trade policy is an essential tool for implementing the circular economy and the eu’s sustainability agenda globally; underlines that increased recycling can reduce the eu’s reliance on imports of raw materials , and points to the need to decouple economic growth from resource use in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of global value chains; ### 1. stresses that trade policy is an essential tool for advancing the transition to the circular economy globally and supporting the eu’s sustainability agenda; underlines that increased re-using , repairing , remanufacturing and recycling can reduce the eu’s reliance on imports of raw materials , and points to the need to decouple economic growth from resource use in order to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of global value chains;


### 1. highlights that the carbon and resource footprint of goods due to transport and packaging could be reduced through a circular economy approach; ### 1. highlights that the carbon and resource footprint of goods due to transport and packaging could be reduced through a circular economy approach , minimising at the same time waste production and the use of virgin raw materials;


### 1. welcomes the commission’s new circular economy action plan; highlights the fact that the circular economy is key to reducing the overall environmental footprint of european consumption and production , and to reaching the climate goals of the paris agreement; ### 1. welcomes the commission’s new circular economy action plan; highlights the fact that the circular economy is key to reducing the overall environmental footprint of european consumption and production , and to reaching the climate goals of the paris agreement , and the un sustainable development goals , while no one is left behind ;


### 1. welcomes the commission’s intention to review directive 2009/125/ec; stresses that broadening its scope should not lead to any watering down of the results achieved in the field of energy efficiency; ### 1. welcomes the commission’s intention to review directive 2009/125/ec; emphasizing an important role that it can play in green recovery and can represent the key element of any post-covid recovery plans; stresses that broadening its scope should not lead to any watering down of the results achieved in the field of energy efficiency and material efficiency to decrease dependence on imports and thereby improve resilience of european economy to global crises.


### 1. welcomes the commission’s intention to review directive 2009/125/ec; stresses that broadening its scope should not lead to any watering down of the results achieved in the field of energy efficiency; ### 1. welcomes the commission’s intention to review directive 2009/125/ec; believes that a wider ecodesign policy can be one of the core elements of the european action in the field of circular economy; stresses nevertheless that broadening its scope should not lead to any watering down of the results achieved in the field of energy efficiency;


### 2. regrets the lack of international and european standards on waste quality as this hinders a viable trade policy that is conducive to the circular economy; calls on the commission to present harmonised standards on waste quality and a legal definition of recyclable waste , and to include these in future ftas; ### 2. regrets the lack of international definitions and standards and european standards and labelling on circular economy. the lack of these is particularly problematic when it comes to waste quality and secondary raw materials , recycled , remanufactured and repaired goods as this hinders a viable trade policy that is conducive to the circular economy; calls on the commission to present harmonised standards and legal definitions on waste quality , recycled material , recyclability and reparability , and to include these in future ftas; stresses the need for eco-design and labelling to be brought to a global level to enhance the global circular economy and create level playing field;


### 2. calls on the union to increase the share of renewable energies in transport; ### 2. calls on the union to increase the share of renewable energies in transport , in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the creation of new job opportunities;


### 2. underlines that the circular economy can provide solutions to the new challenges caused and highlighted by the covid-19 crisis by reducing the vulnerability of value chains within the eu and globally; ### 2. underlines that the circular economy can provide solutions to the new challenges caused and highlighted by the covid-19 crisis by reducing the vulnerability of value chains within the eu and globally and by contributing to the creation of jobs; calls in this regard on the member states to mainstream circular economy in their national recovery and resilience plans;


### 2. underlines that the circular economy can provide solutions to the new challenges caused and highlighted by the covid-19 crisis by reducing the vulnerability of value chains within the eu and globally; ### 2. underlines that the circular economy can provide solutions to the new challenges caused and highlighted by the covid-19 crisis by reducing the vulnerability of value chains within the eu and globally while also providing opportunities for prosperity and well-being; calls on member states to duly reflect circular economy in their recovery plans;


### 2. takes the view that the announcement of the action plan is a clarion call for profound change to reorient farm production models towards agro-ecology , given the degradation and scarcity both in natural resources and in the rest of the food chain; ### 2. takes the view that the announcement of the action plan is a clarion call for qualitative change to reorient farm production and processing models towards agro-ecology , given the degradation and scarcity both in natural resources and in the rest of the food chain;


### 3. notes that in the transition to a circular economy particular attention must be given to key supply chains where the eu’s environmental footprint is significant; ### 3. notes that in the transition to a circular economy particular attention must be given to key supply chains where the eu’s environmental footprint is significant and where the eu’s dependence on unreliable sources of raw materials is particularly high;


### 3. urges the commission to internalise the external costs of transport and to establish greenhouse gas certification schemes; ### 3. urges the commission to internalise the external costs of transport , defining adequate incentives and pricing models and to establish greenhouse gas certification schemes;


### 3. believes that a circular economy is the way for the eu and european companies to remain competitive in a global market; therefore urges the commission and the member states to direct investments in order to scale up circular economy initiatives; considers that the eu’s economic recovery plan (next generation eu) should be used to put in place circular economy initiatives and infrastructure; ### 3. believes that a circular economy is the way for the eu and european companies to remain competitive in a global market; therefore urges the commission and the member states to direct investments in order to scale up circular economy initiatives; considers that the eu’s economic recovery plan (next generation eu) , the just transition fund and other sectoral funds should be used to put in place circular economy initiatives and infrastructure while creating jobs in the eu;


### 3. believes that a circular economy is the way for the eu and european companies to remain competitive in a global market; therefore urges the commission and the member states to direct investments in order to scale up circular economy initiatives; considers that the eu’s economic recovery plan (next generation eu) should be used to put in place circular economy initiatives and infrastructure; ### 3. believes that a circular economy is the way for the eu and european companies to remain competitive in a global market; therefore urges the commission and the member states to direct investments in order to scale up circular economy initiatives; considers that the eu’s economic recovery plan (next generation eu) , the just transition fund and horizon europe should be used to put in place circular economy initiatives , research projects and infrastructure;


### 3. considers that the principles of the circular economy entail better oversight over inputs , the development of a collaborative economy , enabling more effective use to be made of equipment and facilities , and cooperation between stakeholders on the ground , underpinned by shared commitments; ### 3. considers that the principles of the circular economy entail better oversight over inputs , the development of a collaborative economy , enabling more effective use to be made of equipment and facilities , promoting cooperatives' model and more synergies between stakeholders on the ground , underpinned by shared commitments;


### 4. calls on the commission to identify and abolish barriers that prevent or restrict market access for circular products from outside the eu and to investigate the possibilities and benefits of reducing tariffs on certain products in order to encourage the development of the circular economy; ### 4. calls on the commission to identify and abolish barriers that prevent or restrict market access for circular products and services from outside the eu and to investigate the possibilities and benefits of reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers on certain products and services in order to encourage the development of the circular economy;


### 4. insists that the union should adopt binding legislation on sustainable alternative transport fuels and charging infrastructure; ### 4. insists that the union should adopt binding legislation with eu standards on sustainable alternative transport fuels and charging infrastructure for all modes of transport , as well as guaranteeing the sufficient eu financing and human resources for an efficient provision and implementation of the latter; notes that this legislation should take into account the particular needs of islands , outermost regions , peripherical regions , mountainous and depopulated areas;


### 4. insists that the union should adopt binding legislation on sustainable alternative transport fuels and charging infrastructure; ### 4. insists that the union should adopt binding legislation on sustainable alternative transport fuels and charging infrastructure , optimising synergies at european , national and regional level.


### 4. calls on the commission to propose an eu target for a reduction in the use of primary raw materials; ### 4. stresses that the development of a european circular economy alone is not sufficient to ensure a sustainable environment and society and considers that sobriety is needed; calls on the commission to propose binding eu targets to significantly reduce both the eu's material footprint and consumption footprint by 2030; stresses that the development of toxic-free secondary materials should be incentivised;


### 4. calls on the commission to propose an eu target for a reduction in the use of primary raw materials; ### 4. calls on the commission to propose an eu target for a reduction in the use of primary raw materials as well as binding eu targets to significantly reduce both the eu's material and consumption footprints by 2030;


### 4. calls on the commission to propose an eu target for a reduction in the use of primary raw materials; ### 4. calls on the commission to encourage industry initiatives to increasingly use recycled materials


### 4. calls for the implementation of a european protein plan advocating consumption of legumes , as crops that need no nitrogen-based fertilisers; ### deleted


### 4. calls for the implementation of a european protein plan advocating consumption of legumes , as crops that need no nitrogen-based fertilisers; ### 4. calls for the implementation of a european protein plan at the earliest opportunity , and preferably by the entry into force of the new cap at the latest , advocating consumption of legumes , as crops that need no nitrogen-based fertilisers;


### 5. urges the commission to ensure that ftas reflect the objectives of the circular economy by including strong , binding and enforceable sustainable development chapters; suggests that the circular economy should be addressed in a cross-cutting manner in all relevant fta chapters; ### 5. urges the commission to ensure that ftas reflect the objectives of the circular economy by including strong , binding and enforceable sustainable development chapters; suggests that the circular economy should be addressed in a cross-cutting manner in all relevant fta chapters; stresses the opportunity to use the cooperative mechanisms of tsd chapters to work together with third countries on promoting the circular economy;


### 5. notes that shared mobility services save resources in production; ### 5. notes that shared mobility services save resources in production , stresses that shared mobility services decrease congestion and contribute to solve urban transport density problems;


### 5. highlights the opportunities to combine circular economy solutions and digitalisation; calls on the commission and the member states to develop policies to support new sustainable business models based on product-as-a-service approaches; ### 5. highlights the opportunities to combine circular economy solutions and environmentally sustainable digitalisation; calls on the commission and the member states to develop policies to support new sustainable processes , products and business models based on product-as-a-service approaches; however , notes that digital technologies themselves present interlinking risks for both the people and the environment and considers imperative that the digitalisation of the union supports and does not hamper the transition towards a climate-neutral economy. calls on the commission to come forward with a study assessing the material and climate impacts of digitalisation , including the internet of things , 5g and the development of data centres , while to put energy efficiency and circular economy requirements at the heart of the development of digital technologies and data centres;


### 5. highlights the opportunities to combine circular economy solutions and digitalisation; calls on the commission and the member states to develop policies to support new sustainable business models based on product-as-a-service approaches; ### 5. highlights the opportunities to combine circular economy solutions and digitalisation; calls on the commission and the member states to develop policies to support new sustainable business models based on product-as-a-service approaches and promote the development of related infrastructures that enable circularity and digitalization;


### 5. highlights the opportunities to combine circular economy solutions and digitalisation; calls on the commission and the member states to develop policies to support new sustainable business models based on product-as-a-service approaches; ### 5. highlights the opportunities to combine circular economy solutions and digitalisation; calls on the commission and the member states to develop legislative proposals and policies to support new sustainable business models based on product-as-a-service approaches;


### 5. sees the circular bio-economy as an opportunity for agriculture , enabling it generate renewable energy from biodegradable farm and municipal waste and its by-products: organic fertilisers; ### 5. sees the circular bio-economy as an opportunity for agriculture , enabling it generate renewable energy from biodegradable farm and municipal waste and its by-products: organic fertilisers , stresses the importance of enabling the farmers to use this renewable energy in their farms;


### 6. encourages the commission to engage with the eu’s trading partners to further support the objectives of the circular economy; stresses that particular attention must be given to how less developed partner countries can benefit from the circular economy; calls for an assessment of the impact of increased intra-eu recycling rates on countries strongly relying on waste imports. ### 6. encourages the commission to engage with the eu’s trading partners to further support the objectives of the circular economy; stresses that particular attention must be given to how less developed partner countries can participate in and benefit from the circular economy; calls for an assessment of the impact of increased intra-eu recycling rates on countries strongly relying on waste imports; calls on the commission to use aid for trade and gsp+ to help developing countries adopt circular economy practices , including product standards.


### 6. notes that the environmental impacts caused by the extraction and processing of raw materials for vehicles can be reduced through material efficiency and improved recycling; ### 6. notes that the environmental impacts caused by the extraction and processing of raw materials for vehicles can be reduced through material efficiency , the rational use thereof and improved recycling and reuse;


### 6. hopes that the circular economy will contribute to the relocation of agriculture and food production at local level by strengthening regional and local food systems; ### 6. hopes that the circular economy will contribute to a more efficient use of resources and the promotion of agriculture and food production at local level by strengthening regional and local food systems;


### 6. hopes that the circular economy will contribute to the relocation of agriculture and food production at local level by strengthening regional and local food systems; ### 6. stresses the role of national , regional and local administrations in contributing to the strengthening of regional and local food systems in the circular economy;


### a. whereas the transport sector has a high potential for improved resource efficiency and an increasing share of the transported goods are packaged in single-use materials; ### a. whereas the transport and logistics sectors and their supply chains have a high potential for improved resource efficiency and an increasing share of the transported goods are packaged in single-use materials;


### a. whereas the transport sector has a high potential for improved resource efficiency and an increasing share of the transported goods are packaged in single-use materials; ### a. whereas the transport and tourism sectors have a high potential for improved resource efficiency and an increasing share of the transported goods and those used in the tourism sector are packaged in single-use materials;


### a. whereas unless we reduce our use of resources , the world will be consuming resources as if there were three planets , and whereas a reduction in our overall use of natural resources and in waste is the overarching objective of the circular economy; ### a. whereas europe consumes the same as if it had almost three planets available to produce the resources we use and absorb the wastes we produce , and whereas a reduction in our overall use of natural resources and in waste is the overarching objective of the circular economy;


### 7. urges the commission to introduce longer guarantee periods and a right to repair for vehicles; ### 7. urges the commission to introduce producer liability , product passports , longer guarantee periods , information on and access to spare parts and a right to repair for vehicles;


### 7. underlines that sustainable products should become the norm in the eu market , and that a reduction in resource use , the retention of value in the economy , waste prevention , the ‘design out of waste’ and consumer benefits should guide the new sustainable product policy framework; ### 7. underlines that sustainable products should become the norm in the eu market , and that a reduction in resource use , a toxic-free by design approach and toxic-free production cycles as far as possible , easily reparable and recyclable design , the retention of value in the economy , waste prevention , the ‘design out of waste’ and consumer benefits should guide the new sustainable product policy framework as well as the industrial strategy;


### 7. underlines that sustainable products should become the norm in the eu market , and that a reduction in resource use , the retention of value in the economy , waste prevention , the ‘design out of waste’ and consumer benefits should guide the new sustainable product policy framework; ### 7. underlines that sustainable products should become the norm in the eu market , and that a reduction in resource use , the retention of value in the economy , waste prevention , the ‘design out of waste’ , consumer benefits and workers’ health & safety should guide the new sustainable product policy framework as well as the industrial strategy;


### 7. underlines that sustainable products should become the norm in the eu market , and that a reduction in resource use , the retention of value in the economy , waste prevention , the ‘design out of waste’ and consumer benefits should guide the new sustainable product policy framework; ### 7. underlines that sustainable products should become the norm in the eu market , and that a reduction in energy and resource use , the retention of value in the economy , waste prevention , the ‘design out of waste and non-toxic’ as well as consumer benefits should guide the new sustainable product policy framework and the industrial strategy;


### 8. calls on the commission to phase out non-rechargeable batteries and to define an increasing share of recycled content in batteries; stresses the relevance of charging patterns for battery electric vehicles for the integration of the sector; ### 8. calls on the commission to phase out non-rechargeable batteries and to define an increasing share of recycled content in batteries , as well as longer life-cycles; stresses the relevance of charging patterns for battery electric vehicles for the integration of the sector;


### 8. calls for prevention measures to be stepped up in the fight against food loss and waste; ### 8. calls for prevention measures to be stepped up in the fight against food loss and waste , in all parts of the food chain , including processing and retail; calls for further measures to support shortening the food chain , thus decreasing the stages at which food waste is produced;


### 8. calls for prevention measures to be stepped up in the fight against food loss and waste; ### 8. calls for prevention measures to be stepped up in the fight against food loss and waste , both through intensified campaigns among citizens and through suitable measures and initiatives for food producers , processors and traders;


### 9. calls on the commission to restrict exports of waste to third countries , as they increase the life–cycle emissions of products; ### 9. calls on the commission to restrict exports of waste to third countries , as they increase the life–cycle emissions of products , cause international health problems , lead to the loss of valuable (raw) materials and compounds and have negative effects on job creation in the eu;


### 9. calls on the commission to restrict exports of waste to third countries , as they increase the life–cycle emissions of products; ### 9. calls on the commission to restrict exports of waste to third countries , as they increase the life–cycle emissions of products , and to place greater emphasis on recyling and reuse;


### 10. highlights the presence of old , disused agricultural buildings which pose serious problems in terms of their removal costs (asbestos , etc.). ### 10. highlights the presence of old , disused agricultural buildings which pose serious problems in terms of their removal costs (asbestos , etc.) , before new uses can be made of them or the space they occupy;


### 11. calls on the commission to include the tourism sector in its ambitions for a circular economy; emphasises that tourism businesses should be encouraged to participate in the eu ecolabel and the eu eco-management and audit scheme (emas). ### 11. calls on the commission to include the tourism sector in its ambitions for a circular economy in order to advance in the innovation , sustainability and resilience of the sector; emphasises that tourism businesses should be encouraged to participate in the eu ecolabel and the eu eco-management and audit scheme (emas).


### 11. calls on the commission to include the tourism sector in its ambitions for a circular economy; emphasises that tourism businesses should be encouraged to participate in the eu ecolabel and the eu eco-management and audit scheme (emas). ### 11. calls on the commission to include the tourism sector in its ambitions for a circular economy; emphasises that tourism businesses should be encouraged , stimulated and incentivised to participate in the eu ecolabel and the eu eco-management and audit scheme (emas).


### 1. insists that the commission urgently launches a multi-stakeholder consultation to identify key supply chain issues that directly cause or increase the risk of medicine shortages; calls on the commission to propose ambitious and concrete actions to address these issues in its planned pharmaceutical strategy; ### 1. insists that the commission urgently launches a multi-stakeholder consultation to identify evidence-based drivers within the supply chain and beyond that directly cause or increase the risk of medicine shortages; calls on the commission to propose ambitious and concrete actions to address these issues in its planned pharmaceutical strategy;


### — having regard to directive 2001/83/ec of the european parliament and of the council of 6 november 2001 on the community code relating to medicinal products for human use and article 81 thereof concerning an adequate and uninterrupted supply of medicinal products , ### — having regard to directive 2001/83/ec of the european parliament and of the council of 6 november 2001 on the community code relating to medicinal products for human use and the obligations set out in article 81 thereof concerning an appropriate and uninterrupted supply of medicinal products ,


### — having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council on health technology assessment and amending directive 2011/24/eu (com(2018) 0051) , ### — having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council on health technology assessment and amending directive 2011/24/eu (com(2018) 0051) , and to the european parliament legislative resolution of 14 february 2019 on said proposal;


### 19. considers it essential to improve communication with healthcare professionals and patients on medicine availability through the use of innovative digital tools providing real-time data on the availability , location , quantity and price of a given medicine , in compliance with data protection legislation; ### 19. considers it essential to improve early communication with relevant stakeholders such as healthcare professionals , consumer organisations , pharmacist , hospitals and patients on medicine availability through the use of innovative digital tools providing real-time data on the availability , location , quantity and price of a given medicine , in compliance with data protection; stresses that for better uptake and usage the digital tool need to be barrier-free and available in all official union languages;


### 19. considers it essential to improve communication with healthcare professionals and patients on medicine availability through the use of innovative digital tools providing real-time data on the availability , location , quantity and price of a given medicine , in compliance with data protection legislation; ### 19. considers it essential to improve communication with healthcare professionals and patients on medicine availability through the use of innovative digital tools providing real-time data on the availability , location , quantity and price of a given medicine , in compliance with data protection legislation; recalls that health care professionals must have access to up-to-date information to be able to adequately respond to arising and existing shortages given that early awareness of a supply problem and early identification of potential therapeutic alternatives may mitigate possible adverse reactions which endanger patient safety;


### 19. considers it essential to improve communication with healthcare professionals and patients on medicine availability through the use of innovative digital tools providing real-time data on the availability , location , quantity and price of a given medicine , in compliance with data protection legislation; ### 19. considers it essential to improve an early communication with healthcare professionals and patients on medicine availability through the use of innovative digital tools providing real-time data on the availability , location , quantity and price of a given medicine , in compliance with data protection legislation; recommends the inclusion of information for healthcare professionals on available alternatives.


### 6. urges the commission and the member states to introduce tax and financial incentives in return for appropriate commitments and to authorise state aid to encourage producers to locate their operations in europe , from compound manufacturing to packaging and distribution; emphasises the strategic significance of this sector and the importance of investing in european companies , in the interests of resource diversification; ### deleted


### 6. urges the commission and the member states to introduce tax and financial incentives in return for appropriate commitments and to authorise state aid to encourage producers to locate their operations in europe , from compound manufacturing to packaging and distribution; emphasises the strategic significance of this sector and the importance of investing in european companies , in the interests of resource diversification; ### 6. acknowledges that the pharmaceutical industry plays an important role for quality manufacturing and supply of medicines to reach all patients in need , to contribute to future innovation , support the resilience , responsiveness and readiness of healthcare systems and help address future challenges including pandemics; asks the commission and the member states , if needed for public interest , to evaluate economic sustainable policies , such as for example tax and financial incentives , in return for appropriate commitments and to authorise state aid to encourage producers to re-locate in the eu the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (apis) , medicine and compound manufacturing , packaging and distribution; observes that any incentive should incorporate public safeguards , such as transparency regarding public contributions and clauses on accessibility and affordability of manufactured medicines to ensure they are equally available at a fair price; emphasises the strategic significance of this sector and the importance to protect the public interest and affordable access to treatment;


### 6. urges the commission and the member states to introduce tax and financial incentives in return for appropriate commitments and to authorise state aid to encourage producers to locate their operations in europe , from compound manufacturing to packaging and distribution; emphasises the strategic significance of this sector and the importance of investing in european companies , in the interests of resource diversification; ### 6. urges the commission and the member states to incentives supporting the diversification of supply in return for appropriate commitments and to authorise state aid to encourage producers to locate their operations in europe , from compound manufacturing to packaging and distribution; emphasises the strategic significance of this sector and the importance of investing in european companies , in the interests of resource diversification;


### 2. calls on the commission to consider proposing requirements for the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that its supply chain is diversified and put in place a medicine shortage risk mitigation plan to manage any vulnerabilities in and risks to the supply chain; ### 2. calls on the commission to incentivize the pharmaceutical industry to put in place a medicine shortage risk mitigation plan for essential medicines to manage any vulnerabilities in and risks to the supply chain;


### 4. encourages the commission to propose measures , including financial incentives , to promote green manufacturing , within the eu , of strategically important chemicals used in medicine production; urges the commission to also propose measures to incentivise the greater inclusion of eu small and medium-sized enterprises in the medicine supply chain given their key role in research and innovation and inherent ability to quickly adapt their production focus , with a view to coping better with unexpected shocks; ### 4. encourages the commission to propose measures , including financial incentives , to promote investments in green manufacturing for medicines value chain , within the eu , of strategically important chemicals used in medicine production; urges the commission to also propose measures to incentivise the greater inclusion of eu small and medium-sized enterprises in the medicine supply chain given their key role in research and innovation and inherent ability to quickly adapt their production focus , with a view to coping better with unexpected shocks;


### 2. welcomes and acknowledges the fact that , while it remains unclear whether any compensation has been foreseen , other wto members that export beef to the eu agreed to support this agreement by accepting that the vast majority of the quota would be allocated to the us; ### 2. welcomes the fact that other wto members exporting beef to the eu , such as australia , uruguay and argentina , agreed to support this agreement by accepting that the vast majority of the quota is allocated to the us , and acknowledges that , according to the european commission , no compensation has been provided to them;


### 1. refuses to give its consent to solomon islands’ accession to the agreement; ### 1. gives its consent to solomon islands’ accession to the agreement;


### the committee on development calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to propose rejection of the council draft. ### the committee on development calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to recommend approval of the draft council decision on the accession of solomon islands to the interim partnership agreement between the european community , of the one part , and the pacific states , of the other part.


### b. whereas the eu ranks fifth out of 80 foreign direct investors in vietnam; ### b. whereas the eu ranks fifth out of 80 foreign direct investors in vietnam; whereas hong-kong , which invested in vietnam more than all eu member states combined in 2018 , recently concluded an investment agreement with the asean which does not include isds or any other type of arbitration-based dispute settlement;


### 2. welcomes the use of the transparency rules of the united nations commission on international trade law (uncitral) for dispute settlement , but underlines that the use of substantive provisions of foreign investment protection , in particular the principles of ‘indirect expropriation’ and of ‘fair and equitable treatment’ , does not weaken the parties’ right to regulate and pursue legitimate public policy objectives , such as public health , safety and environmental protection; insists on regular monitoring and reporting back to the european parliament on the use of this provision by european investors; ### 2. welcomes the use of the transparency rules of the united nations commission on international trade law (uncitral) for dispute settlement; emphasises that the protection of legitimate public policy decisions and the right to regulate must not be challenged by investors; insists on regular monitoring and reporting back to the european parliament on the use of this provision by european investors;


### 3. notes that protections afforded to investors could possibly outpace the development of investor responsibilities as the eu-vietnam investment protection agreement (ipa) guarantees enforceable rights to foreign investors through the arbitration clause , but does not provide a sanction mechanism for non-compliance with social and environmental standards; reiterates the need to ensure a fair balance of investors’ rights and duties , in terms of corporate , social and environmental standards , in the ipa; underlines in this regard the importance of establishing an independent monitoring and complaint mechanism that can be seized by affected populations and that has the authority to make binding rulings with regard to the negative impact that trade and investment agreements may have. ### 3. notes with concern that protections afforded to investors are outpacing the development of investor responsibilities as the eu-vietnam investment protection agreement (ipa) guarantees enforceable rights to foreign investors through the arbitration clause , but does not provide a sanction mechanism for non-compliance with social and environmental standards; reiterates the need to ensure a fair balance of investors’ rights and duties , in terms of corporate , social and environmental standards , in the ipa; underlines in this regard the importance of establishing an independent monitoring and complaint mechanism that can be seized by affected populations and that has the authority to make binding rulings with regard to the negative impact that trade and investment agreements may have.


### the committee on foreign affairs calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to recommend approval of the draft council decision on the conclusion , on behalf of the union , of the investment protection agreement between the european union and its member states , of the one part , and the socialist republic of viet nam , of the other part. ### the committee on foreign affairs calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to recommend rejection of the draft council decision on the conclusion , on behalf of the union , of the investment protection agreement between the european union and its member states , of the one part , and the socialist republic of viet nam , of the other part.


### the committee on foreign affairs calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to recommend approval of the draft council decision on the conclusion , on behalf of the union , of the investment protection agreement between the european union and its member states , of the one part , and the socialist republic of viet nam , of the other part. ### the committee on foreign affairs calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to recommend to postpone its content of the draft council decision on the conclusion , on behalf of the union , of the investment protection agreement between the european union and its member states , of the one part , and the socialist republic of viet nam , of the other part until the recommendations listed in the accompanying resolution are legally and effectively enforced.


### a. whereas vietnam is a strategic partner for the european union , and whereas the eu and vietnam share a common agenda to stimulate growth and employment , improve competitiveness , fight poverty and achieve the sustainable development goals (sdgs) , as well as a strong commitment to open trade and the multilateral trading system; ### a. whereas vietnam is a strategic partner for the european union , and whereas the eu and vietnam share a common agenda to stimulate growth and employment , improve competitiveness , fight poverty and achieve the sustainable development goals (sdgs) , as well as a strong commitment to open trade and the multilateral trading system; whereas vietnam still faces important challenges in relation to sustainable development , human rights and the environment , notably with respect to the situation of minorities , fundamental freedoms , the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources such as sand , fisheries and timber , waste management and pollution;


### 1. welcomes the inclusion of a comprehensive and binding chapter on trade and sustainable development (tsd) with explicit references to multilateral environmental agreements , the paris agreement and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development; ### 1. underlines the importance of the inclusion of a comprehensive and binding chapter on trade and sustainable development (tsd) with explicit references to multilateral environmental agreements , the paris agreement and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development;


### 3. congratulates viet nam on ratifying six of the ilo’s eight fundamental conventions , namely no 29 on forced labour , nos 100 and 111 on non-discrimination , nos 138 and 182 on child labour and , most recently , no 98 on the right to organise and collective bargaining; urges the vietnamese government to quickly ratify outstanding convention no 105 on forced labour and no 87 on the freedom of association , and highlights the crucial importance of ensuring that all of these conventions are fully implemented; ### 3. welcomes the commitment of viet nam to ratifying six of the ilo’s eight fundamental conventions , namely no 29 on forced labour , nos 100 and 111 on non-discrimination , nos 138 and 182 on child labour and , most recently , no 98 on the right to organise and collective bargaining; urges the vietnamese government to quickly ratify outstanding convention no 105 on forced labour and no 87 on the freedom of association , and highlights the crucial importance of ensuring that all of these conventions are fully and promptly implemented in accordance with a clear timetable;


### the committee on foreign affairs calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to recommend approval of the draft council decision on the conclusion of the free trade agreement between the european union and the socialist republic of viet nam. ### the committee on foreign affairs calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to recommend rejection of the draft council decision on the conclusion of the free trade agreement between the european union and the socialist republic of viet nam.


### the committee on foreign affairs calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to recommend approval of the draft council decision on the conclusion of the free trade agreement between the european union and the socialist republic of viet nam. ### the committee on foreign affairs calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to recommend to postpone its consent of the draft council decision on the conclusion of the free trade agreement between the european union and the socialist republic of viet nam until the recommendations listed in the accompanying resolution are legally and effectively enforced.


### a. whereas competition policy must benefit the consumer while defending european businesses , in particular smes , against unfair competition outside europe; ### a. whereas competition policy must benefit all eu citizens , especially those in a weak consumer position , while also defending european businesses , in particular smes , against unfair competition practices , both from within as well from outside europe;


### a. whereas article 42 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union grants special status to the sector in respect of competition law; ### a. whereas article 42 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union states that rules on competition shall apply to production of and trade in agricultural products only to the extent determined by the european parliament and taking into account the objectives set out for the common agricultural policy in article 39;


### b. whereas competition policy must be tailored to tackle digital , ecological , industrial and social challenges , in line with the objectives of the paris agreement; ### b. whereas competition policy must be tailored to tackle digital , ecological , industrial and social challenges , in line with the objectives of the paris agreement and the eu green deal priority;


### (5) unitary protection throughout the union for the intellectual property rights related to geographical indications can contribute to incentives for the production of quality products , the wide availability of such products for consumers and the creation of valuable and sustainable jobs including in rural and less-developed regions. in particular in view of the potential of geographical indications to contribute to sustainable and highly skilled jobs in rural and less developed regions , producers should aim at creating a substantial proportion of the value of the product designated by a geographical indication within the defined geographical area. ### (5) unitary protection throughout the union for the intellectual property rights related to geographical indications can contribute to incentives for the production of quality products , the wide availability of such products for consumers and the creation of valuable and sustainable jobs including in rural and less-developed regions. in particular in view of the potential of geographical indications to contribute to sustainable and highly skilled jobs in rural and less developed regions , producers should aim at creating a substantial proportion of the value of the product designated by a geographical indication within the defined geographical area. therefore producers acting collectively should have the necessary powers and responsibilities to manage their geographical indication , including , if necessary , to respond to societal demands for products resulting from sustainable production in its three dimensions of economic , environmental and social value , and to operate in the market.


### (7) making geographically linked products is often based on local know-how and follows local production methods that are rooted in the cultural and social heritage of the home region of such products. efficient intellectual property protection has the potential to contribute to increased profitability and attractiveness of the traditional craft professions. specific geographical indication protection is acknowledged so as to safeguard and develop cultural heritage both in the agricultural and the craft and industrial areas. efficient procedures should be established for the registration of union geographical indications protecting the names of craft and industrial products , which take into account regional and local specificities. the geographical indication system for craft and industrial products should ensure that the production and marketing traditions are maintained and enhanced. ### (7) making geographically linked products is often based on local know-how and materials and follows local production methods that are rooted in the cultural and social heritage of the home region of such products. efficient intellectual property protection has the potential to contribute to increased profitability and attractiveness of the traditional craft professions. specific geographical indication protection is acknowledged so as to safeguard and develop cultural heritage both in the agricultural and the craft and industrial areas. efficient procedures should be established for the registration of union geographical indications , within the internal market and in the international intellectual property registries , protecting the names of craft and industrial products , which take into account regional and local specificities. the geographical indication system for craft and industrial products should ensure that the production and marketing traditions are maintained and enhanced.


### (15) the procedures for registration , amendments to the product specification and cancellation of the registration in respect of geographical indications originating in the union under this regulation should be carried out by the member states and the office. the member states and the office should be responsible for distinct stages of the procedures. member states should be responsible for the first stage , which consists of receiving the application from the applicants , assessing it , running the national opposition procedure , and , following the positive results of the assessment , submitting the union application to the office. the office should be responsible for examining the applications in the second stage of the procedure , running the worldwide opposition procedure and taking a decision on granting or refusing the protection to the geographical indication. the office should also carry out the corresponding procedures for geographical indications originating in third countries , without prejudice to the direct registration procedure. ### (15) the procedures for registration , amendments to the product specification and cancellation of the registration and appeals in respect of geographical indications originating in the union under this regulation should be carried out by the member states and the office. the member states and the office should be responsible for distinct stages of the procedures. member states should be responsible for the first stage , which consists of receiving the application from the applicants , assessing it , running the national opposition procedure , and , following the positive results of the assessment , submitting the union application to the office. the office should be responsible for examining the applications in the second stage of the procedure , running the worldwide opposition procedure and taking a decision on granting or refusing the protection to the geographical indication. the office should also carry out the corresponding procedures for geographical indications originating in third countries , without prejudice to the direct registration procedure.


### (41) in order to guarantee consumers of the specific characteristics of craft and industrial products protected by geographical indications , producers should be subject to a system that verifies compliance with the product specification before the product is put on the market. member states should be free to establish a third-party verification system operated by the competent authorities , and the product certification bodies , to which those authorities delegate certain official control tasks or a verification system based on a producer’ s self-declaration. the self-declaration should be submitted to the competent authorities assuring conformity with the product specification. ### (41) in order to guarantee consumers of the specific characteristics of craft and industrial products protected by geographical indications , producers should be subject to a system that verifies compliance with the product specification before the product is put on the market.


### (44) member states should have the possibility to allow producers to fulfil their obligation to perform due diligence by submitting a self-declaration to the competent authorities every three years , demonstrating their continued compliance. producers should be required to renew their self-declaration immediately where there is an amendment to the product specification or a change affecting the concerned product. the use of self-declaration should not prevent producers from having their conformity fully or partially certified by eligible third parties. a third-party certification should be able to supplement a self-declaration but not replace it. ### deleted


### (45) the self-declaration should provide competent authorities with all necessary information on the product and on its compliance with the product specification. to ensure that the information provided in the self-declaration is comprehensive , a harmonised structure for such declarations should be laid down in annex. it is important to ensure that the self-declaration is filled in truthfully and accurately. therefore , the producer should take full responsibility for the information provided in the self-declaration , and should be able to provide the necessary evidence to allow for the verification of that information. ### deleted


### (46) where a self-declaration certification procedure is in place , competent authorities should carry out random controls. ### deleted


### (48) control and verification fees or charges should cover , but not exceed , the costs , including overhead costs , incurred by the competent authorities to perform official controls. overhead costs could include the costs of the organisation and support necessary for planning and carrying out the official controls. such costs should be calculated on the basis of each individual official control or on the basis of all official controls performed over a given period of time. where fees or charges are applied on the basis of the actual cost of individual official controls , producers with a good record of compliance should bear lower overall charges than non-compliant ones , as such producers with a good record of compliance should be subject to less frequent official controls. in order to promote compliance with union legislation by all producers irrespective of the method (based on actual costs or on a flat rate) that each member states has chosen for the calculation of the fees or charges , where fees or charges are calculated on the basis of overall costs incurred by the competent authorities over a given period of time , and imposed on all producers irrespective of whether they are subject to an official control during the reference period , those fees or charges should be calculated so as to reward producers with a consistently good record of compliance. no fee should be charged for the submission of the self-declaration and its processing. ### (48) control and verification fees or charges should cover , but not exceed , the costs , including overhead costs , incurred by the competent authorities to perform official controls. overhead costs could include the costs of the organisation and support necessary for planning and carrying out the official controls. such costs should be calculated on the basis of each individual official control or on the basis of all official controls performed over a given period of time. where fees or charges are applied on the basis of the actual cost of individual official controls , producers with a good record of compliance should bear lower overall charges than non-compliant ones , as such producers with a good record of compliance should be subject to less frequent official controls. in order to promote compliance with union legislation by all producers irrespective of the method (based on actual costs or on a flat rate) that each member states has chosen for the calculation of the fees or charges , where fees or charges are calculated on the basis of overall costs incurred by the competent authorities over a given period of time , and imposed on all producers irrespective of whether they are subject to an official control during the reference period , those fees or charges should be calculated so as to reward producers with a consistently good record of compliance.


### (60) in order to amend or supplement certain non-essential elements of this regulation , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of the requirements or listing additional items of the accompanying documentation , defining procedures and conditions applicable to the preparation and submission of union applications for registration , rules on entrusting the office to operate the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products; the formal content of the notice of appeal , the procedure for the filing and the examination of an appeal as well as the formal content and the form of the board of appeal’s decisions; the information and requirements of the self-declaration and the technical assistance of the office. it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement of 13 april 2016 on better law-making23 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council receive all documents at the same time as member states' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts. ### (60) in order to amend or supplement certain non-essential elements of this regulation , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of the requirements or listing additional items of the accompanying documentation , defining procedures and conditions applicable to the preparation and submission of union applications for registration , rules on entrusting the office to operate the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products; the formal content of the notice of appeal , the procedure for the filing and the examination of an appeal as well as the formal content and the form of the board of appeal’s decisions and the technical assistance of the office. it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement of 13 april 2016 on better law-making23 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council receive all documents at the same time as member states' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.


### 1. this regulation applies to craft and industrial products listed under the combined nomenclature set out in annex i to council regulation (eec) no 2658/8724. ### 1. this regulation applies to non-agricultural products listed under the combined nomenclature set out in annex i to council regulation (eec) no 2658/8724 , with the exception of agri-food products protected by regulations (eu) nos 2019/787 , 1308/2013 and 1151/2012 of the european parliament and of the council.


### ‘craft products’ means products produced either totally by hand or with the aid of manual tools or by mechanical means , whenever the direct manual contribution is the most important component of the finished product; ### ‘non-agricultural product’ means all products other than those listed in annex i to the treaty on the functioning of the european union and in annex i to regulation (eu) no 1151/2012 of the european parliament and of the council and , in general , any product intended for human consumption;


### ‘industrial products’ means products produced in a standardised way , typically on mass scale and through the use of machines; ### deleted


### ‘producer group’ means any association , irrespective of its legal form , mainly composed of producers or processors working with the same product; ### ‘producer geographical indication group’ means any association , irrespective of its legal form , mainly composed of producers , manufacturer and/or processors and/or any other operator working with the same product;


### ‘production step’ means any stage of production , processing or preparation , up to the point , where the product is in a form to be placed on the internal market; ### ‘production step’ means any stage of production , and/or processing and/or preparation , included in the specifications/description of the geographical indication product , up to the point , where the product is in a form to be placed on the internal market;


### ‘traditional’ and 'tradition' , when associated with a product originating in a geographical area , means proven historical usage by producers in a community for a period that allows transmission between generations; ### ‘traditional’ and 'tradition' , when associated with a product originating in a geographical area , means proven historical usage by manufacturers in a community for a period that allows transmission between generations; this period should be at least 30 years and the said usage may embrace modifications necessitated by changing hygiene and safety practices;


### 'producer' means an operator engaged in any production step of a product the name of which is protected as a geographical indication , including processing activities , covered by the product specification; ### 'producer' means an operator engaged in any production step of a product the name of which is protected as a geographical indication , including production , and/or processing activities , covered by the product specification;


### ‘product certification body’ means a legal person which certifies that products designated by geographical indications comply with the product specification , whether in performance of a delegated official control task or any other mandate; ### ‘product certification body’ means a legal person , duly accredited , which certifies that products designated by geographical indications comply with the product specification , whether in performance of a delegated official control task or any other mandate;


### ‘self-declaration’ means a document in which a producer , or an authorised representative , indicates on his or her sole responsibility that the product is compliant with the corresponding product specification and that all necessary controls and checks for the proper determination of conformity have been carried out in order to demonstrate the lawful use of the geographical indication to the competent authorities of member states. ### deleted


### the product originates in a specific place , region or country; ### the product originates in a given place , a well-defined area that is known to the public or a specific country;


### at least one of the production steps of the product takes place in the defined geographical area. ### at least one of the qualifying production steps of the product takes place in the defined geographical area. the qualifying stage , as defined under the product specification , means the stage at which the specific characteristics establishing a link between the quality , reputation or other characteristic of the product and the geographical origin referred to in article 5(b) come into being;


### 1. applications for the registration of geographical indications shall only be submitted by a producer group of a product (‘applicant producer group’) , the name of which is proposed for registration. regional or local public entities may help in the preparation of the application and in the related procedure. ### 1. applications for the registration of geographical indications shall be submitted by a producer group (‘applicant producer group’) , the name of which is proposed for registration. regional or local public entities may help in the preparation of the application and in the related procedure.


### 2. an authority designated by a member state may be deemed to be an applicant producer group for the purposes of this title , if it is not feasible for the producers concerned to form a group by reason of their number , geographical location or organisational characteristics. where such representation takes place , the application referred to in article 11(3) shall state these reasons for such representation. ### 2. an authority designated by a member state or a territorial collectivity may be deemed to be an applicant producer group for the purposes of this title , if it is not feasible for the producers concerned to form a group by reason of their number , geographical location or organisational characteristics. where such representation takes place , the application referred to in article 11(3) shall state these reasons for such representation.


### the geographical area concerned is defined by natural features without reference to property boundaries and has characteristics which differ appreciably from those of neighbouring areas or the characteristics of the product are different from those produced in neighbouring areas. ### deleted


### 1. craft and industrial products the names of which are registered as a geographical indication shall comply with a product specification , which shall include at least: ### 1. in order for the name of a craft or industrial products to be registered as a geographical indication , the product shall comply with a product specification , which shall include at least:


### the name to be protected as geographical indication which may be either a geographical name of the place of production of a specific product , or a name used in trade or in common language to describe the specific product in the defined geographical area; ### the name to be protected as geographical indication which may be a geographical name of the place of production of a specific product , and a name used in trade or in common language to describe the specific product in the defined geographical area;


### other applicable requirements where provided for by member states or by a producer group , if applicable , having regard to the fact that such requirements must be objective , non-discriminatory and compatible with union law. ### other requirements where provided for by member states or by a producer group , as applicable , having regard to the fact that such requirements must be objective , non-discriminatory and compatible with union law.


### the name; ### the name to be protected as a geographical indication;


### (ii) a description of the product , including , where appropriate , specific rules concerning packaging and labelling , ### (ii) a description of the product , including , where appropriate , the raw materials and information concerning the packaging and labelling ,


### 1. the documentation accompanying the application for registration (‘accompanying documentation’) shall comprise: ### 1. the documentation accompanying the application for registration as referred in articles 11 and 17 (‘accompanying documentation’) shall comprise:


### 1. member states may charge a fee to cover the costs of managing the geographical indication system for craft and industrial products provided for in this regulation , including those incurred in processing applications , statements of opposition , applications for amendments and requests for cancellations. ### 1. member states may charge a fee to cover the costs of managing the geographical indication system for craft and industrial products provided for in this regulation , including those incurred in processing applications , statements of opposition , applications for amendments , requests for cancellations and appeals.


### 2. where a member state charges a fee , the level of the fees shall be reasonable , foster the competitiveness of the producers of the geographical indications and shall take into account the situation of micro , small and medium-sized enterprises. ### 2. any fee charged under this article shall be reasonable , foster the competitiveness of the producers of the geographical indications and shall take into account the situation of micro , small and medium-sized enterprises.


### the competent authority shall examine the application and shall check that the product complies with the requirements for geographical indications referred to in article 5 and provides the necessary information for registration referred to in articles 7 , 8 and 9. ### the competent authority shall examine the application and shall check that the product complies with the requirements for geographical indications referred to in article 5 and provides the necessary information and evidences for registration referred to in articles 7 , 8 and 9.


### 1. for geographical indications concerning products originating in the union , the union application for registration submitted by a member state to the office , shall comprise: ### 1. for geographical indications concerning products originating in the union , the union application for registration submitted by an applicant and/or a member state to the office , shall comprise:


### declaration by the member state to which the application was initially addressed , confirming that the application meets the conditions for registration under this regulation; ### declaration by the member state confirming that there is no objection at national level;


### 5. the joint application referred to in article 6(4) shall include , where relevant , the documents listed in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article , from the member states or third countries concerned. the related national procedure for application , the examination and opposition procedure referred to in articles 11 , 12 and 13 shall be carried out in all the member states and third countries concerned. ### 5. the joint application referred to in article 6(4) shall include the documents listed in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article , from the member states or third countries concerned. the related national procedure for application , the examination and opposition procedure referred to in articles 11 , 12 and 13 shall be carried out in all the member states and third countries concerned.


### the registration of the proposed geographical indication would be contrary to articles 37 , 38 or 39; ### the registration of the proposed geographical indication would be contrary to articles 35 , 37 , 38 or 39;


### 1. without prejudice to article 42 , at the time of registration , the office may decide to grant a transitional period of up to 5 years to enable , for products originating in a member state or a third country the designation of which consists of or contains a name that contravenes article 35 , the continued use of that designation , under which they were marketed , provided that an admissible and grounded opposition , under article 13 or article 21 , to the application for registration of the geographical indication whose protection is contravened shows that: ### 1. without prejudice to article 42 , at the time of registration , the office may decide to grant a transitional period of up to 3 years to enable , for products originating in a member state or a third country the designation of which consists of or contains a name that contravenes article 35 , the continued use of that designation , under which they were marketed , provided that an admissible and grounded opposition , under article 13 or article 21 , to the application for registration of the geographical indication whose protection is contravened shows that:


### 2. the office may decide to extend the transitional period granted under paragraph 1 up to 15 years , or allowing continued use for up to 15 years , provided it is additionally shown that: ### 2. the office may decide to extend the transitional period granted under paragraph 1 up to 5 years , or allowing continued use for up to 5 years , provided it is additionally shown that:


### 5. to overcome temporary difficulties with the long-term objective of ensuring that all producers of a product designated under a geographical indication in the area concerned comply with the related product specification , a member state may grant a transitional period for compliance , of up to 10 years , with effect from the date on which the application is lodged with the office , provided that the operators concerned have legally marketed the products in question , using the names concerned continuously for at least 5 years preceding the lodging of the application to the authorities of that member state and have referred to that fact in the national opposition procedure referred to in article 13. ### 5. to overcome temporary difficulties with the long-term objective of ensuring that all producers of a product designated under a geographical indication in the area concerned comply with the related product specification , a member state may grant a transitional period for compliance , of up to 5 years , with effect from the date on which the application is registered by the office , provided that the operators concerned have legally marketed the products in question , using the names concerned continuously for at least 5 years preceding the lodging of the application to the authorities of that member state and have referred to that fact in the national opposition procedure referred to in article 13.


### 2. where , on the basis of the information available to the office from the examination carried out pursuant to article 19 , the office considers that any of the requirements referred to in that article is not fulfilled , it shall adopt a decision rejecting the application for registration. ### 2. where , on the basis of the information available to the office from the examination carried out pursuant to article 19 , the office considers that any of the requirements referred to in that article is not fulfilled , it shall adopt a decision rejecting the application for registration. the office shall publish geographical indication application refusal.


### 7. decisions adopted by the office shall be published in the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products in all the official languages of the union. the reference to the name of the product , class of the product , indications of the country or countries of origin and the reference to the decision published in the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products shall be published in the official journal of the european union. ### 7. decisions adopted by the office shall be published in the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products in all the official languages of the union. the reference to the name of the product , type of product , indications of the country or countries of origin and the reference to the decision published in the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products shall be published in the official journal of the european union.


### 1. a publicly accessible electronic union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products shall be developed , kept and maintained by the office for the management of geographical indications for craft and industrial products. ### 1. a publicly and easily accessible electronic union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products shall be developed , kept and maintained by the office for the management of geographical indications for craft and industrial products. such electronic union register will comply with regulations (eu) 2018/1725 and (eu) 2016/679.


### the class of the product; ### the type of product;


### 7. the office shall retain documentation related to the registration of a geographical indication in digital or paper form for the period of validity of the geographical indication , and in case of cancellation for 10 years thereafter. ### 7. the office shall retain documentation related to the registration of a geographical indication in digital or paper form for the period of validity of the geographical indication , and in case of cancellation or refusal for 10 years thereafter.


### 7. the office shall retain documentation related to the registration of a geographical indication in digital or paper form for the period of validity of the geographical indication , and in case of cancellation for 10 years thereafter. ### 7. the office shall retain documentation related to the registration of a geographical indication in digital or paper form for the period of validity of the geographical indication , including in case of cancellation and refusal , for 10 years thereafter.


### 1. the office shall ensure that any person is able to download an official extract from the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products that provides proof of registration of the geographical indication , and the relevant data including the date of application for the registration of the geographical indication or other priority date. the official extract may be used as an authentic certificate in legal proceedings , in a court of law , in a court of arbitration or similar body. ### 1. the office shall ensure that any person is able to download an official extract from the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products that provides proof of registration or refusal of the geographical indication , and the relevant data including the date of application for the registration of the geographical indication or other priority date. the official extract may be used as an authentic certificate in legal proceedings , in a court of law , in a court of arbitration or similar body.


### 1. the office shall ensure that any person is able to download an official extract from the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products that provides proof of registration of the geographical indication , and the relevant data including the date of application for the registration of the geographical indication or other priority date. the official extract may be used as an authentic certificate in legal proceedings , in a court of law , in a court of arbitration or similar body. ### 1. the office shall ensure that any person is able to easily download an official extract from the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products that provides proof of registration or rejection of the geographical indication , and other relevant data including the date of application for the registration of the geographical indication or other priority date. the official extract may be used as an authentic certificate in legal proceedings , in a court of law , in a court of arbitration or similar body.


### 2. the applicant producer group or where article 6(3) applies , the single producer shall be identified as the holder of the registration in the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products and in the official extract referred to in paragraph (1) of this article. ### 2. the applicant producer group or where article 6(2) or 6(3) applies , the authority designated by a member state or a territorial collectivity or the single producer shall be identified as the holder of the registration in the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products and in the official extract referred to in paragraph (1) of this article.


### 2. the applicant producer group or where article 6(3) applies , the single producer shall be identified as the holder of the registration in the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products and in the official extract referred to in paragraph (1) of this article. ### 2. the applicant producer group or where article 6(2) or 6(3) applies , the authority designated by a member state or the single producer shall be identified as the holder of the registration of geographical indications for craft and industrial products in the union register and in the official extract referred to in paragraph (1) of this article.


### 1. a producer group having a legitimate interest may apply for the approval of an amendment to the product specification of a registered geographical indication. ### 1. a producer group , a competent authority or a single producer having a legitimate interest may apply for the approval of an amendment to the product specification of a registered geographical indication.


### 1. a producer group having a legitimate interest may apply for the approval of an amendment to the product specification of a registered geographical indication. ### 1. a producer group , a producer or an authority designated by a member state having a legitimate interest may apply for the approval of an amendment to the product specification of a registered geographical indication.


### the amendment includes a change in the name , or in the use of the name , ### the amendment includes a change in the name


### 8. standard amendments shall be approved by member states or third countries in whose territory the geographical area of the product concerned is located. such amendments shall be communicated to the office. where article 25 applies , the office shall approve the standard amendments. the office shall make those amendments public in the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products. ### 8. standard amendments shall be approved by member states or third countries in whose territory the geographical area of the product concerned is located. such amendments shall be communicated to the office. where article 25 applies , the office shall approve the standard amendments. the office shall make the those amendments public in the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products , within 7 calendar days after their approval.


### 1. the office may , own its own initiative or on a duly substantiated request by a member state , a third country or any natural or legal person having a legitimate interest , decide to cancel the registration of a geographical indication in the following cases: ### 1. the office may , own its own initiative or on a duly substantiated request by a geographical indication producers group , a member state , a third country or any natural or legal person having a legitimate interest , decide to cancel the registration of a geographical indication in the following cases:


### 1. the office may , own its own initiative or on a duly substantiated request by a member state , a third country or any natural or legal person having a legitimate interest , decide to cancel the registration of a geographical indication in the following cases: ### 1. the office may , on its own initiative or on a duly substantiated request by a producer group , a member state , a third country or any natural or legal person having a legitimate interest , decide to cancel the registration of a geographical indication in the following cases:


### 2. the office may , at the request of the producer group of the product marketed under the registered name , decide to cancel the corresponding registration. ### deleted


### 2. the office may , at the request of the producer group of the product marketed under the registered name , decide to cancel the corresponding registration. ### 2. the office may , at the request of an authority designated by a member state , the producer group or producer of the product marketed under the registered name , decide to cancel the corresponding registration.