### at the end of the implementation of the programme , but no later than four years after the end of the period specified in article 1 , a final evaluation of the programme shall be carried out by the commission . ### by [ three years after the end of the implementation of the programme ] at the latest , the commission shall establish a final evaluation report on the longer term impact of the programme , on the sustainability of the actions and on the synergies between the different work programmes .


### evaluation and award criteria ### evaluation committee


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


### the commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the programme , and its actions and results . financial resources allocated to the programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in article 3 . ### the commission shall take adequate measures to implement information and communication actions in a user - friendly manner , in order to raise awareness among consumers , citizens , businesses , especially smes and public administrations about the resources provided through the financial instruments of this regulation , as well as about its actions and results . financial resources allocated to the programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in article 3 .


### improving the competitiveness of enterprises with special emphasis on smes and achieving additionality through the provision of measures that provide various forms of support to smes , access to markets including the internationalisation of smes , favourable business environment for smes , the competitiveness of sectors , the modernisation of industry and the promotion of entrepreneurship ; ### improving the competitiveness of enterprises with special emphasis on smes and achieving additionality across the union through measures , such as : i . the provision of measures that provide various forms of support to smes , access to markets including the tourism sector ; ii . fostering access to markets by internationalisation of smes ; iii . fostering a favourable business environment for smes ; iv . supporting competitiveness of sectors ; v . fostering modernisation of industry ; vi . supporting development of industrial value chains ; vii . the promotion of entrepreneurship ;


### the programme should provide effective support for smes throughout their life - cycle . it should build on the unique knowledge and expertise developed with regard to smes and industrial sectors and on a long experience in working with european , national and regional stakeholders . this support should build on the successful experience of the enterprise europe network as a one - stop - shop to improve smes competitiveness and develop their business in the single market and beyond . the network plans to continue delivering services on behalf of other union programmes , notably for the horizon2020 programme , using the financial resources of these programmes . also the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs should remain the tool to enable new or aspiring entrepreneurs to gain business experience by matching with an experienced entrepreneur from another country and thus allow strengthening entrepreneurial talents . the programme should further strive to grow and extend its geographical coverage and thus offer wider range of matching possibilities to entrepreneurs in complementarity with other union initiatives where relevant . ### the programme should provide effective support for smes throughout their life - cycle , providing assistance ranging from project preparation through to commercialisation and access to the market , and encouraging the creation of business enterprise networks . it should build on the unique knowledge and expertise developed with regard to smes and economic and entrepreneurial sectors and on a long experience in working with european , national and regional stakeholders . this support should build on the experience of the enterprise europe network as a one - stop - shop to improve smes competitiveness and develop their business in the single market and beyond . the network plans to continue delivering services on behalf of other union programmes , notably for the horizon2020 programme , using the financial resources of these programmes . it should also support enhanced participation of smes representatives’ organisation in the development of single market policy initiative , such as public procurement , standardisation processes and intellectual property regimes . the network should also increase the number of actions , providing more targeted advice to sme , in drafting projects and supporting networking and technological and organisational transition . the network should also improve cooperation and liaison with other advisory hubs established in the digital programme and investeu as regards access to finance . the cosme actions in the network should also aim to provide high quality services across europe , paying particular attention to areas of activities and geographical parts of the union where the networks and intermediary stakeholders do not meet expected results . also the successful mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs - erasmus for young entrepreneurs - should remain the tool to enable new or aspiring entrepreneurs to gain business and managerial experience by matching with an experienced entrepreneur from another country and thus allow strengthening entrepreneurial talents . the programme should grow and extend its geographical coverage and thus offer wider range of matching possibilities to entrepreneurs in complementarity with other union initiatives where relevant . in order to increase the value added by the promotion of entrepreneurship initiatives , special attention should be paid to micro - enterprises and to those that have benefited the least from the existing programme , and where the culture of entrepreneurship remains at a very basic level , and faces more barriers . every effort should be made to achieve reasonably geographically balanced distribution of the funds .


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


### eur 1 000 000 000 to the objective referred to in article 3 ; ### eur 3 122 000 000 to the objective referred to in article 3 ;


### the programme shall be implemented by work programme referred to in article 110 of the financial regulation . work programmes shall set out , where applicable , the overall amount reserved for blending operations . ### the programme shall be implemented by work programme referred to in article 110 of the financial regulation . each of the specific objectives laid down in this regulation shall be implemented by a annual or multiannual work programme . however , if synergies can be established among certain objectives , the necessary provisions can be implemented in a common work programme . in order to ensure for the implementation of the programme , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission to adopt work programmes . those powers should be exercised in accordance with the procedure referred to in article 21 . the programme sets out in detail : a . the objectives pursued for each action , which shall be in accordance with the general and specific objectives referred to in article 3 , an indication of the budget for each of the financing types referred to in article 6 , a total amount for the actions and an indicative implementation timetable ; b . for grants , the essential evaluation criteria , which shall be set so as best to achieve the objectives pursued by the programme , and the maximum rate of co - financing ; work programmes shall set out , where applicable , the overall amount reserved for blending operations .


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


### fostering an entrepreneurial business environment and entrepreneurial culture , including the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs and supporting start - ups , business sustainability and scale - ups . ### fostering an entrepreneurial business environment and entrepreneurial culture , enlarging the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs and supporting start - ups , business sustainability and scale - ups with particular attention to new potential entrepreneurs , as well as other specific target groups , such as socially disadvantaged or vulnerable groups .


### still , barriers to the proper functioning of the internal market remain and the new obstacles emerge . adopting rules is only a first step , but making them work is as important . this is ultimately a matter of citizens ' trust in the union , in its capacity to deliver , and ability to create jobs and growth while protecting the public interest . ### still , barriers to the proper functioning of the internal market remain and the new obstacles emerge . adopting rules is only a first step , but making them work is as important . this means ultimately to create a useful conditions to achieve citizens ' trust in the union , in its capacity to deliver , and its ability to create quality jobs and sustainable growth while protecting the public interest .


### official controls carried out by the member states are an essential tool for verifying and monitoring that relevant union requirements are being implemented , complied with and enforced . the effectiveness and efficiency of official control systems is vital for maintaining a high level of safety for humans , animals and plants along the food chain whilst ensuring a high level of protection of the environment and of animal welfare . union financial support should be made available for such control measures . in particular , a financial contribution should be available to union reference laboratories in order to help them bear the costs arising from the implementation of work programmes approved by the commission . moreover , since the effectiveness of official controls also depends on the availability to the control authorities of well trained staff with an appropriate knowledge of union law , the union should be able to contribute to their training and relevant exchange programmes organised by competent authorities . ### in view of an increasingly globalised food chain , official controls carried out by the member states are now more than ever an essential tool for verifying and monitoring that relevant union requirements are being implemented , complied with and enforced , especially as regards imported food products . the effectiveness and efficiency of official control systems is vital for maintaining a high level of safety for humans , animals and plants along the food chain , as well as consumer confidence , whilst ensuring a high level of protection of the environment and of animal welfare . union financial support should be made available for such control measures . in particular , a financial contribution should be available to union reference laboratories in order to help them bear the costs arising from the implementation of work programmes approved by the commission . financial contribution should also be available to increase the level of controls on imports , in order to tackle phenomena such as illegal imports of bush meat which can put human health at risk and causes biodiversity loss . since the effectiveness of official controls also depends on the availability to the control authorities of well trained staff with an appropriate knowledge of union law , the union should be able to contribute to their training and relevant exchange programmes organised by competent authorities .


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 9 and 17 shall enter into force if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or by the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 9 , 10 , 16 and 17 shall enter into force if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or by the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council .


### making the internal market more effective , facilitating the prevention and removal of obstacles , supporting the development , implementation and enforcement of the union law in the areas of the internal market for goods and services , public procurement , market surveillance as well as in the areas of company law and contract and extra - contractual law , anti - money laundering , free movement of capital , financial services and competition , including the development of governance tools ; ### making the internal market more effective by :


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


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


### many of the union ' s competitiveness problems involve smes ' difficulties in obtaining access to finance because they struggle to demonstrate their credit - worthiness and have insufficient collateral . additional financing challenges arise from smes ' need to stay competitive by engaging e . g . in digitization , internationalization and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce . limited access to finance has a negative effect on businesses creation , growth and survival rates , as well as on the readiness of new entrepreneurs to take over viable companies in the context of a business succession . ### many of the union ' s competitiveness problems involve smes ' difficulties in obtaining access to finance because they lack information , struggle to demonstrate their credit - worthiness and have insufficient collateral or simply due to low awareness of existing mechanism to support their activities at eu , national or local level . additional financing challenges arise from the smaller size of micro - enterprises and smes ' need to stay competitive by engaging e . g . in digitization , internationalization and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce . limited access to finance has a negative effect on businesses creation , growth and survival rates , as well as on the readiness of new entrepreneurs to take over viable companies in the context of a business succession .


### empowering , assisting and educating consumers , businesses and civil society ; ensuring a high level of consumer protection , sustainable consumption and product safety notably by supporting competent enforcement authorities and consumer representative organisations and cooperation actions ; ensuring that all consumers have access to redress and ; provision of adequate information on markets and consumers ; ### empowering , assisting and educating consumers , businesses and civil society ; ensuring a high level of consumer protection , sustainable consumption notably by supporting competent enforcement authorities and consumer representative organisations and cooperation actions , in particular in addressing challenges arising in relation to both existing and emerging technologies ; ensuring that all consumers have access to effective redress and ; provision of adequate information on markets and consumers ;


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


### enable the financing of european standardisation and stakeholder participation in setting up european standards ; ### enable the financing of european standardisation bodies and stakeholder participation in setting up european standards ;


### regulatory obstacles in the internal market have been removed for many industrial products through prevention mechanisms , the adoption of common rules and , where no such union rules exist , through the principle of mutual recognition . in areas where no union legislation exists , the principle of mutual recognition means that goods that are lawfully marketed in one member state enjoy the right to free movement and can be sold in another member state . however , inadequate application of mutual recognition makes it harder for companies to access markets in other member states . despite the high degree of market integration in the area of goods , this leads to lost opportunities for the economy at large . the programme should therefore aim to improve the application of mutual recognition in the area of goods and to reduce the number of illegal and non - compliant goods entering the market . ### regulatory obstacles in the internal market have been removed for many industrial products through prevention mechanisms , the adoption of common rules and , where no such union rules exist , through the principle of mutual recognition . in areas where no union legislation exists , the principle of mutual recognition means that goods that are lawfully marketed in one member state enjoy the right to free movement and can be sold in another member state . however , inadequate application of mutual recognition makes it harder for companies to access markets in other member states , especially in the case of companies operating across borders . despite the high degree of market integration in the area of goods , this leads to lost opportunities for the economy at large . the programme should therefore aim to improve the application of mutual recognition in the area of goods and to reduce the number of illegal and non - compliant goods entering the market or of ones that may impact on consumer health .


### facilitating the growth of businesses , including skills development , and industrial transformation across manufacturing and service sectors ; ### facilitating the growth of businesses , including the development of digital and entrepreneurship skills , digital and industrial transformation across manufacturing and service sectors ;


### the financial envelope for the implementation of the programme for the period 2021 to 2027 shall be eur 4 088 580 000 in current prices . ### the financial envelope for the implementation of the programme for the period 2021 to 2027 shall be eur 6 563 000 000 in current prices .


### the programme shall be implemented by work programme referred to in article 110 of the financial regulation . work programmes shall set out , where applicable , the overall amount reserved for blending operations . ### the programme shall be implemented by work programme in accordance with article 110 of the financial regulation . the work programmes shall be annual or multiannual and shall in particular set out the objectives to be pursued , the expected results , the method of implementation and the total amount of the financing plan . they shall also set out in detail a description of the actions to be financed , an indication of the amount allocated to each action and an indicative implementation timetable . work programmes shall set out , where applicable , the overall amount reserved for blending operations .


### supporting the competiveness of enterprises and whole sectors of economy , and supporting smes ' uptake of innovation and value chain collaboration through strategically connecting ecosystems and clusters , including the joint cluster initiative ; ### strengthening the competiveness and sustainability of enterprises and whole sectors of economy , and supporting micro - enterprises and smes ' uptake of technological , organisational and social innovation , enhancing corporate social responsibility and value chain collaboration through strategically connecting ecosystems and clusters , including the joint cluster initiative ;


### legal entities established in a third country which is not associated to the programme may participate in the following actions : ### the commission may allow legal entities established in a third country which is not associated to the programme to participate in the following actions :


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


### regulatory obstacles in the internal market have been removed for many industrial products through prevention mechanisms , the adoption of common rules and , where no such union rules exist , through the principle of mutual recognition . in areas where no union legislation exists , the principle of mutual recognition means that goods that are lawfully marketed in one member state enjoy the right to free movement and can be sold in another member state . however , inadequate application of mutual recognition makes it harder for companies to access markets in other member states . despite the high degree of market integration in the area of goods , this leads to lost opportunities for the economy at large . the programme should therefore aim to improve the application of mutual recognition in the area of goods and to reduce the number of illegal and non - compliant goods entering the market . ### regulatory obstacles in the internal market have been removed for many industrial products through prevention mechanisms , the adoption of common rules and standards and , where no such union rules exist , through the principle of mutual recognition . in areas where no union legislation exists , the principle of mutual recognition means that goods that are lawfully marketed in one member state enjoy the right to free movement and can be sold in another member state , provided that the member state in question has not opposed the marketing of the goods . however , inadequate application of mutual recognition makes it harder for companies to access markets in other member states . despite the high degree of market integration in the area of goods , this leads to lost opportunities for the economy at large . the programme should therefore aim to improve the application of mutual recognition in the area of goods and to reduce the number of illegal and non - compliant goods entering the market , through targeted awareness raising and training , through support to product contact points and through better cooperation among competent authorities for mutual recognition .


### to improve the functioning of the internal market , and especially to protect and empower citizens , consumers and businesses , in particular micro , small and medium - sized enterprises , by enforcement of union law , facilitation of market access , standard setting , and by promoting human , animal and plant health and animal welfare ; as well as to enhance cooperation between the competent authorities of member states and between the competent authorities of member states and the commission and the decentralised union agencies ; ### improve the competitiveness and functioning of the internal market enhancing it with local economies , tackle market inefficiencies and facilitating the enforcement of the union ' s legal framework , , protect and empower citizens , consumers and business , including its workforce , in particular micro , small and medium sized enterprises contributing to climate goals and sustainable industrial growth as well as to create the conditions for stable and quality employment , facilitation of market access , standard setting , and by promoting human , animal and plant health and animal welfare ; as well as to enhance cooperation and sharing of best practices between the competent authorities of member states and between the competent authorities of member states and the commission and the decentralised union agencies ;


### this regulation establishes the programme for improving the functioning of the internal market and the competitiveness of enterprises , including micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and the framework for financing of development , production and dissemination of european statistics within the meaning of article 13 of regulation no 223 / 2009 . ### this regulation establishes the single market programme for strengthening the internal market and improving its functioning in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises , especially micro , small and medium - sized enterprises , standardisation , consumer protection , food supply chain and the framework for financing of development , production and dissemination of european statistics .


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


### improving the competitiveness of enterprises with special emphasis on smes and achieving additionality through the provision of measures that provide various forms of support to smes , access to markets including the internationalisation of smes , favourable business environment for smes , the competitiveness of sectors , the modernisation of industry and the promotion of entrepreneurship ; ### improving the competitiveness of enterprises with special emphasis on smes and achieving additionality across the union through measures , such as : i . the provision of measures that provide various forms of support to smes , access to markets including the tourism sector ; ii . fostering access to markets by internationalisation of smes ; iii . fostering a favourable business environment for smes ; iv . supporting competitiveness of sectors ; v . fostering modernisation of industry ; vi . supporting development of industrial value chains ; vii . the promotion of entrepreneurship ;


### european standards play an important role in the internal market . they are of vital interest for the competitiveness of undertakings , and especially smes . they are also a crucial tool to support union legislation and policies in a number of key areas such as energy , climate change , information and communication technology , sustainable use of resources , innovation , product safety , consumer protection , worker ' s safety and working conditions and ageing population , thus positively contributing to the society as a whole . ### european standards play an important role in the internal market . they are of vital interest for the competitiveness of undertakings , and especially smes . they are also a crucial tool to support union legislation and policy goals in a number of key areas such as accelerating the energy transition , tackling climate change , environmental protection , improved air and water quality , information and communication technology , sustainable use and recycling of resources , technological and social innovation , product safety , consumer protection , worker ' s safety and working conditions and ageing population , thus positively contributing to the society as a whole .


### the commission shall communicate the conclusions of the evaluations accompanied by its observations , to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions . ### the commission shall submit the reports referred to in paragraphs 2 and 5 , to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions and make them publicly available .


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


### the internal market has to continuously adapt to a rapidly changing environment of digital revolution and globalisation . a new era of digital innovation continues to provide opportunities for businesses and individuals , creates new products and business models but equally constitutes a challenge to regulation and enforcement . ### the internal market has to continuously adapt to a rapidly changing environment of digital revolution , mitigation of climate change and globalisation . a new era of digital innovation and new collaborative business models continue to provide opportunities for businesses , employees and individuals , create new sustainable , more resource and energy efficient products , services and business models but equally constitutes an opportunity and a challenge for the work force , for business competitiveness and for regulation and enforcement .


### facilitating the growth of businesses , including skills development , and industrial transformation across manufacturing and service sectors ; ### facilitating the development and growth of sustainable businesses , raising micro and sme’s awareness of union’s legislation , including environmental and energy eu law , , upgrading their skills and qualifications development , and facilitating new business models and resource - efficient value - chains fostering sustainable industrial , technological and organisational transformation across manufacturing and service sectors ;


### improving the competitiveness of enterprises with special emphasis on smes and achieving additionality through the provision of measures that provide various forms of support to smes , access to markets including the internationalisation of smes , favourable business environment for smes , the competitiveness of sectors , the modernisation of industry and the promotion of entrepreneurship ; ### strengthening both the competitiveness and sustainability of enterprises with special emphasis on smes and achieving additionality through the provision of measures , paying particular attention to their specific needs , by


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 5 and article 8 shall be conferred on the commission for an undetermined period of time from [ publications office : please insert exact date of entry into force of the regulation ] . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 5 and article 8 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of five years from . . . [ the date of entry into force of this regulation ] . the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five year period . the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period .


### the data on the agricultural holdings in the frame extension may be collected by carrying out sample surveys . in that case member states shall ensure that the weighted survey results are statistically representative of agricultural holdings within each region and are designed to meet the precision requirements set out in annex v . ### the data on the agricultural holdings in the frame extension may be collected by carrying out sample surveys . in that case member states shall ensure that the weighted survey results are statistically representative of agricultural holdings within each region and are designed to meet the precision requirements set out in annex v . the structure of the samples shall be subject to prior approval by the commission .


### article 7 reporting by 20 november 2011 and thereafter every 4 years , member states shall submit to the commission a report outlining the actions taken to implement this regulation . 2 . on the basis of the reports referred to in paragraph 1 , the commission shall report to the european parliament and to the council on the implementation of this regulation within 12 months of the end of each reporting period concerned . ### article 7 is replaced by the following : ' article 7 reporting by 31 december 2016 and every four years thereafter member states shall submit to the commission a report outlining the actions taken to implement this regulation . 2 . the commission shall submit to the european parliament and to the council a report on the implementation of this regulation within 12 months of the end of each reporting period referred to in paragraph 1 . the first report shall be submitted not later than 31 november 2017 . 2a . in its report submitted in accordance with paragraph 2 , the commission shall assess the functioning and effectiveness of this regulation in achieving its objectives . in its assessment the commission shall , in particular , consider the socio - economic development , economic activities and development , nutrition , culture and identity of the inuit and other indigenous communities as well as the effects of this regulation on coastal communities where seal hunts forms part of maritime resource management and contributes to the maritime biodiversity . '


### if the number of seals hunted , the quantity of seal products being placed on the market pursuant to paragraph 1 or other circumstances are such as to indicate that a hunt is conducted primarily for commercial purposes , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 4 in order to limit the quantity of products resulting from that hunt that may be placed on the market . ### the commission may adopt measures , if the conditions for placing seal products on the market in the union are not complied with or if the seal hunt is deemed unsustainable and primarily commercial . the commission can under those circumstances act after consultation with the countries concerned and taking into account any opinion from the committee in accordance with the procedure laid down in article 3 . after those consultations the commission may establish general restrictions , or restrictions relating to certain countries of origin , on the import of seal products into the union .


### article 7 reporting by 20 november 2011 and thereafter every 4 years , member states shall submit to the commission a report outlining the actions taken to implement this regulation . 2 . on the basis of the reports referred to in paragraph 1 , the commission shall report to the european parliament and to the council on the implementation of this regulation within 12 months of the end of each reporting period concerned . ### article 7 is replaced by the following : ' article 7 reporting by 31&#160 ; december&#160 ; 2016 and every four years thereafter member states shall submit to the commission a report outlining the actions taken to implement this regulation . 2 . the commission shall submit to the european parliament and to the council a report on the implementation of this regulation within 12 months of the end of each reporting period referred to in paragraph 1 . 3 . in its first report submitted in accordance with paragraph 2 , the commission shall assess in particular the impacts of this regulation on the fundamental and social interests of the inuit and other indigenous communities , including their right for food and income to support life and sustainable livelihood of the community . '


### if the number of seals hunted , the quantity of seal products being placed on the market pursuant to paragraph 1 or other circumstances are such as to indicate that a hunt is conducted primarily for commercial purposes , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 4 in order to limit the quantity of products resulting from that hunt that may be placed on the market . ### if there is relevant evidence indicating that the number of seals hunted , the quantity of seal products being placed on the market pursuant to paragraph 1 or other circumstances , are such as to prove that a hunt is conducted primarily for commercial purposes , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 4a in order to limit the quantity of products resulting from that hunt that may be placed on the market .


### member states and the commission shall encourage the development of self - and co - regulatory codes of conduct regarding inappropriate audiovisual commercial communications , accompanying or included in programmes with a significant children’s audience , of foods and beverages containing nutrients and substances with a nutritional or physiological effect , excessive intakes of which in the overall diet are not recommended , in particular fat , trans - fatty acids , salt or sodium and sugars . ### member states and the commission shall ensure the development of self - and co - regulatory codes of conduct regarding inappropriate audiovisual commercial communications , accompanying or included in programmes with a significant children’s audience , of foods and beverages containing nutrients and substances with a nutritional or physiological effect , excessive intakes of which in the overall diet are not recommended , in particular fat , trans - fatty acids , salt or sodium and sugars .


### similarly , member states should be encouraged to ensure that self - and co - regulatory codes of conduct are used to effectively limit the exposure of children and minors to audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages . certain co - regulatory or self - regulatory systems exist at union and national level in order to market responsibly alcoholic beverages , including in audiovisual commercial communications . those systems should be further encouraged , in particular those aiming at ensuring that responsible drinking messages accompany audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages . ### member states should ensure that codes of conduct are used to ensure responsible audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages . exposure of children and minors to audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages should be minimised .


### “ audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages shall not be aimed specifically at minors and shall not encourage immoderate consumption of such beverages ; ” ### in paragraph 1 , point is replaced by the following : “ the exposure of children and minors to audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages shall be minimised and such communications shall not encourage immoderate consumption of such beverages and shall not accompany a programme aimed at a children’s audience , in the form of an advertising break broadcast during , immediately preceding or immediately following such a programme , or be included in such a programme , and shall be prohibited during hours of peak viewing by children’s audiences ; ”


### member states and the commission shall encourage the development of self - and co - regulatory codes of conduct regarding inappropriate audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages . those codes should be used to effectively limit the exposure of minors to audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages . ### member states and the commission shall ensure the development of co - regulatory codes of conduct regarding inappropriate audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages .


### member states and the commission shall encourage the development of self - and co - regulatory codes of conduct regarding inappropriate audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages . those codes should be used to effectively limit the exposure of minors to audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages . ### member states and the commission shall ensure the development of self - and co - regulatory codes of conduct regarding inappropriate audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages . those codes should be used to effectively limit the exposure of minors to audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages .


### in order to remove barriers to the free circulation of cross - border services within the union , it is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of self - and co - regulatory measures aiming , in particular , at protecting consumers or public health . when well enforced and monitored , codes of conduct at union level might be a good means of ensuring a more coherent and effective approach . ### in order to remove barriers to the free circulation of cross - border services within the union , it is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of co - regulatory measures aiming , in particular , at protecting consumers or public health . when well enforced and monitored , codes of conduct at union level might be a good means of ensuring a more coherent and effective approach .


### product placement should not be admissible in news and current affairs programmes , consumer affairs programmes , religious programmes and programmes with a significant children’s audience . in particular , evidence shows that product placement and embedded advertisements can affect children’s behaviour as children are often not able to recognise the commercial content . there is thus a need to continue to prohibit product placement in programmes with a significant children’s audience . consumer affairs programmes are programmes offering advice to viewers , or including reviews on the purchase of products and services . allowing product placement in such programmes would blur the distinction between advertising and editorial content for viewers who may expect a genuine and honest review of products or services in such programmes . ### product placement should be prohibited in news and current affairs programmes , consumer affairs programmes , religious programmes and programmes with a significant children’s audience . in particular , evidence shows that product placement and embedded advertisements can affect children’s behaviour as children are often not able to recognise the commercial content . there is thus a need to continue to prohibit product placement in programmes with a significant children’s audience . consumer affairs programmes are programmes offering advice to viewers , or including reviews on the purchase of products and services . allowing product placement in such programmes would blur the distinction between advertising and editorial content for viewers who may expect a genuine and honest review of products or services in such programmes .


### “ audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages shall not be aimed specifically at minors and shall not encourage immoderate consumption of such beverages ; ” ### in paragraph 1 , point is replaced by the following : “ audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages shall not be aimed specifically at minors , shall not encourage immoderate consumption of such beverages and shall not accompany a programme aimed at a children’s audience , in the form of an advertising break broadcast during , immediately preceding or immediately following such a programme , or be included in such a programme , and shall be prohibited during hours of peak viewing by children’s audiences ; ”


### product placement shall be admissible in all audiovisual media services , except in news and current affairs programmes , consumer affairs programmes , religious programmes and programmes with a significant children ' s audience . ### product placement shall be prohibited .


### a pre - condition for granting the union’s macro - financial assistance should be that ukraine respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi - party parliamentary system – and the rule of law , and guarantees respect for human rights . in addition , the specific objectives of the union’s macro - financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency , transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems in ukraine and should promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth , employment creation and fiscal consolidation . both the fulfilment of the preconditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the commission and the european external action service . ### a pre - condition for granting the union’s macro - financial assistance should be that ukraine fulfils the conditions attached to past and forthcoming mfa programmes , notably those related to the fight against corruption , and respects effective democratic mechanisms , including a multi - party parliamentary system and the rule of law , which should be supported by an independent judiciary capable of effectively fighting corruption , and guarantees respect for human rights . in addition , the specific objectives of the union’s macro - financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency , transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems in ukraine , and promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth , employment creation and fiscal consolidation . both the fulfilment of the preconditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the commission and the european external action service throughout the life - cycle of the mfa . the disbursement of the first instalment of financial support should be made available only after the outstanding policy measures which were attached to the final instalment of the previous mfa programme have been fully implemented . the commission should provide a public assessment of the fulfilment of that precondition , including a clear indication of the benchmarks used .


### a pre - condition for granting the union’s macro - financial assistance should be that ukraine respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi - party parliamentary system – and the rule of law , and guarantees respect for human rights . in addition , the specific objectives of the union’s macro - financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency , transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems in ukraine and should promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth , employment creation and fiscal consolidation . both the fulfilment of the preconditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the commission and the european external action service . ### a pre - condition for granting the union’s macro - financial assistance should be that ukraine fulfils the conditions attached to past and forthcoming mfa programmes , notably those related to the fight against corruption , and respects effective democratic mechanisms , including a multi - party parliamentary system and the rule of law , which should be supported by an independent judiciary capable of effectively fighting corruption , and guarantees respect for human rights . these political conditions should be agreed with ukraine in a detailed memorandum of understanding . in addition , the specific objectives of the union’s macro - financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency , transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems in ukraine , and promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth , employment creation and fiscal consolidation . both the fulfilment of the preconditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the commission and the european external action service throughout the life - cycle of the mfa . the disbursement of the first instalment of financial support should be made available only after the outstanding policy measures which were attached to the final instalment of the previous mfa programme have been fully implemented . the commission should provide a public assessment of the fulfilment of that precondition , including a clear indication of the benchmarks used .


### the automated system shall notify the member states and the commission as soon as the number of applications in the benefitting member state for which it is the member state responsible under this regulation is below 150% of its share pursuant to article 35 . ### the automated system shall notify the member states and the commission as soon as the number of applications in the benefitting member state for which it is the member state responsible under this regulation is below 80% of its share pursuant to article 35 .


### paragraph 1 applies where the automated system referred to in article 44 indicates that the number of applications for international protection for which a member state is responsible under the criteria in chapter iii , articles 3 or , 18 and 19 , in addition to the number of persons effectively resettled , is higher than 150% of the reference number for that member state as determined by the key referred to in article 35 . ### paragraph 1 applies where the automated system referred to in article 44 indicates that the number of applications for international protection for which a member state is responsible under the criteria in chapter iii , articles 3 or , 18 and 19 , in addition to the number of persons effectively resettled , is higher than 100% of the reference number for that member state as determined by the key referred to in article 35 .


### member states shall establish the emission inventories , including adjusted emission inventories , emission projections and the informative inventory report in accordance with annex iv . ### member states shall establish the emission inventories , including if appropriate adjusted emission inventories , emission projections and the informative inventory report in accordance with annex iv .


### member states shall , as a minimum , limit their annual anthropogenic emissions of sulphur dioxide , nitrogen oxides , volatile organic compounds other than methane , ammonia , particulate matter and methane in accordance with the national emission reduction commitments applicable from 2020 and 2030 , as laid down in annex ii . ### member states shall , as a minimum , limit their annual anthropogenic emissions of sulphur dioxide , nitrogen oxides , volatile organic compounds other than methane , ammonia , and particulate matter in accordance with the national emission reduction commitments applicable from 2020 and 2030 , as laid down in annex ii .


### without prejudice to paragraph 1 , member states shall take all the necessary measures not entailing disproportionate costs to limit their 2025 emissions of so2 , nox , nmvoc , nh3 , pm2 , 5 and ch4 . the levels of those emissions shall be determined on the basis of fuels sold , by a linear reduction trajectory established between their emission levels for 2020 and the emission levels defined by the emission reduction commitments for 2030 . ### without prejudice to paragraph 1 , member states shall take all the necessary measures not entailing disproportionate costs to limit their 2025 emissions of so2 , nox , nmvoc and pm2 , 5 . the levels of those emissions shall be determined on the basis of fuels sold , by a linear reduction trajectory established between their emission levels for 2020 and the emission levels defined by the emission reduction commitments for 2030 .


### member states should comply with the emission reduction commitments set out in this directive for 2020 and 2030 . so as to ensure demonstrable progress towards the 2030 commitments , member states should meet intermediate emission levels in 2025 , set on the basis of a linear trajectory between their emission levels for 2020 and those defined by the emission reduction commitments for 2030 , unless this would entail disproportionate costs . where the 2025 emissions cannot be so limited , member states should explain the reasons in their reports under this directive . ### member states must comply with the emission reduction commitments set out in this directive for 2020 , 2025 and 2030 .


### the commission may also specify the format and the necessary information concerning member states ' national air pollution control programmes in the form of implementing acts . these implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 14 . ### the commission shall also specify the format and the necessary information concerning member states ' national air pollution control programmes in the form of implementing acts . these implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 14 .


### member states shall , as a minimum , limit their annual anthropogenic emissions of sulphur dioxide , nitrogen oxides , volatile organic compounds other than methane , ammonia , particulate matter and methane in accordance with the national emission reduction commitments applicable from 2020 and 2030 , as laid down in annex ii . ### member states shall , as a minimum , limit their annual anthropogenic emissions of sulphur dioxide , nitrogen oxides , volatile organic compounds other than methane , ammonia , particulate matter and methane in accordance with the national emission reduction commitments applicable from 2020 , 2025 and 2030 , as laid down in annex ii .


### members states that intend to apply paragraphs 1 , 2 and 3 shall inform the commission by 30 september of the year preceeding the reporting year concerned . that information shall include the pollutants and sectors concerned and , where available , the magnitude of the impacts upon national emission inventories . ### members states that intend to apply paragraphs 1 and 3 shall inform the commission by 30 september of the year preceeding the reporting year concerned . that information shall include the pollutants and sectors concerned and , where available , the magnitude of the impacts upon national emission inventories .


### prevention is of key importance for protection against disasters and requires further action . to that effect , member states should share risk assessments on a regular basis as well as summaries of their disaster risk management planning in order to ensure an integrated approach to disaster management , linking risk prevention , preparedness and response actions . in addition , the commission should be able to require member states to provide specific prevention and preparedness plans in relation to specific disasters , notably with a view to maximising overall union support to disaster risk management . administrative burden should be reduced and prevention policies strengthened , including by ensuring necessary links to other key union policies and instruments , notably the european structural and investment funds as listed in recital 2 of regulation no 1303 / 201313 . _________________ 13 regulation no 1303 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 laying down common provisions on the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development and the european maritime and fisheries fund and laying down general provisions on the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund and the european maritime and fisheries fund and repealing council regulation no 1083 / 2006 . ### prevention is of key importance for protection against disasters and requires further action . to that effect , member states and their regions should share risk assessments on a regular basis as well as summaries of their disaster risk management planning in order to ensure an integrated approach to disaster management , linking risk prevention , preparedness and response actions . in addition , the commission should request member states to provide specific training , prevention and preparedness plans in relation to disasters , notably with a view to maximising overall union support to disaster risk management . administrative burden should be reduced and prevention policies strengthened , including by ensuring necessary links to other key union policies and instruments , notably the european structural and investment funds as listed in recital 2 of regulation no 1303 / 201313 . _________________ 13 regulation no 1303 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 laying down common provisions on the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development and the european maritime and fisheries fund and laying down general provisions on the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund and the european maritime and fisheries fund and repealing council regulation no 1083 / 2006 .


### take action to improve the knowledge base on disaster risks and facilitate the sharing of knowledge , the results of scientific research , best practices and information , including among member states that share common risks . ### take action to improve the knowledge base on disaster risks and facilitate the sharing of knowledge , the results of scientific research , with recommendations and short - term forecasts , best practices and information , including among member states that share common risks , and assisting in decision - making ;


### in order to strengthen efficiency and effectiveness of training and exercises and enhance co - operation between member states ' national civil protection authorities and services it is necessary to establish a union civil protection knowledge network that is based on existing structures . ### in order to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of training and exercises to reflect the continual development of new technologies and the latest innovations in the field of research that could be used in emergencies , and to enhance co - operation between member states ' national civil protection authorities and services , including at a cross - border level where applicable , it is necessary to establish a union civil protection knowledge network that is based on existing structures .


### recent experience has shown that reliance on voluntary offers of mutual assistance , coordinated and facilitated by the union mechanism , does not always ensure that sufficient capacities are made available to address the basic needs of people affected by disasters in a satisfactory manner , nor that the environment and property are properly safeguarded . this is particularly so where member states are simultaneously affected by recurrent disasters and collective capacity is insufficient . ### recent experience has shown that reliance on voluntary offers of mutual assistance , coordinated and facilitated by the union mechanism , does not always ensure that sufficient capacities are made available to address the basic needs of people affected by disasters in a satisfactory manner , nor that the environment and property are properly safeguarded . this is particularly so where member states and their regions are affected by recurrent and simultaneous disasters and the collective response capacity is insufficient .


### there is a need to reinforce the collective ability to prepare and respond to disasters notably through mutual support in europe . in addition to strengthening the possibilities already offered by the european emergency response capacity , from now on referred to as ' european civil protection pool ' , the commission should also establish resceu . the composition of resceu should include emergency response capacities to respond to wildfires , large - scale floods and earthquakes , as well as a field hospital and medical teams in line with world health organisation standards , that can be rapidly deployed . ### there is a need to reinforce the collective ability to prepare and respond to disasters notably through mutual support in europe . in addition to strengthening the possibilities already offered by the european emergency response capacity , from now on referred to as ' european civil protection pool ' , the commission should also establish resceu . the composition of resceu should include joint emergency response capacities to respond to wildfires , large - scale floods , earthquakes and other potential and unforeseen events , as well as a field hospital , and medical teams in line with world health organisation standards , that can be deployed to intervene rapidly and concomitantly in several different locations , if need be .


### develop risk assessments at national or appropriate sub - national level and make them available to the commission by 22 december 2018 and every three years thereafter ; ### develop risk assessments at national or appropriate sub - national and regional level and make them available to the commission by 22 december 2018 and every two years thereafter ;


### prevention is of key importance for protection against disasters and requires further action . to that effect , member states should share risk assessments on a regular basis as well as summaries of their disaster risk management planning in order to ensure an integrated approach to disaster management , linking risk prevention , preparedness and response actions . in addition , the commission should be able to require member states to provide specific prevention and preparedness plans in relation to specific disasters , notably with a view to maximising overall union support to disaster risk management . administrative burden should be reduced and prevention policies strengthened , including by ensuring necessary links to other key union policies and instruments , notably the european structural and investment funds as listed in recital 2 of regulation no 1303 / 201313 . _________________ 13 regulation no 1303 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 laying down common provisions on the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development and the european maritime and fisheries fund and laying down general provisions on the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund and the european maritime and fisheries fund and repealing council regulation no 1083 / 2006 . ### prevention is of key importance for protection against disasters and requires further action . to that effect , member states should share risk assessments on a regular basis as well as summaries of their disaster risk management planning in order to ensure an integrated approach to disaster management , including in cross - border events , linking risk prevention , preparedness and response actions as swiftly as possible . in addition , the commission should be able to require member states to provide specific prevention and preparedness plans in relation to specific disasters , including in cross - border events , notably with a view to maximising overall union support to disaster risk management . administrative burden should be reduced and prevention policies should be linked together at regional and cross - border level and strengthened , including by ensuring necessary links to other key union policies and instruments , notably the european structural and investment funds as listed in recital 2 of regulation no 1303 / 201313 . _________________ 13 regulation no 1303 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 laying down common provisions on the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development and the european maritime and fisheries fund and laying down general provisions on the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund and the european maritime and fisheries fund and repealing council regulation no 1083 / 2006 .


### resceu capacities shall be available for response operations under the union mechanism following a request for assistance through the ercc . the decision on their deployment shall be taken by the commission , which shall retain command and control of resceu capacities . ### resceu capacities shall be available for response operations under the union mechanism following a request for assistance through the ercc . the decision on their deployment shall be taken by the commission , which shall retain command and control of resceu capacities and shall use a common and standardised operational language that can be understood by all entities that intervene in the event of disasters .


### natural and man - made disasters can strike anywhere across the globe , often without warning . whether of natural or man - made origin , they are becoming increasingly frequent , extreme and complex , exacerbated by the impacts of climate change , and irrespective of national borders . the human , environmental , and economic consequences stemming from disasters can be enormous . ### natural and man - made disasters can strike anywhere across the globe . whether of natural origin and exacerbated by climate change , or man - made , the disasters have enormous human , environmental , and economic consequences .


### the esf + should contribute to the reduction of poverty by supporting national schemes aiming to alleviate food and material deprivation and promote social integration of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion and the most deprived . with a view that at union level at least 4% of the resources of the esf + strand under shared management supports the most deprived , member states should allocate at least 2% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to address the forms of extreme poverty with the greatest social exclusion impact , such as homelessness , child poverty and food deprivation . due to the nature of the operations and the type of end recipients , it is necessary that simpler rules apply to support which addresses material deprivation of the most deprived . ### the esf + should contribute to the reduction of poverty by supporting national schemes aiming to alleviate food and material deprivation and promote social integration of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion and the most deprived . with a view that at union level at least 4% of the resources of the esf + strand under shared management supports the most deprived , member states should allocate at least 5% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to address the forms of extreme poverty with the greatest social exclusion impact , such as homelessness , child poverty and food deprivation . due to the nature of the operations and the type of end recipients , it is necessary that simpler rules apply to support which addresses material deprivation of the most deprived .


### the esf + aims to support member states to achieve high employment levels , fair social protection and a skilled and resilient workforce ready for the future world of work , in line with the principles set out in the european pillar of social rights proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission on 17 november 2017 . ### the esf + aims to support member states to achieve high employment levels , fair social protection and a skilled and resilient workforce ready for the future world of work , in line with the principles set out in the european pillar of social rights proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission on 17 november 2017 , and thus aim towards the strengthening of economic , social and territorial cohesion in the eu . .


### a genuinely humane killing method cannot be effectively and consistently applied in the hunts conducted by the inuit and other indigenous communities , just like in the other seal hunts . nonetheless , it is appropriate , in light of the objective pursued by regulation no 1007 / 2009 , to make the placing in the union market of products resulting from hunts by the inuit and other indigenous communities conditional upon those hunts being conducted in a manner which reduces pain , distress , fear or other forms of suffering of the animals hunted to the extent possible , while having regard to the traditional way of life and the subsistence needs of the inuit and other indigenous communities . the exception granted in respect of seal products resulting from hunts conducted by inuit and other indigenous communities should be limited to hunts that contribute to the subsistence need of those communities and are therefore not conducted primarily for commercial purposes . thus , the commission should be enabled to limit , if necessary , the quantity of seal products placed on the market under that exception in order to prevent the use of the exception by products resulting from hunts which are conducted primarily for commercial purposes . ### it is appropriate , in light of the objective pursued by regulation no 1007 / 2009 , to make the placing in the union market of products resulting from hunts by the inuit and other indigenous communities conditional upon those hunts being conducted in a manner which reduces pain , distress , fear or other forms of suffering of the animals hunted to the extent possible , while having regard to the traditional way of life and the subsistence needs of the inuit and other indigenous communities . the exception granted in respect of seal products resulting from hunts conducted by inuit and other indigenous communities should be limited to hunts that contribute to the subsistence need of those communities and are therefore not conducted primarily for commercial purposes . thus , the commission should be enabled to limit , if necessary , the quantity of seal products placed on the market under that exception in order to prevent the use of the exception by products resulting from hunts which are conducted primarily for commercial purposes .


### a pre - condition for granting the union ' s macro - financial assistance should be that moldova respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi - party parliamentary system – and the rule of law , and guarantees respect for human rights . in addition , the specific objectives of the union ' s macro - financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency , transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems , the governance and supervision of the financial sector in moldova and promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth , employment creation and fiscal consolidation . both the fulfilment of the preconditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the commission and the european external action service . ### a pre - condition for granting the union ' s macro - financial assistance should be that moldova fully respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi - party parliamentary system and a strict separation of powers – and the rule of law , including the independence of the judiciary , guarantees respect for human rights , supports free , independent and pluralistic media , and ensures an effective fight against corruption , the influence of oligarchs and money laundering as well as a thorough , result - orientated investigation into the “bank fraud” . in addition , the specific objectives of the union ' s macro - financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency , transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems , the governance and supervision of the financial and banking sector in moldova and promote effective structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth , employment creation and fiscal consolidation . both the fulfilment of the pre - condition and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the commission and the european external action service .


### a pre - condition for granting the union ' s macro - financial assistance should be that moldova respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi - party parliamentary system – and the rule of law , and guarantees respect for human rights . in addition , the specific objectives of the union ' s macro - financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency , transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems , the governance and supervision of the financial sector in moldova and promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth , employment creation and fiscal consolidation . both the fulfilment of the preconditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the commission and the european external action service . ### a pre - condition for granting the union ' s macro - financial assistance should be that moldova respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi - party parliamentary system – and the rule of law , and guarantees respect for human rights . in addition , the specific objectives of the union ' s macro - financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency , transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems , ensure an effective fight against corruption and money laundering , the governance and supervision of the financial and banking sector in moldova and promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth , employment creation and fiscal consolidation . the union ' s macro - financial assistance to moldova should also include measures to support the implementation of the association agreement , including the dcfta . to ensure that such conditions are properly assessed , it is crucial that they are set out in a verifiable and measurable manner . both the fulfilment of the preconditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the commission and the european external action service .


### the union ' s macro - financial assistance should support moldova ' s commitment to values shared with the union , including democracy , the rule of law , good governance , respect for human rights , sustainable development and poverty reduction , as well as its commitment to the principles of open , rules - based and fair trade . ### the union ' s macro - financial assistance should support moldova ' s commitment to values shared with the union , including democracy , the rule of law , good governance , depoliticisation of appointments in public administration , respect for human rights and free , independent and pluralistic media , sustainable development and poverty reduction , as well as its commitment to the principles of open , rules - based and fair trade .


### the union ' s macro - financial assistance should support moldova ' s commitment to values shared with the union , including democracy , the rule of law , good governance , respect for human rights , sustainable development and poverty reduction , as well as its commitment to the principles of open , rules - based and fair trade . ### the union ' s macro - financial assistance should support moldova ' s commitment to values shared with the union , including democracy , the rule of law , good governance , an independent judiciary , respect for human rights , the freedom and pluralism of the media , sustainable development and poverty reduction , as well as its commitment to the principles of open , rules - based and fair trade .


### the union ' s macro - financial assistance should be subject to economic policy conditions , to be laid down in a memorandum of understanding . in order to ensure uniform conditions of implementation and for reasons of efficiency , the commission should be empowered to negotiate such conditions with the moldovan authorities under the supervision of the committee of representatives of the member states in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 . under that regulation , the advisory procedure should , as a general rule , apply in all cases other than as provided for in that regulation . considering the potentially important impact of assistance of more than eur 90 million , it is appropriate that the examination procedure be used for operations above that threshold . considering the amount of the union ' s macro - financial assistance to moldova , the examination procedure should apply to the adoption of the memorandum of understanding , and to any reduction , suspension or cancellation of the assistance , ### the union ' s macro - financial assistance should be subject to economic policy conditions , to be laid down in a memorandum of understanding . such conditions should be linked to the disbursement of each of the three instalments . in order to ensure uniform conditions of implementation and for reasons of efficiency , the commission should be empowered to negotiate such conditions with the moldovan authorities under the supervision of the committee of representatives of the member states in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 . under that regulation , the advisory procedure should , as a general rule , apply in all cases other than as provided for in that regulation . considering the potentially important impact of assistance of more than eur 90 million , it is appropriate that the examination procedure be used for operations above that threshold . considering the amount of the union ' s macro - financial assistance to moldova , the examination procedure should apply to the adoption of the memorandum of understanding , and to any reduction , suspension or cancellation of the assistance ,


### in order to ensure that the union’s financial interests linked to the union’s macro - financial assistance are protected efficiently , moldova should take appropriate measures relating to the prevention of , and fight against , fraud , corruption and any other irregularities linked to the assistance . in addition , provision should be made for the commission to carry out checks and for the court of auditors to carry out audits . ### in order to ensure that the union’s financial interests linked to the union’s macro - financial assistance are protected efficiently , moldova should take appropriate measures relating to the prevention of , and fight against , fraud , corruption and any other irregularities linked to the assistance . moldova should regularly inform the commission about the implementation of the macro - financial assistance on the basis of full disclosure and strict compliance with union financial rules . in addition , provision should be made for the commission to carry out checks and for the court of auditors to carry out audits .


### ' goods ' means any tangible movable item , with the exception of items sold by way of execution or otherwise by authority of law ; water , gas and electricity shall be considered as goods within the meaning of this regulation where they are put up for sale in a limited volume or a set quantity ; ### ' goods ' means any tangible movable item , with the exception of items sold by way of execution or otherwise by authority of law ;


### the first evaluation referred to in paragraph 1 shall be carried out , in particular , with a view to assessing whether the prohibition of article 4 should also apply to electronically supplied services , the main feature of which is the provision of access to and use of copyright protected works or other protected subject matter , provided that the trader has the requisite rights for the relevant territories . ### the first evaluation referred to in paragraph 1 shall be carried out , in particular , with a view to assessing whether the prohibition of article 4 should also apply to electronically supplied services , the main feature of which is the provision of access to and use or the selling of copyright protected works or other protected subject matter , with regards to the legal developments in member states in the field of copyright , audiovisual services and cross - border portability of online content services , provided that the trader has the requisite rights for the relevant territories .


### this regulation should be regularly evaluated , with a view to proposing amendments where necessary . the first evaluation should concentrate , in particular , on the possible extension of the prohibition of article 4 to electronically supplied services , the main feature of which is the provision of access to and use of copyright protected works or other protected subject matter , provided that the trader has the requisite rights for the relevant territories . ### this regulation should be regularly evaluated , with a view to proposing amendments where necessary . the first evaluation should concentrate , in particular , on the possible extension of the prohibition of article 4 to electronically supplied services , the main feature of which is the provision of access to and use or the selling of copyright protected works or other protected subject matter , provided that the trader has the requisite rights for the relevant territories . the first evaluation should take into account the legal developments in member states with regard to the copyright reform , audiovisual services and cross - border portability of online content services .