### in cases where a recognised producer organisation , a recognised association of producer organisations or a recognised interbranch organisation operating in a specific economic area or areas of a member state is considered to be representative of the production of or trade in , or processing of , a given product , the member state concerned may , at the request of that organisation , make binding for a limited period of time some of the agreements , decisions or concerted practices agreed within that organisation on other operators acting in the economic area or areas in question , whether individuals or groups , who do not belong to the organisation or association . ### the text of article 164 is replaced by the following : “in cases where a recognised producer organisation , a recognised association of producer organisations or a recognised interbranch organisation , operating in the tobacco sector on a transnational basis in the economic area of the european union , is considered to be representative of the production of or trade in , or processing of tobacco , the european union may , at the request of that organisation , make binding for a limited period of time some of the agreements , decisions or concerted practices agreed within that organisation on other operators acting in the tobacco sector in the economic area of the european union , whether individuals or groups , who do not belong to the organisation or association . ”


### where rules of a recognised producer organisation , a recognised association of producer organisations or a recognised interbranch organisation are extended under article 164 and the activities covered by those rules are in the general economic interest of economic operators whose activities relate to the products concerned , the member state which has granted recognition may , after consulting the relevant stakeholders , decide that individual economic operators or groups which are not members of the organisation but which benefit from those activities shall pay the organisation all or part of the financial contributions paid by its members to the extent that such contributions are intended to cover costs directly incurred as a result of pursuing the activities in question . ### article 165 is amended as follows : ‘ where rules of a recognised producer organisation , a recognised association of producer organisations or a recognised interbranch organisation are extended under article 164 and the activities covered by those rules are in the general economic interest of economic operators whose activities relate to the products concerned , the member state which has granted recognition may , after consulting the relevant operators , decide that individual economic operators or groups which are not members of the organisation but which benefit in practice from those activities shall pay the organisation all or part of the financial contributions paid by its members to the extent that such contributions are intended to cover costs incurred as a result of pursuing one or more activities referred to in article 164 . the detailed budgets related to the pursuit of these activities must be made public in a transparent way so that all contributing economic operators can examine them . ’


### the rules referred to in paragraph 1 of this article shall be subject to the existence of a prior agreement between the parties in the geographical area referred to in point of article 7 of regulation no 1151 / 2012 . such an agreement shall be concluded , after consultation with pig producers in the geographical area , between at least two thirds of the processors of that ham representing at least two thirds of the production of that ham in the geographical area referred to in point of article 7 of regulation no 1151 / 2012 and , if considered to be appropriate by the member state , at least two thirds of the pig producers in the geographical area referred to in point of article 7 of regulation no 1151 / 2012 . ### article 172 shall be amended as follows ‘ 2 . the rules referred to in paragraph 1 of this article shall be subject to the existence of a prior agreement between the parties in the geographical area referred to in point of article 7 of regulation no 1151 / 2012 . such an agreement shall be concluded , after consultation with pig producers in the geographical area , between at least two thirds of the processors of that ham representing at least two thirds of the production of that ham , or their representatives , in the geographical area referred to in point of article 7 of regulation no 1151 / 2012 and , if considered to be appropriate by the member state , at least two thirds of the pig producers in the geographical area referred to in that point . ’


### this text article 172a value - sharing without prejudice to any specific value - sharing clauses in the sugar sector , farmers , including associations of farmers , and their first purchaser may agree on value sharing clauses , including market bonuses and losses , determining how any evolution of relevant market prices for the products concerned or other commodity markets is to be allocated between them . ’ ; ### article 172a is replaced by the following : “article 172a value - sharing without prejudice to any specific value - sharing clauses in the sugar sector , farmers , including associations of farmers , and their first purchaser as well as purchasers situated more downstream in the value chain may agree on value sharing clauses , including reference market developments , determining how any evolution of relevant market prices for the products concerned or other commodity markets is to be allocated between them . ’ ;


### this text 3 . licences shall be valid throughout the union . ### in article 176 , paragraph 3 is replaced by the following : 3 . licences shall be valid throughout the union . all information pertaining to applicants , collected by member states for the issue of certificates , shall be communicated to the commission every month .


### this text the trigger volume shall be based on market access opportunities defined as imports expressed as a percentage of the corresponding domestic consumption during the three previous years . ### in article 182 , the second subparagraph is replaced by the following : the trigger volume shall be based on market access opportunities defined as imports expressed as a percentage of the corresponding domestic consumption during the three previous years . it shall regularly be redefined to take changes in the size of the european market into account . the trigger price shall regularly be redefined to take developments in global markets and production costs into account . ”


### article 101 tfeu shall not apply to agreements , decisions and concerted practices of interbranch organisations recognised under article 157 of this regulation with the object of carrying out the activities listed in point of article 157 and , for the milk and milk products sector , in point of article 157 of this regulation , and , for the olive oil and table olives and tobacco sectors , in article 162 of this regulation . ### article 210 is amended as follows : “1 . article 101 tfeu shall not apply to agreements , decisions and concerted practices of interbranch organisations recognised under article 157 of this regulation which are necessary in order to meet the objectives listed in point of article 157 and , for the milk and milk products sector , in point of article 157 of this regulation , and , for the olive oil and table olives and tobacco sectors , in article 162 of this regulation . agreements , decisions and concerted practices which fulfil the conditions referred to in paragraph 1 of this article shall apply without any prior decision to that effect being required . however , interbranch organisations recognised under article 157 of this regulation may ask the commission for an opinion on the compatibility of these agreements , decision and concerted practices with the objectives listed in article 39 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union . the commission shall deal with requests for opinions promptly and shall send the applicant its opinion within four months of receipt of a complete request . the commission may , at its own initiative or at the request of a member state , change the content of an opinion , in particular if the applicant has provided inaccurate information or misused the opinion . ”


### paragraph 1 shall apply provided that : the agreements , decisions and concerted practices referred to therein have been notified to the commission ; and within two months of receipt of all the details required the commission has not found that those agreements , decisions or concerted practices are incompatible with union rules . where the commission finds that the agreements , decisions or concerted practices referred to in paragraph 1 are incompatible with union rules , it shall set out its finding without applying the procedure referred to in article 229 or . ### in article 210 , paragraph 2 is amended as follows : “2 . article 101 tfeu shall not apply to agreements , decisions and concerted practices of interbranch organisations recognised under article 157 of this regulation which concern activities other than the objectives listed in point of article 157 and , for the milk and milk products sector , in point of article 157 , and , for the olive oil and table olives and tobacco sectors , in article 162 of this regulation provided that : the agreements , decisions and concerted practices referred to therein have been notified to the commission ; and within two months of receipt of all the details required the commission has not found that those agreements , decisions or concerted practices are incompatible with union rules . where the commission finds that the agreements , decisions or concerted practices referred to in paragraph 2 are incompatible with union rules , it shall set out its finding without applying the procedure referred to in article 229 or . ”


### agreements , decisions and concerted practices shall in any case be declared incompatible with union rules if they : may lead to the partitioning of markets within the union in any form ; may affect the sound operation of the market organisation ; may create distortions of competition which are not essential to achieving the objectives of the cap pursued by the interbranch organisation activity ; entail the fixing of prices or the fixing of quotas ; may create discrimination or eliminate competition in respect of a substantial proportion of the products in question . ### in article 210 , paragraph 4 is amended as follows : “4 . agreements , decisions and concerted practices shall in any case be incompatible with union rules if they : may lead to the partitioning of markets within the union in any form ; may affect the sound operation of the market organisation ; may create distortions of competition which are not essential to achieving the objectives of the cap pursued by the interbranch organisation activity ; entail the obligation to apply a fixed price or fixed volumes ; may create discrimination or eliminate competition in respect of a substantial proportion of the products in question . ”


### if , following the expiry of the two - month period referred to in point of the first subparagraph of paragraph 2 , the commission finds that the conditions for applying paragraph 1 have not been met , it shall , without applying the procedure referred to in article 229 or , take a decision declaring that article 101 tfeu applies to the agreement , decision or concerted practice in question . that commission decision shall not apply earlier than the date of its notification to the interbranch organisation concerned , unless that interbranch organisation has given incorrect information or abused the exemption provided for in paragraph 1 . ### in article 210 , paragraph 5 is amended as follows : “5 . if , following the expiry of the two - month period referred to in point of the first subparagraph of paragraph 2 , the commission finds that the conditions for applying paragraph 1 have not been met , it shall , without applying the procedure referred to in article 229 or , take a decision declaring that in the future article 101 tfeu applies to the agreement , decision or concerted practice in question . that commission decision shall not apply earlier than the date of its notification to the interbranch organisation concerned , unless that interbranch organisation has given incorrect information or abused the exemption provided for in paragraphs 1 or 2 . ”


### subject to authorisation by the commission , for the period 2014 - 2020 , finland may continue to grant national aids which it granted in 2013 to producers on the basis of article 141 of the 1994 act of accession , provided that : the amount of income aid is degressive over the whole period and in 2020 does not exceed 30&#160 ; % of the amount granted in 2013 ; and prior to any recourse to this possibility , full use has been made of the support schemes under the cap for the sectors concerned . the commission shall adopt its authorisation without applying the procedure referred to in article 229 or of this regulation . ### article 214a is amended as follows : “subject to authorisation by the commission , for the period 2021 - 2027 , finland may continue to grant national aids which it granted in 2020 to producers on the basis of commission decision c 510 , provided that : the amount of income aid is degressive over the whole period , and ; prior to any recourse to this possibility , full use has been made of the support schemes under the cap for the sectors concerned . the commission shall adopt its authorisation without applying the procedure referred to in article 229 of this regulation . ”


### agreements and decisions during periods of severe imbalance in markets ### part v , chapter i , section 4 , the title shall be replaced by the following : ‘ agreements and decisions to prevent market disturbances during periods of severe imbalance in markets’


### this text the information obtained may be transmitted or made available to international organisations , the competent authorities of third countries and may be made public , subject to the protection of personal data and the legitimate interest of undertakings in the protection of their business secrets , including prices . ### in article 223 , the second subparagraph is replaced by the following : “the information obtained may be transmitted or made available to international organisations , european financial market authorities , the competent authorities of third countries and may be made public , subject to the protection of personal data and the legitimate interest of undertakings in the protection of their business secrets , including prices . ”


### this text meat of bovine animals aged less than 12 months ### the title of part i is replaced by the following : “meat of bovine animals and sheep aged less than 12 months”


### the term ' partially de - alcoholised ' may be used together with the name of the grapevine products referred to in points 1 and 4 to 9 , where the product : ### “partially de - alcoholised wine” or ' partially de - alcoholised ' means the product which :


### the designations referred to in points 1 , 2 and 3 may not be used for any product other than those referred to in that point . however , this provision shall not apply to the designation of products the exact nature of which is clear from traditional usage and / or when the designations are clearly used to describe a characteristic quality of the product . ### in part iii of annex vii , paragraph 5 is amended as follows : “5 . the designations referred to in points 1 , 2 and 3 may not be used for any product other than those referred to in that point . these designations shall also be protected from : any direct or indirect commercial use of the designation : for comparable products or products presented as capable of being substituted not complying with the corresponding definition ; in so far as such use exploits the reputation associated with the designation ; any misuse , imitation or evocation , even if the composition or true nature of the product or service is indicated or accompanied by an expression such as “style” , “type” , “method” , “as produced in” , “imitation” , “flavour” , “substitute” , “like” or similar ; any other commercial indication or practice likely to mislead the consumer as to the product’s true nature or composition . however , this provision shall not apply to the designation of products the exact nature of which is clear from traditional usage and / or when the designations are clearly used to describe a characteristic quality of the product . ”


### for the purpose of this regulation , ‘ geographical indication’ is a name which identifies a product : ### in article 5 , paragraph 2 , the introduction part is modified as following : “2 . for the purpose of this regulation , ‘ geographical indication’ is a name traditionally used in a specific place which identifies a product : ”


### any direct or indirect commercial use of a registered name in respect of products not covered by the registration where those products are comparable to the products registered under that name or where using the name exploits the reputation of the protected name , including when those products are used as an ingredient ; ### in article 13 , point is amended as follows : “ any direct or indirect commercial use of a registered name in respect of products not covered by the registration where those products are comparable to the products registered under that name or where using the name exploits , lessens or dilutes the reputation of the protected name , including when those products are used as an ingredient ; ”


### registered names shall be protected against : any direct or indirect commercial use of a registered name in respect of products not covered by the registration where those products are comparable to the products registered under that name or where using the name exploits the reputation of the protected name , including when those products are used as an ingredient ; any misuse , imitation or evocation , even if the true origin of the products or services is indicated or if the protected name is translated or accompanied by an expression such as ‘ style’ , ‘ type’ , ‘ method’ , ‘ as produced in’ , ‘ imitation’ or similar , including when those products are used as an ingredient ; any other false or misleading indication as to the provenance , origin , nature or essential qualities of the product that is used on the inner or outer packaging , advertising material or documents relating to the product concerned , and the packing of the product in a container liable to convey a false impression as to its origin ; any other practice liable to mislead the consumer as to the true origin of the product . where a protected designation of origin or a protected geographical indication contains within it the name of a product which is considered to be generic , the use of that generic name shall not be considered to be contrary to points or of the first subparagraph . ### in article 13 , the paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : “1 . registered names shall be protected against : any direct or indirect commercial use of a registered name in respect of products not covered by the registration where those products are comparable to the products registered under that name or where using the name exploits , weakens or dilutes the reputation of the protected name , including when those products are used as an ingredient ; any misuse , imitation or evocation , even if the true origin of the products or services is indicated or if the protected name is translated or accompanied by an expression such as ‘ style’ , ‘ type’ , ‘ method’ , ‘ as produced in’ , ‘ imitation’ or similar , including when those products are used as an ingredient ; any other false or misleading indication as to the provenance , origin , nature or essential qualities of the product that is used on the inner or outer packaging , advertising material or documents relating to the product concerned , and the packing of the product in a container liable to convey a false impression as to its origin ; any other practice liable to mislead the consumer as to the true origin of the product . where a protected designation of origin or a protected geographical indication contains within it the name of a product which is considered to be generic , the use of that generic name shall not be considered to be contrary to points or of the first subparagraph . ”


### article 53 ### in article 53 , the following paragraph is added : “3a . the commission shall adopt guidelines setting out criteria and a common methodology for the implementation and enforcement of the administrative process of union and standard amendments to product specifications , in order to assure coherence in the implementation of standard amendments at national level . within 3 year of entry into force of the reform , the commission shall carry out a first evaluation of the effectiveness of the administrative process of union and standard amendments to product specification , in order to assess the impact and coherence of the reform implementation at national level . following the evaluation , the commission shall present a report of the main findings to the european parliament and to the council . ”


### regulation 2018 / &#8230 ; of the european parliament and of the council24 25 lays down administrative provisions and technical requirements for the type - approval of new vehicles , systems , components and separate technical units with a view to ensuring the proper functioning of the internal market and in order to offer a high level of safety and environmental performance . __________________ 24regulation 2018 / … of the european parliament and of the council 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 25 + please insert in the text the number of the regulation contained in document pe - cons no73 / 17 ) and insert the number , date and oj reference of that regulation in the footnote . ### regulation 2018 / &#8230 ; of the european parliament and of the council24 25 lays down administrative provisions and technical requirements for the type - approval of new vehicles , systems , components and separate technical units with a view to ensuring the proper functioning of the internal market and in order to offer a high level of safety and environmental performance as well as passenger protection and traffic safety . __________________ 24regulation 2018 / … of the european parliament and of the council 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 25 + please insert in the text the number of the regulation contained in document pe - cons no73 / 17 ) and insert the number , date and oj reference of that regulation in the footnote .


### over the past decades , developments in vehicle safety have contributed significantly to the overall reduction in the number of road fatalities and severe injuries . however , these reductions have recently stalled in the union due to various factors , such as structural and behavioural factors , and without new initiatives on general road safety , the safety effects of the current approach will no longer be able to off - set the effects of increasing traffic volumes . therefore , the safety performance of vehicles needs to be further improved as part of an integrated road safety approach and in order to protect vulnerable road users better . ### no one should die or get injured in a road accident . this shall be an overall major european objective . nonetheless , 25 , 300 people died in the year 2017 on eu roads . in addition , at least 135 , 000 people are seriously injured in collisions every year on eu roads . the european union shall do its utmost to reduce these figures drastically . however , over the past decades , developments in vehicle safety have contributed significantly to the overall reduction in the number of road fatalities and severe injuries . however , these reductions have recently stalled in the union due to various factors , such as structural and behavioural factors , and without new initiatives on general road safety , the safety effects of the current approach will no longer be able to off - set the effects of increasing traffic volumes . therefore , the safety performance of vehicles needs to be further improved as part of an integrated road safety approach and in order to protect vulnerable road users better .


### over the past decades , developments in vehicle safety have contributed significantly to the overall reduction in the number of road fatalities and severe injuries . however , these reductions have recently stalled in the union due to various factors , such as structural and behavioural factors , and without new initiatives on general road safety , the safety effects of the current approach will no longer be able to off - set the effects of increasing traffic volumes . therefore , the safety performance of vehicles needs to be further improved as part of an integrated road safety approach and in order to protect vulnerable road users better . ### over the past decades , developments in vehicle safety have contributed significantly to the overall reduction in the number of road fatalities and severe injuries . however , these reductions have recently stalled in the union due to various factors , such as structural and behavioural factors , and without new initiatives on general road safety , the safety effects of the current approach will no longer be able to off - set the effects of increasing traffic volumes . therefore , the safety performance of vehicles needs to be further improved as part of an integrated road safety approach aiming at the vision zero goal of “no fatalities” and in order to protect all road users better , in particular vulnerable ones .


### technical progress in the area of advanced vehicle safety systems offers new possibilities for reducing casualty numbers . in order to minimise the number of fatalities , some of the relevant new technologies need to be introduced . ### technical progress in the area of advanced vehicle safety systems substantially changes the conditions in the field of road transport and offers new possibilities for reducing casualty numbers . in order to minimise the number of fatalities and severe injuries , some of the relevant new technologies need to be introduced . those systems that have proven to be fully developed in order to improve road safety significantly should be introduced on compulsory basis .


### the introduction of event data recorders storing a range of crucial vehicle data over a short timeframe before , during and after a triggering event is a valuable step in obtaining more accurate , in - depth accident data . motor - vehicles should therefore be required to be equipped with such recorders . it should also be a requirement that such recorders are capable for recording and storing data in such a way that the data can be used by member states to conduct road safety analysis and assess the effectiveness of specific measures taken . ### the introduction of accident data recorders storing a range of crucial vehicle data over a short timeframe immediately before , during and immediately after a triggering event is a valuable step in obtaining more accurate , in - depth accident data . all motor - vehicles should therefore be required to be equipped with such recorders . such recorders should be capable for recording and storing data in such a way that the data can be used by member states only to conduct road safety analysis and assess the effectiveness of specific measures taken without the possibility of identifying the owner or the holder of the vehicle .


### automated and connected vehicles may be able to make a huge contribution in reducing road fatalities since in the region of 90 per cent of road accidents are estimated to result from human error . as automated vehicles will gradually be taking over tasks of the driver , harmonised rules and technical requirements for automated vehicle systems should be adopted at union level . ### automated and connected vehicles may be able to make a huge contribution in reducing road fatalities since in the region of 90 per cent of road accidents are estimated to result from human error . as automated vehicles will gradually be taking over tasks of the driver , harmonised rules and technical requirements for automated vehicle systems should be adopted at union level . these rules should be coordinated and promoted at international level in the framework of the unece wp . 29 .


### for the type - approval of vehicles , and systems , components and separate technical units designed and constructed for vehicles , with regard to their general characteristics and safety , and to the protection of vehicle occupants and vulnerable road users ; ### for the type - approval of vehicles , and systems , components and separate technical units designed and constructed for vehicles , with regard to their general characteristics and safety , and to the protection and safety of vehicle occupants and vulnerable road users ;


### ‘ intelligent speed assistance’ means a system to aid the driver in observing the appropriate speed for the road environment by providing haptic feedback through the accelerator pedal with speed limit information obtained through observation of road signs and signals , based on infrastructure signals or electronic map data , or both , made available in - vehicle ; ### ‘ intelligent speed limit information system’ means a system to aid the driver in observing the appropriate speed for the road environment by providing speed limit information obtained through observation of road signs and signals , based on infrastructure signals or electronic map data , or both , made available in - vehicle , as well haptic feedback through the accelerator pedal ;


### ‘ event data recorder’ means a system recording and storing critical crash - related parameters and information before , during and after a collision ; ### ‘ accident data recorder’ means a system solely designed for purpose of recording and storing critical crash - related parameters and information immediately , and in any case not longer than 10 seconds , before , during and immediately , and in any case not longer than 5 seconds , after a collision ;


### pedestrians , cyclists , vision and visibility ; ### pedestrians , cyclists , vision and visibility , drivers of electric vehicles ;


### vehicles of categories m1 and n1 shall be equipped with a lane - keeping system . ### vehicles of categories m1 and n1 shall be equipped with a lane - keeping or lane - departure warning system .


### it shall apply from [ po : please insert the date 36 months following the date of entry into force of this regulation ] . ### se aplică de la [ op : it shall apply from [ po : please insert the date 36 months following the date of entry into force of this regulation ] . the delegated acts referred to in article 12 shall be published at least 18 months before implementation .


### any processing of personal data should be lawful and fair . it should be transparent to natural persons that personal data concerning them are collected , used , consulted or otherwise processed and to what extent the personal data are or will be processed . the principle of transparency requires that any information and communication relating to the processing of those personal data be easily accessible and easy to understand , and that clear and plain language be used . that principle concerns , in particular , information to the data subjects on the identity of the controller and the purposes of the processing and further information to ensure fair and transparent processing in respect of the natural persons concerned and their right to obtain confirmation and communication of personal data concerning them which are being processed . natural persons should be made aware of risks , rules , safeguards and rights in relation to the processing of personal data and how to exercise their rights in relation to such processing . in particular , the specific purposes for which personal data are processed should be explicit and legitimate and determined at the time of the collection of the personal data . the personal data should be adequate , relevant and limited to what is necessary for the purposes for which they are processed . this requires , in particular , ensuring that the period for which the personal data are stored is limited to a strict minimum . personal data should be processed only if the purpose of the processing could not reasonably be fulfilled by other means . in order to ensure that the personal data are not kept longer than necessary , time limits should be established by the controller for erasure or for a periodic review . every reasonable step should be taken to ensure that personal data which are inaccurate are rectified or deleted . personal data should be processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security and confidentiality of the personal data , including for preventing unauthorised access to or use of personal data and the equipment used for the processing . ### any processing of personal data should be lawful and fair and done for clear and well - defined purposes . . it should be transparent to natural persons that personal data concerning them are collected , used , consulted or otherwise processed and to what extent the personal data are or will be processed . the principle of transparency requires that any information and communication relating to the processing of those personal data be easily accessible and easy to understand , and that clear and plain language be used . that principle concerns , in particular , information to the data subjects on the identity of the controller and the purposes of the processing and further information to ensure fair and transparent processing in respect of the natural persons concerned and their right to obtain confirmation and communication of personal data concerning them which are being processed . natural persons should be made aware of risks , rules , safeguards and rights in relation to the processing of personal data and how to exercise their rights in relation to such processing . in particular , the specific purposes for which personal data are processed should be explicit and legitimate and determined at the time of the collection of the personal data . the personal data should be adequate , relevant and limited to what is necessary for the purposes for which they are processed . this requires , in particular , ensuring that the period for which the personal data are stored is limited to a strict minimum . personal data should be processed only if the purpose of the processing could not reasonably be fulfilled by other means . in order to ensure that the personal data are not kept longer than necessary , time limits should be established by the controller for erasure or for a periodic review . every reasonable step should be taken to ensure that personal data which are inaccurate are rectified or deleted . personal data should be processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security and confidentiality of the personal data , including for preventing unauthorised access to , disclosure during the transmission of , or use of personal data and the equipment used for the processing .


### the union law including the internal rules referred to in this regulation should be clear and precise and its application should be foreseeable to persons subject to it , in accordance with the case - law of the court of justice of the european union and the european court of human rights . ### the union law referred to in this regulation should be clear and precise and its application should be foreseeable to persons subject to it , in accordance with the requirements set out in the charter and the european convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms .


### where processing is based on the data subject ' s consent , the controller should be able to demonstrate that the data subject has given consent to the processing operation . in particular in the context of a written declaration on another matter , safeguards should ensure that the data subject is aware of the fact that and the extent to which consent is given . in accordance with council directive 93 / 13 / eec14 a declaration of consent pre - formulated by the controller should be provided in an intelligible and easily accessible form , using clear and plain language and it should not contain unfair terms . for consent to be informed , the data subject should be aware at least of the identity of the controller and the purposes of the processing for which the personal data are intended . consent should not be regarded as freely given if the data subject has no genuine or free choice or is unable to refuse or withdraw consent without detriment . _________________ 14 council directive 93 / 13 / eec of 5 april 1993 on unfair terms in consumer contracts . ### where processing is based on the data subject ' s consent , the controller should be able to demonstrate that the data subject has given consent to the processing operation . in particular in the context of a written declaration on another matter , safeguards should ensure that the data subject is aware of the fact that and the extent to which consent is given . in accordance with council directive 93 / 13 / eec14 a declaration of consent pre - formulated by the controller should be provided in an intelligible and easily accessible form , using clear and plain language and it should not contain unfair terms . for consent to be informed , the data subject should be aware at least of the identity of the controller , the purposes of the processing for which the personal data are intended and the categories of recipients of the data , and be informed on the right of access and of intervention in respect of the data . consent should not be regarded as freely given if the data subject has no genuine or free choice or is unable to refuse or withdraw consent without detriment . _________________ 14 council directive 93 / 13 / eec of 5 april 1993 on unfair terms in consumer contracts .


### cooperation with national supervisory authorities ### cooperation between the european data protection supervisor and national supervisory authorities


### for the purposes laid down in paragraph 2 , the european data protection supervisor shall meet with the national supervisory authorities at least twice a year within the framework of the european data protection board . the costs and servicing of those meetings shall be borne by the european data protection board . rules of procedure shall be adopted at the first meeting . further working methods shall be developed jointly as necessary . ### for the purposes laid down in paragraph 2 , the european data protection supervisor and the national supervisory authorities shall meet at least twice a year within the framework of the european data protection board . for these purposes , the european data protection board may develop further working methods as necessary .


### assistance should also be provided in compliance with the agreements concluded by the union with the beneficiaries listed in annex i . assistance should mainly focus on assisting the beneficiaries listed in annex i to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law , reform the judiciary and public administration , respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality , tolerance , social inclusion and non - discrimination . assistance should also support the key principles and rights as defined in the european pillar of social rights17 . assistance should continue to support their efforts to advance regional , macro - regional and cross - border cooperation as well as territorial development , including through implementation of union macro - regional strategies . it should also enhance their economic and social development and economic governance , underpinning a smart , sustainable and inclusive growth agenda , including through implementation of regional development , agriculture and rural development , social and employment policies and the development of the digital economy and society , also in line with the flagship initiative digital agenda for the western balkans . __________________ 17 european pillar of social rights solemnly proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission at the gothenburg social summit for fair jobs and growth , gothenburg 17 november 2017 . ### assistance should be provided in compliance with the agreements concluded by the union with the beneficiaries listed in annex i . assistance should focus , on the one hand , on assisting the beneficiaries listed in annex i to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law , reform the judiciary and public administration , respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality , tolerance , social inclusion and non - discrimination , as well as support the key principles and rights as defined in the european pillar of social rights17 . on the other hand , assistance should continue to support their efforts to advance economic , social and territorial development as well as regional , macro - regional and cross - border cooperation , gradually adopting relevant eu policies and practices , especially those of cohesion policy contributing also to the implementation of union macro - regional strategies . furthermore , ipa iii should also enhance their economic governance , underpinning a smart , sustainable and inclusive growth agenda , including through the implementation of multi - annual programmes aimed at regional development , agriculture and rural development , social and employment policies and the development of the digital economy and society , also in line with the flagship initiative digital agenda for the western balkans . __________________ 17 european pillar of social rights solemnly proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission at the gothenburg social summit for fair jobs and growth , gothenburg 17 november 2017 .


### assistance should also be provided in compliance with the agreements concluded by the union with the beneficiaries listed in annex i . assistance should mainly focus on assisting the beneficiaries listed in annex i to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law , reform the judiciary and public administration , respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality , tolerance , social inclusion and non - discrimination . assistance should also support the key principles and rights as defined in the european pillar of social rights17 . assistance should continue to support their efforts to advance regional , macro - regional and cross - border cooperation as well as territorial development , including through implementation of union macro - regional strategies . it should also enhance their economic and social development and economic governance , underpinning a smart , sustainable and inclusive growth agenda , including through implementation of regional development , agriculture and rural development , social and employment policies and the development of the digital economy and society , also in line with the flagship initiative digital agenda for the western balkans . __________________ 17 european pillar of social rights solemnly proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission at the gothenburg social summit for fair jobs and growth , gothenburg 17 november 2017 . ### assistance should also be provided in compliance with the agreements concluded by the union with the beneficiaries listed in annex i . assistance should mainly focus on assisting the beneficiaries listed in annex i to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law , reform the judiciary and public administration , respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality , tolerance , social inclusion and non - discrimination . assistance should also support the key principles and rights as defined in the european pillar of social rights17 . assistance should continue to support their efforts to advance regional , macro - regional and cross - border cooperation as well as territorial development , including through implementation of union macro - regional strategies . it should also enhance their economic and social development and economic governance , underpinning a smart , sustainable and inclusive growth agenda , including through implementation of regional development , agriculture and rural development , social and employment policies and the development of the digital economy and society in line also with the flagship initiative digital agenda for the western balkans . the beneficiaries listed in annex i should promote investments and ensure their visibility . __________________ 17 european pillar of social rights solemnly proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission at the gothenburg social summit for fair jobs and growth , gothenburg 17 november 2017 .


### the union should provide support to the transition towards accession for the benefit of the beneficiaries listed in annex i , based on the experience of its member states . this cooperation should focus in particular on the sharing of experience acquired by the member states in the reform process . ### the union should provide support to the transition towards accession , as well as to participation in eu cohesion policy upon accession , for the benefit of the beneficiaries listed in annex i , based on the experience of its member states . this cooperation should focus in particular on the sharing of experience and best practices acquired by the member states , as well as by the beneficiaries listed in annex i , in the reform process .


### strengthening the rule of law , including the fight against corruption and organised crime , and good governance , including public administration reform , remain key challenges in most of the beneficiaries listed in annex i and are essential in order for beneficiaries to come closer to the union and later to fully assume the obligations of union membership . in view of the longer - term nature of the reforms pursued in those areas and the need to build up track records , financial assistance under this regulation should address the requirements placed on the beneficiaries listed in annex i as early as possible . ### strengthening the rule of law , including the fight against corruption and organised crime , and good governance , including public administration reform , remain one of the key challenges in most of the beneficiaries listed in annex i and are essential in order for beneficiaries to come closer to the union and later to fully assume the obligations of union membership . in view of the longer - term nature of the reforms pursued in those areas and the need to build up track records , financial assistance under this regulation should address the requirements placed on the beneficiaries listed in annex i as early as possible .


### the transition from direct management of pre - accession funds by the commission to indirect management by the beneficiaries listed in annex i should be progressive and in line with the respective capacities of those beneficiaries . assistance should continue to make use of the structures and instruments that have proved their worth in the pre - accession process . ### the transition from direct management of pre - accession funds by the commission to indirect management by the beneficiaries listed in annex i should be progressive and in line with the respective capacities of those beneficiaries , including local and regional authorities . assistance should continue to make use of the structures and instruments that have proved their worth in the pre - accession process .


### to strengthen the rule of law , democracy , the respect of human rights , fundamental rights and international law , civil society and security as well as improve migration management including border management ; ### to strengthen the rule of law , democracy , the respect of human rights , fundamental rights and international law , civil society , free and independent media , and security as well as improve migration management including border management ;


### to reinforce the effectiveness of public administration and support structural reforms and good governance at all levels ; ### to reinforce the effectiveness of public administration , bolster administrative capacities and support structural reforms and good governance at all levels ;


### to shape the rules , standards , policies and practices of the beneficiaries listed in annex i in alignment to those of the union and to reinforce reconciliation and good neighbourly relations , as well as people to people contacts and communication ; ### to shape the rules , standards , policies and practices of the beneficiaries listed in annex i in alignment to those of the union and to reinforce reconciliation , peace building and good neighbourly relations , as well as people to people contacts and communication ;


### to strengthen economic and social development including through increased connectivity and regional development , agriculture and rural development and social and employment policies , to reinforce environmental protection , increase resilience to climate change , accelerate the shift towards a low - carbon economy and develop the digital economy and society . ### to strengthen economic and social development based on the relevant policies and practices of the european union , supporting beneficiaries’ preparations for participation in eu cohesion policy upon accession , including through multi - annual operational programmes aimed at increased connectivity and regional development , agriculture and rural development and social and employment policies , to reinforce environmental protection , increase resilience to climate change , accelerate the shift towards a low - carbon economy and develop the digital economy and society .


### the amount referred to in paragraph 1 may be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the programme , such as preparatory , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities including corporate information technology systems and any activities related to the preparation of the successor programme for pre - accession assistance , in accordance with article 20 of [ ndici regulation ] . ### the amount referred to in paragraph 1 may be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the programme , such as preparatory , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities including corporate information technology systems and any activities related to the preparation of the successor programme for pre - accession assistance , in accordance with article 20 of [ ndici regulation ] . furthermore , an amount equivalent to 4% of the total budget of ipaiii actions under implementation should be used for the same type of activities at the initiative of the national ipa iii authorities , with the aim of covering needs related to programming , programme delivery as well as ensuring administrative capacity and human resources .


### assistance under ipa iii may be provided to the type of actions provided for under the european regional development fund and the cohesion fund30 , the european social fund plus31 and the european agricultural fund for rural development32 . __________________ 30 com 372 final proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council on the european regional development fund and on the cohesion fund . 31 com 382 final proposal of the european parliament and of the council on the european social fund plus 32 com 392 final proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by member states under the common agricultural policy and financed by the european agricultural guarantee fund and by the european agricultural fund for rural development and repealing regulation no 1305 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council and regulation no 1307 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council . ### assistance under ipa iii may be provided to the type of actions provided for under the european regional development fund and the cohesion fund30 , the european social fund plus31 and the european agricultural fund for rural development32 , at national level as well as in a cross - border , transnational , interregional or macro - regional context . __________________ 30 com 372 final proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council on the european regional development fund and on the cohesion fund . 31 com 382 final proposal of the european parliament and of the council on the european social fund plus 32 com 392 final proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by member states under the common agricultural policy and financed by the european agricultural guarantee fund and by the european agricultural fund for rural development and repealing regulation no 1305 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council and regulation no 1307 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council .


### assistance under ipa iii shall be implemented in direct management or in indirect management in accordance with the financial regulation through annual or multi - annual action plans and measures as referred to in chapter iii of title ii of [ ndici regulation ] . chapter iii of title ii of [ ndici regulation ] shall apply to this regulation with the exception of paragraph 1 of article 24 [ eligible persons and entities ] . ### assistance under ipa iii shall be implemented in direct management or in indirect management in accordance with the financial regulation through annual or multi - annual action plans and measures as referred to in chapter iii of title ii of [ ndici regulation ] . chapter iii of title ii of [ ndici regulation ] shall apply to this regulation with the exception of paragraph 1 of article 24 [ eligible persons and entities ] . where support is provided via budget support - as per article 23 paragraph 1 of the [ ndici regulation ] &#8211 ; through sector reform performance contracts , ipa iii funds made available shall be used entirely within the sector concerned .


### under this regulation , action plans may be adopted for a period of up to seven years . ### under this regulation , action plans may be adopted for a period of up to seven years . this includes the possibility to devise multi - annual pilot operational programmes for economic and social development modelled on the practices of eu cohesion policy .


### strengthening the union and its partners ' capacity to prevent conflict , build peace and address pre - and post - crisis including through early warning and conflict - sensitive risk analysis ; promoting people to people networking , reconciliation , peace - building and confidence - building measures , supporting capacity building in support of security and development actions . ### strengthening the union and its partners ' capacity to prevent conflict , build peace and address pre - and post - crisis including through early warning and conflict - sensitive risk analysis ; promoting people to people networking , reconciliation and good neighbourly relations , peace - building and confidence - building measures , supporting capacity building in support of security and development actions .


### strengthening the capacities of civil society organisations and social partners ' organisations , including professional associations , in beneficiaries listed in annex i and encouraging networking at all levels among union - based organisations and those of beneficiaries listed in annex i , enabling them to engage in an effective dialogue with public and private actors . ### strengthening the capacities of civil society organisations , independent media and social partners ' organisations , including professional associations , in beneficiaries listed in annex i and encouraging networking at all levels among union - based organisations and those of beneficiaries listed in annex i , enabling them to engage in an effective dialogue with public and private actors .


### pursuing the achievement of the union ' s objectives and targets set by environmental , climate and related clean energy legislation , policy , plans and international commitments , the programme should contribute to the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy , to the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss , either through direct interventions or by supporting the integration of those objectives in other policies . ### pursuing the achievement of the union ' s objectives and targets set by environmental , climate and related clean energy legislation , policy , plans and international commitments , the programme should contribute to the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy , to the preservation , protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss , either through direct interventions or by supporting the integration of those objectives in other policies .


### the union is committed to developing a comprehensive response to the sustainable development goals of the united nations 2030 agenda for the sustainable development , which highlight the intrinsic connection between the management of natural resources to ensure their long - term availability , ecosystem services , their link to human health and sustainable and socially inclusive economic growth . in this spirit , the programme should make a material contribution to both economic development and social cohesion . ### the union is committed to developing a comprehensive response to the sustainable development goals of the united nations 2030 agenda for the sustainable development , which highlight the intrinsic connection between the management of natural resources to ensure their long - term availability , ecosystem services , their link to human health and sustainable and socially inclusive economic growth . this will also support the creation of green jobs . in this spirit , the programme should make a material contribution to both economic development and social cohesion .


### the transition to clean energy is an essential contribution to the mitigation of climate change with co - benefits for the environment . actions for capacity building supporting the clean energy transition , funded until 2020 under horizon 2020 , should be integrated in the programme since their objective is not to fund excellence and generate innovation , but to facilitate the uptake of already available technology that will contribute to climate mitigation . the inclusion of these capacity building activities into the programme offers potential for synergies between the sub - programmes and increases the overall coherence of union funding . therefore , data should be collected and disseminated on the uptake of existing research and innovation solutions in the life projects , including from the horizon europe programme and its predecessors . ### the transition to clean energy is an essential contribution to the mitigation of climate change with co - benefits for the environment . actions for capacity building supporting the clean energy transition , funded until 2020 under horizon 2020 , should be integrated in the programme since their objective is to facilitate the uptake of already available technology , which will contribute to tackling climate challenges , alleviating climate change and achieving the union ' s environmental targets . the inclusion of these capacity building activities into the programme offers potential for synergies between the sub - programmes and increases the overall coherence of union funding . therefore , data should be collected and disseminated on the uptake of existing research and innovation solutions in the life projects , including from the horizon europe programme and its predecessors .


### synergies with horizon europe should ensure that research and innovation needs to tackle environmental , climate and energy challenges within the eu are identified and established during horizon europe ' s strategic research and innovation planning process . life should continue to act as a catalyst for implementing eu environment , climate and clean energy policy and legislation , including by taking up and applying research and innovation results from horizon europe and help deploying them on a larger scale where it can help address environmental , climate or clean energy transition issues . horizon europe ' s european innovation council can provide support to scale up and commercialise new breakthrough ideas that may result from the implementation of life projects . ### synergies with horizon europe should ensure that research and innovation needs to tackle environmental , climate and energy challenges within the eu are identified and established during horizon europe ' s strategic research and innovation planning process . life should continue to act as a catalyst for implementing eu environment , climate and clean energy policy and legislation , including by taking up and applying research and innovation results from horizon europe and help deploying them on a larger scale where it can help address environmental , climate or clean energy transition issues . the administratively more complex application and evaluation procedure in the new life programme should , in addition , be simplified by following the model of the horizon 2020 rules and procedures . the new life programme should incorporate successful components of horizon 2020 in its future implementation plans . horizon europe ' s european innovation council can provide support to scale up and commercialise new breakthrough ideas that may result from the implementation of life projects .


### recent evaluations and assessments , including the mid - term review of the eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 and the fitness check of nature legislation , indicate that one of the main underlying causes for insufficient implementation of union nature legislation and of the biodiversity strategy is the lack of adequate financing . the main union funding instruments , including the [ european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development and the european maritime and fisheries fund ] , can make a significant contribution towards meeting those needs . the programme can further improve the efficiency of such mainstreaming through strategic nature projects dedicated to catalysing the implementation of union nature and biodiversity legislation and policy , including the actions set out in the priority action frameworks developed in accordance with directive 92 / 43 / eec . the strategic nature projects should support programmes of actions in member states for the mainstreaming of relevant nature and biodiversity objectives into other policies and financing programmes , thus ensuring that appropriate funds are mobilised for implementing these policies . member states could decide within their strategic plan for the common agricultural policy to use a certain share of the european agricultural fund for rural development allocation to leverage support for actions that complement the strategic nature projects as defined under this regulation . ### recent evaluations and assessments , including the mid - term review of the eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 and the fitness check of nature legislation , indicate that one of the main underlying causes for insufficient implementation of union nature legislation and of the biodiversity strategy is the lack of adequate financing . the main union funding instruments , including in particular funds under cohesion policy , namely the [ european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development and the european maritime and fisheries fund ] , can make a significant contribution towards meeting those needs . the programme can further improve the efficiency of such mainstreaming through strategic nature projects dedicated to catalysing the implementation of union nature and biodiversity legislation and policy , including the actions set out in the priority action frameworks developed in accordance with directive 92 / 43 / eec . the strategic nature projects should support programmes of actions in member states for the mainstreaming of relevant nature and biodiversity objectives into other policies and financing programmes , thus ensuring that appropriate funds are mobilised for implementing these policies . member states could decide within their strategic plan for the common agricultural policy to use a certain share of the european agricultural fund for rural development allocation to leverage support for actions that complement the strategic nature projects as defined under this regulation .


### recent evaluations and assessments , including the mid - term review of the eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 and the fitness check of nature legislation , indicate that one of the main underlying causes for insufficient implementation of union nature legislation and of the biodiversity strategy is the lack of adequate financing . the main union funding instruments , including the [ european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development and the european maritime and fisheries fund ] , can make a significant contribution towards meeting those needs . the programme can further improve the efficiency of such mainstreaming through strategic nature projects dedicated to catalysing the implementation of union nature and biodiversity legislation and policy , including the actions set out in the priority action frameworks developed in accordance with directive 92 / 43 / eec . the strategic nature projects should support programmes of actions in member states for the mainstreaming of relevant nature and biodiversity objectives into other policies and financing programmes , thus ensuring that appropriate funds are mobilised for implementing these policies . member states could decide within their strategic plan for the common agricultural policy to use a certain share of the european agricultural fund for rural development allocation to leverage support for actions that complement the strategic nature projects as defined under this regulation . ### recent evaluations and assessments , including the mid - term review of the eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 and the fitness check of nature legislation , indicate that one of the main underlying causes for insufficient implementation of union nature legislation and of the biodiversity strategy is the lack of adequate financing . the main union funding instruments , including the [ european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development and the european maritime and fisheries fund ] , can make a significant contribution towards meeting those needs . the programme should further improve the efficiency of such mainstreaming through strategic nature projects dedicated to catalysing the implementation of union nature and biodiversity legislation and policy , including the actions set out in the priority action frameworks developed in accordance with directive 92 / 43 / eec . the strategic nature projects should support programmes of actions in member states for the mainstreaming of relevant nature and biodiversity objectives into other policies and financing programmes , thus ensuring that appropriate funds are mobilised for implementing these policies . member states and their regions could decide within their strategic plan for the common agricultural policy to use a certain share of the european agricultural fund for rural development allocation to leverage support for actions that complement the strategic nature projects as defined under this regulation .


### promoting the circular economy requires a mentality shift in the way of designing , producing , consuming and disposing of materials and products , including plastics . the programme should contribute to the transition to a circular economy model through financial support targeting a variety of actors , in particular by applying , developing , and replicating best technology , practices and solutions tailored to specific local , regional or national contexts , including through integrated approaches for the implementation of waste management and prevention plans . through supporting the implementation of the plastics strategy , action can be taken to address the problem of marine litter in particular . ### promoting the circular economy requires a mentality shift in the way of designing , producing , consuming and disposing of materials and products , including plastics . the programme should contribute to the transition to a circular economy model through financial support targeting a variety of actors , in particular by applying , developing , and replicating best technology , practices and solutions tailored to specific local , regional or national contexts , including through integrated approaches for the implementation of waste management and prevention plans . through supporting the implementation of the plastics strategy , action can be taken to address the problem of marine litter , thus contributing to the preservation of marine biodiversity .


### at union level , large investments in environmental and climate actions are primarily funded by major union funding programmes . in the context of their catalytic role , strategic integrated projects and strategic nature projects to be developed under the programme should leverage financing opportunities under those funding programmes and other sources of funding such as national funds , and create synergies . ### at union level , large investments in environmental and climate actions are primarily funded by major union funding programmes , including the cohesion funds . in the context of their catalytic role , strategic integrated projects and strategic nature projects to be developed under the programme should leverage financing opportunities under those funding programmes and other sources of funding such as national funds , and create synergies .


### in the implementation of the programme due consideration should be given to the strategy for outermost regions30in view of article 349 tfeu and the specific needs and vulnerabilities of these regions . union policies other than environmental , climate and relevant clean energy transition policies should also be taken into account . _________________ 30 com 623 final ### in order to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions , in the implementation of the programme due consideration should be given , in view of articles 174 and 349 tfeu , taking into account specific needs and vulnerabilities , to the areas covered by those articles , including the strategy for outermost regions30 . union policies other than environmental , climate and relevant clean energy transition policies should also be taken into account . _________________ 30 com 623 final


### in the implementation of the programme due consideration should be given to the strategy for outermost regions30in view of article 349 tfeu and the specific needs and vulnerabilities of these regions . union policies other than environmental , climate and relevant clean energy transition policies should also be taken into account . _________________ 30 com 623 final ### in the implementation of the programme , the strategy for outermost regions30 should be followed , in view of article 349 tfeu and the specific needs and vulnerabilities of these regions . union policies other than environmental , climate and relevant clean energy transition policies should also be taken into account . _________________ 30 com 623 final .


### in support of the implementation of the programme , the commission should collaborate with the programme’s national contact points , organise seminars and workshops , publish lists of projects funded under the programme or undertake other activities to disseminate project results and to facilitate exchanges of experience , knowledge and best practices and the replication of project results across the union . such activities should in particular target member states with a low uptake of funds and should facilitate the communication and cooperation between project beneficiaries , applicants or stakeholders of completed and ongoing projects in the same field . ### in support of the implementation of the programme , the commission should collaborate with the programme’s national contact points , organise seminars and workshops , publish lists of projects funded under the programme or undertake other activities to disseminate project results and to facilitate exchanges of experience , knowledge and best practices and the replication of project results across the union . such activities should in particular target member states with a low uptake of funds and should facilitate the communication and cooperation between project beneficiaries , applicants or stakeholders of completed and ongoing projects in the same field . it is essential that this communication and cooperation should also involve regional and local authorities and stakeholders .


### in support of the implementation of the programme , the commission should collaborate with the programme’s national contact points , organise seminars and workshops , publish lists of projects funded under the programme or undertake other activities to disseminate project results and to facilitate exchanges of experience , knowledge and best practices and the replication of project results across the union . such activities should in particular target member states with a low uptake of funds and should facilitate the communication and cooperation between project beneficiaries , applicants or stakeholders of completed and ongoing projects in the same field . ### in support of the implementation of the programme , the commission should collaborate with the programme’s national , regional and local contact points , organise seminars and workshops , publish lists of projects funded under the programme or undertake other activities to disseminate project results and to facilitate exchanges of experience , knowledge and best practices and the replication of project results across the union , thus promoting cooperation and communication . such activities should in particular target member states with a low uptake of funds and should facilitate the communication and cooperation between project beneficiaries , applicants or stakeholders of completed and ongoing projects in the same field .


### the types of financing and the methods of implementation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . as regards grants , this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and scales of unit costs . ### the types of financing and the methods of implementation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . the lower co - financing rate for life projects should be adjusted and increased significantly , unlike the co - financing rate under horizon 2020 . as regards grants , this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and scales of unit costs .


### pursuant to article 94 of council decision 2013 / 755 / eu , entities established in overseas countries and territories are eligible for funding subject to the rules and objectives of the programme and possible arrangements applicable to the member state to which the relevant overseas country or territory is linked . the participation of these entities to this programme should focus primarily on projects under sub - programme nature and biodiversity . ### pursuant to article 94 of council decision 2013 / 755 / eu , entities established in overseas countries and territories , towards which the union has a responsibility , are eligible for funding subject to the rules and objectives of the programme and possible arrangements applicable to the member state to which the relevant overseas country or territory is linked . the participation of these entities to this programme should focus primarily on projects under sub - programme nature and biodiversity .


### third countries which are members of the european economic area may participate in union programmes in the framework of the cooperation established under the eea agreement , which provides for the implementation of the programmes by a decision under that agreement . third countries may also participate on the basis of other legal instruments . a specific provision should be introduced in this regulation to grant the necessary rights for and access to the authorizing officer responsible , the european anti - fraud office as well as the european court of auditors to comprehensively exert their respective competences . ### third countries which are members of the european economic area may participate in union programmes in the framework of the cooperation established under the eea agreement , which provides for the implementation of the programmes by a decision under that agreement . third countries , including former member states of the union , may also participate on the basis of other legal instruments . a specific provision should be introduced in this regulation to grant the necessary rights for and access to the authorizing officer responsible , the european anti - fraud office as well as the european court of auditors to comprehensively exert their respective competences . provision should also be made for recourse to the court of justice of the european union where appropriate .


### this regulation establishes the programme for the environment and climate action . ### this regulation establishes the programme for the environment and climate action covering the period from 1 january 2020 to 31 december 2027 .


### it lays down the objectives of the programme , the budget for the period 2021 - 2027 , the forms of union funding and the rules for providing such funding . ### it provides for the objectives of the programme , the budget for the period 2021 - 2027 , the forms of union funding and the rules for providing such funding from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2027 .


### ' strategic nature projects ' means projects that support the achievement of union nature and biodiversity objectives by implementing coherent programmes of action in the member states to mainstream these objectives and priorities into other policies and financing instruments , including through coordinated implementation of the priority action frameworks established pursuant to directive 92 / 43 / eec ; ### ' strategic nature projects ' means projects that support the achievement of union nature and biodiversity objectives by implementing coherent programmes of action in the member states , at national , regional and local level , to mainstream these objectives and priorities into other policies and financing instruments , including through coordinated implementation of the priority action frameworks established pursuant to directive 92 / 43 / eec ;


### ' strategic integrated projects ' means projects that implement on a regional , multi - regional , national or transnational scale , environmental or climate strategies or action plans developed by member states ' authorities and required by specific environmental , climate or relevant clean energy union legislation or policy , while ensuring involvement of stakeholders and promoting the coordination with and mobilisation of at least one other union , national or private funding source ; ### ' strategic integrated projects ' means projects that implement on a regional , multi - regional , national or transnational scale , environmental or climate strategies or action plans developed by member states ' authorities , at national , regional and local level , and required by specific environmental , climate or relevant clean energy union legislation or policy , while ensuring involvement of stakeholders and promoting the coordination with and mobilisation of at least one other union , national or private funding source ;


### the general objective of the programme is to contribute to the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy , including through the transition to clean energy , to the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss , thereby contributing to sustainable development . ### the general objective of the programme is to contribute to the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy , including through the transition to clean energy , to the protection , preservation and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss , thereby contributing to sustainable development .


### to support the development , implementation , monitoring and enforcement of the relevant union legislation and policy , including by improving governance through enhancing capacities of public and private actors and the involvement of civil society ; ### to support the development , implementation , monitoring and enforcement of the relevant union legislation and policy , including by improving governance through enhancing capacities of public and private actors and the involvement of civil society , including at regional and local level ;


### to support the development , implementation , monitoring and enforcement of the relevant union legislation and policy , including by improving governance through enhancing capacities of public and private actors and the involvement of civil society ; ### to support the development , implementation , monitoring and enforcement of the relevant union legislation and policy , strengthening the cooperation and communication objective by improving governance through enhancing capacities of public and private actors , at national , regional and local level , and the involvement of civil society ;


### to catalyse the large - scale deployment of successful technical and policy - related solutions for implementing the relevant union legislation and policy by replicating results , integrating related objectives into other policies and into public and private sector practices , mobilising investment and improving access to finance . ### to catalyse the large - scale deployment of successful technical and policy - related solutions for implementing the relevant union legislation and policy by replicating results , integrating related objectives into other policies and into public and private sector practices , including at regional and local level , mobilising investment and improving access to finance .


### other third countries , in accordance with the conditions laid down in a specific agreement covering the participation of the third country to any union programme , provided that the agreement ### other third countries , including former member states of the union , in accordance with the conditions laid down in a specific agreement covering the participation of the third country to any union programme , provided that the agreement


### – guarantees the rights of the union to ensure sound financial management and to protect its financial interests . ### – guarantees the rights of the union to ensure sound financial management and to protect its financial interests , and provides for recourse to the court of justice of the european union where appropriate .


### the programme shall be implemented in a way which ensures its consistency with 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 , horizon europe , the connecting europe facility and investeu , in order to create synergies , particularly as regards strategic nature projects and strategic integrated projects , and to support the uptake and replication of solutions developed under the programme . ### the programme shall be implemented in a way which ensures its consistency with the cohesion policy of the union , and in particular with 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 , as well as with horizon europe , the connecting europe facility and investeu , in order to create synergies , particularly as regards strategic nature projects and strategic integrated projects , and to support the uptake and replication of solutions developed under the programme . the regional and local authorities affected shall be involved at all relevant stages of programming and implementation .


### a member state or an overseas country or territory linked to it ; ### a member state or an overseas country or territory , including outermost regions , linked to it ;


### legal entities participating in consortia of at least three independent entities , established in different member states or overseas countries or territories linked to those states or third countries associated to the programme or other third countries , are eligible . ### legal entities participating in consortia of at least three independent entities , established in different member states or overseas countries or territories , including outermost regions , linked to those states or third countries associated to the programme or other third countries , are eligible .


### the allocation of funds within each sub - programme between needs thereunder and between different types of funding ; ### the allocation of funds within each sub - programme between needs thereunder and between different types of funding , as well as the minimum and maximum co - financing rates in each case ;


### the customs 2020 programme set up under regulation no 1294 / 201318 and its predecessors have significantly contributed to facilitating and enhancing customs cooperation . many of the activities in the customs area are of a cross - border nature , involving and affecting all member states , and therefore they cannot be effectively and efficiently delivered by individual member states . a customs programme at union level , implemented by the commission , offers member states a union framework to develop those cooperation activities , which is more cost - efficient than if each member state were to set up individual cooperation frameworks on a bilateral or multilateral basis . it is therefore appropriate to ensure the continuity of union financing of activities in the field of customs cooperation by establishing a new programme in the same area , the customs programme . _________________ 18 regulation no 1294 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing an action programme for customs in the european union for the period 2014 - 2020 and repealing decision no 624 / 2007 / ec , oj l 347 , 20 . 12 . 2013 , p . 209 . ### the customs 2020 programme set up under regulation no 1294 / 201318 and its predecessors have significantly contributed to facilitating and enhancing customs cooperation . many of the activities in the customs area are of a cross - border nature , involving and affecting all member states , and therefore they cannot be effectively and efficiently delivered by individual member states . a customs programme at union level , implemented by the commission , offers member states a union framework to develop those cooperation activities , which is more cost - efficient than if each member state were to set up individual cooperation frameworks on a bilateral or multilateral basis . moreover , harmonised and standardised custom controls at all points of entry are necessary because an imbalance in the performance of customs controls by member states impedes the effective functioning of the customs union . it is therefore appropriate to ensure the continuity of union financing of activities in the field of customs cooperation by establishing a new programme in the same area , the customs programme . _________________ 18 regulation no 1294 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing an action programme for customs in the european union for the period 2014 - 2020 and repealing decision no 624 / 2007 / ec , oj l 347 , 20 . 12 . 2013 , p . 209 .


### the customs 2020 programme set up under regulation no 1294 / 201318 and its predecessors have significantly contributed to facilitating and enhancing customs cooperation . many of the activities in the customs area are of a cross - border nature , involving and affecting all member states , and therefore they cannot be effectively and efficiently delivered by individual member states . a customs programme at union level , implemented by the commission , offers member states a union framework to develop those cooperation activities , which is more cost - efficient than if each member state were to set up individual cooperation frameworks on a bilateral or multilateral basis . it is therefore appropriate to ensure the continuity of union financing of activities in the field of customs cooperation by establishing a new programme in the same area , the customs programme . __________________ 18 regulation no 1294 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing an action programme for customs in the european union for the period 2014 - 2020 and repealing decision no 624 / 2007 / ec , oj l 347 , 20 . 12 . 2013 , p . 209 . ### the customs 2020 programme , established by regulation no 1294 / 201318 , and its predecessors have contributed significantly to facilitating and strengthening customs cooperation . many of the customs activities are of a cross - border nature , involving and affecting all member states and therefore cannot be effectively and efficiently implemented by each member state alone . a union - wide customs programme implemented by the commission provides member states with a framework at union level to develop these cooperative activities , which is more cost - effective than if each member state set up its individual cooperation framework at bilateral or multilateral level . the customs programme also plays an essential role in safeguarding the financial interests of the union and of the member states . it is therefore appropriate and efficient to ensure the continuity of the union ' s financing activities in the field of customs cooperation by establishing a new programme in the same field , the customs programme . __________________ 18 regulation no 1294 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing an action programme for customs in the european union for the period 2014 - 2020 and repealing decision no 624 / 2007 / ec , oj l 347 , 20 . 12 . 2013 , p . 209 .


### the customs union has evolved considerably over the last fifty years and customs administrations now successfully perform a wide variety of tasks at borders . acting together , they work to facilitate trade and reduce red tape , collect revenues for national and union budgets and protect the public against terrorist , health , environmental and other threats . in particular , with the introduction of an eu - wide common risk management framework19 and customs control of movements of large amounts of cash to combat money laundering and terrorist financing , customs assume a front line position in the fight against terrorism and organised crime . given that broad mandate , customs is now effectively the lead authority for the control of goods at the union’s external borders . against that backdrop , the customs programme should not only cover customs cooperation but extend its support to the mission of customs authorities at large , as set out in article 3 of regulation no 952 / 2013 , i . e . the supervision of the union ' s international trade , the implementation of the external aspects of the internal market , of the common trade policy and of the other common union policies having a bearing on trade , as well as the security of the supply chain . the legal basis will therefore cover customs cooperation , internal market and commercial policy . __________________ 19 https : / / ec . europa . eu / taxation_customs / general - information - customs / customs - risk - management / measures - customs - risk - management - framework - crmf_en ### the customs union has evolved considerably over the last fifty years , and customs administrations are now successfully fulfilling a wide range of border tasks . working together , they strive to facilitate ethical and fair trade and reduce bureaucracy , collect revenue for national and union budgets , and protect the population against terrorist , health and environmental threats , as well as other threats . in particular , by introducing a common framework19 for customs risk management at union level and by controlling large amounts of cash flows to combat money laundering and terrorist financing , the customs authorities take a leading role in the fight against terrorism , organised crime and unfair competition . given their extensive mandate , the customs authorities are now truly the main authorities for the control of goods at the union ' s external borders . in this context , the customs programme should cover not only customs cooperation but also provide support for the wider customs mission as provided for in article 3 of regulation no 952 / 2013 , namely the oversight of the union ' s international trade , the implementation of the external aspects of the internal market , the common commercial policy and other union common policies affecting trade and the security of the supply chain . the legal basis will therefore cover customs cooperation , the internal market and commercial policy . __________________ 19 https : / / ec . europa . eu / taxation_customs / general - information - customs / customs - risk - management / measures - customs - risk - management - framework - crmf_en


### in providing a framework for actions that has as objective to support the customs union and customs authorities , the programme should contribute to protecting the financial and economic interests of the union and its member states ; protecting the union from unfair and illegal trade while supporting legitimate business activity ; ensuring the security and safety of the union and its residents ; and facilitating legitimate trade , so that businesses and citizens can benefit from the full potential of the internal market and of global trade . ### by providing a framework for action that aims to support the customs union and the customs authorities , the programme should contribute to the protection of the financial and economic interests of the union and its member states , to protect the union from unfair and unlawful commercial practices , while encouraging legitimate business activities , guaranteeing the security and safety of the union and its residents , thereby enhancing consumer protection and facilitating legitimate trade so that businesses and citizens can benefit from the full potential of the internal market and world trade .


### in order to support the process of accession and association by third countries , the programme should be open to the participation of acceding and candidate countries as well as potential candidates and partner countries of the european neighbourhood policy if certain conditions are fulfilled . it may also be open to other third countries , in accordance with the conditions laid down in specific agreements between the union and those countries covering their participation to any union programme . ### in order to support the process of accession and association of third countries , the programme should be open to the participation of acceding and candidate countries as well as potential candidates and partner countries of the european neighbourhood policy , if all conditions are met . it may also be open to other third countries under the conditions provided for in specific agreements between the union and the countries concerned on the participation of those countries in any union programme , if that participation is of interest to the union and if it has a positive impact on the internal market without affecting consumer protection .


### regulation [ 2018 / xxx ] of the european parliament and of the council21 applies to this programme . it lays down rules on the implementation of the union budget , including the rules on grants , prizes , procurement and reimbursement of external experts . __________________ 21 com 605 final ### the programme should be covered by regulation 2018 / 1046 of the european parliament and of the council21 . the financial regulation provides for the rules for the implementation of the union budget , including the rules on grants , prizes , procurement and reimbursement of external experts . __________________ 21 regulation 2018 / 1046 of the european parliament and of the council of 18 july 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the union , amending regulations no 1296 / 2013 , no 1301 / 2013 , no 1303 / 2013 , no 1304 / 2013 , no 1309 / 2013 , no 1316 / 2013 , no 223 / 2014 , no 283 / 2014 , and decision no 541 / 2014 / eu and repealing regulation no 966 / 2012 .