### since the adoption of council directive 91 / 533 / eec , 33 labour markets have undergone far - reaching changes due to demographic developments and digitalisation leading to the creation of new forms of employment , which have supported job creation and labour market growth . new forms of employment are often not as regular or stable as traditional employment relationships and lead to reduced predictability for the workers concerned , creating uncertainty as to applicable rights and social protection . in this evolving world of work , there is therefore an increased need for workers to be fully informed about their essential working conditions , which should occur in a written form and in a timely manner . in order adequately to frame the development of new forms of employment , workers in the union should also be provided with a number of new minimum rights aimed at promoting security and predictability in employment relationships while achieving upward convergence across member states and preserving labour market adaptability . __________________ 33 council directive 91 / 533 / ec of 14 october 1991 on an employer ' s obligation to inform employees of the conditions applicable to the contract or employment relationship . ### since the adoption of council directive 91 / 533 / eec , 33 labour markets have undergone far - reaching changes due to demographic developments and digitalisation leading to the creation of new forms of employment , which have supported job creation and labour market growth . new forms of employment , however , are often precarious and not as regular or stable as traditional employment relationships and lead to reduced predictability for the workers concerned , creating uncertainty as to applicable rights and social protection . non - standard forms of employment are particularly common among younger generations of workers . precariousness affects young people disproportionately , as their position in the labour market is already vulnerable , due to protracted transitions between education and employment and a general lack of entry - level jobs . in this evolving world of work , there is therefore an increased need for workers to be fully informed about their essential working conditions , which should occur in a written form and in a timely manner . in order to adequately frame the development of new forms of employment , protect workers in the union , and young workers in particular , workers should also be provided with a number of new minimum rights aimed at promoting quality , security and predictability in employment relationships while achieving upward convergence across member states and preserving labour market adaptability . __________________ 33 council directive 91 / 533 / ec of 14 october 1991 on an employer ' s obligation to inform employees of the conditions applicable to the contract or employment relationship .


### if the work schedule is entirely or mostly not variable , the length of the worker’s standard working day or week and any arrangements for overtime and its remuneration ; ### if the work schedule is entirely or mostly not variable , the length of the worker’s normal working day or week and any arrangements for overtime and its remuneration ;


### in order to ensure effectiveness of the rights provided by the union law , the personal scope of directive 91 / 533 / eec should be updated . in its case law , the court of justice of the european union has established criteria for determining the status of a worker34 which are appropriate for determining the personal scope of application of this directive . the definition of worker in article 2 is based on these criteria . they ensure a uniform implementation of the personal scope of the directive while leaving it to national authorities and courts to apply it to specific situations . provided that they fulfil those criteria , domestic workers , on - demand workers , intermittent workers , voucher based - workers , platform workers , trainees and apprentices could come within scope of this directive . __________________ 34 judgments of 3 july 1986 , deborah lawrie - blum , case 66 / 85 ; 14 october 2010 , union syndicale solidaires isère , case c - 428 / 09 ; 9 july 2015 , balkaya , case c - 229 / 14 ; 4 december 2014 , fnv kunsten , case c - 413 / 13 ; and 17 november 2016 , ruhrlandklinik , case c - 216 / 15 . ### in order to ensure effectiveness of the rights provided by the union law , the personal scope of directive 91 / 533 / eec should be updated . in its case law , the court of justice of the european union has established criteria for determining the status of a worker34 which are appropriate for determining the personal scope of application of this directive . the definition of worker in article 2 is based on these criteria . they ensure a uniform implementation of the personal scope of the directive while leaving it to national authorities and courts to apply it to specific situations . provided that they fulfil those criteria , domestic workers , on - demand workers , intermittent workers , voucher based - workers , platform workers , trainees and apprentices could come within scope of this directive . to address the precarious position of young people in the labour market , member states are encouraged to extend the application of this directive to all trainees and apprentices , regardless of whether they are paid or not . this is further supported by the jurisprudence of the court of justice , which has established that a person performing real work in the context of a traineeships , should be regarded as a worker , even if remuneration is not provided by their employer . 34a __________________ 34 judgments of 3 july 1986 , deborah lawrie - blum , case 66 / 85 ; 14 october 2010 , union syndicale solidaires isère , case c - 428 / 09 ; 9 july 2015 , balkaya , case c - 229 / 14 ; 4 december 2014 , fnv kunsten , case c - 413 / 13 ; and 17 november 2016 , ruhrlandklinik , case c - 216 / 15 . 34a judgment of the court of 9 july 2015 ender balkaya v kiesel abbruch - und recycling technik gmbh .


### this directive lays down minimum rights that apply to every worker in the union . ### this directive lays down minimum rights that apply to every worker in the union , ensuring for all of them a core set of enforceable rights , regardless of the type of contract , employment relationship or if they are working in the public or private sector .


### the procedure , including the length of the period of notice , to be observed by the employer and the worker should their employment relationship be terminated or , where the length of the period of notice cannot be indicated when the information is given , the method for determining such period of notice ; ### the procedure , including the length of the periods of notice , to be observed by the employer and the worker should their employment relationship be terminated or , where the length of the periods of notice cannot be indicated when the information is given , the method for determining such periods of notice ;


### member states shall ensure that the information on the laws , regulations and administrative or statutory provisions or collective agreements governing the legal framework applicable which are to be communicated by employers is made generally available free of charge in a clear , transparent , comprehensive and easily accessible way at a distance and by electronic means , including through existing online portals for union citizens and businesses . ### member states shall ensure that the information on the laws , regulations and administrative or statutory provisions or generally binding collective agreements which have been declared universally applicable governing the legal framework applicable which are to be communicated by employers is made generally available free of charge in an easily accessible way at a distance and by electronic means , including through existing online portals for union citizens and businesses .


### any collective agreements governing the worker’s conditions of work ; in the case of collective agreements concluded outside the business by special joint bodies or institutions , the name of the competent body or joint institution within which the agreements were concluded ; ### any collective agreements governing the worker’s conditions of work ; in the case of collective agreements concluded outside the business by special joint bodies or institutions , the name of the competent body or joint institution within which the agreements were concluded ; the preclusive periods if any ;


### several different natural or legal persons may in practice assume the functions and responsibilities of an employer . member states should remain free to determine more precisely the person who are considered totally or partially responsible for the execution of the obligations that this directive lays down for employers , as long as all those obligations are fulfilled . member states should also be able to decide that some or all of these obligations are to be assigned to a natural or legal person who is not party to the employment relationship . member states should be able to establish specific rules to exclude individuals acting as employers for domestic workers in the household from the obligations to consider and respond to a request for a different type of employment , to provide cost - free mandatory training , and from coverage of the redress mechanism based on favourable presumptions in the case of missing information in the written statement . ### several different natural or legal persons may in practice assume the functions and responsibilities of an employer . member states should remain free to determine more precisely the person who are considered totally or partially responsible for the execution of the obligations that this directive lays down for employers , as long as all those obligations are fulfilled . member states should also be able to decide that some or all of these obligations are to be assigned to a natural or legal person who is not party to the employment relationship . member states should ensure that when there is more than one natural or legal person that , directly or indirectly , bears the obligations for employers set out in this directive , all of these persons are jointly and severally liable for these obligations . member states should be able to adapt the specific rules regarding obligations to consider and respond to a request for a different type of employment and those on cost - free mandatory training , for individuals acting as employers for domestic workers in their household .


### in view of the increasing number of workers excluded from the scope of directive 91 / 533 / eec on the basis of derogations made by member states under article 1 of that directive , it is necessary to replace these derogations with a possibility for member states not to apply the provisions of the directive to a work relationship equal to or less than 8 hours in total in a reference period of one month . that derogation does not affect the definition of a worker as provided for in article 2 . ### in view of the increasing number of workers excluded from the scope of directive 91 / 533 / eec on the basis of derogations made by member states under article 1 of that directive , it is necessary to eliminate these derogations .


### member states shall ensure that where employers are required by union or national legislation or relevant collective agreements to provide training to workers to carry out the work for which they are employed , such training shall be provided cost - free to the worker . ### member states shall ensure that where employers are required by union or national legislation or relevant collective agreements or internal rules to provide training to workers to carry out the work for which they are employed , such training shall be provided cost - free to the worker . the same shall apply to training which took place before the start of the employment relationship but trained the worker for it .


### the purpose of this directive is to improve working conditions by promoting more secure and predictable employment while ensuring labour market adaptability . ### the purpose of this directive is to improve working conditions by promoting more transparent secure and predictable employment .


### member states may allow social partners to conclude collective agreements , in conformity with the national law or practice , which , while respecting the overall protection of workers , establish arrangements concerning the working conditions of workers which differ from those referred to in articles 7 to 11 . ### member states may allow social partners to maintain , negotiate , conclude and enforce collective agreements , in conformity with the national law or practice , which , while respecting the overall protection of workers , establish arrangements concerning the working conditions of workers which differ from those referred to in articles 7 to 11 . member states with a high level of organisation and coverage for the collective agreements , and where the social partners have the primary responsibility to regulate working conditions , may determine that collective agreements concluded at the appropriate level by recognized social partners in accordance with national law , balancing the interests of workers and employers , shall be considered as respecting the overall protection of workers , as long as the purpose of this directive and european union law is respected .


### member states shall ensure that an employer shall not prohibit workers from taking up employment with other employers , outside the work schedule established with that employer . ### member states shall prohibit employers from sanctioning or punishing workers for taking up employment with other employers .


### the purpose of this directive is to improve working conditions by promoting more secure and predictable employment while ensuring labour market adaptability . ### the purpose of this directive is to improve working conditions by promoting more secure , transparent and predictable employment while ensuring labour market adaptability .


### member states shall ensure that workers with at least six months ' seniority with the same employer may request a form of employment with more predictable and secure working conditions where available . ### member states shall ensure that workers with at least six months ' seniority with the same employer may convert into a form of employment with more predictable and secure working conditions where available . time worked with the same enterprise , group or entity or natural or legal person shall count towards that six months period .


### member states shall ensure that where employers are required by union or national legislation or relevant collective agreements to provide training to workers to carry out the work for which they are employed , such training shall be provided cost - free to the worker . ### member states shall ensure that where employers are required by union or national legislation or relevant collective agreements to provide training to workers to carry out the work for which they are employed , whether prior to or during the employment relationship , such training shall be provided cost - free to the worker who remains entitled to his or her full remuneration .


### 8employment in parallel ### employment with other employers


### since the adoption of council directive 91 / 533 / eec , 33 labour markets have undergone far - reaching changes due to demographic developments and digitalisation leading to the creation of new forms of employment , which have supported job creation and labour market growth . new forms of employment are often not as regular or stable as traditional employment relationships and lead to reduced predictability for the workers concerned , creating uncertainty as to applicable rights and social protection . in this evolving world of work , there is therefore an increased need for workers to be fully informed about their essential working conditions , which should occur in a written form and in a timely manner . in order adequately to frame the development of new forms of employment , workers in the union should also be provided with a number of new minimum rights aimed at promoting security and predictability in employment relationships while achieving upward convergence across member states and preserving labour market adaptability . __________________ 33 council directive 91 / 533 / ec of 14 october 1991 on an employer ' s obligation to inform employees of the conditions applicable to the contract or employment relationship . ### since the adoption of council directive 91 / 533 / eec , 33 labour markets have undergone far - reaching changes due to demographic developments and digitalisation leading to the creation of new forms of employment , which have supported job creation and labour market growth . new forms of employment , however , are often precarious and not as regular or stable as traditional employment relationships and lead to reduced predictability for the workers concerned , creating uncertainty as to applicable rights and social protection . non - standard forms of employment are particularly common among younger generations of workers . precariousness affects young people disproportionately , as their position in the labour market is already vulnerable , due to protracted transitions between education and employment and a general lack of entry - level jobs . in this evolving world of work , there is therefore an increased need for workers to be fully informed about their essential working conditions , which should occur in a written form and in a timely manner . in order to adequately frame the development of new forms of employment , protect workers in the union , and young workers in particular , workers should also be provided with a number of new minimum rights aimed at promoting quality , security and predictability in employment relationships while achieving upward convergence across member states and preserving labour market adaptability . __________________ 33 council directive 91 / 533 / ec of 14 october 1991 on an employer ' s obligation to inform employees of the conditions applicable to the contract or employment relationship .


### employers may however lay down conditions of incompatibility where such restrictions are justified by legitimate reasons such as the protection of business secrets or the avoidance of conflicts of interests . ### member states may however lay down conditions of incompatibility where such restrictions are justified by legitimate reasons such as the protection of business secrets or the avoidance of conflicts of interests . employers are not permitted to lay down conditions of incompatibility unilaterally .


### the procedure , including the length of the period of notice , to be observed by the employer and the worker should their employment relationship be terminated or , where the length of the period of notice cannot be indicated when the information is given , the method for determining such period of notice ; ### the procedure , including the length of the periods of notice , to be observed by the employer and the worker should their employment relationship be terminated or , where the length of the period of notice cannot be indicated when the information is given , the method and the formal requirements for determining such periods of notice , as well as the deadline for taking legal action contesting the dismissal ;


### if the work schedule is entirely or mostly variable , the principle that the work schedule is variable , the amount of guaranteed paid hours , the remuneration of work performed in addition to the guaranteed hours and , if the work schedule is entirely or mostly determined , by the employer : ### if the work schedule is entirely or mostly variable , the principle that the work schedule is variable , the amount of guaranteed paid hours , the higher remuneration of work performed in addition to the contracted amount of guaranteed hours and , if the work schedule is entirely or mostly determined , by the employer :


### member states shall introduce measures necessary to protect workers , including workers who are employees ' representatives , from any adverse treatment by the employer or adverse consequences resulting from a complaint lodged with the employer or from any legal proceedings initiated with the aim of enforcing compliance with the rights provided for in this directive . ### member states shall introduce measures necessary to protect workers , including workers who are employees or trade union representatives , from any adverse treatment by the employer or adverse consequences resulting from exercising the rights provided for in this directive .


### in the case of a temporary employment relationship , the end date or the expected duration thereof ; ### in the case of a temporary employment relationship , the end date or the expected duration thereof ; the name of the user undertaking in the case of temporary workers and the rates of remuneration of the user undertaking to ensure equal pay ;


### member states shall ensure that , where an employment relationship is subject to a probationary period , that period shall not exceed six months , including any extension . ### member states shall ensure that , where an employment relationship is subject to a probationary period , that period shall not exceed one month , including any extension .


### member states shall develop templates and models for the document referred to in paragraph 1 and put them at the disposal of workers and employers including by making them available on a single official national website and by other suitable means . ### member states shall in conjunction with the social partners develop templates and models for the document referred to in paragraph 1 and put them at the disposal of workers and employers including by making them available on a single official national website and by other suitable means , in all eu languages .


### member states shall introduce measures necessary to protect workers , including workers who are employees ' representatives , from any adverse treatment by the employer or adverse consequences resulting from a complaint lodged with the employer or from any legal proceedings initiated with the aim of enforcing compliance with the rights provided for in this directive . ### member states shall introduce measures necessary to protect every workers , including workers who are employees and trade union representatives , from any adverse treatment by the employer or adverse consequences resulting from exercising a right provided in this directive .


### directive 91 / 533 / eec introduced a minimum list of essential aspects on which workers have to be informed in writing . it is necessary to adapt that list in order to take account of developments on the labour market , in particular the growth of non - standard forms of employment . ### directive 91 / 533 / eec introduced a minimum list of essential aspects on which workers have to be informed in writing . it is necessary to adapt that minimum list of essential aspects , which may be enlarged by member states , in order to take account of developments on the labour market , in particular the growth of non - standard forms of employment .


### member states shall ensure that where a worker ' s work schedule is entirely or mostly variable and entirely or mostly determined by the employer , the worker may be required to work by the employer only : ### member states shall ensure that an employer can only modify the pattern of normal working hours if the following conditions are met :


### since the adoption of council directive 91 / 533 / eec , 33 labour markets have undergone far - reaching changes due to demographic developments and digitalisation leading to the creation of new forms of employment , which have supported job creation and labour market growth . new forms of employment are often not as regular or stable as traditional employment relationships and lead to reduced predictability for the workers concerned , creating uncertainty as to applicable rights and social protection . in this evolving world of work , there is therefore an increased need for workers to be fully informed about their essential working conditions , which should occur in a written form and in a timely manner . in order adequately to frame the development of new forms of employment , workers in the union should also be provided with a number of new minimum rights aimed at promoting security and predictability in employment relationships while achieving upward convergence across member states and preserving labour market adaptability . __________________ 33 council directive 91 / 533 / ec of 14 october 1991 on an employer ' s obligation to inform employees of the conditions applicable to the contract or employment relationship . ### since the adoption of council directive 91 / 533 / eec , 33 labour markets have undergone far - reaching changes due to demographic developments and digitalisation leading to the creation of new forms of employment which are often not as regular or stable as traditional employment relationships and lead to reduced predictability for the workers concerned , creating uncertainty and precariousness as to working conditions , applicable rights and social protection . in this evolving world of work , there is therefore an increased need for all workers in all types of employment relationship to be fully informed about their essential working conditions , which should occur in a written form and in a timely manner . in order adequately to frame the development of new forms of employment , workers should also be provided with a number of new minimum rights aimed at promoting security and predictability in employment relationships while achieving upward convergence across member states and preserving labour market legal certainty . __________________ 33 council directive 91 / 533 / ec of 14 october 1991 on an employer ' s obligation to inform employees of the conditions applicable to the contract or employment relationship .


### employers should not prohibit workers from taking up employment with other employers , outside the time spent working for them , within the limits set out in directive 2003 / 88 / ec of the european parliament and of the council . 39 incompatibility clauses , understood as a restriction on working for specific categories of employers , may be necessary for objective reasons , such as the protection of business secrets or the avoidance of conflicts of interests . __________________ 39 directive 2003 / 88 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 4 november 2003 concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time . ### employers should not prohibit , prevent or hinder workers from taking up employment with other employers , outside the time spent working for them , within the limits set out in directive 2003 / 88 / ec of the european parliament and of the council . 39 member states may establish incompatibility clauses , understood as a restriction on working for specific categories of employers , for objective reasons , such as the protection of business secrets or the avoidance of conflicts of interests . __________________ 39 directive 2003 / 88 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 4 november 2003 concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time .


### social partners may consider that in specific sectors or situations different provisions are more appropriate , for the pursuit of the purpose of this directive , than the minimum standards set in chapter three of this directive . member states should therefore be able to allow social partners to conclude collective agreements modifying the provisions contained in that chapter , as long as the overall level of protection of workers is not lowered . ### social partners may consider that in specific sectors or situations , provisions on minimum standards set in chapter three of this directive can be adapted and / or complemented for the pursuit of the purpose of this directive . member states should therefore be able to allow social partners to conclude or uphold collective agreements modifying the provisions contained in chapter iii , as long as the overall level of protection of workers is not lowered .


### this directive shall not constitute valid grounds for reducing the general level of protection already afforded to workers within member states . ### implementation of this directive shall not constitute valid grounds for reducing the general level of protection already afforded to workers within member states and for undermining better working conditions provided for in collective agreements .


### member states shall ensure that where employers are required by union or national legislation or relevant collective agreements to provide training to workers to carry out the work for which they are employed , such training shall be provided cost - free to the worker . ### member states shall ensure that where employers are required by union or national legislation or relevant collective agreements or internal rules to provide training to workers to carry out the work for which they are employed , such training shall be provided cost - free to the worker . the same shall apply to training which took place before the start of the employment relationship but trained the worker for it .


### if work takes place within predetermined reference hours and reference days , established in writing at the start of the employment relationship , in accordance with article 3 , and ### the modification is justified for objective reasons related to the type of work ;


### member states shall ensure that the information on the laws , regulations and administrative or statutory provisions or collective agreements governing the legal framework applicable which are to be communicated by employers is made generally available free of charge in a clear , transparent , comprehensive and easily accessible way at a distance and by electronic means , including through existing online portals for union citizens and businesses . ### member states shall ensure that the information on the laws , regulations and administrative or statutory provisions or generally binding collective agreements which have been declared universally applicable governing the legal framework applicable which are to be communicated by employers is made generally available free of charge in an easily accessible way at a distance and by electronic means , including through existing online portals for union citizens and businesses .


### if the worker is informed by their employer of a work assignment a reasonable period in advance , in accordance with article 3 . ### the worker is informed of the pattern of the normal working hours for the respective week at least two weeks in advance , except in cases of emergency ;


### since the adoption of council directive 91 / 533 / eec , 33 labour markets have undergone far - reaching changes due to demographic developments and digitalisation leading to the creation of new forms of employment , which have supported job creation and labour market growth . new forms of employment are often not as regular or stable as traditional employment relationships and lead to reduced predictability for the workers concerned , creating uncertainty as to applicable rights and social protection . in this evolving world of work , there is therefore an increased need for workers to be fully informed about their essential working conditions , which should occur in a written form and in a timely manner . in order adequately to frame the development of new forms of employment , workers in the union should also be provided with a number of new minimum rights aimed at promoting security and predictability in employment relationships while achieving upward convergence across member states and preserving labour market adaptability . __________________ 33 council directive 91 / 533 / ec of 14 october 1991 on an employer ' s obligation to inform employees of the conditions applicable to the contract or employment relationship . ### since the adoption of council directive 91 / 533 / eec , 33 labour markets have undergone far - reaching changes due to demographic developments and digitalisation leading to the creation of new forms of employment , which have supported job creation and labour market growth . new forms of employment , however , are often precarious and not as regular or stable as traditional employment relationships and lead to reduced predictability for the workers concerned , creating uncertainty as to applicable rights and social protection . non - standard forms of employment are particularly common among younger generations of workers . precariousness affects young people disproportionately , as their position in the labour market is already vulnerable , due to protracted transitions between education and employment and a general lack of entry - level jobs . in this evolving world of work , there is therefore an increased need for workers to be fully informed about their essential working conditions , which should occur in a written form and in a timely manner . in order to adequately frame the development of new forms of employment , protect workers in the union , and young workers in particular , workers should also be provided with a number of new minimum rights aimed at promoting quality , security and predictability in employment relationships while achieving upward convergence across member states and preserving labour market adaptability . __________________ 33 council directive 91 / 533 / ec of 14 october 1991 on an employer ' s obligation to inform employees of the conditions applicable to the contract or employment relationship .


### member states may allow social partners to conclude collective agreements , in conformity with the national law or practice , which , while respecting the overall protection of workers , establish arrangements concerning the working conditions of workers which differ from those referred to in articles 7 to 11 . ### member states may allow social partners to maintain , negotiate , conclude and enforce collective agreements , in conformity with the national law or practice , which , while respecting the overall protection of workers , establish arrangements concerning the working conditions of workers which differ from those referred to in articles 7 to 11 . member states with a high level of organisation and coverage for the collective agreements , and where the social partners have the primary responsibility to regulate working conditions , may determine that collective agreements concluded at the appropriate level by recognized social partners in accordance with national law , balancing the interests of workers and employers , shall be considered as respecting the overall protection of workers , as long as the purpose of this directive and european union law is respected .


### the information referred to in paragraph 1 shall include : ### the information referred to in paragraph 1 shall as a minimum include :


### member states may allow social partners to conclude collective agreements , in conformity with the national law or practice , which , while respecting the overall protection of workers , establish arrangements concerning the working conditions of workers which differ from those referred to in articles 7 to 11 . ### member states may , with the consent of the most representative social partners at national level , allow social partners to conclude collective agreements , at the appropriate level , adapting and / or complementing the provisions of chapter iii of this directive , in a manner which will take account of the specific needs of the social partners concerned while respecting the minimum requirements laid down in this directive , or to uphold existing collective agreements if they respect the overall level of protection .


### member states shall ensure that where a worker ' s work schedule is entirely or mostly variable and entirely or mostly determined by the employer , the worker may be required to work by the employer only : ### zero - hour type contracts are prohibited .


### each member state shall ensure that a legal person held liable for offences pursuant to article 6 shall be punishable by effective , proportionate and dissuasive sanctions , which shall include criminal or non - criminal fines and may include other sanctions , such as : ### each member state shall ensure that a legal person held liable for offences pursuant to article 7 shall be punishable by effective , proportionate and dissuasive sanctions , which shall include criminal and non - criminal fines and shall include other sanctions , such as :


### each member state shall ensure that the offences referred to in article 3 shall be punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least four years , at least in serious cases . ### each member state shall ensure that the offences referred to in article 3 shall be punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least five years .


### the placing on the market within the union of traditional foods from third countries should be facilitated , where the history of safe food use in a third country has been demonstrated . those foods should have been consumed in a third country for at least 25 years as a part of the customary diet within a large part of the population of the country . the history of safe food use should not include non - food uses or uses not related to normal diets . ### the placing on the market within the union of traditional foods from third countries should be facilitated , where the history of safe food use in a third country has been demonstrated . those foods should have been consumed in a third country for at least 25 years as set out in the scientific and technical guidance to be given by the european food safety authority . the history of safe food use should not include non - food uses or uses not related to normal diets .


### novel foods are subject to the general labelling requirements laid down in regulation no 1169 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council on the provision of food information to consumers and other relevant labelling requirements in union food law . in certain cases it may be necessary to provide for additional labelling information , in particular regarding the description of the food , its source or its conditions of use to ensure that consumers are sufficiently informed of the nature of the novel food . ### novel foods are subject to the general labelling requirements laid down in regulation no 1169 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council on the provision of food information to consumers and other relevant labelling requirements in union food law . additional labelling information should be included , in particular regarding the description of the food , its origin , its composition and its conditions of use to ensure that consumers are sufficiently informed of the nature of the novel food , including those coming from third countries . therefore , when a novel food is included in the union list or in the list of traditional foods from third countries , specific conditions of use or labelling requirements may be imposed , which might , inter alia , relate to any specific characteristic or food property , such as composition , nutritional value or nutritional effects and intended use of the food , or to ethical considerations or implications for the health of specific groups of the population . it is appropriate to lay down in this regulation specific labelling requirements in respect of food ingredients present in the form of engineered nanomaterials which fall within the scope of this regulation .


### it is appropriate to authorise a novel food by updating the union list subject to the criteria and the procedures laid down in this regulation . a procedure that is efficient , time - limited and transparent should be put in place . as regards traditional foods from third countries having a history of safe use it is appropriate to provide for a faster and simplified procedure to update the union list if no reasoned safety objections are expressed . as the updating of the union list implies the application of criteria laid down in this regulation , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission in that respect . ### it is appropriate to authorise a novel food by updating the union list subject to the criteria and the procedures laid down in this regulation . a procedure that is efficient , time - limited and transparent should be put in place . as regards traditional foods from third countries having a history of safe use it is appropriate to provide for a faster and simplified procedure to update the union list if no reasoned safety objections are expressed . the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 tfeu should therefore be delegated to the commission , in order to update the list .


### the implementing powers relating to the definition of ‘ novel food’ , the consultation process for determination of novel food status , other updates of the union list , the drafting and presentation of applications or notifications for the inclusion of foods in the union list , the arrangements for checking the validity of applications or notifications , confidentiality treatment and transitional provisions , should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council22 . __________________ 22 regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by member states of the commission’s exercise of implementing powers . ### the implementing powers relating to the drafting and presentation of applications or notifications for the inclusion of foods in the union list , the arrangements for checking the validity of applications or notifications and confidentiality treatment , should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council22 . __________________ 22 regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by member states of the commission’s exercise of implementing powers .


### in order to ensure continuity with the rules laid down in regulation no 258 / 97 , the absence of a use for human consumption to a significant degree within the union before the date of entry into force of that regulation , namely 15 may 1997 , should be maintained as a criterion for a food to be considered as a novel food . a use within the union should also refer to a use in the member states irrespective of the date of accession of the various member states to the union . ### in order to ensure continuity with the rules laid down in regulation no 258 / 97 , the absence of a use for human consumption to a significant degree , interpreted as available in supermarkets , general food outlets or pharmacies , within the union before the date of entry into force of that regulation , namely 15 may 1997 , should be maintained as a criterion for a food to be considered as a novel food . a use within the union should also refer to a use in the member states irrespective of the date of accession of the various member states to the union .


### penalties and committee procedure ### penalties and general provisions


### the procedure for authorising the placing on the market within the union of a novel food and updating the union list as provided for in article 8 shall end with the adoption of an implementing act in accordance with article 11 . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts , in accordance with article 26 a , concerning the authorisation of the placing on the market within the union of a novel food and the updating of the union list laid down in the annex .


### those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 27 . ### those delegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in article 27 .


### within three months of the date of publication of efsa ' s opinion , the commission shall submit to the committee referred to in article 27 a draft implementing act to authorise the placing on the market within the union of the traditional food from a third country and to update the union list , taking into account the following : ### within three months of the date of publication of efsa ' s opinion , the commission shall submit a draft delegated act to authorise the placing on the market within the union of the traditional food from a third country and to update the union list , taking into account the following :


### documented data demonstrating the history of safe food use in a third country ; ### documented data demonstrating the history of safe food use in a third country , as set out in the european guidelines under the control of the european food safety authority ;


### where applicable , the conditions of use and specific labelling requirements , which do not mislead the consumer . ### where applicable , the conditions of use and specific labelling requirements , including legitimate factors such as ethical concerns , which do not mislead the consumer .


### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this regulation with regard to updating the union list concerning the adding of a traditional food from a third country where no reasoned safety objections have been expressed , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission . ### the commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts , in accordance with article 26 a with regard to updating the union list concerning the adding of a traditional food from a third country where no reasoned safety objections have been expressed .


### within three months of the date of publication of efsa ' s opinion , the commission shall submit to the committee referred to in article 27 a draft implementing act to authorise the placing on the market within the union of the traditional food from a third country and to update the union list , taking into account the following : ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 26 a , within three months of the date of publication of efsa ' s opinion , to authorise the placing on the market within the union of the traditional food from a third country and to update the union list , taking into account the following :


### criteria for the evaluation of the safety risks arising from novel foods should also be laid down . in order to ensure the harmonised scientific assessment of novel foods , such assessments should be carried out by the european food safety authority . ### criteria for the evaluation of the safety risks arising from novel foods should also be clearly defined and laid down . in order to ensure the harmonised scientific assessment of novel foods , such assessments should be carried out by the efsa . the efsa , whose assessments should be undertaken in a transparent manner , should set up a network with member states and the advisory committee on novel foods and processes . any novel characteristic that may have an impact on health should be assessed on an individual basis .


### the commission may , by means of implementing acts , adopt transitional measures for the application of paragraphs 1 and 2 . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 27 . ### the commission may , by means of delegated acts , adopt transitional measures for the application of paragraphs 1 and 2 . those delegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in article 27 .


### the contents , drafting and presentation of the notification provided for in article 13 and of the application provided for in article 14 ; ### the contents , drafting and presentation of the notification provided for in article 13 and of the application provided for in article 14 , including a precise and&#160 ; exhaustive list of documents required for a notification or&#160 ; an application to be valid ;


### a high level of protection of human health and of consumers’ interests and the effective functioning of the internal market should be assured in the pursuit of union food policies , whilst ensuring transparency . ### a high level of protection of human health and of consumers’ interests , of the environment and animal welfare , and the effective functioning of the internal market should be assured in the pursuit of union food policies , whilst ensuring transparency . at all times , moreover , the precautionary principle as laid down in regulation no 178 / 2002 of the european parliament and of the council of 28 january 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law , establishing the european food safety authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety 1 a , should be applied . ____________ 1 a oj l 31 , 1 . 2 . 2002 , p . 1 .


### it does not , on the basis of the scientific evidence available , pose a safety risk to human health ; ### it does not , on the basis of the scientific evidence available , and after application of the precautionary principle laid down in article 7 of regulation no 178 / 2002 , pose a safety risk to human health and where applicable to the environment ;


### the procedure for authorising the placing on the market within the union of a novel food and updating the union list as provided for in article 8 shall end with the adoption of an implementing act in accordance with article 11 . ### the procedure for authorising the placing on the market within the union of a novel food and updating the union list as provided for in article 8 shall end with the adoption of an delegated act in accordance with article 11 and 26 a .


### the commission may , by means of implementing acts , specify the procedural steps of the consultation process provided for in paragraph 2 . ### the commission may , by means of delegated acts , specify the procedural steps of the consultation process provided for in paragraph 2 .


### novel foods should not be placed on the market or used in food for human consumption unless they are included in a union list of novel foods authorised to be placed on the market within the union . therefore , it is appropriate to establish , by means of an implementing act , a union list of novel foods by entering novel foods already authorised or notified in accordance with article 4 , 5 or 7 of regulation no 258 / 97 in the union list , including any existing authorisation conditions . as those novel foods have already been evaluated for their safety , have been legally produced and marketed in the union and have not given rise to health concerns in the past , the advisory procedure should be used for the initial establishment of the union list . ### novel foods should not be placed on the market or used in food for human consumption unless they are included in a union list of novel foods authorised to be placed on the market within the union . therefore , it is appropriate to establish a union list of novel foods by entering novel foods already authorised or notified in accordance with article 4 , 5 or 7 of regulation no 258 / 97 in the union list , including any existing authorisation conditions .


### the commission may , by means of implementing acts , adopt transitional measures for the application of paragraphs 1 and 2 . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 27 . ### the commission may , by means of delegated acts , adopt transitional measures for the application of paragraphs 1 and 2 . those delegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with article 26 a .


### the commission shall establish and update a union list of novel foods authorised to be placed on the market within the union in accordance with articles 6 , 7 and 8 . ### a&#160 ; union list of novel foods authorised to be placed on the market within the union in accordance with articles 6 and 8 is set out in the annex .


### within nine months from the date of publication of efsa ' s opinion , the commission shall submit to the committee referred to in article 27 a draft implementing act updating the union list taking account of : the conditions provided for in article 6 where applicable ; any relevant provisions of union law ; the efsa ' s opinion ; any other legitimate factors relevant to the application under consideration . that implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 27 . ### within six months from the date of publication of efsa ' s opinion , the commission shall submit to the committee referred to in article 27 a draft implementing act updating the union list taking account of : the conditions provided for in article 6 ; any relevant provisions of union law ; the efsa ' s opinion ; any other legitimate factors relevant to the application under consideration . that implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 27 .


### within nine months from the date of publication of efsa ' s opinion , the commission shall submit to the committee referred to in article 27 a draft implementing act updating the union list taking account of : ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt a delegated act in accordance with article 26 a , in order to update the union list referred to in article 5 , within nine months from the date of publication of the efsa ' s opinion referred to in article 10 , taking account of :


### those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 27 . ### those delegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in article 27 .


### the placing on the market within the union of traditional foods from third countries should be facilitated , where the history of safe food use in a third country has been demonstrated . those foods should have been consumed in a third country for at least 25 years as a part of the customary diet within a large part of the population of the country . the history of safe food use should not include non - food uses or uses not related to normal diets . ### the placing on the market within the union of traditional foods from third countries should be facilitated , where the history of safe food use in a third country has been demonstrated . those foods should have been consumed in a third country for at least 25 years as a part of the normal daily diet within a significant part of the population of the country . their safety assessment and management should take into account their history of safe food use in the third country , excluding non - food uses , uses not related to normal diets and uses for medical purposes . account should also be taken of the fact that the structure and properties of foods from third countries can vary according to climatic conditions .


### whether the history of safe food use in a third country is substantiated by reliable data submitted by the applicant in accordance with articles 13 and 15 ; ### whether the history of safe food use in a third country , assessed on the basis of scientific guidelines and clear criteria , is substantiated by reliable data submitted by the applicant in accordance with articles 13 and 15 ;


### when there is a significant change in the production process of a substance that has been used in accordance with directive 2002 / 46 / ec , regulation no 1925 / 2006 or regulation no 609 / 2013 , or a change in particle size of such a substance , for example through nanotechnology , it may have an impact on food and thereby on food safety . therefore , that substance should be considered a novel food under this regulation and should be re - evaluated first in accordance with this regulation and subsequently in accordance with the relevant specific legislation . ### when there is a significant change in the production process of a substance that has been used in accordance with directive 2002 / 46 / ec , regulation no 1925 / 2006 or regulation no 609 / 2013 , or a change in particle size of such a substance , for example through nanotechnology , it may have an impact on food and thereby on food safety . therefore , that substance should be considered a novel food under this regulation and should be re - evaluated first in accordance with this regulation , after full risk assessment , and subsequently in accordance with the relevant specific legislation .


### the commission shall establish and update a union list of novel foods authorised to be placed on the market within the union in accordance with articles 6 , 7 and 8 . ### the commission shall establish , update and publish a union list of novel foods authorised to be placed on the market within the union in accordance with articles 6 , 7 and 8 , as set out in the annex of this regulation . the union list shall include traditional foods from third countries .


### within three months of the date of publication of efsa ' s opinion , the commission shall submit to the committee referred to in article 27 a draft implementing act to authorise the placing on the market within the union of the traditional food from a third country and to update the union list , taking into account the following : ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 27 , within three months of the date of publication of efsa ' s opinion , to authorise the placing on the market within the union of the traditional food from a third country and to update the union list , taking into account the following :


### the international dimension of the programme should be boosted aiming at offering a greater number of opportunities for mobility , cooperation and policy dialogue with third countries not associated to the programme . building on the successful implementation of international higher education and youth activities under the predecessor programmes in the fields of education , training and youth , the international mobility activities should be extended to other sectors , such as in vocational education and training . ### the international dimension of the programme should be boosted aiming at offering a greater number of opportunities for mobility , cooperation and policy dialogue with third countries not associated to the programme . building on the successful implementation of international higher education and youth activities under the predecessor programmes in the fields of education , training and youth , the international mobility activities should be extended to other sectors , such as in vocational education and training . the international dimension of the programme should foster mobility with developing countries . the enhancement of the human capital of those countries thanks to the knowledge acquired during study , research and vocational training programmes will promote the countries ' economic growth and well - being .


### an action that has received a contribution under the programme may also receive a contribution from any other union programme , including funds under shared management , provided that the contributions do not cover the same costs . [ the cumulative financing shall not exceed the total eligible costs of the action and the support from different union programmes may be calculated on a pro - rata basis ] . ### an action that has received a contribution under the programme may also receive a contribution from any other union programme , including funds under shared management , provided that the contributions do not cover the same costs and the objectives of the&#160 ; financed&#160 ; actions are complementary . [ the cumulative financing shall not exceed the total eligible costs of the action and the support from different union programmes may be calculated on a pro - rata basis ] .


### when implementing this directive , member states should ensure the respect of the fundamental right of legal aid as provided for in articles 47 of the charter and article 6 echr and ensure that legal aid is available to those who do not have sufficient resources to pay for legal assistance when the interest of justice so requires . ### when implementing this directive , member states should ensure the respect of the fundamental right of legal aid as provided for in articles 47 of the charter and article 6 echr and ensure that legal aid is available to those who do not have sufficient resources to pay for legal assistance and / or when the interest of justice so requires . where the granting of legal aid is conditional upon a means test , such tests should take into account considerations particular to vulnerable suspects or accused persons .


### proposal for a directive of the european parliament and of the council on provisional legal aid for suspects or accused persons deprived of liberty and legal aid in european arrest warrant proceedings ### proposal for a directive of the european parliament and of the council on legal aid for suspects or accused persons and legal aid in european arrest warrant proceedings


### member states shall be able to provide that the costs relating to provisional legal aid can be recovered from suspects or accused persons and requested persons who do not meet the eligibility criteria for legal aid as applicable under national law . ### member states may provide that the costs relating to provisional legal aid can be partially or entirely recovered from suspects or accused persons and requested persons who do not meet the eligibility criteria for ordinary legal aid as applicable under national law , and who knowingly provided the competent authorities with false information on their personal financial situation .


### member states shall be able to provide that the costs relating to provisional legal aid can be recovered from suspects or accused persons and requested persons who do not meet the eligibility criteria for legal aid as applicable under national law . ### member states may provide that the costs relating to provisional legal aid can be recovered from suspects or accused persons and requested persons who do not meet the eligibility criteria for legal aid as applicable under national law , and who knowingly provided the competent authorities with false information on their personal financial situation . in order to ensure that any recovery of costs relating to provisional legal aid does not prejudice the suspect or accused person in such a way as to undermine the overall fairness of the proceedings , member states shall ensure that the conditions attached to recovery of costs are clear and reasonable and take account of the specific financial situation of the suspect or accused person .


### requested persons deprived of liberty in the executing member state . ### requested persons , who have the right of access to a lawyer pursuant to directive 2013 / 48 / eu , including legal assistance both in the executing as well as in the issuing member state , in line with article 10 of that directive .


### to ensure that requested persons can effectively exercise their right to appoint a lawyer in the issuing member state to assist the lawyer in the executing member state , in accordance with directive 2013 / 48 / eu , the issuing member state should ensure that requested persons have access to legal aid for the purpose of the european arrest warrant proceedings in the executing member state . this right may be subject to an assessment of the means of the requested person and / or whether it is in the interests of justice to provide legal aid , according to the applicable eligibility criteria in the issuing member state in question . ### to ensure that requested persons can effectively exercise their right to appoint a lawyer in the issuing member state to assist the lawyer in the executing member state , in accordance with directive 2013 / 48 / eu , the issuing member state should ensure that requested persons have access to provisional legal aid and to legal aid for the purpose of legal representation in that member state to assist the lawyer in the executing member state in the course of european arrest warrant proceedings . the right to legal aid may be subject to an assessment of the means of the requested person and / or whether it is in the interests of justice to provide legal aid , according to the applicable eligibility criteria in the issuing member state in question .


### the member states should collect data showing how the right to legal aid for suspects or accused persons and requested persons have been accessed . member states should also collect data on the number of cases where provisional legal aid was provided for suspects or accused persons deprived of liberty , as well as for requested persons , and the number of cases where this right was not exercised . such data should include the number of requests for legal aid in european arrest warrant proceedings when the member state acts as issuing and executing state , as well as the number of cases where these requests were granted . data on the costs for providing provisional legal aid for persons deprived of liberty and for requested persons should also be collected . ### the member states should collect data showing how the right to legal aid for suspects or accused persons and requested persons have been accessed . member states should also collect data on the number of cases where legal aid was provided for suspects or accused persons , as well as for requested persons , and the number of cases where this right was not exercised . such data should include the number of requests for legal aid in european arrest warrant proceedings when the member state acts as issuing and executing state , as well as the number of cases where these requests were granted . data on the costs for providing legal aid for suspects or accused persons and for requested persons should also be collected .


### suspects or accused persons in criminal proceedings , who are deprived of liberty ; ### suspects or accused persons in criminal proceedings , who have the right of access to a lawyer pursuant to directive 2013 / 48 / eu or other legally binding union acts ;


### the right to legal aid referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 may be subject to an assessment of the means of the requested person and / or whether it is in the interests of justice to provide legal aid , according to the applicable eligibility criteria in the member state in question . ### the assessment of the application for legal aid submitted by the requested person shall be based on the eligibility criteria as are laid down in article 4a .


### provisional legal aid means legal aid to a person deprived of liberty until the decision on legal aid has been taken , ### provisional legal aid means legal aid provided until the decision on legal aid has been taken and come into effect ,


### provisional legal aid shall be ensured until the final decision on legal aid has been taken and comes into effect , or , where the suspects or accused persons are granted legal aid , the appointment of the lawyer has taken effect . ### provisional legal aid shall be ensured until the final decision on legal aid has been taken and comes into effect , and where the suspects or accused persons are granted legal aid , the appointment of the lawyer has taken effect , or where legal aid has been denied , the person has had sufficient time to find and engage a lawyer .


### proposal for a directive of the euro - pean parliament and of the council on provisional legal aid for suspects or accused persons deprived of liberty and legal aid in european arrest warrant proceedings ### proposal for a directive of the european parliament and of the council on legal aid for suspects or accused persons and legal aid in european arrest warrant proceedings


### member states should be able to provide that the costs relating to provisional legal aid for suspects or accused persons deprived of liberty and costs relating to provisional legal aid for requested persons can be recovered from those persons if , in the subsequent assessment of whether they have a right to legal aid , they are found to not meet the criteria to benefit from legal aid under national law . ### member states should be able to provide that the costs relating to provisional legal aid for suspects or accused persons and costs relating to provisional legal aid for requested persons may be recovered from those persons if , in the subsequent assessment by the competent authority of whether they have a right to ordinary legal aid , they are found to not meet the criteria to benefit from ordinary legal aid under national law .


### member states should be able to provide that the costs relating to provisional legal aid for suspects or accused persons deprived of liberty and costs relating to provisional legal aid for requested persons can be recovered from those persons if , in the subsequent assessment of whether they have a right to legal aid , they are found to not meet the criteria to benefit from legal aid under national law . ### member states should be able to provide that the costs relating to provisional legal aid for suspects or accused persons and costs relating to provisional legal aid for requested persons may be recovered from those persons if , in the subsequent assessment by the competent authority of whether they have a right to legal aid , they are found to not meet the criteria to benefit from legal aid under national law , and if they knowingly provided the competent authorities with false information on their personal financial situation . in order to ensure that any recovery of costs relating to provisional legal aid does not prejudice the suspect or accused person in such a way as to undermine the overall fairness of the proceedings , member states should ensure that the conditions attached to recovery of costs are clear and reasonable and take account of the specific financial situation of the suspect or accused person .


### each member state shall establish one or more contact points to provide information and assistance to groups of organisers in setting up a european citizens’ initiative . ### in order to reduce the high number of applications refused on procedural grounds , each member state shall establish one or more contact points to provide information and assistance to groups of organisers in setting up a european citizens’ initiative . the commission shall refrain from refusing on procedural grounds to register citizens’ initiatives that comply with the recommendations given in this technical advice .


### the commission shall make available an online register allowing groups of organisers to manage their initiative throughout the procedure . the register shall comprise a public website providing information on the european citizens’ initiative in general as well as on specific initiatives and their respective status . ### the commission shall make available an online register allowing groups of organisers to manage their initiative throughout the procedure . the register shall comprise a public website providing information on the european citizens’ initiative in general including on the eci financing and funding sources as well as on specific initiatives and their respective status .


### partially register the initiative if a substantial part of the initiative , including its main objectives , does not manifestly fall outside the framework of the commission’s powers to submit a proposal for a legal act of the union for the purpose of implementing the treaties ; ### partially register the initiative if part of the initiative does not manifestly fall outside the framework of the commission’s powers to submit a proposal for a legal act of the union for the purpose of implementing the treaties ;


### the commission shall periodically review the functioning of the european citizens ' initiative and present a report to the european parliament and the council on the application of this regulation no later than five years from the date of application of this regulation , and every five years thereafter . the reports shall be made public . ### the commission shall periodically review the functioning of the european citizens ' initiative and present a report to the european parliament and the council on the application of this regulation no later than three years from the date of application of this regulation , and every three years thereafter . the reports shall be made public .


### the support and funding for initiatives should be transparent . therefore groups of organisers should provide updated information on the sources of support and funding for their initiatives between the date of registration and the date at which the initiative is submitted to the commission . entities , notably organisations which under the treaties contribute to forming european political awareness and expressing the will of citizens of the union , should be able to promote and provide support and funding to initiatives , provided that they do so in accordance with the procedures and conditions laid down by this regulation and with full transparency . ### the support and funding for initiatives should be transparent and accountable . therefore groups of organisers should provide updated information on the sources of support and funding for their initiatives between the date of registration and the date at which the initiative is submitted to the commission . entities , notably organisations which under the treaties contribute to forming european political awareness and expressing the will of citizens of the union , should be able to promote and provide support and funding to initiatives , provided that they do so in accordance with the procedures and conditions laid down by this regulation and with full transparency . the commission should perform quality and random checks on the financial and funding sources provided by the eci organisers . citizens should also be able to trigger an alert in case of suspicions of wrongdoings . the sources of support and funding should also be publicly available and regularly updated together with the rest of the information on the eci initiative published online .


### an initiative shall be prepared and managed by a group of at least seven natural persons . members of the european parliament shall not be counted for the purpose of that minimum number . ### an initiative shall be prepared and managed by a group of at least seven natural persons . members of the european parliament and members of national parliaments shall not be counted for the purpose of that minimum number .


### for the purpose of online collection of statements of support , the commission shall set - up and operate , by 1 january 2020 , a central online collection system , in accordance with commission decision 2017 / 46 of 10 january 2017 . ### for the purpose of online collection of statements of support , the commission shall set - up and operate , by 1 january 2020 , central online collection system , in accordance with commission decision 2017 / 46 of 10 january 2017 . the use of this system shall be voluntary and free of charge to all organisers .


### tthe commission and the european parliament shall co - organize the public hearing at the european parliament . representatives of the other institutions and advisory bodies of the union , as well as interested stakeholders , shall be given the opportunity to participate in the hearing . ### the european parliament shall organise the public hearing at its premises . representatives of the commission and the council , the european economic social committee and the committee of the regions , as well as other institutions and advisory bodies of the union , representatives of civil society , social partners , and other interested stakeholders , including national parliaments , shall be given the opportunity to participate in the hearing . the hearing shall be web - streamed and publically available on the eci website thereafter . following the hearing , the european parliament shall hold a plenary debate on the initiative and decide whether to adopt a motion for a resolution . within 12 months of the issuance of the commission communication pursuant to article 15 , the eci organisers shall be entitled to request a second public hearing at the european parliament . the european parliament shall organise the second public hearing within three months of the submission of the request .


### this regulation aims to make the european citizens’ initiative more accessible , less burdensome and easier to use for organisers and supporters , in order to achieve the full potential of the european citizens’ initiative as a tool to foster debate and citizen participation at union level , and to bring the union closer to its citizens . ### this regulation aims to make the european citizens’ initiative more accessible , less burdensome and easier to use for organisers and supporters , in order to achieve the full potential of the european citizens’ initiative as a tool to foster debate and citizen participation at union level , in order to encourage as many eu citizens as possible to play their part in shaping the ongoing european integration process .


### in that case , the group of organisers may either amend the initiative to take into account the commission’s assessment to ensure that the initiative is in conformity with the requirement laid down in paragraph 3 or maintain or withdraw the initial initiative . the group of organisers shall inform the commission of its choice within one month of the receipt of the commission’s assessment giving the reasons thereof , and shall , as the case may be , transmit amendments to the information referred to in annex ii to replace the initial initiative . ### in that case , the group of organisers may either amend the initiative to take into account the commission’s information or even maintain or withdraw the initial initiative . the group of organisers shall inform the commission of its choice within one month of the receipt of the commission’s information giving the reasons thereof , and shall , as the case may be , transmit amendments to the information referred to in annex ii to replace the initial initiative .


### in order to make the european citizens’ initiative more accessible and to provide support to citizens and organisers , the commission should provide information and assistance to organisers and make available an online collaborative platform to provide a dedicated discussion forum and information and advice about the european citizens’ initiative . to ensure proximity to citizens , member states should establish one or more contact points in their respective territories to provide citizens with information and assistance regarding the european citizens’ initiative . ### in order to make the european citizens ' initiative more accessible and to provide support to citizens and organisers , the commission should provide information and assistance free of charge to organisers and make available an online collaborative platform to provide a dedicated discussion forum and information and advice about the european citizens ' initiative , that will serve also as a platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices and to enable citizens to discuss proposed citizens ' initiatives and to formulate new ones . to ensure proximity to citizens , member states building upon the europe direct information centres should establish , in due time and in any case by the time this regulation comes into force , eci help desks in their respective territories to provide citizens with information and assistance and guidance regarding the submission of a european citizens’ initiative on technical issues related to the eci , including how to promote the eci at national and local level . an annual eci conference at eu level should be organised on the eci day with the aim of further strengthening dialogue and exchange of best practices between organisers , civil society and social partners and eu institutions and to assess the state of implementation and effectiveness of the eci .


### the initiative is not manifestly contrary to the values of the union as set out in article 2 of the treaty on european union . ### the initiative is not manifestly contrary to the values of the union as set out in article 2 of the treaty on european union and rights enshrined in the european charter of fundamental rights .


### the commission may carry out its own verification of the quality of the data reported pursuant to articles 4 and 5 . ### the commission shall carry out its own verification of the quality of the data reported pursuant to articles 4 and 5 .


### the commission shall keep a central register for the data reported in accordance with articles 4 and 5 . the register shall be publicly available with the exception of data entries 1 , 24 , 25 , 32 , 33 , 39 and 40 specified in part b of annex i . ### the commission shall keep a central register for the data reported in accordance with articles 4 and 5 . the register shall be publicly available with the exception of data entries 1 , 24 , 25 , 32 , 33 , 39 , 40 and 73 a , specified in part b of annex i , for which the commission shall provide access to third parties upon request and in accordance with regulation no 1367 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council1a . ____________ 1aregulation no 1367 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 6 september 2006 on the application of the provisions of the aarhus convention on access to information , public participation in decision - making and access to justice in environmental matters to community institutions and bodies


### in order to acquire a complete knowledge on the configuration of the heavy - duty vehicle fleet in the union , its development over time and potential impact on co2 emissions , it is appropriate to monitor and report data on the registration of all new heavy - duty vehicles and all new trailers , including data on the powertrains as well as the relevant bodywork . ### in order to acquire a complete knowledge on the configuration of the heavy - duty vehicle fleet in the union , its development over time and potential impact on co2emissions , it is appropriate to monitor , report data on the registration of all new heavy - duty vehicles and all new trailers , including data on the efficiency of powertrains and engines as well as the most relevant bodywork and components . a close cooperation between member states’ competent authorities and vehicle manufacturers in monitoring and reporting the data is important .


### the analysis shall indicate , as a minimum , the performance of the heavy - duty vehicle fleet of the union as well as that of each manufacturer in terms of the average fuel consumption and co2 emissions . it shall also , where available , take into account data on the uptake of new and advanced co2 reducing technologies . ### the analysis shall indicate , as a minimum , the performance of the heavy - duty vehicle fleet of the union , of each member state as well as that of each manufacturer in a comparable way in terms of the average fuel consumption and co2 emissions , taking into account also the differences in the manufacturers ' product portfolio and the mission profile declared . it shall also , where available , take into account data on the uptake of new and advanced co2 reducing technologies .


### greenhouse gas emissions from lorries , buses and coaches , i . e . heavy - duty vehicles , currently represent around a quarter of road transport emissions in the union and are expected to increase further by 2030 . effective measures to curb emissions from heavy - duty vehicles need to be introduced in order to contribute to the necessary emission reductions in the transport sector . ### greenhouse gas emissions from lorries , buses and coaches , i . e . heavy - duty vehicles , currently represent around a quarter of road transport emissions in the union and , if no additional measures are taken , are expected to account for 30 % of the total road transport co2 emissions by 2030 . effective measures to curb emissions from heavy - duty vehicles need to be introduced in order to contribute to the necessary emission reductions in the transport sector .


### data on co2 emissions and fuel consumption will be available for certain new heavy - duty vehicles that are registered in [ 2019 ] . starting from that date , the competent authorities of the member states should therefore be required to provide data on new registrations and manufacturers should be required to provide the technical data relating to those vehicles . ### data on co2 emissions and fuel consumption will be available for certain new heavy - duty vehicles that are registered in [ 2019 ] . starting from that date the competent authorities of the member states should therefore be required to provide data on new registrations , and manufacturers should be required to provide the technical data relating to those vehicles which fall under the scope of commission regulation [ … / … ] 1a + . __________________ 1a commission regulation [ … / … ] implementing regulation no 595 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council as regards the determination of co2 emissions and fuel consumption of heavy - duty vehicles and amending directive 2007 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council and commission regulation no 582 / 2011 . + oj : please insert the correct reference .


### every four years , the commission shall produce an overall evaluation of the vis . this overall evaluation shall include an examination of results achieved against objectives and an assessment of the continuing validity of the underlying rationale , the application of this regulation in respect of the vis , the security of the vis , the use made of the provisions referred to in article 31 and any implications for future operations . the commission shall transmit the evaluation to the european parliament and the council . ### every two years , the commission shall produce an overall evaluation of the vis . this overall evaluation shall include an examination of results achieved against objectives and costs sustained and an assessment of the continuing validity of the underlying rationale , the application of this regulation in respect of the vis , the security of the vis , the use made of the provisions referred to in article 31 and any implications for future operations . the commission shall transmit the evaluation to the european parliament and the council .


### every four years , the commission shall produce an overall evaluation of the vis . this overall evaluation shall include an examination of results achieved against objectives and an assessment of the continuing validity of the underlying rationale , the application of this regulation in respect of the vis , the security of the vis , the use made of the provisions referred to in article 31 and any implications for future operations . the commission shall transmit the evaluation to the european parliament and the council . ### every two years , the commission shall produce an overall evaluation of the vis . this overall evaluation shall include an examination of results achieved against objectives and costs and an assessment of the continuing validity of the underlying rationale , the application of this regulation in respect of the vis , the security of the vis , the use made of the provisions referred to in article 31 and any implications for future operations . the commission shall transmit the evaluation to the european parliament and the council .


### e - books shall comply with the requirements set out in section vii of annex i . ### e - book readers shall comply with the requirements set out in section vii of annex i .


### e - books ### e - book readers


### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and growth - sustaining structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming and strengthening institutions , governance , public administration , and economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges , with a view to enhancing cohesion , competitiveness , productivity , sustainable growth , job creation , and investment , which will also prepare for participation in the euro area , in particular in the context of economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient , effective and transparent use of the union funds . ” ; ### the general objective of the programme shall be to provide support to national authorities for administrative and economic reform and measures aimed at reforming and strengthening institutions , governance , public administration , economic sectors and social protection systems , with a view to promoting and enhancing sustainable growth , quality job creation and investment , competitiveness , productivity , territorial and social cohesion , including through the implementation of the european pillar of social rights , convergence and shared prosperity , resilience to shocks . this support may include also assistance for the efficient , effective and transparent use of the union funds . through these goals the programme will also prepare for participation in the euro area , in particular in the context of economic governance processes . ” ;


### the structural reform support programme was established with the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement growth - sustaining administrative and structural reforms , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . support under the programme is provided by the commission , upon request by a member state , and can cover a wide range of policy areas . developing resilient economies built on strong economic and social structures , which allow member states to efficiently absorb shocks and swiftly recover from them , contributes to economic and social cohesion . the implementation of institutional , administrative and growth - sustaining structural reforms is an appropriate tool for achieving such a development . ### the structural reform support programme has the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement economic and administrative reforms aimed at promoting robust and sustainable growth , quality job creation , social and territorial cohesion and convergence , competitiveness , productivity and shared prosperity , enhanced resilience to shocks , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . support under the programme is provided by the commission , upon request by a member state , and can cover a wide range of policy areas in line with the national reform programmes .


### it is also necessary to indicate that actions and activities of the programme may support reforms that may help member states that wish to adopt the euro to prepare for participation in the euro area . ### it is also necessary to indicate that actions and activities of the programme may support reforms that may help member states that wish to adopt the euro to prepare for participation in the euro area ; such an increase should not take place through redeployments of existing european structural and investment funds but should be financed by the mobilisation of the special instruments as provided for in council regulation no 1311 / 2013 of 2 december 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014 - 2020 .


### the structural reform support programme was established with the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement growth - sustaining administrative and structural reforms , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . support under the programme is provided by the commission , upon request by a member state , and can cover a wide range of policy areas . developing resilient economies built on strong economic and social structures , which allow member states to efficiently absorb shocks and swiftly recover from them , contributes to economic and social cohesion . the implementation of institutional , administrative and growth - sustaining structural reforms is an appropriate tool for achieving such a development . ### the structural reform support programme has the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement economic and administrative reforms aimed at promoting robust and sustainable growth , quality job creation , social and territorial cohesion and convergence , competitiveness , productivity and shared prosperity , enhanced resilience to shocks , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . support under the programme is provided by the commission , upon request by a member state , and can cover a wide range of policy areas .


### the common eu list of safe countries of origin established by regulation no xxx / xxx 9 should be regularly reviewed by the commission . having regard to the agency ' s expertise , it should assist the commission in reviewing that list . the agency should also , at the request of the commission , provide it with information on specific third countries which could be included in the common eu list of safe countries of origin , and on third countries designated as safe countries of origin or safe third countries or to which the concepts of safe third country , first country of asylum or european safe third country by member states apply . __________________ 9 oj l [ … ] ### the common eu list of safe countries of origin established by regulation no xxx / xxx 9 should be regularly reviewed by the commission , in cooperation with the eeas . having regard to the agency ' s expertise , it should assist the commission in reviewing that list . the agency should also , at the request of the commission , provide it with information on specific third countries which could be included in the common eu list of safe countries of origin , and on third countries designated as safe countries of origin or safe third countries or to which the concepts of safe third country , first country of asylum or european safe third country by member states apply . those countries with which the eu has concluded , or is in the process of concluding a ' migration compact ' under the partnership framework with third countries under the european agenda for migration , will not be automatically considered as safe , but will be assessed following the procedure set out herein . __________________ 9 oj l [ &#8230 ; ]


### the agency shall organise and coordinate , for a limited period of time , one or more of following operational and technical measures : ### the agency shall organise and coordinate one or more of following operational and technical measures :


### for member states that are faced with specific and disproportionate pressure on their asylum and reception systems due , in particular , to their geographical or demographic situation , the european union agency for asylum should support the development of solidarity within the union and assist in the better relocation of beneficiaries of international protection among member states , while ensuring that asylum and reception systems are not abused . ### for member states that are faced with specific and disproportionate pressure on their asylum and reception systems due , in particular , to their geographical , economic or demographic situation , the european union agency for asylum should support the development of solidarity within the union and fair share of responsibility , assisting in the better relocation of applicants or beneficiaries of international protection among member states , while ensuring that asylum and reception systems are not abused .


### the common eu list of safe countries of origin established by regulation no xxx / xxx 9 should be regularly reviewed by the commission . having regard to the agency ' s expertise , it should assist the commission in reviewing that list . the agency should also , at the request of the commission , provide it with information on specific third countries which could be included in the common eu list of safe countries of origin , and on third countries designated as safe countries of origin or safe third countries or to which the concepts of safe third country , first country of asylum or european safe third country by member states apply . __________________ 9 oj l [ … ] ### the common eu list of safe countries of origin established by regulation no xxx / xxx 9 should be regularly reviewed by the commission while ensuring that the principle of non - refoulement and the individual right to asylum , especially that of people belonging to vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied minors , are not undermined . having regard to the agency ' s expertise , it should assist the commission in reviewing that list . the agency should also , at the request of the commission , provide it with information on specific third countries which could be included in the common eu list of safe countries of origin , and on third countries designated as safe countries of origin or safe third countries or to which the concepts of safe third country , first country of asylum or european safe third country by member states apply . __________________ 9 oj l [ &#8230 ; ]


### make use of all relevant sources of information , including its information analysis on the situation of asylum and other information gathered from governmental , non - governmental and international organisations , including through the networks referred to in article 9 , as well as union institutions , agencies , bodies , offices and the european external action service ; ### make use of all relevant sources of information , including its information analysis on the situation of asylum and other information gathered from governmental , non - governmental and international organisations , in particular unhcr , including through the networks referred to in article 9 , fact finding missions , as well as union institutions , agencies , bodies , offices and the european external action service ;