### three years after the start of operations of the ees and every four years thereafter , the commission shall produce an overall evaluation of the ees . this overall evaluation shall include an examination of results achieved against objectives and the impact on fundamental rights , and assessing the continuing validity of the underlying rationale , the application of the regulation , the security of the ees and any implications on future operations , and shall make any necessary recommendations . the commission shall transmit the evaluation report to the european parliament and the council . ### two years after the start of operations of the ees and every two years thereafter , the commission shall produce an overall evaluation of the ees . this overall evaluation shall include an examination of results achieved against objectives and the impact on fundamental rights , and assessing the continuing validity of the underlying rationale , the application of the regulation , the security of the ees and any implications on future operations , and shall make any necessary recommendations . the commission shall transmit the evaluation report to the european parliament , the council and the european data protection supervisor .


### access for consultation is necessary for the purpose of the prevention , detection or investigation of a terrorist offences or another serious criminal offence , thus making a search of the database proportionate if there is an overriding public security concern ; ### access for consultation is necessary for the purpose of the prevention , detection or investigation of a terrorist offences or another serious criminal offence ;


### reasonable grounds exist to consider that the consultation of the ees data may substantially contribute to the prevention , detection or investigation of any of the criminal offences in question , in particular where there is a substantiated suspicion that the suspect , perpetrator or victim of a terrorist offence or other serious criminal offence falls under a category covered by this regulation ; ### evidence or reasonable grounds exist to consider that the consultation of the ees data may substantially contribute to the prevention , detection or investigation of any of the criminal offences in question , in particular where the suspect , perpetrator or victim of a terrorist offence or other serious criminal offence falls under a category covered by this regulation ;


### the consultation is necessary to support and strengthen action by member states in preventing , detecting or investigating terrorist offences or other serious criminal offences falling under europol ' s mandate , thus making a search of the database proportionate if there is an overriding public security concern ; ### the consultation is necessary to support and strengthen action by member states in preventing , detecting or investigating terrorist offences or other serious criminal offences falling under europol ' s competences ;


### allow to identify and detect overstayers and enable competent national authorities of the member states to take appropriate measures including to increase the possibilities for return ### allow the identification and detection of overstayers and enable competent national authorities of the member states to take appropriate measures ;


### in order to create the individual file of a visa holding third country national the data provided for in paragraph 1 , and may be retrieved and imported directly from the vis by the border authority in accordance with article 18a of regulation no 767 / 2008 . ### in order to create the individual file of a visa holding third country national the data provided for in paragraph 1 to may be retrieved and imported directly from the vis by the border authority in accordance with article 18a of regulation no 767 / 2008 .


### this regulation also lays down in its chapter iv the conditions under which member states ' designated law enforcement authorities and the european police office may obtain access for consultation of the ees for the purposes of the prevention , detection and investigation of terrorist offences or of other serious criminal offences . ### for the purposes of prevention , detection and investigation of terrorist offences or of other serious criminal offences , this regulation also lays down in its chapter iv the conditions and limitations under which member states ' designated law enforcement authorities and the european police office may obtain access for consultation of the ees .


### the supervisory authority shall ensure that an audit of the data processing operations in the national system is carried out in accordance with relevant international auditing standards at least every four years . ### the supervisory authority shall ensure that an audit of the data processing operations in the national system is carried out in accordance with relevant international auditing standards at least every two years .


### upon expiry of the retention period referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 such data shall automatically be erased from the central system ### upon expiry of the retention period referred to in paragraphs 1 to 4 such data shall automatically be erased from the central system .


### the consultation is necessary in a specific case ; ### the consultation is proportionate in the specific case ;


### the european data protection supervisor shall ensure that an audit of the agency ' s personal data processing activities is carried out in accordance with relevant international auditing standards at least every four years . a report of that audit shall be sent to the european parliament , the council , eu - lisa , the commission and the national supervisory authorities . eu - lisa shall be given an opportunity to make comments before the report is adopted . ### the european data protection supervisor shall ensure that an audit of the agency ' s personal data processing activities is carried out in accordance with relevant international auditing standards at least every two years . a report of that audit shall be sent to the european parliament , the council , eu - lisa , the commission and the national supervisory authorities . eu - lisa shall be given an opportunity to make comments before the report is adopted .


### each entry / exit record or refusal of entry record linked to an individual file shall be stored for five years following the date of the exit record or of the refusal of entry record , as applicable . ### each entry / exit record or refusal of entry record linked to an individual file shall be stored in the central system for eighteen months following the date of the exit record or of the refusal of entry record , as applicable .


### where it is necessary to create or update the individual file data of a visa holder , the border authorities may retrieve and import the data provided for in article 14 , and directly from the vis in accordance with article 18a of regulation no 767 / 2008 . ### where it is necessary to create or update the individual file data of a visa holder , the border authorities may retrieve and import the data provided for in article 14 to directly from the vis in accordance with article 18a of regulation no 767 / 2008 .


### the facial image , where possible extracted electronically from the emrtd , and where this is not possible , taken live ; ### the facial image , where possible extracted electronically from the emrtd or the vis , and where this is not possible , taken live . facial images taken live shall be in accordance with the specifications for the minimum level of quality for the resolution and use of facial images taken live adopted by the commission in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 61 ;


### the personal data stored in the ees should be kept for no longer than is necessary for the purposes of the ees . it is appropriate to keep the data related to third country nationals for a period of five years for border management purposes in order to avoid the need for third country nationals to re - enrol in the ees before that period has lapsed . for third country nationals who are family members of a union citizen to whom directive 2004 / 38 / ec27 applies or of a national of a third country enjoying the right of free movement under union law and who do not hold a residence card referred to under directive 2004 / 38 / ec , it is appropriate to store each coupled entry / exit record for a maximum period of one year after the last exit . _________________ 27 directive 2004 / 38 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 29 april 2004 on the right of citizens of the union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the member states amending regulation no 1612 / 68 and repealing directives 64 / 221 / eec , 68 / 360 / eec , 72 / 194 / eec , 73 / 148 / eec , 75 / 34 / eec , 75 / 35 / eec , 90 / 364 / eec , 90 / 365 / eec and 93 / 96 / eec . ### the personal data stored in the ees should be kept for no longer than strictly necessary for the purposes of the ees related to the use of the system . it is sufficient to keep the data related to third country nationals who have lawfully used the system for a period of eighteen months for border management purposes . for third - country nationals who are family members of a union citizen to whom directive 2004 / 38 / ec27 applies or of a national of a third country enjoying the right of free movement under union law and who do not hold a residence card referred to under directive 2004 / 38 / ec , it is appropriate to store each coupled entry / exit record for a maximum period of one year after the last exit . _________________ 27 directive 2004 / 38 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 29 april 2004 on the right of citizens of the union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the member states amending regulation no 1612 / 68 and repealing directives 64 / 221 / eec , 68 / 360 / eec , 72 / 194 / eec , 73 / 148 / eec , 75 / 34 / eec , 75 / 35 / eec , 90 / 364 / eec , 90 / 365 / eec and 93 / 96 / eec .


### member states may only impose the following administrative requirements and control measures : ### in order to guarantee an effective implementation and control of this directive , directive 96 / 71 / ec and of directive 2014 / 67 / eu member states may in particular impose the following administrative requirements and control measures :


### an obligation for the road transport operator established in another member state to send a posting declaration to the national competent authorities at the latest at the commencement of the posting , in electronic form , in an official language of the host member state or in english , containing only the following information : ### for each posted driver and each posting , an obligation for the road transport operator established in another member state to send a posting declaration to the national competent authorities prior to the commencement of the posting , in a standardised electronic form developed and made available by the commission , at the latest two years after the publication of the directive , in an official language of the host member state or in english , containing at least the following information :


### the anticipated number and the identities of posted drivers ; ### information about the posted drivers including at least the following : the identify , the country of residence , the country where the employment contract is based , the country of payment of social contributions and the social security number ;


### these checks shall cover each year a large and representative cross - section of mobile workers , drivers , undertakings and vehicles falling within the scope of regulations no 561 / 2006 and no 165 / 2014 and of mobile workers and drivers falling withing the scope of directive 2002 / 15 / ec . ; ### these checks shall cover each year a large and representative cross - section of mobile workers , drivers , undertakings and vehicles falling within the scope of regulations no 561 / 2006 and no 165 / 2014 and in case of checks at the premises of mobile workers and drivers falling within the scope of directive 2002 / 15 / ec ;


### the commission , in its proposal of 8 march 201617 for the revision of directive 96 / 71 / ec , recognized that the implementation of that directive raises particular legal questions and difficulties in the highly mobile road transport sector and indicated that those issues should be best addressed through sector - specific road transport legislation . __________________ 17 com128 ### the commission , in its proposal of 8 march 201617 for the revision of directive 96 / 71 / ec , recognized that the implementation of that directive in the highly mobile road transport sector , raises particular legal questions and difficulties and indicated that those issues should be best addressed through sector - specific road transport legislation . however , taking into account that the transport sector is one of the most vulnerable sectors , the protective minimum provisions of directive 96 / 71 / ec must be applied to all workers . __________________ 17 com128


### difficulties have also been experienced in applying the rules on posting of workers specified in directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and of the council15 and the rules on the administrative requirements laid down in directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and of the council16 to the highly mobile road transport sector . the uncoordinated national measures on the application and enforcement of the provisions on posting of workers in the road transport sector have generated high administrative burdens for non - resident union operators . this created undue restrictions to the freedom to provide cross - border road transport services having negative side - effects on jobs . __________________ 15 directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services 16 directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 15 may 2014 on the enforcement of directive 96 / 71 / ec concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services and amending regulation no 1024 / 2012 on administrative cooperation through the internal market information system . ### difficulties have also been experienced in applying the rules on posting of workers specified in directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and of the council15 and the rules on the administrative requirements laid down in directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and of the council16 to the highly mobile road transport sector . the uncoordinated national measures on the application and enforcement of the provisions on posting of workers in the road transport sector have generated not only unnecessary administrative burdens for operators but also a high degree of legal uncertainty for drivers . __________________ 15 directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services 16 directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 15 may 2014 on the enforcement of directive 96 / 71 / ec concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services and amending regulation no 1024 / 2012 on administrative cooperation through the internal market information system .


### an obligation for the road transport operator established in another member state to send a posting declaration to the national competent authorities at the latest at the commencement of the posting , in electronic form , in an official language of the host member state or in english , containing only the following information : ### an obligation for the road transport operator established in another member state to send a posting declaration to the national competent authorities at the latest at the commencement of the posting , in a standardised electronic form developed and made available by the commission in all official languages of the union , containing only the following information :


### in order to create a safe , efficient and socially responsible road transport sector it is necessary to ensure adequate working conditions and social protection for drivers , on the one hand , and suitable business and fair competition conditions for operators , on the other . ### the free movement of workers , freedom of establishment , and freedom to provide services are fundamental principles of the internal market in the union ; they are enshrined in the treaty on the functioning of the european union and are essential to a properly functioning internal market . the implementation and enforcement of those principles is further developed by the union , aimed at guaranteeing a level playing field for businesses , combating the circumvention of rules , respecting workers ' rights , improving working conditions , and enhancing social cohesion among member states . in order to create a safe , efficient and socially responsible road transport sector , it is therefore necessary to ensure equal pay for equal work at the same place , decent working conditions and social protection for drivers , on the one hand , and suitable business and fair competition conditions for operators , on the other .


### member states shall not apply points and of the first subparagraph of article 3 of directive 96 / 71 / ec to drivers in the road transport sector employed by undertakings referred to in article 1 of that directive , when performing international carriage operations as defined by regulations 1072 / 2009 and 1073 / 2009 where the period of posting to their territory to perform these operations is shorter than or equal to 3 days during a period of one calendar month . ### for international transport operations , including related transit , terms and conditions as laid down in article 3 points and of directive 96 / 71 / ec of the member state where the carriage is loaded shall apply for the entire time of the operation or until the return of the worker to the member state where his habitual place of work is located . in case of several loadings and / or part loadings in different member states , the more favourable terms and conditions for the worker shall apply from the moment of picking up the load or part load .


### member states shall not apply points and of the first subparagraph of article 3 of directive 96 / 71 / ec to drivers in the road transport sector employed by undertakings referred to in article 1 of that directive , when performing international carriage operations as defined by regulations 1072 / 2009 and 1073 / 2009 where the period of posting to their territory to perform these operations is shorter than or equal to 3 days during a period of one calendar month . ### member states shall not apply directive 96 / 71 / ec or directive 2014 / 67 / eu to transit and international transport operations as defined by regulations 1072 / 2009 and 1073 / 2009 ;


### these checks shall cover each year a large and representative cross - section of mobile workers , drivers , undertakings and vehicles falling within the scope of regulations no 561 / 2006 and no 165 / 2014 and of mobile workers and drivers falling withing the scope of directive 2002 / 15 / ec . ; ### these checks shall cover each year a large and representative cross - section of mobile workers , drivers , undertakings and vehicles falling , where relevant , within the scope of regulations no 561 / 2006 and no 165 / 2014 and of mobile workers and drivers falling within the scope of directive 2002 / 15 / ec ' ;


### member states may only impose the following administrative requirements and control measures : ### member states may in particular impose the following administrative requirements and control measures :


### an obligation for the road transport operator established in another member state to send a posting declaration to the national competent authorities at the latest at the commencement of the posting , in electronic form , in an official language of the host member state or in english , containing only the following information : ### for each posted driver and each posting , an obligation for the road transport operator established in another member state to send a posting declaration to the national competent authorities at the latest at the commencement of the posting , in a standardized electronic form developed and made available by the commission in all official languages of the union , containing at least the following information :


### an obligation for the driver to keep and make available , where requested at the roadside control , in paper or electronic form , a copy of the posting declaration and evidence of transport operation taking place in the host member state , such as an electronic consignment note or evidence referred to in article 8 of regulation no 1072 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council . ### an obligation for the road transport operator to provide the driver with the following documents for the purpose of road side checks :


### the anticipated number and the identities of posted drivers ; ### information about the posted drivers including at least the following : the identity , the country of residence , the country where the employment contract is based , the country of payment of social contributions and the social security number ;


### this article establishes specific rules as regards certain aspects of directive 96 / 71 / ec relating to the posting of drivers in the road transport sector and of directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and of the council relating to administrative requirements and control measures for the posting of those drivers . ### this article establishes specific rules as regards the enforcement of directive 96 / 71 / ec relating to the posting of drivers in the road transport sector and of directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and of the council relating to administrative requirements and control measures for the posting of those drivers .


### such balanced criteria should be based on a concept of a sufficient link of a driver with a territory of a host member state . therefore , a time threshold should be established , beyond which the minimum rate of pay and the minimum annual paid holidays of the host member state shall apply in case of international transport operations . this time threshold should not apply to cabotage operations as defined by regulations 1072 / 200918 and 1073 / 200919 since the entire transport operation is taking place in a host member state . as a consequence the minimum rate of pay and the minimum annual paid holidays of the host member state should apply to cabotage irrespective of the frequency and duration of the operations carried out by a driver . __________________ 18 regulation no 1072 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 21 october 2009 on common rules for access to the international road haulage market . 19 regulation no 1073 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 21 october 2009 on common rules for access to the international market for coach and bus services , and amending regulation no 561 / 2006 ### cabotage operations as defined by regulations 1072 / 200918 and 1073 / 200919 are service provisions which are covered by directive 96 / 71 / ec as the transport operation is entirely taking place in another member state . as a consequence the minimum rate of remuneration and the minimum annual paid holidays of the host member state should apply to cabotage irrespective of the frequency and duration of the operations carried out by a driver . __________________ 18 regulation no 1072 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 21 october 2009 on common rules for access to the international road haulage market . 19 regulation no 1073 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 21 october 2009 on common rules for access to the international market for coach and bus services , and amending regulation no 561 / 2006


### the inherent high mobility of road transport services requires particular attention in assuring that drivers benefit from the rights to which they are entitled and that operators are not faced with disproportionate administrative barriers unduly restricting their freedom to provide cross - border services . ### the inherent high mobility of road transport services requires particular attention in assuring that drivers benefit from the rights to which they are entitled and that operators are not faced with disproportionate administrative barriers or abusive controls , unduly restricting their freedom to provide cross - border services .


### the commission shall , by means of implementing acts , establish a common formula for calculating a risk rating of undertakings , which shall take into account the number , severity and frequency of occurrence of infringements as well as the results of controls where no infringement has been detected and whether a road transport undertaking has been using the smart tachograph , pursuant to chapter ii of regulation no 165 / 2014 , on all its vehicles . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 12 of this directive . ### the commission shall , by means of implementing acts , establish a common formula for calculating a risk rating of undertakings , which shall take into account the number , severity and frequency of occurrence of infringements as well as the results of controls where no infringement has been detected . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 12 of this directive .


### in order to ensure effective and efficient enforcement of the sector - specific rules on posting of workers and to avoid disproportionate administrative burdens for non - resident operators sector , specific administrative and control requirements should be established in the road transport sector , taking full advantage of control tools such as the digital tachograph . ### in order to ensure effective and efficient enforcement of directive 96 / 71 / ec in the transport sector and to avoid disproportionate administrative burdens for non - resident operators sector , specific administrative and control requirements should be established in the road transport sector , taking full advantage of control tools such as the digital tachograph , which has to be introduced on a mandatory basis by 2 january 2020 , at the latest .


### attitudinal and environmental barriers as well as lack of accessibility hinder the full and effective participation of people with disabilities in society , on an equal basis with others . people with disabilities are faced with barriers to , among other things , access the labour market , benefit from an inclusive and quality education , avoid poverty and social exclusion , enjoy access to cultural initiatives and media , or use their political rights . as a party to the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities , the union and all its member states have committed to promote , protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities . the provisions of the uncrpd have become an integral part of the union legal order . ### attitudinal and environmental barriers as well as lack of accessibility hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society , on an equal basis with others . persons with disabilities , which include those with long - term physical , mental , intellectual or sensory impairments , are faced with barriers to , among other things , access the labour market , benefit from an inclusive and quality education , avoid poverty and social exclusion , enjoy access to cultural initiatives and media , or use their political rights . as a party to the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities , the union and all its member states have committed to promote , protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities . the provisions of the uncrpd have become an integral part of the union legal order .


### the general objective of the programme is to protect and promote rights and values as enshrined in the eu treaties , including by supporting civil society organisations , in order to sustain open , democratic and inclusive societies . ### the general objective of the programme is to protect and promote rights and values and the rule of law as enshrined in the eu treaties , including by supporting civil society organisations , at local , regional , national and transnational levels , in order to sustain open , democratic and inclusive societies .


### in order to ensure efficient allocation of funds from the general budget of the union , it is necessary to ensure the european added value of all actions carried out , their complementarity to member states’ actions , while consistency , complementarity and synergies shall be sought with funding programmes supporting policy areas with close links to each other , in particular within the justice , rights and values fund — and thus with the justice programme — as well as with creative europe programme , and erasmus + to realise the potential of cultural crossovers in the fields of culture , media , arts , education and creativity . it is necessary to create synergies with other european funding programmes , in particular in the fields of employment , internal market , enterprise , youth , health , citizenship , justice , migration , security , research , innovation , technology , industry , cohesion , tourism , external relations , trade and development . ### in order to ensure efficient allocation of funds from the general budget of the union , it is necessary to ensure the european added value of all actions carried out , their complementarity to member states’ actions , while consistency , complementarity and synergies shall be sought with funding programmes supporting policy areas with close links to each other , in particular within the justice , rights and values fund — and thus with the justice programme — as well as with creative europe programme , european solidarity corps and erasmus to realise the potential of cultural crossovers in the fields of culture , the audio - visual sector , media , arts , education and creativity . it is necessary to create synergies with other european funding programmes , in particular in the fields of employment , internal market , enterprise , youth , volunteering and the third sector , social inclusion - especially migrants and the most disadvantaged - vocational education and training , non - formal and informal learning , sport , health , citizenship , justice , migration , security , research , innovation , technology , industry , cohesion , tourism , enlargement , international cooperation , external relations , trade and development .


### citizens should also be more aware of their rights deriving from citizenship of the union , and should feel at ease about living , travelling , studying , working and volunteering in another member state , and should feel able to enjoy and exercise all their citizenship rights , place their trust in equal access , full enforceability and protection of their rights without any discrimination , no matter where in the union they happen to be . civil society needs to be supported for the promotion , safeguarding and raising awareness of eu common values under article 2 teu and in contributing to the effective enjoyment of rights under union law . ### citizens should also be more aware of their rights deriving from citizenship of the union , and should feel at ease about living , travelling , studying , working and volunteering or taking part in cultural exchanges in another member state , and should feel able to enjoy and exercise all their citizenship rights , place their trust in equal access , full enforceability and protection of their rights without any discrimination , no matter where in the union they happen to be . civil society needs to be supported for the promotion , safeguarding and raising awareness of eu common values under article 2 teu and in contributing to the effective enjoyment of rights under union law .


### the committee may meet in specific configurations to deal with the individual strands of the programme . ### the committee may meet in specific configurations to deal with the individual strands of the programme . where appropriate , in accordance with its rules of procedure , external experts , including representatives of the social partners , civil society organisations and representatives of beneficiaries shall be regularly invited to participate in its meetings as observers .


### in order to bring the european union closer to its citizens , a variety of actions and coordinated efforts are necessary . bringing together citizens in town - twinning projects or networks of towns and supporting civil society organisations in the areas covered by the programme will contribute to increase citizens ' engagement in society and ultimately their involvement in the democratic life of the union . at the same time supporting activities promoting mutual understanding , diversity , dialogue and respect for others fosters a sense of belonging and a european identity , based on a shared understanding of european values , culture , history and heritage . the promotion of a greater sense of belonging to the union and of union values is particularly important amongst citizens of the eu outermost regions due to their remoteness and distance from continental europe . ### in order to bring the european union closer to its citizens , a variety of actions and coordinated efforts are necessary at macro - regional and other levels . bringing together citizens in town - twinning projects or networks of towns and supporting civil society organisations in the areas covered by the programme will contribute to increase citizens ' engagement in society and ultimately their involvement in the democratic life of the union . at the same time supporting activities promoting mutual understanding , diversity , reconciliation , dialogue and respect for others fosters a sense of belonging and a european identity , based on a shared understanding of european values , culture , history and heritage . the promotion of a greater sense of belonging to the union and of union values is particularly important amongst citizens of the eu outermost regions due to their remoteness and distance from continental europe .


### the general objective of the programme is to protect and promote rights and values as enshrined in the eu treaties , including by supporting civil society organisations , in order to sustain open , democratic and inclusive societies . ### the general objective of the programme is to protect and promote european citizenship , &#160 ; rights and values as enshrined in the eu treaties , including by supporting civil society organisations - especially at a grassroot level - , in order to sustain open , democratic and inclusive societies , as well as key stakeholders such as associations of&#160 ; citizens , &#160 ; ngos , churches and religious associations or communities , and think tanks , research , cultural and&#160 ; academic institutions .


### increasing citizens ' understanding of the union , its history , cultural heritage and diversity ; ### increasing citizens ' understanding of the union , its history and heritage and the age - old civilisation that lies behind it , including through the promotion of formal and non - formal education for european citizenship ; implementing initiatives for the enhancement of european culture and its tangible and intangible cultural heritage , its cultural and linguistic diversity , tolerance and mutual understanding , which are at the heart of the european project ; supporting targeted actions to facilitate the inclusion of migrants in communities of arrival and in the social and cultural fabric of the eu and combating all forms of hatred and discrimination ;


### the general objective of the programme is to protect and promote rights and values as enshrined in the eu treaties , including by supporting civil society organisations , in order to sustain open , democratic and inclusive societies . ### the general objective of the programme is to protect and promote rights and values as enshrined in the eu treaties , including by supporting and building the capacity of civil society organisations at local , national and transnational levels in order to sustain open , democratic and inclusive societies .


### encouraging and facilitating active participation in the construction of a more democratic union as well as awareness of rights and values through support to civil society organisations ### encouraging and facilitating active participation , with particular attention to marginalised groups of society , in the construction of a more democratic union as well as awareness of rights and values through support to civil society organisations ;


### the general objective of the programme is to protect and promote rights and values as enshrined in the eu treaties , including by supporting civil society organisations , in order to sustain open , democratic and inclusive societies . ### the general objective of the programme is to protect and promote rights , as well as the principles and values enshrined in the eu treaties , on the basis of which the union was founded , including by supporting civil society organisations , local authorities and citizens , in order to remind all citizens of the importance of those values and principles and thereby to sustain open , democratic and inclusive societies .


### increasing citizens ' understanding of the union , its history , cultural heritage and diversity ; ### increasing citizens ' , in particular young people ' s , understanding of the union , its history , cultures , cultural heritage and diversity ;


### the work programme shall be adopted by the commission by means of an implementing act . that implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 19 . ### the commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 16 complementing this regulation by establishing the work programmes and , as required , the multiannual priorities on which the work programmes are based . in drawing up its work programmes , the commission shall consult organisations representing civil society and organisations representing local and regional authorities .


### strengthening citizen ' s awareness of european culture , history and remembrance as well as their sense of belonging to the union ; ### strengthening citizen ' s awareness of european culture , history and remembrance as well as their sense of belonging to the union , particularly through formal and informal education for european citizenship ;


### remembrance activities and critical reflection on europe’s historical memory are necessary to make citizens aware of the common history , as the foundation for a common future , moral purpose and shared values . the relevance of historical , cultural and intercultural aspects should also be taken into account , as well as the links between remembrance and the creation of a european identity and sense of belonging together . ### remembrance activities and critical reflection on europe’s historical memory are necessary to make citizens , especially young people , aware of the common history , as the foundation for a joint and common future , rooted in europe’s spiritual and moral heritage . the relevance of historical , cultural and intercultural aspects should also be taken into account , as well as the links between remembrance and the creation of a european identity and sense of belonging together .


### increasing citizens ' understanding of the union , its history , cultural heritage and diversity ; ### supporting projects intended to encourage citizens to learn more about their shared history and to remember the events that preceded the establishment of the eu ; promoting both better understanding by citizens of the union , its origins , its raison d ' &#234 ; tre and its achievements , awareness of the importance of its founding principles and values and recognition of the wealth of its cultural heritage and diversity ;


### remembrance activities and critical reflection on europe’s historical memory are necessary to make citizens aware of the common history , as the foundation for a common future , moral purpose and shared values . the relevance of historical , cultural and intercultural aspects should also be taken into account , as well as the links between remembrance and the creation of a european identity and sense of belonging together . ### remembrance activities and critical reflection on europe’s historical memory are necessary to make citizens , in particular the young ones , aware of the common history , as the foundation for a common future , moral purpose and shared values rooted in europe´s cultural and spiritual heritage . the relevance of historical , cultural and intercultural aspects should also be taken into account , as well as the links between remembrance and the creation of a european identity and sense of belonging together .


### to promote citizens engagement and participation in the democratic life of the union , ### to promote citizens and in particular young people´s engagement and participation in the democratic life of the union ;


### the rights and values programme should allow developing synergies to tackle the challenges that are common to the promotion and protection of values and to reach a critical dimension to have concrete results in the field . that should be achieved by building on the positive experience of the predecessor programmes . this will enable to fully exploit the potential of synergies , to more effectively support the policy areas covered and to increase their potential to reach people . to be effective , the programme should take into account the specific nature of the different policies , their different target groups and their particular needs through tailor - made approaches . ### the rights and values programme should allow synergies to be developed to tackle the challenges that are common to the promotion and protection of values , active citizenship and education for european citizenship and to reach a critical dimension to have concrete results in the field . that should be achieved by building on and further developing the positive experience of the predecessor programmes that are now incorporated in the new programme . this will enable to fully exploit the potential of synergies , to more effectively support the policy areas covered and to increase their potential to reach people . to be effective , the programme should take into account the specific nature of the different policies , their different target groups and their particular needs through tailor - made approaches .


### developing the capacity of european networks to promote and further develop union law , policy goals and strategies as well as supporting civil society organisations active in the areas covered by the programme . ### developing the capacity of european networks and civil society organisations to contribute to the development , awareness raising , monitoring of the implementation of union law , policy goals and strategies , and the respect and promotion of eu values as well as supporting civil society organisations active in the areas covered by the programme .


### encouraging and facilitating active participation in the construction of a more democratic union as well as awareness of rights and values through support to civil society organisations ### encouraging and facilitating active participation , with particular attention to marginalised groups , in the construction of a more democratic union as well as awareness of rights and values through support to civil society organisations ;


### attitudinal and environmental barriers as well as lack of accessibility hinder the full and effective participation of people with disabilities in society , on an equal basis with others . people with disabilities are faced with barriers to , among other things , access the labour market , benefit from an inclusive and quality education , avoid poverty and social exclusion , enjoy access to cultural initiatives and media , or use their political rights . as a party to the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities , the union and all its member states have committed to promote , protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities . the provisions of the uncrpd have become an integral part of the union legal order . ### attitudinal and environmental barriers as well as lack of accessibility hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society , on an equal basis with others . persons with disabilities , which include those with long - term physical , mental , intellectual or sensory impairments , are faced with barriers to , among other things , access the labour market , benefit from an inclusive and quality education , avoid poverty and social exclusion , enjoy access to cultural initiatives and media , or use their political rights . as a party to the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities , the union and all its member states have committed to promote , protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities . the provisions of the uncrpd have become an integral part of the union legal order .


### ' paternity leave ' means leave from work for fathers to be taken on the occasion of the birth of a child ; ### ' paternity leave ' means paid leave from work for fathers or an equivalent second parent as defined in national law on the grounds of the birth or adoption of a child , to be taken around the occasion of the birth or adoption of a child within duration limits of the maternity leave ;


### ' paternity leave ' means leave from work for fathers to be taken on the occasion of the birth of a child ; ### ' paternity leave ' means paid and mandatory leave from work for fathers or an equivalent second parent as defined in national law to be taken around the time of the birth , stillbirth or adoption of a child ; the right to paternity leave referred in paragraph 1 shall be granted irrespective of their length of service or the status of their employment relationship .


### in order to provide greater possibility for parents to use parental leave as their children grow up , the right to parental leave should be granted until the child is at least twelve years old . member states should be able to specify the period of notice to be given by the worker to the employer when applying for parental leave and to decide whether the right to parental leave may be subject to a certain period of service . in view of the growing diversity of contractual arrangements , the sum of successive fixed - term contracts with the same employer should be taken into account for the purpose of calculating the period of service . to balance the needs of workers with those of employers , member states should also be able to decide whether they define if the employer may be allowed to postpone the granting of parental leave under certain circumstances . in such cases , the employer should provide justification for the postponement . given that flexibility makes it more likely that second parents , in particular fathers , will take up their entitlement to such leave , workers should be able to request to take parental leave on a full - time or part - time basis or in other flexible forms . it should be up to the employer whether or not to accept such a request for parental leave in other flexible forms than full - time . member states should also assess if the conditions and detailed arrangements of parental leave should be adapted to the specific needs of parents in particularly disadvantaged situations . ### in order to provide greater possibility for parents to use parental leave as their children grow up , the right to parental leave should be granted until the child is at least twelve years old . member states should be able to specify a reasonable period of notice to be given by the worker to the employer when applying for parental leave . to balance the needs of workers with those of employers , member states should also be able to decide whether they define if the employer may be allowed to postpone the granting of parental leave under certain circumstances . in such cases , the employer should provide justification for the postponement in writing . given that flexibility makes it more likely that second parents , in particular fathers , will take up their entitlement to such leave , workers should be able to request to take parental leave on a full - time or part - time basis or in other flexible forms . it should be up to the employer whether or not to accept such a request for parental leave in other flexible forms than full - time . member states should also assess if the conditions and detailed arrangements of parental leave should be adapted to the needs of parents in specific situations , in particular with regard to children with disabilities , mental health problems , serious medical conditions or illness , in accordance with their national law and practice .


### in order to provide greater opportunities to remain in the work force for men and women carrying of elderly family member and / or other relatives in need of care , workers with a seriously ill or dependant relative should have the right to take time off from work in the form of carers ' leave to take care of that relative . to prevent abuse of that right , proof of the serious illness or dependency may be required prior to granting of the leave . ### in order to provide greater opportunities to remain in the work force for men and women carrying of elderly family member and / or other relatives in need of care , workers with a relative with care or supports needs should have the right to take time off from work in the form of carers ' leave to take care of that relative . to prevent abuse of that right , proof of the care or support needs may be required prior to granting of the leave .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that fathers have the right to take paternity leave of at least ten working days on the occasion of the birth of a child . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that fathers or the equivalent second parents as defined in national law have the right to a mandatory paternity leave of at least ten working days to be taken around the time of the birth , stillbirth or adoption of a child . member states may determine whether the leave can also be taken partly before or only directly after the birth , stillbirth or adoption of the child .


### in order to encourage working parents and carers to remain in the work force , those workers should be able to adapt their working schedules to their personal needs and preferences . working parents and carers should therefore be able to request flexible working arrangements , meaning the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns , including through the use of remote working arrangements , flexible working schedules , or a reduction in working hours , for caring purposes . in order to address the needs of workers and employers , it should be possible for member states to limit the duration of flexible working arrangements , including a reduction in working hours . while working part - time has been shown to be useful in allowing some women to remain in the labour market after having children , long periods of reduced working hours may lead to lower social security contributions translating into reduced or non - existing pension entitlements . the ultimate decision as to whether or not to accept a worker’s request for flexible working arrangements should lie with the employer , specific circumstances underlying the need for flexible working arrangements can change . workers should therefore not only have the right to return to their original working patterns at the end of a given agreed period , but should also be able to request to do so at any time where a change in the underlying circumstances so requires . ### in order to encourage working parents and carers to remain in the work force , those workers should be able to adapt their working schedules to their personal needs and preferences . working parents and carers should therefore be entitled to flexible working arrangements , meaning for example the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns , including through the use of remote working arrangements , flexible working schedules , or a reduction in working hours , for caring purposes . in order to address the needs of workers and employers , it should be possible for member states to limit the duration of flexible working arrangements , including a reduction in working hours . while working part - time has been shown to be useful in allowing some women to remain in the labour market after having children , long periods of reduced working hours may lead to lower social security contributions translating into reduced or non - existing pension entitlements . the ultimate decision as to whether or not to accept a worker’s demand for flexible working arrangements should lie with the employer who should justify the refusal in writing . specific circumstances underlying the need for flexible working arrangements can change . workers should therefore not only have the right to return to their original working patterns at the end of a given agreed period , but should also be able to request to do so at any time where a change in the underlying circumstances so requires .


### employers shall consider and respond to requests for flexible working arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 , taking into account the needs of both employers and workers . employers shall justify any refusal of such a request . ### employers shall consider and respond in writing to requests for flexible working arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 , taking into account the needs of both employers and workers . employers shall justify in writing any refusal of such a request .


### work - life balance remains however a considerable challenge for many parents and workers with caring responsibilities , with a negative impact on female employment . a major factor contributing to the underrepresentation of women in the labour market is the difficulty of balancing work and family obligations . when they have children , women tend to work less hours in paid employment and spend more time fulfilling unpaid care responsibilities . having an ill or dependent relative has also been shown to have a negative impact on female employment , leading some women to drop out of the labour market entirely . ### work - life balance remains however a considerable challenge for many parents and workers with caring responsibilities , with a negative impact on female employment . a major factor contributing to the underrepresentation of women in the labour market is the difficulty of balancing work and family obligations . when they have children , women tend to work less hours in paid employment and spend more time fulfilling unpaid care responsibilities . having a relative with care or support needs has also been shown to have a negative impact on female employment , leading some women to drop out of the labour market partly or entirely .


### in order to provide greater possibility for parents to use parental leave as their children grow up , the right to parental leave should be granted until the child is at least twelve years old . member states should be able to specify the period of notice to be given by the worker to the employer when applying for parental leave and to decide whether the right to parental leave may be subject to a certain period of service . in view of the growing diversity of contractual arrangements , the sum of successive fixed - term contracts with the same employer should be taken into account for the purpose of calculating the period of service . to balance the needs of workers with those of employers , member states should also be able to decide whether they define if the employer may be allowed to postpone the granting of parental leave under certain circumstances . in such cases , the employer should provide justification for the postponement . given that flexibility makes it more likely that second parents , in particular fathers , will take up their entitlement to such leave , workers should be able to request to take parental leave on a full - time or part - time basis or in other flexible forms . it should be up to the employer whether or not to accept such a request for parental leave in other flexible forms than full - time . member states should also assess if the conditions and detailed arrangements of parental leave should be adapted to the specific needs of parents in particularly disadvantaged situations . ### in order to provide greater possibility for parents to use parental leave as their children grow up , the right to parental leave should be granted until the child is at least thirteen years old . member states should be able to specify the period of notice to be given by the worker to the employer when applying for parental leave . to balance the needs of workers with those of employers , member states should also be able to decide whether they define if the employer may be allowed to postpone the granting of parental leave under certain circumstances . in such cases , the employer should provide justification in writing for the postponement . given that flexibility makes it more likely that second parents , in particular fathers , will take up their entitlement to such leave , workers should be able to request to take parental leave on a full - time or part - time basis or in other flexible forms . it should be up to the employer whether or not to accept such a request for parental leave in other flexible forms than full - time . member states should also assess if the conditions and detailed arrangements of parental leave should be adapted to the specific needs of parents in particularly disadvantaged situations .


### member states shall assess the need for the conditions of access and detailed arrangements for the application of parental leave to be adapted to the needs of adoptive parents , parents having a disability and parents with children with a disability or long - term illness . ### member states shall assess the need for the conditions of access and detailed arrangements for the application of parental leave to be extended to meet the needs of adoptive parents , parents having a disability , single parents and parents with children with a disability or serious long - term illness . in particular , for parents of children with a disability or serious illness , as certified in accordance the member state’s health authorities , rejection of requests for parental leave shall be prohibited .


### in accordance with national circumstances , such as national law , collective agreements and / or practice , and taking into account the powers delegated to social partners , member states shall ensure that workers exercising the rights to leave referred to in article 4 , 5 or 6 will receive a payment or an adequate allowance at least equivalent to what the worker concerned would receive in case of sick leave . ### in accordance with national circumstances , such as national law , collective agreements and / or practice , and taking into account the powers delegated to social partners , member states shall ensure that workers exercising the rights to leave referred to in article 4 , 5 or 6 will receive a payment or an adequate allowance equivalent to the worker ' s gross wage .


### in order to encourage a more equal sharing of caring responsibilities between women and men , the right to paternity leave for fathers to be taken on the occasion of the birth of a child should be introduced . in order to take account of differences among member states , the right to paternity leave should be irrespective of marital or family status as defined in national law . ### in order to encourage a more equal sharing of caring responsibilities between women and men , the right to paid paternity leave for fathers or an equivalent second parent as defined in national law to be taken around the occasion of the birth or adoption of a child and within duration limits of the maternity leave should be introduced . in order to take account of differences among member states , the right to paternity leave should be irrespective of marital or family status as defined in national law .


### ' carer ' means a worker providing personal care or support in case of a serious illness or dependency of a relative ; ### ' carer ' means a worker providing personal care or support to a person with care or support needs due to a serious or chronic illness , hospitalization , surgical intervention without hospitalization , disability , mental health or age related problem for a relative or a person in his / her immediate circle ;


### employers shall consider and respond to requests for flexible working arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 , taking into account the needs of both employers and workers . employers shall justify any refusal of such a request . ### employers shall consider and respond in writing to requests for flexible working arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 , taking into account the needs of both employers and workers , in particular in micro businesses . employers shall justify any refusal of such a request while providing options for alternative arrangements .


### ' paternity leave ' means leave from work for fathers to be taken on the occasion of the birth of a child ; ### ' paternity leave ' means paid leave from work for fathers or an equivalent second parent as defined in national law to be taken on the occasion of the birth or adoption of a child ;


### when flexible working arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 are limited in duration , the worker shall have the right to return to the original working pattern at the end of the agreed period . the worker shall also have the right to request to return to the original working pattern whenever a change of circumstances so justifies . employers shall be obliged to consider and respond to such requests , taking into account the needs of both employers and workers . ### when flexible working arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 are limited in duration , the worker shall have the right to return to the original working pattern at the end of the agreed period . the worker shall also have the right to request to return to the original working pattern whenever a change of circumstances so justifies . employers shall be obliged to consider and respond in writing to such requests , taking into account the needs of both employers and workers .


### member states shall establish the period of notice to be given by workers to employers when exercising the right to parental leave . in doing so , member states shall take into account the needs of both employers and workers . member states shall ensure that the worker ' s request specifies the intended beginning and end of the period of leave . ### member states shall establish a reasonable period of notice to be given by workers to employers when exercising the right to parental leave . in doing so , member states shall take into account the needs of both employers and workers . member states shall ensure that the worker ' s request specifies the intended beginning and end of the period of leave .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that fathers have the right to take paternity leave of at least ten working days on the occasion of the birth of a child . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that fathers or the equivalent second parents as defined in national law have the right to take paternity leave of at least ten working days around the occasion of the birth or adoption of a child , within duration limits of the maternity leave .


### workers exercising their rights to take leave or to request flexible working arrangements provided for in this directive should enjoy protection from dismissal and any preparations for a possible dismissal on the grounds that they applied for , or have taken such leave or have exercised the right to request such flexible working arrangements . where workers consider that they have been dismissed on those grounds , they should be able to ask the employer to provide duly substantiated grounds for the dismissal . ### workers exercising their rights to take leave or to request flexible working arrangements provided for in this directive should enjoy protection from dismissal , pressures and mobbing to the detriment of the worker and any preparations for a possible dismissal on the grounds that they applied for , or have taken such leave or have exercised the right to request such flexible working arrangements . where workers consider that they have been dismissed on those grounds , they should be able to ask the employer to provide duly substantiated grounds for the dismissal .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that fathers have the right to take paternity leave of at least ten working days on the occasion of the birth of a child . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that fathers have the right to take paternity leave of at least ten working days on the occasion of the birth of the child . member states may determine whether the leave can also be taken partly before or only after the birth of the child , as well as whether it can be taken in flexible forms .


### to increase the incentives for workers with children and caring responsibilities , men in particular , to take the periods of leave provided for in this directive , they should have the right to an adequate allowance while on leave . the level of the allowance should be at least equivalent to what the worker concerned would receive in case of sick leave . member states should take into account the importance of the continuity of the entitlements to social security , including healthcare . ### to increase the incentives for workers with children and caring responsibilities , men in particular , to take the periods of leave provided for in this directive , they should have the right to a payment or an adequate allowance while on leave . the level of the payment or the allowance should be at least equivalent to 85 % of the worker’s gross wage . member states should take into account the importance of the continuity of the entitlements to social security , including healthcare .


### member states may introduce or maintain provisions that are more favourable to workers than those laid down in this directive . they shall however ensure that at least four months of parental leave remain non - transferable in accordance with article 5 . ### this directive does not constitute valid grounds for reducing the level of protection already afforded to workers within member states in any form . 2 . this directive shall not affect member states’ prerogative to apply or to introduce laws , regulations or administrative provisions which are more favourable to workers or to encourage or permit the application of collective agreements more favourable to workers . 3 . this directive is without prejudice to any other rights conferred on workers by other legal acts of the union . member states shall however ensure that at least four months of parental leave remain non - transferable in accordance with article 5 .


### in order to encourage working parents and carers to remain in the work force , those workers should be able to adapt their working schedules to their personal needs and preferences . working parents and carers should therefore be able to request flexible working arrangements , meaning the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns , including through the use of remote working arrangements , flexible working schedules , or a reduction in working hours , for caring purposes . in order to address the needs of workers and employers , it should be possible for member states to limit the duration of flexible working arrangements , including a reduction in working hours . while working part - time has been shown to be useful in allowing some women to remain in the labour market after having children , long periods of reduced working hours may lead to lower social security contributions translating into reduced or non - existing pension entitlements . the ultimate decision as to whether or not to accept a worker’s request for flexible working arrangements should lie with the employer , specific circumstances underlying the need for flexible working arrangements can change . workers should therefore not only have the right to return to their original working patterns at the end of a given agreed period , but should also be able to request to do so at any time where a change in the underlying circumstances so requires . ### in order to encourage working parents and carers to remain in the work force , those workers should be able to adapt their working schedules to their personal needs and preferences . working parents and carers should therefore be entitled to flexible working arrangements , meaning for example the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns , including through the use of remote working arrangements , flexible working schedules , or a reduction in working hours , for caring purposes . in order to address the needs of workers and employers , it should be possible for member states to limit the duration of flexible working arrangements , including a reduction in working hours . while working part - time has been shown to be useful in allowing some women to remain in the labour market after having children , long periods of reduced working hours may lead to lower social security contributions translating into reduced or non - existing pension entitlements . the ultimate decision as to whether or not to accept a worker’s demand for flexible working arrangements should lie with the employer who should justify the refusal in writing . specific circumstances underlying the need for flexible working arrangements can change . workers should therefore not only have the right to return to their original working patterns at the end of a given agreed period , but should also be able to request to do so at any time where a change in the underlying circumstances so requires .


### “parental leave” means leave from work on the grounds of the birth or adoption of a child to take care of that child ; ### “parental leave” means paid leave from work on the grounds of the birth or adoption of a child to take care of that child ;


### . member states shall define the status of the employment contract or employment relationship for the period of leave referred to in article 4 , 5 or 6 , including as regards entitlements to social security , while ensuring that the employment relationship is maintained during that period . ### member states shall define the status of the employment contract or employment relationship for the period of leave referred to in article 4 , 5 or 6 while ensuring that the employment relationship is maintained during that period but also without prejudice to entitlements to social security including to pension contribution to which the worker remains subject throughout the period of leave .


### in order to provide greater possibility for parents to use parental leave as their children grow up , the right to parental leave should be granted until the child is at least twelve years old . member states should be able to specify the period of notice to be given by the worker to the employer when applying for parental leave and to decide whether the right to parental leave may be subject to a certain period of service . in view of the growing diversity of contractual arrangements , the sum of successive fixed - term contracts with the same employer should be taken into account for the purpose of calculating the period of service . to balance the needs of workers with those of employers , member states should also be able to decide whether they define if the employer may be allowed to postpone the granting of parental leave under certain circumstances . in such cases , the employer should provide justification for the postponement . given that flexibility makes it more likely that second parents , in particular fathers , will take up their entitlement to such leave , workers should be able to request to take parental leave on a full - time or part - time basis or in other flexible forms . it should be up to the employer whether or not to accept such a request for parental leave in other flexible forms than full - time . member states should also assess if the conditions and detailed arrangements of parental leave should be adapted to the specific needs of parents in particularly disadvantaged situations . ### in order to provide greater possibility for parents to use parental leave as their children grow up , the right to parental leave should be granted until the child is at least twelve years old . member states should be able to specify a reasonable period of notice to be given by the worker to the employer when applying for parental leave . to balance the needs of workers with those of employers , member states should also be able to decide whether they define if the employer may be allowed to postpone the granting of parental leave under certain circumstances . in such cases , the employer should provide justification for the postponement in writing . given that flexibility makes it more likely that second parents , in particular fathers , will take up their entitlement to such leave , workers should be able to request to take parental leave on a full - time or part - time basis or in other flexible forms . it should be up to the employer whether or not to accept such a request for parental leave in other flexible forms than full - time . member states should also assess if the conditions and detailed arrangements of parental leave should be adapted to the needs of parents in specific situations , in particular with regard to children with disabilities , mental health problems , serious medical conditions or illness , in accordance with their national law and practice .


### in order to encourage a more equal sharing of caring responsibilities between women and men , the right to paternity leave for fathers to be taken on the occasion of the birth of a child should be introduced . in order to take account of differences among member states , the right to paternity leave should be irrespective of marital or family status as defined in national law . ### in order to encourage a more equal sharing of caring responsibilities between women and men , the right to paid and mandatory paternity leave for fathers or an equivalent second parent as defined in national law to be taken around the time of the birth , stillbirth or adoption of a child should be introduced . in order to take account of differences among member states , the right to paternity leave should be irrespective of marital or family status as defined in national law .


### employers shall consider and respond to requests for flexible working arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 , taking into account the needs of both employers and workers . employers shall justify any refusal of such a request . ### employers shall consider and respond in writing to requests for flexible working arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 , taking into account the needs of both employers and workers . employers shall justify in writing any refusal or postponement of such requests within a reasonable period of time following the submission of the application . this justification shall be based on exceptional circumstances that are specifically laid down by law , collective agreements and / or practices in force in each member state .


### . member states shall define the status of the employment contract or employment relationship for the period of leave referred to in article 4 , 5 or 6 , including as regards entitlements to social security , while ensuring that the employment relationship is maintained during that period . ### member states shall define the status of the employment contract or employment relationship for the period of leave referred to in article 4 , 5 or 6 while ensuring that the employment relationship is maintained during that period but also without prejudice to entitlements to social security including pension contribution which the worker remains subject to throughout the period of leave .


### in order to provide greater possibility for parents to use parental leave as their children grow up , the right to parental leave should be granted until the child is at least twelve years old . member states should be able to specify the period of notice to be given by the worker to the employer when applying for parental leave and to decide whether the right to parental leave may be subject to a certain period of service . in view of the growing diversity of contractual arrangements , the sum of successive fixed - term contracts with the same employer should be taken into account for the purpose of calculating the period of service . to balance the needs of workers with those of employers , member states should also be able to decide whether they define if the employer may be allowed to postpone the granting of parental leave under certain circumstances . in such cases , the employer should provide justification for the postponement . given that flexibility makes it more likely that second parents , in particular fathers , will take up their entitlement to such leave , workers should be able to request to take parental leave on a full - time or part - time basis or in other flexible forms . it should be up to the employer whether or not to accept such a request for parental leave in other flexible forms than full - time . member states should also assess if the conditions and detailed arrangements of parental leave should be adapted to the specific needs of parents in particularly disadvantaged situations . ### in order to provide greater possibility for parents to use parental leave as their children grow up , the right to parental leave should be granted until the child is at least thirteen years old . member states should be able to specify the period of notice to be given by the worker to the employer when applying for parental leave . to balance the needs of workers with those of employers , member states should also be able to decide whether they define if the employer may be allowed to postpone the granting of parental leave under certain circumstances . in such cases , the employer should provide justification in writing for the postponement . given that flexibility makes it more likely that second parents , in particular fathers , will take up their entitlement to such leave , workers should be able to request to take parental leave on a full - time or part - time basis or in other flexible forms . it should be up to the employer whether or not to accept such a request for parental leave in other flexible forms than full - time . member states should also assess if the conditions and detailed arrangements of parental leave should be adapted to the specific needs of parents in particularly disadvantaged situations .


### in accordance with directive 2010 / 18 / eu member states are required to define the status of the employment contract or employment relationship for the period of parental leave . in accordance with the case - law of the court of justice of the european union , the employment relationship between the worker and his employer is therefore maintained during the period of leave and , as a result , the beneficiary of such leave , remains , during that period , a worker for the purposes of union law . when defining the status of employment contract or employment relationship during the period of the leaves covered by this directive , including as regards entitlements to social security , the member states should therefore ensure that the employment relationship is maintained . ### in accordance with directive 2010 / 18 / eu member states are required to define the status of the employment contract or employment relationship for the period of parental leave . in accordance with the case - law of the court of justice of the european union , the employment relationship between the worker and his employer is therefore maintained during the period of leave and , as a result , the beneficiary of such leave , remains , during that period , a worker for the purposes of union law . when defining the status of employment contract or employment relationship during the period of the leaves covered by this directive , the member states should therefore ensure that the employment relationship is maintained without prejudice to entitlements to social security including to pension contribution to which the worker remains subject throughout the period of leave . in that perspective , member states should ensure the leave provided for in this directive does not affect the worker’s pension entitlements during all this period .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers with children up to a given age , which shall be at least twelve , and carers , have the right to request flexible working arrangements for caring purposes . the duration of such flexible working arrangements may be subject to a reasonable limitation . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers with children , and carers , have the right to flexible working arrangements for caring purposes . the duration of such flexible working arrangements may be subject to a reasonable limitation .


### in accordance with national circumstances , such as national law , collective agreements and / or practice , and taking into account the powers delegated to social partners , member states shall ensure that workers exercising the rights to leave referred to in article 4 , 5 or 6 will receive a payment or an adequate allowance at least equivalent to what the worker concerned would receive in case of sick leave . ### in accordance with national circumstances , such as national law , collective agreements and / or practice , and taking into account the powers delegated to the social partners , member states shall ensure that workers exercising the rights to leave referred to in article 4 , 5 or 6 will receive a payment or an adequate allowance as follow :


### at the latest , by five years after the entry into force of this directive , member states shall communicate to the commission all relevant information concerning the application of this directive necessary for the commission to draw up a report to the european parliament and the council on the application of this directive . ### by . . . [ three years after the entry into force of this directive ] , member states shall communicate to the commission all relevant information concerning the application of this directive and an in - depth evaluation of the effects of the directive on female employment statistics , accompanied , if appropriate , by a legislative proposal .


### the erdf , the esf + and the emff may support community - led local development . ### the erdf , the esf + and the emff should support community - led local development and allocate at least 15&#160 ; % of their funds to it .


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


### in order to further develop a coordinated and harmonised implementation of union funds implemented under shared management namely the european regional development fund , the european social fund plus , the cohesion fund , measures financed under shared management in the european maritime and fisheries fund , the asylum and migration fund , internal security fund and integrated border management fund , financial rules based on article 322 of the tfeu should be established for all these funds , clearly specifying the scope of application of the relevant provisions . in addition , common provisions based on article 177 of the tfeu should be established to cover policy specific rules for the erdf , the esf + , the cohesion fund and the emff . ### in order to further develop a coordinated and harmonised implementation of union funds implemented under shared management namely the european regional development fund , the european social fund plus , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , measures financed under shared management in the european maritime and fisheries fund , the asylum and migration fund , internal security fund and integrated border management fund , financial rules based on article 322 of the tfeu should be established for all these funds , clearly specifying the scope of application of the relevant provisions . in addition , common provisions based on article 177 of the tfeu should be established to cover policy specific rules for the erdf , the esf + , the cohesion fund and the emff .


### the office shall not be bound to report to the eppo manifestly unsubstantiated allegations . ### the office shall be bound to report to the eppo only substantiated allegations .


### ' 8 . if an investigation cannot be closed within 12 months after it has been opened , the director - general shall , at the expiry of that 12 - month period and every six months thereafter , report to the supervisory committee , indicating the reasons and , where appropriate , the remedial measures envisaged with a view to speeding up the investigation . ' ; ### ' 8 . if an investigation cannot be closed within 12 months after it has been opened , the director - general shall , at the expiry of that 12 - month period and every six months thereafter , report to the supervisory committee , indicating the reasons and the remedial measures envisaged with a view to speeding up the investigation . ' ;


### where the staff of the office finds that an economic operator resists an on - the - spot check or inspection authorised pursuant to this regulation , the member state concerned shall afford them the necessary assistance of law enforcement authorities so as to enable the office to conduct its on - the - spot check or inspection effectively and without undue delay . ### where the staff of the office finds that an economic operator resists an on - the - spot check or inspection authorised pursuant to this regulation , the member state concerned shall guarantee them the necessary assistance of law enforcement authorities so as to enable the office to conduct its on - the - spot check or inspection effectively and without undue delay .


### upon request , provide technical and scientific support and input to the commission for substances that may comply with the criteria for listing in the convention or the protocol ; ### upon request , provide robust technical and scientific support and input to the commission for substances that may comply with the criteria for listing in the convention or the protocol ;


### substances listed in part a to annex i or part a to annex ii to this regulation should only be allowed to be manufactured and used as closed - system site - limited intermediates if an annotation to that effect is expressly entered in that annex and if the manufacturer confirms to the member state concerned that the substance is only manufactured and used under strictly controlled conditions . ### substances listed in part a to annex i or part a to annex ii to this regulation should only be allowed to be manufactured and used as closed - system site - limited intermediates if an annotation to that effect is expressly entered in that annex and if the manufacturer confirms to the member state concerned that the substance is only manufactured and used under strictly controlled conditions , namely without posing significant risks to the environment or human health and in the absence of any technically feasible alternatives .


### in line with the protocol and the convention , releases of pops which are unintentional by - products of industrial processes should be identified and reduced as soon as possible with the ultimate aim of elimination , where feasible . appropriate national action plans , covering all sources and measures , including those provided for under existing union legislation , should be implemented and developed to reduce such releases continuously and cost - effectively . to this end , appropriate tools should be developed in the framework of the convention . ### in line with the protocol and the convention , releases of pops which are unintentional by - products of industrial processes should be identified and reduced as soon as possible with the ultimate aim of elimination , where feasible . appropriate national action plans , covering all sources and measures , including those provided for under existing union legislation , should be implemented and developed to reduce such releases continuously and cost - effectively as soon as possible . to this end , appropriate tools should be developed in the framework of the convention .


### as regards short stay visa , main purpose of the journey ; as regards long stay visas and residence permit , the purpose of the application ; ### as regards short stay visa , main purpose of the journey ;


### the cir shall contain the data referred to in article 9 to , article 9 and 9 , article 22c , to , and , and article 22d to , and . the remaining vis data shall be stored in the vis central system . ### the cir shall contain the data referred to in article 9 , article 9 and 9 . the remaining vis data shall be stored in the vis central system .


### the interoperability between the eu information systems allows systems to supplement each other to facilitate the correct identification of persons , contribute to fighting identity fraud , improve and harmonise data quality requirements of the respective eu information systems , facilitate the technical and operational implementation by member states of existing and future eu information systems , strengthen and simplify the data security and data protection safeguards that govern the respective eu information systems , streamline the law enforcement access to the ees , the vis , the [ etias ] and eurodac , and support the purposes of the ees , the vis , the [ etias ] , eurodac , the sis and the [ ecris - tcn system ] . ### the interoperability between the eu information systems allows systems to supplement each other to facilitate the correct identification of persons , contribute to fighting identity fraud , improve and harmonise data quality requirements of the respective eu information systems , strengthen , harmonise and simplify the data security and data protection safeguards that govern the respective eu information systems , streamline the controlled law enforcement access to the ees , the vis , the [ etias ] and eurodac , and support the purposes of the ees , the vis , the [ etias ] , eurodac , the sis and the [ ecris - tcn system ] .


### upon expiry of the period referred to in paragraph 1 , the vis shall automatically erase the file and the link to this file as referred to in article 8 and and article 22a22a and . ; ### upon expiry of the period referred to in paragraph 1 , the vis shall automatically erase the file and the link to this file as referred to in article 8 and ;


### 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 .


### sex , date of birth and current nationality of the applicant ; ### sex , year of birth and current nationality of the applicant ;


### contribute to the prevention , detection and investigation of terrorist offences or of other serious criminal offences ; ### contribute to the prevention , detection and investigation of terrorist offences or of other serious cross - border criminal offences ;


### each competent authority shall ensure that in using the vis , it does not discriminate against applicants and visa holders on grounds of sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation and that it fully respects the human dignity and the integrity of the applicant or of the visa holder . ### article 7 paragraph 2 is amended as follows : ' 2 . processing of personal data within the vis by any user shall not result in discrimination against third - country nationals on the grounds of sex , race , colour , ethnic or social origin , genetic features , language , religion or belief , political or any other opinion , membership of a national minority , property , birth , disability , age or sexual orientation . it shall fully respect human dignity and integrity and fundamental rights , including the right to respect for one’s private life and to the protection of personal data . particular attention shall be paid to children , the elderly and persons with a disability and persons in need of international protection . the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration . '


### each competent authority shall ensure that in using the vis , it does not discriminate against applicants and visa holders on grounds of sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation and that it fully respects the human dignity and the integrity of the applicant or of the visa holder . ### in article 7 paragraph 2 is replaced by the following : ' 2 . processing of personal data within the vis by any user shall not result in discrimination on the grounds of sex , race , colour , ethnic or social origin , genetic features , language , religion or belief , political or any other opinion , membership of a national minority , property , birth , disability , age or sexual orientation . it shall fully respect human dignity and integrity and fundamental rights , including the right to respect for one’s private life and to the protection of personal data . particular attention shall be paid to children , the elderly and persons with a disability . '


### the personal data provided by the applicant for a short - stay visa should be processed by the vis to assess whether the entry of the applicant in the union could pose a threat to the public security or to public health in the union and also assess the risk of irregular migration of the applicant . as regards third country nationals who obtained a long stay visa or a residence permit , these checks should be limited to contributing to assess the identity of the document holder , the authenticity and the validity of the long - stay visa or residence permit as well as whether the entry of the third country national in the union could pose a threat to public security or to public health in the union . they should not interfere with any decision on long - stay visas or residence permits . ### the personal data provided by the applicant for a short - stay visa should be processed by the vis to assess whether the entry of the applicant in the union could pose a threat to the public security or to public health in the union and also assess the risk of irregular migration of the applicant .


### any hit resulting from the queries pursuant to article 9a shall be manually verified by the central authority of the member state processing the application . ### any hit resulting from the queries pursuant to article 9a shall be manually verified by the central authority of the member state processing the application in accordance with their access rights established in the underlying legal bases .