# Official Journal C 170/2016

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
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| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 170 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5911 May 2016 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 170

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5911 May 2016

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | III   Preparatory Acts |
| | COUNCIL |
| 2016/C 170/01 | Position (EU) No 9/2016 of the Council at first reading with a view to the adoption of a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au pairing Adopted by the Council on 10 March 2016 | 1 |
| 2016/C 170/02 | Statement of the Councils reasons: Position (EU) No 9/2016 of the Council at first reading with a view to the adoption of a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au pairing | 40 |

Notice No

Contents

page

III   Preparatory Acts

COUNCIL

2016/C 170/01

Position (EU) No 9/2016 of the Council at first reading with a view to the adoption of a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au pairing Adopted by the Council on 10 March 2016

1

2016/C 170/02

Statement of the Councils reasons: Position (EU) No 9/2016 of the Council at first reading with a view to the adoption of a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au pairing

40

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| EN | |
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EN

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III Preparatory Acts

COUNCIL

| 11.5.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 170/1 |
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11.5.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 170/1

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POSITION (EU) No 9/2016 OF THE COUNCIL AT FIRST READING

with a view to the adoption of a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au pairing

(recast)

Adopted by the Council on 10 March 2016

(2016/C 170/01)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular points (a) and (b) of Article 79(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (2),

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (3),

Whereas:

| (1) | A number of amendments are to be made to Council Directive 2004/114/EC (4) and Council Directive 2005/71/EC (5). In the interests of clarity, those Directives should be recast. |
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(1)

A number of amendments are to be made to Council Directive 2004/114/EC (4) and Council Directive 2005/71/EC (5). In the interests of clarity, those Directives should be recast.

| (2) | This Directive should respond to the need identified in the implementation reports on Directives 2004/114/EC and 2005/71/EC to remedy the identified weaknesses, to ensure increased transparency and legal certainty and to offer a coherent legal framework for different categories of third-country nationals coming to the Union. It should therefore simplify and streamline the existing provisions for those categories in a single instrument. Despite differences between the categories covered by this Directive, they also share a number of characteristics which makes it possible to address them through a common legal framework at Union level. |
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(2)

This Directive should respond to the need identified in the implementation reports on Directives 2004/114/EC and 2005/71/EC to remedy the identified weaknesses, to ensure increased transparency and legal certainty and to offer a coherent legal framework for different categories of third-country nationals coming to the Union. It should therefore simplify and streamline the existing provisions for those categories in a single instrument. Despite differences between the categories covered by this Directive, they also share a number of characteristics which makes it possible to address them through a common legal framework at Union level.

| (3) | This Directive should contribute to the Stockholm Programme's aim of approximating national legislation on the conditions for entry and residence of third-country nationals. Immigration from outside the Union is one source of highly skilled people, and students and researchers are in particular increasingly sought after. They play an important role in forming the Union's key asset, human capital and- in ensuring smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, and therefore contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy. |
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(3)

This Directive should contribute to the Stockholm Programme's aim of approximating national legislation on the conditions for entry and residence of third-country nationals. Immigration from outside the Union is one source of highly skilled people, and students and researchers are in particular increasingly sought after. They play an important role in forming the Union's key asset, human capital and- in ensuring smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, and therefore contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy.

| (4) | The implementation reports on Directives 2004/114/EC and 2005/71/EC pointed out certain insufficiencies, mainly in relation to admission conditions, rights, procedural safeguards, students' access to the labour market during their studies and intra-EU mobility provisions. Specific improvements were also considered necessary regarding the optional categories of third-country nationals. Subsequent wider consultations have also highlighted the need for better job-seeking possibilities for researchers and students and better protection of au pairs who are not covered by Directives 2004/114/EC and 2005/71/EC. |
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(4)

The implementation reports on Directives 2004/114/EC and 2005/71/EC pointed out certain insufficiencies, mainly in relation to admission conditions, rights, procedural safeguards, students' access to the labour market during their studies and intra-EU mobility provisions. Specific improvements were also considered necessary regarding the optional categories of third-country nationals. Subsequent wider consultations have also highlighted the need for better job-seeking possibilities for researchers and students and better protection of au pairs who are not covered by Directives 2004/114/EC and 2005/71/EC.

| (5) | For the gradual establishment of an area of freedom, security and justice, the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) provides for measures to be adopted in the fields of asylum, immigration and the protection of the rights of third-country nationals. |
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(5)

For the gradual establishment of an area of freedom, security and justice, the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) provides for measures to be adopted in the fields of asylum, immigration and the protection of the rights of third-country nationals.

| (6) | This Directive should also aim at fostering people-to-people contacts and mobility, as important elements of the Union's external policy, notably vis-à-vis the countries of the European Neighbourhood Policy or the Union's strategic partners. It should allow for a better contribution to the Global Approach to Migration and Mobility and its Mobility Partnerships which offer a concrete framework for dialogue and cooperation between the Member States and third countries, including in facilitating and organising legal migration. |
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(6)

This Directive should also aim at fostering people-to-people contacts and mobility, as important elements of the Union's external policy, notably vis-à-vis the countries of the European Neighbourhood Policy or the Union's strategic partners. It should allow for a better contribution to the Global Approach to Migration and Mobility and its Mobility Partnerships which offer a concrete framework for dialogue and cooperation between the Member States and third countries, including in facilitating and organising legal migration.

| (7) | Migration for the purposes set out in this Directive should promote the generation and acquisition of knowledge and skills. It constitutes a form of mutual enrichment for the migrants concerned, their country of origin and the Member State concerned, while strengthening cultural links and enhancing cultural diversity. |
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(7)

Migration for the purposes set out in this Directive should promote the generation and acquisition of knowledge and skills. It constitutes a form of mutual enrichment for the migrants concerned, their country of origin and the Member State concerned, while strengthening cultural links and enhancing cultural diversity.

| (8) | This Directive should promote the Union as an attractive location for research and innovation and advance it in the global competition for talent and, in so doing, lead to an increase in the Union's overall competitiveness and growth rates while creating jobs that make a greater contribution to GDP growth. Opening the Union up to third-country nationals who may be admitted for the purpose of research is also part of the Innovation Union flagship initiative. Creating an open labour market for Union researchers and for researchers from third countries was also affirmed as a key aim of the European Research Area, a unified area, in which researchers, scientific knowledge and technology circulate freely. |
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(8)

This Directive should promote the Union as an attractive location for research and innovation and advance it in the global competition for talent and, in so doing, lead to an increase in the Union's overall competitiveness and growth rates while creating jobs that make a greater contribution to GDP growth. Opening the Union up to third-country nationals who may be admitted for the purpose of research is also part of the Innovation Union flagship initiative. Creating an open labour market for Union researchers and for researchers from third countries was also affirmed as a key aim of the European Research Area, a unified area, in which researchers, scientific knowledge and technology circulate freely.

| (9) | It is appropriate to facilitate the admission of third-country nationals applying for the purpose of carrying out a research activity through an admission procedure which does not depend on their legal relationship with the host research organisation and by no longer requiring a work permit in addition to an authorisation. This procedure should be based on collaboration between research organisations and the immigration authorities in Member States. It should give the former a key role in the admission procedure with a view to facilitating and speeding up the entry of third-country nationals applying for the purpose of carrying out a research activity in the Union while preserving Member States' prerogatives with respect to immigration policy. Research organisations, which Member States should have the possibility to approve in advance, should be able to sign either a hosting agreement or a contract with a third-country national for the purpose of carrying out a research activity. Member States should issue an authorisation on the basis of the hosting agreement or the contract if the conditions for entry and residence are met. |
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(9)

It is appropriate to facilitate the admission of third-country nationals applying for the purpose of carrying out a research activity through an admission procedure which does not depend on their legal relationship with the host research organisation and by no longer requiring a work permit in addition to an authorisation. This procedure should be based on collaboration between research organisations and the immigration authorities in Member States. It should give the former a key role in the admission procedure with a view to facilitating and speeding up the entry of third-country nationals applying for the purpose of carrying out a research activity in the Union while preserving Member States' prerogatives with respect to immigration policy. Research organisations, which Member States should have the possibility to approve in advance, should be able to sign either a hosting agreement or a contract with a third-country national for the purpose of carrying out a research activity. Member States should issue an authorisation on the basis of the hosting agreement or the contract if the conditions for entry and residence are met.

| (10) | As the efforts to be made to achieve the target of investing 3 % of GDP in research largely concern the private sector, this sector should be encouraged, where appropriate, to recruit more researchers in the years to come. |
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(10)

As the efforts to be made to achieve the target of investing 3 % of GDP in research largely concern the private sector, this sector should be encouraged, where appropriate, to recruit more researchers in the years to come.

| (11) | In order to make the Union more attractive for third-country nationals wishing to carry out a research activity in the Union, their family members, as defined in Council Directive 2003/86/EC (6), should be allowed to accompany them and benefit from intra-EU mobility provisions. Those family members should have access to the labour market in the first Member State and, in the case of long-term mobility, in the second Member States, except in exceptional circumstances such as particularly high levels of unemployment where Member States should retain the possibility to apply a test demonstrating that the post cannot be filled from within the domestic labour market for a period not exceeding 12 months. With the exception of derogations provided for in this Directive, all the provisions of Directive 2003/86/EC should apply, including grounds for rejection or withdrawal or refusal of renewal. Consequently, residence permits of family members could be withdrawn or their renewal refused if the authorisation of the researcher they are accompanying comes to an end and they do not enjoy any autonomous right of residence. |
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(11)

In order to make the Union more attractive for third-country nationals wishing to carry out a research activity in the Union, their family members, as defined in Council Directive 2003/86/EC (6), should be allowed to accompany them and benefit from intra-EU mobility provisions. Those family members should have access to the labour market in the first Member State and, in the case of long-term mobility, in the second Member States, except in exceptional circumstances such as particularly high levels of unemployment where Member States should retain the possibility to apply a test demonstrating that the post cannot be filled from within the domestic labour market for a period not exceeding 12 months. With the exception of derogations provided for in this Directive, all the provisions of Directive 2003/86/EC should apply, including grounds for rejection or withdrawal or refusal of renewal. Consequently, residence permits of family members could be withdrawn or their renewal refused if the authorisation of the researcher they are accompanying comes to an end and they do not enjoy any autonomous right of residence.

| (12) | Where appropriate, Member States should be encouraged to treat doctoral candidates as researchers for the purposes of this Directive. |
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(12)

Where appropriate, Member States should be encouraged to treat doctoral candidates as researchers for the purposes of this Directive.

| (13) | Implementation of this Directive should not encourage a brain drain from emerging or developing countries. Measures to support researchers' reintegration into their countries of origin should be taken in partnership with the countries of origin with a view to establishing a comprehensive migration policy. |
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(13)

Implementation of this Directive should not encourage a brain drain from emerging or developing countries. Measures to support researchers' reintegration into their countries of origin should be taken in partnership with the countries of origin with a view to establishing a comprehensive migration policy.

| (14) | In order to promote Europe as a whole as a world centre of excellence for studies and training, the conditions for entry and residence of those who wish to come to the Union for these purposes should be improved and simplified. This is in line with the objectives of the Agenda for the modernisation of Europe's higher education systems, in particular within the context of the internationalisation of European higher education. The approximation of the Member States' relevant national legislation is part of this endeavour. In this context and in line with the Council conclusions on the modernisation of higher education (7), the term ‘higher education’ encompasses all tertiary institutions which may include, inter alia, universities, universities of applied science, institutes of technology, grandes écoles, business schools, engineering schools, IUT, colleges of higher education, professional schools, polytechnics and academies. |
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(14)

In order to promote Europe as a whole as a world centre of excellence for studies and training, the conditions for entry and residence of those who wish to come to the Union for these purposes should be improved and simplified. This is in line with the objectives of the Agenda for the modernisation of Europe's higher education systems, in particular within the context of the internationalisation of European higher education. The approximation of the Member States' relevant national legislation is part of this endeavour. In this context and in line with the Council conclusions on the modernisation of higher education (7), the term ‘higher education’ encompasses all tertiary institutions which may include, inter alia, universities, universities of applied science, institutes of technology, grandes écoles, business schools, engineering schools, IUT, colleges of higher education, professional schools, polytechnics and academies.

| (15) | The extension and deepening of the Bologna process launched through the Bologna Joint Declaration of the European Ministers of Education of 19 June 1999 has led to more comparable, compatible and coherent systems of higher education in participating countries but also beyond them. This is because Member States have supported the mobility of students and higher education institutions have integrated it in their curricula. This needs to be reflected through improved intra-EU mobility provisions for students. Making European higher education attractive and competitive is one of the objectives of the Bologna declaration. The Bologna process led to the establishment of the European Higher Education Area. Its three-cycle structure with easily readable programmes and degrees as well as the introduction of qualifications frameworks have made it more attractive for third-country nationals to study in Europe. |
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(15)

The extension and deepening of the Bologna process launched through the Bologna Joint Declaration of the European Ministers of Education of 19 June 1999 has led to more comparable, compatible and coherent systems of higher education in participating countries but also beyond them. This is because Member States have supported the mobility of students and higher education institutions have integrated it in their curricula. This needs to be reflected through improved intra-EU mobility provisions for students. Making European higher education attractive and competitive is one of the objectives of the Bologna declaration. The Bologna process led to the establishment of the European Higher Education Area. Its three-cycle structure with easily readable programmes and degrees as well as the introduction of qualifications frameworks have made it more attractive for third-country nationals to study in Europe.

| (16) | The duration and other conditions of preparatory courses for students covered by this Directive should be determined by Member States in accordance with their national law. |
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(16)

The duration and other conditions of preparatory courses for students covered by this Directive should be determined by Member States in accordance with their national law.

| (17) | Evidence of acceptance of a third-country national by a higher education institution could include, among other possibilities, a letter or certificate confirming enrolment. |
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(17)

Evidence of acceptance of a third-country national by a higher education institution could include, among other possibilities, a letter or certificate confirming enrolment.

| (18) | Third-country nationals who apply to be admitted as trainees should provide evidence of having obtained a higher education degree within the two years preceding the date of their application or of pursuing a course of study in a third country that leads to a higher education degree. They should also present a training agreement which contains a description of the training programme, its educational objective or learning components, its duration and the conditions under which the trainee will be supervised, proving that they will benefit from genuine training and not be used as normal workers. In addition, host entities may be required to substantiate that the traineeship does not replace a job. Where specific conditions already exist in national law, collective agreements or practices for trainees, Member States should be able to require third-country nationals who apply to be admitted as trainees to meet those specific conditions. |
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(18)

Third-country nationals who apply to be admitted as trainees should provide evidence of having obtained a higher education degree within the two years preceding the date of their application or of pursuing a course of study in a third country that leads to a higher education degree. They should also present a training agreement which contains a description of the training programme, its educational objective or learning components, its duration and the conditions under which the trainee will be supervised, proving that they will benefit from genuine training and not be used as normal workers. In addition, host entities may be required to substantiate that the traineeship does not replace a job. Where specific conditions already exist in national law, collective agreements or practices for trainees, Member States should be able to require third-country nationals who apply to be admitted as trainees to meet those specific conditions.

| (19) | Trainee employees who come to work in the Union in the context of an intra-corporate transfer are not covered by this Directive, as they fall under the scope of Directive 2014/66/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (8). |
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(19)

Trainee employees who come to work in the Union in the context of an intra-corporate transfer are not covered by this Directive, as they fall under the scope of Directive 2014/66/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (8).

| (20) | This Directive should support the aims of the European Voluntary Service to develop solidarity, mutual understanding and tolerance among young people and the societies they live in, while contributing to strengthening social cohesion and promoting young people's active citizenship. In order to ensure access to the European Voluntary Service in a consistent manner across the Union, Member States should apply the provisions of this Directive to third-country nationals applying for the purpose of European Voluntary Service. |
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(20)

This Directive should support the aims of the European Voluntary Service to develop solidarity, mutual understanding and tolerance among young people and the societies they live in, while contributing to strengthening social cohesion and promoting young people's active citizenship. In order to ensure access to the European Voluntary Service in a consistent manner across the Union, Member States should apply the provisions of this Directive to third-country nationals applying for the purpose of European Voluntary Service.

| (21) | Member States should have the possibility to apply the provisions of this Directive to school pupils, volunteers other than those under the European Voluntary Service and au pairs, in order to facilitate their entry and residence and ensure their rights. |
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(21)

Member States should have the possibility to apply the provisions of this Directive to school pupils, volunteers other than those under the European Voluntary Service and au pairs, in order to facilitate their entry and residence and ensure their rights.

| (22) | If Member States decide to apply this Directive to school pupils, they are encouraged to ensure that the national admission procedure for teachers exclusively accompanying pupils within the framework of a pupil exchange scheme or an educational project is coherent with the procedure for school pupils provided for in this Directive. |
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(22)

If Member States decide to apply this Directive to school pupils, they are encouraged to ensure that the national admission procedure for teachers exclusively accompanying pupils within the framework of a pupil exchange scheme or an educational project is coherent with the procedure for school pupils provided for in this Directive.

| (23) | Au pairing contributes to fostering people-to-people contacts by giving third-country nationals an opportunity to improve their linguistic skills and develop their knowledge of and cultural links with the Member States. At the same time, third-country national au pairs could be exposed to risks of abuse. In order to ensure fair treatment of au pairs and address their specific needs, it should be possible for Member States to apply the provisions of this Directive regarding the entry and residence of au pairs |
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(23)

Au pairing contributes to fostering people-to-people contacts by giving third-country nationals an opportunity to improve their linguistic skills and develop their knowledge of and cultural links with the Member States. At the same time, third-country national au pairs could be exposed to risks of abuse. In order to ensure fair treatment of au pairs and address their specific needs, it should be possible for Member States to apply the provisions of this Directive regarding the entry and residence of au pairs

| (24) | If third-country nationals can prove that they are in receipt of resources throughout the period of their stay in the Member State concerned that derive from a grant, a fellowship or a scholarship, a valid work contract, a binding job offer or a financial undertaking by a pupil exchange scheme organisation, an entity hosting trainees, a voluntary service scheme organisation, a host family or an organisation mediating au pairs, Member States should take such resources into account in assessing the availability of sufficient resources. Member States should be able to lay down an indicative reference amount which they regard as constituting ‘sufficient resources’ that might vary for each one of the respective categories of third-country nationals. |
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(24)

If third-country nationals can prove that they are in receipt of resources throughout the period of their stay in the Member State concerned that derive from a grant, a fellowship or a scholarship, a valid work contract, a binding job offer or a financial undertaking by a pupil exchange scheme organisation, an entity hosting trainees, a voluntary service scheme organisation, a host family or an organisation mediating au pairs, Member States should take such resources into account in assessing the availability of sufficient resources. Member States should be able to lay down an indicative reference amount which they regard as constituting ‘sufficient resources’ that might vary for each one of the respective categories of third-country nationals.

| (25) | Member States are encouraged to allow the applicant to present documents and information in an official language of the Union, other than their own official language or languages, determined by the Member State concerned. |
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(25)

Member States are encouraged to allow the applicant to present documents and information in an official language of the Union, other than their own official language or languages, determined by the Member State concerned.

| (26) | Member States should have the possibility to provide for an approval procedure for public or private research organisations or both wishing to host third-country national researchers or for higher education institutions wishing to host third-country national students. This approval should be in accordance with the procedures set out in the national law or administrative practice of the Member State concerned. Applications to approved research organisations or higher education institutions should be facilitated and should speed up the entry of third-country nationals coming to the Union for the purpose of research or studies. |
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(26)

Member States should have the possibility to provide for an approval procedure for public or private research organisations or both wishing to host third-country national researchers or for higher education institutions wishing to host third-country national students. This approval should be in accordance with the procedures set out in the national law or administrative practice of the Member State concerned. Applications to approved research organisations or higher education institutions should be facilitated and should speed up the entry of third-country nationals coming to the Union for the purpose of research or studies.

| (27) | Member States should have the possibility to provide for an approval procedure for respective host entities wishing to host third-country national pupils, trainees or volunteers. Member States should have the possibility to apply this procedure to some or all of the categories of the host entities. This approval should be in accordance with the procedures set out in the national law or administrative practice of the Member State concerned. Applications to approved host entities should speed up the entry of third-country nationals coming to the Union for the purpose of training, voluntary service or pupil exchange schemes or educational projects. |
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(27)

Member States should have the possibility to provide for an approval procedure for respective host entities wishing to host third-country national pupils, trainees or volunteers. Member States should have the possibility to apply this procedure to some or all of the categories of the host entities. This approval should be in accordance with the procedures set out in the national law or administrative practice of the Member State concerned. Applications to approved host entities should speed up the entry of third-country nationals coming to the Union for the purpose of training, voluntary service or pupil exchange schemes or educational projects.

| (28) | If Member States establish approval procedures for host entities, they should be able to decide to either allow admission only through approved host entities or to establish an approval procedure while also allowing admission through non-approved host entities. |
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(28)

If Member States establish approval procedures for host entities, they should be able to decide to either allow admission only through approved host entities or to establish an approval procedure while also allowing admission through non-approved host entities.

| (29) | This Directive should be without prejudice to the right of Member States to issue authorisations for the purpose of studies, research or training other than those regulated by this Directive to third-country nationals who fall outside its scope. |
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(29)

This Directive should be without prejudice to the right of Member States to issue authorisations for the purpose of studies, research or training other than those regulated by this Directive to third-country nationals who fall outside its scope.

| (30) | Once all the general and specific conditions for admission are fulfilled, Member States should issue an authorisation, within specified time-limits. If a Member State issues residence permits only on its territory and all the conditions of this Directive relating to admission are fulfilled, the Member State should grant the third-country national concerned the requisite visa and should ensure that the competent authorities effectively cooperate for that purpose. In the event that the Member State does not issue visas, it should grant the third-country national concerned an equivalent permit allowing entry. |
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(30)

Once all the general and specific conditions for admission are fulfilled, Member States should issue an authorisation, within specified time-limits. If a Member State issues residence permits only on its territory and all the conditions of this Directive relating to admission are fulfilled, the Member State should grant the third-country national concerned the requisite visa and should ensure that the competent authorities effectively cooperate for that purpose. In the event that the Member State does not issue visas, it should grant the third-country national concerned an equivalent permit allowing entry.

| (31) | Authorisations should mention the status of the third-country national concerned. It should be possible for Member States to indicate additional information in paper format or store it in electronic format, provided this does not amount to additional conditions. |
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(31)

Authorisations should mention the status of the third-country national concerned. It should be possible for Member States to indicate additional information in paper format or store it in electronic format, provided this does not amount to additional conditions.

| (32) | The different periods of duration of the authorisations under this Directive should reflect the specific nature of the stay of each category of third-country nationals covered by this Directive. |
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(32)

The different periods of duration of the authorisations under this Directive should reflect the specific nature of the stay of each category of third-country nationals covered by this Directive.

| (33) | Member States should have the right to determine that the total duration of residence of students does not exceed the maximum duration of studies, as provided for in national law. In this respect, the maximum duration of studies could also include, if provided for by the national law of the Member State concerned, the possible extension of studies for the purpose of repeating one or more years of studies. |
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(33)

Member States should have the right to determine that the total duration of residence of students does not exceed the maximum duration of studies, as provided for in national law. In this respect, the maximum duration of studies could also include, if provided for by the national law of the Member State concerned, the possible extension of studies for the purpose of repeating one or more years of studies.

| (34) | It should be possible for Member States to charge applicants for handling applications for authorisations and notifications. The level of the fees should not be disproportionate or excessive in order not to constitute an obstacle to the objectives of this Directive. |
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(34)

It should be possible for Member States to charge applicants for handling applications for authorisations and notifications. The level of the fees should not be disproportionate or excessive in order not to constitute an obstacle to the objectives of this Directive.

| (35) | The rights granted to third-country nationals falling under the scope of this Directive should not depend on the form of the authorisation each Member State issues. |
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(35)

The rights granted to third-country nationals falling under the scope of this Directive should not depend on the form of the authorisation each Member State issues.

| (36) | It should be possible to refuse admission for the purposes of this Directive on duly justified grounds. In particular, it should be possible to refuse admission if a Member State considers, on the basis of an assessment of the facts in an individual case and taking into account the principle of proportionality, that the third-country national concerned is a potential threat to public policy, public security or public health. |
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(36)

It should be possible to refuse admission for the purposes of this Directive on duly justified grounds. In particular, it should be possible to refuse admission if a Member State considers, on the basis of an assessment of the facts in an individual case and taking into account the principle of proportionality, that the third-country national concerned is a potential threat to public policy, public security or public health.

| (37) | The objective of this Directive is not to regulate the admission and residence of third-country nationals for the purpose of employment and it does not aim to harmonise national laws or practices with respect to workers' status. It is possible, nevertheless, that in some Member States specific categories of third-country nationals covered by this Directive are considered to be in an employment relationship on the basis of national law, collective agreements or practice. Where a Member State considers third-country national researchers, volunteers, trainees or au pairs to be in an employment relationship, that Member State should retain the right to determine volumes of admission of the category or categories concerned in accordance with Article 79(5) TFEU. |
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(37)

The objective of this Directive is not to regulate the admission and residence of third-country nationals for the purpose of employment and it does not aim to harmonise national laws or practices with respect to workers' status. It is possible, nevertheless, that in some Member States specific categories of third-country nationals covered by this Directive are considered to be in an employment relationship on the basis of national law, collective agreements or practice. Where a Member State considers third-country national researchers, volunteers, trainees or au pairs to be in an employment relationship, that Member State should retain the right to determine volumes of admission of the category or categories concerned in accordance with Article 79(5) TFEU.

| (38) | Where a third-country national researcher, volunteer, trainee or au pair applies to be admitted to enter into an employment relationship in a Member State, it should be possible for that Member State to apply a test demonstrating that the post cannot be filled from within the domestic labour market. |
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(38)

Where a third-country national researcher, volunteer, trainee or au pair applies to be admitted to enter into an employment relationship in a Member State, it should be possible for that Member State to apply a test demonstrating that the post cannot be filled from within the domestic labour market.

| (39) | As regards students, volumes of admission should not apply since, even if they are allowed to work during their studies in accordance with the conditions provided for in this Directive, they seek admission to the territory of the Member States to pursue as their main activity a full-time course of study which could encompass a compulsory training. |
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(39)

As regards students, volumes of admission should not apply since, even if they are allowed to work during their studies in accordance with the conditions provided for in this Directive, they seek admission to the territory of the Member States to pursue as their main activity a full-time course of study which could encompass a compulsory training.

| (40) | Where, after having been admitted to the territory of the Member State concerned, a researcher, volunteer, trainee or au pair applies to renew the authorisation to enter into or continue to be in an employment relationship in the Member State concerned, with the exception of a researcher who continues the employment relationship with the same host entity, it should be possible for that Member State to apply a test demonstrating that the post cannot be filled from within the domestic labour market. |
| --- | --- |

(40)

Where, after having been admitted to the territory of the Member State concerned, a researcher, volunteer, trainee or au pair applies to renew the authorisation to enter into or continue to be in an employment relationship in the Member State concerned, with the exception of a researcher who continues the employment relationship with the same host entity, it should be possible for that Member State to apply a test demonstrating that the post cannot be filled from within the domestic labour market.

| (41) | In case of doubts concerning the grounds of the application for admission, Member States should be able to carry out appropriate checks or require evidence in order to assess, on a case by case basis, the applicant's intended research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange scheme or educational project or au pairing and fight against abuse and misuse of the procedure set out in this Directive. |
| --- | --- |

(41)

In case of doubts concerning the grounds of the application for admission, Member States should be able to carry out appropriate checks or require evidence in order to assess, on a case by case basis, the applicant's intended research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange scheme or educational project or au pairing and fight against abuse and misuse of the procedure set out in this Directive.

| (42) | Where the information provided is incomplete, Member States should inform the applicant within a reasonable period of the additional information that is required and set a reasonable deadline for providing it. Where additional information has not been provided within that deadline, the application could be rejected. |
| --- | --- |

(42)

Where the information provided is incomplete, Member States should inform the applicant within a reasonable period of the additional information that is required and set a reasonable deadline for providing it. Where additional information has not been provided within that deadline, the application could be rejected.

| (43) | National authorities should notify the applicant of the decision on the application. They should do so in writing as soon as possible and at the latest within the period specified in this Directive. |
| --- | --- |

(43)

National authorities should notify the applicant of the decision on the application. They should do so in writing as soon as possible and at the latest within the period specified in this Directive.

| (44) | This Directive aims to facilitate intra-EU mobility for researchers and students, inter alia, by reducing the administrative burden related to mobility in several Member States. For this purpose, this Directive sets up a specific intra-EU mobility scheme whereby a third-country national who holds an authorisation for the purpose of research or studies issued by the first Member State is entitled to enter, stay and carry out part of the research activity or studies in one or several second Member States in accordance with the provisions governing mobility under this Directive. |
| --- | --- |

(44)

This Directive aims to facilitate intra-EU mobility for researchers and students, inter alia, by reducing the administrative burden related to mobility in several Member States. For this purpose, this Directive sets up a specific intra-EU mobility scheme whereby a third-country national who holds an authorisation for the purpose of research or studies issued by the first Member State is entitled to enter, stay and carry out part of the research activity or studies in one or several second Member States in accordance with the provisions governing mobility under this Directive.

| (45) | In order to enable researchers to move easily from one research organisation to another for the purpose of research, their short-term mobility should cover stays in second Member States for a period of up to 180 days in any 360-day period per Member State. Long-term mobility for researchers should cover stays in one or several second Member States for a period of more than 180 days per Member State. Family members of researchers should be entitled to accompany the researcher during mobility. The procedure for their mobility should be aligned to that of the researcher they accompany. |
| --- | --- |

(45)

In order to enable researchers to move easily from one research organisation to another for the purpose of research, their short-term mobility should cover stays in second Member States for a period of up to 180 days in any 360-day period per Member State. Long-term mobility for researchers should cover stays in one or several second Member States for a period of more than 180 days per Member State. Family members of researchers should be entitled to accompany the researcher during mobility. The procedure for their mobility should be aligned to that of the researcher they accompany.

| (46) | As regards students who are covered by Union or multilateral programmes or an agreement between two or more higher education institutions, in order to ensure continuity of their studies, this Directive should provide for mobility in one or several second Member States for a period of up to 360 days per Member State. |
| --- | --- |

(46)

As regards students who are covered by Union or multilateral programmes or an agreement between two or more higher education institutions, in order to ensure continuity of their studies, this Directive should provide for mobility in one or several second Member States for a period of up to 360 days per Member State.

| (47) | Where a researcher or a student moves to a second Member State on the basis of a notification procedure and a document is necessary to facilitate access to services and rights, it should be possible for the second Member State to issue a document to attest that the researcher or the student is entitled to stay on the territory of that Member State. Such a document should not constitute an additional condition to benefit from the rights provided for in this Directive and should only be of a declaratory nature. |
| --- | --- |

(47)

Where a researcher or a student moves to a second Member State on the basis of a notification procedure and a document is necessary to facilitate access to services and rights, it should be possible for the second Member State to issue a document to attest that the researcher or the student is entitled to stay on the territory of that Member State. Such a document should not constitute an additional condition to benefit from the rights provided for in this Directive and should only be of a declaratory nature.

| (48) | While the specific mobility scheme established by this Directive should set up autonomous rules regarding entry and stay for the purpose of research or studies in Member States other than the one that issued the initial authorisation, all the other rules governing the movement of persons across borders as laid down in the relevant provisions of the Schengen acquis should continue to apply. |
| --- | --- |

(48)

While the specific mobility scheme established by this Directive should set up autonomous rules regarding entry and stay for the purpose of research or studies in Member States other than the one that issued the initial authorisation, all the other rules governing the movement of persons across borders as laid down in the relevant provisions of the Schengen acquis should continue to apply.

| (49) | Where the authorisation is issued by a Member State not applying the Schengen acquis in full and the researcher, his or her family members or the student, in the framework of intra-EU mobility, crosses an external border within the meaning of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (9), a Member State should be entitled to require evidence proving that the researcher or the student is moving to its territory for the purpose of research or studies or that the family members are moving to its territory for the purpose of accompanying the researcher in the framework of mobility. In addition, in case of crossing of an external border within the meaning of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006, the Members States applying the Schengen acquis in full should consult the Schengen information system and should refuse entry or object to the mobility for persons for whom an alert for the purpose of refusing entry or stay, as referred to in Regulation (EC) No 1987/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (10), has been issued in that system. |
| --- | --- |

(49)

Where the authorisation is issued by a Member State not applying the Schengen acquis in full and the researcher, his or her family members or the student, in the framework of intra-EU mobility, crosses an external border within the meaning of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (9), a Member State should be entitled to require evidence proving that the researcher or the student is moving to its territory for the purpose of research or studies or that the family members are moving to its territory for the purpose of accompanying the researcher in the framework of mobility. In addition, in case of crossing of an external border within the meaning of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006, the Members States applying the Schengen acquis in full should consult the Schengen information system and should refuse entry or object to the mobility for persons for whom an alert for the purpose of refusing entry or stay, as referred to in Regulation (EC) No 1987/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (10), has been issued in that system.

| (50) | This Directive should allow second Member States to request that a researcher or a student, who moves on the basis of an authorisation issued by the first Member State and does not or no longer fulfils the conditions for mobility, leaves their territory. Where the researcher or the student has a valid authorisation issued by the first Member State, the second Member State should be able to request that researcher or student to go back to the first Member State in accordance with Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (11). Where the mobility is allowed by the second Member State on the basis of the authorisation issued by the first Member State and that authorisation is withdrawn or has expired during the period of mobility, it should be possible for the second Member State to either decide to return the researcher or the student to a third country, in accordance with Directive 2008/115/EC, or request without delay the first Member State to allow re-entry of the researcher or student to its territory. In this latter case, the first Member State should issue the researcher or student with a document allowing re-entry to its territory. |
| --- | --- |

(50)

This Directive should allow second Member States to request that a researcher or a student, who moves on the basis of an authorisation issued by the first Member State and does not or no longer fulfils the conditions for mobility, leaves their territory. Where the researcher or the student has a valid authorisation issued by the first Member State, the second Member State should be able to request that researcher or student to go back to the first Member State in accordance with Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (11). Where the mobility is allowed by the second Member State on the basis of the authorisation issued by the first Member State and that authorisation is withdrawn or has expired during the period of mobility, it should be possible for the second Member State to either decide to return the researcher or the student to a third country, in accordance with Directive 2008/115/EC, or request without delay the first Member State to allow re-entry of the researcher or student to its territory. In this latter case, the first Member State should issue the researcher or student with a document allowing re-entry to its territory.

| (51) | Union immigration policies and rules, on the one hand, and Union policies and programmes favouring mobility of researchers and students at Union level, on the other hand, should complement each other more. When determining the period of validity of the authorisation issued to researchers and students, Member States should take into account the planned mobility to other Member States, in accordance with the provisions on mobility. Researchers and students covered by Union or multilateral programmes that comprise mobility measures or agreements between two or more higher education institutions should be entitled to receive authorisations covering at least two years, provided that they fulfil the relevant admission conditions for that period. |
| --- | --- |

(51)

Union immigration policies and rules, on the one hand, and Union policies and programmes favouring mobility of researchers and students at Union level, on the other hand, should complement each other more. When determining the period of validity of the authorisation issued to researchers and students, Member States should take into account the planned mobility to other Member States, in accordance with the provisions on mobility. Researchers and students covered by Union or multilateral programmes that comprise mobility measures or agreements between two or more higher education institutions should be entitled to receive authorisations covering at least two years, provided that they fulfil the relevant admission conditions for that period.

| (52) | In order to allow students to cover part of the cost of their studies and, if possible, to gain practical experience, they should be given, during their studies, access to the labour market of the Member State where the studies are undertaken, under the conditions set out in this Directive. Students should be allowed to work a certain minimum amount of hours as specified in this Directive for that purpose. The principle of access for students to the labour market should be the general rule. However, in exceptional circumstances, Member States should be able to take into account the situation of their national labour markets. |
| --- | --- |

(52)

In order to allow students to cover part of the cost of their studies and, if possible, to gain practical experience, they should be given, during their studies, access to the labour market of the Member State where the studies are undertaken, under the conditions set out in this Directive. Students should be allowed to work a certain minimum amount of hours as specified in this Directive for that purpose. The principle of access for students to the labour market should be the general rule. However, in exceptional circumstances, Member States should be able to take into account the situation of their national labour markets.

| (53) | As part of the drive to ensure a well-qualified workforce for the future, students who graduate in the Union should have the possibility to remain on the territory of the Member State concerned for the period specified in this Directive with the intention to identify work opportunities or to set up a business. Researchers should also have that possibility upon completion of their research activity as defined in the hosting agreement. In order to be issued a residence permit for that purpose, students and researchers may be asked to provide evidence in accordance with the requirements of this Directive. Once Member States issue them such a residence permit, they cease to be considered as researchers or students within the meaning of this Directive. Member States should be able to check, after a minimum time period established in this Directive, if they have a genuine chance of being employed or of launching a business. This possibility is without prejudice to other reporting obligations provided for in national law for other purposes. The authorisation issued for the purpose of identifying work opportunities or setting up a business should not grant any automatic right of access to the labour market or to set up a business. Member States should retain their right to take into consideration the situation of their labour market when the third-country national, who was issued an authorisation to remain on the territory for the purpose of job searching or to set up a business, applies for a work permit to fill a post. |
| --- | --- |

(53)

As part of the drive to ensure a well-qualified workforce for the future, students who graduate in the Union should have the possibility to remain on the territory of the Member State concerned for the period specified in this Directive with the intention to identify work opportunities or to set up a business. Researchers should also have that possibility upon completion of their research activity as defined in the hosting agreement. In order to be issued a residence permit for that purpose, students and researchers may be asked to provide evidence in accordance with the requirements of this Directive. Once Member States issue them such a residence permit, they cease to be considered as researchers or students within the meaning of this Directive. Member States should be able to check, after a minimum time period established in this Directive, if they have a genuine chance of being employed or of launching a business. This possibility is without prejudice to other reporting obligations provided for in national law for other purposes. The authorisation issued for the purpose of identifying work opportunities or setting up a business should not grant any automatic right of access to the labour market or to set up a business. Member States should retain their right to take into consideration the situation of their labour market when the third-country national, who was issued an authorisation to remain on the territory for the purpose of job searching or to set up a business, applies for a work permit to fill a post.

| (54) | The fair treatment of third-country nationals covered by this Directive should be ensured in accordance with Article 79 TFEU. Researchers should enjoy equal treatment with nationals of the Member State concerned as regards Article 12(1) and (4) of Directive 2011/98/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (12) subject to the possibility for that Member State to limit equal treatment in the specific cases provided for in this Directive. Directive 2011/98/EU should continue to apply to students, including the restrictions provided for in that Directive. Directive 2011/98/EU should apply to trainees, volunteers and au pairs when they are considered to be in an employment relationship in the Member State concerned. Trainees, volunteers and au pairs, when they are not considered to be in an employment relationship in the Member State concerned, as well as school pupils should enjoy equal treatment with nationals of the Member State concerned as regards a minimum set of rights as provided for in this Directive. This includes access to goods and services, which does not cover study or vocational grants or loans. |
| --- | --- |

(54)

The fair treatment of third-country nationals covered by this Directive should be ensured in accordance with Article 79 TFEU. Researchers should enjoy equal treatment with nationals of the Member State concerned as regards Article 12(1) and (4) of Directive 2011/98/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (12) subject to the possibility for that Member State to limit equal treatment in the specific cases provided for in this Directive. Directive 2011/98/EU should continue to apply to students, including the restrictions provided for in that Directive. Directive 2011/98/EU should apply to trainees, volunteers and au pairs when they are considered to be in an employment relationship in the Member State concerned. Trainees, volunteers and au pairs, when they are not considered to be in an employment relationship in the Member State concerned, as well as school pupils should enjoy equal treatment with nationals of the Member State concerned as regards a minimum set of rights as provided for in this Directive. This includes access to goods and services, which does not cover study or vocational grants or loans.

| (55) | Equal treatment as granted to researchers and students, as well as trainees, volunteers and au pairs when they are considered to be in an employment relationship in the Member State concerned, includes equal treatment in respect of those branches of social security listed in Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (13). This Directive does not harmonise the social security legislation of Member States. It is limited to applying the principle of equal treatment in the field of social security to the third-country nationals falling within its scope. In addition, this Directive does not grant rights in relation to situations which lie outside the scope of Union law, such as in relation to family members residing in a third country. That should not affect, however, the right of survivors who derive rights from third-country nationals falling under the scope of this Directive, where applicable, to receive survivors' pensions when residing in a third country. |
| --- | --- |

(55)

Equal treatment as granted to researchers and students, as well as trainees, volunteers and au pairs when they are considered to be in an employment relationship in the Member State concerned, includes equal treatment in respect of those branches of social security listed in Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (13). This Directive does not harmonise the social security legislation of Member States. It is limited to applying the principle of equal treatment in the field of social security to the third-country nationals falling within its scope. In addition, this Directive does not grant rights in relation to situations which lie outside the scope of Union law, such as in relation to family members residing in a third country. That should not affect, however, the right of survivors who derive rights from third-country nationals falling under the scope of this Directive, where applicable, to receive survivors' pensions when residing in a third country.

| (56) | In many Member States, the right to family benefits is conditional upon a certain connection with that Member State since the benefits are designed to support a positive demographic development in order to secure the future work force in that Member State. Therefore, this Directive should not affect the right of a Member State to restrict, under certain conditions, equal treatment in respect of family benefits when the researcher and the accompanying family members are staying temporarily in that Member State. |
| --- | --- |

(56)

In many Member States, the right to family benefits is conditional upon a certain connection with that Member State since the benefits are designed to support a positive demographic development in order to secure the future work force in that Member State. Therefore, this Directive should not affect the right of a Member State to restrict, under certain conditions, equal treatment in respect of family benefits when the researcher and the accompanying family members are staying temporarily in that Member State.

| (57) | In the event of mobility between Member States, Regulation (EU) No 1231/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council (14) applies. This Directive should not confer more rights than those already provided for in existing Union law in the field of social security for third-country nationals who have cross-border interests between Member States. |
| --- | --- |

(57)

In the event of mobility between Member States, Regulation (EU) No 1231/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council (14) applies. This Directive should not confer more rights than those already provided for in existing Union law in the field of social security for third-country nationals who have cross-border interests between Member States.

| (58) | This Directive should be applied without prejudice to more favourable provisions contained in Union law and applicable international instruments. |
| --- | --- |

(58)

This Directive should be applied without prejudice to more favourable provisions contained in Union law and applicable international instruments.

| (59) | The residence permits provided for in this Directive should be issued by the competent authorities of the Member State using the uniform format as laid down in Council Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002 (15). |
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(59)

The residence permits provided for in this Directive should be issued by the competent authorities of the Member State using the uniform format as laid down in Council Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002 (15).

| (60) | Each Member State should ensure that adequate and regularly updated information is made available to the general public, notably on the internet, concerning the host entities approved for the purposes of this Directive and the conditions and procedures for admission of third-country nationals to the territory of the Member States for the purposes of this Directive. |
| --- | --- |

(60)

Each Member State should ensure that adequate and regularly updated information is made available to the general public, notably on the internet, concerning the host entities approved for the purposes of this Directive and the conditions and procedures for admission of third-country nationals to the territory of the Member States for the purposes of this Directive.

| (61) | This Directive respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in accordance with Article 6 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). |
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(61)

This Directive respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in accordance with Article 6 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU).

| (62) | Member States should give effect to the provisions of this Directive without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinions, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation. |
| --- | --- |

(62)

Member States should give effect to the provisions of this Directive without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinions, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation.

| (63) | In accordance with the Joint Political Declaration of 28 September 2011 of Member States and the Commission on explanatory documents (16), Member States have undertaken to accompany, in justified cases, the notification of their transposition measures with one or more documents explaining the relationship between the components of a directive and the corresponding parts of national transposition instruments. With regard to this Directive, the legislator considers the transmission of such documents to be justified. |
| --- | --- |

(63)

In accordance with the Joint Political Declaration of 28 September 2011 of Member States and the Commission on explanatory documents (16), Member States have undertaken to accompany, in justified cases, the notification of their transposition measures with one or more documents explaining the relationship between the components of a directive and the corresponding parts of national transposition instruments. With regard to this Directive, the legislator considers the transmission of such documents to be justified.

| (64) | Since the objective of this Directive, namely to determine the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, training and European Voluntary Service, as mandatory provisions, and pupil exchange, voluntary service other than the European Voluntary Service or au pairing, as optional provisions, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can rather, by reason of its scale or effects, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Directive does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve that objective. |
| --- | --- |

(64)

Since the objective of this Directive, namely to determine the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, training and European Voluntary Service, as mandatory provisions, and pupil exchange, voluntary service other than the European Voluntary Service or au pairing, as optional provisions, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can rather, by reason of its scale or effects, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Directive does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve that objective.

| (65) | In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 and Article 4a(1) of Protocol No 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, annexed to TEU and TFEU, and without prejudice to Article 4 of that Protocol, those Member States are not taking part in the adoption of this Directive and are not bound by it or subject to its application. |
| --- | --- |

(65)

In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 and Article 4a(1) of Protocol No 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, annexed to TEU and TFEU, and without prejudice to Article 4 of that Protocol, those Member States are not taking part in the adoption of this Directive and are not bound by it or subject to its application.

| (66) | In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark annexed to TEU and TFEU, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of this Directive and is not bound by it or subject to its application. |
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(66)

In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark annexed to TEU and TFEU, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of this Directive and is not bound by it or subject to its application.

| (67) | The obligation to transpose this Directive into national law should be confined to those provisions which represent a substantive amendment as compared to Directives 2004/114/EC and 2005/71/EC. The obligation to transpose the provisions which are unchanged arises under those Directives. |
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(67)

The obligation to transpose this Directive into national law should be confined to those provisions which represent a substantive amendment as compared to Directives 2004/114/EC and 2005/71/EC. The obligation to transpose the provisions which are unchanged arises under those Directives.

| (68) | This Directive should be without prejudice to the obligations of the Member States relating to the time-limits for transposition into national law and the dates of application of the Directives set out in Annex I, Part B, |
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(68)

This Directive should be without prejudice to the obligations of the Member States relating to the time-limits for transposition into national law and the dates of application of the Directives set out in Annex I, Part B,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:

CHAPTER I

General provisions

Article 1

Subject matter

This Directive lays down:

| (a) | the conditions of entry to, and residence for a period exceeding 90 days in, the territory of the Member States, and the rights, of third-country nationals, and where applicable their family members, for the purpose of research, studies, training or voluntary service in the European Voluntary Service, and where Member States so decide, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects, voluntary service other than the European Voluntary Service or au pairing; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the conditions of entry to, and residence for a period exceeding 90 days in, the territory of the Member States, and the rights, of third-country nationals, and where applicable their family members, for the purpose of research, studies, training or voluntary service in the European Voluntary Service, and where Member States so decide, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects, voluntary service other than the European Voluntary Service or au pairing;

| (b) | the conditions of entry and residence, and the rights, of researchers, and where applicable their family members, and students, referred to in point (a), in Member States other than the Member State which first grants the third-country national an authorisation on the basis of this Directive. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the conditions of entry and residence, and the rights, of researchers, and where applicable their family members, and students, referred to in point (a), in Member States other than the Member State which first grants the third-country national an authorisation on the basis of this Directive.

Article 2

Scope

1.   This Directive shall apply to third-country nationals who apply to be admitted or who have been admitted to the territory of a Member State for the purpose of research, studies, training or voluntary service in the European Voluntary Service. Member States may also decide to apply the provisions of this Directive to third-country nationals who apply to be admitted for the purpose of a pupil exchange scheme or educational project, voluntary service other than the European Voluntary Service or au pairing.

2.   This Directive shall not apply to third-country nationals:

| (a) | who seek international protection or who are beneficiaries of international protection in accordance with the Directive 2011/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (17) or who are beneficiaries of temporary protection in accordance with the Council Directive 2001/55/EC (18) in a Member State; |
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(a)

who seek international protection or who are beneficiaries of international protection in accordance with the Directive 2011/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (17) or who are beneficiaries of temporary protection in accordance with the Council Directive 2001/55/EC (18) in a Member State;

| (b) | whose expulsion has been suspended for reasons of fact or of law; |
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(b)

whose expulsion has been suspended for reasons of fact or of law;

| (c) | who are family members of Union citizens who have exercised their right to free movement within the Union; |
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(c)

who are family members of Union citizens who have exercised their right to free movement within the Union;

| (d) | who enjoy long-term resident status in a Member State in accordance with Council Directive 2003/109/EC (19); |
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(d)

who enjoy long-term resident status in a Member State in accordance with Council Directive 2003/109/EC (19);

| (e) | who enjoy, together with their family members, and irrespective of their nationality, rights of free movement equivalent to those of citizens of the Union under agreements either between the Union and its Member States and third countries or between the Union and third countries; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

who enjoy, together with their family members, and irrespective of their nationality, rights of free movement equivalent to those of citizens of the Union under agreements either between the Union and its Member States and third countries or between the Union and third countries;

| (f) | who come to the Union as trainee employees in the context of an intra-corporate transfer under Directive 2014/66/EU; |
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(f)

who come to the Union as trainee employees in the context of an intra-corporate transfer under Directive 2014/66/EU;

| (g) | who are admitted as highly qualified workers in accordance with Council Directive 2009/50/EC (20). |
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(g)

who are admitted as highly qualified workers in accordance with Council Directive 2009/50/EC (20).

Article 3

Definitions

For the purposes of this Directive, the following definitions apply:

| (1) | ‘third-country national’ means a person who is not a citizen of the Union within the meaning of Article 20(1) TFEU; |
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(1)

‘third-country national’ means a person who is not a citizen of the Union within the meaning of Article 20(1) TFEU;

| (2) | ‘researcher’ means a third-country national who holds a doctoral degree or an appropriate higher education qualification which gives that third-country national access to doctoral programmes, who is selected by a research organisation and admitted to the territory of a Member State for carrying out a research activity for which such qualification is normally required; |
| --- | --- |

(2)

‘researcher’ means a third-country national who holds a doctoral degree or an appropriate higher education qualification which gives that third-country national access to doctoral programmes, who is selected by a research organisation and admitted to the territory of a Member State for carrying out a research activity for which such qualification is normally required;

| (3) | ‘student’ means a third-country national who has been accepted by a higher education institution and is admitted to the territory of a Member State to pursue as a main activity a full-time course of study leading to a higher education qualification recognised by that Member State, including diplomas, certificates or doctoral degrees in a higher education institution, which may cover a preparatory course prior to such education, in accordance with national law, or compulsory training; |
| --- | --- |

(3)

‘student’ means a third-country national who has been accepted by a higher education institution and is admitted to the territory of a Member State to pursue as a main activity a full-time course of study leading to a higher education qualification recognised by that Member State, including diplomas, certificates or doctoral degrees in a higher education institution, which may cover a preparatory course prior to such education, in accordance with national law, or compulsory training;

| (4) | ‘school pupil’ means a third-country national who is admitted to the territory of a Member State to follow a recognised, State or Regional programme of secondary education equivalent to level 2 or 3 of the International Standard Classification of Education, in the context of a pupil exchange scheme or educational project operated by an education establishment in accordance with national law or administrative practice; |
| --- | --- |

(4)

‘school pupil’ means a third-country national who is admitted to the territory of a Member State to follow a recognised, State or Regional programme of secondary education equivalent to level 2 or 3 of the International Standard Classification of Education, in the context of a pupil exchange scheme or educational project operated by an education establishment in accordance with national law or administrative practice;

| (5) | ‘trainee’ means a third-country national who holds a degree of higher education or is pursuing a course of study in a third country that leads to a higher education degree and who is admitted to the territory of a Member State for a training programme for the purpose of gaining knowledge, practice and experience in a professional environment; |
| --- | --- |

(5)

‘trainee’ means a third-country national who holds a degree of higher education or is pursuing a course of study in a third country that leads to a higher education degree and who is admitted to the territory of a Member State for a training programme for the purpose of gaining knowledge, practice and experience in a professional environment;

| (6) | ‘volunteer’ means a third-country national who is admitted to the territory of a Member State to participate in a voluntary service scheme; |
| --- | --- |

(6)

‘volunteer’ means a third-country national who is admitted to the territory of a Member State to participate in a voluntary service scheme;

| (7) | ‘voluntary service scheme’ means a programme of practical solidarity activities, based on a scheme recognised as such by the Member State concerned or the Union, pursuing objectives of general interest for a non-profit cause, in which the activities are not remunerated, except for reimbursement of expenses and/or pocket money; |
| --- | --- |

(7)

‘voluntary service scheme’ means a programme of practical solidarity activities, based on a scheme recognised as such by the Member State concerned or the Union, pursuing objectives of general interest for a non-profit cause, in which the activities are not remunerated, except for reimbursement of expenses and/or pocket money;

| (8) | ‘au pair’ means a third-country national who is admitted to the territory of a Member State to be temporarily received by a family in order to improve his or her linguistic skills and knowledge of the Member State concerned in exchange for light housework and taking care of children; |
| --- | --- |

(8)

‘au pair’ means a third-country national who is admitted to the territory of a Member State to be temporarily received by a family in order to improve his or her linguistic skills and knowledge of the Member State concerned in exchange for light housework and taking care of children;

| (9) | ‘research’ means creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications; |
| --- | --- |

(9)

‘research’ means creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications;

| (10) | ‘research organisation’ means any public or private organisation which conducts research; |
| --- | --- |

(10)

‘research organisation’ means any public or private organisation which conducts research;

| (11) | ‘education establishment’ means a public or private secondary education establishment recognised by the Member State concerned or whose courses of study are recognised in accordance with national law or administrative practice on the basis of transparent criteria and which participates in a pupil exchange scheme or educational project for the purposes set out in this Directive; |
| --- | --- |

(11)

‘education establishment’ means a public or private secondary education establishment recognised by the Member State concerned or whose courses of study are recognised in accordance with national law or administrative practice on the basis of transparent criteria and which participates in a pupil exchange scheme or educational project for the purposes set out in this Directive;

| (12) | ‘educational project’ means a set of educational actions developed by a Member State's education establishment in cooperation with similar establishments in a third country, with the purpose of sharing cultures and knowledge; |
| --- | --- |

(12)

‘educational project’ means a set of educational actions developed by a Member State's education establishment in cooperation with similar establishments in a third country, with the purpose of sharing cultures and knowledge;

| (13) | ‘higher education institution’ means any type of higher education institution recognised or considered as such in accordance with national law which, in accordance with national law or practice, offers recognised higher education degrees or other recognised tertiary level qualifications, whatever such establishments may be called, or any institution which, in accordance with national law or practice, offers vocational education or training at tertiary level; |
| --- | --- |

(13)

‘higher education institution’ means any type of higher education institution recognised or considered as such in accordance with national law which, in accordance with national law or practice, offers recognised higher education degrees or other recognised tertiary level qualifications, whatever such establishments may be called, or any institution which, in accordance with national law or practice, offers vocational education or training at tertiary level;

| (14) | ‘host entity’ means a research organisation, a higher education institution, an education establishment, an organisation responsible for a voluntary service scheme or an entity hosting trainees to which the third-country national is assigned for the purposes of this Directive and which is located in the territory of the Member State concerned, irrespective of its legal form, in accordance with national law; |
| --- | --- |

(14)

‘host entity’ means a research organisation, a higher education institution, an education establishment, an organisation responsible for a voluntary service scheme or an entity hosting trainees to which the third-country national is assigned for the purposes of this Directive and which is located in the territory of the Member State concerned, irrespective of its legal form, in accordance with national law;

| (15) | ‘host family’ means a family temporarily receiving an au pair and sharing its daily family life in the territory of a Member State on the basis of an agreement concluded between that family and the au pair; |
| --- | --- |

(15)

‘host family’ means a family temporarily receiving an au pair and sharing its daily family life in the territory of a Member State on the basis of an agreement concluded between that family and the au pair;

| (16) | ‘employment’ means the exercise of activities covering any form of labour or work regulated under national law or applicable collective agreements or in accordance with established practice for or under the direction or supervision of an employer; |
| --- | --- |

(16)

‘employment’ means the exercise of activities covering any form of labour or work regulated under national law or applicable collective agreements or in accordance with established practice for or under the direction or supervision of an employer;

| (17) | ‘employer’ means any natural person or any legal entity, for or under the direction or supervision of whom or which the employment is undertaken; |
| --- | --- |

(17)

‘employer’ means any natural person or any legal entity, for or under the direction or supervision of whom or which the employment is undertaken;

| (18) | ‘first Member State’ means the Member State which first issues a third-country national an authorisation on the basis of this Directive; |
| --- | --- |

(18)

‘first Member State’ means the Member State which first issues a third-country national an authorisation on the basis of this Directive;

| (19) | ‘second Member State’ means any Member State other than the first Member State; |
| --- | --- |

(19)

‘second Member State’ means any Member State other than the first Member State;

| (20) | ‘Union or multilateral programmes that comprise mobility measures’ means programmes funded by the Union or by Member States promoting mobility of third-country nationals in the Union or in the Member States participating in the respective programmes; |
| --- | --- |

(20)

‘Union or multilateral programmes that comprise mobility measures’ means programmes funded by the Union or by Member States promoting mobility of third-country nationals in the Union or in the Member States participating in the respective programmes;

| (21) | ‘authorisation’ means a residence permit or, if provided for in national law, a long-stay visa issued for the purposes of this Directive; |
| --- | --- |

(21)

‘authorisation’ means a residence permit or, if provided for in national law, a long-stay visa issued for the purposes of this Directive;

| (22) | ‘residence permit’ means an authorisation issued using the format laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002 entitling its holder to stay legally on the territory of a Member State; |
| --- | --- |

(22)

‘residence permit’ means an authorisation issued using the format laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002 entitling its holder to stay legally on the territory of a Member State;

| (23) | ‘long-stay visa’ means an authorisation issued by a Member State as provided for in Article 18 of the Schengen Convention (21) or issued in accordance with the national law of Member States not applying the Schengen acquis in full; |
| --- | --- |

(23)

‘long-stay visa’ means an authorisation issued by a Member State as provided for in Article 18 of the Schengen Convention (21) or issued in accordance with the national law of Member States not applying the Schengen acquis in full;

| (24) | ‘family members’ means third-country nationals as defined in Article 4(1) of Directive 2003/86/EC. |
| --- | --- |

(24)

‘family members’ means third-country nationals as defined in Article 4(1) of Directive 2003/86/EC.

Article 4

More favourable provisions

1.   This Directive shall be without prejudice to more favourable provisions of:

| (a) | bilateral or multilateral agreements concluded between the Union or the Union and its Member States and one or more third countries; or |
| --- | --- |

(a)

bilateral or multilateral agreements concluded between the Union or the Union and its Member States and one or more third countries; or

| (b) | bilateral or multilateral agreements concluded between one or more Member States and one or more third countries. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

bilateral or multilateral agreements concluded between one or more Member States and one or more third countries.

2.   This Directive shall be without prejudice to the right of Member States to adopt or maintain provisions that are more favourable to the third-country nationals to whom this Directive applies with respect to point (a) of Article 10(2) and Articles 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 34 and 35.

CHAPTER II

Admission

Article 5

Principles

1.   The admission of a third-country national under this Directive shall be subject to the verification of documentary evidence attesting that the third-country national meets:

| (a) | the general conditions laid down in Article 7; and |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the general conditions laid down in Article 7; and

| (b) | the relevant specific conditions in Article 8, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 16. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the relevant specific conditions in Article 8, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 16.

2.   Member States may require the applicant to provide the documentary evidence referred to in paragraph 1 in an official language of the Member State concerned or in any official language of the Union determined by that Member State.

3.   Where all the general conditions and relevant specific conditions are fulfilled, the third-country national shall be entitled to an authorisation.

Where a Member State issues residence permits only on its territory and all the admission conditions laid down in this Directive are fulfilled, the Member State concerned shall issue the third-country national with the requisite visa.

Article 6

Volumes of admission

This Directive shall not affect the right of a Member State to determine, in accordance with Article 79(5) TFEU, the volumes of admission of third-country nationals referred to in Article 2(1) of this Directive, with the exception of students, if the Member State concerned considers that they are or will be in an employment relationship. On that basis, an application for authorisation may either be considered inadmissible or be rejected.

Article 7

General conditions

1.   As regards the admission of a third-country national under this Directive, the applicant shall:

| (a) | present a valid travel document, as determined by national law, and, if required, an application for a visa or a valid visa or, where applicable, a valid residence permit or a valid long-stay visa; Members States may require the period of validity of the travel document to cover at least the duration of the planned stay; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

present a valid travel document, as determined by national law, and, if required, an application for a visa or a valid visa or, where applicable, a valid residence permit or a valid long-stay visa; Members States may require the period of validity of the travel document to cover at least the duration of the planned stay;

| (b) | if the third-country national is a minor under the national law of the Member State concerned, present a parental authorisation or an equivalent document for the planned stay; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

if the third-country national is a minor under the national law of the Member State concerned, present a parental authorisation or an equivalent document for the planned stay;

| (c) | present evidence that the third-country national has or, if provided for in national law, has applied for sickness insurance for all risks normally covered for nationals of the Member State concerned; the insurance shall be valid for the duration of the planned stay; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

present evidence that the third-country national has or, if provided for in national law, has applied for sickness insurance for all risks normally covered for nationals of the Member State concerned; the insurance shall be valid for the duration of the planned stay;

| (d) | provide evidence, if the Member State so requires, that the fee for handling the application provided for in Article 36 has been paid; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

provide evidence, if the Member State so requires, that the fee for handling the application provided for in Article 36 has been paid;

| (e) | provide the evidence requested by the Member State concerned that during the planned stay the third-country national will have sufficient resources to cover subsistence costs without having recourse to the Member State's social assistance system, and return travel costs. The assessment of the sufficient resources shall be based on an individual examination of the case and shall take into account resources that derive, inter alia, from a grant, a scholarship or a fellowship, a valid work contract or a binding job offer or a financial undertaking by a pupil exchange scheme organisation, an entity hosting trainees, a voluntary service scheme organisation, a host family or an organisation mediating au pairs. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

provide the evidence requested by the Member State concerned that during the planned stay the third-country national will have sufficient resources to cover subsistence costs without having recourse to the Member State's social assistance system, and return travel costs. The assessment of the sufficient resources shall be based on an individual examination of the case and shall take into account resources that derive, inter alia, from a grant, a scholarship or a fellowship, a valid work contract or a binding job offer or a financial undertaking by a pupil exchange scheme organisation, an entity hosting trainees, a voluntary service scheme organisation, a host family or an organisation mediating au pairs.

2.   Member States may require the applicant to provide the address of the third-country national concerned in their territory.

Where the national law of a Member State requires an address to be provided at the time of application and the third-country national concerned does not yet know the future address, Member States shall accept a temporary address. In such a case, the third-country national shall provide his or her permanent address at the latest at the time of the issuance of an authorisation pursuant to Article 17.

3.   Member States may indicate a reference amount which they regard as constituting ‘sufficient resources’ as referred to under point (e) of paragraph (1). The assessment of the sufficient resources shall be based on an individual examination of the case.

4.   The application shall be submitted and examined either when the third-country national concerned is residing outside the territory of the Member State to which the third-country national wishes to be admitted or when the third-country national is already residing in that Member State as holder of a valid residence permit or long-stay visa.

By way of derogation, a Member State may accept, in accordance with its national law, an application submitted when the third-country national concerned is not in possession of a valid residence permit or long-stay visa but is legally present in its territory.

5.   Member States shall determine whether applications are to be submitted by the third-country national, by the host entity, or by either of the two.

6.   Third-country nationals who are considered to pose a threat to public policy, public security or public health shall not be admitted.

Article 8

Specific conditions for researchers

1.   In addition to the general conditions laid down in Article 7, as regards the admission of a third-country national for the purpose of research, the applicant shall present a hosting agreement or, if provided for in national law, a contract, in accordance with Article 10.

2.   Member States may require, in accordance with national law, a written undertaking from the research organisation that, in the event that a researcher remains illegally in the territory of the Member State concerned, that research organisation is responsible for reimbursing the costs related to the stay and return incurred by public funds. The financial responsibility of the research organisation shall end at the latest six months after the termination of the hosting agreement.

Where the right of residence of the researcher is extended in accordance with Article 25, the responsibility of the research organisation referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall be limited until the starting date of the residence permit for the purpose of job-searching or entrepreneurship.

3.   A Member State which has established an approval procedure for research organisations in accordance with Article 9 shall exempt applicants from presenting one or more of the documents or evidence referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article or in points (c), (d) or (e) of Article 7(1) or in Article 7(2), where the third-country nationals are to be hosted by approved research organisations.

Article 9

Approval of research organisations

1.   Member States may decide to provide for an approval procedure for public and/or private research organisations wishing to host a researcher under the admission procedure laid down in this Directive.

2.   The approval of the research organisations shall be in accordance with procedures set out in the national law or administrative practice of the Member State concerned. Applications for approval by research organisations shall be made in accordance with those procedures and be based on their statutory tasks or corporate purposes as appropriate and on evidence that they conduct research.

The approval granted to a research organisation shall be for a minimum period of five years. In exceptional cases, Member States may grant approval for a shorter period.

3.   A Member State may, among other measures, refuse to renew or decide to withdraw the approval where:

| (a) | a research organisation no longer complies with paragraph 2 of this Article, Article 8(2) or Article 10(7); |
| --- | --- |

(a)

a research organisation no longer complies with paragraph 2 of this Article, Article 8(2) or Article 10(7);

| (b) | the approval has been fraudulently acquired; or |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the approval has been fraudulently acquired; or

| (c) | a research organisation has signed a hosting agreement with a third-country national fraudulently or negligently. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

a research organisation has signed a hosting agreement with a third-country national fraudulently or negligently.

Where an application for renewal has been refused or where the approval has been withdrawn, the organisation concerned may be banned from reapplying for approval for a period of up to five years from the date of publication of the decision on non-renewal or withdrawal.

Article 10

Hosting agreement

1.   A research organisation wishing to host a third-country national for the purpose of research shall sign a hosting agreement with the latter. Member States may provide that contracts containing the elements referred to in paragraph 2 and, where applicable, paragraph 3 shall be considered equivalent to hosting agreements for the purposes of this Directive.

2.   The hosting agreement shall contain:

| (a) | the title or purpose of the research activity or the research area; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the title or purpose of the research activity or the research area;

| (b) | an undertaking by the third-country national to endeavour to complete the research activity; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

an undertaking by the third-country national to endeavour to complete the research activity;

| (c) | an undertaking by the research organisation to host the third-country national for the purpose of completing the research activity; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

an undertaking by the research organisation to host the third-country national for the purpose of completing the research activity;

| (d) | the start and end date or the estimated duration of the research activity; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the start and end date or the estimated duration of the research activity;

| (e) | information on the intended mobility in one or several second Member States if the mobility is known at the time of application in the first Member State. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

information on the intended mobility in one or several second Member States if the mobility is known at the time of application in the first Member State.

3.   Member States may also require the hosting agreement to contain:

| (a) | information on the legal relationship between the research organisation and the researcher; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

information on the legal relationship between the research organisation and the researcher;

| (b) | information on the working conditions of the researcher. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

information on the working conditions of the researcher.

4.   Research organisations may sign hosting agreements only if the research activity has been accepted by the relevant instances in the organisation, after examination of:

| (a) | the purpose and estimated duration of the research activity, and the availability of the necessary financial resources for it to be carried out; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the purpose and estimated duration of the research activity, and the availability of the necessary financial resources for it to be carried out;

| (b) | the third-country national's qualifications in the light of the research objectives, as evidenced by a certified copy of the qualifications. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the third-country national's qualifications in the light of the research objectives, as evidenced by a certified copy of the qualifications.

5.   The hosting agreement shall automatically lapse if the third-country national is not admitted or when the legal relationship between the researcher and the research organisation is terminated.

6.   Research organisations shall promptly inform the competent authority of the Member State concerned of any occurrence likely to prevent implementation of the hosting agreement.

7.   Member States may provide that, within two months of the date of expiry of the hosting agreement concerned, the research organisation shall provide the competent authorities designated for that purpose with confirmation that the research activity has been carried out.

8.   Member States may determine in their national law the consequences of the withdrawal of the approval or the refusal to renew the approval for the existing hosting agreements, concluded in accordance with this Article, as well as the consequences for the authorisations of the researchers concerned.

Article 11

Specific conditions for students

1.   In addition to the general conditions laid down in Article 7, as regards the admission of a third-country national for the purpose of studies, the applicant shall provide evidence:

| (a) | that the third-country national has been accepted by a higher education institution to follow a course of study; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

that the third-country national has been accepted by a higher education institution to follow a course of study;

| (b) | if the Member State so requires, that the fees charged by the higher education institution have been paid; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

if the Member State so requires, that the fees charged by the higher education institution have been paid;

| (c) | if the Member State so requires, of sufficient knowledge of the language of the course to be followed; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

if the Member State so requires, of sufficient knowledge of the language of the course to be followed;

| (d) | if the Member State so requires, that the third-country national will have sufficient resources to cover the study costs. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

if the Member State so requires, that the third-country national will have sufficient resources to cover the study costs.

2.   Third-country nationals who automatically qualify for sickness insurance for all risks normally covered for the nationals of the Member State concerned as a result of enrolment at a higher education institution shall be presumed to meet the condition laid down in point (c) of Article 7(1).

3.   A Member State which has established an approval procedure for higher education institutions in accordance with Article 15 shall exempt applicants from presenting one or more of the documents or evidence referred to in points (b), (c) or (d) of paragraph 1 of this Article or in point (d) of Article 7(1) or in Article 7(2), where the third-country nationals are to be hosted by approved higher education institutions.

Article 12

Specific conditions for school pupils

1.   In addition to the general conditions laid down in Article 7, as regards the admission of a third-country national for the purpose of a pupil exchange scheme or an educational project, the applicant shall provide evidence:

| (a) | that the third-country national is neither below the minimum nor above the maximum age or grade set by the Member State concerned; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

that the third-country national is neither below the minimum nor above the maximum age or grade set by the Member State concerned;

| (b) | of acceptance by an education establishment; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

of acceptance by an education establishment;

| (c) | of participation in a recognised, State or Regional programme of education in the context of a pupil exchange scheme or educational project operated by an education establishment in accordance with national law or administrative practice; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

of participation in a recognised, State or Regional programme of education in the context of a pupil exchange scheme or educational project operated by an education establishment in accordance with national law or administrative practice;

| (d) | that the education establishment, or, insofar as provided for by national law, a third party accepts responsibility for the third-country national throughout the stay in the territory of the Member State concerned, in particular as regards study costs; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

that the education establishment, or, insofar as provided for by national law, a third party accepts responsibility for the third-country national throughout the stay in the territory of the Member State concerned, in particular as regards study costs;

| (e) | that the third-country national will be accommodated throughout the stay by a family, in a special accommodation facility within the education establishment or, insofar as provided for by national law, in any other facility meeting the conditions set by the Member State concerned and selected in accordance with the rules of the pupil exchange scheme or educational project in which the third-country national is participating. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

that the third-country national will be accommodated throughout the stay by a family, in a special accommodation facility within the education establishment or, insofar as provided for by national law, in any other facility meeting the conditions set by the Member State concerned and selected in accordance with the rules of the pupil exchange scheme or educational project in which the third-country national is participating.

2.   Member States may limit the admission of school pupils participating in a pupil exchange scheme or educational project to nationals of third countries which offer the same possibility for their own nationals.

Article 13

Specific conditions for trainees

1.   In addition to the general conditions laid down in Article 7, as regards the admission of a third-country national for the purpose of training, the applicant shall:

| (a) | present a training agreement, which provides for a theoretical and practical training, with a host entity. Member States may require that such training agreement is approved by the competent authority and that the terms upon which the agreement has been based meet the requirements established in national law, collective agreements or practices of the Member State concerned. The training agreement shall contain:






  (i) | a description of the training programme, including the educational objective or learning components; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

present a training agreement, which provides for a theoretical and practical training, with a host entity. Member States may require that such training agreement is approved by the competent authority and that the terms upon which the agreement has been based meet the requirements established in national law, collective agreements or practices of the Member State concerned. The training agreement shall contain:

(i)

a description of the training programme, including the educational objective or learning components;

| (ii) | the duration of the traineeship; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

the duration of the traineeship;

| (iii) | the placement and supervision conditions of the traineeship; |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

the placement and supervision conditions of the traineeship;

| (iv) | the traineeship hours; and |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

the traineeship hours; and

| (v) | the legal relationship between the trainee and the host entity; |
| --- | --- |

(v)

the legal relationship between the trainee and the host entity;

| (b) | provide evidence of having obtained a higher education degree within the two years preceding the date of application or of pursuing a course of study that leads to a higher education degree; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

provide evidence of having obtained a higher education degree within the two years preceding the date of application or of pursuing a course of study that leads to a higher education degree;

| (c) | provide evidence, if the Member State so requires, that during the stay the third-country national will have sufficient resources to cover the training costs; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

provide evidence, if the Member State so requires, that during the stay the third-country national will have sufficient resources to cover the training costs;

| (d) | provide evidence, if the Member State so requires, that the third-country national has received or will receive language training so as to acquire the knowledge needed for the purpose of the traineeship; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

provide evidence, if the Member State so requires, that the third-country national has received or will receive language training so as to acquire the knowledge needed for the purpose of the traineeship;

| (e) | provide evidence, if the Member State so requires, that the host entity accepts responsibility for the third-country national throughout the stay in the territory of the Member State concerned, in particular as regards subsistence and accommodation costs; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

provide evidence, if the Member State so requires, that the host entity accepts responsibility for the third-country national throughout the stay in the territory of the Member State concerned, in particular as regards subsistence and accommodation costs;

| (f) | provide evidence, if the Member State so requires, that, if the third-country national is accommodated throughout the stay by the host entity, the accommodation meets the conditions set by the Member State concerned. |
| --- | --- |

(f)

provide evidence, if the Member State so requires, that, if the third-country national is accommodated throughout the stay by the host entity, the accommodation meets the conditions set by the Member State concerned.

2.   Member States may require the traineeship to be in the same field and at the same qualification level as the higher education degree or the course of study referred to in point (b) of paragraph 1.

3.   Member States may require the host entity to substantiate that the traineeship does not replace a job.

4.   Member States may require, in accordance with national law, a written undertaking from the host entity that, in the event that a trainee remains illegally in the territory of the Member State concerned, that host entity is responsible for reimbursing the costs related to the stay and return incurred by public funds. The financial responsibility of the host entity shall end at the latest six months after the termination of the training agreement.

Article 14

Specific conditions for volunteers

1.   In addition to the general conditions laid down in Article 7, as regards the admission of a third-country national for the purpose of voluntary service, the applicant shall:

| (a) | provide an agreement with the host entity or, insofar as provided for by national law, another body responsible in the Member State concerned for the voluntary service scheme in which the third-country national is participating. The agreement shall contain:






  (i) | a description of the voluntary service scheme; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

provide an agreement with the host entity or, insofar as provided for by national law, another body responsible in the Member State concerned for the voluntary service scheme in which the third-country national is participating. The agreement shall contain:

(i)

a description of the voluntary service scheme;

| (ii) | the duration of the voluntary service; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

the duration of the voluntary service;

| (iii) | the placement and supervision conditions of the voluntary service; |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

the placement and supervision conditions of the voluntary service;

| (iv) | the volunteering hours; |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

the volunteering hours;

| (v) | the resources available to cover the third-country national's subsistence and accommodation costs and a minimum sum of money as pocket money throughout the stay; and |
| --- | --- |

(v)

the resources available to cover the third-country national's subsistence and accommodation costs and a minimum sum of money as pocket money throughout the stay; and

| (vi) | where applicable, the training the third-country national will receive to help perform the voluntary service; |
| --- | --- |

(vi)

where applicable, the training the third-country national will receive to help perform the voluntary service;

| (b) | provide evidence, if the Member State so requires, that, if the third-country national is accommodated throughout the stay by the host entity, the accommodation meets the conditions set by the Member State concerned; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

provide evidence, if the Member State so requires, that, if the third-country national is accommodated throughout the stay by the host entity, the accommodation meets the conditions set by the Member State concerned;

| (c) | provide evidence that the host entity or, insofar as provided for by national law, another body responsible for the voluntary service scheme has subscribed to a third-party insurance policy; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

provide evidence that the host entity or, insofar as provided for by national law, another body responsible for the voluntary service scheme has subscribed to a third-party insurance policy;

| (d) | provide evidence, if the Member State so requires, that the third-country national has received or will receive a basic introduction to the language, history, political and social structures of that Member State. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

provide evidence, if the Member State so requires, that the third-country national has received or will receive a basic introduction to the language, history, political and social structures of that Member State.

2.   Member States may determine a minimum and maximum age limit for third-country nationals who apply to be admitted to a voluntary service scheme without prejudice to the rules under the European Voluntary Service.

3.   Volunteers participating in the European Voluntary Service shall not be required to present evidence under point (c) and, where applicable, point (d) of paragraph 1.

Article 15

Approval of higher education institutions, education establishments, organisations responsible for a voluntary service scheme or entities hosting trainees

1.   For the purposes of this Directive, Member States may decide to provide for an approval procedure for higher education institutions, education establishments, organisations responsible for a voluntary service scheme or entities hosting trainees.

2.   The approval shall be in accordance with procedures set out in the national law or administrative practice of the Member State concerned.

3.   Where a Member State decides to establish an approval procedure in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2, it shall provide clear and transparent information to the host entities concerned about, inter alia, the conditions and criteria for approval, its period of validity, the consequences of non-compliance, including possible withdrawal and non-renewal, as well as any sanction applicable.

Article 16

Specific conditions for au pairs

1.   In addition to the general conditions laid down in Article 7, as regards the admission of a third-country national for the purpose of au pairing, the third-country national shall:

| (a) | provide an agreement between the third-country national and the host family defining the third-country national's rights and obligations as an au pair, including specifications about the pocket money to be received, adequate arrangements allowing the au pair to attend courses and the maximum hours of family duties; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

provide an agreement between the third-country national and the host family defining the third-country national's rights and obligations as an au pair, including specifications about the pocket money to be received, adequate arrangements allowing the au pair to attend courses and the maximum hours of family duties;

| (b) | be between the age of 18 and 30. In exceptional cases, Member States may allow the admission of a third-country national, as an au pair, who is above the maximum age limit; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

be between the age of 18 and 30. In exceptional cases, Member States may allow the admission of a third-country national, as an au pair, who is above the maximum age limit;

| (c) | provide evidence that the host family or an organisation mediating au pairs, insofar as provided for by national law, accepts responsibility for the third-country national throughout the stay in the territory of the Member State concerned, in particular with regard to living expenses, accommodation and accident risks. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

provide evidence that the host family or an organisation mediating au pairs, insofar as provided for by national law, accepts responsibility for the third-country national throughout the stay in the territory of the Member State concerned, in particular with regard to living expenses, accommodation and accident risks.

2.   Member States may require the third-country national who applies to be admitted as an au pair to provide evidence:

| (a) | of basic knowledge of the language of the Member State concerned; or |
| --- | --- |

(a)

of basic knowledge of the language of the Member State concerned; or

| (b) | of having secondary education, professional qualifications or, where applicable, of fulfilling the conditions to exercise a regulated profession, as required by national law. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

of having secondary education, professional qualifications or, where applicable, of fulfilling the conditions to exercise a regulated profession, as required by national law.

3.   Member States may determine that the placement of au pairs shall only be carried out by an organisation mediating au pairs under the conditions defined in national law.

4.   Member States may require the members of the host family to be of different nationality than the third-country national who applies to be admitted for the purpose of au pairing and not to have any family links with the third-country national concerned.

5.   The maximum number of hours of au pair duties per week shall not exceed 25 hours. The au pair shall have at least one day per week free from au pair duties.

6.   Member States may set a minimum sum of money as pocket money to be paid to the au pair.

CHAPTER III

Authorisations and duration of residence

Article 17

Authorisations

1.   When the authorisation is in the form of a residence permit, Member States shall use the format laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002 and shall enter the term ‘researcher’, ‘student’, ‘school pupil’, ‘trainee’, ‘volunteer’ or ‘au pair’ on the residence permit.

2.   When the authorisation is in the form of a long-stay visa, Member States shall enter a reference stating that it is issued to the ‘researcher’, ‘student’, ‘school pupil’, ‘trainee’, ‘volunteer’ or ‘au pair’ under the heading ‘remarks’ on the visa sticker.

3.   For researchers and students coming to the Union in the framework of a specific Union or multilateral programme that comprises mobility measures, or an agreement between two or more recognised higher education institutions, the authorisation shall make a reference to that specific programme or agreement.

4.   When the authorisation for long-term mobility is issued to a researcher in the form of a residence permit, Member States shall use the format laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002 and enter ‘researcher-mobility’ on the residence permit. When the authorisation for long-term mobility is issued to a researcher in the form of a long-stay visa, Member States shall enter ‘researcher-mobility’ under the heading ‘remarks’ on the visa sticker.

Article 18

Duration of authorisation

1.   The period of validity of an authorisation for researchers shall be at least one year, or for the duration of the hosting agreement where this is shorter. The authorisation shall be renewed if Article 21 does not apply.

The duration of the authorisation for researchers who are covered by Union or multilateral programmes that comprise mobility measures shall be at least two years, or for the duration of the hosting agreement where this is shorter. If the general conditions laid down in Article 7 are not met for the two years or for the whole duration of the hosting agreement, the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall apply. Member States shall retain the right to verify that the grounds for withdrawal set out in Article 21 do not apply.

2.   The period of validity of an authorisation for students shall be at least one year, or for the duration of studies where this is shorter. The authorisation shall be renewed if Article 21 does not apply.

The duration of the authorisation for students who are covered by Union or multilateral programmes that comprise mobility measures or by an agreement between two or more higher education institutions shall be at least two years, or for the duration of their studies where this is shorter. If the general conditions laid down in Article 7 are not met for the two years or for the whole duration of the studies, the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall apply. Member States shall retain the right to verify that the grounds for withdrawal set out in Article 21 do not apply.

3.   Member States may determine that the total time of residence for studies shall not exceed the maximum duration of studies as defined in national law.

4.   The period of validity of an authorisation for school pupils shall be for the duration of the pupil exchange scheme or the educational project where this is shorter than one year, or for a maximum of one year. Member States may decide to allow the renewal of the authorisation once for the period necessary to complete the pupil exchange scheme or the educational project if Article 21 does not apply.

5.   The period of validity of an authorisation for au pairs shall be for the duration of the agreement between the au pair and the host family where this is shorter than one year, or for a maximum period of one year. Member States may decide to allow the renewal of the authorisation once for a maximum period of six months, after a justified request by the host family, if Article 21 does not apply.

6.   The period of validity of an authorisation for trainees shall be for the duration of the training agreement where this is shorter than six months, or for a maximum of six months. If the duration of the agreement is longer than six months, the duration of the validity of the authorisation may correspond to the period concerned in accordance with national law.

Member States may decide to allow the renewal of the authorisation once for the period necessary to complete the traineeship if Article 21 does not apply.

7.   The period of validity of an authorisation for volunteers shall be for the duration of the agreement referred to in point (a) of Article 14(1) where this is shorter than one year, or for a maximum period of one year. If the duration of the agreement is longer than one year, the duration of the validity of the authorisation may correspond to the period concerned in accordance with national law.

8.   Member States may determine that, in case the validity of the travel document of the third-country national concerned is shorter than one year or shorter than two years in the cases referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2, the period of validity of the authorisation shall not exceed the period of validity of the travel document.

9.   Where Member States allow entry and residence during the first year on the basis of a long-stay visa, an application for a residence permit shall be submitted before the expiry of the long-stay visa. The residence permit shall be issued if Article 21 does not apply.

Article 19

Additional information

1.   Member States may indicate additional information in paper format or store such information in electronic format, as referred to in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002 and point (a) 16 of the Annex thereto. This information may relate to the residence and, in cases covered by Article 24 of this Directive, the economic activities of the student and include in particular the full list of Member States that the researcher or student intends to go to in the framework of mobility or relevant information on a specific Union or multilateral programme that comprises mobility measures or an agreement between two or more higher education institutions.

2.   Member States may also provide that the information referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall be indicated on the long-stay visa, as referred to in point 12 of the Annex to Council Regulation (EC) No 1683/95 (22).

CHAPTER IV

Grounds for rejection, withdrawal or non-renewal of authorisations

Article 20

Grounds for rejection

1.   Member States shall reject an application where:

| (a) | the general conditions laid down in Article 7 or the relevant specific conditions laid down in Articles 8, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 16 are not met; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the general conditions laid down in Article 7 or the relevant specific conditions laid down in Articles 8, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 16 are not met;

| (b) | the documents presented have been fraudulently acquired, or falsified, or tampered with; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the documents presented have been fraudulently acquired, or falsified, or tampered with;

| (c) | the Member State concerned only allows admission through an approved host entity and the host entity is not approved. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the Member State concerned only allows admission through an approved host entity and the host entity is not approved.

2.   Member States may reject an application where:

| (a) | the host entity, another body as referred to in point (a) of Article 14(1), a third party as referred to in point (d) of Article 12(1), the host family or the organisation mediating au pairs has failed to meet its legal obligations regarding social security, taxation, labour rights or working conditions; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the host entity, another body as referred to in point (a) of Article 14(1), a third party as referred to in point (d) of Article 12(1), the host family or the organisation mediating au pairs has failed to meet its legal obligations regarding social security, taxation, labour rights or working conditions;

| (b) | where applicable, the terms of employment as provided for in national law or collective agreements or practices in the Member State concerned are not met by the host entity or host family that will employ the third-country national; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

where applicable, the terms of employment as provided for in national law or collective agreements or practices in the Member State concerned are not met by the host entity or host family that will employ the third-country national;

| (c) | the host entity, another body as referred to in point (a) of Article 14(1), a third party as referred to in point (d) of Article 12(1), the host family or the organisation mediating au pairs has been sanctioned in accordance with national law for undeclared work or illegal employment; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the host entity, another body as referred to in point (a) of Article 14(1), a third party as referred to in point (d) of Article 12(1), the host family or the organisation mediating au pairs has been sanctioned in accordance with national law for undeclared work or illegal employment;

| (d) | the host entity was established or operates for the main purpose of facilitating the entry of third-country nationals falling under the scope of this Directive; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the host entity was established or operates for the main purpose of facilitating the entry of third-country nationals falling under the scope of this Directive;

| (e) | where applicable, the host entity's business is being or has been wound up under national insolvency laws or no economic activity is taking place; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

where applicable, the host entity's business is being or has been wound up under national insolvency laws or no economic activity is taking place;

| (f) | the Member State has evidence or serious and objective grounds to establish that the third-country national would reside for purposes other than those for which he or she applies to be admitted. |
| --- | --- |

(f)

the Member State has evidence or serious and objective grounds to establish that the third-country national would reside for purposes other than those for which he or she applies to be admitted.

3.   Where a third-country national applies to be admitted to enter into an employment relationship in a Member State, that Member State may verify whether the post in question could be filled by nationals of that Member State or by other Union citizens, or by third-country nationals lawfully residing in that Member State, in which case it may reject the application. This paragraph shall apply without prejudice to the principle of preference for Union citizens as expressed in the relevant provisions of the relevant Acts of Accession.

4.   Without prejudice to paragraph 1, any decision to reject an application shall take account of the specific circumstances of the case and respect the principle of proportionality.

Article 21

Grounds for withdrawal or non-renewal of an authorisation

1.   Member States shall withdraw or, where applicable, refuse to renew an authorisation where:

| (a) | the third-country national no longer meets the general conditions laid down in Article 7, except for Article 7(6), or the relevant specific conditions laid down in Articles 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16 or the conditions laid down in Article 18; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the third-country national no longer meets the general conditions laid down in Article 7, except for Article 7(6), or the relevant specific conditions laid down in Articles 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16 or the conditions laid down in Article 18;

| (b) | the authorisation or the documents presented have been fraudulently acquired, or falsified, or tampered with; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the authorisation or the documents presented have been fraudulently acquired, or falsified, or tampered with;

| (c) | the Member State concerned only allows admission through an approved host entity and the host entity is not approved; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the Member State concerned only allows admission through an approved host entity and the host entity is not approved;

| (d) | the third-country national is residing for purposes other than those for which the third-country national was authorised to reside. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the third-country national is residing for purposes other than those for which the third-country national was authorised to reside.

2.   Member States may withdraw or refuse to renew an authorisation where:

| (a) | the host entity, another body as referred to in point (a) of Article 14(1), a third party as referred to in point (d) of Article 12(1), the host family or the organisation mediating au pairs has failed to meet its legal obligations regarding social security, taxation, labour rights or working conditions; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the host entity, another body as referred to in point (a) of Article 14(1), a third party as referred to in point (d) of Article 12(1), the host family or the organisation mediating au pairs has failed to meet its legal obligations regarding social security, taxation, labour rights or working conditions;

| (b) | where applicable, the terms of employment as provided for in national law or collective agreements or practices in the Member State concerned are not met by the host entity or host family employing the third-country national; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

where applicable, the terms of employment as provided for in national law or collective agreements or practices in the Member State concerned are not met by the host entity or host family employing the third-country national;

| (c) | the host entity, another body as referred to in point (a) of Article 14(1), a third party as referred to in point (d) of Article 12(1), the host family or the organisation mediating au pairs has been sanctioned in accordance with national law for undeclared work or illegal employment; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the host entity, another body as referred to in point (a) of Article 14(1), a third party as referred to in point (d) of Article 12(1), the host family or the organisation mediating au pairs has been sanctioned in accordance with national law for undeclared work or illegal employment;

| (d) | the host entity was established or operates for the main purpose of facilitating the entry of third-country nationals falling under the scope of this Directive; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the host entity was established or operates for the main purpose of facilitating the entry of third-country nationals falling under the scope of this Directive;

| (e) | where applicable, the host entity's business is being or has been wound up under national insolvency laws or no economic activity is taking place; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

where applicable, the host entity's business is being or has been wound up under national insolvency laws or no economic activity is taking place;

| (f) | with regard to students, the time-limits imposed on access to economic activities under Article 24 are not respected or a student does not make sufficient progress in the relevant studies in accordance with national law or administrative practice. |
| --- | --- |

(f)

with regard to students, the time-limits imposed on access to economic activities under Article 24 are not respected or a student does not make sufficient progress in the relevant studies in accordance with national law or administrative practice.

3.   In the event of withdrawal, when assessing the lack of progress in the relevant studies, as referred to in point (f) of paragraph 2, a Member State may consult with the host entity.

4.   Member States may withdraw or refuse to renew an authorisation for reasons of public policy, public security or public health.

5.   Where a third-country national applies for renewal of the authorisation to enter into or continue to be in an employment relationship in a Member State, with the exception of a researcher who continues the employment relationship with the same host entity, that Member State may verify whether the post in question could be filled by nationals of that Member State or by other Union citizens, or by third-country nationals who are long-term residents in that Member State, in which case they may refuse to renew the authorisation. This paragraph shall apply without prejudice to the principle of preference for Union citizens as expressed in the relevant provisions of the relevant Acts of Accession.

6.   Where a Member State intends to withdraw or not renew the authorisation of a student in accordance with points (a), (c), (d) or (e) of paragraph 2, the student shall be allowed to submit an application to be hosted by a different higher education institution for an equivalent course of study in order to enable the completion of the studies. The student shall be allowed to stay on the territory of the Member State concerned until the competent authorities have taken a decision on the application.

7.   Without prejudice to paragraph 1, any decision to withdraw or refuse to renew an authorisation shall take account of the specific circumstances of the case and respect the principle of proportionality.

CHAPTER V

Rights

Article 22

Equal treatment

1.   Researchers shall be entitled to equal treatment with nationals of the Member State concerned as provided for in Article 12(1) and (4) of Directive 2011/98/EU.

2.   Member States may restrict equal treatment as regards researchers:

| (a) | under point (c) of Article 12(1) of Directive 2011/98/EU, by excluding study and maintenance grants and loans or other grants and loans; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

under point (c) of Article 12(1) of Directive 2011/98/EU, by excluding study and maintenance grants and loans or other grants and loans;

| (b) | under point (e) of Article 12(1) of Directive 2011/98/EU, by not granting family benefits to researchers who have been authorised to reside in the territory of the Member State concerned for a period not exceeding six months; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

under point (e) of Article 12(1) of Directive 2011/98/EU, by not granting family benefits to researchers who have been authorised to reside in the territory of the Member State concerned for a period not exceeding six months;

| (c) | under point (f) of Article 12(1) of Directive 2011/98/EU, by limiting its application to cases where the registered or usual place of residence of the family members of the researcher for whom he or she claims benefits lies in the territory of the Member State concerned; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

under point (f) of Article 12(1) of Directive 2011/98/EU, by limiting its application to cases where the registered or usual place of residence of the family members of the researcher for whom he or she claims benefits lies in the territory of the Member State concerned;

| (d) | under point (g) of Article 12(1) of Directive 2011/98/EU by restricting access to housing. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

under point (g) of Article 12(1) of Directive 2011/98/EU by restricting access to housing.

3.   Trainees, volunteers and au pairs, when they are considered to be in an employment relationship in the Member State concerned, and students shall be entitled to equal treatment with nationals of the Member State concerned as provided for in Article 12(1) and (4) of Directive 2011/98/EU subject to the restrictions provided for in paragraph 2 of that Article.

4.   Trainees, volunteers, and au pairs, when they are not considered to be in an employment relationship in the Member State concerned, and school pupils shall be entitled to equal treatment in relation to access to goods and services and the supply of goods and services made available to the public, as provided for by national law, as well as, where applicable, in relation to recognition of diplomas, certificates and other professional qualifications in accordance with the relevant national procedures.

Member States may decide not to grant them equal treatment in relation to procedures for obtaining housing and/or services provided by public employment offices in accordance with national law.

Article 23

Teaching by researchers

Researchers may, in addition to research activities, teach in accordance with national law. Member States may set a maximum number of hours or of days for the activity of teaching.

Article 24

Economic activities by students

1.   Outside their study time and subject to the rules and conditions applicable to the relevant activity in the Member State concerned, students shall be entitled to be employed and may be entitled to exercise self-employed economic activity, subject to the limitations provided for in paragraph 3.

2.   Where necessary, Member States shall grant students and/or employers prior authorisation in accordance with national law.

3.   Each Member State shall determine the maximum number of hours per week or days or months per year allowed for such an activity, which shall not be less than 15 hours per week, or the equivalent in days or months per year. The situation of the labour market in the Member State concerned may be taken into account.

Article 25

Stay for the purpose of job-searching or entrepreneurship for researchers and students

1.   After the completion of research or studies, researchers and students shall have the possibility to stay on the territory of the Member State that issued an authorisation under Article 17, on the basis of the residence permit referred to in paragraph 3 of this Article, for a period of at least nine months in order to seek employment or set up a business.

2.   Member States may decide to set a minimum level of degree that students shall have obtained in order to benefit from the application of this Article. That level shall not be higher than level 7 of the European Qualifications Framework (23).

3.   For the purpose of stay referred to in paragraph 1, Member States shall, upon an application by the researcher or the student, issue a residence permit to that third-country national in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002 where the conditions laid down in points (a), (c), (d) and (e) of Article 7(1), Article 7(6) and, where applicable, in Article 7(2) of this Directive are still fulfilled. Member States shall require, for researchers, a confirmation by the research organisation of the completion of the research activity or, for students, evidence of having obtained a higher education diploma, certificate or other evidence of formal qualifications. Where applicable, and if the provisions of Article 26 are still met, the residence permit provided for in that Article shall be renewed accordingly.

4.   Member States may reject an application under this Article where:

| (a) | the conditions laid down in paragraph 3 and, where applicable, paragraphs 2 and 5 are not met, |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the conditions laid down in paragraph 3 and, where applicable, paragraphs 2 and 5 are not met,

| (b) | the documents presented have been fraudulently acquired, or falsified, or tampered with. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the documents presented have been fraudulently acquired, or falsified, or tampered with.

5.   Member States may require that the application under this Article of the researcher or the student and, where applicable, the members of the researcher's family shall be submitted at least 30 days before the expiry of the authorisation issued under Article 17 or 26.

6.   If the evidence of having obtained a higher education diploma, certificate or other evidence of formal qualifications or the confirmation by the research organisation of the completion of the research activity are not available before the expiry of the authorisation issued under Article 17, and all other conditions are fulfilled, Member States shall allow the third-country national to stay on their territory in order to submit such evidence within a reasonable time in accordance with national law.

7.   After a minimum of three months from the issuance of the residence permit under this Article by the Member State concerned, the latter may require third-country nationals to prove that they have a genuine chance of being engaged or of launching a business.

Member States may require that the employment the third-country national is seeking or the business he or she is in the process of setting up corresponds to the level of research or of studies completed.

8.   If the conditions provided for in paragraph 3 or 7 are no longer fulfilled, Member States may withdraw the residence permit of the third-country national and, where applicable, his or her family members in accordance with national law.

9.   Second Member States may apply this Article to researchers and, where applicable, the members of the researcher's family or students who reside or have resided in the second Member State concerned in accordance with Article 28, 29, 30 or 31.

Article 26

Researchers' family members

1.   For the purpose of allowing researchers' family members to join the researcher in the first Member State or, in the case of long-term mobility, in the second Member States, Member States shall apply the provisions of Directive 2003/86/EC with the derogations laid down in this Article.

2.   By way of derogation from Article 3(1) and Article 8 of Directive 2003/86/EC, the granting of a residence permit to family members shall not be made dependent on the requirement of the researcher having reasonable prospects of obtaining the right of permanent residence and having a minimum period of residence.

3.   By way of derogation from the last subparagraph of Article 4(1) and Article 7(2) of Directive 2003/86/EC, the integration conditions and measures referred to therein may only be applied after the persons concerned have been granted a residence permit.

4.   By way of derogation from the first subparagraph of Article 5(4) of Directive 2003/86/EC, residence permits for family members shall be granted by a Member State, if the conditions for family reunification are fulfilled, within 90 days from the date on which the complete application was submitted. The competent authority of the Member State concerned shall process the application for the family members at the same time as the application for admission or for long-term mobility of the researcher, in case where the application for the family members is submitted at the same time. The residence permit for family members shall be granted only if the researcher is issued an authorisation under Article 17.

5.   By way of derogation from Article 13(2) and (3) of Directive 2003/86/EC, the duration of validity of the residence permit of family members shall end, as a general rule, on the date of expiry of the authorisation of the researcher. This shall include, where applicable, authorisations issued to the researcher for the purpose of job-searching or entrepreneurship in accordance with Article 25. Member States may require the period of validity of the travel documents of family members to cover at least the duration of the planned stay.

6.   By way of derogation from the second sentence of Article 14(2) of Directive 2003/86/EC, the first Member State or, in the case of long-term mobility, the second Member States shall not apply any time-limit in respect of access for family members to the labour market, except in exceptional circumstances such as particularly high levels of unemployment.

CHAPTER VI

Mobility between Member States

Article 27

Intra-EU mobility

1.   A third-country national who holds a valid authorisation issued by the first Member State for the purpose of studies in the framework of a Union or multilateral programme that comprises mobility measures or of an agreement between two or more higher education institutions, or for the purpose of research may enter and stay in order to carry out part of the studies or research in one or several second Member States on the basis of that authorisation and a valid travel document under the conditions laid down in Articles 28, 29 and 31 and subject to Article 32.

2.   During the mobility referred to in paragraph 1, researchers may, in addition to research activities, teach and students may, in addition to their studies, work, in one or several second Member States in accordance with the conditions laid down in Articles 23 and 24 respectively.

3.   When a researcher moves to a second Member State in accordance with Article 28 or 29, family members holding a residence permit issued in accordance with Article 26 shall be authorised to accompany the researcher in the framework of the researcher's mobility under the conditions laid down in Article 30.

Article 28

Short-term mobility of researchers

1.   Researchers who hold a valid authorisation issued by the first Member State shall be entitled to stay in order to carry out part of their research in any research organisation in one or several second Member States for a period of up to 180 days in any 360-day period per Member State, subject to the conditions laid down in this Article.

2.   The second Member State may require the researcher, the research organisation in the first Member State or the research organisation in the second Member State to notify the competent authorities of the first Member State and of the second Member State of the intention of the researcher to carry out part of the research in the research organisation in the second Member State.

In such cases, the second Member State shall allow the notification to take place either:

| (a) | at the time of the application in the first Member State, where the mobility to the second Member State is already envisaged at that stage; or |
| --- | --- |

(a)

at the time of the application in the first Member State, where the mobility to the second Member State is already envisaged at that stage; or

| (b) | after the researcher was admitted to the first Member State, as soon as the intended mobility to the second Member State is known. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

after the researcher was admitted to the first Member State, as soon as the intended mobility to the second Member State is known.

3.   Where the notification has taken place in accordance with point (a) of paragraph 2, and where the second Member State has not raised any objection with the first Member State in accordance with paragraph 7, the mobility of the researcher to the second Member State may take place at any moment within the period of validity of the authorisation.

4.   Where the notification has taken place in accordance with point (b) of paragraph 2, the mobility may be initiated after the notification to the second Member State immediately or at any moment thereafter within the period of validity of the authorisation.

5.   The notification shall include the valid travel document, as provided for in point (a) of Article 7(1), and the valid authorisation issued by the first Member State covering the period of the mobility.

6.   The second Member State may require the notification to include the transmission of the following documents and information:

| (a) | the hosting agreement in the first Member State as referred to in Article 10 or, if the second Member State so requires, a hosting agreement concluded with the research organisation in the second Member State; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the hosting agreement in the first Member State as referred to in Article 10 or, if the second Member State so requires, a hosting agreement concluded with the research organisation in the second Member State;

| (b) | where not specified in the hosting agreement, the planned duration and dates of the mobility; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

where not specified in the hosting agreement, the planned duration and dates of the mobility;

| (c) | evidence that the researcher has sickness insurance for all the risks normally covered for nationals of the Member State concerned as provided for in point (c) of Article 7(1); |
| --- | --- |

(c)

evidence that the researcher has sickness insurance for all the risks normally covered for nationals of the Member State concerned as provided for in point (c) of Article 7(1);

| (d) | evidence that during the stay the researcher will have sufficient resources to cover subsistence costs without having recourse to the Member State's social assistance system, as provided for in point (e) of Article 7(1), as well as the travel costs to the first Member State in the cases referred to in point (b) of Article 32(4); |
| --- | --- |

(d)

evidence that during the stay the researcher will have sufficient resources to cover subsistence costs without having recourse to the Member State's social assistance system, as provided for in point (e) of Article 7(1), as well as the travel costs to the first Member State in the cases referred to in point (b) of Article 32(4);

The second Member State may require the notifier to provide, before the start of mobility, the address of the researcher concerned in the territory of the second Member State.

The second Member State may require the notifier to present the documents in an official language of that Member State or in any official language of the Union determined by that Member State.

7.   Based on the notification referred to in paragraph 2 the second Member State may object to the mobility of the researcher to its territory within 30 days from having received the complete notification, where:

| (a) | the conditions set out in paragraph 5 or, where applicable, paragraph 6 are not complied with; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the conditions set out in paragraph 5 or, where applicable, paragraph 6 are not complied with;

| (b) | one of the grounds for rejection set out in points (b) or (c) of Article 20(1) or in paragraph 2 of that Article applies; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

one of the grounds for rejection set out in points (b) or (c) of Article 20(1) or in paragraph 2 of that Article applies;

| (c) | the maximum duration of stay as referred to in paragraph 1 has been reached. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the maximum duration of stay as referred to in paragraph 1 has been reached.

8.   Researchers who are considered to pose a threat to public policy, public security or public health shall not be allowed to enter or to stay on the territory of the second Member State.

9.   The competent authorities of the second Member State shall, without delay, inform the competent authorities of the first Member State and the notifier in writing about their objection to the mobility. Where the second Member State objects to the mobility in accordance with paragraph 7 and the mobility has not yet taken place, the researcher shall not be allowed to carry out part of the research in the research organisation in the second Member State. Where the mobility has already taken place, Article 32(4) shall apply.

10.   After the period of objection has expired, the second Member State may issue a document to the researcher attesting that he or she is entitled to stay on its territory and enjoy the rights provided for in this Directive.

Article 29

Long-term mobility of researchers

1.   In relation to researchers who hold a valid authorisation issued by the first Member State and who intend to stay in order to carry out part of their research in any research organisation in one or several second Member States for more than 180 days per Member State, the second Member State shall either:

| (a) | apply Article 28 and allow the researcher to stay on the territory on the basis of and during the period of validity of the authorisation issued by the first Member State; or |
| --- | --- |

(a)

apply Article 28 and allow the researcher to stay on the territory on the basis of and during the period of validity of the authorisation issued by the first Member State; or

| (b) | apply the procedure provided for in paragraphs 2 to 7. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

apply the procedure provided for in paragraphs 2 to 7.

The second Member State may define a maximum period of the long-term mobility of a researcher which shall not be less than 360 days.

2.   When an application for long-term mobility is submitted:

| (a) | the second Member State may require the researcher, the research organisation in the first Member State or the research organisation in the second Member State to transmit the following documents:






  (i) | a valid travel document, as provided for in point (a) of Article 7(1), and a valid authorisation issued by the first Member State; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

the second Member State may require the researcher, the research organisation in the first Member State or the research organisation in the second Member State to transmit the following documents:

(i)

a valid travel document, as provided for in point (a) of Article 7(1), and a valid authorisation issued by the first Member State;

| (ii) | evidence that the researcher has sickness insurance for all the risks normally covered for nationals of the Member State concerned as provided for in point (c) of Article 7(1); |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

evidence that the researcher has sickness insurance for all the risks normally covered for nationals of the Member State concerned as provided for in point (c) of Article 7(1);

| (iii) | evidence that during the stay the researcher will have sufficient resources to cover subsistence costs without having recourse to the Member State's social assistance system, as provided for in point (e) of Article 7(1), as well as the travel costs to the first Member State in the cases referred to in point (b) of Article 32(4); |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

evidence that during the stay the researcher will have sufficient resources to cover subsistence costs without having recourse to the Member State's social assistance system, as provided for in point (e) of Article 7(1), as well as the travel costs to the first Member State in the cases referred to in point (b) of Article 32(4);

| (iv) | the hosting agreement in the first Member State as referred to in Article 10 or, if the second Member State so requires, a hosting agreement concluded with the research organisation in the second Member State; |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

the hosting agreement in the first Member State as referred to in Article 10 or, if the second Member State so requires, a hosting agreement concluded with the research organisation in the second Member State;

| (v) | where not specified in any of the documents presented by the applicant, the planned duration and dates of the mobility. |
| --- | --- |

(v)

where not specified in any of the documents presented by the applicant, the planned duration and dates of the mobility.

The second Member State may require the applicant to provide the address of the researcher concerned in its territory. Where the national law of the second Member State requires an address to be provided at the time of application and the researcher concerned does not yet know his or her future address, that Member State shall accept a temporary address. In such a case, the researcher shall provide his or her permanent address at the latest at the time of the issuance of the authorisation for long-term mobility.

The second Member State may require the applicant to present the documents in an official language of that Member State or in any official language of the Union determined by that Member State;

| (b) | the second Member State shall take a decision on the application for long-term mobility and notify the decision to the applicant in writing as soon as possible, but not later than 90 days from the date on which the complete application was submitted to the competent authorities of the second Member State; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the second Member State shall take a decision on the application for long-term mobility and notify the decision to the applicant in writing as soon as possible, but not later than 90 days from the date on which the complete application was submitted to the competent authorities of the second Member State;

| (c) | the researcher shall not be required to leave the territories of the Member States in order to submit an application and shall not be subject to a visa requirement; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the researcher shall not be required to leave the territories of the Member States in order to submit an application and shall not be subject to a visa requirement;

| (d) | the researcher shall be allowed to carry out part of the research in the research organisation in the second Member State until a decision on the application for long-term mobility has been taken by the competent authorities, provided that:






  (i) | neither the period referred to in Article 28(1) nor the period of validity of the authorisation issued by the first Member State have expired; and |
| --- | --- | --- |

(d)

the researcher shall be allowed to carry out part of the research in the research organisation in the second Member State until a decision on the application for long-term mobility has been taken by the competent authorities, provided that:

(i)

neither the period referred to in Article 28(1) nor the period of validity of the authorisation issued by the first Member State have expired; and

| (ii) | if the second Member State so requires, the complete application has been submitted to the second Member State at least 30 days before the long-term mobility of the researcher starts; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

if the second Member State so requires, the complete application has been submitted to the second Member State at least 30 days before the long-term mobility of the researcher starts;

| (e) | an application for long-term mobility may not be submitted at the same time as a notification for short-term mobility. Where the need for long-term mobility arises after the short-term mobility of the researcher has started, the second Member State may request that the application for long-term mobility be submitted at least 30 days before the short-term mobility ends. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

an application for long-term mobility may not be submitted at the same time as a notification for short-term mobility. Where the need for long-term mobility arises after the short-term mobility of the researcher has started, the second Member State may request that the application for long-term mobility be submitted at least 30 days before the short-term mobility ends.

3.   The second Member State may reject an application for long-term mobility where:

| (a) | the conditions set out in point (a) of paragraph 2 are not complied with; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the conditions set out in point (a) of paragraph 2 are not complied with;

| (b) | one of the grounds for rejection set out in Article 20, with the exception of point (a) of paragraph 1 of that Article, applies; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

one of the grounds for rejection set out in Article 20, with the exception of point (a) of paragraph 1 of that Article, applies;

| (c) | the researcher's authorisation in the first Member State expires during the procedure; or |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the researcher's authorisation in the first Member State expires during the procedure; or

| (d) | where applicable, the maximum duration of stay referred to in the second subparagraph of paragraph 1 has been reached. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

where applicable, the maximum duration of stay referred to in the second subparagraph of paragraph 1 has been reached.

4.   Researchers who are considered to pose a threat to public policy, public security or public health shall not be allowed to enter or to stay on the territory of the second Member State.

5.   Where the second Member State takes a positive decision on the application for long-term mobility as referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article, the researcher shall be issued an authorisation in accordance with Article 17(4). The second Member State shall inform the competent authorities of the first Member State when an authorisation for long-term mobility is issued.

6.   The second Member State may withdraw the authorisation for long-term mobility where:

| (a) | the conditions set out in point (a) of paragraph 2 or in paragraph 4 of this Article are not or are no longer complied with; or |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the conditions set out in point (a) of paragraph 2 or in paragraph 4 of this Article are not or are no longer complied with; or

| (b) | one of the grounds of withdrawal of an authorisation, as set out in Article 21, with the exception of point (a) of paragraph (1), point (f) of paragraph (2) and paragraphs (3), (5) and (6) of that Article, applies. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

one of the grounds of withdrawal of an authorisation, as set out in Article 21, with the exception of point (a) of paragraph (1), point (f) of paragraph (2) and paragraphs (3), (5) and (6) of that Article, applies.

7.   When a Member State takes a decision on long-term mobility, paragraphs 2 to 5 of Article 34 apply accordingly.

Article 30

Mobility of researchers' family members

1.   Family members of a researcher who hold a valid residence permit issued by the first Member State shall be entitled to enter, and stay in, one or several second Member States in order to accompany the researcher.

2.   When the second Member State applies the notification procedure referred to in Article 28(2), it shall require the transmission of the following documents and information:

| (a) | the documents and information required under paragraph 5 and points (b), (c) and (d) of paragraph 6 of Article 28 related to the family members accompanying the researcher; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the documents and information required under paragraph 5 and points (b), (c) and (d) of paragraph 6 of Article 28 related to the family members accompanying the researcher;

| (b) | evidence that the family member has resided as a member of the family of the researcher in the first Member State in accordance with Article 26. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

evidence that the family member has resided as a member of the family of the researcher in the first Member State in accordance with Article 26.

The second Member State may require the notifier to present the documents in an official language of that Member State or in any official language of the Union determined by that Member State.

The second Member State may object to the mobility of the family member to its territory where the conditions set out in the first subparagraph are not complied with. Points (b) and (c) of paragraph 7 and paragraph 9 of Article 28 shall apply to those family members accordingly.

3.   When the second Member State applies the procedure referred to in point (b) of Article 29(1), an application shall be submitted by the researcher or by the family members of the researcher to the competent authorities of the second Member State. The second Member State shall require the applicant to transmit the following documents and information in relation to the family members:

| (a) | the documents and information required under points (i), (ii), (iii) and (v) of point (a) of Article 29(2) related to the family members accompanying the researcher; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the documents and information required under points (i), (ii), (iii) and (v) of point (a) of Article 29(2) related to the family members accompanying the researcher;

| (b) | evidence that the family member has resided as a member of the family of the researcher in the first Member State in accordance with Article 26. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

evidence that the family member has resided as a member of the family of the researcher in the first Member State in accordance with Article 26.

The second Member State may require the applicant to present the documents in an official language of that Member State or in any official language of the Union determined by that Member State.

The second Member State may reject the application for long-term mobility of the family member to its territory where the conditions set out in the first subparagraph are not complied with. Points (b) and (c) of paragraph 2, points (b), (c) and (d) of paragraph 3, paragraph 5, point (b) of paragraph 6 and paragraph 7 of Article 29 shall apply to those family members accordingly.

The validity of the authorisation for long-term mobility of the family members shall, as a general rule, end on the date of expiry of the researcher's authorisation issued by the second Member State.

The authorisation for long-term mobility of family members may be withdrawn or its renewal refused if the authorisation for long-term mobility of the researcher they are accompanying is withdrawn or its renewal refused and they do not enjoy any autonomous right of residence.

4.   Family members who are considered to pose a threat to public policy, public security or public health shall not be allowed to enter or to stay on the territory of the second Member State.

Article 31

Mobility of students

1.   Students who hold a valid authorisation issued by the first Member State and who are covered by a Union or multilateral programme that comprises mobility measures or by an agreement between two or more higher education institutions shall be entitled to enter and stay in order to carry out part of their studies in a higher education institution in one or several second Member States for a period up to 360 days per Member State subject to the conditions laid down in paragraphs 2 to 10.

A student who is not covered by a Union or multilateral programme that comprises mobility measures or by an agreement between two or more higher education institutions shall submit an application for an authorisation to enter and stay in a second Member State in order to carry out part of the studies in a higher education institution in accordance with Articles 7 and 11.

2.   The second Member State may require the higher education institution in the first Member State, the higher education institution in the second Member State or the student to notify the competent authorities of the first Member State and of the second Member State of the intention of the student to carry out part of the studies in the higher education institution in the second Member State.

In such cases, the second Member State shall allow the notification to take place either:

| (a) | at the time of the application in the first Member State, where the mobility to the second Member State is already envisaged at that stage; or |
| --- | --- |

(a)

at the time of the application in the first Member State, where the mobility to the second Member State is already envisaged at that stage; or

| (b) | after the student was admitted to the first Member State, as soon as the intended mobility to the second Member State is known. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

after the student was admitted to the first Member State, as soon as the intended mobility to the second Member State is known.

3.   Where the notification has taken place in accordance with point (a) of paragraph 2, and where the second Member State has not raised any objection with the first Member State in accordance with paragraph 7, the mobility of the student to the second Member State may take place at any moment within the period of validity of the authorisation.

4.   Where the notification has taken place in accordance with point (b) of paragraph 2 and where the second Member State has not raised any objection in writing to the mobility of the student, in accordance with paragraphs 7 and 9, the mobility is considered to be approved and may take place in the second Member State.

5.   The notification shall include the valid travel document, as provided for in point (a) of Article 7(1), and the valid authorisation issued by the first Member State covering the total period of the mobility.

6.   The second Member State may require the notification to include the transmission of the following documents and information:

| (a) | evidence that the student carries out part of the studies in the second Member State in the framework of a Union or multilateral programme that comprises mobility measures or of an agreement between two or more higher education institutions and evidence that the student has been accepted by a higher education institution in the second Member State; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

evidence that the student carries out part of the studies in the second Member State in the framework of a Union or multilateral programme that comprises mobility measures or of an agreement between two or more higher education institutions and evidence that the student has been accepted by a higher education institution in the second Member State;

| (b) | where not specified under point (a), the planned duration and dates of the mobility; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

where not specified under point (a), the planned duration and dates of the mobility;

| (c) | evidence that the student has sickness insurance for all the risks normally covered for nationals of the Member State concerned as provided for in point (c) of Article 7(1); |
| --- | --- |

(c)

evidence that the student has sickness insurance for all the risks normally covered for nationals of the Member State concerned as provided for in point (c) of Article 7(1);

| (d) | evidence that during the stay the student will have sufficient resources to cover subsistence costs without having recourse to the Member State's social assistance system as provided for in point (e) of Article 7(1), study costs, as well as the travel costs to the first Member State in the cases referred to in point (b) of Article 32(4); |
| --- | --- |

(d)

evidence that during the stay the student will have sufficient resources to cover subsistence costs without having recourse to the Member State's social assistance system as provided for in point (e) of Article 7(1), study costs, as well as the travel costs to the first Member State in the cases referred to in point (b) of Article 32(4);

| (e) | evidence that the fees charged by the higher education institution have been paid, where applicable. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

evidence that the fees charged by the higher education institution have been paid, where applicable.

The second Member State may require the notifier to provide, before the start of mobility, the address of the student concerned in the territory of the second Member State.

The second Member State may require the notifier to present the documents in an official language of that Member State or in any official language of the Union determined by that Member State.

7.   Based on the notification referred to in paragraph 2, the second Member State may object to the mobility of the student to its territory within 30 days from having received the complete notification where:

| (a) | the conditions set out in paragraphs 5 or 6 are not complied with; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the conditions set out in paragraphs 5 or 6 are not complied with;

| (b) | one of the grounds for rejection set out in point (b) or (c) of Article 20(1) or in paragraph 2 of that Article applies; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

one of the grounds for rejection set out in point (b) or (c) of Article 20(1) or in paragraph 2 of that Article applies;

| (c) | the maximum duration of stay referred to in paragraph 1 has been reached. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the maximum duration of stay referred to in paragraph 1 has been reached.

8.   Students who are considered to pose a threat to public policy, public security or public health shall not be allowed to enter or to stay on the territory of the second Member State.

9.   The competent authorities of the second Member State shall, without delay, inform the competent authorities of the first Member State and the notifier in writing about their objection to the mobility. Where the second Member State objects to the mobility in accordance with paragraph 7 the student shall not be allowed to carry out part of the studies in the higher education institution in the second Member State.

10.   After the period of objection has expired, the second Member State may issue a document to the student attesting that he or she is entitled to stay on its territory and enjoy the rights provided for in this Directive.

Article 32

Safeguards and sanctions in cases of mobility

1.   Where the authorisation for the purpose of research or studies is issued by the competent authorities of a Member State not applying the Schengen acquis in full and the researcher or student crosses an external border to enter a second Member State in the framework of mobility, the competent authorities of the second Member State shall be entitled to require as evidence of the mobility the valid authorisation issued by the first Member State and:

| (a) | a copy of the notification in accordance with Article 28(2) or Article 31(2), or |
| --- | --- |

(a)

a copy of the notification in accordance with Article 28(2) or Article 31(2), or

| (b) | where the second Member State allows mobility without notification, evidence that the student carries out part of the studies in the second Member State in the framework of a Union or multilateral programme that comprises mobility measures or an agreement between two or more higher education institutions, or for researchers, either a copy of the hosting agreement specifying the details of the mobility of the researcher or, where the details of the mobility are not specified in the hosting agreement, a letter from the research organisation in the second Member State that specifies at least the duration of the intra-EU mobility and the location of the research organisation in the second Member State. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

where the second Member State allows mobility without notification, evidence that the student carries out part of the studies in the second Member State in the framework of a Union or multilateral programme that comprises mobility measures or an agreement between two or more higher education institutions, or for researchers, either a copy of the hosting agreement specifying the details of the mobility of the researcher or, where the details of the mobility are not specified in the hosting agreement, a letter from the research organisation in the second Member State that specifies at least the duration of the intra-EU mobility and the location of the research organisation in the second Member State.

In the case of the family members of the researcher, the competent authorities of the second Member State shall be entitled to require as evidence of the mobility the valid authorisation issued by the first Member State and a copy of the notification in accordance with Article 30(2) or evidence that they are accompanying the researcher.

2.   Where the competent authorities of the first Member State withdraw the authorisation, they shall inform the authorities of the second Member State immediately, where applicable.

3.   The second Member State may require to be informed by the host entity of the second Member State or the researcher or the student of any modification which affects the conditions on which basis the mobility was allowed to take place.

4.   Where the researcher or, where applicable, his or her family members, or the student do not or no longer fulfil the conditions for mobility:

| (a) | the second Member State may request that the researcher and, where applicable, his or her family members, or the student immediately ceases all activities and leaves its territory; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the second Member State may request that the researcher and, where applicable, his or her family members, or the student immediately ceases all activities and leaves its territory;

| (b) | the first Member State shall, upon request of the second Member State, allow re-entry of the researcher and, where applicable, of his or her family members or of the student without formalities and without delay. This shall also apply if the authorisation issued by the first Member State has expired or has been withdrawn during the period of mobility within the second Member State. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the first Member State shall, upon request of the second Member State, allow re-entry of the researcher and, where applicable, of his or her family members or of the student without formalities and without delay. This shall also apply if the authorisation issued by the first Member State has expired or has been withdrawn during the period of mobility within the second Member State.

5.   Where the researcher or his or her family members or the student crosses the external border of a Member State applying the Schengen acquis in full, that Member State shall consult the Schengen information system. That Member State shall refuse entry or object to the mobility of persons for whom an alert for the purposes of refusing entry and stay has been issued in the Schengen information system.

CHAPTER VII

Procedure and transparency

Article 33

Sanctions against host entities

Member States may provide for sanctions against host entities or, in cases covered by Article 24, employers who have not fulfilled their obligations under this Directive. Those sanctions shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

Article 34

Procedural guarantees and transparency

1.   The competent authorities of the Member State concerned shall adopt a decision on the application for an authorisation or a renewal of it and notify the decision to the applicant in writing, in accordance with the notification procedures under national law, as soon as possible but not later than 90 days from the date on which the complete application was submitted.

2.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1 of this Article, in the event that the admission procedure is related to an approved host entity as referred to in Articles 9 and 15, the decision on the complete application shall be taken as soon as possible but at the latest within 60 days.

3.   Where the information or documentation supplied in support of the application is incomplete, the competent authorities shall notify the applicant within a reasonable period of the additional information that is required and set a reasonable deadline for providing it. The period referred to in paragraphs 1 or 2 shall be suspended until the competent authorities have received the additional information required. If additional information or documents have not been provided within the deadline, the application may be rejected.

4.   Reasons for a decision declaring inadmissible or rejecting an application or refusing renewal shall be given in writing to the applicant. Reasons for a decision withdrawing an authorisation shall be given in writing to the third-country national. Reasons for a decision withdrawing an authorisation may be given in writing also to the host entity.

5.   Any decision declaring inadmissible or rejecting an application, refusing renewal, or withdrawing an authorisation shall be open to legal challenge in the Member State concerned, in accordance with national law. The written notification shall specify the court or administrative authority with which an appeal may be lodged and the time-limit for lodging the appeal.

Article 35

Transparency and access to information

Member States shall make easily accessible to applicants the information on all the documentary evidence needed for an application and information on entry and residence conditions, including the rights, obligations and procedural safeguards, of the third-country nationals falling under the scope of this Directive and, where applicable, of their family members. This shall include, where applicable, the level of the monthly sufficient resources, including the sufficient resources needed to cover the study costs or the training costs, without prejudice to an individual examination of each case, and the applicable fees.

The competent authorities in each Member State shall publish lists of the host entities approved for the purposes of this Directive. Updated versions of such lists shall be published as soon as possible following any changes to them.

Article 36

Fees

Member States may require third-country nationals including, where applicable, family members, or host entities to pay fees for the handling of notifications and applications in accordance with this Directive. The level of such fees shall not be disproportionate or excessive.

CHAPTER VIII

Final provisions

Article 37

Cooperation between contact points

1.   Member States shall appoint contact points which shall cooperate effectively and be responsible for receiving and transmitting the information needed to implement Articles 28 to 32. Member States shall give preference to exchange of information via electronic means.

2.   Each Member State shall inform the other Member States, via the national contact points referred to in paragraph 1:

| (a) | about the procedures applied to mobility referred to in Articles 28 to 31; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

about the procedures applied to mobility referred to in Articles 28 to 31;

| (b) | whether that Member State only allows admission of students and researchers through approved research organisations or higher education institutions; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

whether that Member State only allows admission of students and researchers through approved research organisations or higher education institutions;

| (c) | about multilateral programmes for students and researchers that comprise mobility measures and agreements between two or more higher education institutions. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

about multilateral programmes for students and researchers that comprise mobility measures and agreements between two or more higher education institutions.

Article 38

Statistics

1.   Member States shall communicate to the Commission statistics on the number of authorisations issued for the purposes of this Directive and notifications received pursuant to Article 28(2) or Article 31(2) and, insofar as possible, the number of third-country nationals whose authorisations have been renewed or withdrawn. Statistics on admitted family members of researchers shall be communicated in the same manner. Those statistics shall be disaggregated by citizenship and, insofar as possible, by the period of validity of the authorisations.

2.   The statistics referred to in paragraph 1 shall relate to reference periods of one calendar year and shall be communicated to the Commission within six months of the end of the reference year. The first reference year shall be ... [three years after the entry into force of this Directive].

3.   The statistics referred to in paragraph 1 shall be communicated in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 862/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council (24).

Article 39

Reporting

Periodically, and for the first time by ... [seven years after the date of entry into force of this Directive], the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the application of this Directive in the Member States and propose amendments if appropriate.

Article 40

Transposition

1.   Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by ... [two years after the date of entry into force of this Directive] at the latest. They shall immediately communicate the text of those measures to the Commission.

When Member States adopt those measures, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or be accompanied by such a reference on the occasion of their official publication. They shall also include a statement that references in existing laws, regulations and administrative provisions to the Directives repealed by this Directive shall be construed as references to this Directive. Member States shall determine how such reference is to be made and how that statement is to be formulated.

2.   Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main provisions of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive.

Article 41

Repeal

Directives 2004/114/EC and 2005/71/EC are repealed for the Member States bound by this Directive with effect from ... [two years + 1 day after the date of entry into force of this Directive], without prejudice to the obligations of the Member States relating to the time-limits for transposition into national law of those Directives set out in Part B of Annex I to this Directive.

For the Member States bound by this Directive, references to the repealed Directives shall be construed as references to this Directive and shall be read in accordance with the correlation tables in Annex II.

Article 42

Entry into force

This Directive shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 43

Addressees

This Directive is addressed to the Member States in accordance with the Treaties.

Done at ...,

For the European Parliament

The President

For the Council

The President

---

(1)  OJ C 341, 21.11.2013, p. 50.

1

(2)  OJ C 114, 15.4.2014, p. 42.

2

(3)  Position of the European Parliament of 25 February 2014 and position of the Council at first reading of 10 March 2016.

3

(4)  Council Directive 2004/114/EC of 13 December 2004 on the conditions of admission of third-country nationals for the purposes of studies, pupil exchange, unremunerated training or voluntary service (OJ L 375, 23.12.2004, p. 12).

4

(5)  Council Directive 2005/71/EC of 12 October 2005 on a specific procedure for admitting third-country nationals for the purposes of scientific research (OJ L 289, 3.11.2005, p. 15).

5

(6)  Council Directive 2003/86/EC of 22 September 2003 on the right to family reunification (OJ L 251, 3.10.2003, p. 12).

6

(7)  OJ C 372, 20.12.2011, p. 36.

7

(8)  Directive 2014/66/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals in the framework of an intra-corporate transfer (OJ L 157, 27.5.2014, p. 1).

8

(9)  Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (OJ L 105, 13.4.2006, p. 1).

9

(10)  Regulation (EC) No 1987/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on the establishment, operation and use of the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) (OJ L 381, 28.12.2006, p. 4).

10

(11)  Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals (OJ L 348, 24.12.2008, p. 98).

11

(12)  Directive 2011/98/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on a single application procedure for a single permit for third-country nationals to reside and work in the territory of a Member State and on a common set of rights for third-country workers legally residing in a Member State (OJ L 343, 23.12.2011, p. 1).

12

(13)  Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the coordination of social security systems (OJ L 166, 30.4.2004, p. 1).

13

(14)  Regulation (EU) No 1231/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 extending Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 and Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 to nationals of third countries who are not already covered by these Regulations solely on the ground of their nationality (OJ L 344, 29.12.2010, p. 1).

14

(15)  Council Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 laying down a uniform format for residence permits for third-country nationals (OJ L 157, 15.6.2002, p. 1).

15

(16)  OJ C 369, 17.12.2011, p. 14.

16

(17)  Directive 2011/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on standards for the qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection, for a uniform status for refugees or for persons eligible for subsidiary protection, and for the content of the protection granted (OJ L 337, 20.12.2011, p. 9).

17

(18)  Council Directive 2001/55/EC of 20 July 2001 on minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons and on measures promoting a balance of efforts between Member States in receiving such persons and bearing the consequences thereof (OJ L 212, 7.8.2001, p. 12).

18

(19)  Council Directive 2003/109/EC of 25 November 2003 concerning the status of third-country nationals who are long-term residents (OJ L 16, 23.1.2004, p. 44).

19

(20)  Council Directive 2009/50/EC of 25 May 2009 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment (OJ L 155, 18.6.2009, p. 17).

20

(21)  Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 between the Governments of the States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of checks at their common borders (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 19).

21

(22)  Council Regulation (EC) No 1683/95 of 29 May 1995 laying down a uniform format for visas (OJ L 164, 14.7.1995, p. 1).

22

(23)  Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2008 on the establishment of the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (OJ C 111, 6.5.2008, p. 1).

23

(24)  Regulation (EC) No 862/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 July 2007 on Community statistics on migration and international protection and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 311/76 on the compilation of statistics on foreign workers (OJ L 199, 31.7.2007, p. 23).

24

---

ANNEX I

Part A

Repealed Directives

(referred to in Article 41)

| Council Directive 2004/114/EC | (OJ L 375, 23.12.2004, p. 12). |
| --- | --- |
| Council Directive 2005/71/EC | (OJ L 289, 3.11.2005, p. 15). |

Council Directive 2004/114/EC

(OJ L 375, 23.12.2004, p. 12).

Council Directive 2005/71/EC

(OJ L 289, 3.11.2005, p. 15).

Part B

Time-limits for transposition into national law [and dates of application]

(referred to in Article 41)

| Directive | Time-limit for transposition | Date of application |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2004/114/EC | 12.1.2007 | |
| 2005/71/EC | 12.10.2007 | |

Directive

Time-limit for transposition

Date of application

2004/114/EC

12.1.2007

2005/71/EC

12.10.2007

---

ANNEX II

Correlation Tables

| Directive 2004/114/EC | This Directive |
| --- | --- |
| Article 1(a) | Article 1(a) |
| Article 1(b) | — |
| — | Article 1(b) |
| Article 2, introductory wording | Article 3, introductory wording |
| Article 2(a) | Article 3(1) |
| Article 2(b) | Article 3(3) |
| Article 2(c) | Article 3(4) |
| Article 2(d) | Article 3(5) |
| — | Article 3(6) |
| Article 2(e) | Article 3(11) and (13) |
| Article 2(f) | Article 3(7) |
| Article 2(g) | Article 3(22) |
| — | Article 3(8) |
| — | Article 3(12) |
| — | Article 3(14) to (21) |
| — | Article 3(23) and (24) |
| Article 3(1) | Article 2(1) |
| Article 3(2)(a) to (d) | Article 2(2)(a) to (d) |
| Article 3(2)(e) | — |
| — | Article 2(2)(e) to (g) |
| Article 4 | Article 4 |
| Article 5 | Article 5(1) |
| — | Article 5(2) and (3) |
| — | Article 6 |
| Article 6(1)(a) to (c) and (e) | Article 7(1)(a) to (d) |
| Article 6(1)(d) | Article 7(6) |
| Article 6(2) | — |
| — | Article 7(2) and (3) |
| Article 7(1), introductory wording | Article 11(1), introductory wording |
| Article 7(1)(a) | Article 11(1)(a) |
| Article 7(1)(b) | Articles 7(1)(e) and 11(1)(d) |
| Article 7(1)(c) | Article 11(1)(c) |
| Article 7(1)(d) | Article 11(1)(b) |
| Article 7(2) | Article 11(2) |
| — | Article 11(3) |
| Article 8 | Article 31 |
| Article 9(1) and (2) | Article 12(1) and (2) |
| Article 10, introductory wording | Article 13(1), introductory wording |
| Article 10(a) | Article 13(1)(a) |
| — | Article 13(1)(b) |
| Article 10(b) | Articles 7(1)(e) and 13(1)(c) |
| Article 10(c) | Article 13(1)(d) |
| — | Article 13(1)(e) and (f) |
| — | Article 13(2) to (4) |
| Article 11, introductory wording | Article 14(1), introductory wording |
| Article 11(a) | Article 14(2) |
| Article 11(b) | Article 14(1)(a) |
| — | Article 14(1)(b) |
| Article 11(c) | Article 14(1)(c) |
| Article 11(d) | Article 14(1)(d) |
| Article 12(1) | Article 18(2) |
| Article 12(2) | Article 21(2)(f) |
| Article 13 | Article 18(4) |
| Article 14 | Article 18(6) |
| Article 15 | Article 18(7) |
| — | Article 18(3), (5), (8) and (9) |
| — | Articles 16, 17 and 19 |
| Article 16(1) | Article 21(1)(a) and (b) |
| — | Article 21(1)(c) and (d) |
| Article 16(2) | Article 21(4) |
| — | Article 21(2)(a) to (e) |
| — | Article 21(3) |
| — | Article 21(5) to (7) |
| — | Article 22(3) and (4) |
| Article 17(1), first subparagraph, first sentence | Article 24(1) |
| Article 17(1), first subparagraph, second sentence | Article 24(3) |
| Article 17(1), second subparagraph | Article 24(2) |
| Article 17(2) | Article 24(3) |
| Article 17(3) and (4) | — |
| — | Article 24 |
| — | Article 27 |
| — | Article 30 |
| — | Articles 32 and 33 |
| Article 18(1) | Article 34(1) |
| — | Article 34(2) |
| Article 18(2), (3) and (4) | Article 34(3), (4) and (5) |
| Article 19 | — |
| — | Article 35, first paragraph |
| Article 20 | Article 36 |
| — | Articles 37 and 38 |
| Article 21 | Article 39 |
| Articles 22 to 25 | — |
| — | Articles 40 to 42 |
| Article 26 | Article 43 |
| — | Annexes I and II |

Directive 2004/114/EC

This Directive

Article 1(a)

Article 1(a)

Article 1(b)

—

—

Article 1(b)

Article 2, introductory wording

Article 3, introductory wording

Article 2(a)

Article 3(1)

Article 2(b)

Article 3(3)

Article 2(c)

Article 3(4)

Article 2(d)

Article 3(5)

—

Article 3(6)

Article 2(e)

Article 3(11) and (13)

Article 2(f)

Article 3(7)

Article 2(g)

Article 3(22)

—

Article 3(8)

—

Article 3(12)

—

Article 3(14) to (21)

—

Article 3(23) and (24)

Article 3(1)

Article 2(1)

Article 3(2)(a) to (d)

Article 2(2)(a) to (d)

Article 3(2)(e)

—

—

Article 2(2)(e) to (g)

Article 4

Article 4

Article 5

Article 5(1)

—

Article 5(2) and (3)

—

Article 6

Article 6(1)(a) to (c) and (e)

Article 7(1)(a) to (d)

Article 6(1)(d)

Article 7(6)

Article 6(2)

—

—

Article 7(2) and (3)

Article 7(1), introductory wording

Article 11(1), introductory wording

Article 7(1)(a)

Article 11(1)(a)

Article 7(1)(b)

Articles 7(1)(e) and 11(1)(d)

Article 7(1)(c)

Article 11(1)(c)

Article 7(1)(d)

Article 11(1)(b)

Article 7(2)

Article 11(2)

—

Article 11(3)

Article 8

Article 31

Article 9(1) and (2)

Article 12(1) and (2)

Article 10, introductory wording

Article 13(1), introductory wording

Article 10(a)

Article 13(1)(a)

—

Article 13(1)(b)

Article 10(b)

Articles 7(1)(e) and 13(1)(c)

Article 10(c)

Article 13(1)(d)

—

Article 13(1)(e) and (f)

—

Article 13(2) to (4)

Article 11, introductory wording

Article 14(1), introductory wording

Article 11(a)

Article 14(2)

Article 11(b)

Article 14(1)(a)

—

Article 14(1)(b)

Article 11(c)

Article 14(1)(c)

Article 11(d)

Article 14(1)(d)

Article 12(1)

Article 18(2)

Article 12(2)

Article 21(2)(f)

Article 13

Article 18(4)

Article 14

Article 18(6)

Article 15

Article 18(7)

—

Article 18(3), (5), (8) and (9)

—

Articles 16, 17 and 19

Article 16(1)

Article 21(1)(a) and (b)

—

Article 21(1)(c) and (d)

Article 16(2)

Article 21(4)

—

Article 21(2)(a) to (e)

—

Article 21(3)

—

Article 21(5) to (7)

—

Article 22(3) and (4)

Article 17(1), first subparagraph, first sentence

Article 24(1)

Article 17(1), first subparagraph, second sentence

Article 24(3)

Article 17(1), second subparagraph

Article 24(2)

Article 17(2)

Article 24(3)

Article 17(3) and (4)

—

—

Article 24

—

Article 27

—

Article 30

—

Articles 32 and 33

Article 18(1)

Article 34(1)

—

Article 34(2)

Article 18(2), (3) and (4)

Article 34(3), (4) and (5)

Article 19

—

—

Article 35, first paragraph

Article 20

Article 36

—

Articles 37 and 38

Article 21

Article 39

Articles 22 to 25

—

—

Articles 40 to 42

Article 26

Article 43

—

Annexes I and II

| Directive 2005/71/EC | This Directive |
| --- | --- |
| Article 1 | Article 1(a) |
| Article 2, introductory wording | Article 3, introductory wording |
| Article 2(a) | Article 3(1) |
| Article 2(b) | Article 3(9) |
| Article 2(c) | Article 3(10) |
| Article 2(d) | Article 3(2) |
| Article 2(e) | Article 3(22) |
| Article 3(1) | Article 2(1) |
| Article 3(2)(a) | Article 2(2)(a) |
| Article 3(2)(b) | — |
| Article 3(2)(c) | Article 2(2)(b) |
| Article 3(2)(d) | — |
| Article 4 | Article 4 |
| Article 5(1) | Article 9(1) |
| Article 5(2) | Article 9(2) |
| Article 5(3) | Article 8(2) |
| Article 5(4) | Article 10(7) |
| Article 5(5) | Article 35, second paragraph |
| Article 5(6) | Article 9(3) |
| Article 5(7) | Article 10(8) |
| Article 6(1) | Article 10(1) |
| — | Article 10(2) |
| Article 6(2)(a) | Article 10(4) |
| Article 6(2)(b) | Article 7(1)(e) |
| Article 6(2)(c) | Article 7(1)(c) |
| Article 6(2)(d) | Article 10(3) |
| Article 6(3) | — |
| Article 6(4) and (5) | Article 10(5) and (6) |
| Article 7(1)(a) | Article 7(1)(a) |
| Article 7(1)(b) | Article 8(1) |
| Article 7(1)(c) | Article 8(2) |
| Article 7(1)(d) | Article 7(6) |
| Article 7(1), last subparagraph | — |
| Article 7(2) | — |
| Article 7(3) | Article 5(3) |
| Article 8 | Article 18(1) |
| Article 9 | Article 26 |
| Article 10(1) | Article 21(1)(a), (b) and (d) |
| Article 10(2) | Article 21(4) |
| Article 11(1) and (2) | Article 23 |
| Article 12 | Article 22(1) and (2) |
| Article 13 | Articles 28 and 29 |
| Article 14(1) | Article 7(5) |
| Article 14(2) and (3) | Article 7(4) |
| Article 14(4) | Article 5(3) |
| Article 15(1) | Article 34(1) |
| — | Article 34(2) |
| Article 15(2) | Article 34(3) |
| Article 15(3) | Article 34(4) |
| Article 15(4) | Article 34(5) |
| Article 16 | Article 39 |
| Article 17 to 20 | — |
| Article 21 | Article 43 |

Directive 2005/71/EC

This Directive

Article 1

Article 1(a)

Article 2, introductory wording

Article 3, introductory wording

Article 2(a)

Article 3(1)

Article 2(b)

Article 3(9)

Article 2(c)

Article 3(10)

Article 2(d)

Article 3(2)

Article 2(e)

Article 3(22)

Article 3(1)

Article 2(1)

Article 3(2)(a)

Article 2(2)(a)

Article 3(2)(b)

—

Article 3(2)(c)

Article 2(2)(b)

Article 3(2)(d)

—

Article 4

Article 4

Article 5(1)

Article 9(1)

Article 5(2)

Article 9(2)

Article 5(3)

Article 8(2)

Article 5(4)

Article 10(7)

Article 5(5)

Article 35, second paragraph

Article 5(6)

Article 9(3)

Article 5(7)

Article 10(8)

Article 6(1)

Article 10(1)

—

Article 10(2)

Article 6(2)(a)

Article 10(4)

Article 6(2)(b)

Article 7(1)(e)

Article 6(2)(c)

Article 7(1)(c)

Article 6(2)(d)

Article 10(3)

Article 6(3)

—

Article 6(4) and (5)

Article 10(5) and (6)

Article 7(1)(a)

Article 7(1)(a)

Article 7(1)(b)

Article 8(1)

Article 7(1)(c)

Article 8(2)

Article 7(1)(d)

Article 7(6)

Article 7(1), last subparagraph

—

Article 7(2)

—

Article 7(3)

Article 5(3)

Article 8

Article 18(1)

Article 9

Article 26

Article 10(1)

Article 21(1)(a), (b) and (d)

Article 10(2)

Article 21(4)

Article 11(1) and (2)

Article 23

Article 12

Article 22(1) and (2)

Article 13

Articles 28 and 29

Article 14(1)

Article 7(5)

Article 14(2) and (3)

Article 7(4)

Article 14(4)

Article 5(3)

Article 15(1)

Article 34(1)

—

Article 34(2)

Article 15(2)

Article 34(3)

Article 15(3)

Article 34(4)

Article 15(4)

Article 34(5)

Article 16

Article 39

Article 17 to 20

—

Article 21

Article 43

---

| 11.5.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 170/40 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

11.5.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 170/40

---

Statement of the Councils reasons: Position (EU) No 9/2016 of the Council at first reading with a view to the adoption of a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au pairing

(2016/C 170/02)

I.   INTRODUCTION

On 25 March 2013, the Commission adopted a proposal for a Directive on the conditions for entry and residence for the purposes of research, studies, pupil exchange, remunerated and unremunerated training, voluntary service and au pairing.

The European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions adopted their opinions on the proposal respectively on 18 September 2013 and on 28-29 November 2013.

The relevant Council bodies started discussing the proposal in April 2013. On 25 February 2014, the European Parliament adopted its position at first reading. The Council was not in a position to accept the outcome of the European Parliament's first reading and, on 10 December 2014, the Permanent Representatives Committee endorsed the mandate authorising the Council to start negotiations with the European Parliament.

Following six informal trilogues between the Council and the European Parliament, on 3 and 31 March, 26 May, 16 July, 29 October and 17 November 2015, an agreement on the text was reached between the two co-legislators, assisted by the Commission. At its meeting on 26 November, the Permanent Representatives Committee endorsed the text negotiated with the European Parliament. The Council adopted its political agreement on this text at its meeting on 4 December 2015. Prior to that, the Chair of the European Parliament's LIBE Committee had, in a letter of 1 December 2015 addressed to the Chairman of Coreper, indicated that if that compromise text was to be transmitted to Parliament as Council's position at first reading, he would recommend to the members of LIBE, and subsequently to the plenary, that the Council's position be accepted without amendments in Parliament's second reading, subject to verification by the lawyer-linguists of both institutions.

The European Parliament and the Commission made a statement which will be inserted in the Council minutes.

In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Protocol on the Position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, those Member States are not taking part in the adoption of the Directive and are not bound by it or subject to its application.

In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Protocol on the Position of Denmark, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of the Directive and is not bound by it or subject to its application.

The Council adopted its position at first reading on 10 March 2016 in accordance with Article 294 of the Treaty.

II.   OBJECTIVE

The proposal amends and recasts Directive 2004/114/EC on the conditions of admission of third-country nationals for the purposes of studies, pupil exchange, unremunerated training or voluntary service and Directive 2005/71/EC on the conditions of admission of third-country nationals for the purposes of scientific research. The objective of this proposal is to improve the legal framework applicable to the categories of third-country nationals covered by the two above mentioned directives as well as to extend the scope of the directive to new categories of third-country nationals (remunerated trainees and au-pairs).

III.   ANALYSIS OF THE COUNCIL'S POSITION AT FIRST READING

General

The negotiations took place in the policy context shaped by the March 2014 Commission Communication ‘An open and secure Europe: making it happen’ (1) and the June 2014 European Council strategic guidelines for the further development of the area of freedom, security and justice (2). The European Council stressed that, faced with global and European demographic trends, Europe needs to remain an attractive destination for talents and skills. For this purpose, Europe must develop strategies to maximise the opportunities of legal migration through coherent and efficient rules. Also, in the context of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, immigration as a source of highly skilled people remains an important aspect.

The final phase of negotiations in 2015 coincided with the migration and refugee crisis. In this context it was important to conclude negotiations on this Directive thus creating more opportunities for third-country nationals to enter the EU legally. The May 2015 Commission Communication ‘A European Agenda on Migration’ (3) called for a swift adoption of the Directive that would give students and researchers — regarded as strategically important groups — new mobility and job-seeking opportunities in the EU.

Key issues

In line with the provisions of the Joint Declaration on practical arrangements for the co-decision procedure (4), representatives of the Council, the Parliament and the Commission engaged in contacts with a view to concluding an agreement on this proposal. With a view to reconciling the position of both institutions and taking account of the agreement reached in those contacts, the Council adopts its position at first reading on a Directive on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, pupil exchange, remunerated and unremunerated training, voluntary service and au pairing introducing the following key modifications to the Commission proposal:

Scope (Article 2)

While the Commission made all the categories mandatory in its proposal, in the Council's position only researchers, students, trainees and volunteers in the European Voluntary Service appear as mandatory categories. The categories of pupils, other volunteers and au-pairs are optional in the Council's position. This stems from the view of the Council that the main objective of the Directive is to attract highly skilled third-country nationals to the EU.

Regarding trainees, the Council decided to do away with the distinction between remunerated and unremunerated trainees, which was not considered relevant for the purposes of this Directive, and refer to the general category of trainees instead. On the other hand, the category of volunteers has been split into those volunteers participating in the European Voluntary Service and others. It is important to have harmonised rules across the EU to ensure access to the European Voluntary Service, which is part of the EU's Erasmus+ programme and has an international dimension. The importance of this approach is less obvious in the case of other volunteers. Therefore, that category is optional in the Council's position.

More favourable provisions (Article 4)

The Council adds some provisions with respect to which Member States can either adopt or maintain more favourable provisions. Namely, the Council gives Member States the possibility not to require that the hosting agreement contains the title or purpose of the research activity or the research area (point (a) of Article 10(2)). Member States are also given the possibility to provide for authorisations with a longer duration than what is provided for in Article 18. The reference to Article 35 on transparency and access to information enables Member States to make more information accessible to applicants if deemed necessary. Amendment 25 of the European Parliament was thus only partially accepted by the Council given that the aim of the Directive is to harmonise the rules applied across Member States, especially when it comes to its core provisions.

Principles (Article 5)

The Council inserts an additional principle enabling Member Stats to require the applicant to present the documentary evidence required under this Directive for the purposes of admission, either in an official language of the Member State concerned or in any official language of the EU as determined by the Member State concerned. This is an important principle for Member States facilitating the work of their administrations and helping to speed up the processing of applications.

Volumes of admission (Article 6)

The Council reiterates the principle set out in Article 79(5) TFEU concerning the right of Member States to determine the volumes of admission of third-country nationals coming to their territory for the purpose of work. The Council clarifies that this principle can only apply if the specific category of third-country nationals is considered to be in an employment relationship in the Member State concerned. It, furthermore, explicitly mentions that the volumes of admission can never be applied to students, even if they are allowed to work during their studies, as by definition they apply to be admitted for the purpose of study. A similar article on volumes of admission is included in Directive 2014/66/EU (5) (the ICT Directive) and in Directive 2014/36/EU (6) (the Seasonal Workers' Directive).

General conditions for admission (Article 7)

In point (a) of paragraph (1) of Article 7, the Council considers it necessary, for the purpose of clarity, to list, in addition to the valid travel document, all possible documents that can be required for entry purposes, depending on the specific national system or the specific situation of the third-country national.

The Council aligns point (e) of paragraph (1) with the corresponding provisions of the ICT Directive (Article 5(5)) and the Seasonal Workers Directive (Article 5(3)) by inserting ‘without having recourse to the Member State's social assistance system’. In addition, the Council inserts, for the purpose of clarity, an open list of sources where sufficient resources can derive from. Considering the wide range of categories covered by the Directive, such a list is useful to guide Member States in making the assessment of ‘sufficient resources’. The Council also inserts a new provision in this Article (paragraph 3) enabling Member States to indicate a reference amount which they regard as constituting ‘sufficient resources’. In Article 35, on transparency and access to information, the Council includes an obligation for Member States to make the information concerning the level of monthly sufficient resources easily accessible to applicants. This will provide clear information to applicants and others concerned, regarding the requirements concerning ‘sufficient resources’ in different Member States.

The Council inserts a new paragraph 2 enabling Member States to require the applicant to provide the address of the third-country national concerned in its territory. Such a requirement is already established practice in a number of Member States and the address is needed for purposes such as communicating with the applicant or allocating administrative competence in the Member State concerned. The Council also specifies that where the address is required at the time of application and the third-country national does not yet know the future address, Member States will accept a temporary address. The requirement for the applicant to present the address is also included in the ICT Directive.

The Council inserts paragraphs 4 and 5 to specify where and by whom applications for authorisations can be submitted. In the Commission's proposal, the corresponding provisions appeared in the Article on specific conditions for researchers. The Council moves them to the Article on general conditions making them applicable to all the categories covered by this Directive. As far as the substance is concerned, the Commission proposal provides that applications shall be considered and examined when the third-country national concerned is residing outside the territory of the Member State to which he or she wishes to be admitted. The Council agreed, taking into account Amendment 28 of the European Parliament, that applications shall also be considered and examined when the third-country national is already residing in that Member State as holder of a valid residence permit or long-stay visa.

The Council inserts a new paragraph 6 stating that third-country nationals who are considered to pose a threat to public policy, public security or public health shall not be admitted under this Directive. In the Commission proposal, a similar provision appears in paragraph 1 of this Article concerning the evidence and proof the applicant is requested to provide as part of the application. The Council considers that this provision should rather appear as a ground for inadmissibility with the burden of proof being on Member States. A similar approach is being used in the ICT Directive (Article 5(8)) and the Seasonal Workers Directive (Article 6(4)).

Approval of host entities (Articles 9 and 15)

While the Commission proposal provided for an obligatory approval procedure for research organisations and no approval procedure for the host entities receiving other categories, the Council decided to apply the same approach to all the host entities. The Council agrees that Member States are free to decide whether they will require that admission under this Directive will take place through approved host entities or not.

In the case of research organisations, for example, Member States are free to require the approval of public and/or private research organisations or they can decide that no approval is required. This leaves Member States sufficient flexibility to adopt the best approach taking into account their legal systems.

As part of this approach, the Council position provides that Member States shall apply a facilitated procedure for all third-country nationals applying to be admitted through approved host entities (paragraph 3 of Article 8; paragraph 3 of Article 11). Such applicants shall be exempted from presenting some of the documents or evidence required under this Directive. Another element of facilitation is that a decision on an application submitted through approved host entities should be taken within 60 days at the latest (paragraph 2 of Article 34), the standard deadline being 90 days. When setting up such a procedure, the Council took into consideration the spirit of Amendment 57 of the European Parliament concerning a fast-track procedure.

The category of researchers (Articles 3, 8, 9, 10)

The Council broadens the definition of researchers in Article 3 by adding that, in addition to holding a degree giving access to doctoral programmes, they can also be holders of a doctoral degree.

In Article 8 concerning the specific admission conditions for researchers, the Council adds a clarification that the financial responsibility of the research organisation is limited until the starting date of the permit for job-searching or entrepreneurship issued in accordance with Article 25 (paragraph 2). From the moment such a permit is issued, the third-country national concerned will no longer be considered a researcher under this Directive.

In Article 10 on hosting agreements, the Council amends the Commission position by setting out that Member States may provide that contracts shall be considered equivalent to hosting agreements in the application of this Directive provided they contain the same elements as hosting agreements (paragraph 1). This modification stems from the current practice in some Member States.

As far as the content of hosting agreements is concerned, the Council converts some of the mandatory provisions into optional ones. It is left to Member States to decide whether they will require some of the information to be contained in the hosting agreement or not (points (a) and (b) of paragraph 3). The Council considers it important to minimise the administrative burden placed on research organisations.

The Council also adds a requirement for the hosting agreement to contain information on the intended mobility in second Member States in case that is known at the time of application in the first Member State (point (e) of paragraph 2). Such information is considered important in the context of the mobility scheme devised for researchers under this Directive (Articles 28 and 29).

The category of students (Articles 3, 11 and 24)

In the definition of a student in Article 3, the Council adds a specification that the full-time course of study in the EU, for which the student is admitted, can also include a period of training as part of these studies. In Article 11 on the specific admission conditions for students, the Council adds a requirement for the applicant to provide evidence, if the Member State so requires, that the third-country national will have sufficient resources to cover the study costs. This is considered necessary because study costs refer to books, study material, etc. that are neither covered by the requirement for sufficient resources in Article 7 (covering subsistence and travel costs) nor by the fees charged by the higher education institution as referred to in point (b) of paragraph 1 of Article 11.

In order to allow students to cover part of the cost of their studies they shall be entitled, in accordance with Article 24, to have access to the labour market of the Member State where the studies are undertaken. The Council modifies the Commission proposal by setting the minimum amount of hours that students are allowed to work per week at 15, a balanced compromise taking into account the different national practices. The Council maintains the principle that Member States should be able to take into account the situation of their labour markets (paragraph 3) without the addition suggested by the European Parliament in Amendment 46. The labour market test always concerns a specific job and, therefore, cannot be done in a systematic manner. However, in order to meet the concerns of the European Parliament, Recital 52 of the Council position explains that access of students to the labour market should be the general rule and Member States should take the situation in their labour markets into account only in exceptional circumstances.

The category of school pupils (Articles 3, 12)

This is an optional category in the Council's position. In the definition of a school pupil in Article 3, the Council adds further details in order to cater for different national systems. Thus, a programme of secondary education can either be recognised (or not) at a state or regional level and it can either correspond to lower secondary or upper secondary education. The Council broadens the definition by adding that school pupils can also be admitted for educational projects in addition to exchange schemes as suggested by the Commission. The former does not require an exchange of pupils. In point (e) of paragraph 1 of Article 12 on the specific admission conditions for school pupils, the Council adds a possibility for school pupils to be accommodated, in addition to a family, also in a special accommodation facility within the education establishment or any other facility meeting the required conditions.

The category of trainees (Articles 3, 13)

As far as the definition of a trainee is concerned, the Council narrows it down by adding a requirement that a trainee must be someone who either holds a degree of higher education or who is studying for a higher education degree. This is in line with the view of the Council that the primary aim of this Directive is to target highly skilled third-country nationals. At the same time, the Council does away with the distinction between unremunerated and remunerated trainees and opts for a general category of trainees. In the specific admission conditions for trainees in Article 13, the Council adds a number of requirements to be met by the third-country national concerned. This purpose of the Council is to put in place sufficient safeguards to make sure that no abuses take place when admitting this category of third-country nationals to the territory of the EU. Member States consider that there is a risk that trainees can be used to substitute employees with worse conditions and terms of employment.

Therefore, the Council adds in point (a) of paragraph 1 that the training agreement has to provide for a theoretical and practical training, and that Member States may require that the terms of the agreement meet the requirements in national law, collective agreements or practices.

In line with the changes made in the definition of a trainee, the Council adds, in Article 13, a requirement for evidence to be presented that the third-country national has obtained a higher education degree within the two years preceding the date of application for a traineeship or that he or she is pursuing a course of study that leads to a higher education degree (point b of paragraph 1). In addition, Member States may require that the traineeship is in the same field and at the same qualification level as the higher education degree or the course being pursued (paragraph 2). This requirement runs counter to the intention of the European Parliament that, with its Amendment 32, deleted such a condition.

The Council also adds that the applicant shall provide evidence, if the Member State so requires, that the third-country national has sufficient resources to cover the training costs, that the host entity accepts responsibility for the trainee throughout the stay and of the fact that the accommodation meets the required conditions if the trainee is accommodated by the host entity. The Council adds a possibility, similarly to the one set out in the case of researchers, for Member States to require that a host entity assumes financial responsibility for a trainee in case he or she remains illegally in the territory of the Member State concerned (paragraph 4). Whereas the Commission proposal states that Member States may require the host entity to declare that the third-country national is not filling a job, the Council goes a bit further enabling Member State to require the host entity to substantiate that the traineeship does not replace a job (paragraph 3).

The category of volunteers (Articles 14)

In the Council's position volunteers participating in the European Voluntary Service appear as a mandatory category whereas other volunteers remain an optional category. As far as the conditions of admission of volunteers are concerned, the Council accepts in spirit Amendment 33 of the European Parliament concerning the content of the agreement with the host entity that has to be provided (point (a) of paragraph 1 of Article 14). In addition, the Council considers it necessary to insert, just like in the case of school pupils and trainees, the possibility for Member States to require evidence that the accommodation meets the conditions set by the Member State concerned if the third-country national is accommodated by the host entity (point (b) of paragraph 1). Since this is already existing practice in several Member States, the Council adds a possibility for Member States to determine a minimum and maximum age limit for third-country nationals who apply to be admitted to a voluntary service scheme (paragraph 2). This shall, however, be without prejudice to the rules of the European Voluntary Service. In order to ensure compatibility with the requirements under the European Voluntary Service scheme, the Council states that applicants to that scheme are exempted from the requirement to present evidence under some provisions of this Directive (paragraph 3).

The category of au-pairs (Article 16)

This is an optional category in the Council's position. In Article 16 on the specific admission conditions for au-pairs, the Council fully accepts the content of Amendments 34 and 35 of the European Parliament concerning the rights and obligations of au-pairs. Here the Council goes even further and specifies that the maximum number of hours of au-pair duties per week shall not exceed 25 (paragraph 5 of Article 16). However, the Council slightly modifies the minimum age of au-pairs which is set at 17 in the Commission's proposal and at 18 in the Council's position. This follows the current practice in several Member States.

The Council also adds several requirements for the admission of au-pairs. Namely, Member States are free to ask the third-country national to provide evidence of basic knowledge of the language of the host country, of secondary education or professional qualifications (paragraph 2). Reflecting the current practice in some Member States, the Council provides that Member States can determine that the placement of au-pairs can only be carried out by an organisation mediating au-pairs (paragraph 3). The Council also adds a possibility for Member States to require the members of the host family to be of different nationality than the third-country national au-pair and not to have any family links with the au-pair (paragraph 4). Member States are also free to set a minimum sum of money as pocket money to be paid to the au-pair (paragraph 6).

Authorisations to be granted under this Directive (Articles 17, 18 and 19)

In Article 17, the Council adds further details to the initial Commission proposal concerning the various terms to be entered on the authorisations. Here the Council adopts an approach similar to the one used in the Seasonal Workers' Directive.

The Council follows the approach of the Commission when it comes to the length of the authorisations issued for researchers, students, school pupils, au-pairs and volunteers (Article 18) and rejects thus Amendment 37 of the European Parliament. The Council complements the Commission proposal by explicitly stating that Member States may allow for the renewal of the authorisations of school pupils and au-pairs under certain conditions. In addition, the Council position provides that the duration of the authorisation for researchers and students, who are covered by Union or multilateral programmes that comprise mobility measures, shall be at least two years or equal to the duration of the hosting agreement or studies in case this is shorter (provided certain conditions are met). This provision was added in order to further facilitate the stay of this group of third-country nationals in the EU.

As far as trainees are concerned, the Council modifies the Commission proposal by setting out that the duration of the authorisation shall be for a maximum period of six months. Member States may, however, provide for a longer duration corresponding to the duration of the training agreement in accordance with national law. This is related to the position of the Council that additional safeguards are needed for this category of third-country nationals.

In Article 19, concerning additional information, the Council adds references to pieces of information that can be indicated as additional information either on a residence permit or a long-stay visa. In this context, the wording suggested by Amendment 39 of the European Parliament is rejected as superfluous by the Council.

Grounds for rejection and for withdrawal or non-renewal of an authorisation (Articles 20 and 21)

When it comes to the grounds for rejection, the Council position follows the spirit of Amendment 40 of the European Parliament and converts a number of the mandatory grounds for rejection into optional ones (points (a), (c), (d) of paragraph 2 of Article 20). The wording in some of those provisions has, however, been aligned with the one in the corresponding provisions of the ICT and Seasonal Workers' Directives.

In addition, the Council adds a new mandatory ground which is related to the approval procedure devised for host entities in this Directive (point (c) of paragraph 1). The Council also inserts several new optional grounds for rejection. It deems important that Member States are able to reject an application if the host entity or the host family does not meet the terms of employment as provided for by applicable laws, collective agreements or practices of the Member State concerned (point (b) of paragraph 2). This provision aims to protect third-country nationals from exploitation and to avoid social dumping. Point (e) of paragraph 2 concerning a situation where a host entity has gone out of business is taken over from the ICT Directive. The Council also inserts a ground that enables a Member State to reject an application where it establishes that the third-country national would reside for purposes other than for which he or she applies to be admitted (point (f) of paragraph 2). The objective of this ground is to enable Member States to fight against abuse and misuse of the procedures set out in this Directive. The Council also adds a possibility for Member States to reject an application after having conducted a labour market test as it is important for Member States to be able to manage their labour markets (paragraph 3).

As a safeguard for applicants and respecting the views of the European Parliament, the Council adds that any decision to reject an application shall take account of the specific circumstances of the case and respect the principle of proportionality (paragraph 4).

The grounds for withdrawal or non-renewal (Article 21) to a large extent mirror the ones for rejection with some differences. The ground referring to a situation where a third-country national resides for purposes other than those for which he or she was authorised to reside (point (d) of paragraph 1) remains a mandatory one in the Council's position while the European Parliament in its position had made it an optional provision. On the other hand, the Council accepts the ideas of the European Parliament and adds that when considering withdrawing the authorisation of a student for lack of progress in studies, the Member State concerned may consult the host entity on this matter (paragraph 3). The Council also accepts the Parliament's amendment according to which a student shall be allowed to submit an application to a different higher education institution to be able to complete his or her studies where withdrawal or non-renewal is considered for reasons that do not concern the student (paragraph 6). When it comes to the possibility to refuse renewal as a result of the labour market test (paragraph 5), the Council took into consideration the concerns expressed by the European Parliament and excluded researchers who continue to be employed by the same host entity. The Parliament's amendment concerning public policy and public security grounds (paragraph 4) was not accepted by the Council. The wording in Recital 36 was considered sufficient in this context.

Right to equal treatment (Article 22)

Regarding equal treatment with nationals of the host Member State, the Council position modifies the Commission proposal. It follows closely Article 12 (Right to Equal Treatment) of Directive 2011/98/EU (the Single Permit Directive) as this Directive covers all third-country nationals that are legally residing and are either working or allowed to work in a Member State.

According to the Council position, essentially the rights set out in Article 12 of the Single Permit Directive together with the possible restrictions provided therein apply to researchers and students, as well as trainees, volunteers and au-pairs when they are considered to be in an employment relationship in the Member State concerned. In this context, researchers are always considered to be in employment and they are entitled to the related rights as set out in the Single Permit Directive. The Council rejects Amendment 43 of the European Parliament according to which the restrictions set out in the Single Permit Directive concerning education and vocational training as well as branches of social security should not apply to researchers and students.

Regarding the rights of trainees, volunteers and au-pairs who are not considered to be in an employment relationship in the Member State concerned, the Council position goes further than Amendment 44 of the European Parliament and states that, in addition to equal treatment in relation to access to goods and services, they are also entitled to equal treatment in relation to recognition of diplomas, certificates and other professional qualifications.

Stay for the purpose of job-searching or entrepreneurship for researchers and students (Article 25)

The Council position provides for the possibility for researchers and students to stay on the territory of the Member State that had issued them an authorisation under this Directive, to seek employment or set up a business for a period of at least 9 months. The Council thus rejects the European Parliament amendment for this provision. The period of 9 months is regarded sufficient in order to find employment or set up a business. The period after which the Member State concerned may require third-country nationals to prove that they have a genuine chance of being engaged or of launching a business is a minimum of 3 months in the Council's position, which differs from the amendment of the European Parliament. The Council adds a possibility for Member States to require that the employment the third-country national is seeking or the business he or she is in the process of setting up corresponds to the level of research or of studies completed.

The Council also enables Member States to set a minimum level of degree (which cannot be higher than a Master's degree or the equivalent) that students must have achieved in order to benefit from this right. According to the Council position, Member States can require that a host entity provides either a confirmation of the completion of a research activity or evidence of having obtained a higher education diploma. If such evidence is not available before the expiry of an authorisation that had been granted for the purpose of research or studies, the third-country national shall be allowed to stay on the territory of the Member State concerned in order to submit such evidence within reasonable time.

The Council additionally provides for grounds of rejection of an application submitted as well as grounds for withdrawal of the residence permit issued in accordance with this Article (paragraphs 4 and 8).

Intra-EU mobility (Articles 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31)

In the position of the Council, intra-EU mobility is only allowed for researchers and students. This position differs from the amendment of the European Parliament. For reasons of consistency, the mobility scheme in the ICT Directive was taken as an example when devising the details of intra-EU mobility for these two categories.

The Council divides the mobility of researchers into short-term mobility and long-term mobility. In the framework of short-term mobility, researchers who hold a valid authorisation issued for that purpose by the first Member State, are entitled to stay in order to carry out part of their research in any research organisation in one or several second Member States for a period of up to 180 days in any 360-day period on the basis of that authorisation and a valid travel document subject to the conditions set out in this Directive. The second Member State may require to be notified of the short-term mobility of the researcher in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 28. The second Member State may require the notification to include the documents and information provided for in that Article or it may decide not to require that. There is a possibility for the second Member State to object to the notification. In response to practical concerns voiced by several Member States in connection with the notification procedure, the Council position includes a possibility for the second Member State to issue a document to the researcher attesting that he or she is entitled to stay on its territory.

For the long-term mobility of researchers (for more than 180 days per Member State), the second Member State may either decide to apply the notification procedure designed for short-term mobility allowing the researcher to stay on its territory on the basis of the authorisation issued by the first Member State, or require that an application for long-term mobility is submitted in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 29. As a result of that application, the second Member State issues an authorisation to the researcher if all the required conditions are met. The application procedure for long-term mobility is a lighter one when compared to the procedure for the initial application in the first Member State. Researchers' family members are entitled to accompany the researcher in one or several second Member States and the mobility scheme devised for them mirrors the one of researchers (Article 30).

When it comes to the mobility of students, the Council distinguishes between students covered by EU or multilateral programme comprising mobility measures, or by an agreement between two or more higher education institutions and the so called individual students not covered by any programmes or agreements. The former are entitled to enter and stay in order to carry our part of their studies in a higher education institution in one or several second Member States for a period of up to 360 days per Member State subject to the conditions set out in Article 31. The scheme for their mobility is similar to the one designed for short-term mobility of researchers, i.e. a possibility for the second Member States to require a notification. Individual students, on the other hand, have to submit an application for an authorisation to enter and stay in a second Member States for the purpose of studies. The application procedure in this case is exactly the same as for initial applications in the first Member State.

Following the example of the ICT Directive, the Council inserts a new Article 32 on safeguards and sanctions in cases of mobility, which sets out further details concerning the evidence to be provided in certain cases related to mobility (e.g. when a student or a researcher needs to cross a Schengen border in the course of mobility or when they do not fulfil the conditions of mobility any longer).

Fees (Article 36)

The Council position adds that Member States may require fees for the handling of notifications in addition to the handling of applications. Member States consider that the handling of notifications in the context of the intra-EU mobility procedure also involves certain administrative costs. Furthermore, Member States may issue documents to third-country nationals as a result of that procedure.

IV.   CONCLUSION

The Council's position at first reading reflects the compromise reached in negotiations between the Council and the European Parliament, facilitated by the Commission. The adoption of the Directive on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au pairing will be of great importance in order to increase the attractiveness of the EU for talents and skills.

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(1)  COM(2014) 154 final.

(2)  EUCO 79/14.

(3)  COM(2015) 240 final.

(4)  OJ C 148, 28.5.1999, p. 1.

(5)  OJ L 157, 27.5.2014, p. 1.

(6)  OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 375.

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