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1. For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply:

(a) ‘independent bodies’ means bodies that are structurally independent or bodies endowed with functional autonomy vis-à-vis the budgetary authorities of the Member State, and which are underpinned by national legal provisions ensuring a high degree of functional autonomy and accountability, including:

(i) a statutory regime grounded in national laws, regulations or binding administrative provisions;

(ii) not taking instructions from the budgetary authorities of the Member State concerned or from any other public or private body;

(iii) the capacity to communicate publicly in a timely manner;

(iv) procedures for nominating members on the basis of their experience and competence;

(v) adequate resources and appropriate access to information to carry out their mandate;

(b) ‘independent macroeconomic forecasts’ means macroeconomic forecasts produced or endorsed by independent bodies;

(c) ‘medium-term budgetary framework’ means medium-term budgetary framework as described in point (e) of Article 2 of Directive 2011/85/EU;

(d) ‘stability programme’ means stability programme as described in Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 1466/97. In order to ensure consistency across the independent macroeconomic forecasts referred to in point (b) of the first subparagraph, the Member States and the Commission shall, at least annually, engage in a technical dialogue concerning the assumptions underpinning the preparation of macroeconomic and budgetary forecasts in accordance with Article 4(5) of Directive 2011/85/EU.

2. The definitions of ‘general government sector’ and of ‘subsectors of the general government sector’, set out in point 2.70 of Annex A to Regulation (EC) No 2223/96 of 25 June 1996 on the European system of national and regional accounts in the Community shall also apply to this Regulation.

3. The application of this Regulation is without prejudice to Article 9 TFEU.