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

(a) "competent authority" means an authority or body, which may include the liaison office(s) as referred to in Article 4 of Directive 96/71/EC, designated by a Member State to perform functions set out in Directive 96/71/EC and this Directive;

(b) "requesting authority" means the competent authority of a Member State which makes a request for assistance, information, notification or recovery of a penalty and/or fine, as referred to in Chapter VI;

(c) "requested authority" means the competent authority of a Member State to which a request for assistance, information, notification or recovery of a penalty and/or fine is made, as referred to in Chapter VI.