644 Amendments of Ivana MALETIĆ
Amendment 57 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Regrets that the issue of the legitimate representation of three constituent communities raised in Parliaments resolution is still an open issue, which should be addressed as soon as possible by the new legislators, including through the operationalization of the Sejdić Finci decision;
Amendment 58 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3e. reaffirms the statement made by Mogherini and Hahn about election campaign concerns, and especially the need to form the Federation House of People's along the lines decided by the Constitutional Court in the Ljubić case;
Amendment 16 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 a (new)
Citation 18 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 27 November 2014 on Serbia: the case of the accused war criminal Šešelj,
Amendment 29 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the implementation of the legal framework on the protection of minorities needs to be fully guaranteed, especially as regards education, the use of languages, access to media and religious services in minority languages, and appropriate political representation of national minorities at local, regional, and national levels;
Amendment 31 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the application of Articles 2 and 3 of the Serbian Law on the Organisation and Jurisdiction of Government Authorities in War Crimes Proceedings constitutes a violation of generally accepted principles of international criminal law;
Amendment 32 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. Whereas Vojislav Šešelj, a member of the Serbian National Assembly who has been convicted by the Appeals Chamber of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals of crimes against humanity, uses public space to disseminate hate speech, is abusing his National Assembly office, openly makes threats against opposition representatives and members of the Croatian national minority, and, during a visit by the Croatian Parliament Delegation to the Serbian Assembly, caused an incident and desecrated the Croatian flag;
Amendment 60 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls for the Statutory Social Security Contributions Act and the Health Insurance Act to be amended so as to prevent discrimination against small farmers and lay down a genuine basis for the payment of contributions in proportion to property size;
Amendment 127 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Condemns the behaviour of Vojislav Šešelj, a convicted war criminal and a member of the Serbian National Assembly, and especially the incident that occurred at the Serbian Assembly on 18 April 2018; points out to Serbia that incidents of that kind do nothing to assist progress and calls on Serbian politicians and political elites to refrain from using public discourse to fuel the rise of radicalism;
Amendment 148 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Notes that the application of the Law on the Organisation and Jurisdiction of Government Authorities in War Crimes Proceedings is contrary to generally accepted principles of international criminal law – namely the principle of legal certainty and the principle of non- interference in the internal affairs of other states – and impeding the process of reconciliation in south-eastern Europe; calls on the Serbian authorities to repeal the relevant articles without delay and abandon the notion of quasi-universal jurisdiction for war crimes in neighbouring countries; calls on the Commission and the Member States to invest additional efforts to resolve this issue within the EU-Serbia negotiating process, particularly within the scope of Chapter 23;
Amendment 182 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the adoption of an action plan for the realisation of the rights of national minorities, and the adoption of a decree establishing a fund for national minorities; stresses, however, that progress as regards guaranteeing the rights of national minorities is less than satisfactory and calls for the full implementation of the action plan and for improved coordination and inclusion of stakeholders; notes that the fund for national minorities is functioning and that its funding has been increased; reiterates its call on Serbia to ensure consistent implementation of legislation on the protection of minorities, including in relation to education, the use of languages, representation in public administration and access to media and religious services in minority languages; reiterates that the promotion and protection of human rights, including the rights of national minorities, is a basic precondition for joining the EU;
Amendment 16 #
2018/2094(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines the importance of commitment to the process of completing the Banking Union and the need to ensure openness and equal treatment of all Member States participating in the Banking Union; reminds that an effective and proportionate European deposit insurance scheme is the remaining pillar of the EU’s banking Union; stresses that risk sharing must go in hand with risk reduction, most notably a reduction of non-performing loans and a different prudential treatment of sovereign debt on the balance sheet of credit institutions.
Amendment 27 #
2018/2094(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Highlights that better access to capital market would be especially helpful to start-ups and fast-growing SMEs, but traditional SMEs depend on bank lending, therefore stresses the importance of introducing the new measures which will increase the capacity of banking sector to lend to SMEs.
Amendment 44 #
2018/2094(INI)
5a. Highlights that more involvements of national parliaments debating national reform programmes, country reports and country-specific recommendations would improve national ownership through public debates which would lead to better implementation of CSRs thus improving the European Semester process; calls for a stricter and more consistent application of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) in order to pursue sound public finances and coordinate MS’s fiscal policies.
Amendment 59 #
2018/2094(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Underlines that digitalisation is substantially transforming labour markets, therefore stresses the importance of dynamic and flexible labour market responding to the needs of modern economy.
Amendment 61 #
2018/2094(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Stresses the importance of the establishment of the European Pillar for Social Rights, which should promote a sustainable and inclusive Europe, boost the fight against social and regional inequalities and contribute to the social market economy.
Amendment 66 #
2018/2094(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Deems it necessary to embark on a comprehensive review of existing VAT legislation; welcomes the work of the Commission on the fair taxation of the digital economy with measures that can make the EU a global leader in designing tax laws fit for the modern economy and the digital age.
Amendment 67 #
2018/2094(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses that an ageing population and other demographic developments present a major challenge to sustainability of public finances, therefore emphasises the need for sustainable and adequate pensions; considering the economic and fiscal constraints of 1st pillar PAYG pensions, complementary retirement savings have to play a greater role in securing the future adequacy of pensions.
Amendment 7 #
2018/2025(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is aware of the fall in Union automotive output and market shares in the wake of globalisation; acknowledges that, as a result, significant overcapacity has built up in the B tyre segment at Goodyear, forcing the company to close one of its European plants, which was the largest employer in the region; notes that the EGF could also facilitate the cross border movement of workers from shrinking sectors located in some Member States to expanding sectors in other Member States;
Amendment 12 #
2018/2025(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Acknowledges that the coordinated package of personalised services has been drawn up in consultation with all parties concerned especially representatives of the workers made redundant, social partners and regional authorities; welcomes more involvement of entrepreneurs in order to match the development of new skills and education to their needs;
Amendment 19 #
2018/2025(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to urge national authorities to provide more details, in future proposals, on the sectors which have growth prospects and are therefore likely to hire people, as well as to gather substantiated data on the impact of the EGF funding, including on the quality of jobs, duration and sustainability of new jobs, on the number and percentage of self- employed persons and star-ups, and the reintegration rate achieved through the EGF;
Amendment 1 #
2018/2012(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, in order to facilitate the redeployment and reinsertion of workers made redundant, the Union’s financial assistance to workers made redundant should be dynamic and made available as quickly and efficiently as possible;
Amendment 2 #
2018/2012(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the application is based on the intervention criteria of point (a) of Article 4(1) of the EGF Regulation, which requires at least 500 workers being made redundant over a reference period of four months in an enterprise in a Member State, including workers made redundant by suppliers and downstream producers andself-employed persons whose activity has ceased;
Amendment 4 #
2018/2012(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that Sweden argues that the redundancies are linked to major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation, more particularly to the negative growth in the hardware-centric business line of the telecom industry for Ericsson in Sweden, because of global competition; points out that Ericsson, as a result of a combination of a slowdown in the economy and technology upgradation, resulting in less people being required, has gradually been cutting staff in Sweden, but in the meantime been growing tremendously worldwide;
Amendment 7 #
2018/2012(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is aware that there is a huge demand for people with skills in IT across the different regions, while there is a skills mismatch from those dismissed by Ericsson and labour market requirements; acknowledges that many people with the same skills are being made redundant at the same time, in the same geographical areas; notes that the EGF could also facilitate the cross border movement of workers from shrinking sectors located in some Member States to expanding sectors in other Member States;
Amendment 15 #
2018/2012(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that Sweden is planning five types of actions for the redundant workers covered by this application: (i) counselling and career planning, (ii) measures for disadvantaged groups, (iii) entrepreneurship support, (iv) education and training, (v) job search and mobility allowances; notes also that the proposed actions would help redundant workers to adapt their skills and facilitate their transition to new jobs or help them set up their own enterprises; stresses that the measures described constitute active labour market measures within the eligible actions set out in Article 7(1) of the EGF Regulation and do not substitute social protection measures;
Amendment 18 #
2018/2012(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Acknowledges that the coordinated package of personalised services has been drawn up in consultation with the targeted beneficiaries and their representatives as well as local public actors; calls for more consultations with entrepreneurs in order to match the development of new skills and education to their needs;
Amendment 21 #
2018/2012(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to urge national authorities to provide more details, in future proposals, on the sectors which have growth prospects and are therefore likely to hire people, as well as to gather substantiated data on the impact of the EGF funding, including on the quality of jobs, duration and sustainability of new jobs, on the number and percentage of self- employed persons and start-ups, and the reintegration rate achieved through the EGF;
Amendment 65 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the potential of a faster green transition as an opportunity for orienting capital markets towards long- term, innovative and efficient investments; notes that environmental, social and governance (ESG) benefits and risks are not reflected in prices and that this provides a market advantage to unsustainable and short-termist geared finance; stresses that a political and regulatory framework to govern sustainable finance is overdue;
Amendment 88 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the financial sector as a whole and its core function of allocating capital to benefit society should be governed by the values of equity and sustainability; emphasises in that respect the instrumental role of economic, fiscal and monetary policy in fostering sustainable finance by facilitating capital allocation to decarbonised and resource- efficient economic activities which are able to reduce the current need for future resources and thereby capable of meeting EU sustainability goals; insistemphasizes that a substantial price for greenhouse gas emissions is a keyn important component of a functioning and efficient environmental and social market economy;
Amendment 101 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises the massive systemic risks that stranded carbon assets represent to financial stability; stresses the need for the identification and mandatory reporting of these assets as essential to the orderly transition to climate-positive investments; calls for the introduction of ‘carbon stress tests’ for banks and other financial intermediaries to determine the risks related to such stranded assets;
Amendment 109 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Member States, in coordination with the Commission and the EIB, to evaluate their national and collective public investment needs to ensure that the EU is on track to meet its climate change goals within the next five years; invites the Commission to take note of the results of the mid-term review of the 7th Environment Action Programme (EAP) and in particular of the fact that its objectives are unlikely to be met by 2020; calls on the Commission to make the resources available to achieve these goals and additional ones with a view to the 2050 horizon;
Amendment 129 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to lead a multi-stakeholder process to establish by the end of 2019 a robust and credible green taxonomy, including a ‘Green Finance Mark’, through a legislative initiative;
Amendment 158 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the recent inclusion of sustainability issues in the PRIIPs and STS Regulations, as well as in Shareholders Rights Directive and the NFRD; applaudwelcomes the inclusion in the IORPs Directive of recognition of stranded assets; askproposes for the transversal integration of sustainable finance criteria in all legislation related to the financial sector;
Amendment 169 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. AsksCalls on the Commission to adopt a regulatory strategy aimed inter alia at measuring sustainability risks within the framework of capital adequacy rules; stresses that capital adequacy rules must be based on and fully reflect demonstrated risks; aims to initiate an EU pilot project within the next annual budget to begin developing methodological benchmarks for that purposecalls on the Commission to develop a ‘sustainability test’ for all future EU financial regulations and policies, and for financial instruments to achieve greater policy steering effects;
Amendment 239 #
2018/2007(INI)
14. Notes the urgent need for a uniformat selective standards for green bonds should be developed; insists that such green bonds should include periodic reporting on the environmental impacts of the underlying assets; underlines that green bonds should also respect negative criteria and must not include any formsupports decrease of use of fossil fuel asset, and nuclear power or investment in aviation infrastructure;
Amendment 255 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 289 #
2018/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Notes that the EIB has a mixed record on climate action; insistscalls on that the EIB should conly agree tosider for future lending to give more priority to projects that isare compatible with a 1.5 °C climate limit;
Amendment 60 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 35 a (new)
Recital 35 a (new)
(35 a) The External Lending Mandate Plus (ELM+) is established as a budgetary guarantee managed indirectly by the EIB, providing commercial and political risk cover for financially sustainable projects in the public sector and political risk cover for financially sustainable projects in the private sector, each worldwide outside the Union. The support of the ELM+ shall not be extended to sovereign investment operations that involve on- lending to the private sector or lending to, or for the benefit of, sub-sovereign entities that can access sub-sovereign financing without sovereign guarantees.
Amendment 61 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 35 b (new)
Recital 35 b (new)
(35 b) The EIB shall indirectly manage and implement the ELM+, provide all strategic banking and risk management competences required by the Commission, including those related to the operational management of the EFSD+ guarantee, provide a writing opinion on banking related matters to accompany each Commission proposal for investment windows under the EFSD+ guarantee, be an eligible counterpart for managing and implementing activities under EFSD+ and shall take any other role of the EIB as part of the implementation of the External Investment Framework in line with the Statute of the relevant EIB entity and role under the Treaty.
Amendment 62 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) An External Action Guarantee should be established building on the existing EFSD Guarantee, the External Lending Mandate and the Guarantee Fund for external actions. The External Action Guarantee should support the EFSD+ and ELM+ operations covered by budgetary guarantees, macro-financial assistance and loans to third countries on the basis of Council Decision 77/270/Euratom71 . These operations should be supported by appropriations under this Regulation, together with those under Regulation (EU) No …/… (IPA III) and Regulation (EU) No …/… (EINS), which should also cover the provisioning and liabilities arising from macro-financial assistance loans and loans to third countries referred to in Article 10(2) of Regulation EINS, respectively. When funding EFSD+ operations, priority should be given to those which have a high impact on job creation and whose cost- benefit ratio enhances the sustainability of investment. The operations supported with the External Action Guarantee should be accompanied by an in-depth ex ante assessment of environmental, financial and social aspects, as appropriate and in line with the better regulation requirements. The External Action Guarantee should not be used to provide essential public services, which remains a government responsibility. _________________ 71 Council decision 77/270/EURATOM of 29 March 1977 empowering the Commission to issue Euratom loans for the purpose of contributing to the financing of nuclear power stations (OJ L 88, 6.4.1977, p. 9).
Amendment 63 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Article 1 – paragraph 3
It also establishes the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (the ‘EFSD+’), the External Lending Mandate Plus (ELM+) and an External Action Guarantee.
Amendment 67 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 25 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. By way of further derogation from Article 209(3) of the Financial Regulation, repayments and revenues generated by investments under the existing endowments of the ACP Investment Facility shall be considered as revolving assets intended for investment in the sectors and regions covered by the ACP Investment Facility and shall continue to be managed by the EIB. If at any point the Commission or the Council propose for all such assets and liabilities to be transferred to the Union in accordance with Article 25 of the Financial Regulation, the legislative acts concerning the future functioning of the ACP Investment Facility shall be prepared in close dialogue with the EIB, in particular taking into account the ElB's contractual obligations to lend that might be existing at that time.
Amendment 72 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The financial envelope referred to in Article (6)(2)(a) shall finance the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+)EFSD+, ELM+ and the External Action Guarantee.
Amendment 73 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The purpose of the EFSD+ as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of implementation set up in Article 23(1)(a), (e), (f) and (g), shall be to support investments and increase access to financing, in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promote the socio-economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the, eradication of poverty, sustainable and inclusive growth, the creation of decent jobs, economic opportunities, skills and entrepreneurship, socioeconomic sectors, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of irregular migration, in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents. Special attention shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict, Least Developed Countries and heavily indebted poor countries. The ELM+ is established as a budgetary guarantee managed indirectly by the EIB, providing commercial and political risk cover for financially sustainable projects in the public sector and political risk cover for financially sustainable projects in the private sector, each worldwide outside the Union. The support of the ELM+ shall not be extended to sovereign investment operations that involve on- lending to the private sector or lending to, or for the benefit of, sub-sovereign entities that can access sub-sovereign financing without sovereign guarantees.
Amendment 76 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
The provisioning rate shall range between 9% and 50% depending on the type of operations. A maximum amount of EUR 10 billion shall be provisioned from the EU budget through a specific budget line in the framework of the annual budgetary procedure or through a budget transfer. Within this envelope of EUR 10 billion, the Union shall grant the EIB a budgetary guarantee of EUR 5 billion to be utilised in accordance with Article 26(1). The guarantees can cover up to 50% of the total financing amount of the project.
Amendment 77 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 6
Article 26 – paragraph 6
6. The EFSD+, the ELM+ and the External Action Guarantee may support financing and investment operations in partner countries in the geographical areas referred to in Article 4(2). The provisioning of the External Action Guarantee shall be financed from the budget of the relevant geographic programmes established by Article 6(2)(a) and shall be transferred into the common provisioning fund. The EFSD+ and the External Action Guarantee may also support operations in beneficiaries listed in Annex I of Regulation IPA III. The funding for these operations under the EFSD+ and for the provisioning of the External Action Guarantee shall be financed from the Regulation IPA. The provisioning of the External Action Guarantee for loans to third countries referred to in Article 10 (2) of Regulation EINS shall be financed from Regulation EINS.
Amendment 79 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 a (new)
Article 26 a (new)
Article 26 a The EIB shall, under chapter IV of this regulation, Inter alia: a. indirectly manage and implement the ELM+; b. provide all strategic banking and risk management competences required by the Commission, including those related to the operational management of the EFSD+ guarantee, c. provide a written opinion on banking related matters to accompany each Commission proposal for investment windows under the EFSD+ guarantee; d. be an eligible counterpart for managing and implementing activities under EFSD+. Notwithstanding the above, the Commission and the EIB may agree on any other role of the EIB as part of the implementation of the External Investment Framework in line with the Statute of the relevant EIB entity and role under the Treaty.
Amendment 308 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 35
Recital 35
(35) The InvestEU Advisory Hub should support the development of a robust pipeline of investment projects in each policy window and shall be managed by the Commission, in cooperation with the implementing partners, and other market building institutions including philanthropic actors. In addition, a cross- sectoral component under the InvestEU Programme should be foreseen to ensure a single-entry point and cross-policy project development assistance for centrally managed Union programmes.
Amendment 312 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) In order to ensure a wide geographic outreach of the advisory services across the Union and to successfully leverage local knowledge about the InvestEU Fund, a local presence of the InvestEU Advisory Hub should be ensured, where needed, taking into account existing support schemes, with a view to provide tangible, proactive, tailor-made assistance on the ground. Advisory Hub shall include a philanthropy/venture philanthropy resource ("collaborative platform”) that provides guidance and support not only regarding the guarantee mechanism, but along the whole spectrum of collaboration opportunities among the project promotors, potential investors in the social innovation ecosystem and European institutions.
Amendment 382 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(da) to provide incentives, increase and support financing and investment operations in particular from the philanthropy, venture philanthropy and social investment community in the social investment and skills policy window in the areas referred to in point (d) of Article 7(1).
Amendment 685 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
The InvestEU Advisory Hub shall be managed by the Commission, in cooperation with the implementing partners and other market building institutions including philanthropic actors.
Amendment 688 #
2018/0229(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
It shall include a philanthropy/venture philanthropy resource ("collaborative platform") that provides guidance and support not only regarding the guarantee mechanism, but along the whole spectrum of collaboration opportunities among the project promotors, potential investors in the social innovation ecosystem and European institutions.
Amendment 21 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) At Union level, the European Semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. Member States develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities. Those strategies should be presented alongside the yearly National Reform Programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national and/or Union funding. They should also serve to use Union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the programmes supported by the Union under the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion fund, the European Social Fund, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the European Investment Stabilisation Function and InvestEU, where relevant. Member States and the Commission shall ensure the coordination, complementarity and coherence between the Programme and other Union instruments, and avoid duplication during planning and implementation.
Amendment 25 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The economic and financial crisis has shown that developing sound and resilient economies and financial systems built on strong economic and social structures helps Member States to respond more efficiently to shocks and recover more swiftly from them. The implementation of structural reforms is among the Union’s policy priorities because such reforms seek to set the recovery on a sustainable path, unlock the growth potential, strengthen the adjustment capacity and support the process of upward convergence. Pursuing structural reforms can also contribute to strengthening economic and social cohesion, social and territorial cohesion, convergence, boosting productivity and investment and creating good conditions for sustainable growth and employment in the Union.
Amendment 32 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The Programme’s overall objective is the enhancement of cohesion, competitiveness, productivity, growth, and employment. For that purpose, it should provide financial incentives for addressing challenges of a structural nature, and should help to strengthen the administrative capacity of the Member States insofar as their institutions and economic and social sectors are concerned. Regional and local authorities have an important role to play in structural reform, to a degree which depends on the constitutional and administrative organisation of each Member State. It is therefore necessary to provide for an appropriate level of involvement and consultation of regional and local authorities in the preparation and implementation of structural reform.
Amendment 34 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The Programme’s overall objective is the enhancement of cohesion, convergence, competitiveness, productivity, growth, and employment. For that purpose, it should provide financial incentives for addressing challenges of a structural nature, and should help to strengthen the administrative capacity of the Member States insofar as their institutions and economic and social sectors are concerned.
Amendment 42 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) In order to cater for additional needs under the Programme, Member States should have the possibility to transfer to the budget of the Programme resources programmed in shared management under the Union funds, in accordance with the procedure thereof, and only if all funds available under the Programme for the Member State are absorbed. Transferred resources should be implemented in accordance with the rules of this Programme and should be used for the benefit of the Member State concerned.
Amendment 47 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) In order to ensure a meaningful incentive for Member States to complete structural reforms, it is appropriate to establish a maximum financial contribution available for them under the instrument for each stage of allocation and under each call. That maximum contribution should be calculated on the basis of the population of Member Statesnumber and complexity of the Country Specific Recommendations, macroeconomic imbalances, the level of unemployment, the level of poverty and social exclusion, and GDP per capita in relation to the EU average GDP. Selection criteria should be presented to Member States in a transparent way. To ensure that the financial incentives are spread throughout the whole period of application of the Programme, the allocation of funds to the Member States should be made in stages. In the first stage lasting twenforty months, half75% (EUR 11 06 500 000 000) of the overall financial envelope of the reform delivery tool should be made available to Member States, during which they could receive up to their maximum allocation by submitting proposals for reform commitments.
Amendment 53 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) In the interest of transparency and efficiency, in the subsequent stage lasting until the end of the Programme, a system of periodic calls should be set out by the Commission to allocate the remaining half25% (EUR 11 05 500 000 000) of the overall financial envelope of the instrument, plus the amounts unused from the previous stage. Simple procedures should be organised to that effect. Under each call, all Member States should be invited to submit reform proposals concurrently, and could be awarded their maximum financial contribution on the basis of their reform proposals. In the interest of transparency, the first call organised by the Commission during the second stage should be for an amount corresponding to the remaining part (EUR 11 05 500 000 000) of the overall financial envelope of the instrument. Further calls should be organised by the Commission only where the overall financial envelope has not been fully used. The Commission should adopt and publish an indicative calendar of the further calls to be organised, and should indicate, at each call, the remaining amount of the overall envelope, which is available under that call.
Amendment 63 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) For the purpose of sound financial management, specific rules should be laid down for budget commitments, pre- payments, payments, suspension, cancellation and recovery of funds. Payments should be based on a positive assessment by the Commission of the implementation of the reform commitments by the Member State. Suspension and cancellation of the financial contribution should be possible when the reform commitments have not been implemented in a satisfactory manner by the Member State. To ensure a sustainable impact of the reforms after they are implemented, a reasonable period defining the durability of the reforms after the payment of the financial contribution should be established. A period of five years should be considered to be a reasonable minimum to be applied. Appropriate contradictory procedures should be established to ensure that the decision by the Commission in relation to suspension, cancellation and recovery of amounts paid respects the right of Member States to provide observations.
Amendment 75 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) to contribute to addressing national reform challenges of a structural nature aimed at improving the performance of the national economies and at promoting resilient economic and social structures in the Member States, thereby contributing to cohesion, convergence, competitiveness, productivity, growth and employment; and
Amendment 81 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The general and the specific objectives set out in Articles 4 and 5 shall refer to policy areas related to cohesion, convergence, competitiveness, productivity, research and innovation, smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth, jobs and investment, and in particular to one or more of the following:
Amendment 85 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) education and training, labour market policies, including social dialogue, for the creation of jobs, digital skills, the fight against poverty, the promotion of social inclusion, social security and social welfare systems, public health and healthcare systems, pension systems, as well as cohesion, asylum, migration and border policies;
Amendment 87 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) policies for implementing climate action, mobility, connectivity, promoting energy and resource efficiency, renewable energy sources, achieving energy diversification and ensuring energy security, and for the agricultural sector, fisheries and the sustainable development of rural and remote areas; and
Amendment 94 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) In order to ensure that the reforms supported by the Programme address all the key economic and societal areas, both financial support and technical support under the Programme should be provided by the Commission, upon request from a Member State, in a broad range of policy domains, which include areas related to public financial and asset management, taxation system, institutional and administrative reform, legal system, business environment, the financial sector, markets for products, services and labour, education and training, sustainable development, public health and social welfare.
Amendment 99 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) In order to cater for additional needs under the Programme, Member States should have the possibility to transfer to the budget of the Programme resources programmed in shared management under the Union funds, in accordance with the procedure thereof, and only if all funds available under the Programme for the Member State are absorbed. Transferred resources should be implemented in accordance with the rules of this Programme and should be used for the benefit of the Member State concerned.
Amendment 99 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Article 7 – paragraph 4
4. Resources allocated to Member States under shared management may, at their request, be transferred to the Programme only if all funds available under the Programme for the Member State are absorbed. The Commission shall implement those resources directly in accordance with point (a) of Article 62(1) of the Financial Regulation or indirectly in accordance with point (c) of that Article. Where possible those resources shall be used for the benefit of the Member State concerned.
Amendment 102 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Annex I lays down a maximum financial contribution available for each Member State out of the overall envelope of the reform delivery tool referred to in point (a) of Article 7(2). Such a maximum financial contribution is calculated for each Member State using the criteria and methodology set out in that Annex, based on the population of each Member Statenumber and complexity of the Country Specific Recommendations, macroeconomic imbalances, the level of unemployment, the level of poverty and social exclusion, and GDP per capita in relation to the EU average GDP. Such a maximum financial contribution shall be available for allocation to each Member State, in part or in full, at each stage and call of the allocation process set out in Article 10. (The amendment will require consequential adjustments to the calculation in Annex 1.)
Amendment 109 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. For a period of twenforty months from the date of application of this Regulation, the Commission shall make available for allocation EUR 11 06 500 000 000, which represents 750% of the overall envelope referred to in point (a) of Article 7(2). Each Member State may propose to receive up to the full amount of the maximum financial contribution, referred to in Article 9, to fulfil reform commitments proposed in accordance with Article 11.
Amendment 112 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3
Article 10 – paragraph 3
3. For the period starting after the end of the period referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission shall make available for allocation EUR 11 05 500 000 000, which represent the remaining 250% of the overall envelope for the reform delivery tool referred to in point (a) of Article 7(2), plus the amount that has not been allocated in accordance with paragraph 2, on the basis of calls organised and published under the reform delivery tool. The first call shall be for allocating EUR 11 05 500 000 000.
Amendment 115 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) In order to ensure a meaningful incentive for Member States to complete structural reforms, it is appropriate to establish a maximum financial contribution available for them under the instrument for each stage of allocation and under each call. That maximum contribution should be calculated on the basis of the population of Member States and respective GDP per capita. To ensure that the financial incentives are spread throughout the whole period of application of the Programme, the allocation of funds to the Member States should be made in stages. In the first stage lasting twenty months, half (EUR 11 000 340 000 000) of the overall financial envelope of the reform delivery tool should be made available to Member States, during which they could receive up to their maximum allocation by submitting proposals for reform commitments.
Amendment 120 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) In the interest of transparency and efficiency, in the subsequent stage lasting until the end of the Programme, a system of periodic calls should be set out by the Commission to allocate the remaining half (EUR 11 000 340 000 000) of the overall financial envelope of the instrument, plus the amounts unused from the previous stage. Simple procedures should be organised to that effect. Under each call, all Member States should be invited to submit reform proposals concurrently, and could be awarded their maximum financial contribution on the basis of their reform proposals. In the interest of transparency, the first call organised by the Commission during the second stage should be for an amount corresponding to the remaining part (EUR 11 000 340 000 000) of the overall financial envelope of the instrument. Further calls should be organised by the Commission only where the overall financial envelope has not been fully used. The Commission should adopt and publish an indicative calendar of the further calls to be organised, and should indicate, at each call, the remaining amount of the overall envelope, which is available under that call.
Amendment 123 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. Payment of financial contributions to the Member State concerned under this Article shall include pre-financing payment and shall be made in accordance with the budget appropriations and subject to the available funding.
Amendment 124 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Upon completion of the reform commitments, the Member State concerned shall submit to the Commission a duly justified request for payment for the remaining part of the financial contribution. The Commission shall assess, within two months of the submission of the request, whether the relevant milestones and targets set out in the decision referred to in Article 12(1) have been satisfactorily implemented. For that purpose, it may be assisted by relevant experts as referred to in Article 11(8).
Amendment 125 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Where the assessment has a positive outcome, the disbursement of the remaining part of the financial contribution shall be made in accordance with the Financial Regulation.
Amendment 130 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. A Member State wishing to receive technical support under this instrument shall submit a request for technical support to the Commission, identifying the policy areas and the priorities for support within the scope of the Programme as set out in Article 6. The Commission shall organise calls under the technical support instrument, which will set appropriate deadlines for the submission of requests. The Commission may provide guidance on the main elements to be included in the request for support. Priority should be given to Member States based on the quality of the proposals, compliance with the requirements in calls and the criteria set by Article 9.
Amendment 140 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Annex X lays down a maximum financial contribution available for each Member State out of the overall financial envelope referred to in point (c)(i) of Article 7(2). Such maximum financial contribution is calculated for each eligible Member State using the criteria and methodology set out in that Annex, based on population of each Member Statebased on the number and complexity of the Country Specific Reccomendations related to convergence criteria, findings and recommendations from the Convergence reports, the level of unemployment, the level of poverty and social exclusion, and GDP per capita in relation to the EU average GDP, and applies for each of the allocation stages and calls set out in Article 10.
Amendment 141 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) The Commission should assess the nature and the importance of the reform commitments proposed by the Member States and should determine the amount to be allocated on the basis of transparent criteria. To that effect, it should take into account the substantive elements provided by the Member States and assess whether the reform commitments proposed by the Member States are expected to effectively address challenges identified in the context of the European Semester, whether they represent a comprehensive reform package, whether they are expected to strengthen the performance and resilience of the national economy and whether their implementation is expected to have a lasting impact in the Member State where relevant by strengthening the institutional and administrative capacity of the Member State concerned. In addition, the Commission should assess whether the internal arrangements proposed by the Member States, including the proposed milestones and targets, and the related indicators, are expected to ensure effective implementation of the reform commitments during a maximum period of three years. Furthermore, the reform commitments submitted by the Members State that received positive assessment from the Commission should be strictly monitored through the European Semester.
Amendment 148 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) In order to contribute to the preparation of high quality proposals and assist the Commission in the assessment of the proposals for reform commitments submitted by the Member States and in the assessment of the degree of their achievement, provision should be made for the use of peer counselling and expert advice. The national fiscal council should be invited to provide its opinion on the budgetary aspects of the proposed reform commitments before the official submission of the proposal to the Commission. In addition, the Council for Economic Policy Committee of the Council dealing with the European Semester, in consultation, where appropriate, with relevant Treaty-based committees, should be able to provide an opinion on the proposals for reform commitments as submitted by Member States. In the interest of simplification, the reporting by Member States on the progress made in the implementation of reform commitments should be made within the framework of the European Semester.
Amendment 149 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26 a (new)
Recital 26 a (new)
(26a) Member States should consult their national independent fiscal institution ahead of the official submission of the proposal of reform commitments to the Commission. Such independent fiscal institution should build on the independent bodies as laid down in Regulation (EU) No. 473/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council of 21 May 2013. Member States whose currency is not the euro and to whom the obligations of Regulation (EU) No. 473/2013 therefore do not apply should ensure that an independent fiscal institution is established that could provide them with an independent opinion. They could refer to the technical support instrument to establish this independent body if needed. Administrative assistance provided by this Programme could be used to support this independent body provided there is no conflict of interest when delivering its opinion on the reform commitments.
Amendment 154 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) To foster the stability of the reform commitments, a Member State should have the possibility to amend the reform commitments only once within the period of implementation, where objective circumstances justify such a course of action.
Amendment 179 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Amendment 214 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) public financial and asset management, budget process, debt management and revenue administration and policies aimed at combating tax evasionavoidance, tax fraud and tax evasion including the promotion of the implementation and on-going adaptation of European Public Sector Accounting Standards as common European standard in the Member States and regions;
Amendment 219 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) institutional reform and efficient and service-oriented functioning of public administration and e-government, including, where appropriate, through the simplification of rules, effective rule of law, reform of the justice and legal systems and reinforcement of the fight against fraud, corruption and money laundering;
Amendment 227 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) education and training, labour market policies, including social dialogue, for the creation of jobs, digital skills, the fight against poverty, the promotion of social inclusion, social security and social welfare systems, public health and healthcare systems, judicial and legal systems, as well as cohesion, asylum, migration and border policies;
Amendment 236 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) up to EUR 22 000 680 000 000 for the reform delivery tool;
Amendment 246 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c – introductory part
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c – introductory part
(c) up to EUR 2 164 320 000 000 for the convergence facility, of which:
Amendment 250 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c – point i
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c – point i
(i) up to EUR 24 000 000 000 for the financial support component; and
Amendment 253 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c – point ii
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c – point ii
(ii) up to EUR 16320 000 000 for the technical support component.
Amendment 263 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Article 7 – paragraph 4
4. Resources allocated to Member States under shared management may, at their request, be transferred to the Programme only if all funds available under the Programme for the Member State are absorbed. The Commission shall implement those resources directly in accordance with point (a) of Article 62(1) of the Financial Regulation or indirectly in accordance with point (c) of that Article. Where possible those resources shall be used for the benefit of the Member State concerned.
Amendment 278 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Annex I lays down a maximum financial contribution available for each Member State out of the overall envelope of the reform delivery tool referred to in point (a) of Article 7(2). Such a maximum financial contribution is calculated for each Member State using the criteria and an appropriate methodology set out in that Annex, based on the population of each Member State and respective GDP per capita. Such a maximum financial contribution shall be available for allocation to each Member State, in part or in full, at each stage and call of the allocation process set out in Article 10.
Amendment 283 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. For a period of twenty months from the date of application of this Regulation, the Commission shall make available for allocation EUR 11 000 340 000 000, which represents 50% of the overall envelope referred to in point (a) of Article 7(2). Each Member State may propose to receive up to the full amount of the maximum financial contribution, referred to in Article 9, to fulfil reform commitments proposed in accordance with Article 11.
Amendment 286 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3
Article 10 – paragraph 3
3. For the period starting after the end of the period referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission shall make available for allocation EUR 11 000 340 000 000, which represent the remaining 50% of the overall envelope for the reform delivery tool referred to in point (a) of Article 7(2), plus the amount that has not been allocated in accordance with paragraph 2, on the basis of calls organised and published under the reform delivery tool. The first call shall be for allocating EUR 11 000 340 000 000.
Amendment 308 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The national fiscal council may provide an assessment on the budgetary aspects of the proposal for reform commitments to the national authorities ahead of the official submission of the proposal to the Commission. Member States shall inform the national fiscal council of the proposal in a timely manner and provide the national fiscal council with all documents it may need to draft its opinion. Member States shall be invited to consider that opinion and may modify the proposal before the official submission to the Commission. The opinion of the national fiscal council shall be annexed to the official proposal
Amendment 309 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 6
Article 11 – paragraph 6
6. When assessing the proposal for reform commitments and in the determination of the amount to be allocated to the Member State concerned, the Commission shall take into account the justification and the elements provided by the Member State concerned, as referred to in paragraph 3, the opinion of the national fiscal council, as referred to in paragraph 4 and any other relevant information.
Amendment 351 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
1. Where the reform commitments, including relevant milestones and targets, are no longer achievable, either partially or totally, by the Member State concerned because of objective circumstances, the Member State concerned may make a reasoned request to the Commission to amend or replace the decision referred to in Article 12(1). To that effect, the Member State may propose a modified set or a new set of reform commitments. An independent fiscal body, such as the national fiscal councils already existing, may provide an assessment on the budgetary aspects of the modified proposal for reform commitments to Member States ahead of the official submission of the proposal to the Commission. Member States shall inform the national fiscal council of the proposal in a timely manner and provide the national fiscal council with all documents it may need to draft its opinion. Member States shall be invited to consider this opinion and may amend the modified proposal before the official submission to the Commission. The opinion of the national fiscal council shall be annexed to the official modified proposal.
Amendment 353 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 4
Article 13 – paragraph 4
4. An amendment of the reform commitments can be made only once within the period of implementation set out in the decision referred to in Article 12(1).
Amendment 357 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Without prejudice to the second subparagraph of Article 12(3), the Member State concerned shall report regularly within the European Semester process on the progress made in the achievement of the reform commitments. To that effect, Member States are invited toshall use the content of the national reform programmes as a tool for reporting on progress towards reform completion. The detailed arrangements and timetable for reporting, including the modality for providing access by the Commission to the underlying relevant data, shall be laid down in the decision referred to in Article 12(1).
Amendment 394 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Annex X lays down a maximum financial contribution available for each Member State out of the overall financial envelope referred to in point (c)(i) of Article 7(2). Such maximum financial contribution is calculated for each eligible Member State using the criteria and an appropriate methodology set out in that Annex, based on population of each Member State and respective GDP per capita, and applies for each of the allocation stages and calls set out in Article 10.
Amendment 19 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The ESF+ should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling (re)integration into the labour market, notably for youth, the long-term unemployed and the, inactive and disadvantaged groups, as well as through promoting employment, self–employment and the social economy. The ESF+ should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the Public Employment Services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility. The ESF+ should promote women's participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure, amongst others, improved work/life balance and access to childcare. The ESF + should also aim to provide a healthy and well-adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce.
Amendment 43 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point i
(i) improving access to employment of all jobseekers, in particular youth and long- term unemployed, and of inactive people, promoting and disadvantaged groups, promoting employment, self-employment and the social economy;
Amendment 49 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Member States shall concentrate the ESF+ resources under shared management on interventions that address the challenges identified in their national reform programmes, in the European Semester as well as in the relevant country-specific recommendations adopted in accordance with Article 121(2) TFEU and Article 148(4) TFEU partnership agreement and operation programme based on official data and statistics and specific goals set at the level of European Union, and take into account principles and rights set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Amendment 52 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall allocate an appropriate amount of their ESF+ resources under shared management to address challenges identified in relevant country-specific recommendations adopted in accordance with Article 121(2) TFEU and Article 148(4) TFEU and in the European Semester falling within the scope of the ESF+ as set out in Article 4, if all funds available under the Reform Support Programme for the Member State are absorbed.
Amendment 58 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 64 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
The actions addressing the challenges identified in relevant country-specific recommendations and in the European Semester as referred to in Article 7(2) shall be programmed under one or more dedicated priorities taking into account actions envisaged to be financed from Reform Delivery Tool.
Amendment 65 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall support actions of social innovation and social experimentations, or strengthen bottom-up approaches based on partnerships involving public authorities, the private sector, social entrepreneurs and civil society such as the Local Action Groups designing and implementing community- led local development strategies, as well as thematic actions focused on addressing the needs of targeted groups.
Amendment 66 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 4
Article 13 – paragraph 4
4. Each Member State shall dedicate at least one priority to the implementation of paragraphs 1 or 2 or to both. The maximum co-financing rate for these priorities may be increased to 95% for the allocation of maximum 510% of the national ESF+ allocation under shared management to such priorities.
Amendment 37 #
2018/0202(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) As stated, in order to maintain the European nature of the EGF, an application for support should be triggered when a major restructuring event causes a significant impact on the local or regional economy. Such an impact should be defined by a minimum number of job displacements within a specific reference period. Taking into account the findings of the mid-term evaluation, the threshold shall be set at 2150 jobs displacement within a reference period of four months (or 6 months in sectoral cases). Taking into account that waves of dismissals in different sectors but the same region have an equally significant impact on the local labour market, regional applications shall be possible as well. In small labour markets, such as small Member States or remote regions, including the outermost regions as referred in Article 349 of the TFEU, or in exceptional circumstances, applications could be submitted in case of a lower number of job displacements.
Amendment 59 #
2018/0202(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Special provisions should be included for information and communication activities on EGF cases and outcomes. Reports on each EGF case should be made available and should be standardised in terms of measures undertaken and outcomes. This would have the additional advantage of making cases comparable that member states can share good practices.
Amendment 69 #
2018/0202(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The general objective of the programme is to demonstrate solidarity with and offer supportfinancial support for providing active labour market measures to displaced workers and self- employed persons whose activity has ceased in the course of unexpected major restructuring events, referred to in Article 5.
Amendment 85 #
2018/0202(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the cessation of activity of more than 2150 displaced workers or self- employed persons, over a reference period of four months, in an enterprise in a Member State, including where that cessation applies in its suppliers or downstream producers;
Amendment 90 #
2018/0202(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the cessation of activity of more than 2150 displaced workers or self- employed persons, over a reference period of six months, particularly in SMEs, where all operate in the same economic sector defined at NACE Revision 2 division level and located in one region or two contiguous regions defined at NUTS 2 level or in more than two contiguous regions defined at NUTS 2 level provided that there are more than 250 workers or self-employed persons affected in two of the regions combined;
Amendment 94 #
2018/0202(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) the cessation of activity of more than 2150 displaced workers or self- employed persons, over a reference period of four months, particularly in SMEs, operating in the same or different economic sectors defined at NACE Revision 2 division level and located in the same region defined at NUTS 2 level.
Amendment 107 #
2018/0202(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3 – point b
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3 – point b
(b) special time-limited measures, such as job-search allowances, employers’ recruitment incentives, mobility and meal allowances, training or subsistence allowances, including allowances for carers. These actions are conditional on the active participation of the targeted beneficiaries in job-search or training activities.
Amendment 124 #
2018/0202(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 5 – point m a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 5 – point m a (new)
(m a) a statement that proposed actions will be complementary with actions funded by the Structural Funds and that any double financing will be prevented.
Amendment 151 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) It is necessary to clarify the rules governing small project funds which have been implemented since Interreg has existed, but have never been covered by specific provisions. As also set out in the Opinion of the Committee of the Regions ‘People-to-people and small-scale projects in cross-border cooperation programmes’32 , such small project funds play an important role in building up trust between citizens and institutions, offer great European added value and contribute considerably to the overall objective of cross-border cooperation programmes by overcoming border obstacles and integrating border areas and their citizens. The beneficiary of a small project fund should be a legal body in Interreg programme area or an EGTC. In order to simplify the management of the financing of small projects by the final recipients, who are often not used to applying for Union funds, the use of simplified cost options and of lump sums should be made obligatory below a certain threshold. _________________ 32 Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions ‘People-to-people and small- scale projects in cross-border cooperation programmes’ of 12 July 2017 (OJ C 342, 12.10.2017, p. 38).
Amendment 162 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) In order to continue the payment chain established for the programming period 2014-2020, i.e. from the Commission to the lead partner via the certifying authority, that payment chain should be continued under the accounting function. The Union support should be paid to the lead partner, unless this would result in double fees for conversion into euro and back into another currency or vice versa between the lead partner and the other partners. If not otherwise specified, the lead partner should ensure that the other partners receive the total amount of the contribution from the respective Union fund in full and within agreed timeframe among all partners and following the same procedure applied for lead partner.
Amendment 163 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) A clear chain of financial liability in respect of recovery for irregularities should be established from sole or other partners via the lead partner and the managing authority to the Commission. Provision should be made for liability of Member States, third countries, partner countries or Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), where obtaining recovery from the sole or other or lead partner is not successful, meaning that the Member State reimburses the managing authority. Consequently, under Interreg programmes there is no scope for irrecoverable amounts on the level of beneficiaries. It is, however, necessary to clarify the rules, should a Member State, third country, partner country or OCT not reimburse the managing authority. The obligations of the lead partner for recovery should also be clarified. In particulaMoreover, procedures related to recoveries should be defined and agreed by the monitoring committee. However, the managing authority should not be allowed to oblige the lead partner to launch a judicial procedure in a different country.
Amendment 179 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4
(4) 'cross-border legal body' means a legal body established under the laws of one of the participating countries in an Interreg programme provided that it is set up by territorial authorities or other bodies from at least two participating countries or Euroregions.
Amendment 487 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 3
Article 22 – paragraph 3
Amendment 500 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2
Article 22 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2
That document shall also set out the lead partner's obligations with regard to recoveries pursuant to Article 50. Those obligationProcedures related to recoveries shall be defined and agreed by the monitoring committee. However, a lead partner located in a different Member State, third country, partner country or OCT from the partner shall not be obliged to recover through a judicial procedure.
Amendment 502 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2
Article 23 – paragraph 2
Amendment 524 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 2
Article 24 – paragraph 2
2. The beneficiary of a small project fund shall be a cross-border legal bodylegal body in Interreg programme area or an EGTC.
Amendment 535 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 2
Article 25 – paragraph 2
2. If not otherwise specified in the arrangements laid down pursuant to point (a) of paragraph 1 the lead partner shall ensure that the other partners receive the total amount of the contribution from the respective Union fund as quickly as possible and in fullin full and within agreed timeframe among all partners and following the same procedure applied for lead partner. No amount shall be deducted or withheld and no specific charge or other charge with equivalent effect shall be levied that would reduce that amount for the other partners.
Amendment 538 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 25 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 569 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 2
Article 28 – paragraph 2
2. The managing authority shall publish a list of theauthorities/bodies appointed as members of the monitoring committee on the website referred to in Article 35(2).
Amendment 570 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 3
Article 28 – paragraph 3
3. Representatives of the Commission shallmay participate in the work of the monitoring committee in an advisory capacity.
Amendment 587 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 31 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Each managing authority shall electronically transmit to the Commission cumulative data for the respective Interreg programme quarterly (by 31 January, 31 March, 31 May, 31 July, 30 September and 30 Novembery, 30 September) of each year in accordance with the template in Annex [VII] to Regulation (EU) [new CPR].
Amendment 601 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 3
Article 35 – paragraph 3
3. Article [44(2) to (76)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] on the responsibilities of the managing authority shall apply.
Amendment 621 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 39 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 39 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Office and administrative costs shall be composed but not limited to the following elements:
Amendment 627 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 40 – paragraph 4
Article 40 – paragraph 4
4. Direct payment of expenditure for costs under this Article by an employee of the beneficiary shall be supported by a proof of reimbursement by the beneficiary to that employee. This cost category may be used for travel of operation staff and other stakeholders for the purpose of implementation and promotion of Interreg operation and Programme.
Amendment 629 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 40 – paragraph 5
Article 40 – paragraph 5
5. Travel and accommodation costs of an operation may be calculated at a flat rate of up to 15 % of the direct costs other than the direct staff costs of that operation.
Amendment 630 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 41 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 41 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
External expertise and service costs shall be composed but not limited to the following services and expertise provided by a public or private law body or a natural person other than the beneficiary (including all partners) of the operation:
Amendment 631 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 41 – paragraph 1 – point o
Article 41 – paragraph 1 – point o
(o) travel and accommodation for external experts, speakers, chairpersons of meetings and service providers;
Amendment 632 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 42 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 42 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Costs for equipment purchased, rented or leased by the beneficiary of the operation other than those covered by Article 39 shall be composed but not limited to the following:
Amendment 633 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 43 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 43 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) purchase of land in accordance with [point (cb) of Article 58(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR];
Amendment 728 #
2018/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 52 – paragraph 3
Article 52 – paragraph 3
3. Third countries, partner countries and OCTs participating in an Interreg programme shall delegate staff to the joint secretariat of that programme or shall(set up by MA) of Interreg programme or shall in agreement with managing authority set up a branch office of JS in its respective territory, or shall do both.
Amendment 280 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point v
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point v
(v) promoting sustainable water and waste management;
Amendment 508 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point c
(c) Member States of group 3 shall allocate at least 3520 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 320 % to PO 2.
Amendment 558 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
In addition, productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs can be supported when they involve cooperation with SMEs infor research and innovation activities supported under point (a)(i of Article 2 (1) and activities supported under point (b) of Article 2 (1).
Amendment 565 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
In order to contribute to the specific objective under PO 1 set out in point (a) (iv) of Article 2(1), the ERDF shall also support training, mentoring, life long learning and education activities.
Amendment 581 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) investments in TEN-T and regional transport infrastructure;
Amendment 599 #
2018/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. The amount of the Cohesion Fund transferred tofrom the Connecting Europe Facility23 shall be used for TEN-T projects. _________________ 23 Reference Reference
Amendment 195 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The principle of partnership is a key feature in the implementation of the Funds, building on the multi-level governance approach and ensuring the involvement of regional and local authorities, civil society and social partners. In order to provide continuity in the organisation of partnership, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 240/201413 should continue to apply. _________________ 13 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 240/2014 of 7 January 2014 on the European code of conduct on partnership in the framework of the European Structural and Investment Funds (OJ L 74, 14.3.2014, p. 1).
Amendment 209 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) At Union level, the European Semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. Member States develop their own national multiannual investment strategies, in close partnership with regional and local authorities, in support of these reform priorities. These strategies should be presented alongside the yearly National Reform Programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national and Union funding. They should also serve to use Union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the Funds, the Reform Support Programme, the European Investment Stabilisation Function and InvestEU.
Amendment 219 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Member States should determine how relevant country-specific recommendations adopted in accordance with Article 121(2) of the TFEU and relevant Council recommendations adopted in accordance with Article 148(4) of the TFEU ('CSR's) are taken into account in the preparation of programming documents. During the 2021–2027 programming period ('programming period'), Member States should regularly present to the monitoring committee and to the Commission the progress in implementing the programmes in support of the CSRs. During a mid-term review, Member States should, among other elements, consider the need for programme modifications to accommodate relevant CSRs adopted or modified since the start of the programming period, if all funds available under the Reform Support Programme for the Member State are absorbed.
Amendment 266 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20 a (new)
Recital 20 a (new)
(20a) The Commission has the obligation to notify the European Parliament about proposal for suspension of commitments or the proposal to lift such a suspension, and prior to the final decision, European Parliament’s opinion on the proposals shall be taken into consideration, as a conclusion of a structured dialogue.
Amendment 270 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20 b (new)
Recital 20 b (new)
(20b) A novel “escape clause” is introduced allowing the Commission to recommend that the Council cancel suspension in case of exceptional economic circumstances or following a reasoned request by the Member State concerned.
Amendment 513 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. (a) regional and local authorities
Amendment 531 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4
4. At least once a year, the Commission shall consult the organisations which represent the partners at Union level on the implementation of programmes and shall report to the European Parliament and the Council on the outcome.
Amendment 577 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the selected policy objectives indicating by which of the Funds and programmes they will be pursued and a justification thereto, and where relevant, a justification for using Reform Support Programme and the delivery mode of the InvestEU, taking into account relevant country-specific recommendations;
Amendment 587 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
(i) a summary of the policy choices and the main results expected for each of the Funds, including where relevant, through the use of Reform Support Programme and InvestEU;
Amendment 744 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The Member State, after consultation with local and regional authorities, shall establish a performance framework which shall allow monitoring, reporting on and evaluating programme performance during its implementation, and contribute to measuring the overall performance of the Funds.
Amendment 803 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The Commission may request a Member State to review and propose amendments to relevant programmes, where this is necessary to support the implementation of relevant Council Recommendations, if all funds available under the Reform Support Programme for the Member State are absorbed.
Amendment 811 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 6
Article 15 – paragraph 6
6. Where the Member State fails to take effective action in response to a request made in accordance with paragraph 1, within the deadlines set out in paragraphs 3 and 4, the Commission may suspend all or part of the paycommitments for the programmes or priorities concerned in accordance with Article 91.
Amendment 813 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 15 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Amendment 823 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 3
Priority shall be given to the suspension of commitments; payments shall be suspended only when immediate action is sought and in the case of significant non- compliance. The suspension of payments shall apply to payment applications submitted for the programmes concerned after the date of the decision to suspend. The Commission may, on grounds of exceptional economic circumstances or following a reasoned request by the Member State concerned addressed to the Commission within 10 days of adoption of the decision or recommendation referred to in the previous sub-paragraph, recommend that the Council cancel the suspension referred to in the same sub-paragraph.
Amendment 830 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 9
Article 15 – paragraph 9
9. The scope and level of the suspension of commitments or payments to be imposed shall be proportionate, shall respect the equality of treatment between Member States and shall take into account the economic and social circumstances of the Member State concerned, in particular the level of unemployment, the level of poverty or social exclusion of the Member State concerned in relation to the Union average and the impact of the suspension on the economy of the Member State concerned. The impact of suspensions on programmes of critical importance to address adverse economic or social conditions shall be a specific factor to be taken into account prior to the decision to suspend commitments and shall be communicated by the Commission to the relevant stakeholders, the Council and the European Parliament. European Parliament’s opinion on the proposal for suspension of the commitments shall be also taken into consideration, as a conclusion of a structured dialogue prior to the decision on suspension.
Amendment 855 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 12 – subparagraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 12 – subparagraph 1
The Commission shall keep the European Parliament informed of the implementation of this Article. In particular, the Commission shall, when one of the conditions set out in paragraph 7 is fulfilled for a Member State, immediately inform the European Parliament and provide details of the Funds and programmes which could be subject to a suspension of commitments and the impact of the envisaged suspension on the economy.
Amendment 860 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 12 – subparagraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 12 – subparagraph 3
The Commission shall transmit the proposal for suspension of commitments or the proposal to lift such a suspension, to the European Parliament for opinion and to the Council for decision.
Amendment 994 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 3
Article 18 – paragraph 3
3. The Member State shall review the programme, in consultation with local and regional authorities and in accordance with Article 6, taking into account the observations made by the Commission.
Amendment 1046 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
The Member State may transfer during the programming period an amount of up to 510 % of the initial allocation of a priority and no more than 35 % of the programme budget to another priority of the same Fund of the same programme. For the programmes supported by the ERDF and ESF+, the transfer shall only concern allocations for the same category of region.
Amendment 1200 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1
Article 29 – paragraph 1
1. At the initiative of the Commission, the Funds may support preparatory, monitoring, management verification, control, audit, evaluation, communication including corporate communication on the political priorities of the Union, visibility and all administrative and technical assistance actions necessary for the implementation of this Regulation and, where appropriate with third countries.
Amendment 1224 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) for the ERDF support under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, and for the Cohesion Fund support: 2,53 %;
Amendment 1285 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
(ia) the measures linked to simplified cost options for beneficiaries.
Amendment 1397 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 52 – paragraph 2
Article 52 – paragraph 2
2. Financial instruments shall provide support to final recipients only for newand their investments expected to be financially viable, such as generating revenues or savings, and which do not find sufficient funding from market sources. Such support may target investments in both tangible and intangible assets as well as working capital, in compliance with applicable Union state aid rules. Investments to be supported through financial instruments are those not physically completed or fully implemented at the date of the investment decision.
Amendment 1420 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 55 – paragraph 1
Article 55 – paragraph 1
1. Support from the Funds to financial instruments invested in final recipients as well as any type of income generated by those investments, which are attributable to the support from the Funds, may be used for differentiated treatment of investors operating under the market economy principle or of other forms of Union support, through an appropriate sharing of risks and profits.
Amendment 1441 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 58 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 58 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) value added tax ('VAT'), except for operations the total cost of which is below EUR 5 000 000 or where VAT is non- recoverable under national VAT rules.
Amendment 1561 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 67 – paragraph 6
Article 67 – paragraph 6
6. When the managing authority selects an operation of strategic importance, it shall inform the Commission immediatelywithin one month and shall provide all relevant information to the Commission about that operation.
Amendment 1564 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 68 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 68 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) ensure, subject to the availability of funding, that a beneficiary receives the amount due in full for verified expenditures and no later than 90 days from the date of submission of the payment claim by the beneficiary;
Amendment 1627 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) 2021: 02.5 %;
Amendment 1643 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) 2022: 02.5 %;
Amendment 1665 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) 2023: 01.5 %;
Amendment 1684 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) 2024: 01.5 %;
Amendment 1707 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e
(e) 2025: 01.5 %;
Amendment 1722 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f
Article 84 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f
(f) 2026: 01.5 %
Amendment 1747 #
2018/0196(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 85 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 85 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) the amount for technical assistance calculated in accordance with Article 31(1) and (2);
Amendment 17 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) The identification of a generalised deficiency requires a qualitative assessment by the Commission. That assessment could be based on the information from all available sources and recognized institutions, including judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union, reports of the Court of Auditors, expert opinions of the relevant European Union Agencies, and conclusions and recommendations of relevant international organisations and networks, such as the bodies of the Council of Europe and the European networks of supreme courts and councils for the judiciary. In order to secure transparency through meaningful and effective democratic debate, the Commission should allow the participation of interested EU citizens and stakeholders' groups, whose opinions and arguments should be taken into account in the decision-making process.
Amendment 21 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The possible measures to be adopted in the event of generalised deficiencies and the procedure to be followed to adopt them should be determined. Those measures should include the suspension of payments and of commitments, a reduction of funding under existing commitments, and a prohibition to conclude new commitments with recipients. Any decision to enforce conditionality should provide serious guarantees, based on impact assessments, to ensure that final beneficiaries of EU funds are not adversely affected.
Amendment 24 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The principle of proportionality should apply when determining the measures to be adopted, in particular taking into account the seriousness of the situation, the time which has elapsed since the relevant conduct started, its duration and its recurrence, the intention, and the degree of cooperation of the Member State concerned in putting an end to the generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law, and the effects of that deficiency on the respective Union funds. The scope and level of the suspension of commitments to be imposed should be proportionate, should respect the equality of treatment between Member States, and should take into account the economic and social circumstances of the Member State concerned and the impact of the suspension on the economy of the Member State concerned. The impact of suspensions on programmes of critical importance to address rule-of-law conditions should be a specific factor to be taken into account.
Amendment 27 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) In order to ensure uniform implementation of this Regulation and in view of the importance of the financial effects of measures being imposed pursuant to this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Council which should act on the basis of a Commission proposal. To facilitate the adoption of decisions which are required to protect the financial interests of the Union, reversed qualified majority voting should be used.
Amendment 34 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Before proposing the adoption of any measure pursuant to this Regulation, the Commission should inform the Member State concerned why it considers that a generalised deficiency regarding the rule of law might exist in that Member State. The Member State should be allowed to submit its observations. The Commission, the European Parliament and the Council should take those observations into account.
Amendment 35 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
Amendment 38 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) The Commission should keep the European Parliament and the Council informed of any measures proposed and adopted pursuant to this Regulation,
Amendment 44 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – title
Article 3 – title
Amendment 45 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Appropriate measures shall be taken where a gGeneralised deficiencyies as regards the rule of law in a Member State that affects or risks affecting the principles of sound financial management or the protection of the financial interests of the Union are, in particular:
Amendment 65 #
Amendment 66 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. One or more of the following appropriate measures may be adopted in the case of a generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law:
Amendment 71 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
(b) where the Commission implements the Union’s budget in shared management pursuant to [point (b) of Article 62] of the Financial Regulation, in the case of a generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law, save where point ba applies:
Amendment 79 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 4
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 4
Amendment 81 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 5
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 5
Amendment 84 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 6
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 6
Amendment 85 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) as far as ESI Funds are concerned, where the Commission implements the Union’s budget in shared management pursuant to [point (b) of Article 62] of the Financial Regulation, the measures defined in the Common Provisions Regulation should apply in the case of a generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law.
Amendment 87 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Unless the decision adopting the measures provides otherwise, the imposition of appropriate measures shall not affect the obligation of government entities referred to in point (a) of paragraph 1 or of Member States referred to in point (b) of paragraph 1 to implement the programme or fund affected by the measure, and in particular the obligation to make payments to final recipients or beneficiaries. Any decision to enforce conditionality should provide serious guarantees, based on impact assessments, to ensure that final beneficiaries of EU funds are not adversely affected.
Amendment 89 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The scope and level of the suspension of commitments to be imposed shall be proportionate, shall respect the equality of treatment between Member States and shall take into account the economic and social circumstances of the Member State concerned and the impact of the suspension on the economy of the Member State concerned. The impact of suspensions on programmes of critical importance to address rule-of-law conditions shall be a specific factor to be taken into account.
Amendment 99 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission may take into account all relevant information, including decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Union, reports of the Court of Auditors, and conclusions and recommendations of relevant international organisations and expert opinions of the relevant European Union Agencies.
Amendment 103 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The possible measures to be adopted in the event of generalised deficiencies and the procedure to be followed to adopt them should be determined. Those measures should include the suspension of payments and of commitments, a reduction of funding under existing commitments, and a prohibition to conclude new commitments with recipients. In the case of ESI funds the measures defined in the Common Provisions Regulation should apply.
Amendment 106 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The principle of proportionality should apply when determining the measures to be adopted, in particular taking into account the seriousness of the situation, the time which has elapsed since the relevant conduct started, its duration and its recurrence, the intention, and the degree of cooperation of the Member State concerned in putting an end to the generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law, and the effects of that deficiency on the respective Union funds. Any decision to enforce conditionality should provide serious guarantees, based on impact assessments, to ensure that final beneficiaries of EU funds are not adversely affected.
Amendment 108 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 6
Article 5 – paragraph 6
6. Where the Commission considers that the generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law as defined in Article 3(2) is established, it shall submit a proposal for an implementing act on the appropriate measures to the CouncilEuropean Parliament for opinion and to the Council for decision. After taking into account the European Parliament’s opinion, the decision shall be deemed to have been adopted by the Council, unless it decides, by qualified majority, to reject the Commission proposal within one month of its adoption by the Commission. The Council, acting by a qualified majority, may amend the Commission’s proposal and adopt the amended text as a Council decision.
Amendment 115 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 7
Article 5 – paragraph 7
7. The decWhere the Commission shall be deemed to have been adopted by the Council, unless it decides, by qualified majority, to reject the Commission proposal within one mconsiders that the generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law as defined in Article 3(1) is established, it shall submit a proposal for a decision on the appropriate measures to the European Parliament and to the Council for opinion. Taking into account the European Parliament and Council opinions, the Commission shall take a decision on th of its adoption by the Commissione appropriate measures, or a decision not to enforce the rule-of-law conditionality.
Amendment 125 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
3. Where measures concerning the suspension of the approval of one or more programmes or amendments thereof referred to in point (i) of Article 4(2)(b) or the suspension of commitments referred to in point (ii) of Article 4(2)(b) are lifted, amounts corresponding to the suspended commitments shall be entered in the budget subject to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No XXXX (MFF Regulation). Suspended commitments of year n may not be entered in the budget beyond year n+2.
Amendment 128 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
The Commission shall immediately inform the European Parliament and the Council of any measures proposed or adopted pursuant to Articles 4 and 5.
Amendment 168 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
(b) where the Commission implements the Union’s budget in shared management pursuant to [point (b) of Article 62] of the Financial Regulation, except for the ESI funds where the measures defined in the Common Provisions Regulation shall apply:
Amendment 179 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 4
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 4
Amendment 183 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 6
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point 6
Amendment 190 #
2018/0136(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Unless the decision adopting the measures provides otherwise, the imposition of appropriate measures shall not affect the obligation of government entities referred to in point (a) of paragraph 1 or of Member States referred to in point (b) of paragraph 1 to implement the programme or fund affected by the measure, and in particular the obligation to make payments to final recipients or beneficiaries. Any decision to enforce conditionality shall provide serious guarantees, based on impact assessments, to ensure that final beneficiaries of EU funds are not adversely affected.
Amendment 68 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses the need for more integrated approach to the investments in transport infrastructure, to improve work on multimodal connectivity and to increase investments in inland waterways and ports; calls on the Commission and Member States to encourage the evolution towards more active public sector involvement in innovation led transport solutions at national, regional but also at local/urban and rural level with the aim to develop smart transport solutions;
Amendment 1 #
2017/2280(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Regrets that the quantity and lack of flexibility and coherence of the EU funding under Heading 4 of the current multiannual financial framework (MFF) have been indicative of the EU’s limited ambition to act as a genuine global player; notes however that many of the partner countries and themes addressed by the EU external financing instruments (EFIs) have experienced positive progress thus proving the relevance and importance of the EFIs.
Amendment 2 #
2017/2280(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Regrets thatStresses that EFIs have been under financial pressure because of migration and refugee crises, instability and terrorist threats; therefore the contributions from the EU budget to the new mechanisms such as EU Trust Funds and the Facility for Refugees in Turkey have reduced the overall coherence,were set up to better support long- term vision and impact of the Union’s action; ; stresses once again that new priorities must be financed with new appropriations;
Amendment 11 #
2017/2280(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 – indent 3
Paragraph 3 – indent 3
- bring real EU added value: EU funding must not duplicate or overlap with Member States’ funding; ensure better coordination and a more outcome- driven approach, including with regard to reporting and communication; - EU funding must not duplicate or overlap with Member States’ funding and should achieve more synergy;
Amendment 14 #
2017/2280(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is of the opinion that EFI architecture could be simplified if it increasesand should reflect clear political objectives; stresses that results should be measured not only at country and sector level but also aggregated at instrument level; calls on increase in the coherence and visibility of Union action, efficiency, flexibility and accountability; warns, however, that an excessively radical simplification of the structure would not be without risks; calls for the new architecture to reflect clear political objectives;
Amendment 19 #
2017/2280(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for better integration of the EU Trust Funds and facilities into the budget in order to increase the transparency and democratic scrutiny of the EFIs; calls, in addition, on the Commission to provide Parliament with detailed information about any significant autonomous transfer or decommitment under Heading 4.
Amendment 2 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the crucial role cCohesion pPolicy has played in the achievement ofing economic and social convergence in the EU, narrowing disparities, safeguarding investments and strengthening resistance to the impacts of globalisation; expresses concern, however, that inequalities persist between rich and poor regions and between the salaries of the social categories of citizens; therefore highlights that investments into new technologies, modernisation, new skills and knowledge, innovation, research and development which will help less developed regions move up the value chain, should be strongly supported by Cohesion Policy, harmonised throughout the entire EU budget and in synergy with national budgets; stresses that neither the objectives nor the EU funding of cCohesion pPolicy should be watered down;
Amendment 12 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes the shortcomings of the financial planning and implementation system, which have led to thedelays in requests for payments, backlogs and accumulation of unpaid bills; expstresses concern at thethat the late conclusion of 2014-2020 MFF negotiations and European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF funds) regulations resulted with significant delays in the adoption of operational programmes and in the designation of management, payment and certification authorities for cohesion policy, which have led to extremely low absorption rates of cohesion policy in the current programming period; therefore calls for quick negotiations and agreement on the new post 2020 MFF and adoption of new ESI Funds regulations as soon as possible; stresses that the level of payment appropriations should match past commitments;
Amendment 15 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Notes that each year the difference between estimated and actual payments from the EU budget for Cohesion policy is huge and calls on the European Commission to define a methodology for better planning of EU budget execution in close cooperation with Member States; stresses that establishment of the e- Cohesion system in which Member States would enter data on project pipelines, procurement plans with planned and actual dates for tendering, contracting and implementation, as well as all financial and accounting data related to invoices, co-financing, eligibility of expenditures etc. would be an important contribution to better management and monitoring of Cohesion Policy implementation in Member States, as well as to more precise estimations of payments from the EU budget.
Amendment 17 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Underlines that EU funding needs to focus on areas in which the highest EU added value can be achieved, therefore the system of allocation of ESI funds should be revised by adding criteria linked to challenges the EU faces, such as demographics, unemployment, social inclusion, migration, innovation and climate change.
Amendment 18 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Takes into account that poor institutional quality reduces competitiveness, the impact of investment and economic growth; therefore stresses that the link between economic governance and the European Semester needs to be strengthened in order to ensure improvement of the quality of governance, implementation of structural reforms and strengthening administrative capacities with the aim of fostering convergence and thus increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of Cohesion Policy investments.
Amendment 25 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the legislative proposals for the next MFF should be submitted as soon as possible to avoid delays in the programming for the next period; Ttakes the view that cohesion policy ceilings should be raisedat the same level of funding for the EU-27 in the next programming period while further improving its effectiveness and simplifying the procedures associated with it so that the EU can finally have all the funds it needs to meet its objectives and priorities, as set out under the Treaties;
Amendment 51 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises that cohesion policy investments provide European added value by contributing to European public goods and to, the Treaty objective of reducing disparities and spill-over benefits to non-cohesion countries from the increased trade generated and strengthening the Single Market;
Amendment 73 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that European added value is also reflected in European territorial cooperation (ETC), in all its dimensions; calls for an increase in its share of the budget allocated to cohesion policy, while improving coordination and stresses the need to consider linkages with macro regions strategies within ETC, while improving coordination and simplifying and harmonizing rules and procedures between different programmes to avoid overlaps; and ensure smooth implementation.
Amendment 80 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Notes that the implementation of cohesion policy in a region can generate spill-over benefits elsewhere in the EU due to the increased trade generated; points out, however, that these benefits vary considerably from one Member State to the other, depending in particular on geographic proximity and the structure of the Member States’ economies;
Amendment 100 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for greater account to be taken of certain specific territorial characteristics, such as those of island, mountain or border regions, when investment priorities are set; as well as co- financing and state aid rules; stresses that more flexibility between operational programmes and thematic priorities is needed to ensure quick reaction and alignment with the needs in practice in order to make these areas more attractive for the businesses and young people.
Amendment 109 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that the particular structural social and economic situation of the outermost regions justifies specific measures, in accordance with Article 349 TFEU, and stresses the need to improve the specific measures for these regions by adjusting them whenever necessary; calls on the Commission to take the judgment of the Court of Justice of the EU of 15 December 2015 as the basis for ensuring that Article 349 TFEU is properly applied as regards the conditions governing access to the Structural Funds; suggests in particular extending the specific allocation for the outermost regions to the social component, maintaining the current level of Union co-financing in those regions, and better tailoring the thematic concentration;
Amendment 114 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Considers that the introduction of integrated strategies for sustainable urban development has been a success and should be replicated in other sub-regional territories, for example by setting an integrated territorial objective alongside the thematic objectives; stresses that possibility to introduce preparation of Operational programmes based on Integrated territorial strategies and Smart specialisation strategies should be analysed.
Amendment 134 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the Commission’s launch of a pilot project to provide tailored support geared to the specific challenges facing regions in industrial transition; calls on the Commission to draw lessons from the pilot project as soon as possible, and believes that smart specialisation strategies have the potential to offer better support to these regions in their development strategies and, more generally, promote differentiated implementation at regional level; stresses however that the results of Smart Specialization strategy process were, in some regions, inadequate due to the lack of resources, potential partners, tech transfer support system etc., and calls therefore for more cooperation and exchange of knowledge and experience among the regions.
Amendment 147 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that social and fiscal convergence help to foster cohesion while improving the functioning of the single market; takes the view that divergent practices in this area may run counter to the objective of cohesion and are liable to cause further problems for territories which are lagging behind or are the most vulnerable to globalisation; considers that cohesion policy could contribute to the promotion of social, economic and fiscal convergence by providing incentives to the structural reforms and smart fiscal policies; calls on the Commission to take better account of this aspect in the European Semester;
Amendment 161 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Supports a strong thematic concentration on a limited number of priorities linked to major European political objectives, leaving managing authorities the task of drawing up their territorial strategies on the basis of their needs; stresses that better employment, innov opportunities, new skills and knowledge, innovation, industrial transformation, support for SMEs, climate change and the circular economy should constitute priority areas for cohesion policy in future;
Amendment 194 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls for ESI funds to be used to address demographic challenges (ageing, population loss and demographic pressure) which affect European regions in a variety of specific ways; stresses in particular the need to provide adequate support to the territories, such as some outermost regions, facing growing population pressure caused by a high birth rate and large-scale irregular migration;
Amendment 202 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Stresses the potential of investments in culture, heritage, youth and sport to create jobs and growth and to improve social cohesion;
Amendment 264 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Notes that the quality of public administration is a decisive factor in regional growth and the effectiveness of ESI funds; emphasises the need to increase administrative capacities; stresses that constant and good quality education is precondition for capacity building, calls therefore the Commission to prepare action plans for educations and exchange of knowledge and best practices among the member states in the fields of project preparation, public procurement, state aid rules, project implementation, financial management etc.; underlines that final beneficiaries should have administrative support from the responsible authorities during implementation; encourages Member States to use simplified cost option since it proves to be easier to implement and resulted with no errors.
Amendment 343 #
2017/2279(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Reiterates its commitment to long- term programming; considers that the only viable alternative to the current period of seven years is an MFF period of 5+5 years, with a mid-term review; stresses however that the new time-frame could be introduced only for the period after 2027.
Amendment 5 #
2017/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges that Europe’s economy is showing encouraging signs of recovery over the past 18 quarters, with Member States displaying positive and steadily growth and unemployment reaching its lowest level since the crisis; highlights, nonetheless, that not all Member States are experiencing the same degree of recovery and that unemployment rates are still too high in many regions of Europe, particularly among young people;
Amendment 9 #
2017/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Urges the Commission to propose ambitious reforms of the governance of the euro area, including the introduction of a specific budget; welcomes the proposal for a budgetary capacity for the euro area financed by own resourcesand use of special instrument to support the adoption of the euro by the non Eurozone Member States ; welcomes the proposal for a more synergy and no fragmentation of the EU budget, set out in the final report and recommendations of the High Level Group on Own Resources of December 2016, entitled ‘Future Financing of the EU’;
Amendment 10 #
2017/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses, therefore, the need to foster greater convergence and inclusion; welcomes the fact that the Commission recognises there is a momentum to support the continuation of the recovery through both economic growth and social convergence; notes that for increased productivity, which is one of the preconditions for better growth, investments in innovation, education and new skills are needed.
Amendment 12 #
2017/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls its support for the creation of a euro area fiscal capacity in order to cope with macroeconomic shocks and increase the competitiveness and stability of Member States’ economies, as stated in its resolution of 16 February 2017 on budgetary capacity for the euro area1 ; advocates the creation of a fiscal capacity for the euro area that would not overlap with the existing policies and make the budget fragmented; considers that theat founding should come from Member States’ contributions, as part of the transfera true reform of EU financing without increasing the tax burden ofn competences, and from own resources such as the financial transaction tax; _________________ 1itizens and without decreasing the amounts for Cohesion and Common Agricultural Policy; _________________ 1 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2017)0050. Texts adopted, P8_TA(2017)0050.
Amendment 15 #
2017/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the streamlining and focus of the Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs); expresses its concern, however, regarding the uneven degree of implementation of the CSRs across policy areas and countries; calls on the Commission and Member States to closely collaborate and coordinate the process in order to support structural reforms and boost investment; stresses the need for more synergy between EU budget and member states budget with the aim to achieve AGS priorities and implement CSRs.
Amendment 16 #
2017/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the announcement by President Juncker concerning the proposal to transform the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) into a European Monetary Fund to be integrated into the EU framework; urges the Commission to adopt proposals to fully integrate all intergovernmental tools related to the euro into the EU framework, and is convinced that all reforms to further integrate the governance of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) into the EU framework must be reflected in the post- 2020 MFF.;
Amendment 21 #
2017/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Considers that it is necessary to encourage public and private investment in infrastructure, research, development, innovation and education with the aim to increase productivity and impact positively on economic growth and increase of wages;calls for strong and efficient cohesion policy which will, among other priorities, support implementation of economic policy mix to reach high development, growth and job creation;
Amendment 24 #
2017/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises the important role in the recovery process of cohesion policy as the main investment policy in Europe; considers, however, that its interaction with the European Semester should be improved to further increase the multiplier effect of cohesion spending and its contribution to sustainable and inclusive growth; points out that more flexibility is needed in defining the activities and projects which should be financed from ESI funds and linked with annually defined CSRs and AGSs.
Amendment 35 #
2017/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates the need to speed up the implementation of the ESI funds as they provide important support to structural reforms and national investment policies; calls on the Member States to develop strong coordination structuresand planning structures, and to reduce administrative burden with the aim to make their use more effective and efficient;
Amendment 40 #
2017/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the extension in duration and size of the European Fund for Strategic Investments until 2020 to help boost investment, avoid disruptions in financing and to assure project promoters that they can still plan projects after the initial investment period; underlines the need for complementarities and synergies between those tools;
Amendment 50 #
2017/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines the role of the Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP) in supporting tailor-made assistance in order to help Member States carry out their reforms; stresses, in this respect, the importance of continued structural reforms at all levels of government and the removal of red tape surrounding ongoing investments so as to help improve the business and investment environments; points out that deduction from existing technical assistance resources received under the ESI funds cannot be solution for SRSP in the future.
Amendment 85 #
2017/2226(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights, however, the persistent structural problem of insufficient growth of potential output and productivity, flanked by too low a level of investments and wages, leading to persistent social inequalitiesNotes that, slow growth of potential output and productivity creates and obstacle for wage increase;
Amendment 112 #
2017/2226(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the importance of a wage increase at European level in order to boost private consumption as the main support for growth; reminds however that only greater output per hour worked, or per worker, can help to support higher pay for that output and, therefore, stresses the need for more investments in research, development and innovation as well as in technological modernisation; points out the need to focus on the interaction between monetary, fiscal and incomes (including wage and profit development) policies rather than only fiscal issues;
Amendment 153 #
2017/2226(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls the importance of public and private investment for boosting and leveraging investmenteconomic growth in the EU; considers that the policy mix proposed in the AGS 2018 should be further developed to remedy the current decrease in public and private investment in the EU; highlights that this decrease also affects local and regional authorities, threatening their ability to deliver quality public services;
Amendment 168 #
2017/2226(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 180 #
2017/2226(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that the European Semester and the Country-Specific Recommendations should achieve the objectives set out in the Pillar of Social Rightcontribute to the achievement of the objectives set out in the Europe 2020 Strategy, Cohesion Policy, Youth Guarantee Schemes, Pillar of Social Rights and other European strategies and policies;
Amendment 277 #
2017/2226(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Considers that the toolinstruments available are not yet equal to the task of fullyshould be use efficiently and in synergy with MSs national budgets in order to addressing the EU’s cyclical and structural problemhallenges, in particular the need to strengthen smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and, increase productivity, to boost and job creation, promotesupport convergence, support sustainable investments and enhance resilience to shocks;
Amendment 294 #
2017/2226(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Underlines that a fiscal capacity – on top of existing capacities, and not through redeployments that would undermine the vital role currently played by structural funds and cohesion policy – represents a necessary tool for increasing incentives for convergence and toand investment funds as an instrument of cohesion policy – should be used for structural reform, counter asymmetric or symmetric economic shocks and for investments;
Amendment 313 #
2017/2226(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Is concerned that gaps and discrimination on the labour market remain high throughout the European Union, contributing to differences in remuneration, retirement, participation in decision- making and wealth between men and women; stresses the importance of preserving high standards in relation to the quality of the proposed employment; points out that skills gap should be tackled with proper reform of educational system;
Amendment 36 #
2017/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to monitor the implementation of directives linked to the completion of the single market, particularly in the energy and transport sector, and to enhance the enforcement of EU competition rules in order to avoid uneven application thereof in the Member States;
Amendment 55 #
2017/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Takes note that EU rules do not establish target time frames for antitrust investigations as is the case for formal merger review deadlines and the common practicerevisions and investigations of many national competition authorities; notes that this implies that decisions are sometimes made too late, after competitors have been obliged to exit the market;
Amendment 81 #
2017/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Believes that the Commission should verify that national competition authorities (NCAs) are sufficiently equipped in terms of financial and human resources to guarantee their independence, and that it should submit an annual report to Parliament regarding this key point; calls on the Commission to consider seriously when NCAs question the Commission’s findings and opposes its decision and to inform the Parliament about these cases;
Amendment 99 #
2017/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates that all market players should pay their fair share of tax; according to the principle that requires that a tax should be paid at the place where an economic activity has been carried out and a new value has been created; welcomes the Commission’s in- depth investigations into anti-competitive practices such as selective tax advantages and excess profit ruling systems; stresses that the reduction of tax fraud and tax avoidance is fundamental in order to consolidate sound public budgets;
Amendment 141 #
2017/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines that the bailout of Veneto Banca and Banca Popolare di Vicenza was based on the assumption that these were systemic banks in their region, and calls on the Commission to develop proposals for a fair conflict resolution regarding banks of systematic importance this line of thinking in compliance with EU rules and the bail-in principle;
Amendment 192 #
2017/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Warmly iInvites the Commission and the Google CEO to attend a joint public hearing of the Committees on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO);
Amendment 218 #
2017/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Asks the Commission to apply State aid rules strictly and uniformly to all European airlines such as Alitalia and Air Berlinregardless of its ownership and business model; believes that restructuring aid is one of the most distortive forms and that the same rules should be applied to national and low-cost carriers;
Amendment 261 #
2017/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Invites the Commission to look at thexamine bilateral aviation agreement between Spain and Russia which obliges all flights going through Siberia to depart from or land at the Madrid hub airport, giving an unfair advantage to the Iberia national carrierMember States and third countries in order to ensure fair competition;
Amendment 274 #
2017/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Calls on the Commission to analyse how lackthe influence of the of competition deficiency in certain parts of the food supply chain could be affectingon prices and the viability of many agricultural producers;
Amendment 3 #
2017/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses that a strong euro area is a precondition for a strong Europe as a whole; however, the euro area cannot make progress and attain the significant level of growth required for job creation and development without joint efforts in the implementation of a good economic policy mix, consisting of investment, structural reforms and fiscal consolidation in all Member States, within and outside the euro area; therefore, economic policies should be developed for each Member State individually, based on the specificities of the Member State concerned, as is done within the European Semester, and avoid the “one size fits all” approach, as well as geographical or any other division such as between euro area and non-euro area Member States;
Amendment 9 #
2017/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is aware of the fact that cohesion policy funding, which represents EUR 454 billion at current prices for the 2014-2020 period (32.5 % of the EU budget), is aimed mainly at promoting investment, employment and growth, and is one of the most important and comprehensive policies for strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion; recalls that the EU budget is 50 times smaller than total government expenditure of the EU-28, amounting to ca. 1% of EU-28 GDP; stresses therefore that synergies should be attained between EU and Member States’ budgets, policy priorities aligned and actions and projects aimed at fulfilling European targets; points out that co- financing requirements regarding ESI funds are an important mechanism for attaining synergies;
Amendment 14 #
2017/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is aware of the fact that cohesion policy funding, which represents EUR 454 billion at current prices for the 2014-2020 period (32.5 % of the EU budget), is aimed mainly; stresses, however, that EU cohesion policy is not an instrument but a long-term structural policy that is aimed at promoting investment, employment and growth, and is one of the most important and comprehensive policies for strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion;
Amendment 21 #
2017/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Believes that EU cohesion policy is the best tool for contributing to both competitiveness and solidarity throughout the EU regions, and it is therefore essential to continue it beyond 2020, in order to combat the disparities that have increased following the crisis; stresses that there is a close link between cohesion and economic policy objectives and that a notable share of the EU budget is dedicated to Annual Growth Survey and European Semester priorities, primarily through sub-heading 1a and ESI Funds;
Amendment 36 #
2017/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Is of the opinion that the unity of the EU budget should be preserved;
Amendment 38 #
2017/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Takes note of the study on the externalities of cohesion policy investments1a which shows that there is a return on investments in net payer Member States as a consequence of the investments made in beneficiary Member States in the framework of the operational programmes; _________________ 1aReport prepared as part of the Ex-post evaluation and forecast of benefits to EU- 15 countries as a result of Cohesion Policy implementation in V4 countries, commissioned by the Polish Ministry of Economic Development and entitled ‘How do EU-15 Member States benefit from the Cohesion Policy in the V4’.
Amendment 53 #
2017/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that boosting growth and employment requires strengthening support for research and innovation projects, especially new initiatives involving talented young people and start-ups, as well as simplifying access to, and the conditions for obtaining, the necessary resources; underlines that preconditions for innovation, start-up and research oriented society and economy are linked with the implementation of education and science system reforms, connecting them with entrepreneurs and their needs and labour market and tax and financial system reforms;
Amendment 72 #
2017/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recognises that the EU needs to address new, serious challenges, and that cohesion policybetter synergy between the EU budget and national budgets could be a very important source of financial support for various issues, such as the integration of migrants, education, employment, housing and combating discrimination;
Amendment 85 #
2017/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Stresses that three-fourths of the Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs) are relevant to the cohesion policy objectives in the operational programmes of the Member States and their regions; is of the opinion that there must be a balanced link between cohesion policy and the European Semester;
Amendment 137 #
2017/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates its concerns about the high level of non-performing loans (NPLs) in certain jurisdictions; agrees with the Commission that ‘Member States and banks themselves have a primary responsibility in tackling non-performing loans’4 ; welcomes, nonetheless, the work done by different EU institutions and bodies on this issue; stresses that in the time of low interest rates and favourable financial conditions more actions at EU and MS’s level should be done to support debt restructuring and resolving NPLs; calls on these actors and the Member States to duly implement the Council conclusions of 11 July 2017 on the action plan to tackle non-performing loans in Europe; _________________ 4 Commission communication on completing the Banking Union, 11 October 2017, p. 15 (COM(2017)0592).
Amendment 298 #
2017/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the progress made in further harmonising the priority ranking of unsecured debt instruments through the Commission’s proposal of November 2016; calls for rapid implementation by Member States so that banks can issue debt in the new insolvency class and thereby build up the required buffers; underlines that the new approach to business in solvency which is promoting early restructuring and a second chance to restart a business has an important impact not only for addressing the barriers to the free flow of capital but also for supporting banks' operations in tackling NPLs;
Amendment 2 #
2017/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges the EIB’s contribution to restoring investment activity in the EU after the economic and financial crises; stresses that the EIB’s activities during the current period of recovery and credit availability must be carefully directed towards products and projects, thereby ensuring additionality; underlines that EIB’s advisory services and financing in key areas such as infrastructure financing, climate change mitigation and adaptation, urban development and SME support should continue;
Amendment 26 #
2017/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Believes that instead of playing a partly anti-cyclical role, the key priority for the EIB should be to focus on areas where markets fail and on regional development, supporting projects such as revitalization rural and other less populated, less accessible and underdeveloped areas;
Amendment 37 #
2017/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that the EIB can play a positive role in reducing the negative public investment gap, but that its activities should not come into conflict with fiscal rules, as fiscal stability is a key precondition for stable and sustainable economic growth; calls on coordination of EIB’s activities in the member states with the governments’ activities, policies and objectives set in National reform programmes as well as in the Country specific recommendations;
Amendment 54 #
2017/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls the high degree of urgency of clarifying the impact of Brexit on the EIB in order for the bank to continue to be able to perform its role; The UK subscribed 16.11% of the EIB’s capital, accounting for EUR 3.5bn of the paid-in capital and EUR 35.7bn of the Bank’s callable capital;
Amendment 72 #
2017/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses the need for the EIB to prioritise external operations so that its activities especially focus on areas of high importance for the EU; highlights the great potential for EIB operations to improve the economic situation in Ukraine, which is facing great economic stress and instability due to the ongoing armed conflict in Eastern Ukraine, with the direct and indirect participation of Russian military and security services; stresses that more EIB’s activities are needed in southeast Europe in order to increase level of investment and support accession process;
Amendment 92 #
2017/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that if they are to contribute to the economic development of the EU as well as economic, social and territorial cohesion, risk transfer-based instruments cannot be risk free; stresses that the EIB and its shareholders must be fully aware of this.
Amendment 12 #
2017/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the work of the High Level Group on Own Resources, and in particular the measures aimed at reducforming the share of the GNI-based contributionGNI-based own resource system, which is residual in nature; arguemphasises that this reduction should be compensated for by the use of genuine own resourcese decision regarding the compensation should be based on the outcome of Brexit;
Amendment 18 #
2017/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that preference should be given to genuine European own resources,; such as a tax basedtresses the need to avoid creating an additional tax burden on EU citizens and expanding the regressive nature of the EU’s own the common consolidated corporate tax base (CCCTB) and a contribution based on a definitive VAT system,resources system; welcome the High Level Group’s proposal for their vision of the VAT-based own resource with the aim to make it simple, to lower the administrative costs and to strengthen the link with EU VAT policy and actual VAT receipts; underlines that all correction mechanism on the revenue side should be abolished thereby delivering a fairer system for European citizens with respect to the EU budget;
Amendment 41 #
2017/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Advocates the establishment of a budgetary capacity for the Eurozone that would not overlap with the existing policies and make the budget fragmented, and that would perform functions of macroeconomic stabiliszation and bring about economic and social convergencstrengthening the financial system in the whole Europe; considers, moreover, that this capacity shcould be financed through own resources specific to the euro area, such as a tax on financial transactions, a bank levy and a share of the ECB’s profits;a bank levy and a share of the ECB’s profits; stresses however that linkage between specific revenues and expenditures should be avoided in the budget.
Amendment 54 #
2017/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that the EU should be able to issue zero-risk debt asseintroduce adequate mechanisms and instruments in order to offset the volatility in own resources’ revenues;
Amendment 64 #
2017/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses, with a view to achieving common EU and Eurozone economic governance objectives, the need for adequate financial support, which should be financed by genuine own resourceprogram budgeting and clear link between budget spending and strategic goals in order to ensuresupport democratic legitimacy;
Amendment 72 #
2017/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Supports the creation of a dedicated budget line to supportuse of technical assistance to help the adoption of the euro by Member States not yet part of the euro area, but calls for it to be made separate from the Eurozone’s budgetary capacity; considers that the budgetary capacity of the Eurozone should be excluded from ceiling calculations for commitments and payments under the multiannual financial framework;; stresses that the most important element for joining the Eurozone is economic and social convergence, therefore calls for strong and efficient cohesion policy which will, among other priorities, support implementation of economic policy mix to reach high development, growth and job creation.
Amendment 89 #
2017/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. SupportsNotes proposal of the pEuroposal to createean Commission for the creation of the post, within the Commission, of European Finance Minister, who would be tasked with managing the budgetary capacity and ensuring full democratic accountability of the EU’s economic governance;ensure effective coordination of economic and fiscal policies.
Amendment 17 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the new challenges and global instability that the EU is facing today should be properly addressed, and it is essential that economic, social and territorial cohesion should remain a high priority for the EU;
Amendment 23 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. States that cohesion policy should remain the EU’s main investment and development policy, but that more needs to be done to highlight the major role of cohesion policy in achieving the EU’s political objectives; considers, therefore, that a strong focus is needed on employment, skills, innovation, SMEs, social inclusion, and specific EU goals such as digitalisation and reindustrialisation, as well as on a reinforced social dimension, territorial cooperation and the urban dimension;
Amendment 25 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas, the late conclusion of the 2014-2020 MFF negotiations and of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds) regulations resulted in delays in implementation, thus causing the delays in absorption of ESI funds and problems with execution of the commitment and payment appropriations in the EU budget;
Amendment 34 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls, therefore, for the MFF to provide for sufficient funds for cohesion policy post-2020, striking a good balance between investments in citizens and investments for citizens and ensuring that the EU’s political goals can be reached; recalls that, in view of the late start of the period and the expected volume of payment claims towards the end of it, it is of considerable importance to increase the payment ceiling of Heading 1b in order to ensure liquidity and investment flow and to avoid the impact of potential political risks; notes that the creation of future, and the support to current, EU programmes and instruments should not take place at the expense of existing investment;
Amendment 47 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that regional funding should be protected and should continue to predominantly take the form of grants rather than financial instruments, which do, however, have an important role to play in certain cases; stresses that in the event of a reduction in the EU’s budgets, greater focus on the EU’s core goals is required; notes that binding targets for the use of financial instruments in the post-2020 MFF cannot be considered a viable option; notes that increasing the share of financial instruments should not influence non-refundable financial contributions, as this would hinder the required balance;
Amendment 52 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that regional funding should be protected and should continue to predominantly take the form of grants rather than financial instruments, which do, however, have an important role to play in certain cases; considers that Member States should be free to choose between grants and financial instruments/guarantees; stresses that in the event of a reduction in the EU’s budgets, greater focus on the EU’s core goals is required;
Amendment 63 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that a 5+5 year MFF period might be preferablemaintaining the current length (7 years) of the MFF is essential for cohesion policy, which needs a longer-term implementation period, given the time it takes to agree on sectoral legislation and operational programmes;
Amendment 75 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for the priorities of regional development programmes to be updated in order to take changing conditions into account and to benefit from new technology; also considers that more flexibility is required in the MFF to meet unforeseen challengescalls for additional criteria for the allocation of non-refundable funding and for setting co-financing rates; considers the regional unemployment rates and regional social progress index to be appropriate criteria; also considers that more flexibility is required in the MFF to meet unforeseen challenges; notes that challenges such as migration and security or political developments in the EU should not negatively affect the investments in Heading 1 or its goals and expected results, especially after the current programming period;
Amendment 76 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for the priorities of regional development programmes to be updated in order to take changing conditions into account and to benefit from new technology; also considers that more flexibility is required in the MFF to meet unforeseen challenges; stresses that financing for new priorities should be ensured in the EU budget from the savings and at the level of national budgets; Member States should be free to choose to use ESI Funds as a source of financing for new priorities;
Amendment 81 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Stresses that the significant level of growth needed for job creation and development cannot be achieved without joint efforts for the implementation of a good economic policy mix, which consists of investment, structural reforms and fiscal consolidation;considers, therefore, that funding for structural reforms linked to the European Semester should be guaranteed in the national budgets, and Member States should be free to choose to use ESI Funds as an additional source for financing structural reforms;
Amendment 86 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the importance of regional cross-border initiatives in promoting economic growth; underlines that the Connecting Europe Facility and the Cohesion Fund should remain the major source of infrastructure investment, and that funding appropriations should match the existing high demand and oversubscription;
Amendment 89 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the importance of regional cross-border initiatives in promoting economic growth; states that specific measures for the outermost regions, disadvantaged regions and islands are also needed in order to reduce the economic, social and environmental disparities between regions;
Amendment 93 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Recalls that investment in Heading 1a showcases a strong positive impact on policies;considers that programmes such as the successor programme to Horizon 2020 should receive twice the funding available under the current framework programme;notes that estimates, demand and success rates indicate that such an increase would relief the research and innovation funding gap;
Amendment 94 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. CNotes that combining grants and financial instruments has an unexplored potential owing to administrative burdens; calls for the Commission to look into the possibilities for greater synergies between the different EU funds, including cohesion policy, Horizon 2020 and EFSI; notes that the take-up of financial instruments and synergies with grants can be improved by encouraging investment partnerships and public-private partnerships locally;
Amendment 108 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers that it is essential, in the context of the new MFF, to ensure that budgetary rules, and rules on cohesion policy spending, are at last simplified. in order to positively impact the sustainability of the next MFF, as well as to reduce the burden on beneficiaries; underlines that, in the context of maximising the performance of the MFF as regards conditionality, it is important to find the right balance so as not to jeopardise investments;
Amendment 220 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Considers that the use of the EGF, providing EU solidarity and support to workers losing their jobs as a result of major structural changes in world trade patterns arising from globalisation or as a result of the global economic and financial crisis, has not lived up to expectations and needs to be improved and linked with the instruments contributing the European Pillar of Social Rights; points out, inter alia, that the procedures for implementing support from the EGF are too time- consuming and cumbersome; believes that a revised EGF should be endowed with at least an identical annual allocation under the new MFF;
Amendment 226 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Underlines that the MFF special instruments should be counted over and above the MFF ceilings both for commitment and payment appropriations and within the legal limits of the Treaties; considers that the issue of budgeting the payments of these instruments was settled in an unequivocal manner during the 2014- 2020 MFF mid-term revision, putting an end to the long-standing conflict of interpretation with the Council; advocates the introduction of a clear provision in the MFF Regulation, stating that payments resulting from the mobilisation in commitments of MFF special instruments should be counted over and above the annual MFF payment ceilings;
Amendment 267 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48 a (new)
Paragraph 48 a (new)
48a. Underlines that, in the context of maximising the performance of the MFF as regards conditionality, it is important to find the right balance so as not to jeopardise investments; requests that the Commission build upon the positive elements of the ex-ante conditionality system, while reducing the corresponding administrative burden as regards assessment and procedure;
Amendment 300 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61
Paragraph 61
61. Recalls its request to the Commission to identify EU policy areas where grants could be combined with financial instruments and to reflect on a proper balance between the two; is convinced that subsidies should remain the predominant way of funding the EU project in the next MFF; notes that the take-up of financial instruments and synergies with grants can be improved; highlights, in this context, that special attention should be paid to state aid rules, so as to provide a level playing field for grants and financial instruments; underlines that loans, guarantees, risk- sharing and equity financing should be used with caution, based on appropriate ex- ante assessments and only when their use can demonstrate a clear added value and a leverage effect;
Amendment 307 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 62
Paragraph 62
62. Calls on the Commission to simplify and harmonise the rules governing the use of financial instruments in the next MFF in order to maximise their efficient application; considers the option of a single fund that would integrate financial instruments at EU level that are centrally managed under such programmes as the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), Horizon 2020, COSME, Creative Europe and the Employment and Social Innovation programme (EaSI) on the one hand and the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) on the other, a proposal to be discussed further; is of the opinion that such an umbrella solution should provide for a clear structure for the choice of different types of financial instruments for different policy areas and types of actions; underlines, however, that such a fund could never integrate financial instruments managed by Member States under cohesion policy; stresses that within MFF post 2020 structure these programmes cannot be included under one single line for horizontal (financial) instruments supporting investments;
Amendment 322 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 65
Paragraph 65
65. Believes, therefore, that the current presentation of the headings requires some improvements, but is against any unjustified radical changes; proposes, as a result, the following structure for the MFF post-2020; Heading 1: A stronger and sustainablcompetitive economy Including programmes and instruments supporting: under direct management: - research and innovation - industry, entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises - large-infrastructure projects - transport, digitalisation, energy - adaptation - - - supporting investments in Europe (possible umbrella financial instrument at EU level, incl. EFSI) environment and climate change agriculture and rural development maritime affairs and fisheries horizontal (financial) instruments Heading 2: Sustainable development, preservation and management of natural resources - agriculture and rural development - maritime affairs and fisheries - environment and climate change adaptation Heading 23: Stronger cohesion and solidarity in Europe Including programmes and instruments supporting: - economic, social and territorial cohesion (under shared management): investments in innovation, digitalisation, reindustrialisation, SMEs, transport, climate change adaptation employment, social affairs and social inclusion - education and life-long learning - culture, citizenship and communication - health and food safety - asylum, migration and integration, justice and consumers - support to and coordination with national administrations Heading 34: Stronger responsibility in the world Including programmes and instruments supporting: - international cooperation and development - neighbourhood - enlargement - humanitarian aid - trade - contribution to EU trust funds and external relations facilities Heading 45: Security, peace and stability for all Including programmes and instruments supporting: - security - crisis response and stability - common foreign and security policy - defence Heading 56: An efficient administration at the service of Europeans - financing EU staff - financing the buildings and equipment of EU institutions
Amendment 331 #
Amendment 420 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 16 a (new)
Subheading 16 a (new)
Sustainable development, preservation and management of natural resources
Amendment 516 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 82 a (new)
Paragraph 82 a (new)
82a. Recognises the important contribution of cohesion policy in facilitating structural reforms through incentives, such as ex ante conditionalities, rather than sanctions, and calls on the Commission to explore other positive means of supporting national and regional efforts; underlines that the MFF should support the priorities outlined in the European Semester, in particular by taking account of country-specific recommendations, while bearing in mind the objectives of cohesion policy enshrined in the Treaties; recalls that new EU priorities and initiatives should be financed with fresh funding, and that cohesion policy should not be jeopardised by its current envelope being used as a source of funding for such new priorities and initiatives;
Amendment 521 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 82 b (new)
Paragraph 82 b (new)
82b. Stresses the importance of regional cross-border initiatives in promoting European integration as well as smart, sustainable and inclusive economic growth and job creation; points out that European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg) is a key area of EU added value for ensuring the continuity of, and linkages between, common projects across borders and across the EU; is of the opinion that these cross-border initiatives in particular show the added value of the European Union;
Amendment 3 #
2017/2044(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls for the 2018 budget to reflect the priorities outlined in the European Semester, specifically re-launching investment, pursuing structural reforms and conducting responsible fiscal policies; underlines that synergies between the budget of the Union and the budget of a Member State are required in order to achieve European Semester’s priorities.
Amendment 12 #
2017/2044(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Stresses the need to introduce a standard set of data for recording, reporting and monitoring execution of the national budgets and the Union budget, and their contribution to the achievement of the goals set out in Annual Growth Survey and CSRs;
Amendment 13 #
2017/2044(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Reminds the Commission to continue with the Task Force set in 2014 for 2007-2013 period in order to support and accelerate the implementation of 2014-2020 programmes;
Amendment 14 #
2017/2044(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Acknowledges the Commission’s effort to phase out the backlog of outstanding payment claims; is concerned by the low level of submission of payment claims for 2014-2020 programmes which could lead to the reconstitution of a backlog of unpaid bills; welcomes the payment forecast until 2020 provided under the mid-term revision of the Multiannual financial framework and calls on its regular update every year; stresses the need to decrease differences among Member States regarding the reality forecasts by introducing standardised forecasting IT system;
Amendment 26 #
2017/2044(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for greater synergies of European Structural and Investment Funds programmes with European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) and other financial instruments to leverage additional financing, as well as for greater complementarities with the other Union programmes; in that context supports the EFSI extension until 2020; addresses that the combination of funding instruments should be adequately monitored with the focus on results and objectives achieved; expresses its attitude that best approach to reach the synergy is phasing of the projects and financing different phases from different instruments instead of blending the instruments;
Amendment 12 #
2017/2039(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that the overall YEI budget falls short of the actual demand and the resources needed to ensure that the programme reaches its targets; calls, therefore, for a significant increase in the YEI allocation under the next MFF; calls on the Member States to provide in their national budgets for additional resources for youth employment and education and, through specific activities, to encourage young people as far as possible into entrepreneurship and self-employment; calls for measures to be simplified and their number reduced, for measures to be geared more exactly to the targets to be reached, and for monitoring of achievements in relation to targets to be improved by being based on clearly defined indicators of the status quo and the desired goal, thus making for a qualitative advance in the performance monitoring brought to bear on the implementation of measures and reforms to be carried out;
Amendment 16 #
2017/2039(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to ensure consistency in youth employment investments by merging available sources and creating a single set of rules resulting in a greater impact, synergies, effectiveness and simplification on the ground; points to the importance of drawing up complete country-specific reports on the financing of Youth Guarantee schemes from the three sources, namely the Youth Employment Initiative, the European Social Fund, and national budgets, and of monitoring the results achieved by bringing national budgets into synergy with the EU budget and creating secure lasting employment for young people;
Amendment 17 #
2017/2039(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Commission, the Member States, and national public employment services to make extra efforts to reach the greatest possible number of – and ideally all – young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) and to secure participation in activities financed under the Youth Employment Initiative; points to the need for better coordination and closer cooperation among key stakeholders in the process, that is to say, public employment services, employers, schools, trade unions, ministries, and local units;
Amendment 9 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The Structural Reform Support Programme (‘the Programme’) was established with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth- sustaining administrative and structural reforms, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. Support under the Programme is provided by the Commission, upon request by a Member State, and can cover a wide range of policy areas. Developing resilient economies built on strong economic and socsocial and territorial structures, which allow Member States to efficiently absorb shocks and swiftly recover from them, contributes to economic and social cohesion, social and territorial cohesion. Reforms that are financed by the Programme need to be well-designed and appropriately laid down in national law, and effectively implemented, and that requires efficient and effective national public administrations as well as ownership and active participation of all relevant stakeholders. The implementation of institutional, administrative and growth- sustaining structural reforms that are country-specific is an appropriate tool for achieving such a development.
Amendment 12 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
Amendment 13 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 b (new)
Recital 1 b (new)
(1b) The Programme should aim to complement other instruments, such as technical assistance within European Structural and Investment Funds and European Investment Bank activities, in order to avoid any overlap. Taking into consideration budgetary limitations and the large number of requests, the selection criteria should prioritise reforms with spill-over effects for other sectors and which aim at boosting economic growth, job creation and cohesion.
Amendment 14 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The Structural Reform Support Programme (‘the Programme’) was established with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth- sustaining administrative and structural reforms, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. Support under the Programme is provided by the Commission, upon request by a Member State, and can cover a wide range of policy areas. Developing resilient economies built on strong economic and social structures, which allow Member States to efficiently absorb shocks and swiftly recover from them, contributes to economic and social cohesion. The implementation of institutional, administrative and growth-sustaining structural reforms is an appropriate tool for achieving such a development. In order to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the reforms, all relevant stakeholders, such as local and regional authorities, social partners, entrepreneurs and scientists, should be involved during the preparation and implementation of those reforms.
Amendment 14 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Member States have increasingly taken up support under the Programme, beyond the initial expectations. The requests for support received by the Commission during the 2017 cycle have, based on their estimated value, significantly exceeded the available annual allocation resulting in a number of requests not being selected for funding. During the 2018 cycle, the estimated value of requests received was five times the financial resources available for that year. Almost all Member States have requested support under the Programme and requests are distributed across all policy areas covered by the Programme.
Amendment 17 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The Structural Reform Support Programme (‘the Programme’) was established with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth- sustaining administrative and structural reforms, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. Support under the Programme is provided by the Commission, upon request by a Member State, and can cover a wide range of policy areas. Developing resilient economies built on strong economic and soc, social and territorial structures, which allow Member States to efficiently absorb shocks and swiftly recover from them, contributes to economic and soc, social and territorial cohesion. The implementation of institutional, administrative and growth- sustaining structural reforms is an appropriate tool for achieving such a development.
Amendment 18 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1 a) In order to give an overview of the reforms designed and implemented on the basis of the request of each Member State, the distribution of the new budget for the Programme should be based on clear selection criteria and be presented in a transparent way. That would ensure the exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices, which is one of the aims of the Programme.
Amendment 20 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Member States have increasingly taken up support under the Programme, beyond the initial expectations. The requests for support received by the Commission during the 2017 cycle have, based on their estimated value, significantly exceeded the available annual allocation which has resulted therefore in several requests not being selected for funding. During the 2018 cycle, the estimated value of requests received was five times the financial resources available for that year. Almost all Member States have requested support under the Programme and requests are distributed across all policy areas covered by the Programme.
Amendment 20 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1 a) Investments, structural reforms and fiscal responsibility are the three main pillars for achieving high and long- term sustainable growth, recovery and convergence in the Union. Funds for investments are ensured through EFSI and ESI funds, as well as other instruments from the EIB and EBRD. Without the implementation of structural reforms, the impact of investments will be postponed and only mitigate the decline of Member States instead of achieving development and growth.
Amendment 20 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Strengthening economic and social cohesion by reinforcing structural reforms is crucial for successful participation in the Economic and Monetary Union and its long-term stability and prosperity. That is particularly important for Member States whose currency is not the euro, in their preparation to join the euro area.
Amendment 23 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 b (new)
Recital 1 b (new)
(1 b) The Programme should be consistent with and linked to the objectives set out in the European Semester and the implementation of country-specific recommendations in the Member States.
Amendment 25 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 c (new)
Recital 1 c (new)
(1 c) Successful implementation of structural reforms requires political will, decisiveness, an efficient and effective public administration and often the support from all segments of society, not only at national level but also at the regional and local level. Implementation of the provision requiring Member States to include actors at regional and local level and all other relevant stakeholders into defining and implementing reforms is inevitable for achieving successful implementation, and not only well designed reforms which do not achieve results in practice.
Amendment 26 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Member States have increasingly taken up support under the Programme, beyond the initial expectations. The requests for support received by the Commission during the 2017 cycle have, based on their estimated value, significantly exceeded the available annual allocation resulting in several requests not having been selected for funding. During the 2018 cycle, the estimated value of requests received was five times the financial resources available for that year. Almost all Member States have requested support under the Programme and requests are distributed across all policy areas covered by the Programme.
Amendment 27 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2 a) While taking into account budgetary limitations and the large number of requests for support from the Programme, the selection criteria should prioritise reforms with spill-over effects on other sectors and aimed at boosting economic growth, job creation and cohesion.
Amendment 28 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 b (new)
Recital 2 b (new)
(2 b) The presentation and transparency of the Programme results should be increased by making an overview of implementation of reforms in each Member State publicly available on-line , in order to ensure exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices between Member States.
Amendment 29 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Strengthening economic and social cohesion by reinforcing structural reforms is crucial for successful participation in the Economic and Monetary Union and for its long-term stability and prosperity. That is particularly important for Member States whose currency is not the euro, in their preparation to join the euro area.
Amendment 30 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In order to meet the growing demand for support from Member States, and in view of the need to support the implementation of structural reforms in Member States whose currency is not the euro, the financial allocation for the Programme should be increased, by using the Flexibility Instrument, to a sufficient level that allows the Union to provide support that meets the needs of the requesting Member States.
Amendment 31 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In order to meet the growing demand for support from Member States, and in view of the need to support the implementation of structural reforms in Member States whose currency is not the euro, the financial allocation for the Programme should be increased, by using the Flexibility Instrument under Article 11 of the current Multiannual Financial Framework, to a sufficient level that allows the Union to provide support that meets the needs of the requesting Member States.
Amendment 39 #
2017/0334(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In order to meet the growing demand for support from Member States, and in view of the need to support the implementation of structural reforms in Member States whose currency is not the euro, the financial allocation for the Programme should be increased, by using Flexibility Instrument under Article 11 of the current Multiannual Financial Framework, to a sufficient level that allows the Union to provide support that meets the needs of the requesting Member States.
Amendment 30 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) The creation of a single EU VAT area is crucial for decreasing compliance costs for businesses, reducing the risks of cross-border VAT fraud and for simplifying VAT-related procedures. The VAT definitive system will strengthen the Single Market and create better business conditions for cross-border trade. It should include the necessary changes due to technological developments and digitalisation, changes in business models and the globalisation of the economy.
Amendment 31 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The current European VAT system which was introduced in 1993 is similar to the European customs system. however, equivalent checks are lacking, which makes it a target for cross-border frauds. The current VAT system should be fundamentally changed in the way that the supply of goods from one Member State to another is taxed as if they were supplied and acquired within one Member State. In its VAT Action Plan45 , the Commission announced its intention to put forward a proposal setting out the principles for a definitive VAT system for cross-border business-to-business (B2B) trade between Member States that would be based on the taxation of cross-border supplies of goods in the Member State of destination. This change should contribute to reduction of VAT-related cross-border frauds by 40 billion euros annually. _________________ 45 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee on an action plan on VAT - Towards a single EU VAT area - Time to decide (COM(2016)148 final of 7.4.2016).
Amendment 32 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) This would require replacing the current system consisting of an exempt supply in the Member State of departure of the goods and a taxed intra-Community acquisition of goods in the Member State of destination by a system of a single supply taxed in and in accordance with the VAT rates of the Member State of destination. As a rule, the VAT will be charged by the supplier who will be able to verify the applicable VAT rate of any Member State online by means of a web portal. However, where the person acquiring the goods is a certified taxable person (a reliable taxpayer recognised as such by Member States), the reverse charge mechanism would apply and the certified taxable person should be liable to VAT on the intra-Union supply. The VAT definitive system will also be based on the concept of a single registration scheme (One-Stop Shop (OSS)) for businesses allowing for the payment and deduction of the VAT due. OSS is the core of the new destination-based system without which complexity and the administrative burden would increase significantly. Therefore, extension of the Mini One-Stop Shop (MOSS) to cover all B2B services and sales of goods should take place within proposed improvements of the current system.
Amendment 35 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) These principles should be established in the Directive and should replace the current concept according to which the definitive arrangements shall be based on the taxation in the Member State of origin with a definitive VAT system.
Amendment 36 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The Council, in its conclusions of 8 November 201646 , invited the Commission to make certain improvements to the Union VAT rules for cross-border transactions, regarding four areas: the role of the VAT identification number in the context of the exemption for intra-Community supplies, call-off stock arrangements, chain transactions and the proof of transport for the purposes of the exemption for intra- Community transactions. _________________ 46 Council conclusions of 8 November 2016 on Improvements to the current EU VAT rules for cross-border transactions (No. 14257/16 FISC 190 ECOFIN 1023 of 9 November 2016).
Amendment 44 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In the current system no distinction is made between reliable and less reliable taxable persons as regards the VAT rules to be applied. The granting of the certified taxable person status on the basis of certain objective criteria harmonised between Member States should enable the identification of those reliable taxable persons. This status would allow them to benefit from the application of certain fraud-sensitive rules not applicable to other taxable persons.
Amendment 48 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Access to the certified taxable person status should be based on criterialearly defined criteria and ensure wide access to businesses including SMEs. Those criteria should be harmonised at Union level and therefore certification provided by one Member State should be valid in the whole Union.
Amendment 65 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 13 a – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 13 a – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The criteria set out in paragraph 2 shall be commonly applied by all Member States based on clearly and precisely defined rules and procedures in implementing regulation.
Amendment 69 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 13 a – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Article 13 a – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2 – point a
(a) those of the Member State where the applicant has established his business; for digital businesses those of the Member States where the applicant has a significant digital presence, even if he is not physically located there;
Amendment 76 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2006/112/EC
Article 13 a – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 13 a – paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Procedures relating to refused applications, changes to the situation of the taxable person, appeal procedures and procedures to re-apply for certified taxable person status shall be defined in an implementing regulation and shall be commonly applied in all Member States.
Amendment 90 #
2017/0251(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
Directive 2006/112/EC
Title XIV – Chapter 2 a (new)
Title XIV – Chapter 2 a (new)
(6a) The following Chapter is inserted in Title XIV: 'Chapter 2a VAT dispute resolution mechanism Article 398a 1. A VAT dispute resolution mechanism shall be set up as an online VAT dispute resolution platform with the aim of allowing Member States resolve disputes where the Mutual Agreement Procedure does not lead to a result. A VAT dispute resolution mechanism shall contain approaches on how to relieve disputes when they occur, and procedures to resolve disputes. 2. The VAT dispute resolution platform shall be user-friendly and easily accessible, with inbuilt time limits for resolving complaints. 3. The VAT dispute resolution mechanism board shall be composed of Member States’ competent authorities.'
Amendment 22 #
2017/0134(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Statistical integrity through respect of the principles of the European Statistics Code of Practice, as reviewed and updated by the European Statistical System Committee on 28 September 2011, and of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council17 , is of particular importance where statistics are being used directly for administrative purposes and for policy-making at Union, regional and national level. _________________ 17 Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on European statistics and repealing Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1101/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transmission of data subject to statistical confidentiality to the Statistical Office of the European Communities, Council Regulation (EC) No 322/97 on Community Statistics, and Council Decision 89/382/EEC, Euratom establishing a Committee on the Statistical Programmes of the European Communities (OJ L 87, 31.3.2009, p. 164).
Amendment 37 #
2017/0134(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
2. Before the end of September of each year, Member States shall provide the Commission (Eurostat), in the context of national accounting procedures, with figures for aggregate GNI and its components, in accordance with the definitions referred to in Article 1. Totals for GDP and its components may be presented in accordance with the three approaches referred to in Article 1(2). The figuresData provided shall cover the preceding year and any additional changes made to the figuresdata for previous years.
Amendment 43 #
2017/0134(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
The Commission shall establish a formal expert group, composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by a representative of the Commission, to advise the Commission on and to express its views onissue an opinion regarding the comparability, reliability and exhaustiveness of GNI calculations, to examine questions of implementation of this Regulation and to issue annual opinions on the appropriateness of the GNI data submitted by the Member States for own resources purposes.
Amendment 36 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) In view of the specificities of the sector, in practice no collaborative project between undertakings will be launched if the Member States have not first agreed to support such projects. After having defined common defence capability priorities at Union-level and also taking into account where appropriate collaborative initiatives on a regional basis, Member States identify and consolidate military requirements and define the technical specifications of the project. They may also appoint a project manager in charge of leading the work related to the development of a collaborative project, with the assent of all the companies involved in the cooperation project.
Amendment 45 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) As the objective of the Programme is to support the competitiveness of the Union defence industry by de-risking the development phase of cooperative projects, actions related to the development of a defence product or technology, namely definition of common technical specifications, design, prototyping, testing, qualification, certification, protection of intellectual property, as well feasibility studies and other supporting measures, should be eligible to benefit from it. This will also apply to the upgrade of existing defence products and technologies.
Amendment 61 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) In order to ensure that the funded actions will contribute to the competitiveness of the European defence industry, they should be market-oriented and demand driven. Therefore, the fact that Member States have already committed, through expressions of interest, to jointly produce and procure the final product or technology, possibly in a coordinated way, should be taken into account in the award criteria.
Amendment 63 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) The financial assistance of the Union under the Programme should not exceed 20% of the total eligible cost of the action when its relatesd to prototyping which is often the most costly action in the development phase. The totality of the eligible costs should however be covered for other actions in the development phase.
Amendment 67 #
2017/0125(COD)
(20) As the Union support aims at enhancing the competitiveness of the sector and concerns only the specific development phase, the Commission should not have ownership or intellectual property rights over the products or technologies resulting from the funded actions. The applicable intellectual property rights regime will be defined contractually by the beneficiaries in accordance with national law.
Amendment 102 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(fa) protection of intellectual property;
Amendment 124 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) excellence and the possibility of multiplying activities in other Member States
Amendment 145 #
2017/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2
Article 13 – paragraph 2
2. The work programme shall set out in detail the categories of projects, eligibility of activities, eligibility of expenditure and eligibility of the applicants and their partners in projects to be funded under the Programme;.
Amendment 9 #
2017/0035(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Transparency on the votes and explanations of Member State representatives at committee and at the appeal committee level should be increased and the individual Member State representatives' votes and explanations should be made public.
Amendment 14 #
2017/0035(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 182/2011
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) the voting results including, in the case of the appeal committee, the votes expressed by the representative of each Member State; ;, at the committee and at the appeal committee level, including the votes and explanations expressed by the representative of each Member State; (This amendment applies throughout the text. Adopting it will necessitate corresponding changes throughout.)
Amendment 15 #
2017/0035(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Regulation (EU) No 182/2011
Article 10 – paragraph 5
Article 10 – paragraph 5
Amendment 7 #
2016/2326(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes the shortcomings of the financial planning and implementation system that led to the accumulation of unpaid bills and the build-up of an unprecedented backlog that rolled over from the last MFF to the current one; is increasingly concerned about the slow start-up of the implementation of the 2014- 2020 operational programmes, which may lead to the same situation in the future; the level of payment appropriations has to meet the needs resulting from past commitments, especially towards the end of the period, when the level of payment claims from the Member States increases significantly, therefore calls on the Commission to come up with a structural solution to solve such problems before the end of the current MFF and to prevent them from happening again in the next MFF;
Amendment 10 #
2016/2326(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Commission to conduct analysis on risks and the level of potential decommitments in 2018 and to prepare an action plan per Member State to avoid decommitments; decommitments resulting from the total or partial non- implementation of the ESI Funds should be made available again in the EU budget;
Amendment 10 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
Citation 22 a (new)
– having regard to the report of the European Court of Auditors Special, Report no. 19/2016: Implementing the EU budget through financial instruments – lessons to be learnt from the 2007-2013 programme period,
Amendment 11 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 b (new)
Citation 22 b (new)
– having regard to the report of the European Court of Auditors Opinion No 1/2017 concerning the proposal for a revision of the 'Financial Regulation',--
Amendment 12 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 c (new)
Citation 22 c (new)
– having regards to the report of the European Commission on the European Structural and Investment Funds and European Fund for Strategic Investments complementarities - ensuring coordination, synergies and complementarity,
Amendment 13 #
2016/2326(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines the increasing need for flexibility in the EU budget in general, including in cohesion policy; encourages the Commission to explore different solutions that would enable the policy to be readily adapted to new challenges during a programming period; considers the creation of a reserve at EU level an interesting option in this context; believes, however, that efforts in this regard should be made both at EU level and at national and regional levels; calls for flexibility and early allocation of performance reserve as well as for more flexibility for Member States, while supporting the shared management implementation method; stresses that the success under the shared management is linked to the efforts made by Member States, their political will and responsibility for programming and implementation as well as the overall management and control system and its proper and sound functioning;
Amendment 24 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas cohesion policy remains the main EU-wide investment and development policy for sustainable job creation after 2020, especially against the backdrop of a sharp decline in public and private investments in many Member States and the implications of globalisation;
Amendment 27 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the last reform of cohesion policy in 2013 was extensive and substantial, shifting the focus of the policy towards a result-oriented approach, thematic concentration, effectiveness and efficiency on the one hand and the partnership principle, multi-level governance, coordination with other policies and smart specialization on the other;
Amendment 51 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the horizontal and cross- cutting approach of cohesion policy; therefore calls on better coordination and cooperation among DGs in the European Commission responsible for different EU policies and with DG responsible for Cohesion policy as well as among ministries and regional/local authorities at the level of member states and with managing authority/ies;
Amendment 62 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the accelerated implementation of the operational programmes during the year 2016 and strongly encourages all actors involved to continue to speed up their activities; recalls Commission to prepare implementation plan to accelerate ESI Funds implementation and to continue with Task Force set in 2014 for 2007-2013 period in order to support and accelerate implementation of 2014-2020 programmes;
Amendment 97 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that the current categorisation of regions, the thematic objectives and the performance framework have demonstrated the value of cohesion policy and should be consolidated; asks the Commission to present ideas for greater flexibility, such as an unallocated reserve or a simplification of re-programming, in order to adapt ESIF investments to unforeseen events and to the specific needs of each region; stresses that the success of shared management depends not only on the EU but on the efforts made by the Member States, therefore calls for the application of "national declarations" to ensure that political responsibility is taken for the management of EU funds by national and regional authorities;
Amendment 179 #
2016/2326(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Believes that grants should remain the basis of the financing of cohesion policy; notes, however, the gradual shift from grants to financial instruments; points out that the replacement of grants by loans, equity or guarantees must be carried out with caution where such financial instruments demonstrate an added value, taking into account regional disparities and the diversity of practices and experiences; stresses the importance of assistance to local and regional authorities on the innovative financial instruments through platforms such as fi-compass; calls on the Commission to ensure exchange of knowledge and experiences in working with financial instruments and to mandatorily carry out ex-ante evaluations including impact analyses, advantages and deficiencies of similar instruments in development of new financial instruments;
Amendment 191 #
2016/2326(INI)
14. Calls on the Commission to ensure better synergies between the ESI Funds and other Union funds and programmes and to facilitate multi-fund options; warns that the EFSI should not undermine the strategic coherence and long-term perspective of cohesion policy programming and insists on the additionality of its resources; addresses that the combination of funding instruments should be adequately monitored, including in terms of results and objectives achieved, properly reported, to ensure transparency and accountability; expresses its attitude that best approach to reach the synergy is phasing of the projects and financing different phases from different instruments instead of mixing the instruments;
Amendment 13 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14
Citation 14
— having regard to its previous resolutions on the country, especially the Parliament resolution of 2014, which expressed unequivocal commitment to the European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina, its territorial integrity, sovereignty and unity, and underlined monitoring the implementation of the Sejdic-Finci verdict, and which also stated that the future constitutional reform should take into account the principles of federalism, decentralization, subsidiarity and legitimate representation, and take measures to simplify the complex institutional structure in order to streamline costs and increase the functionality of the state,
Amendment 68 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the progress on the implementation of the 2015-2018 Reform Agenda, as well as the country’s determinationnd calls on the authorities to pursue further institutional and, socio- economic reformsand electoral reforms and establish an equal status of all three constituent peoples in BiH that would transform BiH into an effective, inclusive and fully functional state; stresses that harmonised implementation of the Reform Agenda is needed to achieve real change across the country and to improve the lives of all BiH citizens; calls for the reform momentum to be maintained in order to transform BiH into a fully effective, inclusive and functional state; regrets that common reform efforts often continue to be hampered by ethnic and political divisions caused by deeply rooted disintegrative tendencies expressed in the continuous clash of centrifugal and centripetal political forces, hindering thereto normal democratic development of BH's federal system; considers it essential to maintain consensus on EU integration and to advance in a concerted manner on the rule of law, including the fight against corruption and organised crime, the reform of the judiciary and public administration;
Amendment 98 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the local elections of 2 October 2016 have been broadly conducted in an orderly manner; regrets that after 6 years the citizens of Mostar have again been deprived ofstill cannot exercise their democratic rights to elect their local representatives owing to continued disagreements between political leaders; condemns the unacceptable incidentreluctance of certain political actors to comply with the ruling of the Constitutional Court of BiH and deliver the principle of equal weight of the vote to all the citizens of Mostar; strongly condemns the unacceptable brutal violence against electoral officials by which electoral process was compromised and harmed local inter-communal relations in Stolac and calls on all sidecompetent institutions to resolve the situation by respecting the rule of law, including persecution of the perpetrators who violently interrupted elections through the application of penal legislation, in order to prevent setting the violence as an optional method; further calls for re-elections to be conducted under democratic standards, in peaceful manner and atmosphere of tolerance;
Amendment 101 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls for the amending of the electoral legislation (Chapter 19 - the City of Mostar and its Statute in order to ensure equal valuation of every vote following the practice in other local communities, which guarantees three seats to each of the 6 urban constituencies regardless of the number of voters;
Amendment 143 #
2016/2313(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Emphasizes the importance of the recent decision of the Constitutional Court on the principle of constituent status and equality of its three constitutive peoples to elect its own legitimate political representatives based on legitimate and proportional representation in the House of People of the Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
Amendment 11 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13
Citation 13
— having regard to the third meeting of the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Council held on 163 December 2016;,
Amendment 27 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas bilateral issues should be addressed as early as possible in the accession process in accordance with the negotiating framework, in a constructive and neighbourly spirit, taking account of the EU's overall interests and values;
Amendment 31 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas the implementation of the legal framework on the protection of minorities needs to be fully ensured, notably in the areas of education, use of language, access to media and religious services in minority language, and adequate political representation of national minorities at local, regional and national levels;
Amendment 32 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
C c. whereas the application of Article 2 and Article 3 of the Law on Organization and Competences of State Authorities in War Crimes Proceedings of Republic of Serbia represents violation of commonly accepted principles of international criminal law;
Amendment 37 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the opening of negotiations on Chapters 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) and 24 (Justice, Freedom and Security) as the key chapters in the EU approach to enlargement based on the rule of law; welcomes the opening of Chapters 32 (Financial Control) and 35 (Other Issues), as the progress in these chapters remains essential for the overall pace of the negotiationg process in line with the Negotiating Framework; as well as the opening of negotiations on Chapter 5 (Public Procurement) and the opening and provisional closure of Chapter 25 (Science and Research); calls on the Council to open Chapter 26 (Education and Culture); notes that the application of the Law on Organization and Competences of State Authorities in War Crimes Proceedings (Article 2 and 3) violates the generally accepted principles of criminal and international law - the principle of legal certainty and the principle of non- intervention in the internal affairs of other states, and hinders the process of reconciliation in South Eastern Europe; calls on the Serbian authorities to immediately repeal the relevant articles and abandon a concept of quasi-universal jurisdiction for war crimes in neighbouring countries;
Amendment 64 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that the thorough implementation of reforms and policies remains a key icondicator oftion for a successful integration process; calls on Serbia to improve the planning, coordination and monitoring of the implementation of new legislation and policies; with the Action Plans and the interim benchmarks for Chapters 23 and 24 guiding future reforms leading to a solid track record
Amendment 95 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on Serbia to align its foreign and security policy with that of the EU, including its policy on Russia and recalls the importance of strategic communication and responsibility of addressing misinformation in this context, bearing in mind recent military exercise with Russia; calls on Serbia to clearly define its European path distance itself from the secessionist attitudes; stresses that Serbia, influenced by the Russian military, would not be able to finalize the agreement with the EU on chapter 31: foreign, security and defence policy; welcomes Serbia’s important contribution to and continued participation in international peacekeeping operations;
Amendment 159 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Notes that the application of the Law on Organization and Competences of State Authorities in War Crimes Proceedings violates the generally accepted principles of criminal and international law - the principle of legal certainty and the principle of non- intervention in the internal affairs of other states, and hinders the process of reconciliation in South Eastern Europe; calls on the Serbian authorities to immediately repeal the relevant articles and abandon a concept of quasi-universal jurisdiction for war crimes in neighbouring countries; in this regards, calls on the European Commission and Member States to invest additional efforts in addressing this issue in the process of EU-Serbia negotiations, particularly within the scope of Chapter 23;
Amendment 173 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the measures taken to improve transparency and the consultation process within the parliament, including public hearings and regular meetings and consultations with the National Convent on European Integration; remains concerned about the extensive use of urgent procedures in adopting legislation; stresses that the frequent use of urgent procedures undermines parliamentary effectiveness; underlines that the parliament’s oversight of the executive needs to be strengthened; calls for the adoption of parliament’s code of conduct; regretsnotes with concern that, due to disruption, the EU Delegation was not able to present the Commission’s report in the European Integrations Committee of the Serbian Parliament;
Amendment 176 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes that the constitution needs to be revised so as to fully reflect the recommendations of the Venice Commission, notablyincluding with regard to the parliament’s role in judicial appointments, the control of political parties over the mandate of Members of Parliament, the independence of key institutions and the protection of fundamental rights;
Amendment 220 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Reiterates its concern that no progress has been made to improve the situation regarding freedom of expression and of the media where the Serbian authorities hold crucial responsibility in actively contributing to the unimpeded exercise of freedom of expression; stresses that threats, violence and intimidation against journalists remain an issue of concern; calls on the authorities to investigate any cases of attacks against journalists and media outlets; calls for the full implementation of media laws; underlines the need for complete transparency in media ownership and funding of media; as well as the viability of media in minority languages;
Amendment 232 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the adoption of an action plan for the realisation of the rights of national minorities, and the adoption of a decree establishing a fund for national minorities which now needs to be made operational; calls for the full implementation of the action plan in a comprehensive, timely inclusive and transparent manner, with the constructive engagement of all sides; reiterates its call on Serbia to ensure consistent implementation of legislation on protection of minorities, including in relation to education, use of languages, adequate representation in public administration and access to media and religious services in minority language, local and regional bodies, as well as in the national parliament and access to media and religious services in minority languages; calls for the effective application of Serbia's domestic and international obligations;
Amendment 255 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Stresses that the progress in the field of ensuring rights of national minorities is not satisfactory and reiterates that the promotion and protection of human rights, including rights of national minorities is the basic precondition for joining the EU;
Amendment 258 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Welcomes the fact that Serbia remains constructively committed to bilateral relationsUnderlines the importance of improving bilateral issues in the accession process in accordance with other enlargement countries and neighbouring EU Member Stat negotiating framework, in a constructive and neighbourly spirit, taking account of the EU's overall interests and values; has taken positive note of the fact that Serbia has shown an increasingly constructive engagement in regional cooperation initiatives such as the South- East Europe Cooperation Process, the Regional Cooperation Council, the Central European Free Trade Agreement, the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, the Brdo-Brijuni process, the Western Balkan Six initiative and its connectivity agenda and the Berlin process; calls on Serbia to implement the connectivity reform measures associated with the connectivity agenda; underlines that outstanding bilateral disputes should not have a detrimental effcalls on Serbia to promote good-neighbourly relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes, which includes promoting a climate of tolerance and condemning all forms of hate speecth on the accession process;r war-time rhetoric and refraining from gestures such as publicly welcomesing the adoption of a national strategy for the investigation and prosecution of war crimes; notes that the mandate of the freturn of individuals convicted of war crimes; notes that outstanding disputes and issues, in particular issues of bormder War Crimes Prosecutor expired in December 2015; stresses that the appointment of his successor is a matter of serious concern; calls for the implementation of this strategy and the adoption of an operational prosecutorial strategy; calls for full cooperationdemarcation, succession, return of cultural goods and disclosure of Yugoslavian archives should be resolved in line with international law and established principles, including through implementation of legally binding agreements, inter alia the agreement on succession issues, and that bilateral disputes should be addressed in the early stages of the accession process in accordance with the Iinternational Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY); urges the authorities to continue working on the issuelaw; underlines that outstanding bilateral disputes should not have a detrimental effect ofn the fate of missing personaccession process;
Amendment 275 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Notes that the mandate of the former War Crimes Prosecutor expired in December 2015; stresses that the delayed appointment of his successor is a matter of serious concern; calls for a necessary revision of the national strategy for an investigation and prosecution of war crimes and the adoption of an operational prosecutorial strategy in line with generally accepted international standards and principles and rules of international law; noting with concern repeated reports of Serbia's non- cooperation with the ICTY; calls for full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) which remains essential; calls for handling war crimes without any discrimination, addressing impurity and insuring accountability and fully and unequivocally accepting and implementing the ICTY's ruling and decisions, as well as insuring proportionality of sentences and a sentencing policy in line with international criminal law standards;
Amendment 284 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20 b. Calls on Serbia to engage in meaningful regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations in handling of war crimes by avoiding conflicts of jurisdictions and ensuring that war crimes are prosecuted without any discrimination and ensuring that all outstanding issues in that regard be fully resolved, urges the authorities for strengthening efforts in finding and identifying missing persons and locating mass graves from the wars in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo as well as ensuring the right of victims' families to know the fate of their missing family members; to resolve the issue of the fate of missing persons, including through swift information sharing and opening of archives, as well as on preparing a reparation scheme for victims and their families as an important precondition for reconciliation; points out that a law on civilian victims should be adopted without any undue delay bearing in mind that the existing legislation does not recognise several groups of war crime victims; notes that controversies still occur, particularly in the context of different interpretations of recent history;
Amendment 296 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Reiterates the crucial importance of reconciliation and resolution of the bilateral issues with neighbouring countries; in this sense calls on Serbia to intensify efforts in implementing all bilateral agreements with neighbouring countries, including the Agreement on Normalization of Relations between the then-Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, consisting of Serbia and Montenegro, and the Republic of Croatia, signed in 1996; Urges Serbia to promote Bosnia and Herzegovina's territorial integrity and to condemn, openly and strongly, any separatist notions, particularly within the Republika Srpska;
Amendment 299 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. WelcomesCalls on Serbia’s to continued engagement in the normalisation process with Kosovo, and its commitment to the through dialogue, cooperation and implementation of the agreements reached in the EU- facilitated dialogue; reiterates its call to move forward with the full implementation, in good faith and in a timely manner, of all the agreements already reached and to determinedly continue the normalisation process and expresses concern with the delays in implementing Agreement on freedom of movement with respect to removal of the wall in Mitrovica; encourages Serbia and Kosovo to identify new areas of discussion for the dialogue, with the aim of improving the lives of people and comprehensively normalising relations; reiterates its call on the EEAS to carry out an evaluation of the performance of the sides in fulfilling their obligations;
Amendment 75 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the implementation of the political agreement leading to early parliamentary elections on 11 December 2016 and the respect for fundamental freedoms shown at the elections of 11 December 2016; urges all political parties to accept its results in the interest of domestic stability and underlines their responsibility to ensure that there is no backsliding into political crisis; calls for a swift formation of a new government in order to make use of the mandate to carry on with necessary reforms; considers cross- party cooperation essential for addressing pressing domestic and EU-related challenges;
Amendment 114 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the strategic importance of supporting further progress in the process of EU integration and urges once again that the political will be shown to fully implement the Urgent Reform Priorities and the Przhino Agreement; calls on the Commission to assess, at its earliest convenience but before the end of 2017, the country’s progress on implementation and to report back to Parliament; while recalling that long overdue reforms need to be launched and implemented, supports the continuation of the High Level Accession Dialogue (HLAD) for systematically assisting the country in this endeavour; draws attention to the potential negative consequences of further delays in the country’s accession process;
Amendment 117 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Takes note of the recommendation by the Commission to open accession negotiations with Macedonia and calls on the Council to address the issue at the earliest convenience after the early parliamentary elections have been held;
Amendment 118 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Underlines the significant progress country has made in the process of EU integration and emphasizes the negative consequences of further delaying the process of integration, including the threat to the credibility of the EU enlargement policy and the risk of instability in the region;
Amendment 119 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4 c. Points out that the current challenges the European Union is facing (BREXIT, migration, radicalism, etc.) should not hinder the enlargement process, rather these challenges have demonstrated the necessity to fully integrate the Western Balkans into EU structures in order to enhance and deepen partnership to overcome international crises;
Amendment 120 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4 d. Welcomes the high level of legislative alignment with the acquis communautaire and acknowledges the priority given to the effective implementation and enforcement of existing legal and policy frameworks, as in the case of countries already engaged in the accession negotiations;
Amendment 121 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 e (new)
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4 e. Congratulates Macedonia for its continuous fulfilment of its commitments under the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA); calls on the Council to adopt the Commission's 2009 proposal to move to the second stage of the SAA, in line with the relevant provisions;
Amendment 127 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes somepromising progress in reforming public administration including the steps to implement the new legal framework on human resources management; remains concerned about the politicisation of public administration and that civil servants are subject to political pressure; urges the new government to enhance professionalism, neutrality and independence at all levels; stresses the need to complete the 2017-2022 public administration reform strategy, including by making sufficient budget allocations for its implementation, and to strengthen relevant administrative capacity;
Amendment 186 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the adoption of the national strategy for equality and non- discrimination 2016-2020; is concerned about impartiality and the independence of the Commission for Protection from Discrimination; reiterates its condemnation of hate speech against discriminated groups; is concerned that intolerance against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people persists; reiterates its call for the Anti- Discrimination Law to be aligned with the acquis as regards discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation; underlines again the need to combat discrimination against the Roma, and to facilitate their integration and their access to the education system and the labour market; is concerned about the inhumane physical conditions in prisons, despite a significant increase in the prison budget;
Amendment 204 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Is concerned about the lack of implementation of the Law on Equal Opportunities and the limited effectiveness of institutional mechanisms to advance gender equality between men and women; urges the competent authorities to make sufficient budget allocations for its implementation and to improve support services to victims of domestic violence;
Amendment 273 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Commends the country for constructive cooperation in addressing the migration crisisnstructive role the country has played in dealing with the challenges of the migration crisis and adhering to the decision of the European Council to close the Western Balkan migration route in March 2016; recommends further actions to ensure capacities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling;
Amendment 284 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation as a tool to drive the process of EU integration forward and commends country's constructive efforts and proactive contributions in promoting bilateral relations with all countries from the region;
Amendment 293 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Welcomes Macedonia’s continued constructive role in regional and international cooperation; commends the increased alignment with EU foreign policy (73 %); reiterates the importance of finalising the negotiations on a bilateral treaty withcommends also the positive focus on bilateral projects in areas of infrastructure, economy and interconnectivity and country's efforts to hold European standards and values at the heart of bilateral relations; encourages the continuation and finalization of the talks on the Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness and Cooperation; emphasizes the necessity to respect the history, sovereignty and national and linguistic identity of both Macedonia and Bulgaria;
Amendment 309 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes the tangible results fromCommends the positive approach which has been applied to strengthen bilateral cooperation, especially in the context of European integration, for increasing mutual trust and promoting good neighborliness in concrete terms; acknowledges positive developments regarding the implementation of the confidence- building measures with Greece, including the visit of Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs to Skopje in August 2016; strongly reiterates its invitation to the Vice- President/High Representative (VP/HR) and the Commission to develop new initiatives to overcome the remaining differences and to work, in cooperation with the two countries and the UN Special Representative, on a mutually acceptable solution on the name issue and to report back to Parliament thereon; calls upon the UN to intensify the mediation process in order to find a mutually acceptable solution regarding the naming dispute with Greece and to request that Greece respects International Law and the 2011 ICJ ruling;
Amendment 314 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Welcomes the efforts of the Berlin Process, which demonstrated strong political support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans and that will continue to encourage further reforms in key areas and promote economic developments through core connectivity investments, providing concrete results for the citizens and the entire region; welcomes the establishment of the RYCO (Regional Youth Cooperation Office) and the Western Balkans Fund and requests the EU to take into account the initiatives and projects which have been proposed by Macedonia;
Amendment 318 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23 b. Commends the country on its chairmanship of the CEI, focusing on economic cooperation and business opportunities, infrastructure and general economic development, including rural development and tourism, as well as on bridging macro-regions throughout 2015;
Amendment 1 #
2016/2306(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that the EU budget could help relieve the strain on national budgets and bolster fiscal consolidation efforts, while not calling into question the principle of shared managemenprovide an added value for investments and structural reforms in Member States if greater synergy between existing instruments and linkage with Member States' budgets is introduced; therefore AGS, as an important policy document which provides basic content for national reform programmes, country-specific recommendations and implementation plans, should serve as a guideline for Member States and for the preparation of national budgets, in order to introduce joint solutions visible in national budgets and linked to the EU budget;
Amendment 5 #
2016/2306(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Agrees that stability mechanisms are essential, but and recalls that they must guarantee a framework for living together, in particular by preserving public services accessible to all generations and territories; considers that the expenditure incurred by the policies related to food, European defence, international cooperation and territorial cohesion should be removed from the convergence criteria established by the Stability and Growth Pactimplementation and compliance with criteria established by the Stability and Growth Pact should be a priority for Member States; welcomes making full use of its existing flexibility clauses, so as to support greater investment and structural reforms, as well as to deal with security threats and refugee inflows;
Amendment 9 #
2016/2306(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that improving the systems for collecting VAT and customs duties should be theof highest priority ofor all Member States; welcomes the Commission’'s proposal for establishing an EU black list of tax havens, which should be enforced by criminal sanctions with the aim of dealing with multinationals that evade taxes; recalls the need tofor the introduction of a resfort to newm of own resources for the EU budget, suchsystem which should lead to as taxation on speculative financial movements and on environmental and social driftrue reform of EU financing without increasing the tax burden on citizens;
Amendment 12 #
2016/2306(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that growth is still insufficient to create the jobs that the EU urgently needs, especially for its young people, and that it is necessary to encourage more public and private investment into infrastructure and SMEs; welcomes a further boost of the Youth Employment Initiative: an additional €500 million under the YEI specific allocation, matched by €1 billion from the European Social Fund for the period 2017-2020, which will give several YEI-eligible Member States the possibility to invest more of ESF funding into youth employment measures;
Amendment 16 #
2016/2306(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Welcomes the Commission's proposal to extend and expand the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) in terms of duration and financial capacity; highlights that reinforcement of EFSI is important in order to return investment back to its long-term sustainable trend, to continue delivering concrete results and to provide project promoters with certainty that they will still be able to prepare projects after the initial investment period;
Amendment 26 #
2016/2306(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is convinced that monetary control is an integral part of the problems of economic development; recalls that monetary policy must be at the service of a budget policy focused on stimulating demandpolicy, if strongly supported by a proper budgetary policy, can boost economic development, sustainable growth and job creation;
Amendment 28 #
2016/2306(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recalls that the use of structural funds can under no circumstances be subject to macroeconomic conditionESI funds is subject to macroeconomic conditions; having in mind the correlation between good economic governance and absorption capacity calls on the Commission to encourage the use of ESIFs for the implementation of Country Specific Recommendations by prolonging the fiscal adjustment period, wherein ESIFs are used as a flanking measure for implementing structural reforms and achieving an increase in investments.
Amendment 29 #
2016/2306(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses that, compared to other large markets such as the USA, the EU has strict fiscal rules, uneven legislation across Member States and a large number of different limitations which represent obstacles to progress, innovative solutions and growth; therefore calls on the Commission to carry out a more detailed discussion with Member States on common activities and rules which must be established on EU level in order to support the exchange of knowledge, experiences, technologies, innovation, development and fast startup growth prior to the bringing of the Annual Growth Survey.
Amendment 158 #
2016/2306(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Agrees with the Commission that access to finance and strengthening single market is crucial for businesses to grow;
Amendment 176 #
2016/2306(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the financial system and its institutions are crucial for investment and growth in the European economy; stresses that the current financial system is characterised by increased safety and stability; calls on Member States to define appropriate models to decrease percentage of non-performing loans;
Amendment 202 #
2016/2306(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that a step-by-step completion of the Banking Union shall aim at increasing resilience in the banking sector and contributing to financial stability; notes that more funds within EFSI and ESIF should be allocated for financial instruments to the SMEs.
Amendment 232 #
2016/2306(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Notes that projected GDP growth for the EU is not enough for job creation and development, therefore calls for more investment in innovation, startups and R&D as well as partnership among policy makers, legislators, researchers, producers and innovators in designing regulation which encourage creativity and new ideas.
Amendment 474 #
2016/2306(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Highlights the importance of national parliaments debating national reform programs, country reports and country-specific recommendations; stresses that coordination of these documents with local and regional governments as well as other stakeholders can support and improve their implementation.
Amendment 1 #
2016/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas technical assistance, whether at the initiative of the Commission or of the Member States, plays an important role in all phases of implementation of cohesion policy and is an important instrument for attracting and retaining high-quality employees in administration, creating a stable system for the management and use of the ESI Funds, and resolving bottlenecks in implementation and in assisting users to develop quality projects;
Amendment 61 #
2016/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Stresses that technical assistance focused on developing human potential must be used in the service of needs that were previously identified in employee development plans and specialised staff training;
Amendment 74 #
2016/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Stresses the importance of including institutions that are not part of the management system, but which have a direct impact on it and whose capabilities are an important factor in the implementation of Cohesion Policy; recalls that these institutions must be offered assistance to expand their administrative capacities through education, knowledge exchange, networking and establishing the IT systems that are needed to manage the projects;
Amendment 81 #
2016/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that technical assistance in the future should be increasingly focused on the beneficiary/project level, in particular through establishing a network of info-points to enable potential beneficiaries to learn about available sources of funding, operational programmes and open calls, as well as to learn how to fill in application forms and implement projects;
Amendment 22 #
2016/2302(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is alarmed by the significant delays in the implementation of the programmes; urges the Member States to tackle promptly all causes of delay, particularly late designation of managing authoritiesEuropean Commission to ensure tailor made technical assistance to the Member States and Regions for preparation of project pipelines, simplification and acceleration of the financial management and control system, for contracting and monitoring procedures and for structural reforms which will improve business and investment climate, in order to avoid a repetition of the accumulated backlog of unpaid invoices in the second half of the current MFF, which could seriously impact other EU-funded policies as well;
Amendment 39 #
2016/2302(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points to the challenges that FIs represent for democratic control, timely and transparent reporting and accountability; believes that the revision of the Financial Regulation and the ‘omnibus regulation’ could provide an opportunity to streamline the reporting on FIs and thus provide a better basis to assess additionality and complementarity between different forms of EU support, particularly between cohesion funds and the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), stresses the importance of active and efficient use of EU budget, therefore welcomes all measures to avoid overlapping between EU instruments and to insure full coherence and synergy.
Amendment 108 #
2016/2302(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes that implementation delays will affect disbursement rates, revolving and leverage; recalls the fact that delays in the 2007-2013 period contributed irreversibly to sub-optimal performance of ERDF and ESF financial instruments; emphasises that all necessary steps should be taken to mitigate the negative effects of delayed implementation, especially regarding the risk of limited use and impact; calls on the Commission to take appropriate measures to ensure that the Member States maintain the renewable nature of the funds for the prescribed period of eight years following the end of the eligibility period for the 2014-2020 programming period;
Amendment 116 #
2016/2302(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes the significant differences across the EU regarding the penetration of financial instruments, including ESI Funds and the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI); emphasises that the overall success of such instruments depends on how easy they are to use and the ability of the Member States to manage investments through them; calls on the Commission to ensure the exchange of knowledge and experience when working with financial instruments and to carry out obligatory ex-ante assessments, which will include an analysis of the impact, advantages and disadvantages of similar instruments, when developing new financial instruments;
Amendment 121 #
2016/2302(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the Commission’s actions in optimising regulation; emphasises that, despite the improvements, complexity still exists and issues such as the long set-up time and the administrative burden for recipients are disincentives to use financial instruments; calls on the Commission to work closely with the EIB and the EIF to make access to ESI Funds microcredit, loans, guarantees, equity and venture capital as easy as using grantsimpler, and to explain it in detail both to management structures in Member States and to end-users;
Amendment 168 #
2016/2302(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Highlights that financial instruments perform better in well- developed regions and metropolitan areas, while grants address regional structural issues; notes that increasing the share of financial instruments should not influence the grant appropriations as this would hinder the balance; emphasises that in a number of public policies grants have to dominate, while financial instruments can play complementary roles; calls on the Commission to draft guidelines for implementing the provisions that allow the continued use of financial instruments from one programming period to the next;
Amendment 10 #
2016/2242(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. 1a (new) Recalls that YEI's success is related to good economic governance in Member States, because without a favourable business environment, encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises and an educational and scientific system adapted to the requirements of the economy there can be no job creation nor a long-term solution of the high youth unemployment problem.
Amendment 12 #
2016/2242(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines the necessity of guaranteeing a long-term commitment through ambitious programming and stable financing from both the EU budget and the national budgets; calls on the Commission to carry out a detailed analysis of the effects of measures implemented in Member States, single out the most efficient solutions and based on that provide recommendations to Member States as to how to attain better results with a low level of investment.
Amendment 15 #
2016/2242(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. 2a (new) Underlines that measures for encouraging self-employment and education for workplaces lacking workforce should prevail among the measures.
Amendment 2 #
2016/2151(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges that the Annual Report of the Court of Auditors (the ‘Court’) for 2015 found that the estimated error rate in Cohesion Policy decreased from 5,7 % in 2014 to 5,2 % in 2015 which is basically the same error rate as in 2013 (5,3 %); highlights the reduced level of error for the 2007-2013 programming period compared to the 2000-2006 period, which is a result of the strengthened management and control systems of Member States and the corrective measures taken by the Commission;
Amendment 13 #
2016/2151(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Recalls that not all irregularities are fraud and that non-fraudulent and fraudulent irregularities must be differentiated; points out that non- fraudulent irregularities result often from weak financial management and control systems as well as the lack of administrative capacity, relating to both knowledge of the rules and of technical expertise concerning the specific works or services;
Amendment 20 #
2016/2151(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Urges the Commission through the 1 1 HLG to pay specific attention to national eligibility rules in its audit of national management and control systems, helping Member States to simplify them; urges the Commission to clarify the notion of recoverable VAT by providing guidance; calls on the Commission, Member States and the regional authorities to ensure that beneficiaries are provided with consistent information about funding conditions, particularly concerning the eligibility of expenditure and the relevant ceilings for reimbursement; _________________ 1 High Level Group of Independent Experts on Monitoring Simplification for Beneficiaries of the European Structural and Investment Funds
Amendment 12 #
2016/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recalls that in order to create competitive products and services that flow from ideas and research, it is vital to invest in the advancement and modernisation of science, technology and the entrepreneurial environment, to develop partnerships between public institutions and the private sector, and to involve the academic community in development processes in order to direct the results of scientific research towards meeting the needs of society;
Amendment 25 #
2016/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses the need for the increased involvement of the academic community in development processes and the need for the public and private sectors to see the results and work of the academic community directed to a greater extent towards the needs of society;
Amendment 31 #
2016/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Draws attention to the enormous untapped potential of R&I in Europe and the need to retain scientific talent; calls on for business incubators to be established in universities with a view to developing startups and self-employment; encourages the Union to continue working towards highly ambitious funding programmes in the future.
Amendment 60 #
2016/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Recalls that EFSI employs public resources, which makes the transparent allocation from EIB a factor of utmost importance for the credibility of EFSI; proposes that all additionality aspects, which are not commercially sensitive information, be disclosed by EIB as soon as projects are approved, which will allow to correctly assess their risk level;
Amendment 81 #
2016/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses the importance of continuing the independent evaluation on whose results future decisions on extending, amending or eliminating EFSI will be based; considers it important to explore options for the further redistribution of the EU guarantee, given that current EIB figures show that the present guarantee is sufficient for continuing operations under the infrastructure and innovation window; considers, moreover, that it is important, in the upcoming period, to test the performance and added value of EFSI, since this could reduce fragmentation and overlapping with other financial instruments;
Amendment 94 #
2016/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. UNotes that a contradiction between and qualitative and quantitative goals of EFSI might occur in the sense that to achieve the target for attracted private investment the EIB might fund less risky projects where investors´ interest is already available; urges the EIB to comply fully with the letter and the spirit of the EFSI Regulation and to always implement real additionality;
Amendment 255 #
2016/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Urges the EFSI governing bodies to pay greater attention to investment platforms with a view to maximising the benefits that the latter can bring in overcoming investment barriers, especially in EU-13; invites the EIB to provide stakeholders with more information on the platforms and urges national banks, local and regional bodies and other relevant stakeholders to establish investment platforms;
Amendment 258 #
2016/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Urges the EFSI governing bodies to pay greater attention to investment platforms with a view to maximising the benefits that the latter can bring in overcoming investment barriers, especially in EU-13member states with less developed financial markets; invites the EIB to provide stakeholders with more information on the platforms;
Amendment 292 #
2016/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Acknowledges that GDP and the number of projects approved are linked; recognises that larger Member States are able to take advantage of more developed capital markets and are therefore more likely to benefit from a market-driven instrument such as EFSI; underlines that lower EFSI support in EU-13newer member states may be attributable to other factors, such as the small size of projects, and competition from the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF); observes with concern, however, the disproportionate benefit to certain countries and underlines the need to diversify geographical distribution further, especially in crucial sectors such as modernising and improving the productivity and sustainability of economies;
Amendment 362 #
2016/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Observes that many project promoters are not aware of the existence of EFSI, or have an insufficiently clear picture of what EFSI can offer them and how to benefit from it; underlines that further efforts, including targeted technical support in low-performing member-states in their respective EU language, have to be made to raise awareness of what EFSI is, which specific products and services it has to offer and of the roles of investment platforms (IPs) and NPBs;
Amendment 2 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission Communication of 28 January 2016 on Anti-Tax Avoidance Package: Next steps towards delivering effective taxation and greater tax transparency in the EU (COM(2016)23),
Amendment 3 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 b (new)
Citation 16 b (new)
Amendment 4 #
2016/2032(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises the key role of SMEs in generating growth and employment in EU regions; notes that in the current climate of fiscal constraint, cohesion policy is a vital source of support for SMEsto boost the economic activity of SMEs, develop new and support active businesses, enhance entrepreneurial skills and business environment;
Amendment 18 #
2016/2032(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes initiatives designed to diversify sources of funding and reduce the cost of capital for SMEs since a sizeable share of economically significant SMEs cannot obtain financing from banks nor other suppliers of finance due to structural market characteristics; stresses the need to improve the way in which capital markets fund the real economy, by developing alternatives to bank loans, and to make EU funding more attractive to SMEsat the same time to enhance the traditional bank lending to SMEs as well as to make EU funding more attractive to SMEs; reminds that, besides access to finance, overall business environment needs to be improved and therefore calls on the Member States to remove administrative and regulatory burdens , implement structural reforms and build effective and efficient public administration;
Amendment 42 #
2016/2032(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Notes that ESI Funds should contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the Investment Plan in complementarity with EFSI support, in a way which brings demonstrable added value and also ensures coordination and synergies;
Amendment 55 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines the need for diverse funding options for SMEs throughout their lifecycle; stresses that access to finance is also of importance for the transfer of businesses; calls on the Commission and the Member States to support SMEs in this process; welcomes the Commission's CMU Action Plan which aims to ensure easier access of SMEs to more diverse funding options;
Amendment 67 #
2016/2032(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that, setting aside the issue of their size, each SME is different and there are many factors which determine their needs and the ease with which they can obtain funding, such as where they are based, the business sector in which they operate and the stage they have reached in their development; calls on the Commission, Member States and regional authorities to take these factors into account in coming up with tailor-made financing arrangements which in particular exploit the scope for combining subsidies and funding instruments, as well as to provide effective advisory support to SMEs, especially on the regional level, on different available sources of funding that fits their characteristics and needs.
Amendment 115 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Highlights that a healthy, stable and resilient banking sector is a prerequisite for strengthening SMEs’ access to finance; points out that the CRR and CRD IV are a direct response to the crisis and form the core of the renewed stability of the financial sector; reminds, that some Member States, in order to facilitate SME funding, already allow credit unions to be exempted from the provisions contained within the CRD IV since the risks to financial stability is very limited;
Amendment 155 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Reminds that there is still high level of non-performing loans which limit banking financing capacity of the real economy; calls on the Member States to implement legislation for effective and transparent insolvency regimes and timely restructuring process as well as to remove administrative and regulatory burdens which are imposed to SMEs as stated by Country specific recommendations;
Amendment 166 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Member States to foster a risk-taking and capital market culture; reiterates that financial education for SMEs is key to increasing the use and acceptance of capital market solutions, allowing for a better assessment of costs, benefits and the associated risks; calls on the Member States to enhance the financial literacy of SMEs and provide them with effective advisory support, both on national and regional level;
Amendment 184 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Recalls the sizeable cost for SMEs to access capital markets; stresses the need for a proportionate regulation, with less complex and burdensome disclosure and listing requirements for SMEs; welcomes the Commission's proposed revision of the Prospectus Directive;
Amendment 232 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Underlines the importance of corporate and income taxation for the internal financing capacity of SMEs; points out that due to unfair tax practices by multinational companies, SMEs experience up to 30% more taxation than they would have in the case of the fair tax practices, which consequently affect their internal financing capacity; welcomes, in that context, Commission's package on Anti-Tax Avoidance Package in order to achieve simpler, more effective and fairer taxation in the EU;
Amendment 238 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Reiterates the importance of the Cohesion Policy support through the European Structural and Investment Fund to SMEs and other EU financial instruments to SMEs; calls on better use of synergies between different EU funding sources and programmes in order to support SMEs competitiveness, internationalisation and innovation; Calls on the Member States to undertake necessary actions and speed up achievement of targets set in Small Business Act;
Amendment 239 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Highlight the need of effective tax systems that promotes SMEs, including tax incentives for innovative start-ups as well as eliminating differences in tax treatment of financial instruments;
Amendment 2 #
2016/2018(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that Council presidencies should provide more detailed information toinform Parliament on the negotiations in Council in order for Parliament to better understand which Member States have a problem and what its exact nature igeneral positions; suggests that the attendance of Parliament representatives at Council working group meetings would facilitate mutual understanding, in the same way as attendance at expert group meetings does;
Amendment 22 #
2016/2018(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets that the Commission is not willing to disclose documents outlining its stance in the international organisations which set standards in the financial, monetary and regulatory fields, in particular the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision; requests that Parliament be fully informed at all stages of the development of international standards that may have an impact on EU law, except in the case of classified and confidential documents where special rules should apply.
Amendment 128 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point a
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point a
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 34 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 34 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) building the capacity of local actors to develop and implement operationsincluding fostering their project management capabilities, and buiding the capacity of potential final beneficiaries to prepare and implement the projects;
Amendment 131 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 34 – paragraph 3 – point aa
Article 34 – paragraph 3 – point aa
(aa) ensuring visibility of the strategy, operations and projects;
Amendment 228 #
2016/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 23 a (new)
Article 265 – paragraph 1 – point 23 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 61 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 61 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
23a. In Article 61, in paragraph 1, subparagraph 1 is replaced by the following: “This Article shall apply to operations which generate net revenue after their completion. For the purposes of this Article ‘net revenue’ means cash in-flows directly paid by users for the goods or services provided by the operation, such as charges borne directly by users for the use of infrastructure, sale or rent of land or buildings, or payments for services less any operating costs and replacement costs of short-life equipment incurred during the corresponding period. Operating cost- savings generated by the operation, with the exception of cost-savings resulting from the implementation of energy efficiency measures, shall be treated as net revenue unless they are offset by an equal reduction in operating subsidies. ” Or. en (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32013R1303&from=EN)
Amendment 57 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11a) In order to maximise the impact of the EFSI, particularly as regards attaining targets in the areas of energy, environment, climate policy and transport, it is important – with a view to preventing cross-border pollution and removing barriers to achieving standards for speed and security in the aforementioned areas – to allow the financing of projects in non-Member States that border the Union.
Amendment 59 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 b (new)
Recital 11 b (new)
(11b) It is necessary to allow the financing of projects in all candidate and potential candidate countries, provided that EU laws are upheld, in order to ensure that EU standards are attained and that functional market economies are established in those countries.
Amendment 76 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) The European Investment Advisory Hub (EIAH) should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements. It should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more Member States, candidate countries and/or potential candidate countries, and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of COP21. Notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the EIB and the Commission, so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the Union, the EIAH should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the EFSI and support the EIB where needed in originating projects. It should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms and provide advice on the combination of other sources of Union funding with the EFSI.
Amendment 87 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – third subparagraph
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – third subparagraph
The projects supported by the EFSI that consist of physical infrastructure linking two or more Member States, candidate countries or potential candidate countries, or of the extension of physical infrastructure or services linked to physical infrastructure from one Member State to one or more Member States, shall also be considered to provide additionality.'; candidate countries or potential candidate countries, shall also be considered to provide additionality, particularly within the scope of environmental policy, waste management and utilities.
Amendment 99 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6 a) EFSI is one of the pillars of the all-encompassing Investment Plan for Europe, and its implementation cannot be successful without implementation of activities aimed at strengthening the single market, creating a favourable business environment and implementation of structural reforms. In addition, well structured projects as parts of investment and development plans brought at the level of Member States are of key importance for success in using EFSI.
Amendment 103 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) FIn the Multiannual Financial Framework for the period after 2020, the Commission intends toshall put forward the necessary proposals to ensure that strategic investment will continue at a sustainable level based on the assessment of EFSI's operation and its qualitative effect on the investment landscape in the EU.
Amendment 113 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point a – point i
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point a – point i
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – first subparagraph
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – first subparagraph
Such support shall include providing targeted support on the use of technical assistance for project structuring, on the use of innovative financial instruments and on the use of public-private partnerships, taking into account the specificities and needs of Member States, candidate countries or potential candidate countries, with less- developed financial markets.;
Amendment 123 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point b – point iii a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point b – point iii a (new)
(iiia) (g) providing special assistance in the identification, preparation, development and funding of projects in candidate and potential candidate countries;
Amendment 163 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) In order to reinforce the take-up of the EFSI in less-developed and transition regions, the scope of the general objectives eligible for EFSI support should be enlarged and allow for additional technical assistance to Member States which have not been using funds successfully, especially in the project preparation phase.
Amendment 164 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) In order to reinforce the take-up of the EFSI in less-developed and transition regions, the scope of the general objectives eligible for EFSI support should be enlarged. and the minimum project threshold should be adjusted for each Member state to take into account the differences in the size of the economies.
Amendment 227 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) The European Investment Advisory Hub (EIAH) should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements and support the submission of high quality EFSI project proposals. It should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more Member States and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of COP21. Notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the EIB and the Commission, so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the Union, the EIAH should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the EFSI, enhancing its capacity building role in Member states, and support the EIB where needed in originating projects, especially with a focus on member states with less developed financial markets. It should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms and provide advice on the combination of other sources of Union funding with the EFSI.
Amendment 289 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
(2 a) in Article 5 the following paragraph 1a is added: ‘1a. An EIB financing operation that is co-financing projects or platforms combined with other EU funds (including ESI Funds) should be, by definition, EFSI eligible and considered "additional".’;
Amendment 334 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point d
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Article 7 – paragraph 12 – subparagraph 2 – second sentence
Article 7 – paragraph 12 – subparagraph 2 – second sentence
Decisions approving the use of the EU guarantee shall be public and accessible, and include the rationale for the decision, with particular focus on compliance with the additionality criterion. The publication shall not contain commercially sensitive informationAll additionality aspects, which are not commercially sensitive information, shall be publicly disclosed by EIB as soon as projects are approved. In reaching its decision, the Investment Committee shall be supported by the documentation provided by the EIB.
Amendment 361 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point b
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a
Amendment 388 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point d a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point d a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Article 9 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 7 a (new)
(d a) in Article 9, a new paragraph is added: ‘(7a) In case where EIB funding under EFSI guarantee is co-financing ESI Funded projects, such funding can be counted as the national co-financing of Member States for ESI Funded projects.’;
Amendment 428 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point b – point iii
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 – point b – point iii
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) providing advice on the combination of other sources of Union funding (such as the European Structural and Investment Funds, Horizon 2020 and the Connecting Europe Facility) with the EFSI.; and solution of practical problems in implementation of combining financing sources which occur because of different administrative requirements and financing sources in different instruments
Amendment 459 #
2016/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1017
Article 19 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 1 a (new)
The EIB and EIF shall inform or shall oblige financial intermediaries to inform the final beneficiaries, including SMEs, of the existence of EFSI support; and publish explanations as to why selected projects were supported on their website.
Amendment 15 #
2015/2353(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises the need for effectiveness and result-orientation of cohesion policy; recalls that European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds are at an early stage of implementation in 2016 and that at the time of the MFF review/revision only limited evidence is available as to results; therefore underline the need for early preparatory activities of all EU policies financed from the MFF with the aim to start implementation at the beginning of the next MFF;
Amendment 17 #
2015/2353(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses the need to encourage implementation of structural reforms related to improvement of financial management and good governance as preconditions to increase and accelerate implementation of Cohesion policy; underlines that this has direct impact to the successful implementation of the MFF and achievement of the Europa 2020 strategy's goals;
Amendment 25 #
2015/2353(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights the improved synergies and coordination among the five European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) and other EU instruments, which is an important element in ensuring the effectiveness of the EU budget; calls on the Commission and on national, regional and local authorities to take appropriate account of the opportunities for combining ESI and EFSI funding, thus increasing the leverage effect of investments and positive impact on economic growth and development;
Amendment 50 #
2015/2353(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Underlines that administrative capacity at national and regional/ local level as well as at the level of EU institutions is a key precondition for timely and successful performance of Cohesion policy as well as all other policies financed from EU budget; therefore asks the Commission to define actions to support strengthening of administrative capacity for implementation of the policies;
Amendment 64 #
2015/2344(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas keeping the Balance of Payments Facility for non-euroArticle 123 and 125 TFEU were put in place to avoid and prevent moral hazard and ensure fiscal sustainability and prudency of euro area Member States; while depriving euro area Member States of this instrument as a consequence of the no-bail-out clause reflects one of the original flaws of EMUereas the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) constitutes the crisis resolution mechanism for countries of the euro area and has the function of a shock absorbent; whereas non-euro area Member States are not covered by the ESM but by the Balance of Payment Facility which supports non- euro countries in difficulties or when seriously threatened with difficulties as regards its balance of payments, as laid down in Article 143 TFEU, as non-euro countries experience higher risks due to exchange rate fluctuations;
Amendment 807 #
2015/2344(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Considers that those non-euro countries that do not have an opt-out will eventually become part of the EMU and therefore may join the governance framework on a voluntary basis with a special statuEmphasizes that the seven EU Member States that do not have an opt-out or opt-in from joining the common currency, but are bound to join the euro area by their Treaties of Accession to the European Union, should have full rights of participating in the governance structure of any fiscal capacity, be able to contribute and benefit financially, receive technical and financial assistance in transposing needed structural reforms in their countries, thereby making their economies more competitive especially vis-à-vis current euro area Member States, increasing resilience, thus ensuring the sound transition into the euro area and avoid economic and financial crises in the future by fostering a stronger euro area with stronger Member States;
Amendment 44 #
2015/2320(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that neither future unexpected EU-wide crises nor major initiatives should lead to a decrease in commitments or payments relating to Thematic Objective 3 (‘Enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs’) and relevant instruments under Heading 1b of the EU General Budget; calls on the Member States and the Commission to put more effort in fulfilling the ex-ante conditionality for the Thematic Objective 3 in order to accelerate implementation;
Amendment 58 #
2015/2320(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for faster and eull, quick and effectiven implementation of country-specific recommendations and National Reform Programmes relating to the enterprise environmented to improving business environment, more specifically in taking effective action in removing high administrative burdens, uncertain and non-transparent regulatory environment, barriers to establish business and excessive parafiscal charges imposed to the SMEs;
Amendment 1 #
2015/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges the new approach for a more streamlined European Semester organised in two successive phases, including publishing the recommendations for the entire euro area early on, togethcountry-specific and euro area analysis earlier, with this annual growth survey (AGS), preceding the country-specific recommendations (CSRs), thus giving Member States the opportunity to take the euro area recomhich gives an opportunity to the Member States to involve the local and regional authorities and other relevant stakeholders in defining economic policies and connecting Cohesion policy's instruments with CSRs, thus raising the ownership for the implemendtations into account in national policymaking of the CSRs;
Amendment 4 #
2015/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Expresses concern that despite moderate signs of recovery, the EU economy is still in a period of slow growth, high long-term and youth unemployment, increased poverty levels and widening regional disparities in terms of GDP per capita; therefore calls on the Commission and Member States to speed up the implementation of ESI Funds 2014-2020 and all activities which support the implementation, such as: simplification, taskforce for better implementation, building institutional capacity, etc.; stresses that the unprecedented inflow of refugees and asylum seekers over the last year has represented a great challenge in some Member States;
Amendment 11 #
2015/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Urges the Commission to take better account of the Europe 2020 Strategy and its key targets by improving its implementation and carrying out a further review; calls on the Commission to ensure, in the context of the European Semester, as well as by proposingthat the key challenges from Europe 2020 targets are properly addressed; reminds the Commission on the need to propose measures and methodology for better monitoring of the EUSI Funds' expenditures related to Europe 2020 goals; believstresses that the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) review will provide an opportunity to analyse and therefore enhance the value added by EU funding to the goals of Europe 2020 Strategyshould continue supporting delivery of the Europe 2020 strategy, which should remain the main priority of the EU budget; stresses that having in mind recent political developments, migration and refugee crisis should be also effectively addressed in the context of MFF review;
Amendment 12 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 28 a (new)
Citation 28 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission’s report of 14 December 2015 on Public Finances in EMU 2015 (Institutional Paper 014),
Amendment 13 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 28 b (new)
Citation 28 b (new)
– having regard to the debate with Commission in the European Parliament on European Semester package - Annual Growth Survey 2016
Amendment 26 #
2015/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes the closer links between the objectives of the European Semester process and the programming of the ESI Funds for 2014-2020, reflected in the Partnership Agreements, especially concerning improvements to the labour market, the reform of education systems, the functioning of public administration, improvements to the business and research and innovation environment, and social inclusion; therefore, considers that cCohesion pPolicy's investruments could play a very important role in supporting structural reforms andimplementation of the relevant CSRs, thus contributing to the fulfilment of the EU’'s strategic goals by following up the relevant CSRs together with the effectivas well as the implementation of the Partnership Agreements;
Amendment 32 #
2015/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Urges the Member States and the Commission to ensure adequate administrative capacity in order to increase the quality of public services to firms and citizens, andbusinesses, especially to SMEs and to citizens; reminds that the most of the errors and irregularities in Cohesion Policy occur because of lack of sound financial management and good economic governance and process wise most of the errors and irregularities occur in public procurement, therefore it is necessary to ensure improved transparency, efficiency and accountability in public procurement, by utilising e-procurement and tackling corruption; calls, in this context, for the efficient use of ESI Funds to reform structpublic institutions, procedures and processes, human resource management and service delivery;
Amendment 81 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes improvements in public finances, in particularwhich resulted in gradually declininge of deficit and debt/ to GDP ratios; notes that there are still nine Member States under Excessive Deficit Procedure which requires further fiscal consolidation efforts;
Amendment 121 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is encouraged by mild improvements in labour market indicators; calls for more effort to reduce poverty, social exclusion and growing inequalitieshowever notes that divergence between Member States persist with a number of Member States still facing substantial employment and social challenges; calls for more effort to reduce poverty, social exclusion and growing inequalities, while pointing out to the new challenges that need to be tackled resulting from the recent large number of refugees which fled to the European Union;
Amendment 140 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for the European Fund for Strategic Investments to be used to maximum effect to support higher-risk projects not financed otherwise, and tos well as the European Investment Advisory Hub and European Investment Project Portal, with the aim of promoteing growth, job creation and cohesion;
Amendment 149 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to use the European Structural and Investment Funds to their full potential; underlines the need for better coordination at the subnational level and active role of the regions in promotion and preparing well-structured project for the ESIF;
Amendment 163 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is aware of the ongoing deleveraging process in the private sector; welcomes Commission’s efforts to establish European Deposit Insurance Scheme and Capital Markets Union and points to the importance of completing the banking union and boosting equity investments in businesses, notably SMEs;
Amendment 182 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Highlights the importance of investments in human capital and other social investments; in achieving sustainable growth and social cohesion; calls for better use of Cohesion policy’s instruments in achieving this goal;
Amendment 192 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls for urgent measures and reforms aimed at improving investment environment in order to increase attractiveness for investments and competiveness of Member States;
Amendment 208 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls for the implementation of benchmarking in order to stimulate reform efforts in line with best practices and increase convergence;
Amendment 218 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls for product and service market reforms and better regulation, promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and quality- based competition;
Amendment 238 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Urges that further steps be taken towards resilient labour markets with reduced segmentation and sustainable welfare systems with increased focus on social investmentchieved both flexibility and security and increased investment in human capital in order to reduce still high unemployment rates, especially long-term and youth unemployment, and promote job creation;
Amendment 244 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls for further reform efforts towards sustainable welfare systems with increased focus on social investment in order to reduce poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 247 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Emphasises the need for modern, efficient and citizen and business-friendly public administration with special focus on increasing efficiency and transparency of public procurement;
Amendment 259 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls for a greater shift of taxation away from labourmore growth friendly tax systems which implies greater shift of taxation away from labour, broadening tax bases and putting more efforts in achieving tax compliance and fighting tax evasion and fraud;
Amendment 270 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Takes note of the proposal for a Structural Reform Support Programme designed to strengthen the implementation of growth-friendly reforms in Member States, to be discussed under the ordinary legislative procedure;
Amendment 293 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Insists on stricter implementation of the Stability and Growth Pact, while making use of available fiscal space, inter alia, to deal with security threats and refugee inflows; reminds that the deviation from MTOs due to these circumstances must be considered temporary and therefore compensated during better times;
Amendment 309 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Emphasises the need for improved tax collection, fighting tax evasion and avoidance and improved tax policy coordination and cooperation in exchange of knowledge and experiences in the field of tax administration in order to prevent illicit behaviour and to strengthen tax compliance and effective tax collection;
Amendment 440 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Believes that better implementation of country-specific recommendations requires clearly articulated priorities at European level and genuine public debate at national and regional level, leading to greater relevance and ownership; in that context, welcomes Commission's decision to streamline the European Semester;
Amendment 454 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. RequestWelcomes thate plenary debates with the Commission and the President of the Eurogroup on the draft euro area recommendation and requests it to become regular features in order to strengthen democratic dialogue and accountability;
Amendment 458 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Welcomes Commission's participation at Plenary and Committee debates on the European semester cycle and appreciates its decision to take into account Parliament's views in the preparation of final documents;
Amendment 464 #
2015/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Highlights the importance of national parliaments debating country reports and country-specific recommendations and voting on national reform programmes as wells as national convergence/stability programmes; encourages broadening the debate in order to include local and regional authorities and social partners;
Amendment 4 #
2015/2284(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the evaluations of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) show that the results of the interventions of this fund are influenced by factors such as the level of education and qualifications of the targeted workers, as well as by the capacity of absorption of the relevant labour markets; emphasises that such factors are mostly influenced by long- term measures which can be effectively supported by the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds); notes that increased synergies between EGF and ESI Funds are inevitable in order to achieve faster and more effective results;
Amendment 31 #
2015/2284(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on EU institutions and national and regional/local authorities to simplify and speed up the decision-making process and to ensure timely payments from EGF to the beneficiaries in order to maximize the envisaged impact;
Amendment 68 #
2015/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Welcomes establishing of Capital Market Union with the aim to facilitate movement of the capital, diversify the financing sources, reduce the cost of capital, and improve access to finances, in particular in regard to the SMEs; calls on the Commission and the Member States to work on removing the existing barriers on capital markets which cause fragmentation and high cost of capital;
Amendment 88 #
2015/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Reiterates its calls to enhance transparency and the participation of all relevant regional and local authorities, civil society stakeholders and interested partie, entrepreneurs and other interested parties, especially in the process of defining the requirement in calls for projects proposals in order to better target final beneficiaries' needs; reiterates, therefore, the need for implementation of the partnership principle as detailed in the Common Provisions Regulation and the Code of Conduct on Partnership;
Amendment 95 #
2015/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure enhanced coordination and consistency among all EU investment policies targeted at SMEs; welcomes the plan to ease access to ESI funds through the introduction of a ‘seal of excellence’ for projects which have been evaluated as ‘excellent’ but are not financed by Horizon 2020; urges the Member States to provide a one-stop shop at regional level for the various EU financing instruments aimed at SMEs as well as administrative support for preparation and implementation of projects;
Amendment 142 #
2015/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on the Member States which still did not fulfilled ex-ante conditionalities in TO 3 to undertake necessary actions and speed up achievement of targets set in Small Business Act;
Amendment 1 #
2015/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission communication of 28 November 2014 on the Alert Mechanism report 2015 (COM(2014)0904),
Amendment 2 #
2015/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)
Citation 4 b (new)
- having regard to the Commission's Main findings of the In-Depth Reviews 2015 from June 2015,
Amendment 4 #
2015/2210(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that the macroeconomic framework seems to be essential to achieving the objective of reducing disparities in the levels of development as defined in Article 174 of the TFEU and that cohesion policy can be a strong driver for achieving this objective if accompanied by a sound macro-economic framework; is deeply concerned that, in an economic environment with high government debt levels and macro-economic imbalances, the absorption and effectiveness of ESI funds can be greatly diminished; therefore calls on the European Commission to propose tailor made measures which will support timely implementation and achievement of the Cohesion Policy and economic goals in these countries;
Amendment 8 #
2015/2210(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the closer links between the objectives of the European Semester process and the programming of the ESI Funds 2014-2020, and especially the systematic references to CSRs and NRPs (National Reform Programmes) in the programming exercise; takes note on the Study on Strategic Coherence of cohesion policy: Comparison of the 2007-2013 and the 2014-2020 programming period, which presents that CSRs are in a very limited way taken into consideration in PAs and OPs; considers that cohesion policy investments could play a very important role in supporting structural reforms and fulfilment of the EU strategic goals by following up the relevant CSRs; calls for steps to be taken to ensure compleimentarity and synergies between the ESI Funds, the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) and the other EU-subsidised programmes and initiatives, as well as national public investments and private financial instruments, in order to obtain maximum added value and synergy from the whole investments effected potential;
Amendment 14 #
2015/2210(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Urges the Commission and the Member States to ensure the quality of interventions co-financed by cohesion policy and compliance with most relevant CSRs; notes that, in the 2013 and 2014 financial years there were more CSRs with relevance for ESI Funds programming, and underlines that medium- term structural reforms related to ESI Funds investments are still necessary and should be included in CSRs eventhough they are very often contained in the ex-ante conditionalities of the ESI Funds common framework;
Amendment 17 #
2015/2210(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with great concern the persistently high unemployment rates across most Member States, especially as regards youth and long-term unemployment; stresses the need for structural reforms related to labour market, educational system and financial services for the SMEs, highly supported with Cohesion Policy financial instruments, to be implemented at regional, national and EU level in order to create employment opportunities and boost job creation;
Amendment 22 #
2015/2210(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Urges the Member States to ensure swift and effective implementation of the respective CSRs for 2015 and those outstanding from previous years in order to achieve sustainable growth and jobs; deplores, in this connection, the non- binding natures of the recommendations; recalls that the quality of ESI Funds interventions as policy responses to the challenges identified in the CSRs will depend on how Member States connect their structural reforms, better spending and and smart fiscal consolidation with the use of ESI funds through the National Reform Programmes and theon how Member States ensuingre programme implementation;
Amendment 47 #
2015/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the fact that economic recovery is slowly gaining ground, with GDP in the euro area expected to rise by 2.1%1.9% and 2.1% in EU in 2016; notes with concern, however, that its foundations are fragile, mainly owing to the EU's underlying structural weaknesses and resulting low international competitiveness;
Amendment 92 #
2015/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that many Member States, in particular in the eurozone, are faced with similar macroeconomic challenges, including most importantly high debts and low investment; therefore welcomes interparliamentary activities where exchange of knowledge, experience and practices on reforms and implementation of CSRs take place with the aim to increase efficiency and quality of the changes as well as to speed up the reforms.
Amendment 175 #
2015/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines the need to improve the EU's business environment as well as to raise productivity levels; stresses the importance of sound business regulation for the success of the EFSI; calls, therefore, for the removal of administrative barriers, cutting red tape and reform of Member States' tax systems; stresses that the improvement of administrative capacity at all levels of government is a key priority in many Member States;
Amendment 49 #
2015/2154(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to propose measures to achieve balance between greater simplification and strict application of rules and sound financial management; notes that the interruption and suspension of payments in case of irregularities could hinder the implementation of certain projects and programmes., bearing in mind that there is already a huge backlog in Cohesion Policy payments;
Amendment 54 #
2015/2154(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Urges the Commission and Member States to take more specific actions on the preventive side, e.g. to simplify existing rules, to provide more training and exchange of good practices on specific implementation topics (e.g. public procurement, state aid, eligibility criteria or audit trail.), in particular for the final beneficiaries during implementation of the projects;
Amendment 13 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recognises that persistent problems such as financial barriers result in a lack of investment within the EU and the urgent need to mobilise investment in order to boost the real economy; welcomes, in this regard, the proposal for an Investment Plan for Europe and the new European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI); recalls that there is a need to ensure consistency and complementarity between the EFSI and other EU policies and instruments, in particular the ESI Funds; calls all Member States to designate National Promotional Banks in order to facilitate the cooperation between investors and the EIB;
Amendment 10 #
2015/2074(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on Commission to prepare and implement, together with the Member States, an action plan for acceleration of implementation of the ESI funds, which have a significant investment and growth potential for the EU, and to propose measures in order to avoid the decommitments of funds in 2017 because of late start of implementation in the period 2014-2020; asks in addition to the Commission to analyse the impact of the measures on the EU budget in 2016 and 2017 and to propose adjustments accordingly with the aim to significantly decrease the backlog;
Amendment 13 #
2015/2074(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is seriously concerned about the recurrent problem of the backlog of payments, especially under the cohesion policy, which creates a de facto debt in the EU budgea phenomenon which is not sustainable in terms of sound financial management, and stresses that there is a danger of perpetuating the ‘snow ball' effect of accumulating unpaid invoices at year's end unless a tangible and sustainable solution is found, as fast as possible, by the budgetary authority together with the Commission;
Amendment 14 #
2015/2074(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is seriously concerned about the recurrent problem of the backlog of payments, especially under the cohesion policy, which creates a de facto debt in the EU budget, and stresses that there is a danger of perpetuating the ‘snow ball' effect of accumulating unpaid invoices at year's end unless a tangible and sustainable solution is found, as fast as possible, by the budgetary authority together with the Commission; highlights the correlation between good economic governance, absorption capacity as well as timely implementation and payments; underlines that delays in payments seriously and negatively affect implementation and good economic governance, decreasing the absorption capacity and putting in danger the effectiveness and efficiency of the whole cohesion policy and EU budget;
Amendment 20 #
2015/2074(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Takes note of the outlook for 2015 and 2016 presented by the Commission to reduce the year-end backlog of outstanding payment claims for 2007- 2013 to a sustainable level by the end of 2016;
Amendment 33 #
2015/2074(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Highlights that the three main pillars for EU economic recovery and growth – boosting investment, accelerating structural reforms and implementing growth-friendly fiscal consolidation –, which the European Commission defined in the Annual Growth Survey 2015, should be strengthened and, in that respect, welcomes the link of the ESI Funds to the European Semester; calls on the Commission to encourage and speed up the use of the ESI Funds for structural reforms and investments.
Amendment 18 #
2015/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls for the introduction of a consolidated common tax base for corporation tax in order to standardise tax returnsstandards for a stable, predictable tax system and for better management and greater tax efficiency;
Amendment 36 #
2015/2058(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to set up anspecific programme to assist developing countries in combating tax fraud which should include in particular human resources training and the development of administrative structurefinanced from Global Europe, similar to the Fiscalis and the Hercules, with the aim to support developing countries in exchange of knowledge and experience with Member States in the field of tax administration, since strengthening of tax system and prevention of tax fraud and avoidance are the basic precondition to enhance competitiveness;
Amendment 7 #
2015/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the importance of the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds in providing urgently needed investment for jobs and growth for regions in the EU, also including those which are suffering most from the financial, economic and social crisis; welcomes the objective of making the use of these funds more effective and efficient by strengthening their link with the EU's economic governance framework; underlines that good economic governance is basic precondition for effective Cohesion policy and linkage between these two is crucial for reaching development potential of ESI Funds.
Amendment 29 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises the importance of cohesion policy instruments and resourceESI Funds in maintaining the level of European added- value investment in Member States and regions; when national and regional public and private investments fell significantly due to negative effects of economic and financial crisis.
Amendment 36 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that an increased emphasis on economic governance mechanisms cannot jeopardise the achievement of the ESI Funds' policy objectives and goals; stresses that stable fiscal and economic environment is basic precondition for the effectiveness and successful implementation of Cohesion policy;
Amendment 37 #
2015/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the Commission's intention to use its reprogramming powers carefully, preferring stability over too frequent reprogramming; stresses the need for a well-founded and detailed justification for reprogramming, with a detailed assessment of why it delivers more effective and efficient results; therefore calls on Commission, while taking decision on reprogramming, to focus more on efficiency and implementation of CSRs than on indicators if influenced by trends outside the Member State;
Amendment 44 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that macroeconomic conditionality must only be used to contribute to asupport more focused and result- driven implementation of the ESI Funds;
Amendment 50 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. RecallEmphasises the multiannual and long- term nature of programmes and objectives under the ESI Funds, as well as their strong result-driven nature, as opposed to the annual cycle of the European semester and the rather weak implementation of the semester recommenwhich should be aligned with national strategies and sectorial policies; therefore underlines the need for coordination with European semester as an annual cycle of economic policy coordination involving Member States' plans for structural reforms, investments and fiscal consolidations;.
Amendment 53 #
2015/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Highlights that important part of good economic governance is sound financial management and timely payments; therefore calls on the Commission to solve problems with backlog and to take into account negative effects of late payments and caused liquidity problems in the Member States when assessing link between ESI Funds and good economic governance;
Amendment 59 #
2015/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that Parliament will carefully apply its scrutiny rights in the decision- making process via the structural dialogue.; therefore asks the Commission to formalise in the guidelines the involvement of the Parliament in line with CPR;
Amendment 72 #
2015/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers that the partnership agreements and programmes adopted in the current programming period have taken account of the relevant CSRs and the relevant Council recommendations, thus making any reprogramming unnecessary in the medium term, unless the conditions are changed and strong need for new economic policy's approach is required;
Amendment 33 #
2015/0263(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Several Member States have been undergoing and continue to undergo adjustment processes to correct macroeconomic imbalances accumulated in the past and many are facing the challenge of low potential growth. The Union has identified the implementation of structural reforms among its policy priorities to set the recovery on a sustainable path, unlock the growth potential to strengthen the adjustment capacity and level of preparation for future challenges, and support the process of convergence.
Amendment 42 #
2015/0263(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Reforms are by their very nature complex processes that require a complete chain of highly-specialised knowledge and skills. Addressing structural reforms in a variety of public policy areas is challenging since their benefits often take time and continued commitment to materialise. Therefore, ownership of reforms and political will of Member States, as well as early and efficient design and implementation is crucial, be it for crisis-struck or structurally-weak economies. In this context, the provision of support by the Union in the form of technical assistance has been crucial in supporting the economic adjustment of Greece and Cyprus in the last years.
Amendment 60 #
2015/0263(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) The European Court of Auditors' Special Report (19/2015) entitled 'More attention to results needed to improve the delivery of technical assistance to Greece' includes useful recommendations with respect to the provision of technical assistance by the Commission to Member States which should be taken into account in the implementation of the support under the Structural Reform Support Programme.
Amendment 62 #
2015/0263(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Against this background, it is necessary to establish a Structural Reform Support Programme ('the Programme') with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth-enhancing administrative and structural reforms, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. The Programme is significant additional support for better and faster implementation of reforms intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery, job creation, boosting Europe's competitiveness and productivity, and stimulating investment in the real economy. Therefore, financing of the Programme should be provided for in Member States' budgets and by existing instruments in the Union budget. The Programme should support structural reforms in Member States by providing added value at the Union level and not merely replace indispensable national reform efforts.
Amendment 83 #
2015/0263(COD)
(9) Member States should be able to request support from the Commission under the Programme in relation to the implementation of reforms in the context of economic governance processes, in particular to improve the implementation of Country Specific Recommendations in the context of the European Semester, to actions related to the implementation of Union law, as well as in relation to the implementation of economic adjustment programmes. They should also be able to request support in relation to reforms undertaken at their own initiative, in order to achieve sustainable investment, growth and job creation.
Amendment 87 #
2015/0263(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Further to a dialogue with the requesting Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission should analyse the request, taking into account the principles of transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency, breadth and depth of the problems as identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged, analysis of socioeconomic indicators, and the general administrative capacity of the Member State. The Commission should also, in close cooperationgree with the Member State concerned, identify on the priority areas, the particular objectives for that Member State based on the objectives set out in this Regulation, a timeline, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the estimated global financial contribution for such support, taking into accounto be specified in a support plan, which should be made public. In addition, the existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes should be taken into account.
Amendment 90 #
2015/0263(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) The Commission should be able, with the consent of the Member State wishing to receive support, to organise the provision of support in cooperation with international organisations or other Member States that may agree to act as reform partners. The Member State wishing to receive support should be able, for a specific area of support, to enter into a partnership with one or more Member States as reform partners to help formulate strategy, reform roadmaps, design assistance or oversee the implementation of strategy and projects. While the responsibility for the delivery of the reforms lies with the Member State wishing to receive support, reform partners or other Member States providing support should be able to contribute to the successful implementation of the Programme.
Amendment 130 #
2015/0263(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
The general objective of the Programme shall be to contribute to institutional, administrative and structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions, governance, administration, economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness, productivity, growth, jobs, and investment, in particular in the context of economic governance processes, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds.
Amendment 176 #
2015/0263(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2
2. Taking into account the principles of transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management, further to a dialogue with the Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency, breadth and depth of the problems identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned, analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the Member State. Taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes, the Commission in close cooperationshall agree with the Member State concerned shall identifyon the priority areas for support, the particular objectives for that Member State based on Article 5 of this Regulation, a timeline, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the estimated global financial contribution for such support in a support plan. That support plan shall be made publicly available.
Amendment 197 #
2015/0263(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 2 – point i a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 2 – point i a (new)
(ia) the number of objectives in the support plan that have been reached by the beneficiary Member State
Amendment 9 #
2015/0093(COD)
Draft legislative resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 1 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18
Citation 18
— having regard to the Commission communication of 26 November 2014 entitled ‘An Investment Plan for Europe' (COM(2014)0903)Regulation (EU) No 2015/760 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2015 on European long-term investment funds,
Amendment 2 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 a (new)
Citation 24 a (new)
- having regard to the communication from the Commission of 13 January 2015 entitled 'Making the best use of the flexibility within the existing rules of the stability and growth pact' (COM(2015)0012),
Amendment 9 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas cohesion policy for 2014-2020 is the EU's main investment and development policy aligned with the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, with a budget of EUR 3501,8 billion until the end of 2020;
Amendment 27 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas there is a growing need for stronger co-ownership of the strategy by the different levels of governance and for shared responsibility at all levels of project implementation; whereas multi-level governance should be enhanced;
Amendment 44 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the mid-term review of the Europe 2020 strategy affords an opportunity to improve existing interactions and links between various EU policies as well as with the EU budget as a policy instrument for implementation of the Strategy; whereas this stage is essential for shaping future cohesion policy;
Amendment 58 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that anEU economic governance system (the framework and its implementation mechanism "European Semester)" was put in place to provide for the coordination of actionfiscal policy's action and structural reforms at the EU and national levels and to support the delivery of the strategy; stresses that cohesion policy for 2007- 2013, aligned with the predecessor Lisbon Strategy and having similar core objectives, was already in the implementation phase when the Europe 2020 strategy was launched, and that reprogramming in accordance with the new strategy objectives would therefore have been both difficult and counterproductive; points out, nevertheless, that cohesion policy, through ‘Lisbon earmarking', substantially supported the implementation of the strategy, as shown by the sixth cohesion report and by several Commission communications and studies;
Amendment 69 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that cohesion policy for 2014-2020, the key EU instrument for investment in the real economy, is fully aligned with the Europe 2020 objectives; stresses in this context that, through thematic concentration, the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds) are oriented towards 11 thematic objectives derived straight from the Europe 2020 objectives, and that preconditions linked directly to these thematic objectives have been established in order to ensure that investments are made in such a way as to maximise their effectiveness; stresses that cohesion policy should contribute to EU policies such as digital single market, the energy union, single capital market, the social policy, macro-regional strategies, urban agenda, territorial agenda, investing in SMEs and smart growth, cutting red tapes, therefore contributing to strengthening single market and avoiding fragmentation;
Amendment 81 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points also to the closer relationship with the broader economic governance process through measures linking the effectiveness of the ESI Funds to sound economic governance, and through the provision of support to Member States experiencing temporary budgetary difficulties; welcomes the flexibility mechanisms introduced by the Commission within the existing rules of the stability and growth pact with the aim to strengthen the link between investment, structural reforms and fiscal responsibility;
Amendment 103 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes Eurostat's regular publication of progress indicators as regards the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy; calls, nevertheless, for greater and more accurate regional details in respect of the data provided at the NUTS II and NUTS III levels;
Amendment 108 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Welcomes task force for better implementation of the EU funds; also welcomes "Structural Reform Support Service" which will officially start working on the 1st of July 2015, and which will provide technical assistance to Member States in order to be more effective in implementation of structural reforms and CSRs;
Amendment 153 #
2014/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Highlights the importance of the new EU investment instrument, the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), and emphasises that itwhich will support mobilisation up to € 315 billion of the additional investments with the aim of closing investment gap in EU. EFSI should be complementary and additional to the ESI Funds; points out that the EFSI is not clearly linked to the Europe 2020 strategy, but that through its objectives it contributes to the implementation of the strategy; stresses, moreover, the imperative of ensuring full coherence and synergies between all EU instruments, in order to avoid overlapping or contradictions among them or between the different levels of policy implementation; appreciates that the review of the Europe 2020 strategy, as the EU's long-term strategic framework for growth and jobs, must address this challenge with a view to using all the available resources effectively and achieving the expected results as regards the overarching strategic goals;
Amendment 2 #
2014/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that the economic crisis and the austerity measures have greatly increased economic and social disparities, worsening the differences between (and within) Member Statesfollowed by an investment gap, as well as structural weaknesses and macroeconomic imbalances within certain Member States, which had built up over years and sometimes decades, ended up seriously affecting the economic, social and territorial cohesion in the Union;
Amendment 4 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 a (new)
Citation 24 a (new)
- having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 9 March 2015 on the 2015 EU Justice Scoreboard (COM(2015) 116 final),
Amendment 6 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 b (new)
Citation 24 b (new)
- having regard to the Annual report 2013 on the protection of the EU's financial interests - Fight against fraud,
Amendment 15 #
2014/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Underlines the importance of national competence over the implementation of structural reforms and fiscal consolidation measures as defined in the Country Specific Recommendations (CSR) for achieving the aim of economic, social and territorial cohesion in the EU; therefore calls on the Member States to increase the use of ESIF for the implementation of CSRs;
Amendment 16 #
2014/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the important role of cCohesion pPolicy in mitigatclosing the effects of the financial, economic and social crisis, as well as its positive effects on all regions; underlines its importance in closing the public/private investment gap, especially in the Member States hit most by the crisiinvestment gap, especially in Member States which had been facing an increase of the fiscal deficit and debt and had lost access to capital markets;
Amendment 28 #
2014/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the reform of cCohesion pPolicy has focused on delivering anot only investment policybut development policy as well; welcomes the Commission’'s Investment Plan, and endorses its proposal to finance the new EFSI by making nationalencourage additional national contributions to the EFSI through not triggering an Excessive Deficit Procedure under the conditions that the 3% deficit value be breached only because of the contribution to the EFSI, and as long as the excess over the reference value is small and is expected to be temporary; notes that, as far as the attainment of the Medium Term Objective of reducing the overall debt is concerned, the contributions to the fundEFSI is fiscally neutral as regards the SGPboth in the preventive and the corrective arm; reminds that the national contributions to the ESIF are considered as an expenditure and do not lead to a reduction of the deficit under the new rules; having in mind the correlation between good economic governance and absorption capacity; stresses the interdependence of cCohesion pPolicy with the EU’'s other investment initiatives; calls on the Commission to encourage the use of ESIF by prolonging the fiscal adjustment period, when they are used as a flanking measure for structural reforms and an increase in investments; calls on the Commission to create a coherent and effective investment framework;
Amendment 36 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Underlines that straightening administrative capacity for programming, implementation and evaluation in the Member States, is key priority for timely and successful performance of cohesion policy;
Amendment 44 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Expresses its serious concern about the significant delay in the implementation of cohesion policy 2014-2020, including the delay in adoption of Operational Programmes, with only just over 100263 Operational Programmes adopted at the end of 2014, as well as a backlog in payments amounting to ca EUR 25 billion for the 2007-2013 programming period; stresses that these delays are undermining the credibility of the EU budget and cohesion policy, effectiveness and sustainability, challenging national, regional and local authorities’' capacity to finalize implementation of the 2007-2013 period and to plan effectively and implement the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) for the 2014- 2020 period;
Amendment 47 #
2014/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. WelcomesNotes the clarification of the ‘'investment clause’' as outlined in the Commission communication on flexibility within the SGP; strongly believes thatnotes that the 'investment clause' does not allow for expenditures to be excluded from the calculation of the deficit, neither in the preventive, nor in the corrective arm of the Pact; notes that under the 'investment clause' should be symmetrically extended to the corrective arm; ome investments deemed to be equivalent to major structural reforms may justify a temporary deviation from the Medium Term Objective of reducing the overall debt; reminds that there are stringent conditions attached to activating the 'investment clause', including severe growth weaknesses in the Member State, as well as the obligation to compensate in the future for that temporary deviation from the MTO, and finally that the clause can only be activated if it doesn't lead to an excess over the 3% deficit limit;
Amendment 53 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Asks the Commission, in view of the above, to present to Parliament the measures it envisages to facilitate, as soon as possible, the implementation of the Operational Programmes, especially in order to avoid decommitments of funds in 2017, together with the timeline it envisages, as well as to explain the impact of the delay in payments on the start of implementation of the new Operational Programmes, and to put forward solutions to limit the damage as far as possible; demands, furthermore, that the Commission, in the context of the report on the outcome of the negotiations provided for in Article 16(3) of the Common Provisions Regulation, analyses the possible impact of the belated start-up of the 2014-2020 cohesion policy on growth and jobs, and provides recommendations based on the lessons learnt;
Amendment 54 #
2014/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 70 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the new European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) and its potential leverage effect; advises the parties concerned to build on the experiences gained from the implementation of the European Economic Recovery Plan in 2008, in particular regarding smart investments; calls for the coordination of all EU investment and development policies – in particular cohesion policy – to ensure complementarity and avoid overlaps; suggests that the implementation of this new EU investment plan build on the experiences of the three joint initiatives JEREMIE, JESSICA and JASMINE, which allowed an increase in the delivery of Structural Funds from EUR 1.2 billion in 2000-2006 to EUR 8.4 billion in 2007- 2012;
Amendment 72 #
2014/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the closer alignment of cCohesion pPolicy with the overall economic strategy and the EU’'s Economic Governance Framework; oppose, thus creating a close link between financial and fiscal objectives and cCohesion pPolicy; calls on the Commission to ensure that the effectiveness of the ESIF is not compromised by macroeconomic policies; calls for the full and formal involvement of Parliamentpolitical interference into the EFSI's decision making process; calls for the establishment of an appropriate mechanism for democratic accountability in the future governance structure of the fund;
Amendment 75 #
2014/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on Commission to encourage Member States to invest ESIF and national sources in strengthening institutional and administrative capacity, cutting red tapes and improving the quality of legislation thus improving good governance, creating stable business environment and fulfilling preconditions for smooth and proper implementation of ESIF; notes the importance of implementation of the reforms at the EU level and calls on Commission to continue straightening single market and decreasing fragmentation by continuous and harmonized work on development of capital market union, banking union, energy union and digital single market;
Amendment 77 #
2014/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights the importance of better inclusion of the social partners at regional, local level and of civil society organisationCalls on Member States to regularly conduct high level political debates, within National Parliaments, on the effectiveness, efficiency and timely implementation of ESIF and on the Cohesion Policy's contribution to the fulfilment of macroeconomic objectives.
Amendment 93 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes the importance of a solid macroeconomic environment for cohesion investments and welcomes the link of the ESIF to the European Semester; especially having in mind correlation between good economic governance and absorption capacity. Calls on the Commission to encourage the use of ESIF by prolongation of the fiscal adjustment period, when they are used as a flanking measure for structural reforms and increase of investments.
Amendment 134 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to ensure coherence between National Reform Programmes and Operational Programmes with the aim to adequately address Country Specific Recommendations and to provide full alignment with the economic governance procedures, thus limiting the risk of early reprogramming;
Amendment 170 #
2014/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Calls on the Member States to conduct regularly a high level political debate, within National Parliaments, on effectiveness, efficiency and timely implementation of ESIF and on cohesion policy's contribution to the fulfilment of macroeconomic objectives;
Amendment 9 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the macro-regional strategies represent a new model of multilevel governance in which the involvement of stakeholders representing the EU, national, regional and local levels and different policies and programmes is essential for successful implementation and achievement of the goals;
Amendment 16 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the increased interest of countries in the Adriatic and Ionian Region and their continuous effort to increase the effectivfor cooperation and defining joint actions to the challengess of regional policy by using potentials of the whole region and their continuous effort to achieve synergy, has led to the adoption of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR);
Amendment 31 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses the importance of implementation of the strategy and calls for defining the implementation structure in each of the country within the Region as well as coordination mechanisms; calls for high level political involvement in implementation and monitoring of achievement of the goals;
Amendment 35 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the need for non-EU countries to bringharmonize their legislation into line with specific sectoral acquis, as a practical exercise designed to adapt them to EU legislation with a view to their future membership related to the Strategy in order to ensure fulfilment of the EU goals and regular, legal and timely implementation based on EU standards and regulations;
Amendment 55 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the EIB, in cooperation with the Commission, to examine the possibility of setting up a dedicated investment platform forPoints out that there is no specific funds assigned just for implementation of macro-regional strategies and that strong political will, partnership and coordination among the countries is precondition for success; calls, therefore, on countries in the Region to establish the Adriatic and -Ionian Region that would enable the mobilisation of fuInvestment Fund, based on EIB, ESIF, IPA an EFSI financial potentials as well as contributions from national sources, as financial and ing from public and private sourcesvestment platform for supporting financing of the projects contributing fulfilment of the goals set in the Strategy; calls for the creation of a transparent and publicly available project pipeline for the Adriatic and Ionian Region, which would increase the visibility of current and potential projects as well as attract investors;
Amendment 69 #
2014/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Reminds that countries in the Adriatic and Ionian Region are at different levels of development and have different needs; supports the reforms in less developed countries, and encourages exchange of knowledge, experience and practices among the countries to ensure that all countries of the Adriatic-Ionian Region benefit from the implementation of the Strategy;
Amendment 8 #
2014/2149(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that cultural heritage projects are often examples of innovative and sustainable economic activities which create jobs and develop the business and research capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)e has positive impact on smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, competitiveness and job creation; therefore calls on the Commission to encourage Member States to invest in cultural heritage and infrastructure as well as education, skills and trainings, cultural entrepreneurship and innovation, when projects clearly contribute to the fulfilment of goals set in the Operational Programmes and Europe 2020 Strategy;
Amendment 22 #
2014/2149(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Commission to establish more comprehensive approach to culture having in mind role of the culture in the urban infrastructure developments, preservation of monuments, capacity building and support of SMEs;
Amendment 23 #
2014/2149(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Notes that integrated approach to cultural heritage in the ESIF is still to be further straighten; calls on Commission to monitor closely and guide Member States on integrating cultural heritage in local economic development, considering tangible and intangible assets comprehensively;
Amendment 24 #
2014/2149(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Considering that protection, promotion and development of cultural heritage could be financed from different funds (ERDF, ESF, EAFRD, EMFF); and that funding opportunities are also under different thematic objectives, calls on the Member States and the Commission to report in their progress and respectively strategic reports on investments in cultural heritage and results achieve;
Amendment 27 #
2014/2149(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the concentration of funding advocated in the context of the revision of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) regulation can oftenin very specific and limited cases be achieved by supporting large-scale projects for which the budget exceeds the EUR 50 million threshold;
Amendment 38 #
2014/2149(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that this ceiling, in particular because it relates to total costs, rather than total eligible costs, couldannot seriously limit Member States’ ability to finance such projects since cultural infrastructural projects could be combined with cultural educational projects, projects for SMEs etc. and in this way total invested amount can be much higher than 5 million euros;
Amendment 39 #
2014/2149(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. CTherefore calls on the Commission to reconsider the figure of EUR 5 million, given that itencourage the effective combination of funds for financing could detract from Member States’ ability to disburse spend ERDF funds effectivelytural projects, and to introduce flexibility in the case of specific projects when investment in infrastructure exceeds limit of 5 million euro;
Amendment 40 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 28 a (new)
Citation 28 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission's sixth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion entitled 'Investment for jobs and growth: promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion in the Union' of 23 July 2014 (hereinafter 'the Sixth Cohesion Report'),
Amendment 41 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 28 b (new)
Citation 28 b (new)
- having regard to the communication from the Commission of 13 January 2015 entitled 'Making the best use of the flexibility within the existing rules of the stability and growth pact' (COM(2015)0012),
Amendment 42 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 28 c (new)
Citation 28 c (new)
- having regard to the Council conclusions on the sixth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion: investment for jobs and growth, adopted by the General Affairs (Cohesion) Council on 19 November 2014,
Amendment 83 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas huge differences will continue to prevail between the Member States, also following the Troika’s intervention, with forecasted GDP growth rates in 2014 ranging between -2.8 % in Cyprus and +4.6 % in Ireland reflecting increasingly undermining growing internal divergdifferences in political will and ownership to implement necessary reforms to increase competitivencess and productivity;
Amendment 131 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. E. whereas EU cohesion policy forms, with the budget of over 350 billion euros until 2020, in some Member States principal source of public investments; whereas correlation between good economic governance and absorption capacity has been confirmed in practice; objectives of enhancing growth and jobs could be achieved through a coherent interaction within the EU economic policy mix of fiscal consolidation, structural reforms and growth enhancing investment supported by cohesion policy;
Amendment 164 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
Amendment 178 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes that the structural reforms, fiscal consolidation and investments, lower oil prices and ECB's accommodative monetary policy created synergy effect (preconditions) for the stronger economic growth in the EU and the euro area. Forecasted economic growth (EC winter forecasts) for 2015 is up to 1.7 % for the EU and 1.3 % for the euro area, and in 2016 forecasted economic growth is up to 2.1 % for the EU and 1.9 % for euro area;
Amendment 199 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the fact that the current economic governance framework does not allow for a proper debate on the economic perspective of the euro area or on an aggregate fiscal stance and does not address the differentseeks for stronger involvement of all stakeholders in the member states, involved in policy and strategic formulation, and those involved in implementation of the measures to fight economic crises, as well as National Parliaments, in order to define best solution for each specific economic and fiscal situations on an equal footing;.
Amendment 282 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Highlights that the national ownership of the reform programmes must be increased. Member States should not outsource their national responsibility for the reforms;
Amendment 337 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls on the Commission to encourage the use of ESI funds by prolongation of the fiscal adjustment period, especially were they would be used as a flanking measure for structural reforms and increase of investments;
Amendment 460 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on more active role of the national parliaments in creating national reform programmes and convergence programme and in implementation of CSRs.
Amendment 546 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Recalls on the last In-depth reviews and county reports (published on 26th of February, 2015) where a number of Member States fall under excessive imbalances (category 5) and imbalance category (category 4) and requires decisive policy actions in order to remove imbalances.
Amendment 755 #
2014/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 – indent 1
Paragraph 37 – indent 1
– a ‘taxation union’, and support/enhance cooperation of the national tax authorities in order to exchange information regarding tax avoidance and tax fraud.
Amendment 6 #
2014/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
- having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 laying down common provisions on the European Regional development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council regulation (EC) No 1083/2006,
Amendment 7 #
2014/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 b (new)
Citation 15 b (new)
- having regard to the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Guidelines on the application of the measures linking effectiveness of the European Structural and Investment Funds to sound economic governance according to Article 23 of Regulation (EU) 1301/ 2013, COM(2014)494 final, 30.07.2014,
Amendment 37 #
2014/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas cohesion policy represents the main EU investment tool in the real economy, accounting for over one third of the EU Budget and the ESI Funds are key delivery instruments of Europe 2020 Strategy's goals of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth;
Amendment 38 #
2014/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
Gb. whereas support from the ESI Funds is closely linked to the respect of sound economic governance, so as to ensure the effectiveness of the EU expenditure;
Amendment 146 #
2014/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12b. Stresses that cohesion policy provides for the necessary critical mass of growth friendly expenditure, including investments in innovation and research, digital agenda, expenditure to facilitate the access of SMEs to finance, investments in environmental sustainability, in priority Trans-European Transport links, as well as in education and social inclusion; points out that all its instruments (the ESI Funds) are now conditional on the respect of sound economic governance procedures;
Amendment 177 #
2014/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Notes a growing number of CSR addressed to the regional level recognizing subnational competences; is concerned about growing regional disparities within Member States, which poses a real risk to convergence
Amendment 183 #
2014/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls on the Commission and the Members States to ensure from the programming stage of the ESI Funds, namely the adoption of Partnership Agreements and Programmes, the correct setting of priorities in order to adequately address the challenges identified in the relevant Country Specific Recommendations and relevant Council recommendations, so as to provide for full alignment with the economic governance procedures from the start and avoid reprogramming requests on short and medium term;
Amendment 184 #
2014/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls on the Commission, in order to ensure proper implementation of cohesion policy and stop growing regional disparities, and to serve as an incentive to efficiently use investments backed by ESI funds, to encourage the use of these funds especially were they would be used as a flanking measure for structural reforms; expects that the prolongation of the fiscal adjustment period, which is made possible under the condition that structural reforms are decided and implemented, will together with the use of the ESI funds create synergy effects;
Amendment 8 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Bearing in mind the Europe 2020 targets and the aims of stimulating economic growth and development and resolving the problem of unemployment, especially among young people, calls on the Commission to lay emphasis in the partnership agreements with Member States and in operational programmes upon development projects and drivers of growth, one such measure being to open up sources of financing to small and medium-sized enterprises, thereby channelling budget resources with a view to bringing about an innovative, creative, and competitive Europe;
Amendment 9 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Given that the European Semester was established for the purpose of coordinating the Member States’ economic policies at EU level and that, to that end, the Commission produces a detailed analysis of their economic and structural reform programmes and issues recommendations agreed with them, believes that, as the European Semester proceeds, Member States can learn from each other’s experiences, enabling them to reach the targets more quickly and to more successful effect; considers it important, therefore, that the EU budget be used to promote human capacity- building programmes through which to exchange knowledge and experience related to public finances, the financial system, structural reforms, employment, and social policy; calls on the Commission, together with the Member States, to encourage investment in analysis and scientific research and innovation in the above areas and the exchange of knowledge and experience through projects financed under European structural and investment funds;
Amendment 10 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Given that sound financial management is central to the implementation of the EU budget as well as of national budgets, since it increases the effectiveness of expenditure, reduces the possibility of error and fraud, and enhances budget transparency, considers it important that the EU budget be used to promote programmes aimed at developing the Member States’ statistical, reporting, and accounting systems, auditing and supervisory procedures, and the enforcement of financial management and control systems; calls on the Commission, therefore, to make rapid and effective use of the Anti-Fraud Information System (AFIS) and the European statistical programme (ESP) and, in cooperation with the Member States, to channel European structural and investment funding towards capacity building and the exchange of knowledge and experience among Member States in the field of financial management and reporting;
Amendment 11 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Amendment 22 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the ESAs need the appropriate human resources in order to fulfil their supervisory and regulatory role in a satisfactory manner; suggests that eventual increases in human resources should be preceded or accompanied by rationalisation efforts such as reallocation to achieve efficiency gains; points out that such rationalisation must not affect cooperation with scientific institutions, the conduct of research and analysis, or education and training and that, on the contrary, investment and the number of activities in these areas need to be increased; points out that the ESAs stated having difficulties in employing staff members of a certain seniority and are limited in fulfilling their mandate by a lack of resources, staff and available resources do not reflect the tasks required to be carried out, in particular the highly resource-intensive and time- constrained work of delivering the single rulebook;
Amendment 24 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Maintains that, in the short term, the three ESAs can and must substantially boost their human capacity, quantitatively and qualitatively, so as to ensure that they perform all the tasks assigned to them under the regulations; notes that care must be taken to ensure that the fact of having a large intake of newcomers does not interfere with the day-to-day running of affairs, and therefore points to the importance of fast recruitment procedures and a compulsory entering programme for newcomers, along with good training and a well-thought-out mentoring system;
Amendment 33 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls therefore on the Commission to bring analysis and scrutiny to bear and, should this be shown to be acceptable, propose a financing system by 2017 that is solely based on the introduction of fees by market participants, and/or to propose that separate headings be laid down in the general budget. .
Amendment 8 #
2014/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 b (new)
Recital 7 b (new)
(7b)The newly elected institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina should seize the opportunity of the renewed EU policy approach towards Bosnia and Herzegovina to conclude the Agreement on the adaptation of Stabilisation and Association Agreement and the Interim Agreement taking into account Croatia's accession to the EU and maintaining the preferential traditional trade.
Amendment 11 #
2014/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) However, Bosnia and Herzegovina has not yet accepted to adapt trade concessions granted under the Interim Agreement in order to take into account the preferential traditional trade between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina under the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). In case, by the time of the adoption of this Regulation, an agreement on the adaptation of the trade concessions set out in the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and in the Interim Agreement has not been signed and provisionally applied by European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the preferences granted to Bosnia and Herzegovina should be suspended as from 1 January 2016. Once Bosnia-Herzegovina and the European Union will have signed and provisionally applied an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions in the Interim Agreement, those preferences should be re- established. The authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Commission should redouble efforts to adapt the Interim Agreement before 1 January 2016,
Amendment 12 #
2014/0197(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) The European Union remains committed to support Bosnia and Herzegovina's European perspective and expects from the political leadership of the country to pursue reforms aimed at promoting functional institutions as well as ensuring equal rights to the three constituent peoples and all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Amendment 83 #
2013/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Considers, as regards Member States whose GDP is below 75% of the average for the Member States as a whole and which are engaged in an excessive deficit procedure, that the deficit should be calculated in such a way as to exclude both investment in the groundwork for projects to be co-financed out of European funds and the expenditure incurred to finance those projects while they are being implemented, the object being to enable the Member States in question to carry through the investment needed to achieve growth and development; considers that specific recommendations coming under the European Semester should allow for the higher expenditure necessitated by intensive investment backed by European funds; also considers it important to steer Member States towards domestic-level structural reforms and measures aimed clearly at cutting spending and increasing efficiency;
Amendment 62 #
2011/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Is concerned that ROM reports are considered to be structurally biased in favour of positive ratings and that they are inappropriate for longer-term performance monitoring; stresses that monitoring should track sector performance and not just project results; urges the Commission to develop a comprehensive monitoring action plan including evaluation tools other than ROM reports, such as sector performance assessment frameworks with SMART indicators, in order to make comprehensive monitoring of project outcomes possible over time;. For such comprehensive monitoring at sector level all source of financing invested in the sector should be taken into account. Goals and indicators should be set per sector taking into account total financing.
Amendment 67 #
2011/2033(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Is of the opinion that a database listing all of the projects within the sector funded under pre- accession assistance programmes and other sources such as donations, national public funds, loans should be established and made publicly available; calls on the Commission, therefore, to develop measures to increase the transparency of legal arrangements and to design a system whereby all beneficiaries of EU funding are published on the same website, independently of the administrator of the funds, and on the basis of standard categories of information to be provided by all Member States in at least one working language of the EU;