Activities of Reinier VAN LANSCHOT
Plenary speeches (11)
Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States (debate)
Strengthening Moldova's resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration (debate)
The democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia (debate)
Empowering the Single Market to deliver a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU citizens (debate)
Foreign interference and hybrid attacks: the need to strengthen EU resilience and internal security (debate)
Foreign interference and hybrid attacks: the need to strengthen EU resilience and internal security (debate)
Enhancing Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness (debate)
Condemning the illegal unilateral declaration of independence of the secessionist entity in Cyprus and all efforts to legitimise it and reaffirming the need for European solidarity - 41 years after (debate)
Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia (debate)
Crackdown on peaceful pro-European demonstrators in Georgia (debate)
Misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, such as TikTok, and related risks to the integrity of elections in Europe (debate)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations (recast)
Institutional motions (7)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Georgia’s worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia
Written questions (2)
The role of TikTok in the Romanian presidential election
The spread of disinformation by recommender systems and other automated mechanisms as a systemic risk under the Digital Services Act
Amendments (73)
Amendment 33 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) To achieve the goals of the Growth Plan for Moldova, emphasis with respect to investment areas should be placed on sectors that are likely to function as key multipliers for social and economic development: connectivity, including sustainable transport, decarbonisation, energy, green and digital transitions, as well as education, labour market participation and skills development, with a particular focus on youth. Special attention should be also given to community and cultural projects, in particular cross-border projects.
Amendment 47 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) The support under the Facility should be provided to meet general and specific objectives, based on established criteria and with clear payment conditions. Those general and specific objectives should be pursued in a mutually reinforcing manner. The Facility should support the enlargement process by accelerating the alignment with Union values, laws, rules, standards, policies and practices (‘acquis’) with a view to Union membership, accelerate progressive integration of Moldova in the Union single market, and accelerate its socio-economic convergence with the Union. The Facility should also foster good neighbourly relations and the restoration of territorial integrity as well as political and socio- economic re-integration of regions of Moldova currently controlled by unrecognised political entities.
Amendment 49 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In addition to boosting socio- economic convergence, the Facility should also help accelerate reforms related to the fundamentals of the enlargement process including rule of law, fundamental rights, inter alia, the rights of refugees, of persons belonging to minorities, including national minorities and Roma, as well as the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons and other vulnerable groups. It should also improve the functioning of democratic institutions and public administrations; public procurement, state aid control and public finance management; the fight against all forms of corruption and organised crime as well as the fight against the informal economy; quality education and training as well as employment policies; the country’s green transition, climate and environmental objectives and accelerating the shift towards a decarbonised, climate-neutral, climate-resilient and circular economy.
Amendment 53 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Facility should promote the development of effectiveness principles, respecting additionality to and complementarity with the support provided under other Union programmes and instruments and striving to avoid duplication and ensure synergies between assistance under this Regulation and other assistance, including integrated financial packages composed of both export and development financing provided by the Union, the Member States, third countries, multilateral and regional organisations and entities. Moldova’s participation in other Union funding programmes should be promoted in particular as regards support for creating more educational and professional opportunities for the young generation of Moldovans, as well as cultural and creative actors.
Amendment 57 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) In line with the principle of inclusive partnerships, the Commission should strive to ensure that the Parliament of Moldova and relevant stakeholders in Moldova, including local and regional authorities, social partners and civil society organisations are duly consulted and have timely access to relevant information to allow them to play a meaningful role during the design and implementation of programmes and the related monitoring processes.
Amendment 62 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Technical assistance, specifically professional training, public administration reform and civil service employment incentives for youth, as well as cross-border cooperation assistance, should be provided in support of the objectives of this Facility and in order to strengthen the relevant capacities of Moldova to implement the Reform Agenda.
Amendment 67 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) Moldova should demonstrate a credible commitment to European values, including through its full alignment with the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, including Union restrictive measures.
Amendment 69 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) Activities under the Facility should support progress towards Union social, climate and environmental standards, and support progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and should not contribute to environmental degradation or cause harm to the environment or climate. Measures funded under the Facility should be in line with Moldova’ Energy and Climate Plans, their Nationally Determined Contribution and ambition to reach climate neutrality by 2050. The Facility should contribute to the mitigation of climate change and to the ability to adapt to its adverse effects, and foster climate resilience. In particular, funding under the Facility should promote the transition towards a decarbonised, climate-neutral, climate-resilient and circular economy with emphasis on decentralised renewable energy networks and energy efficiency.
Amendment 72 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) The implementation of this Regulation should be guided by the principles of equality and non- discrimination, as elaborated in the Union of Equality strategies. It should promote and advance gender equality and mainstreaming, ensure meaningful participation of women in decision-making processes, and the empowerment of women and girls, and seek to protect and promote women’s and girls’ rights, as well as prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence, taking into consideration relevantin line with EU Gender Action Plans and relevant Council conclusions and international conventions. Furthermore, this Regulation should be implemented in full respect of the European Pillar of Social Rights, including on child protection and labour rights as guaranteed in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and in the relevant International Labour Organization's conventions. The implementation of the Facility should be in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its protocol and ensure accessibility in its investments and technical assistance, in line with Directive (EU) 2019/882 of the European Parliament and of the Council and enhance inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities, and in particular transition from institutional care to community-based support and independent living.
Amendment 75 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Reflecting the European Green Deal as Europe’s sustainable growth strategy and the importance of tackling climate and biodiversity objectives in line with the commitments of the Interinstitutional Agreement, the Facility should contribute to the achievement of an overall target of 30 % of Union budget expenditure supporting climate objectives and 7,5 % in 2024 and 10 % in 2026 and 2027 to biodiversity objectives. At least 37 % of the non-repayable financial support, including provisioning, provided to investment projects approved under the Neighbourhood Investment Platform (NIP), one of the regional investment platforms referred to in Article 32 of Regulation (EU) 2021/9472 , should account to climate objectives. That amount should be calculated using the Rio markers following the obligation to report the EU’s international climate finance to the OECD, as well as other international agreements or frameworks. As early as June 2025, the EU climate coefficients, applicable across all programmes under the 2021-2027 Multi- annual Financing Framework (MFF) and set out in the Commission Staff Working Document entitled ‘Climate Mainstreaming Architecture in the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework’ (SWD(2022) 225), will also be applied to climate expenditure under the MFF’s Heading 6 (‘Neighbourhood and the world’). The Facility will align with the approach of other Heading 6 instruments, in order to ensure consistent climate reporting in the region. The Facility should support reforms and activities that fully respect the climate and environmental standards and priorities of the Union and the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council (6). _________________ 2 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, OJ L 239, 26.9.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/2509/oj.
Amendment 81 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) The Facility should be supported with resources from the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe amounting to EUR 420 million and a maximum amount of EUR 1 500 million in loans for the period from 2025-2027. The amount should cover the 9% provisioning required for the loans corresponding to EUR 135 million, support provided by the Union for projects approved under the NIP, as referred to in Article 18(2), and complementary support, including support to civil society organisations and technical assistance. The non-repayable support should be financed from the envelope allocated to the Neighbourhood geographic programme under Article 6(2), point (a), of Regulation (EU) 2021/947. All provisions under Regulation (EU) 2021/947 should apply unless otherwise mentioned in this RegulationIn order to maximise Union financial support, the 9 % provisioning required for the loans corresponding to EUR 135 million should be covered from the NDICI- Global Europe Emerging challenges and priorities cushion, in line with Articles 6(3) and 17 of Regulation (EU) 2021/947. All provisions under Regulation (EU) 2021/947 should apply unless otherwise mentioned in this Regulation. In particular, Moldova should remain eligible for NDICI regional, thematic and rapid response programmes and in particular for the Humanitarian Aid support. The proposed Facility is closely modelled on the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans.
Amendment 84 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 35
Recital 35
(35) A Facility Agreement should be concluded with Moldova to set up the principles of the financial cooperation between the Union and Moldova, and to specify the necessary mechanisms related to the control, supervision, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and audit of Union funding under the Facility, rules on taxes, duties and charges and measures to prevent, detect, investigate and correct irregularities, fraud, corruption and conflicts of interest. Consequently, a loan agreement should also be concluded with Moldova setting out specific provisions for the management and implementation of funding provided in the forms of loans. Both the Facility Agreement and the loan agreement should be transmitted without delay, simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council, upon request.
Amendment 87 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) The implementation of the Facility should be underpinned by a coherent and prioritised set of targeted reforms and investment-related priorities in Moldova (the ‘Reform Agenda’), providing a framework for boosting inclusive sustainable socio-economic growth, clearly articulated and aligned with Union accession requirements and the fundamentals of the enlargement process. The Reform Agenda will serve as an overarching framework to achieve the objectives of the Facility. The Reform Agenda should be prepared in close consultation with the Parliament of Moldova and relevant stakeholders, including local and regional authorities, social partners and civil society organisations and their input should be reflected. Disbursement of Union support should be conditional on compliance with the payment conditions and on measurable progress in the implementation of reforms set out in the Reform Agenda assessed and formally approved by the Commission. The release of funds should be structured accordingly, reflecting the objectives of the Facility.
Amendment 98 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 45
Recital 45
(45) Given the need for flexibility in the implementation of the Facility, it should be possible for Moldova to make a reasoned request to the Commission to amend the implementing decisiondelegated act, where the Reform Agenda, including relevant payment conditions, is no longer achievable, either partially or totally, because of objective circumstances. Moldova should be able to make a reasoned request to amend the Reform Agenda, including by proposing addenda, where relevant. The Commission should be able to amend the implementing decisiondelegated act.
Amendment 100 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 48
Recital 48
(48) Considering that the financial risks associated with the support to Moldova in the form of loans under the Facility is comparable to the financial risks associated with lending operations under Regulation (EU) 2021/947, provisioning for the financial liability from loans under this Regulation should be constituted at the rate of 9 %, in line with Article 214 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 and the funding of the provisioning should be sourced from the envelope allocated to the Neighbourhood geographic programmemerging challenges and priorities cushion under Article 6(23)(a) of Regulation (EU) 2021/947.
Amendment 101 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 49
Recital 49
(49) In order to ensure that Moldova disposes of start-up funding for the implementation of the first reforms, it should have access to up to 720 % of the total amount provided for in this Facility, after deduction of complementary support, including support to civil society organisations and technical assistance, and provisioning for loans, in the form of a pre- financing, subject to availability of funding and to the respect of the preconditions for support under the Facility.
Amendment 103 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 49 a (new)
Recital 49 a (new)
(49 a) Considering the needs provided for by the specific situation in Moldova, the complementary support should correspond to at least 20 % of total non- repayable financial support and should include measures to strengthen the administrative capacities of Moldovan authorities and other stakeholders, including local and regional authorities, social partners and civil society organisations.
Amendment 104 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 50
Recital 50
(50) It is important to guarantee both flexibility and programmability in providing Union support to Moldova. Moldova should submit on a six-monthly basis a duly justified request for the release of funds at the latest two months after the timeline for the planned fulfilment of steps, set in the Commission Implementing Decisiondelegated act approving the Reform Agenda. For that purpose, funds under the Facility should be released according to a fixed semi-annual schedule, subject to availability of funding, on the basis of a request for the release of funds submitted by Moldova and following verification by the Commission of the satisfactory fulfilment of both the general conditions related to macro-financial stability, sound public financial management, transparency and oversight of the budget and the relevant payment conditions. Where a payment condition is not fulfilled as per the indicative timeline set in the decision approving the Reform Agenda, the Commission could withhold in whole or in part the release of funds corresponding to that condition, following a methodology on partial payments. The release of the corresponding withheld funds could take place during the next window for the release of funds and up to twelve months after the original deadline set out in the indicative timeline, provided that the payment conditions have been fulfilled. In the first year of implementation, that deadline should be extended to 24 months from the initial negative assessment.
Amendment 106 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 52
Recital 52
(52) The Commission should provide, upon request of the European Parliament in the framework of the discharge procedure, with detailed information about the implementation of the Union budget under the Facility, in particular as regards audits carried out, including weaknesses identified and corrective measures taken, and as regards projects approved under NIP, including where applicable the amount of Moldova’s co-financing as well as other sources of contributions including from other Union financing instruments.
Amendment 119 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 65
Recital 65
(65) Implementation of the Facility should also be accompanied by enhanced strategic communication and public diplomacy to promote the values of the Union and highlight the added value of the Union’s support, while focusing on the agency of the Moldovan society in shaping the transformative opportunity offered by the Facility.
Amendment 125 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) support the enlargement process by accelerating the alignment with Union values, laws, rules, standards, policies and practices (‘acquis’) through the adoption and implementation of reforms with a view to futuremore rapidly achieving Union membership;
Amendment 127 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) support progressive integration of Moldova into the Union single market and social cohesion;
Amendment 128 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) accelerate the socio-economic convergence of Moldova’s economy with the Union, in particular the decarbonisation of its economy;
Amendment 132 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) reinforce territorial integrity, foster good neighbourly relations, as well as people-to-people contact.
Amendment 135 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) further strengthen the fundamentals of the enlargement process, including the rule of law and fundamental rights, the functioning of democratic institutions, including de-polarisation, public administration and fulfil the economic criteria; this includes promoting an independent judiciary, by supporting ongoing judicial reform, including improved vetting procedures, investments in the number and quality of judicial training institutions, and the enabling of accelerated procedures for appointments of judges to courts; this further includes reinforcing security and stability, strengthening the fight against fraud and all forms of corruption, including high-level corruption and nepotism, oligarchic structures as well as any form of nepotism, favouritism, and conflicts of interests, organised crime, cross-border crime and money laundering as well as terrorism financing, tax evasion and tax fraud, tax avoidance; supporting the de-carbonisation of the economy and the fight against the informal economy; increasing compliance with international law; strengthening freedom and independence of media and academic freedom; combating hate speech; enabling an environment for civil society, fostering social dialogue; empowering future generations with access to significant political and socio-economic opportunities, including leadership; promoting gender equality, gender mainstreaming and the empowerment of women and girls, non- discrimination and tolerance, to ensure and strengthen respect for the rights of refugees and persons belonging to minorities, including national minorities and Roma, as well as rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons as well as other vulnerable groups; enhancing inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities, and in particular transition from institutional care to community- based support and independent living;
Amendment 148 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) reinforce the effectiveness of public administratand institutional memory of public administration, in particular for specialised sectors relevant for Union accession, build capacities and invest in central, regional and local administrative staff in Moldova; ensure access to information, as well as in the ability to attract and retain talent in particular young talent in public service; ensure access to information civil society organisations and individuals, including access to environmental information with full compliance with the Aarhus Convention as well as public scrutiny and the involvement of civil society in decision-making processes; support transparency, accountability, structural reforms and good governance at all levels, including as regards their powers of oversight and inquiry over the distribution of and access to public funds as well as in the areas of public financial management and public procurement and State aid control; support initiatives and bodies involved in supporting and enforcing international justice in Moldova;
Amendment 152 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) accelerate the transition of Moldova to sustainablea decarbonised, climate-neutral and inclusive economy, that, climate-resilient and circular economy, that complies with the Union's climate and environmental standards and is capable of withstanding competitive market pressures of the Union single market, and to a stable investment environment and reduce its strategic dependency;
Amendment 154 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point h
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point h
(h) support enhanced integration with the Union single market through improved and sustainable connectivity in line with trans-European networks to reinforce good neighbourly relations, as well as people-to- people contact and promotion of cultural projects and cross-border community projects in cooperation with Moldova’s neighbours;
Amendment 160 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point i
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point i
(i) accelerate the inclusive and sustainable green transition to climate neutrality by 2050, in accordance with the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal and covering all economic sectors, particularly renewable energy, including the transition towards a de-carbonised, climate-neutral, climate- resilient and circular economy with emphasis on decentralised renewable energy networks and energy efficiency, while ensuring that the reforms and investments respect the ‘do no significant harm’ principle;
Amendment 171 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point l
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point l
(l) boost accessible and inclusive quality education, training, reskilling and upskilling at all levels, with a particular focus on youth, including tackling youth unemployment, preventing brain drain and supporting vulnerable communities, including refugees, and support employment policies, including labour rights, in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights, and fighting poverty.
Amendment 173 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point l a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point l a (new)
(l a) include measures to effectively counter foreign information manipulations and interference (FIMI) by non-EU countries and attacks, including hybrid attacks;
Amendment 174 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point l b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point l b (new)
(l b) support communication activities to improve Moldovan citizens’ awareness of the positive impact of Union accession and understanding of the required reforms.
Amendment 175 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Cooperation under the Facility shall be needs-based and shall promote the development effectiveness principles, namely ownership of development priorities by Moldova with a focus on clear conditionality and tangible results, inclusive partnerships, with local and regional authorities, social partners, and civil society, as well as transparency and mutual accountability. That cooperation shall be based on an effective and efficient allocation and use of resources.
Amendment 176 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. In order to maximise international support, it shall be possible for Member States, third countries, international organisations, international financial institutions or other sources to contribute to the implementation of the Facility. Such contributions shall be implemented in accordance with the same rules and conditions and shall constitute external assigned revenue within the meaning of Article 21(2), points (a), (d) and (e), of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.
Amendment 181 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6
Article 4 – paragraph 6
6. Activities under the Facility shall mainstream and promote democracy, human rights and gender equality, progressively align with the social, climate and environmental standards of the Union, mainstream climate change mitigation and adaptation, where relevant, disaster risk reduction, environmental protection and biodiversity conservation, including through, where appropriate, environmental impact assessments, in order to identify and properly mitigate potential negative environmental and social impacts, and shall support progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting integrated actions that can create co-benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way. Those activities shall avoid stranded assets, and shall be guided by the principles of ‘do no significant harm’ and of ‘leaving no one behind’, as well as by the sustainability mainstreaming approach underpinning the European Green Deal. At least 37 % of the non-repayable financial support, including provisioning, provided to investment projects approved under the Neighbourhood Investment Platform (NIP) should account to climate objectives.
Amendment 184 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 7
Article 4 – paragraph 7
7. Moldova and the Commission shall ensure, including through the Gender Impact Assessments, that gender equality, gender mainstreaming and the integration of a gender perspective are taken into account and promoted throughout the preparation of the Reform Agenda and the implementation of the Facility. Moldova and the Commission shall take appropriate steps to prevent any discrimination based upon gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The Commission shall report on these measures in the context of its regular reporting under the Gender Action Plans.
Amendment 185 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. The Commission shall ensure that the Parliament of Moldova as well as civil society are meaningfully consulted on the entirety of the Reform Agenda before its submission to the Commission, and are able to fulfil all necessary inquiry and monitoring duties during and after the implementation of the Facility.
Amendment 188 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 8
Article 4 – paragraph 8
8. The Facility shall not support activities or measures which are incompatible with Moldova’s Energy and Climate Plans, their Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, and ambition to reach climate-neutrality by 2050 at the latest or that promote investments in fossil fuels, or that cause significant adverse effects on the environment, the climate or biodiversity or any investment that is a stranded asset.
Amendment 191 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 9
Article 4 – paragraph 9
9. In line with the principle of inclusive partnership, the Commission shall strive to ensure, as appropriate,ensure democratic scrutiny in the form of consultation by Moldova’s government of its pthe Parliament of Moldova as well as of relevant stakeholders, including local and regional authorities, social partners and civil society, including vulnerable groups, refugees, and all minorities and communities, as relevant, so as to allow them to participate in shaping the design and the implementation of activities eligible for funding under the Facility and in the related monitoring, scrutiny and evaluation processes, as relevant. That consultation shall seek to represent the pluralism of Moldova’s society. In addition, the Commission shall ensure that civil society in Moldova, including non-governmental organisations, is able to directly report any irregularities concerning funding or final beneficiaries to the Commission via appropriate standing channels, as well as to send to the Commission opinions on the implementation of the Reform Agenda and the evaluation of its measures by the Moldovan government.
Amendment 199 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission may adopt a decision concluding that some of the preconditions set out in paragraph 1 of this Article are not met, and in particular, withhold the release of funds referred to in Article 19, irrespective of whether the payment conditions referred to in Article 10 are fulfilled. In case of persistent lack of progress, serious deficiencies and/or regression in the area of the “fundamentals”, the Commission, after consulting the European Parliament and the Council, shall suspend the funding to Moldova. The Commission’s assessment shall be transmitted simultaneously to the European Parliament and the Council.
Amendment 204 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
The non-repayable financial support shall be financed for the period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027 from the envelope allocated to the Neighbourhood geographic programme under Article 6(2), point (a) of Regulation (EU) 2021/947. It shall cover provisioning for loans amounting to EUR 135 million, support provided by the Union for projects approved under the NIP, as referred to in Article 18(2) and complementary support, including support to civil society organisations and technical assistance. That funding shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/947. The provisioning for loans amounting to EUR 135 million shall be covered from the NDICI-Global Europe Emerging challenges and priorities cushion in accordance with Article 6(3) and Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2021/947.
Amendment 206 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
3. The release of the Union’s assistance shall be managed by the Commission in a manner consistent with the key principles and objectives of reforms set out in the Reform Agenda. All funds, with the exception of complementary support referred to in paragraph 2, and resources referred to in paragraph 5, shall be provided in twice- yearly instalments based on the completion of the necessary reforms in the specified timelines as agreed in the reform agenda and agreed in the Commission Implementing Decisiondelegated act.
Amendment 207 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Complementary support shall correspond to at least 20 % of total non- repayable financial support as referred to in Article 6(2) and shall include measures to strengthen the administrative capacities of Moldovan authorities as well as capacity building of other stakeholders, including local and regional authorities, social partners and civil society organisations.
Amendment 213 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5
Article 6 – paragraph 5
5. An amount of up to 1% of the non- repayable support referred to in paragraph 2 may be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the Facility, such as preparatory actions, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities, which are required for the management of the Facility and the achievement of its objectives, in particular studies, meetings of experts, training consultations with Moldova’s authorities, conferences, consultation of stakeholders, including local and regional authorities and civil society organisations, information and communication activities, including inclusive outreach actions, and the corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union, insofar as they are related to the objectives of this Regulation, expenses linked to IT networks focusing on information processing and exchange, corporate information technology tools, as well as all other expenditure at headquarters and Union delegation for the administrative and coordination support required for the Facility. Expenses may also cover the costs of activities supporting transparency and of other activities such as quality control and monitoring of projects or programmes on the ground and the costs of peer counselling and experts for the assessment and implementation of reforms and investments.
Amendment 214 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Member States, third countries, international organisations, international financial institutions or other sources may provide additional financial contributions to the Facility. Such contributions shall constitute external assigned revenue within the meaning of Article 21(2), points (a), (d) and (e), of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. Additional amounts received as external assigned revenue within the meaning of Article 21(2) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 under the relevant Union legal acts shall be added to the resources referred to in Article 6(1) of this Regulation and be implemented in accordance with the same rules and conditions.
Amendment 219 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 5 – point a
Article 8 – paragraph 5 – point a
(a) the commitment of Moldova to make decisive progress towardsstrictly prioritise the establishment of a robust legal framework to fight fraud, and establish more efficient and effective control systems, including appropriate mechanisms for the protection of whistleblowers as well as appropriate mechanisms and measures to effectively prevent, detect and correct irregularities, fraud, corruption and conflicts of interest as well as to strengthen the fight against money laundering, organised crime, misuse of public funds, terrorism financing, tax avoidance, tax fraud or tax evasion, and other illegal activities affecting the funds provided under the Facility;
Amendment 223 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 6
Article 9 – paragraph 6
6. The Reform Agenda shall be prepared in an inclusive and transparent manner, in as well as in meaningful and regular consultation with social partners and civil society organisations.
Amendment 227 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 231 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) an explanation of the extent to which the measures are expected to contribute to education, training and employment and social objectives as well as equality and inclusion of at-risk groups, such as persons with disabilities and older people and ensure the best interest of children as well as transition from institutional care to community- based support and independent living;
Amendment 235 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point l
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point l
(l) an explanation of Moldova’s system to effectively prevent, detect and correct irregularities, fraud, corruption, including high-level corruption, and conflicts of interest, to fight the informal economy, and to enforce State aid control rules, and the proposed measures to address existing deficiencies in the first years of the implementation of the Reform Agenda;
Amendment 237 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
(m a) an explanation of how the measures are expected to effectively counter foreign information manipulations and interference (FIMI) by third countries and attacks on the implementation of the Reform Agenda, including hybrid attacks;
Amendment 238 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. The Reform Agenda shall be results-based and include indicators for assessing progress towards the achievement of the general and specific objectives set out in Article 3. Those indicators shall be based, where appropriate and relevant, on internationally agreed indicators and those already available related to the Moldova’s policies. Indicators shall also be coherent, to the extent possible, with the key performance indicators included in Commission Implementing Decisionthe delegated act approving the Reform Agendas for the Western Balkans under Regulation (EU) 2024/1449 and in the EFSD+ Results Measurement Framework.
Amendment 246 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – point j a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 4 – point j a (new)
(j a) whether the Reform Agenda includes measures expected to effectively counter foreign information manipulations and interference (FIMI) by third countries and attacks on its implementation, including hybrid attacks;
Amendment 247 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – title
Article 13 – title
Amendment 249 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Amendment 250 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2
Article 13 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission implementing decisiondelegated act, referred to in paragraph 1, shall set out the reforms to be implemented by Moldova concerned, the investment areas to be supported and the payment conditions stemming from the Reform Agenda, including the timetable.
Amendment 251 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 13 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The Commission implementing decisiondelegated act, referred to in paragraph 1, shall also lay down:
Amendment 254 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. Where the Reform Agenda, including relevant payment conditions, is no longer achievable by Moldova, either partially or totally, because of objective circumstances, Moldova may propose an amended Reform Agenda. In that case, Moldova may make a reasoned request to the Commission to amend its implementing decisionthe delegated act referred to in Article 13(1).
Amendment 255 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission may amend the implementing decision,, after informing the European Parliament and the Council, may amend the delegated act in particular to take into account a change of the amounts available in line with the principles under Article 19.
Amendment 258 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 3
3. Where the Commission considers that the reasons put forward by Moldova justify an amendment to its Reform Agenda, the Commission shall assess the amended Agenda in accordance with Article 12 and may amend the implementing decisiondelegated act referred to in Article 13(1) without undue delay.
Amendment 260 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. The loan agreement shall be made available, upon requestsimultaneously and without delay, to the European Parliament and the Council.
Amendment 263 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. Provisioning for the loans shall be constituted at the rate of 9 % from the envelope allocated to the Neighbourhood geographic programmeemerging challenges and priorities cushion under Article 6(2), point (a3) of Regulation (EU) 2021/947 and shall be used as part of provisions supporting similar risks.
Amendment 266 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. Following the submission of the Reform Agenda to the Commission, Moldova may request the release of a pre- financing of up to 720 % of the total amount foreseen under this Facility in accordance with Article 6(1), after deduction of complementary support, including support to civil society organisations and technical assistance, and provisioning for loans.
Amendment 268 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission may release the requested pre-financing after the adoption of its implementing decisionthe delegated act referred to in Article 13 and the entry into force of the Facility Agreement and of the loan agreement referred to in Articles 8 and 15 respectively. The funds shall be released in accordance with Article 19(3), first sentence, and subject to the respect of the preconditions set out in Article 5.
Amendment 273 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. Twice per year, Moldova shall submit a duly justified request for the release of funds at the latest two months after the timeline set in the Commission Implementing Decisiondelegated act in respect of fulfilled payment conditions related to the quantitative and qualitative steps as set out in the Reform Agenda.
Amendment 274 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2
Article 19 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall assess without undue delay whether Moldova has met the preconditions set out in Article 5 and the principles for financing set out in Article 10(3) and achieved satisfactory fulfilment of the payment conditions set out in the Commission implementing decisiondelegated act referred to in Article 13. In case the Commission finds that payment conditions for which it had previously paid have been reversed by Moldova, the Commission will reduce future disbursements by an equivalent amount. The Commission may be assisted by experts, including experts from Member States. In the event that a request for the release of funds or a request for payment includes a step related to Chapter 32, referred to in Article 19(2), the Commission may not adopt a decision authorizing the release of funds unless it assesses such step positively.
Amendment 284 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
(e a) to insert all information related to project implementation, in particular concerning performance and financial implementation, and final recipients in an interoperable information system provided by the Commission;
Amendment 292 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 a (new)
Article 26 a (new)
Article26a Facility Dialogue 1. The European Parliament and the Commission shall conduct a regular dialogue in order to ensure parliamentary oversight and scrutiny over the Facility. The dialogue shall take place at least twice a year and will allow for exchange with the European Parliament on the state of progress in the implementation of the Facility and the Reform Agenda. Ahead of each dialogue, the Commission shall provide the Parliament with: a) the state of progress in the implementation of the Facility, in particular the Reform Agenda and related investments and reforms, as well as the Facility Agreement; b) the Reform Agenda, the Commission assessment thereof and any amendments of the Reform Agenda; c) the status of fulfilment of the respective milestones and targets; d) information on the withholding and suspension of payments as well as the reduction and redistribution of funds, including any observation presented and remedial measures taken by the beneficiary to ensure a satisfactory fulfilment of the milestones and targets; e) the main findings of the monitoring activities referred to in this Regulation, including the annual report referred to in Article 23; f) any other relevant information and documentation in relation to the implementation of the Facility. 2. The European Parliament may express its views in resolutions as regards the matters referred to in paragraph 1. 3. The Commission shall take into account any elements arising from the views expressed through the regular dialogue, including relevant resolutions from the European Parliament. 4. The Facility scoreboard referred to in Article 24 may serve as a basis for the dialogue.
Amendment 294 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – title
Article 27 – title
Amendment 295 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1
Article 27 – paragraph 1
1. The Commissionpower to adopt the delegated act referred to in Articles 13, 14, 17 and 19 shall be assistconferred byon the Committee, established by the Regulation (EU) 2021/947ssion subject to the conditions laid down in this Article.
Amendment 296 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2
Article 27 – paragraph 2
2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall applyBefore adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016.
Amendment 297 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 3
Article 27 – paragraph 3
3. For implementing acts referred to in Articles 13(1) and 14(2), where the committee delivers no opinion, the Commission shall not adopt the draft implementing act and Article 5(4), third subparagraph, of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall applyAs soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council.
Amendment 298 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. A delegated act shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council