2023/0199(COD) | [ParlTrack]

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1

(1) Strengthening ~~the competitiveness and resilience of the European economy through the green and digital transformations has~~productive sectors must been the EU compass over the ~~last~~next few years. The ~~green and digital transitions anchored in the European Grean Deal38 and the Digital Decade,39~~Union must spurs growth and the modernisation of the EU economy, open~~ing~~ up new business opportunities and help~~ing~~ gain a competitive advantage on the global markets. The European Green Deal ~~sets out the roadmap for~~needs to be corrected and a new roadmap needs to be established to mak~~ing~~e the ~~Union’s economy climate neutral and sustainable in a fair and inclusive manner, tackling climate and environmental-related challenges~~economy of the Member States strong and fair, taking into account social and environmental protection. Such strengthening must be technology-neutral and stimulate opportunities and creativity. Moreover, the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 sets out a clear direction for the digital transformation of the Union and for the delivery of digital targets at Union level by 2030, notably concerning digital skills, digital infrastructures, and the digital transformation of businesses and public services. __________________ 38 Communication on The European Green Deal, COM(2019) 640 final. See also European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2020, and European Council conclusions of 11 December 2020. 39 Decision (EU) 2022/2481 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 establishing the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 (OJ L 323, 19.12.2022, p. 4).

Amendment 1 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1

(1) Strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of the European economy through the green and digital transformations has been the EU compass over the last years. The green and digital transitions anchored in the European Grean Deal38and the Digital Decade,39spurs growth and the modernisation of the EU economy, opening up new business opportunities and helping gain a competitive advantage on the global markets. The European Green Deal sets out the roadmap for making the Union’s economy climate neutral and sustainable in a fair and inclusive manner, tackling climate and environmental-related challenges. Moreover, the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 sets out a clear direction for the digital transformation of the Union and for the delivery of digital targets at Union level by 2030, notably concerning digital skills, digital infrastructures, and the digital transformation of businesses and public services. _________________ 38 Communication on The European Green Deal, COM(2019) 640 final. See also European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2020, and European Council conclusions of 11 December 2020. 39 Decision (EU) 2022/2481 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 establishing the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 (OJ L 323, 19.12.2022, p. 4).

Amendment 1 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2

(2) The EU industry has proven its inbuilt resilience but is being challenged. High inflation, labour shortages, post- COVID supply chains disruptions, rising interest rates, and spikes in energy costs and input prices are weighing on the competitiveness of the EU industry. This is paired with strong, but not always fair, competition on the fragmented global market. The EU has already put forward several initiatives to support its industry, such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40 the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State aid,43 and REPowerEU.44 While these solutions provide fast and targeted support, the EU needs a more structural answer to the investment needs of its industries, safeguarding cohesion and the level playing field in the Single Market and to reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies. The adaptation of new, different state aid frameworks has facilitated the potential allocation of substantial volumes of state aid. Under more adverse circumstances, this situation possesses the capacity to undermine the efficacy of the internal market. _________________ 40 Communication on A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM(2023) 62 final. 41 COM(2023) 160 final 42 COM(2023) 161 final 43 Communication on a Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State Aid measures (OJ C 101, 17.3.2023, p. 3). 44 Regulation (EU) 2023/435 as regards REPowerEU (OJ L 63, 28.2.2023, p. 1).

Amendment 1 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2

Amendment 10 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to ~~boost the activation of~~address the root causes of such shortages, including by integrating more people into the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through the promotion of social dialogue, creation of quality jobs and paid apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training. At the same time, it is necessary to boost the attractiveness of technical careers, also in view to increase the participation of women in those careers. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 __________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 10 #

Tiemo WÖLKEN

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

Amendment 10 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains, as well as technologies, which can be utilized in replacing critical non-renewable materials with renewable materials. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 10 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

Amendment 100 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3 a (new)

(3a) The annual report should be accompanied by recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the STEP platform, based on the conclusions and observations made during the implementation of the programmes;

Amendment 100 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment 101 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2

2. The evaluation report shall, provide an overview of the regions for which the programmes have been amended (including information on relevant aspects of the partnership principle), and in particular, shall assess to which extent the objectives have been achieved, the efficiency of the use of the resources and the European added value. It shall also consider the continued relevance of all objectives and actions, in view of their potential upscaling. It shall be accompanied by a thorough assessment of differentiated territorial impacts and effects on cohesion in the implementation of the Platform.

Amendment 101 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2

Amendment 102 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2

2. The evaluation report shall, in particular, assess to which extent the objectives have been achieved, the efficiency of the use of the resources and the European added value, as well as the contribution to the objectives laid down in Article 174 TFEU. It shall also consider the continued relevance of all objectives and actions, in view of their potential upscaling.

Amendment 102 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2

Amendment 103 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10 a – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 6 (new)

In addition to the allowances referred to in the first to fifth subparagraphs of this paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also implement a financial envelope for the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 of EUR 5 000 000 000 in current prices for supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63 [STEP Regulation]. This financial envelope shall be made available to support investments only in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017 . In addition, up to XX % of the financial envelope shall be made available to create a window to support investments part of an IPCEI contributing to the STEP objective referred to in the aforementioned period. _________________ 63 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 103 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10 a – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 6 (new)

Amendment 104 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – point vi (new)

(vi) supporting investments contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...64 [STEP Regulation] _________________ 64 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].deleted

Amendment 104 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – point vi (new)

Amendment 105 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ix (new)

~~(ix) supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2(1), point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation]~~deleted

Amendment 105 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ix (new)

~~(ix) supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2(1), point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation]~~deleted

Amendment 106 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)

(3) In Article 3, the following paragraph 1a is inserted: ‘The resources under the specific objective referred to in Article 3(1), first subparagraph, points (a)(vi) and (b)(ix) shall be programmed under dedicated priorities corresponding to the respective policy objective. The Commission shall pay 30 % of the ERDF allocation to that priority as set out in the decision approving the programme amendment as exceptional one-off pre- financing in addition to the yearly pre- financing for the programme provided for in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 or in Article 51(2), (3) and (4) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1059. The exceptional pre-financing shall be paid by 31 December 2024, provided the Commission has adopted the decision approving the programme amendment by 31 October 2024. In accordance with Article 90 (5) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 and Article 51(5) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1059, the amount paid as exceptional pre-financing shall be cleared no later than with the final accounting year. In accordance with Article 90(6) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, any interest generated by the exceptional pre- financing shall be used for the programme concerned in the same way as the ERDF and shall be included in the accounts for the final accounting year. In accordance with Article 97(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the exceptional pre-financing shall not be suspended. In accordance with Article 105 (1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the pre- financing to be taken into account for the purposes of calculating amounts to be de- committed shall include the exceptional pre-financing paid. By way of derogation from Article 112 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the maximum co-financing rates for dedicated priorities established to support the STEP objectives shall be increased to 100 %.’deleted

Amendment 106 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 107 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 1

The resources under the specific objective referred to in Article 3(1), first subparagraph, points (a)(vi) and (b)(ix) shall be programmed under dedicated priorities corresponding to the respective policy objective.deleted

Amendment 107 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 1

Amendment 108 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 1

Amendment 108 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 1

Amendment 109 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 1

The Commission shall pay 30 % of the ERDF allocation to that priority as set out in the decision approving the programme amendment as exceptional one-off pre- financing in addition to the yearly pre- financing for the programme provided for in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 or in Article 51(2), (3) and (4) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1059. The exceptional pre-financing shall be paid by 31 December 2024, provided the Commission has adopted the decision approving the programme amendment by 31 October 2024.deleted

Amendment 109 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 1

Amendment 11 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to address the root causes of such shortages, including by boosting the ~~activ~~integration of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through the creation of quality jobs and paid apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training. At the same time, it is necessary to boost the attractiveness of technical careers, also in view to increase the participation of women in those careers. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 __________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 11 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part

(a) supporting the development or manufacturing throughout the Union, or safeguarding and strengthening the respective value chains, of critical technologies, in accordance with the ‘do no significant harm’ criteria set out in Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, in the following fields:

Amendment 11 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains; the entire CCS value chain; research projects and preliminary studies/analysis to support the development of innovative technologies. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, ~~in accordance with the respective programme rul~~through dedicated EU resources, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 11 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains; the entire CCS value chain; research projects and preliminary studies/analysis to support the development of innovative technologies. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, ~~in accordance with the respective programme rul~~through dedicated EU resources, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 110 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 2

The Commission shall pay 30 % of the ERDF allocation to ~~that priority as set out in the decis~~investments contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../.. [STEP Regulation] a~~pprov~~s set out ing the revised programme ~~amendment~~ as exceptional one-off pre- financing in addition to the yearly pre- financing for the programme provided for in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 or in Article 51(2), (3) and (4) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1059. The exceptional pre-financing shall be paid by 31 December 2024, ~~provided the Commission has adopted the decision approving the programme amendment~~and shall not require a decision of the Commission amending the programme. The amendment shall be approved by the monitoring committee in advance. The Member State shall notify the revised programme to the Commission by 31 October 2024.

Amendment 110 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 2

Amendment 111 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 2

The Commission shall pay 30 % of the ERDF allocation to that priority as set out in the decision approving the programme amendment as exceptional one-off pre- financing in addition to the yearly pre- financing for the programme provided for in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 or in Article 51(2), (3) and (4) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1059. The exceptional pre-financing shall be paid ~~by 31 December 2024, provided~~after the Ccom~~mission has adopted the decision approving the programme amendment by 31 October 2024~~pletion of the mid-term review of the programs, as provided for in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060.

Amendment 111 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 2

The Commission shall pay 30 % of the ERDF allocation to that priority as set out in the decision approving the programme amendment as exceptional one-off pre- financing in addition to the yearly pre- financing for the programme provided for in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 or in Article 51(2), (3) and (4) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1059. The exceptional pre-financing shall be paid ~~by 31 December 2024, provided~~after the Ccom~~mission has adopted the decision approving the programme amendment by 31 October 2024~~pletion of the mid-term review of the programs, as provided for in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060.

Amendment 112 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 3

In accordance with Article 90 (5) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 and Article 51(5) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1059, the amount paid as exceptional pre-financing shall be cleared no later than with the final accounting year.deleted

Amendment 112 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 3

Amendment 113 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 4

In accordance with Article 90(6) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, any interest generated by the exceptional pre- financing shall be used for the programme concerned in the same way as the ESF+ and shall be included in the accounts for the final accounting year.deleted

Amendment 113 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 4

Amendment 114 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 5

~~In accordance with Article 97(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the exceptional pre-financing shall not be suspend~~deleted.

Amendment 114 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 5

~~In accordance with Article 97(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the exceptional pre-financing shall not be suspend~~deleted.

Amendment 115 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 6

In accordance with Article 105(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the pre- financing to be taken into account for the purposes of calculating amounts to be de- committed shall include the exceptional pre-financing paid.deleted

Amendment 115 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 6

Amendment 116 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 7

~~By way of derogation from Article 112 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the maximum co-financing rates for dedicated priorities established to support the STEP objectives shall be increased to 100 %.~~deleted

Amendment 116 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 7

Amendment 117 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 7

Amendment 117 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 7

Amendment 118 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 7

By way of derogation from Article 112 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the maximum co-financing rates for ~~dedicated priorities established to support the STEP objectives~~investments contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation] shall be increased to 100 %.

Amendment 118 #

Irène TOLLERET, Stéphane BIJOUX, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Laurence FARRENG

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 7

Amendment 119 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 7

By way of derogation from Article 112 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the maximum co-financing rates for investments contributing to dedicated priorities established to support the STEP objectives shall be increased to 100 %.

Amendment 119 #

Irène TOLLERET, Stéphane BIJOUX, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Laurence FARRENG

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new) – subparagraph 7

Amendment 12 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. ~~Therefore, it is necessary to boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through the~~A major problem of the economy is the mismatch between the competences possessed by employees and the requirements of the modern labour market. In order to overcome this gap, it is important to promote the participation of more people in the labour market by creati~~on of~~ng jobs and apprenticeships ~~for young, disadvantaged persons, in particular, young people not in emp~~, in particular for young people and disadvantaged people. This will help meet growing skills and labour market needs and ensure the develoypment~~, education or training~~ of key technologies in the European Union. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at ~~meet~~addressing the skills needs ~~stemm~~arising from the transition~~, outlined~~ set out in the EU Skills Agenda.45 __________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 12 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4

4. When deciding on investment projects to finance from their respective shares of the Modernisation Fund in accordance with Article 10d and 10f of Directive 2003/87/EC, Member States shall consider as a priority project for critical clean technologies which have received the Sovereignty Seal in accordance with paragraph 1 and that particularly emphasize a just and inclusive transition. In addition, Member States may decide to grant national support to projects with a Sovereignty Seal contributing to the Platform objective referred to in Article 2(1), point (a)(ii).

Amendment 12 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may, at the latest one month after the entry into force of this regulation, issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 12 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may, at the latest one month after the entry into force of this regulation, issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 120 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e (new)

(4) In Article 5(2), the following point (e) is inserted: ‘(e) when they contribute to the specific objective under PO 1 set out in Article 3(1), first subparagraph, point (a)(vi) or to the specific objective under PO 2 set out in point (b)(ix) of that subparagraph, in less developed and transition regions, as well as more developed regions in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU- 27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017. Point (e) shall apply to Interreg programmes where the geographical coverage of the programme within the Union consists exclusively of categories of regions set out in that point.’deleted

Amendment 120 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e (new)

Amendment 121 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e (new)

Amendment 121 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e (new)

Amendment 122 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e (new) – subparagraph 1

when they contribute to the specific objective under PO 1 set out in Article 3(1), first subparagraph, point (a)(vi) or to the specific objective under PO 2 set out in point (b)(ix) of that subparagraph, in less developed and transition regions, as well as more developed regions in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017.

Amendment 122 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e (new) – subparagraph 1

Amendment 123 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e (new) – subparagraph 1

when they contribute to the specific objective under PO 1 set out in Article 3(1)~~, first subparagraph, point (a)(vi)~~ or to the specific objective under PO 2 ~~set out in point (b)(ix) of that subparagraph~~, in less developed and transition regions, as well as more developed regions in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017.

Amendment 123 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e (new) – subparagraph 1

Amendment 124 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e (new) – subparagraph 1

when they contribute to the specific objective under PO 1 set out in Article 3(1)~~, first subparagraph, point (a)(vi)~~ or to the specific objective under PO 2 ~~set out in point (b)(ix) of that subparagraph,~~ in less developed and transition regions, as well as more developed regions in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017.

Amendment 124 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e (new) – subparagraph 1

when they contribute to the specific objective under PO 1 set out in Article 3(1)~~, first subparagraph, point (a)(vi)~~ or to the specific objective under PO 2 ~~set out in point (b)(ix) of that subparagraph,~~ in less developed and transition regions, as well as more developed regions in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017.

Amendment 125 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e (new) – subparagraph 1

‘(e) when they contribute to the ~~specific~~STEP objective ~~under PO 1 set out in Article 3(1), first subparagraph, point (a)(vi) or to the~~s referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...[STEP Regulation] under specific objectives under PO 21 set out in ~~point (b)(ix) of that subparagraph,~~Article (3) 1, specific objectives under PO 2 in less developed and transition regions, as well as more developed regions in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU- 27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017.

Amendment 125 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e (new) – subparagraph 1

Amendment 126 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e (new) – subparagraph 1

when they contribute to the ~~specific~~STEP objective ~~under PO 1 set out in Article 3(1), first subparagraph, point (a)(vi) or to the specific objective under PO 2 set out in point (b)(ix) of that subparagraph~~s referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation] under specific objective under PO 1, or to the specific objective under PO 2, in less developed and transition regions, as well as more developed regions in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017.

Amendment 126 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e (new) – subparagraph 1

Amendment 127 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2

(a) (4) The Article 5(2) of the Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 is replaced by the following: 2. Productive investments in tangible and intangible assets, as defined in the State aid legislation, in enterprises other than SMEs may be supported:

Amendment 127 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2

Amendment 128 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 5

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)

(5) In Article 5, the following new paragraph 3a is inserted: ‘3a. In order to contribute to the specific objectives under PO 1 set out in Article 3(1), first subparagraph, point (a)(vi) and under PO 2 set out in point (b)(ix) of that subparagraph, the ERDF shall also support training, life-long learning, reskilling and education activities’.deleted

Amendment 128 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 5

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment 129 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 5

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. In order to contribute to the specific objectives under PO 1 set out in Article 3(1), ~~first subparagraph, point (a)(vi) and under PO 2 set out in point (b)(ix) of that subparagraph~~and under PO 2, the ERDF shall also support training, life-long learning, reskilling and education activities.

Amendment 129 #

Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE, Catherine AMALRIC, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Sylvie BRUNET, Ilana CICUREL, Max ORVILLE

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 5

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment 13 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to address the root causes of such shortages and boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through the creation of quality jobs and apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training. At the same time, it is necessary to increase the attractiveness of technical careers, especially among women. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 __________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 13 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4

4. When deciding on investment projects to finance from their respective shares of the Modernisation Fund in accordance with Article 10d of Directive 2003/87/EC, Member States shall consider as a priority project for critical clean technologies, such as nuclear, which have received the Sovereignty Seal in accordance with paragraph 1. In addition, Member States may decide to grant national support to projects with a Sovereignty Seal contributing to the Platform objective referred to in Article 2(1), point (a)(ii).

Amendment 13 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials, including sustainable recovery, recycling and other processing. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 13 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials, including sustainable recovery, recycling and other processing. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 130 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 2

(1) Article 2 is replaced by the following: ‘In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 5(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the JTF shall contribute to the specific objective of enabling regions and people to address the social, employment, economic and environmental impacts of the transition towards the Union’s 2030 targets for energy and climate and a climate-neutral economy of the Union by 2050, based on the Paris Agreement. The JTF may also support investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2(1), point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation].’deleted

Amendment 130 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 2

Amendment 131 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 2

In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 5(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the JTF shall contribute to the specific objective of enabling regions and people to address the social, employment, economic and environmental impacts of the transition towards the Union’s 2030 targets for energy and climate and a climate-neutral economy of the Union by 2050, based on the Paris Agreement. The JTF may also support investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2(1), point (a)~~(ii)~~ of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation].

Amendment 131 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 2

Amendment 132 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – new subparagraph

(2) In Article 8(2) the following subparagraph is inserted: ‘‘The JTF may also support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...65 [STEPRegulation]. That support may be provided irrespective of whether the gap analysis was carried out in accordance with Article 11(2)(h) and irrespective of its outcome. Such investments shall only be eligible where they do not lead to relocation as defined in point (27) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. The provision of such support shall not require a revision of the territorial just transition plan where that revision would be exclusively linked to the gap analysis.’ _________________ 65 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].deleted

Amendment 132 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – new subparagraph

Amendment 133 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – new subparagraph

Amendment 133 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – new subparagraph

Amendment 134 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – new subparagraph

The JTF may also support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2(b) of Regulation .../...65 [STEPRegulation]. That support may be provided irrespective of whether the gap analysis was carried out in accordance with Article 11(2)(h) and irrespective of its outcome. Such investments shall only be eligible where they do not lead to relocation as defined in point (27) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060Such investments shall only be eligible where they do not lead to relocation as defined in point (27) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, where apprenticeships and jobs in particular for young or disadvantaged persons or young persons not in employment, education or training for new skills are key part of the project, and where the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining are paid. The provision of such support shall not require a revision of the territorial just transition plan where that revision would be exclusively linked to the gap analysis. _________________ 65 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 134 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – new subparagraph

Amendment 135 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – new subparagraph

The JTF may also support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...65 [STEPRegulation]. That support may be provided irrespective of whether the gap analysis was carried out in accordance with Article 11(2)(h) and irrespective of its outcome. Such investments shall only be eligible where they do not lead to relocation as defined in point (27) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. The provision of such support shall not require a revision of the territorial just transition plan ~~where that revision would be exclusively linked to the gap analysis~~. _________________ 65 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 135 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – new subparagraph

Amendment 136 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – new subparagraph

The JTF ~~may~~ also supports productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...65 [STEPRegulation]. That support may be provided irrespective of whether the gap analysis was carried out in accordance with Article 11(2)(h) and irrespective of its outcome. Such investments shall only be eligible where they do not lead to relocation as defined in point (27) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. The provision of such support shall not require a revision of the territorial just transition plan where that revision would be exclusively linked to the gap analysis. _________________ 65 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 136 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – new subparagraph

Amendment 137 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 10 – paragraph 4 (new)

(3) In Article 10, the following paragraph 4 is added: ‘The Commission shall pay 30% of the JTF allocation, including amounts transferred in line with Article 27 of Regulation EU 2021/1060, to a programme as set out in the decision approving the programme as exceptional one-off pre-financing in addition to the yearly pre-financing for the programme provided for in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. The exceptional pre-financing shall be paid as from [entry into force of this Regulation]. In accordance with Article 90(5) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the amount paid as exceptional pre-financing shall be cleared no later than with the final accounting year. In accordance with Article 90(6) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, any interest generated by the exceptional pre- financing shall be used for the programme concerned in the same way as the ESF+ and shall be included in the accounts for the final accounting year. In accordance with Article 97(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the exceptional pre-financing shall not be suspended. In accordance with Article 105(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the pre- financing to be taken into account for the purposes of calculating amounts to be de- committed shall include the exceptional pre-financing paid. By way of derogation from Article 112 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the maximum co-financing rates for dedicated priorities established to support the STEP objectives shall be increased to 100 %.’deleted

Amendment 137 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 10 – paragraph 4 (new)

Amendment 138 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 10 – paragraph 4 (new)

(3) In Article 10, the following paragraph 4 is added: ‘The Commission shall pay 30% of the JTF allocation, including amounts transferred in line with Article 27 of Regulation EU 2021/1060, to a programme as set out in the decision approving the programme as exceptional one-off pre-financing in addition to the yearly pre-financing for the programme provided for in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. The exceptional pre-financing shall be paid as from [entry into force of this Regulation]. In accordance with Article 90(5) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the amount paid as exceptional pre-financing shall be cleared no later than with the final accounting year. In accordance with Article 90(6) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, any interest generated by the exceptional pre- financing shall be used for the programme concerned in the same way as the ERDF and shall be included in the accounts for the final accounting year. In accordance with Article 97(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the exceptional pre-financing shall not be suspended. In accordance with Article 105(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the pre- financing to be taken into account for the purposes of calculating amounts to be de- committed shall include the exceptional pre-financing paid. By way of derogation from Article 112 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the maximum co-financing rates for dedicated priorities established to support the STEP objectives shall be increased to 100 %.’deleted

Amendment 138 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 10 – paragraph 4 (new)

(3) In Article 10, the following paragraph 4 is added: ‘The Commission shall pay 30% of the JTF allocation, including amounts transferred in line with Article 27 of Regulation EU 2021/1060, to a programme as set out in the decision approving the programme as exceptional one-off pre-financing in addition to the yearly pre-financing for the programme provided for in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. The exceptional pre-financing shall be paid as from [entry into force of this Regulation]. In accordance with Article 90(5) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the amount paid as exceptional pre-financing shall be cleared no later than with the final accounting year. In accordance with Article 90(6) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, any interest generated by the exceptional pre- financing shall be used for the programme concerned in the same way as the ERDF and shall be included in the accounts for the final accounting year. In accordance with Article 97(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the exceptional pre-financing shall not be suspended. In accordance with Article 105(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the pre- financing to be taken into account for the purposes of calculating amounts to be de- committed shall include the exceptional pre-financing paid. By way of derogation from Article 112 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the maximum co-financing rates for dedicated priorities established to support the STEP objectives shall be increased to 100 %.’deleted

Amendment 139 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 10 – paragraph 4 (new) – subparagraph 1

The Commission shall pay 30% of the JTF allocation, including amounts transferred in line with Article 27 of Regulation EU 2021/1060, to a programme as set out in the ~~decision approving the~~revised programme as exceptional one- off pre-financing in addition to the yearly pre-financing for the programme provided for in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. The exceptional pre- financing shall be paid as from [entry into force of this Regulation] and shall not require a decision of the Commission amending the programme. The amendment shall be approved by the monitoring committee in advance. The Member State shall notify the revised programme to the Commission.

Amendment 139 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 10 – paragraph 4 (new) – subparagraph 1

Amendment 14 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to close the gap between workers´ skills and labour market needs as well as to boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through the creation of jobs and apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons including young persons with disabilities, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 __________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 14 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10a – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 6

In addition to the allowances referred to in the first to fifth subparagraphs of this paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also implement a financial envelope for the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 of EUR 5 000 000 000 in current prices for supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63 [STEP Regulation]. This financial envelope shall be made available to support investments only in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017 _________________ 63 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 14 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G ~~and~~, 6G and other advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 14 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G ~~and~~, 6G and other advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 140 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 10 – paragraph 4 (new) – subparagraph 6

Amendment 140 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 10 – paragraph 4 (new) – subparagraph 6

Amendment 141 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 10 – paragraph 4 (new) – subparagraph 6

Amendment 141 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 10 – paragraph 4 (new) – subparagraph 6

Amendment 142 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 10 – paragraph 4 (new) – subparagraph 6

By way of derogation from Article 112 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the maximum co-financing rates for ~~dedicated priorities established to support the STEP objectives~~investments contributing to STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...[STEP Regulation] shall be increased to 100 %.

Amendment 142 #

Irène TOLLERET, Stéphane BIJOUX, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Laurence FARRENG

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 10 – paragraph 4 (new) – subparagraph 6

By way of derogation from Article 112 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the maximum co-financing rates for ~~dedicated priorities established to support the STEP objectives~~investments contributing to STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...[STEP Regulation] shall be increased to 100 %.

Amendment 143 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 10 – paragraph 4 (new) – subparagraph 6

Amendment 143 #

Irène TOLLERET, Stéphane BIJOUX, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Laurence FARRENG

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 10 – paragraph 4 (new) – subparagraph 6

Amendment 144 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1057
Article 12 a (new) – paragraph 1

In addition to the pre-financing for the programme provided for in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, ~~where the Commission approves~~according to an amendment of a programme including one or more priorities dedicated to operations supported by the ESF+ contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...66 [STEP Regulation], it shall make an exceptional pre-financing of 30% on the basis of the allocation to those priorities. The exceptional pre-financing shall be paid by 31 December 2024, ~~provided the Commission has adopted the decision approving the programme amendment~~and shall not require a decision of the Commission amending the programme. The amendment shall be approved by the monitoring committee in advance. The Member State shall notify the revised programme to the Commission by 31 October 2024. _________________ 66 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 144 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1057
Article 12 a (new) – paragraph 1

Amendment 145 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1057
Article 12 a (new) – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 6

Amendment 145 #

Irène TOLLERET, Stéphane BIJOUX, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Laurence FARRENG

Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1057
Article 12 a (new) – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 6

Amendment 146 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1057
Article 12 a (new) – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 6

Amendment 146 #

Irène TOLLERET, Stéphane BIJOUX, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Laurence FARRENG

Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1057
Article 12 a (new) – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 6

Amendment 147 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1060
Article 2 – point 45

(45) ‘Seal of Excellence’ means the quality label attributed by the Commission in respect of a proposal, which shows that the proposal ~~which~~ has been assessed in a call for proposals under a Union ~~instrument is deemed to comply with the minimum quality requirements of that Union~~ instrument, but could not be funded due to lack of budget available for that call for proposals, and might receive support from other Union or national sources of funding if it meets the relevant criteria and conditions; or the ‘Sovereignty Seal’ referred to in Article 4 of Regulation .../...67 [STEP Regulation].’ _________________ 67 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 147 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1060
Article 2 – point 45

Amendment 148 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/1060
Article 13 – paragraph 1

(1a) In Article 13 “Amendment to the Partnership Agreement” paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: A Member State may submit to the Commission by 31 March 2024 an amended Partnership Agreement, taking into account the outcome of the mid-term review.

Amendment 148 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/1060
Article 13 – paragraph 1

Amendment 149 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point 1 b (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/1060
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a

(1b) "In Article 18 paragraph 1 point a is replaced by the following" (a) The new challenge identified in relevant country specific recommendations in 2023

Amendment 149 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point 1 b (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/1060
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a

(1b) "In Article 18 paragraph 1 point a is replaced by the following" (a) The new challenge identified in relevant country specific recommendations in 2023

Amendment 15 #

Loucas FOURLAS

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)

(5a) The regulatory burden on EU employers and its possible negative impact on competitiveness, growth and quality job creation should be highlighted; The ‘one in, one out’ principle should be continuously supported; The Commission should develop a more ambitious Better Regulation agenda, which should lead to a reduced regulatory burden for EU employers.

Amendment 15 #

Emma WIESNER, Erik POULSEN, Jan HUITEMA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10a(8)

In addition to the allowances referred to in the first to fifth subparagraphs of this paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also implement a financial envelope for the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 of EUR 5 000 000 000 in current prices for supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63 [STEP Regulation]. This financial envelope shall be made available to support investments ~~only in~~in all Member States, whosile a~~verage GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calcul~~iming at a geographical balance of financial support taking into account the amount of state aid that has been allocated onfor the ~~basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017~~se technologies by Member States under the Temporary Crisis Framework. _________________ 63 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 15 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; ~~carbon capture, utilisation and storage;~~ energy efficiency; green hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 15 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; ~~carbon capture, utilisation and storage;~~ energy efficiency; green hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 150 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point 1 c (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/1060
Article 18 – paragraph 2

(1c) In Article 18 paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: The Member State shall submit an assessment for each programme on the outcome of the mid-term review, including a proposal for the definitive allocation of the flexibility amount referred to in the second subparagraph of Article 86(1), to the Commission by 31 March 2024.

Amendment 150 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point 1 c (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/1060
Article 18 – paragraph 2

Amendment 151 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 135 – paragraph 6 (new) – subparagraph 2

Amounts from resources other than REACT-EU reimbursed by the Commission as interim payments in 2025 following the interim payment applications submitted by the certifying authority after 31 October 2024 shall not exceed 1 % of the total financial appropriations to the programme concerned by Fund, REACT-EU resources excluded. Amounts that would be due to be paid by the Commission in 2025 exceeding this percentage shall not be paid and shall be used exclusively for the clearing of pre- financing at closure.

Amendment 151 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 135 – paragraph 6 (new) – subparagraph 2

Amendment 152 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 135 – paragraph 6 (new) – subparagraph 2

Amounts from resources other than REACT-EU reimbursed by the Commission as interim payments in 2025 shall not exceed 1 % of the total financial appropriations to the programme concerned by Fund, REACT-EU resources excluded. Amounts that would be due to be paid by the Commission in 2025 exceeding this percentage shall not be paid and shall be ~~used exclusively for the clearing of pre- financing at closure~~paid within the framework of the payment of the final balance according to the article 141.

Amendment 152 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 135 – paragraph 6 (new) – subparagraph 2

Amendment 153 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 135 – paragraph 6 (new) – subparagraph 2

Amounts from resources other than REACT-EU reimbursed by the Commission as interim payments in 2025 shall not exceed 15 % of the total financial appropriations to the programme concerned by Fund, REACT-EU resources excluded. Amounts that would be due to be paid by the Commission in 2025 exceeding this percentage shall not be paid and shall be used exclusively for the clearing of pre- financing at closure.’

Amendment 153 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 135 – paragraph 6 (new) – subparagraph 2

Amendment 154 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 135 – paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. For the outermost regions as defined in Article 349 TFEU, by way of derogation from paragraph 2 the deadline for the submission of the final application for an interim payment for the final accounting year shall be 31 December 2025. The last application for interim payment submitted by 31 December 2025 shall be deemed to be the final application for an interim payment for the final accounting year. Amounts from resources other than REACT-EU reimbursed by the Commission as interim payments in 2025 shall not exceed 20 % of the total financial appropriations to the programme concerned by Fund, REACT- EU resources excluded. Amounts that would be due to be paid by the Commission in 2025 exceeding this percentage shall not be paid and shall be used exclusively for the clearing of pre- financing at closure.’

Amendment 154 #

Rovana PLUMB, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Nora MEBAREK

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 135 – paragraph 6 a (new)

Amendment 155 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 1303/2013
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)

(1a) In Article 24 the following paragraph is inserted: "1a. By way of derogation from Article 60(1) and the first and fourth subparagraphs of Article 120(3), a co- financing rate of 100 % may be applied to expenditure declared in the final accounting year for one or more priority axes in a programme supported by the ERDF, the ESF or the Cohesion Fund. By way of derogation from Article 30(1) and (2) and Article 96(10), the application of the co-financing rate of 100 % shall not require a Commission decision approving a programme amendment. The Member State shall notify the revised financial tables to the Commission following approval by the monitoring committee. The co-financing rate of 100 % shall apply only if the financial tables are notified to the Commission before the submission of the final application for an interim payment for the final accounting year in accordance with Article 135(2)."

Amendment 155 #

Rovana PLUMB, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Nora MEBAREK

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 1303/2013
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 156 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new) Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013

(1a) By way of derogation from Article 60(1) and the first and fourth subparagraphs of Article 120(3), a co- financing rate of 100 % may be applied to expenditure declared in the final accounting year for one or more priority axes in a programme supported by the ERDF, the ESF or the Cohesion Fund. By way of derogation from Article 30(1) and (2) and Article 96(10), the application of the co-financing rate of 100 % shall not require a Commission decision approving a programme amendment. The Member State shall notify the revised financial tables to the Commission following approval by the monitoring committee. The co-financing rate of 100 % shall apply only if the financial tables are notified to the Commission before the submission of the final application for an interim payment for the final accounting year in accordance with Article 135(2).

Amendment 156 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new) Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013

Amendment 157 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

(1a) In Article 92b, the following subparagraph is be added: ‘By way of derogation from Article 65(2), expenditure from REACT-EU resources shall be eligible for a contribution from the ESI Funds if it has been effected by a beneficiary and paid by 31 December 2024.’

Amendment 157 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

Amendment 158 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 2 – paragraph 29

"(29) 'accounting year', means, for the purposes of Part Three and Part Four, the period from 1 July to 30 June, except for the first accounting year of the programming period, in respect of which it means the period from the start date for eligibility of expenditure until 30 June 2015. The final accounting year shall be from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024;5;"

Amendment 158 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 2 – paragraph 29

Amendment 159 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Amendments to Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 [CPR]

Article 14 – paragraph 2

By way of derogation from the deadline set out in the first subparagraph, Member States may submit a final implementation report for the operational programme according to Article 141 and the documents referred to under points (a), (b) and (c) for the final accounting year by 15 February 2026.

Amendment 159 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Amendments to Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 [CPR]

Article 14 – paragraph 2

Amendment 16 #

Loucas FOURLAS

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 b (new)

(5b) The Commission communication entitled ‘Long-term competitiveness of the EU: looking beyond 2030’ aims to rationalise and simplify reporting requirements by 25 % for each of the green, digital and economic thematic areas, and the Commission plans to present a proposal for achieving this by autumn 2023. The Commission should demonstrate this commitment swiftly, thereby improving the competitiveness of all undertakings in the EU, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and enhancing the basic conditions for social justice and prosperity. It should be recalled that SMEs are the backbone of our social cohesion.

Amendment 16 #

Pascal CANFIN

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10a(8)

In addition to the allowances referred to in the first to fifth subparagraphs of this paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also implement a financial envelope for the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 of EUR 5 000 000 000 in current prices for supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63 [STEP Regulation]. The Commission shall prepare a strategic planning of the Innovation Fund calls for proposals and associated budgets for cleantech manufacturing in line with the public investment needs to meet the STEP objective referred to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63 [STEP Regulation]. This planning shall be made public. This financial envelope shall be made available to support investments only in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU- 27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017 _________________ 63 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 16 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change, especially in disadvantaged regions, including rural and remote areas and islands, which suffer from brain drain. Therefore, it is necessary to boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through quality and inclusive skilling, upskilling and re-skilling measures and through the creation of jobs and apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training as well as for people living in sparsely and depopulated rural and remote areas and islands. It is also necessary to increase support for the provision of enhanced information sessions and advisory services concerning skills development and EU-funded opportunities. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 _________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 16 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change, especially in disadvantaged regions, including rural and remote areas and islands, which suffer from brain drain. Therefore, it is necessary to boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through quality and inclusive skilling, upskilling and re-skilling measures and through the creation of jobs and apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training as well as for people living in sparsely and depopulated rural and remote areas and islands. It is also necessary to increase support for the provision of enhanced information sessions and advisory services concerning skills development and EU-funded opportunities. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 _________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 160 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 2

(2) ‘By way of derogation from Article 60(1) and the first and fourth subparagraphs of Article 120(3), at the request of a Member State, a co-financing rate of 100 % may be applied to expenditure declared in payment applications during the last accounting year for one or more priority axes in a programme supported by the ERDF, the ESF or the Cohesion Fund.’

Amendment 160 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Amendment 161 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 14 – paragraph 1

(2a) In Art. 141, the first paragraph shall read as follows: "1. In addition to the documents referred to in Article 138, for the final accounting year from 1 July 2023 to 3~~0 June~~1 December 2024, Member States shall submit a final implementation report for the operational programme or the last annual implementation report for the operational programme supported by the EMFF."

Amendment 161 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 14 – paragraph 1

Amendment 162 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 141 – paragraph 1

1. "In addition to the documents referred to inthe Article 138, for the final accounting years from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 20245, Member States shall submit a final implementation report for the operational programme or the last annual implementation report for the operational programme supported by the EMFF."

Amendment 162 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 141 – paragraph 1

Amendment 163 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) No 223/2014
Article 45 – paragraph 6 (new) – subparagraph 2

Amounts reimbursed by the Commission as interim payments in 2025 shall not exceed 15 % of the total financial appropriations to the programme concerned. Amounts that would be due to be paid by the Commission in 2025 exceeding this percentage shall not be paid and shall be used exclusively for the clearing of pre-financing at closure.’

Amendment 163 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) No 223/2014
Article 45 – paragraph 6 (new) – subparagraph 2

Amendment 164 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 7

(6a) Article 13(7) is replaced by the following: Contracts between the implementing partner and the final recipient or the financial intermediary or other entity referred to in point (a) of Article 16(1) under the EU guarantee referred to in the first subparagraph of Article 4(2) shall be signed at the latest two years after the approval of the relevant financing or investment operation by the implementing partner. In other cases, contracts between the implementing partner and the final recipient or the financial intermediary or other entity referred to in point (a) of Article 16(1) shall be signed by 31 December 2028.

Amendment 164 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 7

Amendment 165 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 7

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 23 – paragraph 3

3. In the context of the procedures referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article, without prejudice to the existing framework of the procedures provided for in Article 19 of the EIB Statute, the Commission shall take into account any Sovereignty Seal awarded under Article 4 of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation] to a project.

Amendment 165 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 7

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 23 – paragraph 3

Amendment 166 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 11

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 35 – paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. The STEP Window should promote risk taking by implementing partners favouring their undertaking of subordinated positions in risky investment. Such risky projects would benefit from dedicated fast track process.

Amendment 166 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 11

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 35 – paragraph 5 a (new)

Amendment 167 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – Paragraph 1 – Point 6

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Annex 1 – Table 1

~~(6) In Annex I, Table I, the following row is added under policy objective 1: […]~~deleted

Amendment 168 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – Paragraph 1 – Point 7

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Annex 1 – Table 1

~~(7) In Annex I, Table I, the following row is added under policy objective 2: […]~~deleted

Amendment 169 #

Lina GÁLVEZ, Estrella DURÁ FERRANDIS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Marc ANGEL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – Paragraph 1 – Point 8

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Annex 2 – Table 1

~~(8) In the Table of Annex II, the following row is added under policy objective 1: […]~~deleted

Amendment 17 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6

Amendment 17 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10a – paragraph 8 – subparaph 6

In addition to the allowances referred to in the first to fifth subparagraphs of this paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also implement a financial envelope for the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 of EUR 5 000 000 000 in current prices for supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63 [STEP Regulation]. This financial envelope shall be made available to support investments only in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017. In addition, in the calls for proposals dedicated for this financial envelope, special attention shall be given to the projects' ability to promote a just and inclusive transition in the Member States and specific regions. _________________ 63 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 17 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through the creation of jobs and apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training. There is also need to find effective solutions in enforcing employment policies for the long-term unemployed and marginalized groups in such a way that they will be able to get out a qualified workforce out of these communities. Fostering cooperation and social dialogue with companies are indispensable. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 _________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 17 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through the creation of jobs and apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training. There is also need to find effective solutions in enforcing employment policies for the long-term unemployed and marginalized groups in such a way that they will be able to get out a qualified workforce out of these communities. Fostering cooperation and social dialogue with companies are indispensable. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 _________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 170 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – Paragraph 1 – Point 9

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Annex 2 – Table 1

~~(9) In the Table of Annex II, the following row is added under policy objective 2: […]~~deleted

Amendment 171 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – Paragraph 1 – Point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1060
Annex 1 – Table 1

Amendment 172 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – Paragraph 1 – Point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1060
Annex 1 – Table 1

(4) In the Annex I, Table 1, the following rows are added: INTERVENTION FIELD C c s cua ho l p ace npuf gof li a erc tt i oie o t bon n j t e c cf lo ti imr v et ah o ste ef C c s eua no l p vce p iuf rof oli a rc ntti mie on ent n tf ao lr th o toe f objectives Support for the 0% 0% development of skills or access to 145a employment in deep and digital technologies, biotechnologies. Support for the 100% 40% development of 145b s ek mil pl ls o yo mr ea ncc t ess t io n clean technologies. Productive 100% 40% investments in 188 l la inrg ke e d pe rin mte ar rp ir lyis e tos clean technologies. 189 Productive 100% 40% investments in SMEs linked primarily to clean technologies. 190 Productive 0% 0% investments in large enterprises linked primarily to biotechnologies. 191 Productive 0% 0% investments in SMEs linked primarily to biotechnologies. 192 Productive 0% 0% investments in large enterprises linked primarily to deep and digital technologies. 193 Productive 0% 0% investments in SMEs linked primarily to deep and digital technologies (4) In the Annex I, Table 1, the following rows are added: INTERVENTION FIELD C c s cua ho l p ace npuf gof li a erc tt i oie o t bon n j t e c cf lo ti imr v et ah o ste ef C c s eua no l p vce p iuf rof oli a rc ntti mie on ent n tf ao lr th o toe f objectives Support for the 0% 0% development of skills or access to employment in 145a deep and digital technologies, biotechnologies (contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation ... /. .. [STEP Regulation/). Support for the 100% 40% development of skills or access to employment in clean technologies (contributing to 145b the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation ... /. .. [STEP Regulation/). Productive 100% 40% investments in large enterprises linked primarily to clean technologies (contributing to 188 the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation ... /. .. [STEP Regulation/). 189 Productive 100% 40% investments in SMEs linked primarily to clean technologies. 190 Productive 0% 0% investments in large enterprises linked primarily to biotechnologies (contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation ... /. .. [STEP Regulation/). 191 Productive 0% 0% investments in SMEs linked primarily to biotechnologies (contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation ... /. .. [STEP Regulation/). 192 Productive 0% 0% investments in large enterprises linked primarily to deep and digital technologies (contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation ... /. .. [STEP Regulation/). 193 Productive 0% 0% investments in SMEs linked primarily to deep and digital technologies (contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation ... /. .. [STEP Regulation/). 193a (new) Productive X% X% investments in large enterprises linked primarily to low-carbon technologies (contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation ... /. .. [STEP Regulation]). 193b (new) Productive X% X% investments in SMEs linked primarily to low- carbon technologies (contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation ... /. .. [STEP Regulation]).

Amendment 173 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – Paragraph 1 – Point 5

Regulation (EU) 2021/1060
Annex 1 – Table 6

(5) In Annex I, Table 6, the following row is added: 11 Contributing to 0% 0% skills and jobs in deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, biotechnologies (contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation ... /. ..[STEP Regulation]).

Amendment 18 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6

(6) The scale of investments needed for the transition require a full mobilisation and effective use of funding available under existing EU programmes and funds, inclusive those granting a budgetary guarantee for financing and investment operations and implementation of financial instruments and blending operations. Such funding should be deployed without unnecessary administrative burden and in a more flexible manner, to provide timely and targeted support for critical technologies in strategic sectors. Therefore, a Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) should give a structural answer to the Union investment needs by helping to better channel the existing EU funds towards critical investments aimed at supporting the development or manufacturing of critical technologies, while preserving a level playing field in the Single Market, thereby preserving cohesion and aiming at a geographically balanced distribution of projects financed under the STEP in accordance with the respective programme mandates.

Amendment 18 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10a(8)(6)

In addition to the revenues from the allowances referred to in the first to fifth subparagraphs of this paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also implement a financial envelope for the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 of EUR 5 000 000 000 in current prices, as provided in Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093, for supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63[1] [STEP Regulation]. This financial envelope shall be made available to support investments only in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017 ~~_________________ 63~~’ [1] Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 18 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through the creation of jobs and apprenticeships for young, people, industrial placements to help develop young persons’ practical skills and public- private sector cooperation, and for disadvantaged persons, and in particular, for young people not in employment, education or training. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 _________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 18 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through the creation of jobs and apprenticeships for young, people, industrial placements to help develop young persons’ practical skills and public- private sector cooperation, and for disadvantaged persons, and in particular, for young people not in employment, education or training. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 _________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 19 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7

(7) The STEP should identify resources which should be ~~implement~~used within the existing Union programmes and funds, the InvestEU, Horizon Europe, European Defence Fund and Innovation Fund. This should be accompanied by providing additional funding of EUR 10 billion. Of this, EUR 5 billion should be used to increase the endowment of the Innovation Fund46 and EUR 3 billion to increase the total amount of the EU guarantee available for the EU compartment under the InvestEU Regulation to EUR 7,5 billion,47 taking into account the relevant provisioning rate. EUR 0.5 billion should be made available to increase the financial envelope under the Horizon Europe Regulation,48 which should be amended accordingly; and EUR 1.5 billion to the European Defence Fund.49 __________________ 46 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32). 47 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 establishing the InvestEU Programme (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30). 48 Regulation (EU) 2021/695 establishing Horizon Europe (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1). 49 Regulation (EU) 2021/697 establishing the European Defense Fund (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 149.), together with other active employment measures.

Amendment 19 #

Tiemo WÖLKEN

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point 1 2003/87

In addition to the allowances referred to in the first to fifth subparagraphs of this paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also implement a financial envelope for the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 of EUR 5 000 000 000 in current prices for supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63 [STEP Regulation]. T50% of this financial envelope shall be made available to support investments only in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017 _________________ 63 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 19 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce including with digital skills, engineering and other technical skills . However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition (including, coordination and planning skills for more complex projects) and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through the creation of jobs and apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 _________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 19 #

Lina GÁLVEZ, Estrella DURÁ FERRANDIS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Marc ANGEL

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

Amendment 2 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2

(2) The EU industry has proven its inbuilt resilience but is being challenged. High inflation, labour shortages, post- COVID supply chains disruptions, rising interest rates, and spikes in energy costs and input prices are weighing on the competitiveness of the EU industry. This is paired with strong, but not always fair, competition on the fragmented global market. The EU has already put forward several initiatives to support its industry, such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40 the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State aid,43 and REPowerEU.44 While these solutions provide fast and targeted support, the EU needs a more structural answer to the investment needs of its industries, safeguarding cohesion and the level playing field in the Single Market and to reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies. The Union should promote a global economic system based on open and rules-based trade providing quality jobs, including fair and adequate wages, job security and access to social protection, lifelong learning opportunities, good working conditions in safe and healthy workplaces, reasonable working time with a good work-life balance, as well as trade union representation and bargaining rights, respecting and advancing social and environmental sustainability standards. __________________ 40 Communication on A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM(2023) 62 final. 41 COM(2023) 160 final 42 COM(2023) 161 final 43 Communication on a Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State Aid measures (OJ C 101, 17.3.2023, p. 3). 44 Regulation (EU) 2023/435 as regards REPowerEU (OJ L 63, 28.2.2023, p. 1).

Amendment 2 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies, in accordance with the ‘do no significant harm’ criteria set out in Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high- performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; ~~sustainable alternative fuels;~~ electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture~~, utilisation~~ and storage; energy efficiency; renewable- based hydrogen and its related infratructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. Biotechnology solutions and their value chains should always respect the cascading principle in material use. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 2 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2

(2) The EU industry has proven its inbuilt resilience but is being challenged. High inflation, labour shortages, post- COVID supply chains disruptions, rising interest rates, and spikes in energy costs and input prices are weighing on the competitiveness of the EU industry. This is paired with strong, but not always fair, competition on the fragmented global market. The EU has already put forward several initiatives to support its industry, such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40 the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State aid,43 Next Generation EU and REPowerEU.44 While these solutions provide fast ~~and~~, targeted and, in some cases, temporary support, the EU needs a more structural answer to the investment needs of its industries, safeguarding cohesion and the level playing field in the Single Market and to reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies. _________________ 40 Communication on A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM(2023) 62 final. 41 COM(2023) 160 final 42 COM(2023) 161 final 43 Communication on a Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State Aid measures (OJ C 101, 17.3.2023, p. 3). 44 Regulation (EU) 2023/435 as regards REPowerEU (OJ L 63, 28.2.2023, p. 1).

Amendment 2 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2

(2) The EU industry has proven its inbuilt resilience but is being challenged. High inflation, labour shortages, post- COVID supply chains disruptions, rising interest rates, and spikes in energy costs and input prices are weighing on the competitiveness of the EU industry. This is paired with strong, but not always fair, competition on the fragmented global market. The EU has already put forward several initiatives to support its industry, such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40 the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State aid,43 Next Generation EU and REPowerEU.44 While these solutions provide fast ~~and~~, targeted and, in some cases, temporary support, the EU needs a more structural answer to the investment needs of its industries, safeguarding cohesion and the level playing field in the Single Market and to reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies. _________________ 40 Communication on A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM(2023) 62 final. 41 COM(2023) 160 final 42 COM(2023) 161 final 43 Communication on a Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State Aid measures (OJ C 101, 17.3.2023, p. 3). 44 Regulation (EU) 2023/435 as regards REPowerEU (OJ L 63, 28.2.2023, p. 1).

Amendment 20 #

Helmut GEUKING

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7

(7) The STEP should identify resources which should be implemented within the existing Union programmes and funds, the InvestEU, Horizon Europe, European Defence Fund and Innovation Fund. This should be accompanied by providing additional funding of EUR 10 billion. Of this, EUR 5 billion should be used to increase the endowment of the Innovation Fund46 and EUR 3 billion to increase the total amount of the EU guarantee available for the EU compartment under the InvestEU Regulation to EUR 7,5 billion,47 taking into account the relevant provisioning rate. EUR 0.5 billion should be made available to increase the financial envelope under the Horizon Europe Regulation,48 whichIn order to create additional sustainable and socially acceptable jobs in Europe, this should be accompanied by providing funding through the EU budget, in principle doubling the respective national funding. Support should be ~~amend~~tiered accordingly; and EUR 1.5 billion to the European Defence Fund.49 __________________ 46 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32). 47 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 establish to geographically balanced production sites for various semiconductors. In doing so, the InvestEU Programme (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30). 48 Regulation (EU) 2021/695 establishing Horizon Europe (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1). 49 Regulation (EU) 2021/697 establishing the European Defense Fund (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 149.)EU must ensure unbureaucratic and immediate support.

Amendment 20 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Josianne CUTAJAR, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation 2021/1056
Article 2

In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 5(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the JTF shall contribute to the specific objective of enabling regions and people to address the social, employment, economic and environmental impacts of the transition towards the Union’s 2030 targets for energy and climate and a climate-neutral economy of the Union by 2050, based on the Paris Agreement. The JTF may also support investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2~~(1), point (a)(ii)~~ of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation].

Amendment 20 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the development and manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through the creation of jobs and apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 _________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 20 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Josianne CUTAJAR, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

Amendment 21 #

Lina GÁLVEZ, Estrella DURÁ FERRANDIS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Marc ANGEL

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8

(8) A Sovereignty Seal should be awarded to projects contributing to the two STEP objectives, provided that the project has been assessed and complies with the minimum quality requirements, in particular eligibility, exclusion and award criteria, provided by a call for proposals under Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe programme,50 the EU4Health programme,51 the European Defence Fund or the Innovation Fund, and regardless of whether the project has received funding under those instruments. These minimum quality requirements will be established with a view to identify high quality projects. This Seal should be used as a quality label, to help projects attract public and private investments by certifying its contribution to the STEP objectives. Moreover, the Seal will promote better access to EU funding, notably by facilitating cumulative or combined funding from several Union instruments. __________________ 50 Regulation (EU) 2021/694 establishing the Digital Europe Programme (OJ L 166, 11.5.2021, p. 1). 51 Regulation (EU) 2021/522 establishing a Programme for the Union’s action in the field of health, EU4Health Programme (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 1).

Amendment 21 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation 2021/1060
Article 2(45)

(45) ‘Seal of Excellence’ or the ‘Sovereignty Seal’ referred to in Article 4 of Regulation .../...67 [STEP Regulation] means the quality label attributed by the Commission in respect of a proposal, which shows that the proposal which has been assessed in a call for proposals under a Union instrument is deemed to comply with the minimum quality requirements of that Union instrument, but could not be funded due to lack of budget available for that call for proposals, and might receive support from other Union or national sources of funding; or the ‘Sovereignty Seal’ referred to in Article 4 of Regulation .../...67 [STEP Regulation]. _________________ 67 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 21 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)

(5a) With a view to ensuring the availability of skilled workforce and to consolidating the digital and green transition, it is necessary to encourage cooperation, mobility programmes and exchange of knowledge and best practices between educational, research and innovation institutions, businesses, and local communities, especially young people

Amendment 21 #

Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE, Catherine AMALRIC, Sylvie BRUNET, Ilana CICUREL, Max ORVILLE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)

Amendment 22 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8

Amendment 22 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b

(vii) EUR 1 970 000 000 for the ~~non- nuclear~~ direct actions of the JRC;

Amendment 22 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6

(6) The scale of investments needed for the transition require a ~~full~~n intelligent mobilisation of funding available under existing EU programmes and funds, inclusive those granting a budgetary guarantee for financing and investment operations and implementation of financial instruments and blending operations. Such funding should be deployed in a more flexible manner, to provide timely and targeted support for critical technologies in strategic sectors. Therefore, a Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) should ~~give a structural answer~~contribute to respond to the Union investment needs by helping to better channel the existing EU funds towards critical investments aimed at supporting the development or manufacturing of critical technologies, while preserving a level playing field in the Single Market, thereby preserving cohesion and aiming at a ~~geographically balanced distribution~~distribution of projects financed under STEP in a geographically balanced way amongst all regions of the EU of projects financed under the STEP in accordance with the respective programme mandates.

Amendment 22 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6

Amendment 23 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

(11) ~~While t~~The STEP relies on the reprogramming and reinforcement of existing programmes for supporting strategic investments, it is also an important element for testing the feasibility and preparation of new interventions as a step towards a European Sovereignty Fund. The evaluation in 2025 will assess the relevance of the actions undertaken and serve as basis for assessing the need for an upscaling of the support towards strategic sectorsparticularly the European Social Fund.

Amendment 23 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)

(6a) In order to promote the economic, territorial and social cohesion of territories throughout the whole EU, STEP priorities and projects should be pursued in full compliance with the Partnership principle, ensuring an inclusive consultation process with regional and local authorities, social partners, civil society organisations, youth organisations and other relevant stakeholders; relevant national and regional authorities should ensure that projects financed with Cohesion policy resources under STEP have a lasting positive impact on the creation of quality jobs at local level.

Amendment 23 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)

Amendment 24 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

(12) Directive 2003/87/EC54 should be amended to allow for additional financing with a financial envelope for the period 2024-2027 of EUR 5 billion. The Innovation Fund supports investments in innovative low-carbon technologies, which is a scope that is to be covered by the STEP. The increase in volume of the Innovation Fund should therefore allow to provide financing responding to the objective of supporting the development or manufacturing in the Union of critical clean technologies. In line with the objectives of ensuring cohesion and promoting the Single Market, and in order to support the green transition and the development of clean technologies throughout the Union, the additional financial envelope should be made available through calls for proposals open to entities from Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017implementation of the Innovation Fund in order to support social cohesion, social inclusion and the promotion of the Single Market. __________________ 54 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).

Amendment 24 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 b (new)

(6b) Whereas STEP projects should not only comply with Union’s and national labour law, social rights and workers’ rights, as well as applicable collective agreement, but should go beyond minimum Union and national legal requirements with fair and adequate wages and well-defined objectives in terms of skilling, reskilling and upskilling, measures to improve gender equality and diversity at work, and quality and paid apprenticeships.

Amendment 24 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 b (new)

Amendment 25 #

Irène TOLLERET, Stéphane BIJOUX, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Laurence FARRENG

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15

(15) The ESF+,58 being the main EU Fund for investment in people, provides a key contribution to promote the development of skills. In order to facilitate the use of that Fund for the STEP objectives, it should be possible to use the ESF+ to cover investments aimed at achieving a skilled and resilient workforce ready for the future world of work while supporting individual growth and choices of workers. __________________ 58 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231 30.6.2021, p.21).

Amendment 25 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7

(7) The STEP should identify resources which should be implemented within the existing Union programmes and funds, the InvestEU, Horizon Europe, European Defence Fund and Innovation Fund. This should be accompanied by providing additional funding of EUR 10 billion, by means of the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework. Of this, EUR 5 billion should be used to increase the endowment of the Innovation Fund46 and EUR 3 billion to increase the total amount of the EU guarantee available for the EU compartment under the InvestEU Regulation to EUR 7,5 billion,47 taking into account the relevant provisioning rate. EUR 0.5 billion should be made available to increase the financial envelope under the Horizon Europe Regulation,48 which should be amended accordingly; and EUR 1.5 billion to the European Defence Fund.49 _________________ 46 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32). 47 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 establishing the InvestEU Programme (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30). 48 Regulation (EU) 2021/695 establishing Horizon Europe (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1). 49 Regulation (EU) 2021/697 establishing the European Defense Fund (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 149.)

Amendment 25 #

Irène TOLLERET, Stéphane BIJOUX, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Laurence FARRENG

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7

(7) The STEP should identify resources which should be implemented within the existing Union programmes and funds, the InvestEU, Horizon Europe, European Defence Fund and Innovation Fund. This should be accompanied by providing additional funding of EUR 10 billion, by means of the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework. Of this, EUR 5 billion should be used to increase the endowment of the Innovation Fund46 and EUR 3 billion to increase the total amount of the EU guarantee available for the EU compartment under the InvestEU Regulation to EUR 7,5 billion,47 taking into account the relevant provisioning rate. EUR 0.5 billion should be made available to increase the financial envelope under the Horizon Europe Regulation,48 which should be amended accordingly; and EUR 1.5 billion to the European Defence Fund.49 _________________ 46 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32). 47 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 establishing the InvestEU Programme (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30). 48 Regulation (EU) 2021/695 establishing Horizon Europe (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1). 49 Regulation (EU) 2021/697 establishing the European Defense Fund (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 149.)

Amendment 26 #

Lina GÁLVEZ, Estrella DURÁ FERRANDIS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Marc ANGEL

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15 a (new)

(15a) In order to increase the resilience of the European Union in view of future crises, a minimum of 30% of the STEP funding should be allocated for social investments, inter alia to strengthen social welfare systems, and to provide affordable housing and social services for vulnerable groups.

Amendment 26 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7

(7) The STEP should identify resources which should be implemented within the existing Union programmes and funds, the InvestEU, Horizon Europe, European Defence Fund and Innovation Fund. This should be accompanied by providing additional funding of EUR 105 billion. ~~Of this~~In addition, EUR 5 billion worth of ETS allowances should be used to increase the endowment of the Innovation Fund46 and EUR 3 billion to increase the total amount of the EU guarantee available for the EU compartment under the InvestEU Regulation to EUR 7,5 billion,47 taking into account the relevant provisioning rate. EUR 0.5 billion should be made available to increase the financial envelope under the Horizon Europe Regulation,48 which should be amended accordingly; and EUR 1.5 billion to the European Defence Fund.49 _________________ 46 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32). 47 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 establishing the InvestEU Programme (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30). 48 Regulation (EU) 2021/695 establishing Horizon Europe (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1). 49 Regulation (EU) 2021/697 establishing the European Defense Fund (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 149.)

Amendment 26 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7

(7) The STEP should identify resources which should be implemented within the existing Union programmes and funds, the InvestEU, Horizon Europe, European Defence Fund and Innovation Fund. This should be accompanied by providing additional funding of EUR 105 billion. ~~Of this~~In addition, EUR 5 billion worth of ETS allowances should be used to increase the endowment of the Innovation Fund46 and EUR 3 billion to increase the total amount of the EU guarantee available for the EU compartment under the InvestEU Regulation to EUR 7,5 billion,47 taking into account the relevant provisioning rate. EUR 0.5 billion should be made available to increase the financial envelope under the Horizon Europe Regulation,48 which should be amended accordingly; and EUR 1.5 billion to the European Defence Fund.49 _________________ 46 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32). 47 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 establishing the InvestEU Programme (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30). 48 Regulation (EU) 2021/695 establishing Horizon Europe (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1). 49 Regulation (EU) 2021/697 establishing the European Defense Fund (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 149.)

Amendment 27 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre-financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre-financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities ~~are encouraged to~~should apply certain social criteria orand promote social positive outcomes, such as creating apprenticeships and jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. __________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 27 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8

(8) A Sovereignty Seal should be awarded to projects contributing to the STEP objectives, provided that the project has been assessed and complies with the minimum quality requirements, in particular eligibility, exclusion and award criteria, provided by a call for proposals under Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe programme50, the EU4Health programme51 , the European Defence Fund or the Innovation Fund, and regardless of whether the project has received funding under those instruments. The process for verifying the eligibility and evaluation criteria should be transparent and fair. These minimum quality requirements will be established with a view to identify high quality projects. This Seal should be used as a quality label, to help projects attract public and private investments by certifying its contribution to the STEP objectives. Moreover, the Seal will promote better access to EU funding, notably by facilitating cumulative or combined funding from several Union instruments. _________________ 50 Regulation (EU) 2021/694 establishing the Digital Europe Programme (OJ L 166, 11.5.2021, p. 1). 51 Regulation (EU) 2021/522 establishing a Programme for the Union’s action in the field of health, EU4Health Programme (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 1).

Amendment 27 #

Lina GÁLVEZ, Estrella DURÁ FERRANDIS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Marc ANGEL

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8

Amendment 28 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre-financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre-financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities ~~are encouraged to~~should apply certain social criteria or promote social positive outcomes, such as creating apprenticeships and jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. __________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 28 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9

(9) To that end, it should be possible to rely on assessments made for the purposes of other Union programmes in accordance with Articles 126 and 127 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046,52 in order to reduce administrative burden for beneficiaries of Union funds and encourage investment in priority technologies. Provided they comply with the provisions of the RRF Regulation,53 Member States should consider including actions awarded the Sovereignty Seal when pre~~par~~vising their recovery and resilience plans and when proposing their Recovering and Resilience Plans and when deciding on investment projects to be financed from its share of the Modernisation Fund. The Sovereignty Seal should also be taken into account by the Commission in the context of the procedure provided for in Article 19 of the EIB Statute and of the policy check laid down in Article 23 of the InvestEU Regulation. In addition, the implementing partners should be required to examine projects having been awarded the Sovereignty Seal in case they fall within their geographic and activity scope in accordance with Article 26(5) of that Regulation. Authorities in charge of programmes falling under STEP should also be encouraged to consider support for strategic projects identified in accordance with the Net Zero Industry and the Critical Raw Materials Acts that are within the scope of Article 2 of the Regulation and for which rules on cumulative funding may apply. _________________ 52 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p. 1). 53 Regulation (EU) 2021/241 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17).

Amendment 28 #

Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE, Catherine AMALRIC, Sylvie BRUNET, Ilana CICUREL, Max ORVILLE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9

Amendment 29 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre-financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre-financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities ~~are encouraged to~~should apply certain social criteria or promote social positive outcomes, such as creating apprenticeships and jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. __________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 29 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10

(10) A new publicly available website (the ‘Sovereignty Portal’) should be set up by the Commission to provide information on available support to companies and project promoters seeking funds for STEP investments. To that end, it should display in an accessible and user-friendly manner the funding opportunities for STEP investments available under the EU budget. This should include information about directly managed programmes, such as Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe programme, the EU4Health programme, and the Innovation Fund, and also other programmes such as InvestEU, the RRF, and cohesion policy funds. Moreover, the Sovereignty Portal should help increase the visibility for STEP investments towards investors, by listing the projects that have been awarded a Sovereignty Seal. The Portal should also list the national competent authorities responsible for acting as contact points for the implementation of the STEP at national level. There could also be an interactive aspect to the Portal to enable users to introduce their project specifications and receive personalised advice.

Amendment 29 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10

(10) A new publicly available website (the ‘Sovereignty Portal’) should be set up by the Commission to provide information on available support to companies and project promoters seeking funds for STEP investments. To that end, it should display in an accessible and user-friendly manner the funding opportunities for STEP investments available under the EU budget. This should include information about directly managed programmes, such as Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe programme, the EU4Health programme, and the Innovation Fund, and also other programmes such as InvestEU, the RRF, and cohesion policy funds. Moreover, the Sovereignty Portal should help increase the visibility for STEP investments towards investors, by listing the projects that have been awarded a Sovereignty Seal. The Portal should also list the national competent authorities responsible for acting as contact points for the implementation of the STEP at national level. There could also be an interactive aspect to the Portal to enable users to introduce their project specifications and receive personalised advice.

Amendment 3 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2

(2) The EU industry has proven its inbuilt resilience but is being challenged. High inflation, labour shortages and mismatches, post- COVID supply chains disruptions, rising interest rates, and spikes in energy costs and input prices are weighing on the competitiveness of the EU industry. This is paired with strong~~, but not always~~ and unfair, competition on the fragmented global market. The EU has already put forward several initiatives to support its industry, such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40 the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State aid,43 and REPowerEU.44 While these solutions provide ~~fast and targeted~~ support, the EU needs a more structural answer to the investment needs of its industries and citizens, safeguarding cohesion and the level playing field in the Single Market and to reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies. __________________ 40 Communication on A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM(2023) 62 final. 41 COM(2023) 160 final 42 COM(2023) 161 final 43 Communication on a Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State Aid measures (OJ C 101, 17.3.2023, p. 3). 44 Regulation (EU) 2023/435 as regards REPowerEU (OJ L 63, 28.2.2023, p. 1).

Amendment 3 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, nuclear; renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infratructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission ~~may~~will issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 3 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2

(2) ~~The EU industry has proven its inbuilt resilience but is being challenged.~~ High inflation, labour shortages, post- COVID supply chains disruptions, rising interest rates, and spikes in energy costs and input prices are weighing on the competitiveness of the EU industry. This is paired with strong, but not always fair, competition on the fragmented global market. The EU has already put forward several initiatives to support its industry, such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40 the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State aid,43 and REPowerEU.44 While these solutions provide fast and targeted support, the EU needs a more structural answer to the investment needs of its industries, safeguarding cohesion and the level playing field in the Single Market and to reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies. _________________ 40 Communication on A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM(2023) 62 final. 41 COM(2023) 160 final 42 COM(2023) 161 final 43 Communication on a Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State Aid measures (OJ C 101, 17.3.2023, p. 3). 44 Regulation (EU) 2023/435 as regards REPowerEU (OJ L 63, 28.2.2023, p. 1).

Amendment 3 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2

Amendment 30 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre-financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre-financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities ~~are encouraged to apply certain~~should apply social criteria orand promote social positive outcomes, such as creating paid apprenticeships and jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. __________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 30 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10

(10) A new publicly available website (the ‘Sovereignty Portal’) should be set up by the Commission to provide information on available support to companies, including SMEs, and project promoters seeking funds for STEP investments. To that end, it should display in an accessible and user-friendly manner the funding opportunities for STEP investments available under the EU budget. This should include information about directly managed programmes, such as Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe programme, the EU4Health programme, and the Innovation Fund, and also other programmes such as InvestEU, the RRF, and cohesion policy funds. Moreover, the Sovereignty Portal should help increase the visibility for STEP investments towards investors, by listing the projects that have been awarded a Sovereignty Seal. The Portal should also list the national competent authorities responsible for acting as contact points for the implementation of the STEP at national level.

Amendment 30 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10

Amendment 31 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. To strengthen European sovereignty and security, accelerate the Union’s green and digital transitions and enhance its competitiveness, reduce its strategic dependencies mainly on undemocratic regimes, favour a level playing field in the Single Market for investments throughout the Union, and promote inclusive access to attractive, quality jobs, the Platform shall pursue the following objectives:

Amendment 31 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)

(10a) The Portal must be available in all the official EU languages to ensure that the information is accessible to all Member States;

Amendment 31 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)

(10a) The Portal must be available in all the official EU languages to ensure that the information is accessible to all Member States;

Amendment 32 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. To strengthen European sovereignty and security, accelerate the Union’s green and digital transitions and enhance its competitiveness, reduce its strategic dependencies, favour a level playing field in the Single Market for investments throughout the Union, and promote inclusive access to training and attractive, quality jobs, the Platform shall pursue the following objectives:

Amendment 32 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

Amendment 32 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

Amendment 33 #

Irène TOLLERET, Stéphane BIJOUX, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Laurence FARRENG

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. To strengthen European sovereignty and security, accelerate the Union’s green and digital transitions and enhance its competitiveness, reduce its strategic dependencies, favour a level playing field in the Single Market for investments throughout the Union, and promote inclusive access to attractive, quality jobs and training, the Platform shall pursue the following objectives:

Amendment 33 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

(11) While the STEP relies on the reprogramming and reinforcement of existing programmes for supporting strategic investments, it is also an important element for testing the feasibility and preparation of new interventions as a step towards a European Sovereignty Fund. The European Sovereignty Fund should strengthen the Union's strategic autonomy in key sectors while supporting the completion of the green and digital transitions. The evaluation in 2025 will assess the relevance of the actions undertaken and serve as basis for assessing the need for an upscaling of the support towards strategic sectors.

Amendment 33 #

Irène TOLLERET, Stéphane BIJOUX, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Laurence FARRENG

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

Amendment 34 #

Lina GÁLVEZ, Estrella DURÁ FERRANDIS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. To strengthen European sovereignty and security, accelerate the Union’s green and digital transitions and enhance its competitiveness, reduce its strategic dependencies, favour a level playing field in the Single Market for investments throughout the Union, and promote inclusive access to training and attractive, quality jobs for all, the Platform shall ~~pursue the following objectives~~:

Amendment 34 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

(11) While the STEP relies on the reprogramming and reinforcement of existing programmes for supporting strategic investments, it is also an important ~~element for testing the feasibility and preparation of new interventions as a step towards a~~step towards the creation of a dedicated European Sovereignty Fund post 2027. The evaluation in 2025 will assess the relevance of the actions undertaken and serve as basis for assessing the need for an upscaling of the support towards strategic sectors.

Amendment 34 #

Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE, Catherine AMALRIC, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Sylvie BRUNET, Ilana CICUREL, Max ORVILLE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

Amendment 35 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. To strengthen European sovereignty and security, accelerate the Union’s green and digital transitions and enhance its competitiveness, reduce its strategic dependencies, favour a level playing field in the Single Market for investments throughout the Union, and promote inclusive access to training and attractive, quality jobs, the Platform shall ~~pursue the following objectives~~:

Amendment 35 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

(11) While the STEP relies on the reprogramming and reinforcement of existing programmes for supporting strategic investments, it is also a~~n important element for testing the feasibility and preparation of new interventions as a step towards~~ critical test towards the establishment of a European Sovereignty Fund. TAt the latest with the evaluation in 2025 ~~will assess~~ the relevance of the actions undertaken anwill be assessed and the evaluation could serve as basis for assessing the need for an upscaling of the support towards strategic sectors.

Amendment 35 #

Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE, Catherine AMALRIC, Sylvie BRUNET, Ilana CICUREL, Max ORVILLE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

Amendment 36 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part

(a) support~~ing~~ the development or manufacturing throughout the Union, or safeguard~~ing~~ and strengthen~~ing~~ the respective value chains, of critical technologies in the following fields:

Amendment 36 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

(12) Directive 2003/87/EC54 should be amended to allow for additional financing with a financial envelope for the period 2024-2027 of EUR 5 billion. The Innovation Fund supports investments in innovative low-carbon technologies, which is a scope that is to be covered by the STEP. The increase in volume of the Innovation Fund should therefore allow to provide financing responding to the objective of supporting the development or manufacturing in the Union of critical clean technologies. In line with the objectives of ensuring cohesion and promoting the Single Market, and in order to support the green transition and the development of clean technologies throughout the Union, the additional financial envelope should be made available through calls for proposals open to entities from Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017. In addition, the additional financial envelope should be made available also to support entities participating in the IPCEIs in critical clean technologies. _________________ 54 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).

Amendment 36 #

Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE, Catherine AMALRIC, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Sylvie BRUNET, Ilana CICUREL, Max ORVILLE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

(12) Directive 2003/87/EC54 should be amended to allow for additional financing with a financial envelope for the period 2024-2027 of EUR 5 billion. The Innovation Fund supports investments in innovative low-carbon technologies, which is a scope that is to be covered by the STEP. The increase in volume of the Innovation Fund should therefore allow to provide financing responding to the objective of supporting the development or manufacturing in the Union of critical clean technologies. In line with the objectives of ensuring cohesion and promoting the Single Market, and in order to support the green transition and the development of clean technologies throughout the Union, the additional financial envelope should be made available through calls for proposals open to entities from Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017. In addition, the additional financial envelope should be made available also to support entities participating in the IPCEIs in critical clean technologies. _________________ 54 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).

Amendment 37 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii

(ii) clean technologies, included those listed in [Regulation 2023/0081]

Amendment 37 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

Amendment 37 #

Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE, Catherine AMALRIC, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Sylvie BRUNET, Ilana CICUREL, Max ORVILLE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

Amendment 38 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

~~(b) addressing shortages of labour and skills critical to all kinds of quality jobs in support of the objective under point (a).~~deleted

Amendment 38 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities.The resources programmed for these new specific objectives should be limited to a maximum of 5 % of the initial national allocation of the ERDF. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 38 #

Lina GÁLVEZ, Estrella DURÁ FERRANDIS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Marc ANGEL

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

Amendment 39 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

~~(b) addressing shortages of labour and skills critical to all kinds of quality jobs in support of the objective under point (a).~~deleted

Amendment 39 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems. In synergy with the Harnessing Talent initiative, managing authorities should facilitate partnerships between large enterprises and local universities in order to mitigate brain drain, enhance innovation, foster economic growth, and advance social progress in less developed regions. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 39 #

Lina GÁLVEZ, Estrella DURÁ FERRANDIS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Marc ANGEL

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems. In synergy with the Harnessing Talent initiative, managing authorities should facilitate partnerships between large enterprises and local universities in order to mitigate brain drain, enhance innovation, foster economic growth, and advance social progress in less developed regions. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 4 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3

(3) The uptake and scaling up in the Union of deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies will be essential to seize the opportunities and meet the objectives of the green and digital transitions, thus promoting the competitiveness of the European industry and its sustainability. Therefore, immediate action is required to support the development or manufacturing in the Union of such technologies, safeguarding and strengthening their value chains thereby reducing the Union’s strategic dependencies, and addressing existing labour and skills shortages in those sectors through trainings and apprenticeships and the creation of attractive, quality jobs accessible to all. Union policies should ensure regional and social cohesion in view of overcoming structural differences between regions as well as social inequalities, including inequalities between women and men and the issue of brain drain.

Amendment 4 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to ~~boost the activation of more people~~restrict access to the labour market to people who are relevant for strategic sectors, ~~in particular through the creation of~~and to create jobs and apprenticeships for young~~, disadvantaged persons~~ people, in particular~~, young peopl~~ those not in employment, education or training. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 . _________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 4 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)

(2a) Whereas STEP, in order to reach its goal of structural investments in high technology industry and to avoid overlaps has to be closely coordinated with the existing EU initiatives to support the industry;

Amendment 4 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)

Amendment 40 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

~~(b) addressing shortages of labour and skills critical to all kinds of quality jobs in support of the objective under point (a).~~deleted

Amendment 40 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 40 #

Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE, Catherine AMALRIC, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Sylvie BRUNET, Ilana CICUREL, Max ORVILLE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 41 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)

While following this objective, the Platform shall contribute to addressing shortages of labour and skills critical to all kinds of quality jobs related to technologies listed under points (i), (ii) and (iii) and apply social criteria in order to contribute to the achievement of social positive outcomes. Addressing the skills shortages in these technologies shall be made in close cooperation with existing education and training initiatives, in particular the European Net Zero Industry Academies, not least by using the learning content developed by them.

Amendment 41 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems, especially those which enforces the employment of long-term unemployed and marginalised groups through their corporate social responsibility strategies. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 41 #

Lina GÁLVEZ, Estrella DURÁ FERRANDIS, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Marc ANGEL, Alicia HOMS GINEL

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems, especially those which enforces the employment of long-term unemployed and marginalised groups through their corporate social responsibility strategies. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 42 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)

Amendment 42 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, and mid-caps which remain the focus and which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, territories defined in the Just Transition Plans, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 42 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, and mid-caps which remain the focus and which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, territories defined in the Just Transition Plans, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 43 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)

While pursuing this objective, the Platform shall contribute to lifelong learning for all kinds of quality jobs related to technologies listed under points (i), (ii) and (iii) and apply social criteria in order to contribute to the achievement of social positive outcomes. Addressing the skills shortages in these technologies shall be done in close cooperation with the social partners.

Amendment 43 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions~~, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average~~. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 43 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions~~, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average~~. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 44 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. While pursuing these objectives, the Platform shall contribute to lifelong learning for all kinds of jobs related to technologies listed under points (i), (ii) and (iii) and apply social criteria in order to contribute to the achievement of social positive outcomes and the creation of quality jobs. Addressing the skills needs for these technologies shall be made in close cooperation with social partners as well as existing education and training initiatives, including the European Net Zero Industry Academies.

Amendment 44 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration and partnerships between large enterprises and in particular local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 44 #

Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE, Catherine AMALRIC, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Sylvie BRUNET, Ilana CICUREL, Max ORVILLE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration and partnerships between large enterprises and in particular local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 45 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. The social criteria referred to in paragraph 1 includes the compliance with Union and national labour law, social rights and workers’ rights as well as with applicable collective agreements. It also includes well-defined objectives in terms of skilling, upskilling and reskilling workers, and the promotion of inclusive labour markets through measures aimed at improving gender equality and diversity at work, such as via the inclusion of people with disability or young people not in education, training or employment (NEETs), or at developing quality and paid apprenticeships. These social criteria shall also be part of the assessment in public procurement procedures when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement.

Amendment 45 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new ~~specific objectives under the ERDF~~intervention fields, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 45 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new ~~specific objectives under the ERDF~~intervention fields, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 46 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. The social criteria referred to in paragraph 1a includes the compliance with Union and national labour law, social rights and workers’ rights as well as with applicable collective agreements. It also includes well-defined objectives in terms of skilling, upskilling and reskilling workers, and the promotion of inclusive labour markets through measures aimed at improving gender equality and diversity at work, such as via the inclusion of people with disability or young people not in education, training or employment (NEETs), or at developing quality and paid apprenticeships. These social criteria shall also be part of the assessment in public procurement procedures when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement.

Amendment 46 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14

(14) TWhe ~~scope of support of the JTF, laid down in Regulation (EU) 2021/1056,57 should also be extended to cover investments in clean t~~reas the establishment of a Just Transition Fund (JTF) is aimed at supporting regions and territories most affected by the transition towards a climate-neutral echonologies contributing to the objectives of the STEP by large enterprises, provided that they are compatible with the expected contribution to the transition to climate neutrality as set out in the territorial just transition plans. The support provided for such investments should not require a revision of the territorial just transition plan where that revision would be exclusively linked to the gap analysis justifying the investment from the perspective of job creation. _________________ 57 Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 establishing the Just Transition Fund (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 1)my and by phasing out of coal and other carbon-intensive industries which is a key component of a resilient and future oriented industry; whereas JTF clearly promotes a just and social green transition by financing the diversification and modernisation of the local economy and by mitigating the potential negative repercussions on employment which is a key Union priority; whereas the Fund is not endowed with sufficient resources to sufficiently address regional and local needs and no further reduction of its budgetary allocation should be then allowed.

Amendment 46 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14

Amendment 47 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. The social criteria referred to in paragraph 1 includes the compliance with Union and national labour law, social rights and workers’ rights as well as with applicable collective agreements. It also includes well-defined objectives in terms of skilling, upskilling and reskilling workers, and the promotion of inclusive labour markets through measures aimed at improving gender equality and diversity at work, such as the inclusion of people with disability or young people not in education, training or employment (NEETs), or at developing quality and paid apprenticeships. These social criteria shall also be part of the assessment in public procurement procedures when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement.

Amendment 47 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14

(14) The scope of support of the JTF, laid down in Regulation (EU) 2021/1056,57 should also be extended to cover ~~investments in clean technologies contributing to the objectives of the STEP by large enterpris~~projects to address shortages of labour and skills critical to quality jobs in support of the STEP objectives to promote investments in clean technologies, provided that they are compatible with the expected contribution to the transition to climate neutrality as set out in the territorial just transition plans. The support provided for such investments should not require a revision of the territorial just transition plan where that revision would be exclusively linked to the gap analysis justifying the investment from the perspective of job creation. _________________ 57 Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 establishing the Just Transition Fund (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 1).

Amendment 47 #

Lina GÁLVEZ, Estrella DURÁ FERRANDIS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Marc ANGEL

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14

Amendment 48 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. The social criteria referred to in paragraph 1 includes the compliance with Union and national labour law, social rights and workers’ rights as well as with applicable collective agreements. It also includes well-defined objectives in terms of skilling, upskilling and reskilling of workers, and the promotion of inclusive labour markets through measures aimed at improving gender equality and diversity at work, such as via the inclusion of people with disability or young people not in education, training or employment (NEETs), or the provision of quality and paid apprenticeships. These social criteria shall also be part of the selection and assessment in public procurement procedures.

Amendment 48 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one- off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre- financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre-financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities are encouraged to apply certain social criteria orand promote social positive outcomes, such as creating apprenticeships and jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. ~~_________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).~~

Amendment 48 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one- off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre- financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre-financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities are encouraged to apply certain social criteria orand promote social positive outcomes, such as creating apprenticeships and jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. ~~_________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).~~

Amendment 49 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3

1. Implementation of the Platform shall be supported, in particular, through: (a) Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/523 with the indicative amount of EUR 7 500 000 000 That guarantee shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/523; (b) current prices of the financial envelope referred to in point (i) of Article 12(2)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2021/695. That amount shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/695; (c) in current prices of the financial envelope referred to in the sixth subparagraph of Article 10a(8) of Directive 2003/87/EC. That amount shall be implemented within the Innovation Fund in accordance with the rules of Article 10a(8) of Directive 2003/87/EC and Commission Delegated Regulation [2019/856]. (d) in current prices of the financial envelopArticle 3 Article 3 Financial Support Financial Support 1. Implementation of the Platform shall be supported by already existing social funds. a Union guarantee referred to in ~~Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/697. That amount shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/697. 2. paragraph 1 shall be used with the aim of achieving the objective~~an amount of EUR 500 000 000 in an amount of EUR 5 000 000 000 An amount of EUR 1 500 000 000 The amounts referred to in ~~Article 2.~~the

Amendment 49 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre-financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre-financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. In the allocation of JTF funding, it is advisable to consider the ramifications of various apportionment strategies on the debt servicing expenses associated with the financing derived from the Next Generation EU initiative. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities are encouraged to apply certain social criteria or promote social positive outcomes, such as creating apprenticeships and jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. _________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 49 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre-financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre-financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. In the allocation of JTF funding, it is advisable to consider the ramifications of various apportionment strategies on the debt servicing expenses associated with the financing derived from the Next Generation EU initiative. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities are encouraged to apply certain social criteria or promote social positive outcomes, such as creating apprenticeships and jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. _________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 5 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3

(3) The uptake and scaling up in the Union of deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies will be essential to seize the opportunities and meet the objectives of the green and digital transitions, thus promoting the competitiveness of the European industry and its sustainability. Therefore, immediate action is required to support the development or manufacturing in the Union of such technologies, safeguarding and strengthening their value chains thereby reducing the Union’s strategic dependencies mainly on undemocratic regimes, and addressing existing labour and skills shortages in those sectors through the cooperation with educational institutions, trainings and apprenticeships and the creation of attractive, quality jobs accessible to all.

Amendment 5 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Josianne CUTAJAR, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9

(9) To that end, it should be possible to rely on assessments made for the purposes of other Union programmes in accordance with Articles 126 and 127 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046,52 in order to reduce administrative burden for beneficiaries of Union funds and encourage investment in priority technologies. Provided they comply with the provisions of the RRF Regulation,53 Member States should consider including actions awarded the Sovereignty Seal when preparing their recovery and resilience plans and when proposing their Recovering and Resilience Plans and when deciding on investment projects to be financed from its share of the Modernisation Fund in accordance with Article 10d and 10f of Directive 2003/87/EC, while promoting a just and inclusive transition. The Sovereignty Seal should also be taken into account by the Commission in the context of the procedure provided for in Article 19 of the EIB Statute and of the policy check laid down in Article 23 of the InvestEU Regulation. In addition, the implementing partners should be required to examine projects having been awarded the Sovereignty Seal in case they fall within their geographic and activity scope in accordance with Article 26(5) of that Regulation. Authorities in charge of programmes falling under STEP should also be encouraged to consider support for strategic projects identified in accordance with the Net Zero Industry and the Critical Raw Materials Acts that are within the scope of Article 2 of the Regulation and for which rules on cumulative funding may apply. _________________ 52 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p. 1). 53 Regulation (EU) 2021/241 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17).

Amendment 5 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3

(3) The uptake and scaling up in the Union of deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies will be essential to seize the opportunities and meet the objectives of the green and digital transitions, thus promoting the competitiveness of the European industry and its sustainability and in the same time to further preserve economic, social, and territorial cohesion and solidarity among member states and their regions. Therefore, immediate action is required to support the development or manufacturing in the Union of such technologies, safeguarding and strengthening their value chains thereby reducing the Union’s strategic dependencies, and addressing existing labour and skills shortages in those sectors through trainings and apprenticeships and the creation of attractive, quality jobs accessible to all., as well as to reduce disparities in development of the various regions;

Amendment 5 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Josianne CUTAJAR, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3

(3) The uptake and scaling up in the Union of deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies will be essential to seize the opportunities and meet the objectives of the green and digital transitions, thus promoting the competitiveness of the European industry and its sustainability and in the same time to further preserve economic, social, and territorial cohesion and solidarity among member states and their regions. Therefore, immediate action is required to support the development or manufacturing in the Union of such technologies, safeguarding and strengthening their value chains thereby reducing the Union’s strategic dependencies, and addressing existing labour and skills shortages in those sectors through trainings and apprenticeships and the creation of attractive, quality jobs accessible to all., as well as to reduce disparities in development of the various regions;

Amendment 50 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall award a Sovereignty Seal to any action contributing to any of the Platform objectives, provided the action has been assessed and complies with the minimum quality requirements, in particular eligibility, exclusion and award criteria, provided by a call for proposals under Regulation (EU) 2021/695, Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Regulation (EU) 2021/697, Regulation (EU) 2021/522, or Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/856, and complies with the requirements referred to in paragraph 2a.

Amendment 50 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre-financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation ~~and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives~~. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre- financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities ~~are encouraged to~~should apply certain strict social criteria in order tor promote social positive outcomes, such as creating paid apprenticeships and quality jobs for young persons from disadvantaged ~~persons~~background, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. _________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 50 #

Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE, Catherine AMALRIC, Sylvie BRUNET, Ilana CICUREL, Max ORVILLE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre-financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation ~~and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives~~. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre- financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities ~~are encouraged to~~should apply certain strict social criteria in order tor promote social positive outcomes, such as creating paid apprenticeships and quality jobs for young persons from disadvantaged ~~persons~~background, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. _________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 51 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall award a Sovereignty Seal to any action contributing to ~~any of~~ the Platform objectives, provided the action has been assessed and complies with the minimum quality requirements, in particular eligibility, exclusion and award criteria, provided by a call for proposals under Regulation (EU) 2021/695, Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Regulation (EU) 2021/697, Regulation (EU) 2021/522, or Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/856.

Amendment 51 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre-financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre-financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities are encouraged to apply certain social criteria or promote social positive outcomes, such as creating apprenticeships and jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. _________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 51 #

Lina GÁLVEZ, Estrella DURÁ FERRANDIS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Marc ANGEL

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre-financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre-financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities are encouraged to apply certain social criteria or promote social positive outcomes, such as creating apprenticeships and jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. _________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 52 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1

Amendment 52 #

Irène TOLLERET, Stéphane BIJOUX, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Laurence FARRENG

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre-financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre-financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for a~~n increased~~ maximum EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities are encouraged to apply certain social criteria or promote social positive outcomes, such as creating apprenticeships and jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. _________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 52 #

Irène TOLLERET, Stéphane BIJOUX, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Laurence FARRENG

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre-financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre-financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for a~~n increased~~ maximum EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities are encouraged to apply certain social criteria or promote social positive outcomes, such as creating apprenticeships and jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. _________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 53 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. The award of the Sovereignty Seal shall be conditional to the compliance of the project with Union’s and national labour law, social rights and workers’ rights, as well as applicable collective agreements. The award of the Sovereignty Seal shall be subject to social sustainability considerations going beyond the minimum Union and national legal requirements in the area of labour law, social rights and workers’ rights, with fair and adequate wages, well- defined plans in terms of skilling, reskilling and upskilling, measures to improve gender equality and diversity at work, and quality and paid apprenticeships, as well as a commitment not to relocate production outside of the Union within the 5 years following the award of the Sovereignty Seal.

Amendment 53 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to ~~the priorities dedicated to~~ investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre- financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre- financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP ~~prioritie~~investments should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities are encouraged to apply certain social criteria or promote social positive outcomes, such as creating apprenticeships and jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. _________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 53 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to ~~the priorities dedicated to~~ investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre- financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre- financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP ~~prioritie~~investments should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities are encouraged to apply certain social criteria or promote social positive outcomes, such as creating apprenticeships and jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. _________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 54 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. The award of the Sovereignty Seal shall be conditional to the compliance of the project with Union’s and national labour law, social rights and workers’ rights, as well as applicable collective agreements. The award of a Sovereignty Seal shall be subject to social sustainability considerations going beyond the minimum Union and national legal requirements in the area of labour law, social rights and workers’ rights, with fair and adequate wages, well- defined plans in terms of skilling, reskilling and upskilling, measures to improve gender equality and diversity at work, and quality and paid apprenticeships, as well as a commitment not to relocate production outside of the Union within the 5 years following the award of the Sovereignty Seal.

Amendment 54 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18

(18) The regulatory framework for the implementation of the 2014-2020 programmes has been adapted over the past years to provide Member States and regions with additional with additional flexibility in terms of implementation rules and more liquidity to tackle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war or aggression against Ukraine. These measures, introduced at the end of the programming period, require sufficient time and administrative resources to be fully exploited and implemented; also at a time where Member States will focus resources on revising the 2021-2027 operational programmes linked to the STEP objectives. With a view to alleviate the administrative burden on programme authorities and to prevent possible loss of funds at closure for purely administrative reasons, the deadlines for the administrative closure of the programmes under the 2014-2020 period should be extended in Regulation (EU) No 1303/201361 and Regulation (EU) No 223/201462 . More specifically, the deadline for the submission of that final payment application should be extended by 12 months. Furthermore, the deadline for the submission of the closure documents should also be extended by 12 months. Therefore, Member States may submit the final payment application for each programme any time by 31 July 2025 and the closure documents any time by 15 February 2026. In the context of this amendment, it is appropriate to clarify that distribution of food and material bought until the end of the eligibility period (end- 2023) may continue after that date. In order to ensure a sound implementation of the EU budget and respect for the payment ceilings, payments to be made in 2025 following the interim payment applications submitted by the certifying authority after 31 October 2024 should be capped at 1 % of the financial appropriations from resources under the Multiannual Financial Framework per programme. Amounts due exceeding the ceiling of 1% of programme appropriations per fund for 2025 would not be paid in 2025 nor in subsequent years but only used for the clearance of pre-financing. Unused amounts shall be decommitted in accordance with the general rules for decommitment at closure. _________________ 61 Regulation (EU) 1303/2013 laying down common provisions (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320). 62 Regulation (EU) 223/2014 on the Fund for European Aid on the Most Deprived (OJ L 72, 12.3.2014, p. 1).

Amendment 54 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18

Amendment 55 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Josianne CUTAJAR, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6

6. Strategic projects complying with the requirements referred to in paragraph 2a and identified in accordance with the [Net Zero Industry Act] and the [Critical Raw Materials Act] within the scope of Article 2 that receive a contribution under the Programmes refered to in Article 3 may also receive a contribution from any other Union programme, including Funds under shared management, provided that the contributions do not cover the same costs. The rules of the relevant Union programme shall apply to the corresponding contribution to the strategic project. The cumulative funding shall not exceed the total eligible costs of the strategic project. The support from the different Union programmes may be calculated on a pro- rata basis in accordance with the documents setting out the conditions for support.

Amendment 55 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18

(18) The regulatory framework for the implementation of the 2014-2020 programmes has been adapted over the past years to provide Member States and regions with additional with additional flexibility in terms of implementation rules and more liquidity to tackle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war or aggression against Ukraine. These measures, introduced at the end of the programming period, require sufficient time and administrative resources to be fully exploited and implemented; also at a time where Member States will focus resources on revising the 2021-2027 operational programmes linked to the STEP objectives. With a view to alleviate the administrative burden on programme authorities and to prevent possible loss of funds at closure for purely administrative reasons, the deadlines for the administrative closure of the programmes under the 2014-2020 period should be extended in Regulation (EU) No 1303/201361 and Regulation (EU) No 223/201462 . More specifically, the deadline for the submission of that final payment application should be extended by 12 months. Furthermore, the deadline for the submission of the closure documents should also be extended by 12 months. The last accounting year of the period should accordingly be extended until June 30, 2025 in order to give Member States sufficient time to finalise the processes linked to the closure of projects. In the context of this amendment, it is appropriate to clarify that distribution of food and material bought until the end of the eligibility period (end-2023) may continue after that date. In order to ensure a sound implementation of the EU budget and respect for the payment ceilings, payments to be made in 2025 should be capped at 1 % of the financial appropriations from resources under the Multiannual Financial Framework per programme. Amounts due exceeding the ceiling of 1% of programme appropriations per fund for 2025 would not be paid in 2025 nor in subsequent years but only used for the clearance of pre- financing. Unused amounts shall be decommitted in accordance with the general rules for decommitment at closure. _________________ 61 Regulation (EU) 1303/2013 laying down common provisions (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320). 62 Regulation (EU) 223/2014 on the Fund for European Aid on the Most Deprived (OJ L 72, 12.3.2014, p. 1).

Amendment 55 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Josianne CUTAJAR, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18

(18) The regulatory framework for the implementation of the 2014-2020 programmes has been adapted over the past years to provide Member States and regions with additional with additional flexibility in terms of implementation rules and more liquidity to tackle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war or aggression against Ukraine. These measures, introduced at the end of the programming period, require sufficient time and administrative resources to be fully exploited and implemented; also at a time where Member States will focus resources on revising the 2021-2027 operational programmes linked to the STEP objectives. With a view to alleviate the administrative burden on programme authorities and to prevent possible loss of funds at closure for purely administrative reasons, the deadlines for the administrative closure of the programmes under the 2014-2020 period should be extended in Regulation (EU) No 1303/201361 and Regulation (EU) No 223/201462 . More specifically, the deadline for the submission of that final payment application should be extended by 12 months. Furthermore, the deadline for the submission of the closure documents should also be extended by 12 months. The last accounting year of the period should accordingly be extended until June 30, 2025 in order to give Member States sufficient time to finalise the processes linked to the closure of projects. In the context of this amendment, it is appropriate to clarify that distribution of food and material bought until the end of the eligibility period (end-2023) may continue after that date. In order to ensure a sound implementation of the EU budget and respect for the payment ceilings, payments to be made in 2025 should be capped at 1 % of the financial appropriations from resources under the Multiannual Financial Framework per programme. Amounts due exceeding the ceiling of 1% of programme appropriations per fund for 2025 would not be paid in 2025 nor in subsequent years but only used for the clearance of pre- financing. Unused amounts shall be decommitted in accordance with the general rules for decommitment at closure. _________________ 61 Regulation (EU) 1303/2013 laying down common provisions (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320). 62 Regulation (EU) 223/2014 on the Fund for European Aid on the Most Deprived (OJ L 72, 12.3.2014, p. 1).

Amendment 56 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. The Commission shall establish a dedicated publicly available website (the ‘Sovereignty portal’) accessible to all users including users with disabilities, providing investors with information about funding opportunities for projects linked to the Platform objectives and grant visibility to those projects, in particular by displaying the following information:

Amendment 56 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18

(18) The regulatory framework for the implementation of the 2014-2020 programmes has been adapted over the past years to provide Member States and regions with additional with additional flexibility in terms of implementation rules and more liquidity to tackle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war or aggression against Ukraine. These measures, introduced at the end of the programming period, require sufficient time and administrative resources to be fully exploited and implemented; also at a time where Member States will focus resources on revising the 2021-2027 operational programmes linked to the STEP objectives. With a view to alleviate the administrative burden on programme authorities and to prevent possible loss of funds at closure for purely administrative reasons, the deadlines for the administrative closure of the programmes under the 2014-2020 period should be extended in Regulation (EU) No 1303/201361 and Regulation (EU) No 223/201462 . More specifically, the deadline for the submission of that final payment application should be extended by 12 months. Furthermore, the deadline for the submission of the closure documents should also be extended by 12 months. In the context of this amendment, it is appropriate to clarify that distribution of food and material bought until the end of the eligibility period (end-2023) may continue after that date. In order to ensure a sound implementation of the EU budget and respect for the payment ceilings, payments to be made in 2025 should be capped at 1 % of the financial appropriations from resources under the Multiannual Financial Framework per programme. Amounts due exceeding the ceiling of 1% of programme appropriations per fund for 2025 would not be paid in 2025 ~~nor in subsequent years but only used for the clearance of pre-financing~~should be paid within the framework of the payment of the final balance according to the article 141. Unused amounts shall be decommitted in accordance with the general rules for decommitment at closure. _________________ 61 Regulation (EU) 1303/2013 laying down common provisions (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320). 62 Regulation (EU) 223/2014 on the Fund for European Aid on the Most Deprived (OJ L 72, 12.3.2014, p. 1).

Amendment 56 #

Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE, Catherine AMALRIC, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Sylvie BRUNET, Ilana CICUREL, Max ORVILLE

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18

(18) The regulatory framework for the implementation of the 2014-2020 programmes has been adapted over the past years to provide Member States and regions with additional with additional flexibility in terms of implementation rules and more liquidity to tackle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war or aggression against Ukraine. These measures, introduced at the end of the programming period, require sufficient time and administrative resources to be fully exploited and implemented; also at a time where Member States will focus resources on revising the 2021-2027 operational programmes linked to the STEP objectives. With a view to alleviate the administrative burden on programme authorities and to prevent possible loss of funds at closure for purely administrative reasons, the deadlines for the administrative closure of the programmes under the 2014-2020 period should be extended in Regulation (EU) No 1303/201361 and Regulation (EU) No 223/201462 . More specifically, the deadline for the submission of that final payment application should be extended by 12 months. Furthermore, the deadline for the submission of the closure documents should also be extended by 12 months. In the context of this amendment, it is appropriate to clarify that distribution of food and material bought until the end of the eligibility period (end-2023) may continue after that date. In order to ensure a sound implementation of the EU budget and respect for the payment ceilings, payments to be made in 2025 should be capped at 1 % of the financial appropriations from resources under the Multiannual Financial Framework per programme. Amounts due exceeding the ceiling of 1% of programme appropriations per fund for 2025 would not be paid in 2025 ~~nor in subsequent years but only used for the clearance of pre-financing~~should be paid within the framework of the payment of the final balance according to the article 141. Unused amounts shall be decommitted in accordance with the general rules for decommitment at closure. _________________ 61 Regulation (EU) 1303/2013 laying down common provisions (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320). 62 Regulation (EU) 223/2014 on the Fund for European Aid on the Most Deprived (OJ L 72, 12.3.2014, p. 1).

Amendment 57 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(ca) ongoing and upcoming calls for proposals and calls for tender linked to the European Net Zero Academies, the deployment of their learning programmes and other training initiatives in net-zero technologies ;

Amendment 57 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18

(18) The regulatory framework for the implementation of the 2014-2020 programmes has been adapted over the past years to provide Member States and regions with additional with additional flexibility in terms of implementation rules and more liquidity to tackle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war or aggression against Ukraine. These measures, introduced at the end of the programming period, require sufficient time and administrative resources to be fully exploited and implemented; also at a time where Member States will focus resources on revising the 2021-2027 operational programmes linked to the STEP objectives. With a view to alleviate the administrative burden on programme authorities and to prevent possible loss of funds at closure for purely administrative reasons, the deadlines for the administrative closure of the programmes under the 2014-2020 period should be extended in Regulation (EU) No 1303/201361 and Regulation (EU) No 223/201462 . More specifically, the deadline for the submission of that final payment application should be extended by 12 months. Furthermore, the deadline for the submission of the closure documents should also be extended by 12 months. In the context of this amendment, it is appropriate to clarify that distribution of food and material bought until the end of the eligibility period (end-2023) may continue after that date. In order to ensure a sound implementation of the EU budget and respect for the payment ceilings, payments to be made in 2025 should be capped ~~at 1 % of the financial appropriations from resources under the Multiannual Financial Framework per programme~~. Amounts due exceeding the ceiling ~~of 1% of~~s for programme appropriations per fund for 2025 would not be paid in 2025 nor in subsequent years but only used for the clearance of pre-financing. Unused amounts shall be decommitted in accordance with the general rules for decommitment at closure. Provision should also be made for a specific derogation for the outermost regions. _________________ 61 Regulation (EU) 1303/2013 laying down common provisions (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320). 62 Regulation (EU) 223/2014 on the Fund for European Aid on the Most Deprived (OJ L 72, 12.3.2014, p. 1).

Amendment 57 #

Lina GÁLVEZ, Estrella DURÁ FERRANDIS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Marc ANGEL

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18

(18) The regulatory framework for the implementation of the 2014-2020 programmes has been adapted over the past years to provide Member States and regions with additional with additional flexibility in terms of implementation rules and more liquidity to tackle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war or aggression against Ukraine. These measures, introduced at the end of the programming period, require sufficient time and administrative resources to be fully exploited and implemented; also at a time where Member States will focus resources on revising the 2021-2027 operational programmes linked to the STEP objectives. With a view to alleviate the administrative burden on programme authorities and to prevent possible loss of funds at closure for purely administrative reasons, the deadlines for the administrative closure of the programmes under the 2014-2020 period should be extended in Regulation (EU) No 1303/201361 and Regulation (EU) No 223/201462 . More specifically, the deadline for the submission of that final payment application should be extended by 12 months. Furthermore, the deadline for the submission of the closure documents should also be extended by 12 months. In the context of this amendment, it is appropriate to clarify that distribution of food and material bought until the end of the eligibility period (end-2023) may continue after that date. In order to ensure a sound implementation of the EU budget and respect for the payment ceilings, payments to be made in 2025 should be capped ~~at 1 % of the financial appropriations from resources under the Multiannual Financial Framework per programme~~. Amounts due exceeding the ceiling ~~of 1% of~~s for programme appropriations per fund for 2025 would not be paid in 2025 nor in subsequent years but only used for the clearance of pre-financing. Unused amounts shall be decommitted in accordance with the general rules for decommitment at closure. Provision should also be made for a specific derogation for the outermost regions. _________________ 61 Regulation (EU) 1303/2013 laying down common provisions (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320). 62 Regulation (EU) 223/2014 on the Fund for European Aid on the Most Deprived (OJ L 72, 12.3.2014, p. 1).

Amendment 58 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(ca) ongoing and upcoming calls for proposals and calls for tender linked to the European Net Zero Academies, the deployment of their learning content and other training initiatives in net-zero technologies;

Amendment 58 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19

(19) InvestEU is the EU flagship programme to boost investment, especially the green and digital transition, by providing demand-driven financing, including through blending mechanisms, and technical assistance. Such approach contributes to crowd in additional public and private capital. Given the high market demand of InvestEU guarantee, the EU compartment of InvestEU should be reinforced to correspond to the objectives of the STEP. This will, among other things, reinforce InvestEU’s existing possibility to invest in projects forming part of an IPCEI, within the identified critical technology sectors. In addition, Member States are encouraged to contribute to the InvestEU Member State compartment to support financial products in line with the STEP objectives, without prejudice to applicable State aid rules. It should be possible for Member States, on a voluntary bases, to include as a measure in their recovery and resilience plans a cash contribution for the purpose of the Member State compartment of InvestEU to support objectives of the STEP. That additional contribution to support objectives of the STEP could reach up to 6% of their recovery and resilience plan’s total financial allocation to the Member State compartment of InvestEU. Additional flexibility and clarifications should also be introduced to better pursue the objectives of the STEP.

Amendment 58 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19

Amendment 59 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2

2. The evaluation report shall, in particular, assess to which extent ~~the objectives have been achieved, the efficiency of the use of~~STEP has contributed to the cre~~sources and the European added value. It shall also consider the continued relevance of all objectives and actions, in view of their potential upscaling~~ation of good quality jobs and more social cohesion.

Amendment 59 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20

(20) Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation, and its European Innovation Council (EIC) provides for support for innovations with potential breakthrough and disruptive nature with scale-up potential that may be too risky for private investors. Additional flexibility should be provided for under Horizon Europe, so that the EIC Accelerator can provide equity- only support to non-bankable SMEs, including start-ups, and non-bankable SMEs and small mid-caps, carrying out innovation in the technologies supported by the STEP and regardless of whether they previously received other types of support from the EIC Accelerator. The implementation of the EIC Fund is currently limited to a maximum investment amount of EUR 15 million except in exceptional cases and cannot accommodate follow-on financing rounds or larger investment amounts. Allowing for equity- only support for non-bankable SMEs and small mid-caps would address the existing market gap with investments needs in the range of EUR 15 to 50 million. The equity- only support shall be provided by additional financial resources provided by STEP regulation. Moreover, experience has shown that the amounts committed for the EIC Pilot under Horizon2020 are not fully used. These unused funds should be made available for the purposes of the EIC Accelerator under Horizon Europe. The Horizon Europe Regulation should also be amended to reflect the increased envelope for the European Defence Fund.

Amendment 59 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20

Amendment 6 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3

(3) The uptake and scaling up in the Union of deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies will be essential to seize the opportunities and meet the objectives of the green and digital transitions, thus promoting the competitiveness of the European industry and its sustainability. Therefore, immediate action is required to support the development or manufacturing in the Union of such technologies, safeguarding and strengthening their value chains thereby reducing the Union’s strategic dependencies, and addressing existing labour and skills shortages in those sectors through ~~trainings and~~education, including attractive vocational education and training, apprenticeships and trainings and the creation of ~~attractive,~~ quality jobs accessible to all.

Amendment 6 #

Pascal CANFIN

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

(12) Directive 2003/87/EC54 should be amended to allow for additional financing with a financial envelope for the period 2024-2027 of EUR 5 billion. The Innovation Fund supports investments in innovative low-carbon technologies, which is a scope that is to be covered by the STEP. The increase in volume of the Innovation Fund should therefore allow to provide financing responding to the objective of supporting the development or manufacturing in the Union of critical clean technologies. On top of additional financing, the functioning of the Innovation Fund should be adapted to deliver on the objective of supporting the development or manufacturing in the Union of critical clean technologies as set by the STEP objective referred to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63 [STEP Regulation]. Calls for proposals must be designed and aligned to deliver on the Union objectives set out for domestic manufacturing capacity in key industrial value chains. They shall be announced in advance in a strategic program made public by the Commission in order to provide predictability to industry. In line with the objectives of ensuring cohesion and promoting the Single Market, and in order to support the green transition and the development of clean technologies throughout the Union, the additional financial envelope should be made available through calls for proposals open to entities from Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017. _________________ 54 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).

Amendment 6 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells;Clean technologies should cover batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, heat-pumps, electrolysers, and equipment for carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infratructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to furthersage and storage . Concerning biotechnology and deep and digital technologies, the Commission should specify the scope of the technologies in these t~~hree~~wo fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 6 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells;Clean technologies should cover batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, heat-pumps, electrolysers, and equipment for carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infratructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to furthersage and storage . Concerning biotechnology and deep and digital technologies, the Commission should specify the scope of the technologies in these t~~hree~~wo fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 60 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1

Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10 a (8)

Directive 2003/87/EC is amended as follows: (1) In Article 10a(8), the following sixth subparagraph is inserted: ‘InAny addition ~~to the~~al allowances other than those referred to in the first to fifth subparagraphs of this paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also implement a financial envelope for the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 of EUR 5 000 000 000 in current prices for supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63 [STEP Regulation]. This financial envelope shall be made available to support investments only in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU- 27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017.’ __________________ 63 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference]. will require approval by all Member States, in particular with regards to the use of social funds. ’

Amendment 60 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – title

STEP objectives and eligibility

Amendment 60 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – title

STEP objectives and eligibility

Amendment 61 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1060
Article 5 (1) – second subparagraph

In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 5(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the JTF shall contribute to the ~~specific~~ objective of enabling regions and people to address the social, employment, economic and environmental impacts of the transition towards the Union’s 2030 targets for energy and climate and a climate-neutral economy of the Union by 2050, based on the Paris Agreementprotecting the production sectors, regions and nationals and legal residents of the Union with regard to their social, employment, economic and environmental conditions. The JTF may also support investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2(1), point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation].

Amendment 61 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. TIn order to strengthen European sovereignty and security, to accelerate the Union’s socially balanced green and digital transitions and enhance ~~its~~ competitiveness, and cohesive development of all its regions, to reduce its strategic dependencies, favour a level playing field in the Single Market for investments throughout the Union, and to promote inclusive access to attractive, quality jobs, the Platform shall ~~pursue~~support the following ~~objectiv~~sets of measures:

Amendment 61 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Amendment 62 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 8 – paragraph 2

The JTF shall prioritise support to SMEs and the self-employed and may also support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...65 [STEPRegulation]. That support may be provided irrespective of whether the gap analysis was carried out in accordance with Article 11(2)(h) and irrespective of its outcome. Such investments shall only be eligible where they do not lead to relocation as defined in point (27) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. The provision of such support shall not require a revision of the territorial just transition plan where that revision would be exclusively linked to the gap analysis. __________________ 65 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 62 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. To strengthen European sovereignty and security, accelerate the Union’s green and digital transitions and enhance its competitiveness, reduce its strategic dependencies, favour a level playing field in the Single Market for investments throughout the Union, foster cross-border participation, including of SMEs, and promote inclusive access to attractive, quality jobs, the Platform shall pursue the following objectives:

Amendment 62 #

Lina GÁLVEZ, Estrella DURÁ FERRANDIS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Marc ANGEL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. To strengthen European sovereignty and security, accelerate the Union’s green and digital transitions and enhance its competitiveness, reduce its strategic dependencies, favour a level playing field in the Single Market for investments throughout the Union, foster cross-border participation, including of SMEs, and promote inclusive access to attractive, quality jobs, the Platform shall pursue the following objectives:

Amendment 63 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point 1

In addition to the pre-financing for the programme provided for in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, where the Commission approves an amendment of a programme including one or more priorities dedicated to operations supported by the ESF+ contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...66 [STEP Regulation], it shall make an exceptional pre-financing of 30% on the basis of the allocation to those priorities. This exceptional pre-financing shall benefit education and training providers who contribute to the deployment of the learning content of the European Net Zero Academies as well as the training of young people and the skilling, upskilling and reskilling of workers in net-zero technologies .The exceptional pre-financing shall be paid by 31 December 2024, provided the Commission has adopted the decision approving the programme amendment by 31 October 2024. __________________ 66 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 63 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. To strengthen European sovereignty and security, accelerate the Union’s green and digital transitions and enhance its competitiveness, reduce its strategic dependencies, favour a level playing field in the Single Market for investments throughout the Union, and promote inclusive access to attractive, quality jobs, mitigate brain drain, the Platform shall pursue the following objectives:

Amendment 63 #

Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE, Catherine AMALRIC, Lucia ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ, Sylvie BRUNET, Ilana CICUREL, Max ORVILLE

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. To strengthen European sovereignty and security, accelerate the Union’s green and digital transitions and enhance its competitiveness, reduce its strategic dependencies, favour a level playing field in the Single Market for investments throughout the Union, and promote inclusive access to attractive, quality jobs, mitigate brain drain, the Platform shall pursue the following objectives:

Amendment 64 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point 1

In addition to the pre-financing for the programme provided for in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, where the Commission approves an amendment of a programme including one or more priorities dedicated to operations supported by the ESF+ contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...66 [STEP Regulation], it shall make an exceptional pre-financing of 30% on the basis of the allocation to those priorities. This exceptional pre-financing shall benefit operations which contribute to the deployment of the learning programmes of the European Net Zero Academies as well as the training of young people and the skilling, upskilling and reskilling of workers in net-zero technologies. The exceptional pre- financing shall be paid by 31 December 2024, provided the Commission has adopted the decision approving the programme amendment by 31 October 2024. __________________ 66 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference]. (This amendment applies throughout the text. Adopting it will necessitate corresponding changes throughout.) Or. en ([Regulation 2023/0081])

Amendment 64 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. To strengthen European industrial sovereignty and security, accelerate the Union’s green and digital transitions and enhance its competitiveness, reduce its strategic dependencies, favour a level playing field in the Single Market for investments throughout the Union, and promote inclusive access to attractive, quality jobs, the Platform shall pursue the following objectives:

Amendment 64 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Amendment 65 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Josianne CUTAJAR, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 14

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Annex III

7a.2 Jobs created or supported, with a breakdown of permanent and temporary posts.

Amendment 65 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. To strengthen European sovereignty and security, accelerate the Union’s green and digital transitions and enhance its competitiveness, reduce its strategic dependencies, ~~favo~~ensure a level playing field in the Single Market for investments throughout the Union, and promote inclusive access to attractive, quality jobs, the Platform shall pursue the following objectives:

Amendment 65 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Josianne CUTAJAR, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. To strengthen European sovereignty and security, accelerate the Union’s green and digital transitions and enhance its competitiveness, reduce its strategic dependencies, ~~favo~~ensure a level playing field in the Single Market for investments throughout the Union, and promote inclusive access to attractive, quality jobs, the Platform shall pursue the following objectives:

Amendment 66 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part

(a) ~~support~~pursuing the development or manufacturing throughout the Union, or safeguarding and strengthening the respective value chains, of critical civil technologies in the following fields, while respecting the "do no significant harm” principle within the meaning of Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060:

Amendment 66 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part

Amendment 67 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part

(a) supporting the development or manufacturing throughout the Union, including through establishment of new production facilities, or safeguarding and strengthening the respective European value chains, of critical technologies in the following fields:

Amendment 67 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part

Amendment 68 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part

(a) supporting the development or manufacturing of critical technologies throughout the Union, or safeguarding and strengthening the respective ~~value~~supply chains, of critical technologies in the following fields:

Amendment 68 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part

Amendment 69 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part

(a) supporting the development or, manufacturing or related services throughout the Union, or safeguarding and strengthening the respective value chains, of critical technologies in the following fields:

Amendment 69 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part

Amendment 7 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. It is important to respect the principle of technological neutrality. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 7 #

Emma WIESNER, Erik POULSEN, Jan HUITEMA

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

(12) Directive 2003/87/EC54 should be amended to allow for additional financing with a financial envelope for the period 2024-2027 of EUR 5 billion. The Innovation Fund supports investments in innovative low-carbon technologies, which is a scope that is to be covered by the STEP. The increase in volume of the Innovation Fund should therefore allow to provide financing responding to the objective of supporting the development or manufacturing in the Union of critical clean technologies. In line with the objectives of ensuring cohesion and promoting the Single Market, and in order to support the green transition and the development of clean technologies throughout the Union, the additional financial envelope should be made available through calls for proposals open to entities from all Member States whosile a~~verage GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017~~iming at a geographical balance of financial support taking into account the amount of state aid that has been allocated for these technologies by Member States under the Temporary Crisis Framework. _________________ 54 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).

Amendment 7 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) TWhereas dependence on the global market has exposed EU industry to shortages which has led to chain disruptions and even stoppages of industrial processes, there is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains) in all of them, in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include ~~microelectronic~~pharmaceuticals, photonics, advanced materials technologies, microelectronics, semiconductors, semiconductor equipment, communication technologies, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, secure data infrastructures and ecosystems, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications as well as applications to deliver healthcare such as digital medical devices. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; geothermal energy, renewable fuels of non- biological origin; all sustainable ~~alternative fuels~~– fuels technologies, including biofuels for road transport; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; biolubricants; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions cutting-edge solutions implemented for leak detection and repair inspections carried out along renewable gases and water transport and distribution networks; technologies vital to sustainability such as water efficiency, purification and desalination technologies; circular economy, such as high-quality recycling, resource- and material efficiency; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials, technologies supporting construction of roads with negative carbon footprint and development of new green road stabilisation solutions. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals ~~and~~, medical technologies and medical devices vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 7 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

Amendment 70 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i

(i) ~~deep and~~ digital technologies

Amendment 70 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i

(i) ~~deep and~~ digital technologies

Amendment 71 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii a (new)

(iiia) low-carbon technologies

Amendment 71 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii a (new)

(iiia) low-carbon technologies

Amendment 72 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

(ba) b) supporting the development or manufacturing throughout the Union of coherent and connected technologies, also proposed by the Member States and approved by the Commission, related to the conditions set out in paragraph 2.

Amendment 72 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Josianne CUTAJAR, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

Amendment 73 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

(ba) preserving and strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion and solidarity among member states and regions.

Amendment 73 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Josianne CUTAJAR, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

(ba) preserving and strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion and solidarity among member states and regions.

Amendment 74 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Josianne CUTAJAR, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a

(a) bring an innovative, cutting-edge element with significant economic potential to the Single Market or to the region in which investment occurs;

Amendment 74 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Josianne CUTAJAR, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a

(a) bring an innovative, cutting-edge element with significant economic potential to the Single Market or to the region in which investment occurs;

Amendment 75 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a

(a) bring an innovative, cutting-edge element with significant economic or environmental protection potential to the Single Market;

Amendment 75 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a

(a) bring an innovative, cutting-edge element with significant economic or environmental protection potential to the Single Market;

Amendment 76 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a

(a) bring an innovative, cutting-edge element with significant economic, ecologic and social potential to the Single Market;

Amendment 76 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a

(a) bring an innovative, cutting-edge element with significant economic, ecologic and social potential to the Single Market;

Amendment 77 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b

(b) contribute to reduce or prevent strategic dependencies of the Union in the fields referred to in paragraph 1.

Amendment 77 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Josianne CUTAJAR, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b

(b) contribute to reduce or prevent strategic dependencies of the Union in the fields referred to in paragraph 1.

Amendment 78 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b

(b) contribute to reduce or prevent strategic dependencies of the Union, its Member States and its regions.

Amendment 78 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Josianne CUTAJAR, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b

(b) contribute to reduce or prevent strategic dependencies of the Union, its Member States and its regions.

Amendment 79 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 3

3. Where an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU relates to any of the technology fields referred to in point (a) of paragraph 1, the relevant technologies shall be deemed to be critical and dedicated funds should be allocated to the IPCEI.

Amendment 79 #

Lina GÁLVEZ, Estrella DURÁ FERRANDIS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Marc ANGEL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 3

Amendment 8 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to address the root causes of such shortages and to boost the ~~activ~~integration of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through the creation of quality jobs and apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs). At the same time, it is necessary to increase the attractiveness of technical careers, especially among women. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 In this context it is also essential to support the integration of women in line with the European Strategy for Gender Equality and to address educational and occupational gender stereotypes. __________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 8 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

(12) Directive 2003/87/EC54 should be amended to allow for additional financing with a financial envelope for the period 2024-2027 of EUR 5 billion stemming from the multiannual financial framework. The Innovation Fund supports investments in innovative low-carbon technologies, which is a scope that is to be covered by the STEP. The increase in volume of the Innovation Fund should therefore allow to provide financing responding to the objective of supporting the development or manufacturing in the Union of critical clean technologies. In line with the objectives of ensuring cohesion and promoting the Single Market, and in order to support the green transition and the development of clean technologies throughout the Union, the additional financial envelope should be made available through calls for proposals open to entities from Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017. _________________ 54 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).

Amendment 8 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials, and carbon-negative road construction support technologies. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 8 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials, and carbon-negative road construction support technologies. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 80 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4

4. ~~The value chain f~~For the manufacturing of critical technologies referred to in the first paragraph ~~relates to~~the supply chain covers final products, ~~as well as~~ key components~~, specific machinery and~~ designed and primarily used as direct input for the production of those products, as well as critical raw materials primarily used for the production of those products.

Amendment 80 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4

Amendment 81 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4

Amendment 81 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4

Amendment 82 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4

4. The value chain for ~~the manufacturing of~~ critical technologies referred to in the first paragraph relates to final products, as well as key components, specific machinery and critical raw materials primarily used for the production of those products and related services ranging from raw materials to end user.

Amendment 82 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4

Amendment 83 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. The field of clean technologies referred to in the first paragraph covers exclusively batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, heat-pumps, electrolysers, and equipment for carbon capture usage and storage. For the fields of digital technologies and of biotechnologies referred to in the first paragraph, the Commission shall, by means of a delegated act adopted by [3 months after the entry into force of this Regulation], further specify the scope of the technologies considered to be critical pursuant to the paragraph 2 of this Article.

Amendment 83 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4 a (new)

Amendment 84 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Non-associated third-country entities are not eligible for support under this regulation, i.e. legal entity that is established in a non-associated third country or, where it is established in the Union or in an associated country that has its executive management structures in a non-associated third country.

Amendment 84 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4 a (new)

Amendment 85 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4 b (new)

4b. By way of derogation from the preceding paragraph, a legal entity established in the Union or in an associated country and controlled by a non-associated third country or a non- associated third-country entity shall be eligible to be a recipient or subcontractor involved in an action only if guarantees approved by the Member State or the associated country in which it is established in accordance with its national procedures are made available to the Commission. Those guarantees may refer to the legal entity’s executive management structure established in the Union or in an associated country. If considered to be appropriate by the Member State or associated country in which the legal entity is established, those guarantees may also refer to specific governmental rights in the control over the legal entity. The guarantees provide assurances that participation in an action of such a legal entity is not contrary to the objectives set out in Article 2 of this Regulation.

Amendment 85 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4 b (new)

Amendment 86 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall award a Sovereignty Seal to any action contributing to any of the Platform objectives, provided the action has been assessed and complies with the minimum quality requirements, in particular eligibility, exclusion and award criteria, as well as the conditionalities laid down by Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, provided by a call for proposals under Regulation (EU) 2021/695, Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Regulation (EU) 2021/697, Regulation (EU) 2021/522, or Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/856.

Amendment 86 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall award a Sovereignty Seal to any action contributing to any of the Platform objectives, provided the action has been assessed and complies with the minimum quality requirements, in particular eligibility, exclusion and award criteria, as well as the conditionalities laid down by Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, provided by a call for proposals under Regulation (EU) 2021/695, Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Regulation (EU) 2021/697, Regulation (EU) 2021/522, or Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/856.

Amendment 87 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall award a Sovereignty Seal to any action contributing to any of the Platform objectives, provided the action has been presented by the member state, assessed and complies with the minimum quality requirements, in particular eligibility, exclusion and award criteria, provided by a call for proposals under Regulation (EU) 2021/695, Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Regulation (EU) 2021/697, Regulation (EU) 2021/522, or Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/856.

Amendment 87 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1

Amendment 88 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. The Sovereignty Seal is awarded by default to Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU related to any of the technology fields referred to in point (a), paragraph 1 of article 2

Amendment 88 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 89 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b

(b) financing the action through ~~cumulative or~~ combined funding with another Union instrument in line with the rules of the applicable basic acts.

Amendment 89 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b

(b) financing the action through ~~cumulative or~~ combined funding with another Union instrument in line with the rules of the applicable basic acts.

Amendment 9 #

Loucas FOURLAS

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through the creation of jobs and apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 In this regard, the European Year of Skills 2023 has important and topical role to further promote a mindset of reskilling and upskilling, boost the competitiveness of Union undertakings, in particular SMEs, and to contribute to the creation of quality jobs. __________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 9 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

(12) Directive 2003/87/EC54 should be amended to allow for additional financing with a financial envelope for the period 2024-2027 of EUR 5 billion. TIn accordance with Article 10f of Directive 2003/87/EC, the Innovation Fund supports investments in innovative low-carbon technologies, which is a scope that is to be covered by the STEP. The increase in volume of the Innovation Fund should therefore allow to provide financing responding to the objective of supporting the development or manufacturing in the Union of critical clean technologies. In line with the objectives of ensuring cohesion and promoting the Single Market, and in order to support the green and just transition and the development of clean technologies throughout the Union, the additional financial envelope should be made available through calls for proposals open to entities from Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017. _________________ 54 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).

Amendment 9 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials, technologies supporting construction of roads with negative carbon footprint and development of new green road stabilisation solutions. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 9 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials, technologies supporting construction of roads with negative carbon footprint and development of new green road stabilisation solutions. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 90 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3

3. When revising their recovery and resilience plans in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/241, Member States ~~shall, without prejudice to the provis~~may, even in derogations of ~~that Regulation~~art. 21, if appropriate, consider as a priority actions which have been awarded a Sovereignty Seal in accordance with paragraph 1.

Amendment 90 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3

Amendment 91 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall monitor the implementation of the Platform and measure the achievement of the Platform objectives set out in Article 2. The monitoring of implementation shall be targeted and proportionate to the activities carried out under the Platform, mainly using existing reporting channels and data, the monitoring shall be further rationalised.

Amendment 91 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Nora MEBAREK, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1

Amendment 92 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3

3. The Commission shall report on the expenditure financed by the Platform. It shall, as appropriate, report on the achievements related to each of the specific Platform objectives and in particular on objective 2(1)(c) (new) to ensure that the implementation of the Platform does not harm cohesion.

Amendment 92 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3

Amendment 93 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3

3. The Commission shall report on monitoring and on the expenditure financed by the Platform, with reference to each of the relevant committed funds. It shall, as appropriate, report on the achievements related to each of the specific Platform objectives.

Amendment 93 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3

Amendment 94 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3

3. The Commission shall report annually on the expenditure financed by the Platform. It shall, as appropriate, report on the achievements related to each of the specific Platform objectives.

Amendment 94 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3

3. The Commission shall report annually on the expenditure financed by the Platform. It shall, as appropriate, report on the achievements related to each of the specific Platform objectives.

Amendment 95 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) practical guides to facilitate access to programmes and funds;

Amendment 95 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) practical guides to facilitate access to programmes and funds;

Amendment 96 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2

(2) The annual report shall include consolidated information on the progress made in implementing the Platform objectives under each of the programmes and funds. That report should provide a comprehensive and transparent analysis of how financial resources have been allocated and used to achieve the objectives set. In addition, it should provide a detailed analysis of the economic, social and environmental impact of projects and initiatives supported by the STEP platform, as well as information on job creation, innovation, technological development, emission reduction and other co-benefits of the objectives of the Platform.

Amendment 96 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Josianne CUTAJAR, Nora MEBAREK, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2

Amendment 97 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2

2. The annual report shall include consolidated information on the progress made in implementing the Platform objectives under each of the programmes and funds. It shall include qualitative and quantitative information on how Europe's economic, social and territorial cohesion is being reinforced.

Amendment 97 #

Rovana PLUMB, Marcos ROS SEMPERE, Josianne CUTAJAR, Nora MEBAREK, Adrian-Dragoş BENEA, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2

Amendment 98 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2

2. The annual report shall include consolidated information on the progress made in implementing the Platform objectives under each of the programmes and funds and on the way in which the objectives laid down in Article 174 TFEU have been complied with and realised.

Amendment 98 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2

Amendment 99 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)

(ba) Statistical review on the member states and the amount of approved projects and approved subsidies

Amendment 99 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)

(ba) Statistical review on the member states and the amount of approved projects and approved subsidies

source: 752.830

2023/09/08 BUDG, ITRE 318 amendments...

Amendment 100 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies, in accordance with the ‘do no significant harm’ criteria set out in Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high- performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; ~~sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage~~electrolysers and fuel cells; energy efficiency; renewable-based hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. Biotechnology solutions and their value chains should always respect the cascading principle in material use. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 101 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. It should also include nuclear energy fully recognising the strategic importance of the European nuclear supply chain for energy security and transition targets. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 102 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

Amendment 103 #

Mauri PEKKARINEN, Nils TORVALDS, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may, at the latest one month after the entry into force of this regulation, issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 104 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials, including sustainable recovery, recycling and other processing. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 105 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; MagRail and Hyperloop technologies; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 106 #

Eric MINARDI, Paolo BORCHIA

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies and life sciences, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 107 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable and low- carbon energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 108 #

Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; e~~lectricity and heat~~nergy storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction ~~and~~, processing, recycling and substitution of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 109 #

Mauri PEKKARINEN, Nils TORVALDS, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G ~~and~~, 6G and other advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 110 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change, especially in disadvantaged regions, including rural and remote areas and islands, which suffer from brain drain. Therefore, it is necessary to boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through quality and inclusive skilling, upskilling and re-skilling measures and through the creation of jobs and apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training as well as for people living in sparsely and depopulated rural and remote areas and islands. It is also necessary to increase support for the provision of enhanced information sessions and advisory services concerning skills development and EU-funded opportunities. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 _________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 111 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through the creation of jobs and apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 Moreover, with respect for subsidiarity, the shortage of a sizable and high-skilled future workforce should also be addressed through a higher level of skilled workers from third countries, especially in the Union’s neighbouring countries and where the Union have well-established partnerships and dialogues, such as the eight candidate countries applying to become EU member states. _________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 112 #

Matthias ECKE, Jens GEIER, Robert HAJŠEL, Josianne CUTAJAR, Patrizia TOIA

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

Amendment 113 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to ~~boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for~~invest in learning and life-long learning to enhance skills linked to strategic sectors, in particular through the creation of stable quality jobs and paid apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 _________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 114 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)

(5a) In order to strengthen the EU industry’s manufacturing capacities, regional and local industrial actors must have resilient ecosystems. The development of value chains comprising a large number of VSEs/SMEs is key for the reindustrialisation of Europe but a suitable approach is needed. This ecosystem of VSEs/SMEs finds it difficult to mobilise European funding instruments and access public contracts. It is therefore necessary to strengthen these local value chains and their structures, and set up local and regional platforms to support their projects and facilitate access to finance.

Amendment 115 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)

Amendment 116 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6

(6) ~~The scale of~~Significant investments ~~needed for the transition require a full mobilisation of funding available under e~~will be required over the coming years to strengthen the open strategic autonomy of the Union in a comprehensive way, to preserve its competitiveness in the global market and to achieve the green and digital transitions. Existing EU programmes and funds, inclu~~sive~~ding those granting a budgetary guarantee for financing and investment operations and implementation of financial instruments and blending operations~~. Such~~, should contribute to addressing those goals. In addition to its full mobilisation, Union funding should be deployed in a more flexible manner, to provide timely and targeted support for ~~critical~~ technologies in ~~strategic sector~~relevant sectors, reinforcing the financing for Union-wide and cross-border projects. Therefore, a Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) should ~~give a structural answer to the Union investment needs by~~ help~~ing~~ to better channel ~~the~~ existing EUnion funds towards critical investments aimed at supporting the development or manufacturing of ~~critical~~ technologies in relevant sectors, while preserving a level playing field in the Single Market, thereby preserving cohesion and aiming at a geographically balanced distribution of projects financed under the STEP in accordance with the respective programme mandates. While being open to every Member State, the Commission and Member States should put specific emphasis on net-zero industry valleys as defined under Regulation (EU) .../... [Net- Zero Industry Act], on projects in territories included in the Territorial just transition plans as referred to in Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1056, on less developed and transition regions as well as more developed regions in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017.

Amendment 117 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6

(6) The scale of investments needed for the transition require a full mobilisation of funding available under existing EU programmes and funds, inclusive those granting a budgetary guarantee for financing and investment operations and implementation of financial instruments and blending operations. Such funding should be deployed in a more flexible manner, to provide timely and targeted support for critical technologies in strategic sectors. Therefore, a Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) should give a structural answer to the Union investment needs by helping to better channel the existing EU funds towards critical investments aimed at supporting the development or manufacturing of critical technologies, while preserving a level playing field in the Single Market, thereby preserving cohesion and aiming at a geographically balanced distribution of projects financed under the STEP in accordance with the respective programme mandates. It should also address the problem of market-distorting subsidy race to lure green investments within the Union that was launched with relaxation of state aid rules. The race that undermines the level playing field, compromises fairness among Member States with different fiscal capacities and contributes to fragmentation within the bloc to countries - producers of new technologies and countries that are left with a role of consumers of these technologies. The Platform, that would serve as a prototype of Sovereignty Fund, should constitute an effective solution for prioritizing European industrial champions on the global stage without undermining EU cohesiveness.

Amendment 118 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER, Alin MITUȚA

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6

Amendment 119 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6

Amendment 120 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)

(6a) In order to promote the economic, territorial and social cohesion of territories throughout the Union, STEP priorities and projects should be pursued in full compliance with the Partnership principle, ensuring an inclusive consultation process with regional and local authorities, social partners, civil society organisations, youth organisations and other relevant stakeholders. National and regional authorities should ensure that projects financed with Cohesion policy resources under STEP have a lasting positive impact on the creation of quality jobs at local level.

Amendment 121 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 b (new)

(6b) Relevant national and regional authorities should ensure that projects financed under STEP have a lasting positive impact and creation of quality jobs at local level, namely that STEP projects comply not only with Union’s and national labour law, social rights and workers’ rights, as well as applicable collective agreement, but go beyond minimum Union and national legal requirements with fair and adequate wages and well-defined objectives in terms of skilling, reskilling and upskilling, measures to improve gender equality and diversity at work, and quality paid apprenticeships.

Amendment 122 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7

(7) The STEP should identify resources which should be implemented within the existing Union programmes and funds, the InvestEU, Horizon Europe, European Defence Fund and Innovation Fund. This should be accompanied by providing additional funding of EUR 10 billion. Of this, EUR 5 billion should be used to increase the endowment of the Innovation Fund46 and EUR 3 billion to increase the total amount of the EU guarantee available for the EU compartment under the InvestEU Regulation to EUR 7,5 billion,47 taking into account the relevant provisioning rate. EUR 0.5 billion should be made available to increase the financial envelope under the Horizon Europe Regulation,48 which should be amended accordingly; and EUR 1.5 billion to the European Defence Fund.49 _________________ 46 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32). 47 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 establishing the InvestEU Programme (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30). 48 Regulation (EU) 2021/695 establishing Horizon Europe (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1). 49 Regulation (EU) 2021/697 establishing the European Defense Fund (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 149.)

Amendment 123 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Nathalie LOISEAU, Alin MITUȚA

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7

(7) The STEP should identify resources which should be implemented within the existing Union programmes and funds, the InvestEU, Horizon Europe, European Defence Fund and Innovation Fund. This should be accompanied by providing additional funding of EUR 105 billion. ~~Of this~~In addition, EUR 5 billion worth of ETS allowances should be used to increase the endowment of the Innovation Fund46 and EUR 3 billion to increase the total amount of the EU guarantee available for the EU compartment under the InvestEU Regulation to EUR 7,5 billion,47 taking into account the relevant provisioning rate. EUR 0.5 billion should be made available to increase the financial envelope under the Horizon Europe Regulation,48 which should be amended accordingly; and EUR 1.5 billion to the European Defence Fund.49 _________________ 46 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32). 47 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 establishing the InvestEU Programme (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30). 48 Regulation (EU) 2021/695 establishing Horizon Europe (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1). 49 Regulation (EU) 2021/697 establishing the European Defense Fund (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 149.)

Amendment 124 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7

(7) The STEP should identify resources which should be implemented within the existing Union programmes and funds, the InvestEU, Horizon Europe, European Defence Fund and Innovation Fund. This should be accompanied by providing additional funding of EUR 104 billion. Of this, EUR 5,8 billion should be used to increase the endowment of the Innovation Fund46 and EUR 34,2 billion to increase the total amount of the EU guarantee available for the EU compartment under the InvestEU Regulation to EUR 710,5 billion,47 taking into account the relevant provisioning rate. EUR 0.5 billion should be made available to increase the financial envelope under the Horizon Europe Regulation,48 which should be amended accordingly; and EUR 13.5 billion to the European Defence Fund.49 _________________ 46 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32). 47 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 establishing the InvestEU Programme (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30). 48 Regulation (EU) 2021/695 establishing Horizon Europe (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1). 49 Regulation (EU) 2021/697 establishing the European Defense Fund (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 149.)

Amendment 125 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7

(7) The STEP should identify resources which should be implemented within the existing Union programmes and funds, the InvestEU, Horizon Europe, European Defence Fund and Innovation Fund. This should be accompanied by providing additional funding of EUR 103 billion. Of this, EUR 5 billion should be used to increase the endowment of the Innovation Fund46 and EUR 34,2 billion to increase the total amount of the EU guarantee available for the EU compartment under the InvestEU Regulation to EUR 710,5 billion,47 taking into account the relevant provisioning rate. EUR ~~0.5~~1,3 billion should be made available to increase the financial envelope under the Horizon Europe Regulation,48 which should be amended accordingly; and EUR 1.2,5 billion to the European Defence Fund.49 _________________ 46 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32). 47 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 establishing the InvestEU Programme (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30). 48 Regulation (EU) 2021/695 establishing Horizon Europe (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1). 49 Regulation (EU) 2021/697 establishing the European Defense Fund (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 149.)

Amendment 126 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7

(7) The STEP should identify resources which should be implemented within the existing Union programmes and funds, the InvestEU, Horizon Europe, European Defence Fund and Innovation Fund. This should be accompanied by providing additional funding of EUR 104 billion. Of this, EUR 5.75 billion should be used to increase the endowment of the Innovation Fund46 and EUR 34 billion to increase the total amount of the EU guarantee available for the EU compartment under the InvestEU Regulation to EUR ~~7,5~~10 billion,47 taking into account the relevant provisioning rate. EUR 0.75 billion should be made available to increase the financial envelope under the Horizon Europe Regulation,48 which should be amended accordingly; and EUR 13.5 billion to the European Defence Fund.49 _________________ 46 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32). 47 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 establishing the InvestEU Programme (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30). 48 Regulation (EU) 2021/695 establishing Horizon Europe (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1). 49 Regulation (EU) 2021/697 establishing the European Defense Fund (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 149.)

Amendment 127 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7

(7) The STEP should identify resources which should be implemented within the existing Union programmes and funds, the InvestEU, Horizon Europe, European Defence Fund and Innovation Fund. This should be accompanied by providing additional funding of EUR 120 billion. Of this, EUR 512 billion should be used to increase the endowment of the Innovation Fund46 and EUR 3 billion to increase the total amount of the EU guarantee available for the EU compartment under the InvestEU Regulation to EUR 7,5 billion,47 taking into account the relevant provisioning rate. EUR 03.5 billion should be made available to increase the financial envelope under the Horizon Europe Regulation,48 which should be amended accordingly; and EUR 1.5 billion to the European Defence Fund.49 _________________ 46 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32). 47 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 establishing the InvestEU Programme (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30). 48 Regulation (EU) 2021/695 establishing Horizon Europe (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1). 49 Regulation (EU) 2021/697 establishing the European Defense Fund (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 149.)

Amendment 128 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8

(8) A Sovereignty Seal should be awarded to projects contributing to the STEP objectives, provided that the project has been assessed and complies with the minimum quality requirements~~, in particular eligibility, exclusion and award criteria,~~ provided by a call for proposals under Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe programme,50 the EU4Health programme,51 the European Defence Fund or the Innovation Fund, and regardless of whether the project has received funding under those instruments. These minimum quality requirements will be established with a view to identify high quality projects. The Seal should also be awarded to projects financed by the cohesion funds. This Seal should be used as a quality label, to help projects attract public and private investments by certifying its contribution to the STEP objectives. Moreover, the Seal will promote better access to EU funding, notably by facilitating cumulative or combined funding from several Union instruments. _________________ 50 Regulation (EU) 2021/694 establishing the Digital Europe Programme (OJ L 166, 11.5.2021, p. 1). 51 Regulation (EU) 2021/522 establishing a Programme for the Union’s action in the field of health, EU4Health Programme (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 1).

Amendment 129 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8

(8) A Sovereignty Seal should be awarded to projects contributing to the STEP objectives, provided that the project has been assessed and complies with the minimum quality requirements, in particular eligibility, exclusion and award criteria, provided by a call for proposals under Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe programme,50 the EU4Health programme,51 the European Defence Fund or the Innovation Fund, and regardless of whether the project has received funding under those instruments. The Commission should ensure that any future changes to the mentioned regulations regarding the minimum quality requirements provided by each call for proposals aim to preserve their alignment. These minimum quality requirements will be established with a view to identify high quality projects. This Seal should be used as a quality label, to help projects attract public and private investments by certifying its contribution to the STEP objectives. Moreover, the Seal will promote better access to EU funding, notably by facilitating cumulative or combined funding from several Union instruments. Member States are also encouraged to take into account the Sovereignty Seal when granting national support to projects. _________________ 50 Regulation (EU) 2021/694 establishing the Digital Europe Programme (OJ L 166, 11.5.2021, p. 1). 51 Regulation (EU) 2021/522 establishing a Programme for the Union’s action in the field of health, EU4Health Programme (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 1).

Amendment 130 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)

(8a) In view of the Union de-risking and economic security objectives, the Commission should take into consideration possible risks related to links between the action and third country entities, such as IP theft, technology transfer of critical technologies, and geopolitical interference, when awarding a Sovereignty Seal.

Amendment 131 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9

(9) To that end, it should be possible to rely on assessments made for the purposes of other Union programmes in accordance with Articles 126 and 127 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046,52 in order to reduce administrative burden for beneficiaries of Union funds and encourage investment in priority technologies. Provided they comply with the provisions of the RRF Regulation,53 Member States should consider including actions awarded the Sovereignty Seal when preparing their recovery and resilience plans and when proposing their Recovering and Resilience Plans and when deciding on investment projects to be financed from its share of the Modernisation Fund. The Sovereignty Seal should also be taken into account by the Commission in the context of the procedure provided for in Article 19 of the EIB Statute and of the policy check laid down in Article 23 of the InvestEU Regulation by ensuring a simplified approval procedure. In addition, the implementing partners should be required encouraged to examine projects having been awarded the Sovereignty Seal in case they fall within their geographic and activity scope in accordance with Article 26(5) of that Regulation and taking into account the mode of operation of the implementing partners. Authorities in charge of programmes falling under STEP should also be encouraged to consider support for strategic projects identified in accordance with the Net Zero Industry and the Critical Raw Materials Acts that are within the scope of Article 2 of the Regulation and for which rules on cumulative funding may apply. _________________ 52 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p. 1). 53 Regulation (EU) 2021/241 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17).

Amendment 132 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9

(9) To that end, it should be possible to rely on assessments made for the purposes of other Union programmes in accordance with Articles 126 and 127 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046,52 in order to reduce administrative burden for beneficiaries of Union funds and encourage investment in priority technologies. Provided they comply with the provisions of the RRF Regulation,53 Member States should consider including actions awarded the Sovereignty Seal when preparing their recovery and resilience plans and when proposing their Recovering and Resilience Plans and when deciding on investment projects to be financed from its share of the Modernisation Fund. The Sovereignty Seal should also be taken into account by the Commission in the context of the procedure provided for in Article 19 of the EIB Statute and of the policy check laid down in Article 23 of the InvestEU Regulation by ensuring a simplified approval procedure. In addition, the implementing partners should be ~~requir~~encouraged to examine projects having been awarded the Sovereignty Seal in case they fall within their geographic and activity scope in accordance with Article 26(5) of that Regulation and taking into account the mode of operation of the implementing partners. Authorities in charge of programmes falling under STEP should also be encouraged to consider support for strategic projects identified in accordance with the Net Zero Industry and the Critical Raw Materials Acts that are within the scope of Article 2 of the Regulation and for which rules on cumulative funding may apply. _________________ 52 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p. 1). 53 Regulation (EU) 2021/241 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17).

Amendment 133 #

Matthias ECKE, Jens GEIER, Robert HAJŠEL, Patrizia TOIA, Beatrice COVASSI

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9

(9) To that end, it should be possible to rely on assessments made for the purposes of other Union programmes in accordance with Articles 126 and 127 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046,52 in order to reduce administrative burden for beneficiaries of Union funds and encourage investment in priority technologies. Provided they comply with the provisions of the RRF Regulation,53 Member States should consider including actions awarded the Sovereignty Seal when preparing their recovery and resilience plans and when proposing their Recovering and Resilience Plans and when deciding on investment projects to be financed from its share of the Modernisation Fund. The Sovereignty Seal should also be taken into account by the Commission in the context of the procedure provided for in Article 19 of the EIB Statute and of the policy check laid down in Article 23 of the InvestEU Regulation. In addition, the implementing partners should be required to examine projects having been awarded the Sovereignty Seal in case they fall within their geographic and activity scope in accordance with Article 26(5) of that Regulation. Authorities in charge of programmes falling under STEP should ~~also be encouraged to~~ consider to support ~~for~~ strategic projects identified in accordance with the Net Zero Industry and the Critical Raw Materials Acts that are within the scope of Article 2 of the Regulation and for which rules on cumulative funding may apply. The Sovereignty Seal should facilitate access to dedicated funds without replicating existing EU instruments. _________________ 52 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p. 1). 53 Regulation (EU) 2021/241 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17).

Amendment 134 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9

(9) To that end, it should be possible to rely on assessments made for the purposes of other Union programmes in accordance with Articles 126 and 127 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046,52 in order to reduce administrative burden for beneficiaries of Union funds and encourage investment in priority technologies. Provided they comply with the provisions of the RRF Regulation,53 Member States should consider including actions awarded the Sovereignty Seal when ~~preparing their recovery and resilience plans and when propos~~amending their Recovering and Resilience Plans and when deciding on investment projects to be financed from its share of the Modernisation Fund. The Sovereignty Seal should also be taken into account by the Commission in the context of the procedure provided for in Article 19 of the EIB Statute and of the policy check laid down in Article 23 of the InvestEU Regulation. In addition, the implementing partners should be required to examine projects having been awarded the Sovereignty Seal in case they fall within their geographic and activity scope in accordance with Article 26(5) of that Regulation. Authorities in charge of programmes falling under STEP should also be encouraged to consider support for strategic projects identified in accordance with the Net Zero Industry and the Critical Raw Materials Acts that are within the scope of Article 2 of the Regulation and for which rules on cumulative funding may apply. _________________ 52 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p. 1). 53 Regulation (EU) 2021/241 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17).

Amendment 135 #

Eva-Maria Alexandrova POPTCHEVA, Nicola BEER, Fabienne KELLER, Moritz KÖRNER, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Valérie HAYER

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10

(10) A new publicly available website (the ‘Sovereignty Portal’) should be set up by the Commission to provide information on available support to companies and project promoters seeking funds ~~for STEP investments. To that end, it should~~under EU funding programmes. This Sovereignty Portal should bring EU funding opportunities closer to the citizens and businesses. For this purpose, the Portal should become a single and common online platform, where all available EU funding opportunities are displayed in an comprehensive, accessible and user- friendly manner ~~the funding opportunities for STEP investments availabl~~. It seeks to solve an existing market failure, namely an asymmetry of information problem, that hampers the effective uand~~er the EU budget. This~~ efficient implementation of EU funds. This Portal should include information about directly managed programmes, ~~such as~~including but not limited to Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe programme, the EU4Health programme, and the Innovation Fund, and also other programmes under shared or indirect management, such as InvestEU, the RRF, and cohesion policy funds. The Sovereignty Portal should also include a self-assessment tool and information on any open calls as a means to facilitate access to EU funding. The Sovereignty Portal shall display a list of programmes that have been awarded funds under any EU funding programme. Moreover, the Sovereignty Portal should help increase the visibility for STEP investments towards investors, by listing the projects that have been awarded a Sovereignty Seal. The Portal should also list the national competent authorities responsible for acting as contact points for the implementation of the STEP at national level. The Commission should ensure that already existing Portals (such as, the InvestEU Portal) cease to exist once they have been integrated in the common Sovereignty Portal.

Amendment 136 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER, Alin MITUȚA

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10

(10) A new publicly available website (the ‘Sovereignty Portal’) should be set up by the Commission to provide information on available support to companies and project promoters seeking funds for STEP investments. To that end, it should display in an accessible and user-friendly manner the funding opportunities for STEP investments available under the EU budget. This should include information about directly managed programmes, such as Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe programme, the EU4Health programme, and the Innovation Fund, and also other programmes such as InvestEU, the RRF, and cohesion policy funds. Moreover, the Sovereignty Portal should help increase the visibility for STEP investments towards investors, by listing the projects that have been awarded a Sovereignty Seal. The Portal should also list the national competent authorities responsible for acting as contact points for the implementation of the STEP at national level. The Commission should ensure the complementarity of the Portal with other similar platforms, including the NZIA Platform, and avoid red tape and administrative burden thereof.

Amendment 137 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10

(10) A new publicly available website (the ‘Sovereignty Portal’) should be set up by the Commission in coordination with already existing InvestEU Portal for InvestEU eligible transactions to provide information on available support to companies and project promoters seeking funds for STEP investments. To that end, it should display in an accessible and user- friendly manner the funding opportunities for STEP investments available under the EU budget. This should include information about directly managed programmes, such as Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe programme, the EU4Health programme, and the Innovation Fund, and also other programmes such as InvestEU, the RRF, and cohesion policy funds. Moreover, the Sovereignty Portal should help increase the visibility for STEP investments towards investors, by listing the projects that have been awarded a Sovereignty Seal. The Portal should also list the national competent authorities responsible for acting as contact points for the implementation of the STEP at national level.

Amendment 138 #

Mauri PEKKARINEN, Nils TORVALDS, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10

Amendment 139 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

Amendment 140 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Alin MITUȚA, Eva-Maria Alexandrova POPTCHEVA

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

(11) While the STEP relies on the reprogramming and reinforcement of existing programmes for supporting strategic investments reducing the Union dependencies, it is also an important element for ~~test~~preparing the ~~feasibility and preparation of new interventions as a step towards~~establishment of a European Sovereignty Fund. The evaluation in 2025 will assess the relevance of the actions undertaken ~~and serve as basis for assessing the need for an upscaling of the supp~~, provide an update on the state of the dependencies of the European Union and the most strategic sectors to strengthen its autonomy in a comprehensive way. This assessment will serve as a basis for the establishment of a European Sovereignty Fund to be integrated into the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framewortk t~~owards strategic sector~~argeting key dependencies and increasing European investments in innovative projects with a strong economic potential for the Single Market and its competitiveness.

Amendment 141 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

(11) While the STEP relies on the reprogramming ~~and reinforcement~~ of existing programmes for supporting strategic investments, it is also an important element for testing the feasibility and preparation of new interventions as a step towards a European Sovereignty Fund. ~~The evaluation in 2025 will assess the relevance of the actions undertaken and serve as basis for assessing the need for an upscaling of the support towards strategic sectors.~~

Amendment 142 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

(11) While the STEP relies on the reprogramming and reinforcement of existing programmes for supporting strategic investments, it is also an important element for testing the feasibility and preparation of new interventions as a step towards a European Sovereignty Fund. The evaluation in 2025 will assess the relevance of the actions undertaken and serve as basis for assessing the need for an upscaling of the support towards strategic sectors. New 'One-Stop-Shops' will be created to support projects' promoters and Member States in their STEP investments supported by the various EU funds. The One-Stop-Shops will be designed to especially support eligible SMEs. As vital actors across the EU within the life sciences industries, SMEs need to have adequate access to STEP funds.

Amendment 143 #

Matthias ECKE, Jens GEIER, Robert HAJŠEL, Patrizia TOIA, Beatrice COVASSI

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

(11) While the STEP relies on the reprogramming and reinforcement of existing programmes for supporting strategic investments, it is also an important element for testing the feasibility and preparation of new interventions as a step towards a European Sovereignty Fund. TAlso in order to path the way towards a Sovereignty Fund that eventually contributes to shaping and strengthening a European industrial policy, the evaluation in 2025 will assess the relevance of the actions undertaken and serve as basis for assessing the need for an upscaling of the support towards strategic sectors.

Amendment 144 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

(11) While the STEP relies on the reprogramming and reinforcement of existing programmes for supporting strategic investments, it is also an important element for the~~sting the feasibility and~~ preparation of new interventions ~~as a step towards~~including the establishment of a European Sovereignty Fund. The evaluation in 2025 will assess the relevance of the actions undertaken and serve as basis for assessing the need for an upscaling of the support towards strategic sectors and the need for a fully-fledged European Sovereignty Fund and outline the necessary steps towards creating such a fund.

Amendment 145 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

Amendment 146 #

Christian EHLER

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 a (new)

(11a) To ensure open strategic autonomy and as outlined in the Standardisation Strategy, the Union needs to be a leader in international standardisation. Therefore, it is imperative that projects under STEP consider standardisation in their implementation. The Commission and Member States should undertake specific efforts to support projects under STEP to actively engage with national, European and, where appropriate, international standardisation bodies. Projects that include standardisation efforts in their proposal should be looked upon favourably in all the Programmes under STEP.

Amendment 147 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

Amendment 148 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

(12) Directive 2003/87/EC54 should be amended to allow for additional financing with a financial envelope for the period 2024-2027 of EUR 5,8 billion. The Innovation Fund supports investments in innovative low-carbon technologies, which is a scope that is to be covered by the STEP. The increase in volume of the Innovation Fund should therefore allow to provide financing responding to the objective of supporting the development or manufacturing in the Union of critical clean technologies. In line with the objectives of ensuring cohesion and promoting the Single Market, and in order to support the green transition and the development of clean technologies throughout the Union, the additional financial envelope should be made available through calls for proposals open to entities from Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017. _________________ 54 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).

Amendment 149 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

(12) Directive 2003/87/EC54 should be amended to allow for additional financing with a financial envelope for the period 2024-2027 of EUR 5 billion. The Innovation Fund supports investments in innovative low-carbon technologies, which is a scope that is to be covered by the STEP. The increase in volume of the Innovation Fund should therefore allow to provide financing responding to the objective of supporting the development or manufacturing in the Union of critical clean technologies, in particular, this increase in volume should reinforce the budget dedicated to the European Hydrogen Bank. In line with the objectives of ensuring cohesion and promoting the Single Market, and in order to support the green transition and the development of clean technologies throughout the Union, the additional financial envelope should be made available through calls for proposals open to entities only from Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017. Technical assistance to Member States with a low level of participation as provided for in the latest revision of the ETS Directive should be maintained throughout these calls for proposals. _________________ 54 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).

Amendment 150 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

(12) Directive 2003/87/EC54 should be amended to allow for additional financing with a financial envelope for the period 2024-2027 of EUR 5 billion stemming from the multiannual financial framework and with a financial envelope stemming from the auctioning of 50 000 000 allowances withdrawn from Market Stability Reserve. . The Innovation Fund supports investments in innovative low- carbon technologies, which is a scope that is to be covered by the STEP. The increase in volume of the Innovation Fund should therefore allow to provide financing responding to the objective of supporting the development or manufacturing in the Union of critical clean technologies. In line with the objectives of ensuring cohesion and promoting the Single Market, and in order to support the green transition and the development of clean technologies throughout the Union, the additional financial envelope should be made available through calls for proposals open to entities from Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017. _________________ 54 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).

Amendment 151 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

Amendment 152 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

(12) Directive 2003/87/EC54 should be amended to allow for additional financing with a financial envelope for the period 2024-2027 of EUR 5 billion. The Innovation Fund supports investments in innovative low-carbon technologies, which is a scope that is to be covered by the STEP. The increase in volume of the Innovation Fund should therefore allow to provide financing responding to the objective of supporting the development or manufacturing in the Union of critical clean technologies. In line with the objectives of ensuring cohesion and promoting the Single Market, and in order to support the green transition and the development of clean technologies throughout the Union, and to mitigate unhealthy competition to lure green investments that compromises fiscal stability and fairness among Member States, the additional financial envelope should be made available through calls for proposals open to entities from Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017. _________________ 54 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).

Amendment 153 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

Amendment 154 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengThe resources programmed for the new STEP specific objectives should be limited to a maximum of 5% of then i~~ts position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities~~nitial national allocation of ERDF. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 155 #

Eva-Maria Alexandrova POPTCHEVA, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Valérie HAYER

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions~~, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average~~. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 156 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average. However, even if this possibility exists, it is of the utmost importance that SMEs are not excluded from the programme funding, and a significant and proportionate part of it should still be allocated to them. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems~~. Thi~~, and to ensure that SMEs still have effective access to the programme. These changes would ~~allow~~ reinforc~~ing~~e Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 157 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average. Such investments in enterprises other than SMEs should be directed in a way that limit excessive profit and with the possibility of implementing a clawback mechanism. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 158 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856. In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote collective structures of VSEs/SMEs and the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).

Amendment 159 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14

(14) The scope of support of the JTF, laid down in Regulation (EU) 2021/1056,57 should also be extended to cover investments in clean technologies contributing to the objectives of the STEP by large enterprises, provided that they are compatible with the expected contribution to the transition to climate neutrality as set out in the territorial just transition plans. The support provided for such investments should not require a revision of the terJust Transition Fund (JTF) is aimed at supporting regions and territories most affected by the transition towards a climate-neutral economy and by phasing out of coal and other carbon- intensive industries which is a key component of a resilient and future oriented industry. The JTF promotes a just and social green transition by financing the diversification and modernisation of the local economy and by mitigating the potential negative repercussions on employment which is a key Union pritori~~al just transition plan where that revision would be exclusively linked to the gap analysis justifying the investment from the perspe~~ty. JTF is not endowed with sufficient resources to effectively address regional and local needs, therefore, no further reductiveon of ~~job creation. _________________ 57 Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 establishing the Just Transition Fund (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 1)~~its budgetary allocation should occur.

Amendment 160 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14

Amendment 161 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)

(14a) The scope of support of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1755 of the European Parliament and of the Council, should also be extended to cover investments in strategic sectors and clean technologies contributing to the objectives of the STEP. Member States should have the possibility to transfer all or part of their provisional allocation from the resources of the BAR to the ERDF, provided that they are to support productive investments, which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average, including in those regions and local communities that are most adversely affected by the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union. The investments contributing to the objectives of the STEP to be funded under the ERDF and the BAR can serve similar purposes and have similar content since both aim ultimately to allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in certain sectors through providing access to Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities and mitigating negative impacts on economic, social and territorial cohesion.

Amendment 162 #

Mauri PEKKARINEN, Nils TORVALDS, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre-financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation ~~and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives~~. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre- financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities ~~are encouraged to apply certain~~should apply strict social criteria in order tor promote social positive outcomes, such as creating paid apprenticeships and quality jobs for young persons from a disadvantaged ~~persons~~background, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. _________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 163 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre-financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre-financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities are encouraged to apply certain social criteria or promote social positive outcomes, such as creating apprenticeships and jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. _________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 164 #

Mauri PEKKARINEN, Nils TORVALDS, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre-financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre-financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. In the allocation of JTF funding, it is advisable to consider the ramifications of various apportionment strategies on the debt servicing expenses associated with the financing derived from the Next Generation EU initiative. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities are encouraged to apply certain social criteria or promote social positive outcomes, such as creating apprenticeships and jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. _________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 165 #

Matthias ECKE, Jens GEIER, Robert HAJŠEL, Josianne CUTAJAR, Patrizia TOIA

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre-financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre-financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities are encouraged to apply certain social criteria orand promote social positive outcomes, such as creating quality jobs, decently paid apprenticeships and quality jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. _________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 166 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre-financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre-financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities ~~are encouraged to apply~~must develop and implement certain social criteria or promote social positive outcomes, such as creating apprenticeships and jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. _________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

Amendment 167 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18

(18) The regulatory framework for the implementation of the 2014-2020 programmes has been adapted over the past years to provide Member States and regions with additional with additional flexibility in terms of implementation rules and more liquidity to tackle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war or aggression against Ukraine. These measures, introduced at the end of the programming period, require sufficient time and administrative resources to be fully exploited and implemented; also at a time where Member States will focus resources on revising the 2021-2027 operational programmes linked to the STEP objectives. With a view to alleviate the administrative burden on programme authorities and to prevent possible loss of funds at closure for purely administrative reasons, the deadlines for the administrative closure of the programmes under the 2014-2020 period should be extended in Regulation (EU) No 1303/201361 and Regulation (EU) No 223/201462 . More specifically, the deadline for the submission of that final payment application should be extended by 12 months. Furthermore, the deadline for the submission of the closure documents should also be extended by 12 months. In the context of this amendment, it is appropriate to clarify that distribution of food and material bought until the end of the eligibility period (end-2023) may continue after that date. In order to ensure a sound implementation of the EU budget and respect for the payment ceilings, payments to be made in 2025 should be capped at 1 % of the financial appropriations from resources under the Multiannual Financial Framework per programme. Amounts due exceeding the ceiling of 1% of programme appropriations per fund for 2025 would not be paid in 2025 nor in subsequent years but only used for the clearance of pre-financing. Unused amounts shall be decommitted in accordance with the general rules for decommitment at closure. _________________ 61 Regulation (EU) 1303/2013 laying down common provisions (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320). 62 Regulation (EU) 223/2014 on the Fund for European Aid on the Most Deprived (OJ L 72, 12.3.2014, p. 1).deleted

Amendment 168 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18

(18) The regulatory framework for the implementation of the 2014-2020 programmes has been adapted over the past years to provide Member States and regions with additional with additional flexibility in terms of implementation rules and more liquidity to tackle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war or aggression against Ukraine. These measures, introduced at the end of the programming period, require sufficient time and administrative resources to be fully exploited and implemented; also at a time where Member States will focus resources on revising the 2021-2027 operational programmes linked to the STEP objectives. With a view to alleviate the administrative burden on programme authorities and to prevent possible loss of funds at closure for purely administrative reasons, the deadlines for the administrative closure of the programmes under the 2014-2020 period should be extended in Regulation (EU) No 1303/201361 and Regulation (EU) No 223/201462 . More specifically, the deadline for the submission of that final payment application should be extended by 12 months. Furthermore, the deadline for the submission of the closure documents should also be extended by 12 months. In the context of this amendment, it is appropriate to clarify that distribution of food and material bought until the end of the eligibility period (end-2023) may continue after that date. In order to ensure a sound implementation of the EU budget and respect for the payment ceilings, payments to be made in 2025 should be capped at 1 % of the financial appropriations from resources under the Multiannual Financial Framework per programme. Amounts due exceeding the ceiling of 1% of programme appropriations per fund for 2025 would not be paid in 2025 nor in subsequent years but only used for the clearance of pre-financing. ~~Unused amounts shall be decommitted in accordance with the general rules for decommitment at closure~~Member States should have the possibility to continue to spend the unused amounts allocated by MFF 2014-2020 for projects fulfilling the objective of this Regulation after December 31, 2023, during the period 2024-2027. _________________ 61 Regulation (EU) 1303/2013 laying down common provisions (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320). 62 Regulation (EU) 223/2014 on the Fund for European Aid on the Most Deprived (OJ L 72, 12.3.2014, p. 1).

Amendment 169 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 a (new)

(18a) The regulatory framework for the implementation of the 2014-2020 programmes has been adapted over the past years to provide Member States and regions with additional flexibility in terms of implementation rules and more liquidity to tackle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war or aggression against Ukraine. Nevertheless, the additional flexibility has not helped to fully prevent the possibility of decommitments due to non- implementation. Therefore, the final decommitments made in Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 and Regulation (EU) No 223/2014 should be made available again to finance the additional funding for this Regulation, with the according adaption of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 2018/1046.

Amendment 170 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19

(19) InvestEU is the EU flagship programme to boost investment, especially the green and digital transition, by providing demand-driven financing, including through blending mechanisms, and technical assistance. Such approach contributes to crowd in additional public and private capital. Given the high market demand of InvestEU guarantee, the EU compartment of InvestEU should be reinforced to correspond to the objectives of the STEP. This will, among other things, reinforce InvestEU’s existing possibility to invest in projects forming part of an IPCEI, within the identified critical technology sectors. In addition, Member States are encouraged to contribute to the InvestEU Member State compartment to support financial products in line with the STEP objectives, without prejudice to applicable State aid rules. It should be possible for Member States to include as a measure in their recovery and resilience plans a cash contribution for the purpose of the Member State compartment of InvestEU to support objectives of the STEP. That additional contribution to support objectives of the STEP could reach up to 6% of their recovery and resilience plan’s total financial allocation to the Member State compartment of InvestEU. Additional flexibility and clarifications should also be introduced to better pursue the objectives of the STEP.

Amendment 171 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19

(19) InvestEU is the EU flagship programme to boost investment, especially the green and digital transition, by providing demand-driven financing, including through blending mechanisms, and technical assistance. Such approach contributes to crowd in additional public and private capital. Given the high market demand of InvestEU guarantee, the EU compartment of InvestEU should be reinforced to correspond to the objectives of the STEP. This will, among other things, reinforce InvestEU’s existing possibility to invest in projects forming part of an IPCEI, within the identified critical technology sectors. In addition, Member States are encouraged to contribute to the InvestEU Member State compartment to support financial products in line with the STEP objectives, without prejudice to applicable State aid rules. It should be possible for Member States to include as a measure in their recovery and resilience plans a cash contribution for the purpose of the Member State compartment of InvestEU to support objectives of the STEP. That additional contribution to support objectives of the STEP could reach up to 6% of their recovery and resilience plan’s total financial allocation to the Member State compartment of InvestEU. It should be possible to grant a relatively larger share of the EU guarantee under the EU compartment to the EIB Group. Any additional allocation to the EIB Group above the 75% original threshold should come from the portion of the EU guarantee under the InvestEU EU compartment that will not be absorbed by the Implementing Partners other than the EIB Group. In this context, the Commission should encourage and assist the Implementing Partners other than the EIB Group to absorb in full the remaining 25% under open access conditions Additional flexibility and clarifications should also be introduced to better pursue the objectives of the STEP.

Amendment 172 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19

(19) InvestEU is the EU flagship programme to boost investment, especially the green and digital transition, by providing demand-driven financing, including through blending mechanisms, and technical assistance. Such approach contributes to crowd in additional public and private capital. Given the high market demand of InvestEU guarantee, the EU compartment of InvestEU should be reinforced to correspond to the objectives of the STEP. This will, among other things, reinforce InvestEU’s existing possibility to invest in projects forming part of an IPCEI, within the identified critical technology sectors. In addition, Member States are encouraged to contribute to the InvestEU Member State compartment to support financial products in line with the STEP objectives, without prejudice to applicable State aid rules. It should be possible for Member States to include as a measure in their recovery and resilience plans a cash contribution for the purpose of the Member State compartment of InvestEU to support objectives of the STEP. That additional contribution to support objectives of the STEP could reach up to 6% of their recovery and resilience plan’s total financial allocation to the Member State compartment of InvestEU. Additional ~~flexibility and clarifications should also be introduced to better pursue the objectives of the STEP.~~ ly, Member States should be able to take the unused RRF loans in order to make cash contributions to their Member State compartments of InvestEU to support objectives of the STEP. Additional flexibility and clarifications should also be introduced to better pursue the objectives of the STEP. In general, the Commission and all authorities in charge of programmes falling under STEP should be encouraged to ensure consistency, coherence, complementarity and synergy among sources of funding with the STEP objectives

Amendment 173 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19

(19) InvestEU is the EU flagship programme to boost investment, especially the green and digital transition, by providing demand-driven financing, including through blending mechanisms, and technical assistance. Such approach contributes to crowd in additional public and private capital. Given the high market demand of InvestEU guarantee, the EU compartment of InvestEU should be reinforced to correspond to the objectives of the STEP. This will, among other things, reinforce InvestEU’s existing possibility to invest in projects forming part of an IPCEI, within the identified critical technology sectors. In addition, Member States are encouraged to contribute to the InvestEU Member State compartment to support financial products in line with the STEP objectives, without prejudice to applicable State aid rules. It should be possible for Member States to include as a measure in their recovery and resilience plans a cash contribution for the purpose of the Member State compartment of InvestEU to support objectives of the STEP. ~~That a~~Additional contribution to support objectives of the STEP could reach up to 6% of their recovery and resilience plan’s total financial allocation to the Member State compartment of InvestEU. Additional flexibility and clarifications should also be introduced to better pursue the objectivesflexibility and clarifications should also be introduced to better pursue the objectives of the STEP, including measures aiming to channel all necessary resources to non- bankable and cross-border critical projects as the former potentially offer a higher reward and would pave the way for future EU leadership in those sectors, and the latter would contribute to the cohesion of the ~~STEP~~Union.

Amendment 174 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19 a (new)

(19a) The legal deadline for Member States to request loan support under the RRF expired on 31 August 2023. In light of the requests submitted until the deadline, around EUR 93 billion would remain unused and should be devoted to the objectives of the STEP. According to the EURI Regulation, loans need to be granted to Member States no later than 31 December 2023. Given the tight timetable, a speedy granting procedure should be established for those Member States willing to take the loans. As a counterpart, Member States will use the proceeds of the loan to provide cash contributions to the Member State compartment of InvestEU to support objectives of the STEP, which implies that the funds would be under the control of the EIB.

Amendment 175 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20

(20) Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation, and its European Innovation Council (EIC) provides for support for innovations with potential breakthrough and disruptive nature with scale-up potential that may be too risky for private investors. Additional flexibility should be provided for under Horizon Europe, so that the EIC Accelerator can provide equity- only support to non-bankable SMEs, including start-ups, and non-bankable SMEs and small mid-caps, carrying out innovation in the technologies supported by the STEP and regardless of whether they previously received other types of support from the EIC Accelerator. The implementation of the EIC Fund is currently limited to a maximum investment amount of EUR 15 million except in exceptional cases and cannot accommodate follow-on financing rounds or larger investment amounts. Allowing for equity- only support for non-bankable SMEs and small mid-caps would address the existing market gap with investments needs in the range of EUR 15 to 50 million. Moreover, experience has shown that the amounts committed for the EIC Pilot under Horizon2020 are not fully used. These unused funds should be made available for the purposes of the EIC Accelerator under Horizon Europe. The Horizon Europe Regulation should also be amended to reflect the increased envelope for the European Defence Fund.

Amendment 176 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20

(20) Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation, and its European Innovation Council (EIC) provides for support for innovations with potential breakthrough and disruptive nature with scale-up potential that may be too risky for private investors. Additional flexibility should be provided for under Horizon Europe, so that the EIC Accelerator can provide equity- only support to non-bankable SMEs, including start-ups, and non-bankable SMEs and small mid-caps, carrying out innovation in the technologies supported by the STEP and regardless of whether they previously received other types of support from the EIC Accelerator. The implementation of the EIC Fund is currently limited to a maximum investment amount of EUR 15 million except in exceptional cases and cannot accommodate follow-on financing rounds or larger investment amounts. Allowing for equity- only support for non-bankable SMEs and small mid-caps would address the existing market gap with investments needs in the range of EUR 15 to 50 million. Moreover, experience has shown that the amounts committed for the EIC Pilot under Horizon2020 are not fully used. These unused funds should be made available for the purposes of the EIC Accelerator under Horizon Europe. Research decommitments according to Article 15(3) of the Financial Regulation, as a result of total or partial non-implementation of research projects, should also be channelled to STEP objectives. The Horizon Europe Regulation should also be amended to reflect the increased envelope for the European Defence Fund.

Amendment 177 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER, Alin MITUȚA, Eva-Maria Alexandrova POPTCHEVA

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20

(20) Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation, and its European Innovation Council (EIC) provides for support for innovations with potential breakthrough and disruptive nature with scale-up potential that may be too risky for private investors. Additional flexibility should be provided for under Horizon Europe~~, so that t~~ to improve the participation of SMEs and their access to finance, in particular to the EIC. The EIC Accelerator ~~can~~should provide equity- only support to non-bankable SMEs, including start-ups, and non- bankable SMEs and small mid-caps, carrying out innovation in the technologies supported by the STEP and regardless of whether they previously received other types of support from the EIC Accelerator. The implementation of the EIC Fund is currently limited to a maximum investment amount of EUR 15 million except in exceptional cases and cannot accommodate follow-on financing rounds or larger investment amounts. Allowing for equity- only support for non-bankable SMEs and small mid-caps would address the existing market gap with investments needs in the range of EUR 15 to 50 million. Moreover, experience has shown that the amounts committed for the EIC Pilot under Horizon2020 are not fully used. These unused funds should be made available for the purposes of the EIC Accelerator under Horizon Europe. The Horizon Europe Regulation should also be amended to reflect the increased envelope for the European Defence Fund.

Amendment 178 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20

(20) Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation, and its European Innovation Council (EIC) provides for support, in particular for innovations with potential breakthrough and disruptive nature with scale-up potential that may be too risky for private investors. Additional flexibility should be provided for under Horizon Europe, so that the EIC Accelerator can provide equity- only support to non- bankable SMEs, including start-ups, and non-bankable SMEs and small mid-caps, carrying out innovation in the technologies supported by the STEP and regardless of whether they previously received other types of support from the EIC Accelerator. The implementation of the EIC Fund is currently limited to a maximum investment amount of EUR 15 million except in exceptional cases and cannot accommodate follow-on financing rounds or larger investment amounts. Allowing for equity- only support for non-bankable SMEs and small mid-caps would address the existing market gap with investments needs in the range of EUR 15 to 50 million. Moreover, experience has shown that the amounts committed for the EIC Pilot under Horizon2020 are not fully used. These unused funds should be made available for the purposes of the EIC Accelerator under Horizon Europe. The Horizon Europe Regulation should also be amended to reflect the increased envelope for the European Defence Fund.

Amendment 179 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20

(20) Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation, and its European Innovation Council (EIC) provides for support for innovations with potential breakthrough and disruptive nature with scale-up potential that may be too risky for private investors. Additional flexibility should be provided for under Horizon Europe, so that the EIC Accelerator can provide equity- only support to non-bankable SMEs, including start-ups, and non-bankable SMEs and small mid-caps, carrying out innovation in ~~the~~critical technologies ~~supported by the STEP~~ and regardless of whether they previously received other types of support from the EIC Accelerator. The implementation of the EIC Fund is currently limited to a maximum investment amount of EUR 15 million except in exceptional cases and cannot accommodate follow-on financing rounds or larger investment amounts. Allowing for equity- only support for non- bankable SMEs and small mid-caps would address the ~~existing~~presumed market gap with investments needs in the range of EUR 15 to 50 million. Moreover, experience has shown that the amounts committed for the EIC Pilot under Horizon2020 are not fully used. These unused funds should be made available for the purposes of the EIC Accelerator under Horizon Europe. The Horizon Europe Regulation should also be amended to reflect the increased envelope for the European Defence Fund.

Amendment 180 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20 a (new)

(20a) The EIC plays a pivotal role in offering initial funding to fast growing start-ups and small mid-caps. With its specialized knowledge, the EIC is ideally positioned to enhance funding opportunities for companies seeking capital for scaling up beyond the initial innovation stage. Thanks to the additional funding from budgetary reinforcements (new funds), the EIC will have the capacity to make unprecedented equity investments ranging from EUR 15 million to EUR 50 million.

Amendment 181 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21

(21) The European Defence Fund is the leading programme for enhancing the competitiveness, innovation, efficiency and technological autonomy of the Union’s defence industry, thereby contributing to the Union’s open strategic autonomy. The development of defence capabilities is crucial, as it underpins the capacity and the autonomy of the European industry to develop defence products and the independence of Member States as the end- users of such products. ~~The additional envelope should therefore be made available to support actions in the field of deep and digital technologies contributing to the development of defence applications.~~

Amendment 182 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21

(21) The European Defence Fund is the leading programme for enhancing the competitiveness, innovation, efficiency and technological autonomy of the Union’s defence industry, thereby contributing to the Union’s open strategic autonomy. The development of defence capabilities is crucial, as it underpins the capacity and the autonomy of the European industry to develop defence products and the independence of Member States as the end- users of such products. The additional envelope should therefore be made available to support actions in ~~the field of deep~~clean and digital technologies contributing to the development of defence applications.

Amendment 183 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1

This Regulation establishes a Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’ or ‘the Platform’) to support critical and emerging strategic technologies and their respective supply chains and thus help the implementation of European legislation in these fields (NZIA, CRMA, Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030).

Amendment 184 #

This Regulation establishes a Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’ or ‘the Platform’) to support critical and emerging strategic technologies ’ industry in the Union.

Amendment 185 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Amendment 186 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. To strengthen European sovereignty and security, accelerate the Union’s green and digital transitions and enhance its competitiveness, reduce its strategic dependencies, favour a level playing field in the Single Market for investments throughout the Union, foster cross-border participation, including of SMEs, and promote inclusive access to attractive, quality jobs, the Platform shall pursue the following objectives:

Amendment 187 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Nathalie LOISEAU, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER, Alin MITUȚA, Eva-Maria Alexandrova POPTCHEVA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Amendment 188 #

1. To strengthen European sovereignty and security, reduce its strategic dependencies, accelerate the Union’s green and digital transitions and enhance its competitiveness, ~~reduce its strategic dependencies,~~ favour a level playing field in the Single Market for investments throughout the Union, and promote inclusive access to attractive, quality jobs, the Platform shall pursue the following objectives:

Amendment 189 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part

(a) supporting the development or manufacturing throughout the Union, or safeguarding and strengthening the respective value chains, of critical technologies, focused on priority sectors that have a demonstrable positive impact for delivering emissions reductions at scale or other environmental benefits and social innovation, in the following fields:

Amendment 190 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part

Amendment 191 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part

(a) supporting the development or manufacturing throughout the Union, or safeguarding ~~and~~, strengthening and structuring the respective value chains at local, regional and national level, of critical technologies in the following fields:

Amendment 192 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part

Amendment 193 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part

(a) supporting the development or manufacturing of critical technologies throughout the Union, or safeguarding and strengthening their respective ~~value~~supply chains, ~~of critical technologies~~ in the following fields:

Amendment 194 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part

(a) supporting the development or manufacturing throughout the Union, or safeguarding and strengthening the respective ~~value~~supply chains, of ~~critical~~ technologies in the following fields:

Amendment 195 #

(i) deep and digital technologies including multi-country projects in accordance with Decision EU) 2022/2481 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Amendment 196 #

Matthias ECKE, Jens GEIER, Robert HAJŠEL, Josianne CUTAJAR, Patrizia TOIA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i

(i) ~~deep and~~ digital technologies contributing to the objectives of the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030

Amendment 197 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i

(i) ~~deep and~~ digital technologies

Amendment 198 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i

(i) ~~deep and~~ digital technologies

Amendment 199 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii

(ii) clean technologies including net- zero technologies in accordance with Regulation (EU) .../... [Net-Zero Industry Act ]

Amendment 200 #

Matthias ECKE, Jens GEIER, Robert HAJŠEL, Patrizia TOIA, Beatrice COVASSI

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii

(ii) ~~clean~~net-zero technologies as defined in the Net-Zero-Industry Act

Amendment 201 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii

~~(iii) biotechnologies~~deleted

Amendment 202 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii

~~(iii) biotechnologies~~deleted

Amendment 203 #

Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii

(iii) biotechnologies and medicinal products on the Union List of Critical Medicinal Products and their components

Amendment 204 #

Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI, Ioan-Rareş BOGDAN

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii

(iii) biotechnologies and life sciences

Amendment 205 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii a (new)

(iiia) medicinal products on the Union List of Critical Medicinal Products and their components

Amendment 206 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) addressing shortages of labour and skills critical to all kinds of quality jobs in support of the objective under point (a), in particular through lifelong learning and in close cooperation with social partners and education and training initiatives already in place, including the European Net Zero Academies.

Amendment 207 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Nathalie LOISEAU, Alin MITUȚA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

(ba) strengthening Europe's economic, social and territorial cohesion and reducing disparities between the level of development of the various regions.

Amendment 208 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

(ba) facilitate access to finance for project promoters, streamlining the procedures and reducing the administration burden thereof.

Amendment 209 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Alin MITUȚA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

2. The technologies referred to in point (a) of the first paragraph, shall be deemed to be critical where they ~~meet at least one of the following condit~~contribute to reduce or prevent strategic dependencies of the Unions:.

Amendment 210 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Alin MITUȚA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a

~~(a) bring an innovative, cutting-edge element with significant economic potential to the Single Market;~~deleted

Amendment 211 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a

(a) bring an innovative, cutting-edge element with significant economic ~~pot~~or environmential ~~to the Single Market~~protection potential;

Amendment 212 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a

(a) bring an innovative, cutting-edge element with significant economic potential to the Single Market, in particular in terms of employment and job creation;

Amendment 213 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a

(a) bring an innovative, cutting-edge element with significant economic potential to the Single Market and/or the region of the investment;

Amendment 214 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a

(a) bring an innovative, cutting-edge element with significant economic, social and ecologic potential to the Single Market;

Amendment 215 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER, Alin MITUȚA

~~(b) contribute to reduce or prevent strategic dependencies of the Union.~~deleted

Amendment 216 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b

(b) contribute to reduce or prevent strategic dependencies of the Union and/or of its regions.

Amendment 217 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. When implementing programmes and activities to achieve the objectives under this Regulation, the Commission and Member States shall put specific emphasis on supporting Net-Zero Industry Valleys as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [Net-Zero Industry Act], projects in territories included in the Territorial just transition plans as referred to in Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 and in less developed and transition regions, as well as more developed regions in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017.

Amendment 218 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 3

Amendment 219 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4

~~4. The value chain f~~For the 4. manufacturing of critical technologies referred to in the first paragraph ~~relates to~~, the supply chain covers final products, ~~as well as~~ key components~~, specific machinery and~~ designed and primarily used as direct input for the production of those products, as well as critical raw materials primarily used for the production of those products.

Amendment 220 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4

4. The ~~value~~supply chain for the manufacturing of critical technologies referred to in the first paragraph relates to final products, as well as key components, specific machinery and critical raw materials as described in Annex I of the Critical Raw Materials Act which are primarily used for the production of those products.

Amendment 221 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4

4. The value chain for the manufacturing of critical technologies referred to in the first paragraph relates to final products, as well as key components, specific machinery and critical raw materials primarily used for the production of those products. For the critical raw materials value chain, the focus should be on the processing and integrated recycling of strategic raw materials as defined under the new European Critical Raw Materials Act, while also supporting sustainable extraction and refining of those materials in Europe.

Amendment 222 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4

Amendment 223 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4

Amendment 224 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. The field of clean technologies referred to in the first paragraph covers exclusively batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, heat-pumps, electrolysers, and equipment for carbon capture usage and storage. For the field of digital technologies referred to in the first paragraph, the Commission shall, by means of a delegated act adopted by [3 months after the entry into force of this Regulation] and taking utmost account of the precautionary principle, energy efficiency first principle and ethical considerations, further specify the scope of the technologies considered to be critical pursuant to the paragraph 2 of this Article.

Amendment 225 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3

1. Implementation of the Platform shall be supported, in particular, through: (a) a Union guarantee referred to in Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/523 with the indicative amount of EUR 7 500 000 000 That guarantee shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/523; (b) an amount of EUR 500 000 000 in current prices of the financial envelope referred to in point (i) of Article 12(2)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2021/695. That amount shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/695; (c) an amount of EUR 5 000 000 000 in current prices of the financial envelope referred to in the sixth subparagraph of Article 10a(8) of Directive 2003/87/EC. That amount shall be implemented within the Innovation Fund in accordance with the rules of Article 10a(8) of Directive 2003/87/EC and Commission Delegated Regulation [2019/856]. (d) An amount of EUR 1 500 000 000 in current prices of the financial envelope refered to in Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/697. That amount shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/697. 2. The amounts referred to in the paragraph 1 shall be used with the aim of achieving the objectives referred to in Article 2.Article 3 deleted Financial Support

Amendment 226 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. Implementation of the Platform shall be supported~~, in particular,~~ through:

Amendment 227 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) a Union guarantee referred to in Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/523 with the indicative amount of EUR ~~7 5~~10 000 000 000. That guarantee shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/523;

Amendment 228 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) a Union guarantee referred to in Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/523 with the indicative amount of EUR 710 500 000 000 That guarantee shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/523;

Amendment 229 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Alin MITUȚA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

Amendment 230 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) an amount of EUR 51 300 000 000 in current prices of the financial envelope referred to in point (i) of Article 12(2)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2021/695. That amount shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/695;

Amendment 231 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) an amount of EUR 3 500 000 000 in current prices of the financial envelope referred to in point (i) of Article 12(2)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2021/695. That amount shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/695;

Amendment 232 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) an amount of EUR 7500 000 000 in current prices of the financial envelope referred to in point (i) of Article 12(2)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2021/695. That amount shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/695;

Amendment 233 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) an amount of EUR 512 000 000 000 in current prices of the financial envelope referred to in the sixth subparagraph of Article 10a(8) of Directive 2003/87/EC. That amount shall be implemented within the Innovation Fund in accordance with the rules of Article 10a(8) of Directive 2003/87/EC and Commission Delegated Regulation [2019/856].

Amendment 234 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) an amount of EUR 5 00750 000 000 in current prices of the financial envelope referred to in the sixth subparagraph of Article 10a(8) of Directive 2003/87/EC. That amount shall be implemented within the Innovation Fund in accordance with the rules of Article 10a(8) of Directive 2003/87/EC and Commission Delegated Regulation [2019/856].

Amendment 235 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Alin MITUȚA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) an amount of EUR 58 000 000 000 in current prices of the financial envelope referred to in the sixth subparagraph of Article 10a(8) of Directive 2003/87/EC. That amount shall be implemented within the Innovation Fund in accordance with the rules of Article 10a(8) of Directive 2003/87/EC and Commission Delegated Regulation [2019/856].

Amendment 236 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) an amount of EUR 5 0800 000 000 in current prices of the financial envelope referred to in the sixth subparagraph of Article 10a(8) of Directive 2003/87/EC. That amount shall be implemented within the Innovation Fund in accordance with the rules of Article 10a(8) of Directive 2003/87/EC and Commission Delegated Regulation [2019/856].

Amendment 237 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Nathalie LOISEAU, Alin MITUȚA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) An amount of EUR 12 500 000 000 in current prices of the financial envelope referred to in Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/697. That amount shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/697.

Amendment 238 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) An amount of EUR 13 500 000 000 in current prices of the financial envelope referred to in Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/697. That amount shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/697.

Amendment 239 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d

Amendment 240 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d

Amendment 241 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) The amount stemming from the auctioning of 50 000 000 allowances withdrawn from Market Stability Reserve during the period 2024-2027.

Amendment 242 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d b (new)

(db) In each Member State, an amount equal with its unused money at December 31, 2023 allocated in accordance with MFF 2014-2020. These amounts may be spend by the Member State after December 31, 2023 only for projects in accordance with the objectives of this Regulation during the period 2024-2027.

Amendment 243 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Non-associated third-country entities are not eligible for support under this regulation, i.e. legal entity that is established in a non-associated third country or, where it is established in the Union or in an associated country that has its executive management structures in a non-associated third country.

Amendment 244 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 b (new)

2b. By way of derogation from the preceding paragraph, a legal entity established in the Union or in an associated country and controlled by a non-associated third country or a non- associated third-country entity shall be eligible to be a recipient or subcontractor involved in an action only if guarantees approved by the Member State or the associated country in which it is established in accordance with its national procedures are made available to the Commission. Those guarantees may refer to the legal entity’s executive management structure established in the Union or in an associated country. If considered to be appropriate by the Member State or associated country in which the legal entity is established, those guarantees may also refer to specific governmental rights in the control over the legal entity. The guarantees provide assurances that participation in an action of such a legal entity is not contrary to the objectives set out in Article 2 of this Regulation.

Amendment 245 #

Amendment 246 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall award a Sovereignty Seal to any action contributing to any of the Platform objectives, provided the action has been assessed and complies with the minimum quality requirements, in particular eligibility, exclusion and award criteria, provided by a call for proposals under Regulation (EU) 2021/695, Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Regulation (EU) 2021/697, Regulation (EU) 2021/522, or Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/856. In particular, the Commission shall take into account the action’s ability to strengthen and provide a structure for local networks of industrial actors, and preserve and generate employment.

Amendment 247 #

Matthias ECKE, Jens GEIER, Robert HAJŠEL, Patrizia TOIA, Beatrice COVASSI

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall award a Sovereignty Seal to any action contributing to any of the Platform objectives, provided the action has been assessed and complies with the minimum quality requirements, in particular eligibility, exclusion and award criteria, provided by a call for proposals under Regulation (EU) 2021/695, Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Regulation (EU) 2021/697, Regulation (EU) 2021/522, or Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/856. Projects that have been identified as "strategic project" under NZIA or CRMA shall automatically be awarded a Sovereignty Seal.

Amendment 248 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1

Amendment 249 #

Mauri PEKKARINEN, Nils TORVALDS, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall award a Sovereignty Seal, valid for a period of 5 years, to any action contributing to any of the Platform objectives, provided the action has been assessed and complies with the minimum quality requirements, in particular eligibility, exclusion and award criteria, provided by a call for proposals under Regulation (EU) 2021/695, Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Regulation (EU) 2021/697, Regulation (EU) 2021/522, or Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/856.

Amendment 250 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1

Amendment 251 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point i (new)

(i) contributing to any of the Platform objectives, provided the action has been assessed and complies with the minimum quality requirements, in particular eligibility, exclusion and award criteria, provided by a call for proposals under Regulation (EU) 2021/695, Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Regulation (EU) 2021/697, Regulation (EU) 2021/522, or Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/856.

Amendment 252 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point ii (new)

(ii) using components, where technically and economically feasible, made in the single market. No components shall be sourced from third countries that contravene the security and defence interests of the Union and its Member States.

Amendment 253 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point iii (new)

(iii) the project promoter has provided evidence that at least 40% of its ownership is based in the Union

Amendment 254 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point iv (new)

(iv) the company supporting the action has provided evidence of a long-term decarbonisation plan.

Amendment 255 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

2. The Sovereignty Seal ~~may~~shall be used as a quality label, in particular for the purposes of:

Amendment 256 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

2. The Sovereignty Seal may be used as a quality label~~, in particular~~ for the purposes of:

Amendment 257 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b

(b) financing the action through cumulative or combined funding with another Union instrument in line with the rules of the applicable basic acts, with a priority focus on SMEs.

Amendment 258 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b

(b) financing the action through ~~cumulative or~~ combined funding with another Union instrument in line with the rules of the applicable basic acts.

Amendment 259 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. The award of the Sovereignty Seal shall be conditional to the compliance of the action with Union’s and national labour laws, social rights and workers’ rights, as well as applicable collective agreements. The award of a Sovereignty Seal shall be subject to social sustainability considerations going beyond the minimum Union and national legal requirements in the area of labour law, social rights and workers’ rights, with fair and adequate wages, well- defined plans in terms of skilling, reskilling and upskilling, measures to improve gender equality and diversity at work, and quality and paid apprenticeships, as well as a ban on dividend payments, bonuses and share buy-backs and commitment not to relocate production outside of the Union within the 5 years following the award of the Sovereignty Seal. Furthermore the action should demonstrate the highest ethical standards for the award of the Sovereignty Seal. The Commission shall provide guidance to further specify the modalities of assessment of the compliance referred to in this paragraph.

Amendment 260 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3

3. When revising their recovery and resilience plans in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/241, Member States ~~shall~~may, without prejudice to the provisions of that Regulation, consider as a priority action which have been awarded a Sovereignty Seal in accordance with paragraph 1.

Amendment 261 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3

3. When revising their recovery and resilience plans in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/241, Member States shall, without prejudice to the provisions of that Regulation, consider as a priority the actions that have been which have been awarded a Sovereignty Seal in accordance with paragraph 1.

Amendment 262 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4

4. When deciding on investment projects to finance from their respective shares of the Modernisation Fund in accordance with Article 10d of Directive 2003/87/EC, Member States ~~shall~~may consider as a priority project for critical clean technologies which have received the Sovereignty Seal in accordance with paragraph 1. In addition, Member States may decide to grant national support to projects with a Sovereignty Seal contributing to the Platform objective referred to in Article 2(1), point (a)(ii).

Amendment 263 #

Eric MINARDI, Paolo BORCHIA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4

4. When deciding on investment projects to finance from their respective shares of the Modernisation Fund in accordance with Article 10d of Directive 2003/87/EC, Member States shall consider as a priority project for critical clean technologies including net-zero technologies as defined in the Regulation (EU) .../... [Net-Zero Industry Act] which have received the Sovereignty Seal in accordance with paragraph 1. In addition, Member States may decide to grant national support to projects with a Sovereignty Seal contributing to the Platform objective referred to in Article 2(1), point (a)(ii).

Amendment 264 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4

4. When deciding on investment projects to finance from their respective shares of the Modernisation Fund in accordance with Article 10d of Directive 2003/87/EC, Member States shall consider as a priority projects for the various critical clean and low-carbon technologies which have received the Sovereignty Seal in accordance with paragraph 1. In addition, Member States may decide to grant national support to projects with a Sovereignty Seal contributing to the Platform objective referred to in Article 2(1), point (a)(ii).

Amendment 265 #

Matthias ECKE, Jens GEIER, Robert HAJŠEL, Patrizia TOIA, Beatrice COVASSI

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4

4. When deciding on investment projects to finance from their respective shares of the Modernisation Fund in accordance with Article 10d of Directive 2003/87/EC, Member States shall consider as a priority project for ~~critical clean technologies~~net-zero technologies as defined in the NZIA which have received the Sovereignty Seal in accordance with paragraph 1. In addition, Member States may decide to grant national support to projects with a Sovereignty Seal contributing to the Platform objective referred to in Article 2(1), point (a)(ii).

Amendment 266 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4

4. When deciding on investment 4. projects to finance from their respective shares of the Modernisation Fund in accordance with Article 10d of Directive 2003/87/EC, Member States shall consider as a priority the projects for critical clean technologies which have received the Sovereignty Seal in accordance with paragraph 1. In addition, Member States may decide to grant national support to projects with a Sovereignty Seal contributing to the Platform objective referred to in Article 2(1), point (a)(ii).

Amendment 267 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 5

5. Under Regulation (EU) 2021/523, the Sovereignty Seal shall be taken into account in the context of the procedure provided for in Article 19 of the European Investment Bank Statute and of the policy check as laid down in Article 23(3) of that Regulation. In addition, the implementing partners shall examine projects having been awarded the Sovereignty Seal in case they fall within their geographic and activity scope as laid down in Article 26(5) of that Regulation.

Amendment 268 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 5

5. Under Regulation (EU) 2021/523, the Sovereignty Seal shall be taken into account in the context of the procedure provided for in Article 19 of the European Investment Bank Statute and of the policy check as laid down in Article 23(3) of that Regulation by ensuring a simplified approval procedure. In addition, the implementing partners sh~~all~~ould be encouraged to examine projects having been awarded the Sovereignty Seal in case they fall within their geographic and activity scope as laid down in Article 26(5) of that Regulation. and taking into account their mode of operation.”

Amendment 269 #

Rasmus ANDRESEN, Henrike HAHN

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 5

5. Under Regulation (EU) 2021/523, the Sovereignty Seal shall be taken into account in the context of the procedure provided for in Article 19 of the European Investment Bank Statute and of the policy check as laid down in Article 23(3) of that Regulation by ensuring a simplified approval procedure. In addition, the implementing partners sh~~all~~ould be encouraged to examine projects having been awarded the Sovereignty Seal in case they fall within their geographic and activity scope as laid down in Article 26(5) of that Regulation and taking into account their mode of operation.

Amendment 270 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 5

5. Under Regulation (EU) 2021/523, the Sovereignty Seal shall be taken into account in the context of the procedure provided for in Article 19 of the European Investment Bank Statute and of the policy check as laid down in Article 23(3) of that Regulation. In addition, the implementing partners shall examine in a timely manner projects having been awarded the Sovereignty Seal in case they fall within their geographic and activity scope as laid down in Article 26(5) of that Regulation.

Amendment 271 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6

Amendment 272 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6

6. Strategic projects identified in accordance with the [Net Zero Industry Act] and the [Critical Raw Materials Act] within the scope of Article 2 that receive a contribution under the Programmes refered to in Article 3 may also receive a contribution from any other Union programme, including Funds under shared management, provided that the contributions do not cover the same costs nor different parts of the same cost. The rules of the relevant Union programme shall apply to the corresponding contribution to the strategic project. The cumulative funding shall not exceed the total eligible costs of the strategic project. The support from the different Union programmes may be calculated on a pro- rata basis in accordance with the documents setting out the conditions for support.

Amendment 273 #

Article 4a STEP Committee 1. The Commission shall set up a STEP Committee composed of Commission experts on the technologies referred to in Article 2(1) , point (a) and on the Union programmes and funds from which the Platform is financially supported. 2. The STEP Committee shall have the following tasks: (a) to provide first point of contact support to project promoters, including by advising on funding possibilities and by coordinating with responsible Commission services; (b) to award and promote the Sovereignty Seal referred to in Article 4(1) and to liaise with managing authorities responsible for calls for proposals and calls for tender to increase the funding opportunities across programmes for projects that have been awarded the Sovereignty Seal, without interfering in the selection procedures; further work to ensure an appropriate balance between the technologies in relevant sectors as referred to in Article 2(a) of this Regulation when choosing projects to fund and to ensure regional balance among Member States, in spirit of cohesion; (c) to award the Sovereignty Seal to projects or actions funded by the Cohesion Funds; (d) to set up and manage the Sovereignty portal in accordance with Article 6; (e) to liaise with other existing structures, especially the Net-Zero Europe Platform established in accordance with Regulation (EU) .../... [Net Zero Industry Act] and the Critical Raw Materials Board established pursuant to Regulation (EU) .../... [Critical Raw Materials Act], national competent authorities designated in accordance with Article 6(4) of this Regulation, implementing partners and the European Advisory Group referred to in paragraph 3 of this Article, with a view to coordinating and exchanging information about the financial needs of, the existing bottlenecks and the best practices for projects across the Union; (f) to foster contacts across sectors referred to in Article 2, making particular use of existing industrial alliances, networks and structures, such as the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) and the Joint Undertakings; 3. The Commission shall set up a European Advisory Group on Strategic Technologies composed of representatives of Union industry to advise and assist it on the implementation of the Platform in the relevant sectors.

Amendment 274 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3

Amendment 275 #

Eva-Maria Alexandrova POPTCHEVA, Nicola BEER, Fabienne KELLER, Moritz KÖRNER, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Valérie HAYER

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3

3. The Commission shall report annually on the expenditure financed by the Platform. It shall, as appropriate, report on the achievements related to each of the specific Platform objectives.

Amendment 276 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. The Commission shall establish a dedicated publicly available website (the ‘Sovereignty portal’)~~, providing investors with~~ where information about all EU funding ~~opportunities for projects linked to the Platform objectives and grant visibility to those projects, in particular by displaying the following information:~~programmes under direct, shared or indirect management is displayed.

Amendment 277 #

Eva-Maria Alexandrova POPTCHEVA, Nicola BEER, Fabienne KELLER, Moritz KÖRNER, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Valérie HAYER

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a

~~(a) ongoing and upcoming calls for proposals and calls for tender linked to the Platform objectives under the respective programmes and funds;~~deleted

Amendment 278 #

Eva-Maria Alexandrova POPTCHEVA, Nicola BEER, Fabienne KELLER, Moritz KÖRNER, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Valérie HAYER

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b

~~(b) projects that have been awarded a Sovereignty Seal quality label in accordance with Article 4;~~deleted

Amendment 279 #

Eva-Maria Alexandrova POPTCHEVA, Nicola BEER, Fabienne KELLER, Moritz KÖRNER, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Valérie HAYER

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c

~~(c) projects that have been identified as strategic projects under the [Net-Zero Industry Act] and the [Critical Raw Materials Act], to the extent that they fall within the scope of Article 2;~~deleted

Amendment 280 #

Eva-Maria Alexandrova POPTCHEVA, Nicola BEER, Fabienne KELLER, Moritz KÖRNER, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Valérie HAYER

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d

~~(d) contacts to the national competent authorities designated in accordance with paragraph 4;~~deleted

Amendment 281 #

Eva-Maria Alexandrova POPTCHEVA, Nicola BEER, Fabienne KELLER, Moritz KÖRNER, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Valérie HAYER

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) organisations and actors responsible for networks of industrial actors at local level that help to achieve the Platform’s objectives.

Amendment 282 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. The Sovereignty Portal shall serve project promoters to find available EU funding programmes that are relevant for their project. With this aim, the Sovereignty Portal shall include: (a) information about all EU funding programmes and access to any open calls for proposals and calls for tender, and (b) a self-assessment tool for project promoters, which will gather information about the particular project in order to highlight the relevant EU funding programmes under direct, shared or indirect management, for which the project could be eligible.

Amendment 283 #

Eva-Maria Alexandrova POPTCHEVA, Nicola BEER, Fabienne KELLER, Moritz KÖRNER, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Valérie HAYER

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. The Sovereignty Portal shall display an up to date list of projects that have been awarded funds under any EU funding programme, as well as those projects that have been awarded a Sovereignty Seal according to Article 4 of this Regulation. The Portal shall allow public and private investors to filter the listed projects.

Amendment 284 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. For funding opportunities managed by the EU and linked to the Platform objectives, application shall be made possible directly via the Sovereignty Portal.

Amendment 285 #

Robert HAJŠEL, Carlos ZORRINHO, Matthias ECKE

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3

3. The Sovereignty portal shall be launched atnot later than 6 months after the [date of the entry into force of this Regulation] and shall be updated by the Commission regularly.

Amendment 286 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. The Sovereignty Portal shall include a rapid simulator to assess the eligibility for EU funding of projects; such a simulator could be used by the industry, especially SMEs, but should not deliver legally binding opinion nor request confidential information.

Amendment 287 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2

2. The annual report shall include consolidated information on the progress made in implementing the Platform objectives under each of the programmes and funds. It shall include qualitative and quantitative information on how Europe's social, economic and territorial cohesion is being reinforced.

Amendment 288 #

Mauri PEKKARINEN, Nils TORVALDS, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)

(ba) include an impact assessment determining how the accumulated programmes under STEP contribute to the Union’s strategic objectives on ensuring long-term competitiveness.

Amendment 289 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)

(ba) statistical review on the Member States and the amount of approved projects and approved subsidies

Amendment 290 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER, Alin MITUȚA, Eva-Maria Alexandrova POPTCHEVA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1

1. By 31 ~~December~~June 2025, the Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with an evaluation report on the implementation of the Platform, on the state of the dependencies of the Union and the strategic sectors for the its sovereignty.

Amendment 291 #

Mauri PEKKARINEN, Nils TORVALDS, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2

Amendment 292 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2

2. The evaluation report shall, in particular, assess to which extent the objectives have been achieved, the efficiency of the use of the resources and the European added value. ~~It shall also consider the continued relevance of all objectives and actions, in view of their potential upscaling.~~

Amendment 293 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2

Amendment 294 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER, Alin MITUȚA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2

2. The evaluation report shall, in particular, assess to which extent the objectives have been achieved, the efficiency of the use of the resources and the European added value. It shall ~~also~~ consider the continued relevance of all objectives and actions~~, in view of their potential upscaling~~.

Amendment 295 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Alin MITUȚA, Eva-Maria Alexandrova POPTCHEVA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. The evaluation report shall assess whether Union funding programmes have sufficient scale to prevent a fragmentation of the Single Market following the loosening of state aid restrictions. The evaluation shall outline the necessary steps to introduce a European Sovereignty Fund, with a view to preventing the fragmentation of the Single Market and reducing strategic dependencies of the Union.

Amendment 296 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3

3. ~~Where appropriate, t~~The evaluation shall be accompanied by a proposal for amendments of this Regulation, in view of the creation of a European Sovereignty Fund. In case the Commission does not present a European Sovereignty Fund, it shall provide the justification in a report to the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament.

Amendment 297 #

Matthias ECKE, Jens GEIER, Robert HAJŠEL, Patrizia TOIA, Beatrice COVASSI

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3

3. Where appropriate, and in the light of the foreseen European Sovereignty Fund that will help shaping and strengthening a European industrial policy, the evaluation shall be accompanied by a proposal for amendments of this Regulation.

Amendment 298 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3

3. Where appropriate, the evaluation report shall be accompanied by a proposal for amendments of this Regulation or by a new legislative proposal.

Amendment 299 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9

Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10 – subsection a – point 8 – sixth subparagraph

Amendments to Directive 2003/87/EC Directive 2003/87/EC is amended as follows: (1) In Article 10a(8), the following sixth subparagraph is inserted: ‘‘In addition to the allowances referred to in the first to fifth subparagraphs of this paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also implement a financial envelope for the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 of EUR 5 000 000 000 in current prices for supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63 [STEP Regulation]. This financial envelope shall be made available to support investments only in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU- 27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017 _________________ 63 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].rticle 9 deleted [ETS]

Amendment 300 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10 – subsection a – point 8 – sixth subparagraph

In addition to the revenues from the allowances referred to in the first to fifth subparagraphs of this paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also implement: (a) a financial envelope stemming from the auctioning of 50000000 allowances withdraw from the MSR in the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027; (b) a financial envelope for the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 of EUR 5 000 000 000 in current prices, as provided in Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093, for supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63 [STEP Regulation]~~. This~~; In order to support the green transition and the development of clean technologies throughout the Union these financial envelopes shall be made available to support investments only in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017’ [1] Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference]. _________________ 63 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 301 #

Eric MINARDI

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10 – subsection a – point 8 – sixth subparagraph

In addition to the allowances referred to in the first to fifth subparagraphs of this paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also implement a financial envelope for the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 of EUR 5 000 000 000 in current prices for supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63 [STEP Regulation]. This financial envelope shall be made available to support investments only in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017 _________________ 63 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 302 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point 1

In addition to the allowances referred to in the first to fifth subparagraphs of this paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also implement a financial envelope for the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 of EUR 5 0800 000 000 in current prices for supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63 [STEP Regulation]. This financial envelope shall be made available to support investments only in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017 _________________ 63 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 303 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10 – subsection a – point 8 – sixth subparagraph

In addition to the allowances referred to in the first to fifth subparagraphs of this paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also implement a financial envelope for the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 of EUR 5 000 000 000 in current prices for supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63 [STEP Regulation]. This financial envelope shall be made available to support investments only in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017 to promote convergence and territorial cohesion in the Union. _________________ 63 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 304 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10 – subsection a – point 8 – sixth subparagraph

In addition to the allowances referred to in the first to fifth subparagraphs of this paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also implement a financial envelope for the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 of EUR 5 000 000 000 in current prices for supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63 [STEP Regulation]. This financial envelope shall be made available to support investments only in Member States whose ~~average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and~~share of industry in GDP is above the EU average and whose proportion of State aids to industry is below the EU average, calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 201520-201723. _________________ 63 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 305 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point 1

directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10 – subsection a – point 8 – sixth subparagraph

In addition to the allowances referred to in the first to fifth subparagraphs of this paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also implement a financial envelope for the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 of EUR 512 000 000 000 in current prices for supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63 [STEP Regulation]. This financial envelope shall be made available to support investments only in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017 _________________ 63 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 306 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10 – subsection a – point 8 – sixth subparagraph

In addition to the allowances referred to in the first to fifth subparagraphs of this paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also implement a financial envelope for the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 of EUR 58 000 000 000 in current prices for supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63 [STEP Regulation]. This financial envelope shall be made available to support investments only in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017 _________________ 63 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 307 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b

(ix) supporting investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2~~(1), point (a)(ii)~~ of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation]

Amendment 308 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a

Amendment 309 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Amendment 310 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1a

The Commission shall pay 30 % of the ERDF allocation to that priority as set out in the decision approving the programme amendment as exceptional one-off pre- financing in addition to the yearly pre- financing for the programme provided for in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 or in Article 51(2), (3) and (4) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1059. The exceptional pre-financing shall be paid ~~by 31 December 2024, provided~~after the Ccom~~mission has adopted the decision approving the programme amendment by 31 October 2024~~pletion of the mid-term review of the programs, as provided for in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060.

Amendment 311 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a

Amendment 312 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e

Amendment 313 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e

Amendment 314 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4

when they contribute to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation] under specific objective under PO 1 set out in Article 3(1), first subparagraph, point (a)(vi) or to the specific objective under PO 2 set out in point (b)(ix) of that subparagraph, in less developed and transition regions, as well as more developed regions in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017.

Amendment 315 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 2

Amendment 316 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 2

In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 5(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the JTF shall contribute to the specific objective of enabling regions and people to address the social, employment, economic and environmental impacts of the transition towards the Union’s 2030 targets for energy and climate and a climate-neutral economy of the Union by 2050, based on the Paris Agreement. The JTF may also support investments contributing to the STEP objective referred to in Article 2~~(1), point (a)(ii)~~ of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation].

Amendment 317 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point f

(1a) Article 8(2), point (f) is replaced by the following: ‘investments in smart and sustainable mobility, including decarbonisation of the transport sector, its infrastructure and purchase of low-emission bus and rail- rolling stock;’

Amendment 318 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 1 b (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point i

(1b) Article 8(2), point (i) is replaced by the following: ‘investments in regeneration and decontamination of brownfield sites, land restoration and including, where necessary, green infrastructure and repurposing projects, taking into account the ‘polluter pays’ principle, as well as investments in revitalisation and repurposing of mines surrounding urban areas;

Amendment 319 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – new subparagraph

Amendment 320 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – new subparagraph

Amendment 321 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – new subparagraph

Amendment 322 #

Mauri PEKKARINEN, Nils TORVALDS, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 10 – paragraph 3

(2a) In Article 10, paragraph 3 is replaced by the following: In accordance with Article 112 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the co- financing rate, applicable to the region where the territory or territories identified in the territorial just transition plans in accordance with Article 11 of this Regulation are located, for the JTF priority or priorities shall not be higher than 85 %.

Amendment 323 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 10 – paragraph 4 – sixth subparagraph

Amendment 324 #

Mauri PEKKARINEN, Nils TORVALDS, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1056
Article 10 – paragraph 4 – sixth subparagraph

Amendment 325 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1057
Article 12 a

Amendment 326 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph -1 (new)

-1 In Article 2, point (29) is substituted with the subsequent definition: (29) 'accounting year' refers to the timeframe starting on 1 July and concluding on 30 June of the subsequent year, except for the initial accounting year of the programming period, during which it pertains to the period commencing on the eligibility expenditure start date until 30 June 2022; for the concluding accounting year, it denotes the period from 1 July 2031 to 30 June 2032;

Amendment 327 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1060
Article 2 – point 45

(45) ‘ Seal of Excellence’ or the ‘Sovereignty Seal’ referred to in Article 4 of Regulation .../...67 [STEP Regulation] means the quality label attributed by the Commission in respect of a proposal, which shows that the proposal which has been assessed in a call for proposals under a Union instrument is deemed to comply with the minimum quality requirements of that Union instrument, but could not be funded due to lack of budget available for that call for proposals, and might receive support from other Union or national sources of funding; ~~or the ‘Sovereignty Seal’ referred to in Article 4 of Regulation .../...67 [STEP Regulation].~~ _________________ 67 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 328 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/1060
Article 112 – paragraph 3 – fifth subparagraph

(3a) In Article 112(3), the fifth subparagraph is replaced by the following: 'The co-financing rate, applicable to the region where the territory or territories identified in the territorial just transition plans are located, for the priority supported by the JTF shall not be higher than 85%.'

Amendment 329 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14

Regulation (EU) 1303/2013
Articles 135 and 138

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 is amended as follows: (1) In Article 135, the following paragraph 6 is added: ‘6. By way of derogation from paragraph 2, the deadline for the submission of the final application for an interim payment for the final accounting year shall be 31 July 2025. The last application for interim payment submitted by 31 July 2025 shall be deemed to be the final application for an interim payment for the final accounting year. Amounts from resources other than REACT-EU reimbursed by the Commission as interim payments in 2025 shall not exceed 1 % of the total financial appropriations to the programme concerned by Fund, REACT-EU resources excluded. Amounts that would be due to be paid by the Commission in 2025 exceeding this percentage shall not be paid and shall be used exclusively for the clearing of pre-financing at closure. ‘By way of derogation from the deadline set out in the first subparagraph, Member States may submit the documents referred to under points (a), (b) and (c) for the final accounting year by 15 February 2026.Article 14 deleted Amendments to Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 [CPR]

Amendment 330 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point -1 (new)

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 65 – paragraph 2

(-1) In Article 65, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: 'Expenditure shall be eligible for a contribution from the ESI Funds if it has been incurred by a beneficiary and paid between the date of submission of the programme to the Commission or from 1 January 2014, whichever is earlier, and 31 December 2024. In addition, expenditure shall only be eligible for a contribution from the EAFRD if the relevant aid is actually paid by the paying agency between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2024.'

Amendment 331 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 1303/2013
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)

(2a) In Article 24 the following paragraph is inserted: "1a. By way of derogation from Article 60(1) and the first and fourth subparagraphs of Article 120(3), a co-financing rate of 100 % may be applied to expenditure declared in the final accounting year for one or more priority axes in a programme supported by the ERDF, the ESF or the Cohesion Fund. By way of derogation from Article 30(1) and (2) and Article 96(10), the application of the co-financing rate of 100 % shall not require a Commission decision approving a programme amendment. The Member State shall notify the revised financial tables to the Commission following approval by the monitoring committee. The co-financing rate of 100 % shall apply only if the financial tables are notified to the Commission before the submission of the final application for an interim payment for the final accounting year in accordance with Article 135(2)."

Amendment 332 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 1303/2013
Article 2 – paragraph 29 a (new)

In Article 2 the following paragraph is inserted: "29a. The last accounting year of the period should be extended until June 30, 2025. "

Amendment 333 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 a (new)

Article 14a Amendment to Regulation (EU) No 2018/1046 Regulation (EU) No 2018/1046 is amended as follows: (1) In Article 15, the following paragraph 2c is added: ‘(c). the final decommitments under Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 and Regulation (EU) No 223/2014, as referred to in Article 136 (3) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 and Article 59 (3) of Regulation (EU) No 223/2014. ‘

Amendment 334 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 b (new)

Article 14b Amendments to Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 [CPR] Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 is amended as follows: (1) In Article 136, the following paragraph 3 is added: ‘3. The final decommitments referred to in paragraph 1 and 2 should be made available again as appropriations to finance the additional funding for the financial support of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) as set out in Article 3 of the Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation], in accordance with Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 2018/1046 and the annual ceilings for commitments and payments as per Annex I to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093.‘

Amendment 335 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15

Regulation (EU) No 223/2014
Articles 13, 22, 45, 48

Amendment to Regulation (EU) No Regulation (EU) No 223/2014 is amended as follows: (1) In Article 13, paragraph 5 is replaced by the following: ‘5. The Member State shall submit a final report on implementation of the operational programme together with the closure documents as set out in Article 52, by 15 February 2026 at the latest. ‘2a. In the case of costs reimbursed pursuant to points (b), (c), (d) and (e) of Article 26(2), the corresponding actions being reimbursed shall be carried out by the submission of the final application for an interim payment for the final accounting year in accordance with Article 45(6). ‘6. By way of derogation from paragraph 2, the deadline for the submission of the final application for an interim payment for the final accounting year shall be 31 July 2025. The last application for interim payment submitted by 31 July 2025 shall be deemed to be the final application for an interim payment for the final accounting year. Amounts reimbursed by the Commission as interim payments in 2025 shall not exceed 1 % of the total financial appropriations to the programme concerned. Amounts that would be due to be paid by the Commission in 2025 exceeding this percentage shall not be paid and shall be used exclusively for the clearing of pre-financing at closure. ‘By way of derogation from the deadline set out in the first subparagraph, Member States may submit the documents referred to under points (a), (b) and (c) for the final accounting year by 15 February 2026.rticle 15 deleted 223/2014 [FEAD]

Amendment 336 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 a (new)

Article 15a Amendment to Regulation (EU) No 223/2014 [FEAD] Regulation (EU) No 223/2014 is amended as follows: (1) In Article 59, the following paragraph 3 is added: ‘3. The final decommitments referred to in paragraph 1 and 2 should be made available again as appropriations to finance the additional funding for the financial support of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) as set out in Article 3 of the Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation], in accordance with Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 2018/1046 and the annual ceilings for commitments and payments as per Annex I to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093.‘

Amendment 337 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Alin MITUȚA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – first subparagraph

(a) In paragraph 1, the first subparagraph is replaced by the following: ‘The EU guarantee for the purposes of the EU compartment referred to in Article 9(1), point (a), shall be EUR 33 652 310 073 in current prices. It shall be provisioned at the rate of 40 %. The amount referred to in Article 35(3), first subparagraph, point (a), shall be also taken into account for contributing to the provisioning resulting from that provisioning rate.;’deleted

Amendment 338 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – first subparagraph

The EU guarantee for the purposes of the EU compartment referred to in Article 9(1), point (a), shall be EUR 336 652 310 073 in current prices. It shall be provisioned at the rate of 40 %. The amount referred to in Article 35(3), first subparagraph, point (a), shall be also taken into account for contributing to the provisioning resulting from that provisioning rate.;

Amendment 339 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – first subparagraph

Amendment 340 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – first subparagraph

The EU guarantee for the purposes of the EU compartment referred to in Article 9(1), point (a), shall be EUR 3~~3 6~~6 152 310 073 in current prices. It shall be provisioned at the rate of 40 %. The amount referred to in Article 35(3), first subparagraph, point (a), shall be also taken into account for contributing to the provisioning resulting from that provisioning rate.;

Amendment 341 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – fourth subparagraph

(aa) In paragraph 1, the following new fourth subparagraph is inserted: 'An additional amount of the EU guarantee may also be provided in the form of cash by Member States to the Member State compartment of InvestEU to support objectives of the STEP. In particular, loans granted to Member States pursuant to Article 33a of Regulation 2021/241 [RRF Regulation] shall be provided for these purposes.'

Amendment 342 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b Regulation (EU) 2021/523

(b) paragraph 2, second subparagraph is replaced by the following: ‘An amount of EUR 18 827 310 073 in current prices of the amount referred to in the first subparagraph of paragraph 1 of this Article shall be allocated for the objectives referred to in Article 3(2).;’deleted

Amendment 343 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – second subparagraph

An amount of EUR ~~18 8~~21 327 310 073 in current prices of the amount referred to in the first subparagraph of paragraph 1 of this Article shall be allocated for the objectives referred to in Article 3(2).;

Amendment 344 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – second subparagraph

An amount of EUR 218 827 310 073 in current prices of the amount referred to in the first subparagraph of paragraph 1 of this Article shall be allocated for the objectives referred to in Article 3(2).;

Amendment 345 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Alin MITUȚA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – second subparagraph

Amendment 346 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point e

(e) a STEP policy window, which comprises investments contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation]. 30% of the overall amount of available under this window shall be awarded to SMEs.

Amendment 347 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point b – subparagraph (new)

(4a) In Article 9(1), a new subparagraph is added in point (b): 'The additional amount provided by a Member State in the form of cash under the fourth subparagraph of Article 4(1) shall be earmarked for projects contributing to the objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation].'

Amendment 348 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 4 b (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – point h (new)

(4b) In Article 10, a new point (h) is inserted in paragraph 3: '(h) any contribution in the form of cash to the Member State compartment made with the proceeds of RRF loans pursuant to Article 33a of Regulation 2021/241 [RRF Regulation]'

Amendment 349 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point b – item viii (new)

(5a) In Article 11(1) a new item (viii) is inserted in point (b): '(viii) monitoring the implementation and the consistency with the NRRPs of the STEP projects financed with the proceeds of RRF loans.'

Amendment 350 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6

Regulation 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 4

(6) Article 13(4) is replaced by the following: ‘4. At least 75 % of the EU guarantee under the EU compartment as referred to in Article 4(1), first subparagraph, amounting to at least EUR 25 239 232 554, shall be granted to the EIB Group. The EIB Group shall provide an aggregate financial contribution amounting to at least EUR 6 309 808 138. That contribution shall be provided in a manner and form that facilitates the implementation of the InvestEU Fund and the achievement of the objectives set out in Article 15(2).;’deleted

Amendment 351 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 4

4. At least 75 % of the EU guarantee under the EU compartment as referred to in Article 4(1), first subparagraph, amounting to at least EUR 25 239 232 554, shall be granted to the EIB Group. Any additional allocation to the EIB Group above the 75% should come from the portion of the EU guarantee that will not be allocated before 31 December 2026 by the Implementing Partners other than the EIB Group following the next Calls for Expression of Interest. The EIB Group shall provide an aggregate financial contribution amounting to at least EUR 6 309 808 138. That contribution shall be provided in a manner and form that facilitates the implementation of the InvestEU Fund and the achievement of the objectives set out in Article 15(2).;”

Amendment 352 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6

Regulation 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 4

Amendment 353 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 4

4. ~~At least~~ 75 % of the EU guarantee under the EU compartment as referred to in Article 4(1), first subparagraph, amounting to at least EUR 2~~5 239~~7 114 232 5554, shall be granted to the EIB Group. The EIB Group shall provide an aggregate financial contribution amounting to at least EUR 6 ~~309 80~~778 558 1389. That contribution shall be provided in a manner and form that facilitates the implementation of the InvestEU Fund and the achievement of the objectives set out in Article 15(2). If the Commission determines that the implementing partners do not have sufficient absorption capacity, the Commission may exceptionally and temporarily allow the EIB Group to be granted more than 75% of the EU guarantee under the EU compartment;

Amendment 354 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 4

4. At least 75 % of the EU guarantee under the EU compartment as referred to in Article 4(1), first subparagraph, amounting to at least EUR 2~~5 23~~7 489 232 554, shall be granted to the EIB Group. The EIB Group shall provide an aggregate financial contribution amounting to at least EUR 6 ~~309 8~~872 308 138. That contribution shall be provided in a manner and form that facilitates the implementation of the InvestEU Fund and the achievement of the objectives set out in Article 15(2).;

Amendment 355 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Alin MITUȚA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 4

4. ~~At least~~ 75 % of the EU guarantee under the EU compartment as referred to in Article 4(1), first subparagraph, amounting to ~~at least~~ EUR 2~~5 23~~7 489 232 554, shall be granted to the EIB Group. The EIB Group shall provide an aggregate financial contribution amounting to at least EUR 6 ~~309 8~~872 308 138. That contribution shall be provided in a manner and form that facilitates the implementation of the InvestEU Fund and the achievement of the objectives set out in Article 15(2).;

Amendment 356 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 7 – second subparagraph

(6a) In article 13(7), the second subparagraph is replaced by the following: 'Contracts between the implementing partner and the final recipient or the financial intermediary or other entity referred to in point (a) of Article 16(1) under the EU guarantee referred to in the first subparagraph of Article 4(2) shall be signed at the latest two years after the approval of the relevant financing or investment operation by the implementing partner. In other cases, contracts between the implementing partner and the final recipient or the financial intermediary or other entity referred to in point (a) of Article 16(1) shall be signed by 31 December 2028.'

Amendment 357 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 7 – second subparagraph

(6a) In Article 13 (7), second subparagraph is replaced by the following: Contracts between the implementing partner and the final recipient or the financial intermediary or other entity referred to in point (a) of Article 16(1) under the EU guarantee referred to in the first subparagraph of Article 4(2) shall be signed at the latest two years after the approval of the relevant financing or investment operation by the implementing partner. In other cases, contracts between the implementing partner and the final recipient or the financial intermediary or other entity referred to in point (a) of Article 16(1) shall be signed by 31 December 2028.

Amendment 358 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)

Regulation EU 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 77 – subparagraph 2

(6a) Article 13(7) subparagraph 2 is replaced by the following: Contracts between the implementing partner and the final recipient or the financial intermediary or other entity referred to in point (a) of Article 16(1) under the EU guarantee referred to in the first subparagraph of Article 4(2) shall be signed at the latest by 31 August 2026. In other cases, contracts between the implementing partner and the final recipient or the financial intermediary or other entity referred to in point (a) of Article 16(1) shall be signed by 31 December 2028.

Amendment 359 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)

(6a) Article 13(7) is amended as follows: Contracts between the implementing partner and the final recipient or the financial intermediary or other entity referred to in point (a) of Article 16(1) under the EU guarantee referred to in the first subparagraph of Article 4(2) shall be signed at the latest by 31 August 2026. In other cases, contracts between the implementing partner and the final recipient or the financial intermediary or other entity referred to in point (a) of Article 16(1) shall be signed by 31 December 2028.

Amendment 360 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 5

(6a) Article 13(5) shall be replaced by the following: "The remaining 25 % of the EU guarantee under the EU compartment shall be granted to other implementing partners, ~~which~~unless the Commission adopts the decision referred to in paragraph 4. The implementing partners shall also provide a financial contribution to be determined in the guarantee agreements. " Or. en (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32021R0523&qid=1694106546408)

Amendment 361 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 b (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 5 a (new)

(6b) In Article 13, the following paragraph shall be inserted: 5a. The Commission shall mention and justify any decision to allow the EIB Group to be granted more than 75% of the guarantee in the Annual Report to the European Parliament referred to in article 7 of Regulation.../... [STEP Regulation]. The European Commission shall also inform of any actions aiming to increase the absorption capacity of the other implementing partners.

Amendment 362 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 b (new)

(6b) Article 20 is amended as follows: Only for intermediated financing and investment operations, in particular for SME support, additionality shall be verified by the Investment Committee at the level of the financial product during the negotiations of the guarantee agreement (or an amendment to it) with the implementing partners.

Amendment 363 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 c (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 6 a (new)

(6c) In Article 13, the following paragraph shall be inserted: 6a. The EIB Group shall ensure that: (a) at least, 35% of the EU guarantee granted to the EIB Group will support investment on non-bankable projects. (b) at least, 30% of the EU guarantee granted to the EIB Group will support cross-border projects.

Amendment 364 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 d (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – second subparagraph

(6d) In Article 19(1), the second sub- paragraph shall be replaced by the following: "The implementing partner shall have appropriate exposure at its own risk to financing and investment operations supported by the EU guarantee, unless exceptionally the policy objectives targeted by the financial product to be implemented are of such nature that the implementing partner could not reasonably contribute its own risk-bearing capacity to it. The EU guarantee will cover up to 100% of the risk exposure in projects that fall under the STEP policy window" (Ensure coverage of high-risk investment in STEP projects.) Or. en (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32021R0523&qid=1694106546408)

Amendment 365 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point b a (new)

(ba) The seventh subparagraph is replaced by the following: With reference to eligible type of financing as set in Article 16(1)b of the InvestEU Regulation, for intermediated financing and investment operations, in particular for SME support, the Investment Committee shall verify additionality at the level of the financial product during the negotiations of the guarantee agreement or an amendment to it with the implementing partners.

Amendment 366 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 8 a (new)

Regulation 2021/523
Article 24 – paragraph 6 a (new)

(8a) In Article 24, the following para 6a (new) is added: With reference to eligible type of financing as set in Article 16(1)b of the InvestEU Regulation, for intermediated financing and investment operations, in particular for SME support, the Investment Committee shall verify additionality at the level of the financial product during the negotiations of the guarantee agreement or an amendment to it with the implementing partners.

Amendment 367 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 9

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 25 – paragraph 2 – point j

(j) provide advisory support to equity fund managers and other relevant stakeholders active in the areas referred to in point (e) of Article 8(1), including, regarding the valuation of intangible assets.

Amendment 368 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 9 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 26 – paragraph 1

(9a) Article 26(1) shall be replaced by the following: "The Commission shall establish the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Portal shall be an easily accessible and user-friendly project database that provides relevant information for each project. The Commission shall ensure the InvestEU Portal ceases to exist once it is integrated in the common Sovereignty Portal, as referred to in Article 6 of the [STEP Regulation]." Or. en (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32021R0523&qid=1694106546408)

Amendment 369 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 10

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 26 – paragraph 5

5. In addition to paragraph 4, implementing partners sh~~all als~~ould also be encouraged to examine projects having been awarded the Sovereignty Seal under Article 4 of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation] whenever those projects fall within their geographic and activity scope, taking into account their mode of operation.

Amendment 370 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 10

Regulation 2021/523
Article 26 – paragraph 5

Amendment 371 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Alin MITUȚA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 12

Regulation 2021/523
Annex I – point e

~~(12) In Annex I, point (e) is added as follows: ‘(e) up to EUR 7 500 000 000 for objectives referred to in Article 3(2), point (e).’~~deleted

Amendment 372 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 12

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Annex I – point (e)

(e) up to EUR 710 500 000 000 for objectives referred to in Article 3(2), point (e).

Amendment 373 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 12

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Annex I – point e

(e) up to EUR ~~7 5~~10 000 000 000 for objectives referred to in Article 3(2), point (e).

Amendment 374 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 12

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Annex I – point (e)

(e) up to EUR 710 500 000 000 for objectives referred to in Article 3(2), point (e).

Amendment 375 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 14

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Annex III – point (9)

7a.1 Investment mobilised by technology area: i) ~~deep and~~ digital technologies, and ii) clean technologies ~~and iii) biotechnologies~~.

Amendment 376 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 14

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Annex III – point (9)

7a.2 Number of enterprises supported by technology area: i) ~~deep and~~ digital technologies, and ii) clean technologies ~~and iii) biotechnologies~~.

Amendment 377 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 14 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Annex V – letter A – subparagraph 4

(14a) Annex V, letter A, subpara 4 is replace by the following: Only for intermediated financing and investment operations, in particular for SME support, additionality shall be verified by the Investment Committee at the level of the financial product during the negotiations of the guarantee agreement (or an amendment to it) with the implementing partners

Amendment 378 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/695
Article 12 – paragraph 1

(1) Article 12 is amended as follows: (a) paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: ‘1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2027 shall be EUR 86 623 000 000 in current prices for the specific programme referred to in point (a) of Article 1(2) and for the EIT and EUR 9 453 000 000 in current prices for the specific programme referred to in point (c) of Article 1(2).’ ‘(b) EUR 46 628 000 000 for Pillar II 'Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness' for the period 2021 to 2027, of which: (i) EUR 6 775 000 000 for cluster 'Health'; (ii) EUR 1 350 000 000for cluster 'Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society'; (iii) EUR 1 276 000 000 for cluster 'Civil Security for Society'; (iv) EUR 13 229 000 000 for cluster 'Digital, Industry and Space'; (v) EUR 13 229 000 000 for cluster 'Climate, Energy and Mobility'; (vi) EUR 8 799 000 000 for cluster 'Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment'; (vii) EUR 1 970 000 000 for the non- nuclear direct actions of the JRC; (c) EUR 13 237 000 000 for Pillar III 'Innovative Europe' for the period 2021 to 2027, of which: (i) EUR 10 052 000 000 for the EIC; (ii) EUR 459 000 000 for European innovation ecosystems; (iii) EUR 2 726 000 000 for the EIT;’deleted

Amendment 379 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a

Regulation (EU) 2021/695
Article 12 – paragraph 1

1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2027 shall be EUR 8~~6 6~~7 423 000 000 in current prices for the specific programme referred to in point (a) of Article 1(2) and for the EIT and EUR 910 453 000 000 in current prices for the specific programme referred to in point (c) of Article 1(2).

Amendment 380 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b – introductory part

Regulation (EU) 2021/695
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point c

(b) in paragraph 2, point~~s (b) and~~ (c) ~~are~~is replaced by the following: ‘(c) EUR 13 237 000 000 for Pillar III 'Innovative Europe' for the period 2021 to 2027, of which: (i) EUR 10 052 000 000 for the EIC; (ii) EUR 459 000 000 for European innovation ecosystems; (iii) EUR 2 726 000 000 for the EIT;’

Amendment 381 #

Christian EHLER

Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/695
Article 7 – point 10

(1a) Article 7(10) shall be amended as follows: "10. As part of the general Union objective of mainstreaming climate actions into Union sectoral policies and Union funds, actions under this Programme shall contribute at least 35 % of the expenditure to climate objectives where appropriate. Climate mainstreaming shall be adequately integrated in R&I content. For the implementation of this objective, the Commission may rely on the 'Do No Significant Harm' principle in accordance with Article 17 of REGULATION (EU) 2020/852 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL to ensure that climate spending does not adversely affect other environmental objectives and that investments in other environmental objectives are in line with the climate objective. The use of this principle shall be limited to calls for proposals for projects which directly relate to environmental objectives, as defined in Article 9 of REGULATION (EU) 2020/852 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL, and which aim to fund activities close to market deployment. The use of the principle shall be accompanied by detailed guidance from the Commission on how compliance with the principle shall be evaluated in the context of the specific call in which the principle is used." Or. en (32021R0695)

Amendment 382 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 2 Regulation 2021/695

(2) In Article 46, the following paragraph 4a is inserted: ‘‘4a. By derogation from Article 209(3) of the Financial Regulation, repayments including reimbursed advances, revenues and unused amounts net of fees and costs of EIC blended finance of the EIC pilot under Horizon 2020 shall be considered to be internal assigned revenues in accordance with Article 21(3), point (f) and Article 21(4) and (5) of the Financial Regulation. The time restriction of two years set out in the second subparagraph of Article 209(3) of the Financial Regulation shall apply as from the date of entry into force of Regulation .../...69 [STEP Regulation].’ _________________ 69 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].deleted

Amendment 383 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/695
Article 48 – first subparagraph – point d (new)

(d) equity-only support required for scale-up to non-bankable SMEs, including start-ups, and non-bankable small mid- caps, including entities which have already received support in line with points (a) to (c), carrying out breakthrough and disruptive non-bankable innovation in the critical technologies referred to in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation], f~~inanced under Article 3(b) of that Regulation~~ollowing a thorough assessment by the Commission demonstrating the absence of a crowding- out effect of private investment.

Amendment 384 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Nathalie LOISEAU, Alin MITUȚA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 18

Regulation 2021/697
Article 4

Amendments to Regulation (EU) Regulation (EU) 2021/697 is amended as follows: (1) Article 4 is amended as follows (a) Paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: ‘1. In accordance with Article 12(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/695, the financial envelope for the implementation of the Fund for the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2027 shall be EUR 9 453 000 000 in current prices. ‘(a) EUR 3 151 000 000 for research actions; (b) EUR 6 302 000 000 for development actions. ‘‘An amount of EUR 1 500 000 000 in current prices of the amount referred to in paragraph 2 shall be allocated to calls for proposals or awards of funding supporting investments contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2(1), point (a)(i) of Regulation .../...70 [STEP Regulation]. _________________ 70 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].rticle 18 deleted 2021/697 [EDF]

Amendment 385 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a

Regulation (EU) 2021/697
Article 4 – paragraph 1

1. In accordance with Article 12(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/695, the financial envelope for the implementation of the Fund for the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2027 shall be EUR 911 453 000 000 in current prices.

Amendment 386 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a

Regulation (EU) 2021/697
Article 4 – paragraph 1

Amendment 387 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Nathalie LOISEAU, Alin MITUȚA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b

Regulation (EU) 2021/697
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a

(a) EUR 3 ~~151~~484 000 000 for research actions;

Amendment 388 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Nathalie LOISEAU, Alin MITUȚA

Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b

Regulation (EU) 2021/697
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b

(b) EUR ~~6 302~~7 969 000 000 for development actions.

Amendment 389 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c

Regulation (EU) 2021/697
Article 4 – paragraph 5

An amount of EUR 12 500 000 000 in current prices of the amount referred to in paragraph 2 shall be allocated to calls for proposals or awards of funding supporting investments contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2(1), point (a)(i) of Regulation .../...70 [STEP Regulation]. _________________ 70 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 390 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/241
Article 7 – paragraph 3

3. Without prejudice to paragraph 2, Member States may also propose to include in their recovery and resilience plan, as estimated costs, the amount of the cash contribution for the purpose of the Member State compartment pursuant to the relevant provisions of the InvestEU Regulation exclusively for measures supporting investment operations contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...71 [STEP Regulation]. Those costs shall not exceed 6 % of the recovery and resilience plan’s total financial allocation, and the relevant measures, as set out in the recovery and resilience plan, shall respect the requirements of this Regulation. This limitation shall not apply to the cash contributions made pursuant to Article 33a. _________________ 71 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 391 #

Jonás FERNÁNDEZ, Margarida MARQUES, Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/241
Article 7 – paragraph 3

3. Without prejudice to paragraph 2, Member States may also propose to include in their recovery and resilience plan, as estimated costs, the amount of the cash contribution for the purpose of the Member State compartment pursuant to the relevant provisions of the InvestEU Regulation exclusively for measures supporting investment operations contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...71 [STEP Regulation]. Th~~ose costs shall not exceed 6 % of the recovery and resilience plan’s total financial allocation, and th~~e relevant measures, as set out in the recovery and resilience plan, shall respect the requirements of this Regulation. _________________ 71 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 392 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/241
New Chapter VII a – Article 33 a (new)

(2a) A new chapter is added: ‘CHAPTER VIIa EXCEPTIONAL USE OF RRF LOANS NOT REQUESTED BY MEMBER STATES Article 33a 1. The difference between the maximum amount available for loan support to Member States in accordance to article 6(1)(b) and the total amount requested by the Member States before 1 September 2023 shall be made available to all Member States for the implementation of investments contributing to the objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation] through the Member State compartment of InvestEU. The maximum allocation for each Member State shall be made in accordance to the allocation key defined in Article 11 of this Regulation. 2. Until 31 December 2023, upon request from a Member State, the Commission shall grant the Member State concerned a loan for the purpose referred to in paragraph 1. 3. A Member State may request loan support until 15 December 2023 for the purpose referred to in paragraph 1. 4. The Member State concerned shall use the proceeds of the loan to make a cash contribution to its Member State compartment of InvestEU to support objectives of the STEP, according to article 4(1) of Regulation 2021/523 [InvestEU Regulation].

Amendment 393 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 a (new) Regulation (EU) 2021/1755

Article 19a Amendments to Regulation (EU) 2021/1755 [BAR] Regulation (EU) 2021/1755 is amended as follows: (1) Article 4a is added: ‘Transfer to the European Regional Development Fund or the European Social Fund Plus' 1. By 30 September 2024, Member States may submit to the Commission an amendment of a programme in accordance with the Art 24 of the CPR to transfer all or part of the amounts of their provisional allocation set out in the implementing act of the Commission referred to in Article 4(5) to dedicated priorities established to support STEP objectives, supported by the ERDF or the ESF +. If the transfer request is approved, the Commission shall amend the implementing act in order to reflect the adjusted amounts following the transfer. 2. Transferred resources shall be implemented in accordance with the rules of the Fund to which the resources are transferred. 3. Where a Member State chooses to transfer all of its provisional allocation to the ERDF or the ESF +, Article 10(1) shall not apply. 4. Article 10(2) shall not apply to the resources transferred to the ERDF or the ESF +.’

Amendment 394 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – Paragraph 1 – Point 6

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Annex 1 – Table 1

(6) In Annex I, Table I, the following row is added under policy objective 1: (vi) supporting Any RCO listed for Any RCR listed for investments contributing specific objectives (i), specific objectives (i), ~~contributing to the~~ to the STEP objectives (iii) and (iv) (iii) and (iv) ~~STEP objectives~~ referred to in Article 2 of ~~RCO125 Firms:~~ of Regulation .../... Enterprises supported [STEP Regulation] linked primarily to deep and digital technologies productive investments [STEP RCO1265 Firms: Regulation] Enterprises supported linked primarily to ~~clean~~ digital technologies ~~productive~~ productive investments RCO1276 Firms: Enterprises supported linked primarily to clean ~~bio~~technologies productive ~~productive~~ investments [These indicators are to be reported as subsets of RC001-RCO04]

Amendment 395 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – Paragraph 1 – Point 7

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Annex 1 – Table 1

(7) In Annex I, Table I, the following row is added under policy objective 2: (ix) supporting Any RCO listed for Any RCR listed for investments contributing specific objectives (i), specific objectives (i), to the STEP objectives (iii), (iv) and (vi) under (iii) and (iv) under policy referred to in Article 2 of policy objective 1 objective 1 Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation] RCO125 Firms: Enterprises supported linked primarily to ~~deep~~ ~~and~~ digital technologies productive investments RCO126 Firms: Enterprises supported linked primarily to clean technologies productive investments RCO127 Firms: Enterprises supported linked primarily to biotechnologies productive investments [These indicators are to be reported as subsets of RC001-RCO04]

Amendment 396 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – Paragraph 1 – Point 4

Regulation (EU) 2021/1060
Annex 1 – Table 1

(4) In the Annex I, Table 1, the following rows are added: Coefficient for the Coefficient for the calculation of support to INTERVENTION FIELD calculation of support to climate change environmental objectives objectives Support for the 0% 0% development of skills or ~~access to employment in~~ 145a ~~deep and digital~~ access to employment in digital technologies, . ~~biotechnologies.~~ Support for the 100% 40% development of skills or ~~145b~~ 145b access to employment in clean technologies. Productive investments 100% 40% in large enterprises 188 linked primarily to clean technologies. 189 Productive investments 100% 40% in SMEs linked primarily to clean technologies. 1890 Productive investments 0% 0% in large enterprises linked primarily to biotechnologies. 191 Productive investments 0% 0% in SMEs linked 100% 40% in SMEs linked primarily to biotechnologies. 192 Productive investments 0% 0% in large enterprises linked primarily to deep and digitalto clean technologies. 193 Productive investments 0% 0% in SMEs linked primarily to deep and digital technologies.

Amendment 397 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – Paragraph 1 – Point 5

Regulation (EU) 2021/1060
Annex 1 – Table 6

(5) In Annex I, Table 6, the following row is added: 11 Contributing to skills 0% 0% and jobs in d~~eep and~~igital ~~digital~~ technologies, ~~clean technologies,~~clean ~~bio~~technologies

Amendment 80 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Nathalie LOISEAU, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER, Alin MITUȚA, Eva-Maria Alexandrova POPTCHEVA

Proposal for a regulation
Title 1

Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL establishing the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) and amending Directive 2003/87/EC, Regulations (EU) 2021/1058, (EU) 2021/1056, (EU) 2021/1057, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) No 2018/1046, (EU) 2021/1060, (EU) 2021/523, (EU) 2021/695, (EU) 2021/697 and (EU) 2021/241

Amendment 81 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2

(2) The EU industry has proven its inbuilt resilience but is being challenged. High inflation, labour shortages, post- COVID supply chains disruptions, the Russian war in Ukraine, rising interest rates, and spikes in energy costs and input prices are weighing on the competitiveness of the EU industry. and have put forward the need for the Union to secure its open strategic autonomy and reduce its dependence on non-EU countries. Several strategic dependencies have already been identified in the energy intensive industries, health and digital ecosystems.39a This is paired with strong, but not always fair, competition on the fragmented global market. The EU has already put forward several initiatives to support its industry, such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40 the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State aid,43 and REPowerEU.44 While these solutions provide fast and targeted support, the EU needs a more structural answer to the investment needs of its industries, safeguarding cohesion and the level playing field in the Single Market and to reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies. _________________ 39a Commission Staff Working document on Strategic dependencies and capacities (SWD(2021)352) and Commission Staff Working Document on EU strategic dependencies and capacities: second stage of in-depth reviews (SWD(2022) 41) 40 Communication on A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM(2023) 62 final. 41 COM(2023) 160 final 42 COM(2023) 161 final 43 Communication on a Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State Aid measures (OJ C 101, 17.3.2023, p. 3). 44 Regulation (EU) 2023/435 as regards REPowerEU (OJ L 63, 28.2.2023, p. 1).

Amendment 82 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2

(2) The EU industry has proven its inbuilt resilience but is being challenged. High inflation, labour shortages, post- COVID supply chains disruptions, rising interest rates, and spikes in energy costs and input prices are weighing on the competitiveness of the EU industry. This is paired with strong, but not always fair, competition on the fragmented global market. The EU has already put forward several initiatives to support its industry, such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40 the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State aid,43 and REPowerEU.44 While these solutions provide fast and targeted support, the EU needs a more structural answer to the investment needs of its industries, safeguarding cohesion and the level playing field in the Single Market and to reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies. STEP is a first step towards this structural solutions, however emphasises the need for a full-fledged European Sovereignty Fund with a sizable budget and reminds the crucial role of Own resources in providing the resources needed to build resilience of European industry in a context of intense global competition for critical technologies. _________________ 40 Communication on A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM(2023) 62 final. 41 COM(2023) 160 final 42 COM(2023) 161 final 43 Communication on a Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State Aid measures (OJ C 101, 17.3.2023, p. 3). 44 Regulation (EU) 2023/435 as regards REPowerEU (OJ L 63, 28.2.2023, p. 1).

Amendment 83 #

Mauri PEKKARINEN, Nils TORVALDS, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2

Amendment 84 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2

Amendment 85 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2

(2) The EU industry has proven its inbuilt resilience but is being challenged. High inflation, labour shortages, post- COVID supply chains disruptions, rising interest rates, and spikes in energy costs and input prices are weighing on the competitiveness of the EU industry. This is paired with strong, but not always fair, competition on the fragmented global market. The EU has already put forward several initiatives to support its industry, such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40 the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State aid,43 and REPowerEU.44 While these solutions provide fast and targeted support, the EU needs a ~~more~~ structural answer to the investment needs of its industries, safeguarding cohesion and the level playing field in the Single Market and to reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies. This structural answer should take the form of an increase in funding towards industrial policy and the development of a dedicated financial mechanism in the future. _________________ 40 Communication on A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM(2023) 62 final. 41 COM(2023) 160 final 42 COM(2023) 161 final 43 Communication on a Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State Aid measures (OJ C 101, 17.3.2023, p. 3). 44 Regulation (EU) 2023/435 as regards REPowerEU (OJ L 63, 28.2.2023, p. 1).

Amendment 86 #

Eva-Maria Alexandrova POPTCHEVA, Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ, Valérie HAYER

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2

(2) The EU industry has proven its inbuilt resilience but is being challenged. High inflation, labour shortages, post- COVID supply chains disruptions, rising interest rates, and spikes in energy costs and input prices are weighing on the competitiveness of the EU industry. Th~~is is paired with strong, but not always~~ ese difficulties are accompanied by strong, sometimes unfair, competition oin ~~the~~a fragmented global market and difficulties structuring local value chains around networks of industrial stakeholders capable of carrying out projects. The EU has already put forward several initiatives to support its industry, such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan40, the Critical Raw Materials Act41, the Net Zero Industry Act42, the new Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State aid43, and REPowerEU44. While these solutions provide fast and targeted support, the EU needs a more structural answer to the investment needs of its industries, safeguarding cohesion and the level playing field in the Single Market and to reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies. _________________ 40 Communication on A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM(2023) 62 final. 41 COM(2023) 160 final. 42 COM(2023) 161 final. 43 Communication on a Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State Aid measures (OJ C 101, 17.3.2023, p. 3). 44 Regulation (EU) 2023/435 as regards REPowerEU (OJ L 63, 28.2.2023, p. 1).

Amendment 87 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2

(2) The EU industry has proven its inbuilt resilience but is being challenged. High inflation, labour shortages, post- COVID supply chains disruptions, rising interest rates, and spikes in energy costs and input prices are weighing on the competitiveness of the EU industry. This is paired with strong, but not always fair, competition on the fragmented global market. The EU has already put forward several initiatives to support its industry, such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40 the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State aid,43 and REPowerEU.44 While these solutions provide fast and targeted support, the EU needs a more structural answer to the investment needs of its industries, safeguarding cohesion and the level playing field in the Single Market, facilitating access to funding and to reduceing the EU’s strategic dependencies. _________________ 40 Communication on A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM(2023) 62 final. 41 COM(2023) 160 final 42 COM(2023) 161 final 43 Communication on a Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State Aid measures (OJ C 101, 17.3.2023, p. 3). 44 Regulation (EU) 2023/435 as regards REPowerEU (OJ L 63, 28.2.2023, p. 1).

Amendment 88 #

Matthias ECKE, Jens GEIER, Robert HAJŠEL, Josianne CUTAJAR, Patrizia TOIA

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2

(2) The EU industry has proven its inbuilt resilience but is being challenged. High inflation, labour shortages, post- COVID supply chains disruptions, rising interest rates, and spikes in energy costs and input prices are weighing on the competitiveness of the EU industry. This is paired with strong, but not always fair, competition on the fragmented global market. The EU has already put forward several initiatives to support its industry, such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40 the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State aid,43 and REPowerEU.44 While these solutions provide fast and targeted support, the EU needs a more structural answer to the investment needs of its industries, safeguarding cohesion, quality job creation, and the level playing field in the Single Market and to reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies. _________________ 40 Communication on A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM(2023) 62 final. 41 COM(2023) 160 final 42 COM(2023) 161 final 43 Communication on a Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State Aid measures (OJ C 101, 17.3.2023, p. 3). 44 Regulation (EU) 2023/435 as regards REPowerEU (OJ L 63, 28.2.2023, p. 1).

Amendment 89 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)

(2a) The Single Market has brought significant economic, social, and political advantages to its citizens, businesses, and the entire Union. While these benefits are widely recognised, it is imperative to continue finding solutions to further harness its untapped societal potential. The Single Market at 30 paves the long- term strategic direction of the Single Market. The future Single Market must remain adaptable in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics, technological advancements, and the green and digital transitions while fostering health system resilience to an ageing European population and contribute to enhance the EU's long-term competitiveness and productivity. (https://single-market- economy.ec.europa.eu/publications/single- market-30_en)

Amendment 90 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Nathalie LOISEAU, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER, Alin MITUȚA, Eva-Maria Alexandrova POPTCHEVA

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3

(3) The uptake and scaling up in the Union of ~~deep and~~ digital technologies~~, clean technologies~~ that contribute to the objectives of the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030, net-zero technologies as defined in the Net-Zero- Industry Act, and biotechnologies will be essential to seize the opportunities and meet the objectives of the green and digital transitions, thus promoting the competitiveness of the European industry and its sustainability. Therefore, immediate action is required to support the development or manufacturing in the Union of such technologies, safeguarding and strengthening their ~~value~~supply chains thereby reducing the Union’s strategic dependencies, and addressing existing labour and skills shortages in those sectors through lifelong learning, trainings and paid apprenticeships and the creation of attractive, quality jobs accessible to all.

Amendment 91 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3

(3) The uptake and scaling up in the Union of deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies will be essential to reduce the Union’s strategic dependencies, seize the opportunities and meet the objectives of the green and digital transitions, thus securing the sovereignty and strategic autonomy of the Union and promoting the competitiveness of the European industry and its sustainability. Therefore, immediate action is required to support the development or manufacturing in the Union of ~~such~~ technologies, safeguarding and strengthening their value chains ~~thereby reducing the Union’s strategic dependencies~~, and addressing existing labour and skills shortages in those sectors through trainings and apprenticeships and the creation of attractive, quality jobs accessible to all.

Amendment 92 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3

(3) The uptake and scaling up in the Union of deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies and life sciences will be essential to seize the opportunities and meet the objectives of the green and digital transitions, thus promoting the competitiveness of the European industry and its sustainability. Therefore, immediate action is required to support the development or manufacturing in the Union of such technologies, safeguarding and strengthening their value chains thereby reducing the Union’s strategic dependencies, and addressing existing labour and skills shortages in those sectors through trainings and apprenticeships and the creation of attractive, quality jobs accessible to all.

Amendment 93 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3

(3) The uptake and scaling up in the Union of deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies will be essential to seize the opportunities and meet the objectives of the green and digital transitions, thus promoting the competitiveness of the European industry, its structure and its sustainability. Therefore, immediate action is required to support the development or manufacturing in the Union of such technologies, safeguarding and strengthening their value chains thereby reducing the Union’s strategic dependencies, and addressing existing labour and skills shortages in those sectors through trainings and apprenticeships and the creation of attractive, quality jobs accessible to all.

Amendment 94 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3

(3) The uptake and scaling up in the Union of ~~deep and~~ digital technologies~~, clean technologies, and bio~~ and clean technologies will be essential to seize the opportunities and meet the objectives of the green and digital transitions, thus promoting the competitiveness of the European industry and its sustainability. Therefore, immediate action is required to support the development or manufacturing in the Union of such technologies, safeguarding and strengthening their value chains thereby reducing the Union’s strategic dependencies, and addressing existing labour and skills shortages in those sectors through trainings and apprenticeships and the creation of attractive, quality jobs accessible to all.

Amendment 95 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the f~~ollowing fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and bio~~ields of digital and clean technologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage;Clean technologies should cover batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, heat -pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infratructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to, electrolysers, and equipment for carbon usage and storage. Concerning digital technologies the Commission should further specify the scope of the technologies ~~in these three fields~~to be considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these t~~hree~~wo fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 96 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity (e.g. fiber-to- the-home/fiber-to-the-building technologies) and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels, including biofuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, ~~utilisation~~infrastructure and storage; energy efficiency; biolubricants; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; ~~technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification~~cutting-edge solutions implemented for leak detection and repair inspections carried out along renewable gases and water transport and distribution networks; technologies vital to sustainability such as water storage, smart use, purification, (decentralized) water recycling solutions and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 97 #

Valérie HAYER, Christophe GRUDLER, Dominique RIQUET, Fabienne KELLER, Moritz KÖRNER, Nicola BEER, Alin MITUȚA, Eva-Maria Alexandrova POPTCHEVA

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity (e.g. fiber-to- the-home/fiber-to-the-building technologies) and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels, including biofuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, ~~utilisation~~infrastructure and storage; energy efficiency; biolubricants; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; ~~technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification~~cutting-edge solutions implemented for leak detection and repair inspections carried out along renewable gases and water transport and distribution networks; technologies vital to sustainability such as water storage, smart use, purification, (decentralized) water recycling solutions and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 98 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, ~~5G and~~ advanced and secure connectivity ~~and virtual realities, including actions related to~~including 5G and satellite-based connectivity, and actions related to virtual realities, deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. BThe health ecosystem, in particular biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies vital for health security, including active pharmaceutical ingredients, medicine and vaccine production, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective of reducing critical dependencies. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

Amendment 99 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) There is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains), in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronics, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- biological origin; sustainable alternative fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions; technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies (including medical devices and in-vitro diagnostic) vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. Life sciences should include the application of scientific knowledge to fields such as, but not exclusive to, biology, zoology, botany, ecology, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, agronomy, medicine. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.

source: 752.908

2023/09/12 ECON 49 amendments...

Amendment 35 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2

(2) The EU industry has proven its inbuilt resilience but is being challenged. High inflation, labour shortages, post- COVID supply chains disruptions, rising interest rates, and spikes in energy costs and input prices are weighing on the competitiveness of the EU industry. This is paired with strong, but not always fair, competition on the fragmented global market. The EU has already put forward several initiatives to support its industry, such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40 the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State aid,43 and REPowerEU.44 While these solutions provide fast and targeted support, the EU needs a more structural answer to the investment needs of its industries, safeguarding cohesion and the level playing field in the Single Market and to reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies. STEP is a first step towards these structural solutions, however emphasizes the need for a fully-fledged European Sovereignty Fund with a sizable budget and reminds the crucial role of Own resources in providing the resources needed to build the resilience of European industry in a context of intense global competition for critical technologies. _________________ 40 Communication on A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM(2023) 62 final. 41 COM(2023) 160 final 42 COM(2023) 161 final 43 Communication on a Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State Aid measures (OJ C 101, 17.3.2023, p. 3). 44 Regulation (EU) 2023/435 as regards REPowerEU (OJ L 63, 28.2.2023, p. 1).

Amendment 36 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2

(2) The EU industry has proven its inbuilt resilience but is being challenged. High inflation, labour shortages, post- COVID supply chains disruptions, rising interest rates, and spikes in energy costs and input prices are weighing on the competitiveness of the EU industry. This is paired with strong, but not always fair, competition on the fragmented global market. The EU has already put forward several initiatives to support its industry, such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40 the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State aid,43 and the Recovery and Resilience Facility, as amended by REPowerEU. 44 . While these solutions provide fast and targeted support, the EU needs a more structural answer to the investment needs of its industries, safeguarding cohesion and the level playing field in the Single Market and to reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies. _________________ 40 Communication on A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM(2023) 62 final. 41 COM(2023) 160 final 42 COM(2023) 161 final 43 Communication on a Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework for State Aid measures (OJ C 101, 17.3.2023, p. 3). 44 Regulation (EU) 2023/435 as regards REPowerEU (OJ L 63, 28.2.2023, p. 1).

Amendment 37 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3

(3) The uptake and scaling up in the Union of deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies will be essential to seize the opportunities and meet the objectives of the green and digital transitions, thus promoting the competitiveness of the European industry and its sustainability. Therefore, immediate action is required to support the development or manufacturing in the Union of such technologies, safeguarding and strengthening their value chains thereby reducing the Union’s strategic dependencies, and addressing existing labour and skills shortages in those sectors through trainings and apprenticeships and the creation of attractive, quality jobs accessible to all, while maintaining a level playing field in the Single Market.

Amendment 38 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through the creation of jobs and apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 Furthermore, where economic actors benefit from public funds, a strong commitment to effective social dialogue, collective bargaining and decent working conditions must be made, to ensure and maintain a skilled workforce in these sectors. _________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.

Amendment 39 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6

(6) The scale of investments needed for the transition require a full mobilisation of funding available under existing EU programmes and funds, inclusive those granting a budgetary guarantee for financing and investment operations and implementation of financial instruments and blending operations. Such funding should be deployed in a more flexible manner, to provide timely and targeted support for critical technologies in strategic sectors. Therefore, a Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) should give a structural answer to the Union investment needs by helping to better channel the existing EU funds towards critical investments aimed at supporting the development or manufacturing of critical technologies, while preserving a level playing field in the Single Market, thereby preserving cohesion and aiming at a geographically balanced distribution of projects financed under the STEP in accordance with the respective programme mandates. To ensure that the funding provided under the STEP works towards reducing the Union’s strategic dependencies, any financial support should be conditional on a commitment not to relocate the respective project or action outside of the Union for a given period after the financial support has been received.

Amendment 40 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)

(6a) Considering that the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament have made a swift response to the severe humanitarian, social and economic consequences of the different crisis that we have suffered throughout the last years (Covid-19, Russian invasion to Ukraine, the increase in energy prices, inflation, among others); whereas the response of the European institutions to these crisis have been the programs and aid funds that had as their main objective: the support to the people and sectors most affected, the reactivation of the economy, the fostering of competitiveness and job creation.

Amendment 41 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)

(6a) In view of the scale, required speed and depth of the transition to a net zero economy, it is clear that an increase in public and private investments is required. STEP will help kick start public and private investment in strategic technologies, and must be designed in such a way as to crowd in further public and private investments through all the tools available.

Amendment 42 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 b (new)

(6b) Considering as a success of the Union, all the programs and funds created in the last years to confront the successive economic crisis: Recovery and Resilient Facility, ReactEU, Horizon Europe, Invest EU, CRII, CRII+, Just Transition Fund, REPowerEU, the bolstering of previous programs and the easing of mechanisms. Whereas the design of all these plans and aid funds will only reach success if they are implemented swiftly in order to reach the final recipients, and to those that really need it, such as households, middle classes, entrepreneurs or self-employed workers; hence, it is essential to avoid the existence of such amount of programs and aids that could create a deadlock in the Member States, the delay in the channelling of aids, the difficulties in implementing, and an excess in bureaucracy and administrative burden to companies and SMEs. It is thus necessary, the coordination among the various programs, the removal of administrative burdens, the training of competent Member States authorities (Technical Support Instrument), the mid- term reviews, the demand of transparency and the accountability. European Union’s success will not depend on the presentation of new programs, but in the effective implementation of them.

Amendment 43 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 c (new)

(6c) While proposal for a Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform is nobel one, it is high time for the Union to effectively utilise and rise absorbtion rates of the existing Union’s programmes and funds instead of creating new ones for every challenge which comes across our way.

Amendment 44 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7

(7) The STEP should identify resources which should be implemented within the existing Union programmes and funds, the InvestEU, Horizon Europe, European Defence Fund and Innovation Fund. This should be accompanied by providing additional funding of EUR 103 billion. Of this, EUR 5 billion should be used to increase the endowment of the Innovation Fund46 and EUR 34,2 billion to increase the total amount of the EU guarantee available for the EU compartment under the InvestEU Regulation to EUR 710,5 billion,47 taking into account the relevant provisioning rate. EUR ~~0.5~~1,3 billion should be made available to increase the financial envelope under the Horizon Europe Regulation,48 which should be amended accordingly; and EUR 1.2,5 billion to the European Defence Fund.49 _________________ 46 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32). 47 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 establishing the InvestEU Programme (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30). 48 Regulation (EU) 2021/695 establishing Horizon Europe (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1). 49 Regulation (EU) 2021/697 establishing the European Defense Fund (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 149.)

Amendment 45 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)

Amendment 46 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10

(10) A new publicly available website (the ‘Sovereignty Portal’) should be set up by the Commission to provide information on available support tofor projects contributing to the STEP objectives. To address the needs of companies and project promoters seeking funds for STEP ~~investments. To that end, it~~projects, the Sovereignty Portal should display in an accessible and user-friendly manner the funding opportunities for STEP investments available under the EU budget. This should include information about the directly managed Union programmes~~, such as~~ Horizon Europe, ~~the~~ Digital Europe ~~programme, the EU4Health programme,~~, EU4Health, the European Defence Fund and the Innovation Fund, and ~~also~~ other ~~programmes such as InvestEU, the RRF~~Union funding sources, that is InvestEU, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, and cohesion policy funds. Moreover, the Sovereignty Portal should help increase the visibility for STEP investments towards investors, by listing the projects that have been awarded a Sovereignty Seal. The Portal should also list the national competent authorities responsible for acting as contact points for the implementation of the STEP at national level.

Amendment 47 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)

(10a) The Commission should monitor the implementation of the Platform objectives to track progress towards the Union’s policy objectives. The monitoring should be conducted in a manner that is targeted and proportionate to the activities carried out under the Platform to avoid overregulation and administrative burden, in particular for the beneficiaries of funding. In order to ensure accountability to the Union’s citizens, the Commission should report annually to the European Parliament and to the Council on the progress of implementation of the Platform objectives under each of the programmes and funds, on the overall expenditure of the STEP financed under the respective programmes and funds, and on the performance of the STEP based on the performance indicators provided for by those programmes. Furthermore, information should be provided on the Platform's qualitative and quantitative contribution to cross-border projects and to projects per Member State.

Amendment 48 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

Amendment 49 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

(11) While the STEP relies on the reprogramming and reinforcement of existing programmes for supporting strategic investments, it is also an important element for the~~sting the feasibility and~~ preparation of ~~new~~further interventions ~~as a step towards~~, including the establishment of a European Sovereignty Fund. The evaluation in 2025 will assess the relevance of the actions undertaken and ~~serve as basis for assessing the need for an upscaling of the support towards strategic sectors~~the need for a fully-fledged European Sovereignty Fund. It will outline the necessary steps towards introducing such a fund.

Amendment 50 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

Amendment 51 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19

(19) InvestEU is the EU flagship programme to boost investment, especially the green and digital transition, by providing demand-driven financing, including through blending mechanisms, and technical assistance. Such approach contributes to crowd in additional public and private capital. Given the high market demand of InvestEU guarantee, the EU compartment of InvestEU should be reinforced to correspond to the objectives of the STEP. This will, among other things, reinforce InvestEU’s existing possibility to invest in projects forming part of an IPCEI, within the identified critical technology sectors. In addition, Member States are encouraged to contribute to the InvestEU Member State compartment to support financial products in line with the STEP objectives, without prejudice to applicable State aid rules. It should be possible for Member States to include as a measure in their recovery and resilience plans a cash contribution for the purpose of the Member State compartment of InvestEU to support objectives of the STEP. That additional contribution to support objectives of the STEP could reach up to 6% of their recovery and resilience plan’s total financial allocation to the Member State compartment of InvestEU. Additional flexibility and clarifications should also be introduced to better pursue the objectives of the STEP. In general, the Commission and all authorities in charge of programmes falling under STEP should be encouraged to ensure consistency, coherence, complementarity and synergy among sources of funding with the STEP objectives.

Amendment 52 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19

(19) InvestEU is the EU flagship programme to boost investment, especially the green and digital transition, by providing demand-driven financing, including through blending mechanisms, and technical assistance. Such approach contributes to crowd in additional public and private capital. Given the high market demand of InvestEU guarantee, the EU compartment of InvestEU should be reinforced to correspond to the objectives of the STEP. This will, among other things, reinforce InvestEU’s existing possibility to invest in projects forming part of an IPCEI, within the identified critical technology sectors. In addition, Member States are encouraged to contribute to the InvestEU Member State compartment to support financial products in line with the STEP objectives, without prejudice to applicable State aid rules. It should be possible for Member States to include as a measure in their recovery and resilience plans a cash contribution for the purpose of the Member State compartment of InvestEU to support objectives of the STEP. That additional contribution to support objectives of the STEP could reach up to 610% of their recovery and resilience plan’s total financial allocation to the Member State compartment of InvestEU. Additional flexibility and clarifications with regards to cross-border critical projects should also be introduced to better pursue the objectives of the STEP.

Amendment 53 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

Amendment 54 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b

Amendment 55 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) An amount of EUR 12 500 000 000 in current prices of the financial envelope refered to in Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/697. That amount shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/697.

Amendment 56 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall award a Sovereignty Seal to any action contributing to any of the Platform objectives, provided the action has been assessed and complies with the minimum quality requirements, in particular eligibility, exclusion and award criteria, provided by a call for proposals under Regulation (EU) 2021/695, Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Regulation (EU) 2021/697, Regulation (EU) 2021/522, or Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/856 , and complies with the requirements referred to in paragraph 2a.

Amendment 57 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall award a Sovereignty Seal to any action contributing to any of the Platform objectives, provided the action has been assessed and complies with the minimum quality requirements, in particular eligibility, exclusion and award criteria, provided by a call for proposals under Regulation (EU) 2021/695, Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Regulation (EU) 2021/697, Regulation (EU) 2021/522, or Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/856. The atribution shall be reviewd once the project is modified.

Amendment 58 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. 1. The Commission shall set up a STEP Committee composed of Commission experts on the technologies referred to in Article 2(1) , point (a) and on the Union programmes and funds from which the Platform is financially supported. 2. The STEP Committee shall have the following tasks: (a) to provide first point of contact support to project promoters, including by advising on funding possibilities and by coordinating with responsible Commission services; (b) to award and promote the Sovereignty Seal referred to in Article 4(1) and to liaise with managing authorities responsible for calls for proposals and calls for tender to increase the funding opportunities across programmes for projects that have been awarded the Sovereignty Seal, without interfering in the selection procedures; (c) to set up and manage the Sovereignty portal in accordance with Article 6; (d) to liaise with other existing structures, especially the Net-Zero Europe Platform established in accordance with Regulation (EU) .../... [Net Zero Industry Act] and the Critical Raw Materials Board established pursuant to Regulation (EU) .../... [Critical Raw Materials Act], national competent authorities designated in accordance with Article 6(4) of this Regulation, implementing partners and the European Advisory Group referred to in paragraph 3 of this Article, with a view to coordinating and exchanging information about the financial needs of, the existing bottlenecks and the best practices for projects across the Union; (e) to foster contacts across sectors referred to in Article 2, making particular use of existing industrial alliances, networks and structures, such as the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) and the Joint Undertakings; 3. The Commission shall set up a European Advisory Group on Strategic Technologies composed of representatives of Union industry to advise and assist it on the implementation of the Platform in the relevant sectors.

Amendment 59 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. The award of the Sovereignty Seal shall be conditional to the compliance of the action with Union’s and national labour laws, social rights and workers’ rights, as well as applicable collective agreements. The award of a Sovereignty Seal shall be subject to social sustainability considerations going beyond the minimum Union and national legal requirements in the area of labour law, social rights and workers rights, with fair and adequate wages, well-defined plans in terms of skilling, reskilling and upskilling, measures to improve gender equality and diversity at work, and quality and paid apprenticeships, as well as a ban on dividend payments, bonuses and share buy-backs and commitment not to relocate production outside of the Union within the 5 years following the award of the Sovereignty Seal. Furthermore the action should demonstrate the highest ethical standards for the award of the Sovereignty Seal. The Commission shall provide guidance to further specify the modalities of assessment of the compliance referred to in this paragraph.

Amendment 60 #

Markus FERBER

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3

3. When revising their recovery and resilience plans in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/241, Member States shall, without prejudice to the provisions of that Regulation, consider as a priority actions which have been awarded a Sovereignty Seal in accordance with paragraph 1.

Amendment 61 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 5

Amendment 62 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 5

5. Under Regulation (EU) 2021/523, the Sovereignty Seal shall be taken into account in the context of the procedure provided for in Article 19 of the European Investment Bank Statute and of the policy check as laid down in Article 23(3) of that Regulation. In addition, the implementing partners shall examine in a timely manner projects having been awarded the Sovereignty Seal in case they fall within their geographic and activity scope as laid down in Article 26(5) of that Regulation.

Amendment 63 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6

Amendment 64 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. The Commission shall establish a dedicated publicly available website (the ‘Sovereignty portal’), providing investors with information about funding opportunities for projects linked exclusively to the Platform objectives and grant visibility to those projects, in particular by displaying the following information:

Amendment 65 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment 66 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3

3. Where appropriate, the evaluation report shall be accompanied by a proposal for amendments of this Regulation or by a new legislative proposal.

Amendment 67 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – first subparagraph

Amendment 68 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – second subparagraph

Amendment 69 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point e

(e) a STEP policy window, which comprises investments contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation]. 30% of the overall amount available under this window shall be awarded to SMEs.

Amendment 70 #

Markus FERBER

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 4

4. At least 75 % of the EU guarantee under the EU compartment as referred to in Article 4(1), first subparagraph, amounting to at least EUR 25 239 232 554, shall be granted to the EIB Group. The EIB Group shall provide an aggregate financial contribution amounting to at least EUR 6 309 808 138. That contribution shall be provided in a manner and form that facilitates the implementation of the InvestEU Fund and the achievement of the objectives set out in Article 15(2).; Where national promotional banks or institutions do not make full use of the remaining 25 % of the EU guarantee under the EU compartment, the excess amount may exceptionally be granted to the EIB Group.

Amendment 71 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 4

Amendment 72 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Where national promotional banks or institutions do not make full use of the remaining 25 % of the EU guarantee under the EU compartment, the excess amount may be granted to the EIB Group;

Amendment 73 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 6 a (new)

(6a) In Article 13, the following paragraph shall be inserted: "6a. The EIB Group shall ensure that: (a) at least, 40% of the EU guarantee granted to the EIB Group will support investment on non-bankable projects. (b) at least, 40% of the EU guarantee granted to the EIB Group will support cross-border projects."

Amendment 74 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Article 13 – paragraph 6 a (new)

(6a) In Article 13, the following paragraph shall be inserted: “6a. The EIB Group shall aim for balance in terms of technological, objectives, geographical balance, in particular, with regards to cross-boarder projects.”

Amendment 75 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 12

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Annex I – point e

(e) up to EUR 710 500 000 000 for objectives referred to in Article 3(2), point (e).

Amendment 76 #

7a.1 Investment mobilised by technology area: i) ~~deep and~~ digital technologies, and ii) clean technologies ~~and iii) biotechnologies~~.

Amendment 77 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 14

Regulation (EU) 2021/523
Annex III – point 9 – point 7a.2

7a.2 Number of enterprises supported by technology area: i) ~~deep and~~ digital technologies, and ii) clean technologies ~~and iii) biotechnologies~~.

Amendment 78 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a

Regulation (EU) 2021/695
Article 12 – paragraph 1

Amendment 79 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b – introductory part

(b) in paragraph 2, point~~s (b) and~~ (c) ~~are~~is replaced by the following:

Amendment 80 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b

Regulation (EU) 2021/695
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point b

(b) EUR 46 628 000 000 for Pillar II 'Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness' for the period 2021 to 2027, of which: (i) EUR 6 775 000 000 for cluster 'Health'; (ii) EUR 1 350 000 000for cluster 'Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society'; (iii) EUR 1 276 000 000 for cluster 'Civil Security for Society'; (iv) EUR 13 229 000 000 for cluster 'Digital, Industry and Space'; (v) EUR 13 229 000 000 for cluster 'Climate, Energy and Mobility'; (vi) EUR 8 799 000 000 for cluster 'Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment'; (vii) EUR 1 970 000 000 for the non- nuclear direct actions of the JRC;deleted

Amendment 81 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a

Regulation (EU) 2021/697
Article 4 – paragraph 1

Amendment 82 #

Markus FERBER

Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/241
Article 7 – paragraph 3

3. Without prejudice to paragraph 2, 3. Member States may also propose to include in their recovery and resilience plan, as estimated costs, the amount of the cash contribution for the purpose of the Member State compartment pursuant to the relevant provisions of the InvestEU Regulation exclusively for measures supporting investment operations contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...71 [STEP Regulation]. Those costs shall not exceed 6 5% of the recovery and resilience plan’s total financial allocation, and the relevant measures, as set out in the recovery and resilience plan, shall respect the requirements of this Regulation. _________________ 71 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference].

Amendment 83 #