Procedure : 2017/0334(COD)
Document stages in plenary
Document selected : A8-0227/2018

Texts tabled :

A8-0227/2018

Debates :

PV 10/09/2018 - 20
CRE 10/09/2018 - 20

Votes :

PV 04/07/2018 - 6.1
CRE 04/07/2018 - 6.1
PV 11/09/2018 - 6.12

Texts adopted :

P8_TA(2018)0281
P8_TA(2018)0329

REPORT     ***I
PDF 764kWORD 121k
27.6.2018
PE 620.791v02-00 A8-0227/2018

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2017/825 to increase the financial envelope of the Structural Reform Support Programme and adapt its general objective

(COM(2017)0825 – C8‑0433/2017 – 2017/0334(COD))

Committee on Regional Development

Rapporteur: Ruža Tomašić

Rapporteurs for the opinion (*):

Jean Arthuis, Committee on Budgets

Roberto Gualtieri, Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

(*)  Associated committees – Rule 54 of the Rules of Procedure

AMENDMENTS
DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION
 EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
 OPINION of the Committee on Budgets
 OPINION of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
 OPINION of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs
 PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE
 FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2017/825 to increase the financial envelope of the Structural Reform Support Programme and adapt its general objective

(COM(2017)0825 – C8‑0433/2017 – 2017/0334(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2017)0825),

–  having regard to Article 294(2) and Articles 175 and 197(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C8‑0433/2017),

–  having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

–  having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 14 March 2018(1),

–  having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of 3 April 2018(2),

–  having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Regional Development and also the opinions of the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (A8-0227/2018),

1.  Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

2.  Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;

3.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

Amendment    1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital -1 (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(-1)  The Union is required to support Member States, upon their request, to improve their administrative capacity to implement Union law.

Amendment    2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1)   The Structural Reform Support Programme (‘the Programme’) was established with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth-sustaining administrative and structural reforms, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. Support under the Programme is provided by the Commission, upon request by a Member State, and can cover a wide range of policy areas. Developing resilient economies built on strong economic and social structures, which allow Member States to efficiently absorb shocks and swiftly recover from them, contributes to economic and social cohesion. The implementation of institutional, administrative and growth-sustaining structural reforms is an appropriate tool for achieving such a development.

(1)   The Structural Reform Support Programme (‘the Programme’) was established with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth-sustaining administrative and structural reforms with European added value, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. Support under the Programme is provided by the Commission, upon request by a Member State, and can cover a wide range of policy areas. Developing resilient economies and a resilient society built on strong economic, social and territorial structures, which allow Member States to efficiently absorb shocks and swiftly recover from them, contributes to economic, social and territorial cohesion. Reforms supported by the Programme require efficient and effective national and regional public administration as well as ownership and active participation of all stakeholders. The implementation of institutional, administrative and growth-sustaining structural reforms that are country-specific, and the ownership on the ground of structural reforms which are of interest to the Union, in particular through local and regional authorities and social partners, are appropriate tools for achieving such a development.

Amendment    3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(1a)  Efficient delivery and communication of the Programme’s results at Union, national and regional level are needed in order to ensure the visibility of the results of the reforms implemented based on the request of each Member State. That would ensure exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices, which is also one of the Programme’s aims.

Amendment    4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(1b)  It is expected that demand for support under the Programme will remain high, meaning that certain requests will need to be prioritised. Preference should be given, where appropriate, to requests that are aimed at shifting taxation away from labour to wealth and pollution, promoting stronger employment and social policies and thus social inclusion, fighting tax fraud, evasion and avoidance through improved transparency, establishing strategies for innovative and sustainable re-industrialisation and improving education and training systems. Special attention should be paid to requests for support which have a high level of democratic support and involvement of partners and which have spill over effects on other sectors. The Programme should complement other instruments in order to avoid overlaps.

Amendment    5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1 c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(1 c)  In its pursuit of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth-sustaining structural reforms, the Programme should not replace or substitute funding from national budgets of Member States, or be used to cover current expenditure.

Amendment    6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3)   Strengthening economic and social cohesion by reinforcing structural reforms is crucial for successful participation in the Economic and Monetary Union. That is particularly important for Member States whose currency is not the euro, in their preparation to join the euro area.

(3)   Strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion through structural reforms which benefit the Union and are in accordance with its principles and values is crucial for successful participation and enhanced real convergence in the Economic and Monetary Union, ensuring its long-term stability and prosperity. That is particularly important for Member States whose currency is not yet the euro, in their preparation to join the euro area.

Amendment    7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4)  It is thus appropriate to stress in the general objective of the Programme – within its contribution towards responding to economic and social challenges – that enhancing cohesion, competitiveness, productivity, sustainable growth, and job creation should also contribute to the preparations for future participation in the euro area by those Member States whose currency is not the euro.

(4)  It is thus appropriate to stress in the general objective of the Programme – within its contribution towards responding to economic and social challenges – that enhancing economic, social and territorial cohesion, competitiveness, productivity, sustainable growth, job creation, social inclusion and reducing disparities between Member States and regions should also contribute to the preparations for future participation in the euro area by those Member States whose currency is not yet the euro.

Amendment    8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5)  It is also necessary to indicate that actions and activities of the Programme may support reforms that may help Member States that wish to adopt the euro to prepare for participation in the euro area.

(5)  Bearing in mind the positive experience that the Union has had with the technical assistance offered to other countries that have already adopted the euro, it is also necessary to indicate that actions and activities of the Programme may support reforms that may help Member States which joined the Union at a later date and that wish to adopt the euro to prepare for participation in the euro area.

Amendment    9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(5a)   Seven Member States are subject to a Treaty obligation to prepare for participation in the euro area, namely Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Sweden. Some of those Member States have made little progress towards that goal in recent years, making Union support for euro participation increasingly relevant. Denmark and the United Kingdom are under no obligation to join the euro area.

Amendment    10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(5b)   Regional and local authorities have an important role to play in structural reform, to a degree which depends on the constitutional and administrative organisation of each Member State. It is therefore appropriate to provide for an appropriate level of involvement and consultation of regional and local authorities in the preparation and implementation of structural reform.

Amendment    11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6)   In order to meet the growing demand for support from Member States, and in view of the need to support the implementation of structural reforms in Member States whose currency is not the euro, the financial allocation for the Programme should be increased to a sufficient level that allows the Union to provide support that meets the needs of the requesting Member States.

(6)   In order to meet the growing demand for support from Member States, and in view of the need to support the implementation of structural reforms which are of interest to the Union in Member States whose currency is not yet the euro, the financial allocation for the Programme should be increased, by using the Flexibility Instrument under Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 1a, to a sufficient level that allows the Union to provide support that meets the needs of the requesting Member States. That increase should not negatively impact the other priorities of cohesion policy. Moreover, Member States should not be obliged to transfer their national and regional allocations from European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) with a view to filling the financing gap of the Programme.

 

___________

 

1a Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884).

Amendment    12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7)  In order to provide support with the least possible delay, the Commission should be able to use part of the financial envelope also to cover the cost of activities supporting the Programme, such as expenses related to quality control and monitoring of projects on the ground.

(7)  In order to provide quality support with the least possible delay, the Commission should be able to use part of the financial envelope also to cover the cost of activities supporting the Programme, such as expenses related to quality control and monitoring, and evaluation of projects on the ground. Such expenses should be proportional to the overall value of expenditure under the support projects.

Amendment    13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(7a)  In order to ensure smooth reporting on implementation of the Programme to the European Parliament and the Council, the period in which the Commission is to provide annual monitoring reports should be specified.

Amendment    14

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2017/825

Article 4 – paragraph 1

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The general objective of the Programme shall be to contribute to institutional, administrative and growth-sustaining structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming and strengthening institutions, governance, public administration, and economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges, with a view to enhancing cohesion, competitiveness, productivity, sustainable growth, job creation, and investment, which will also prepare for participation in the euro area, in particular in the context of economic governance processes, including through assistance for the efficient, effective and transparent use of the Union funds.

The general objective of the Programme shall be to contribute to institutional, administrative and growth-sustaining structural reforms in the Member States, by providing support to Member State authorities, including regional and local authorities where appropriate, for measures aimed at reforming and strengthening institutions, governance, public administration, and economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges, with a view to enhancing economic, social and territorial cohesion, competitiveness, productivity, sustainable growth, job creation, social inclusion, the fight against tax evasion and poverty, investment, and real convergence in the Union, which will also prepare for participation in the euro area, in particular in the context of economic governance processes, including through assistance for the efficient, effective and transparent use of the Union funds.

Amendment    15

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2017/825

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(1a)   in Article 5(1) the following point is added:

 

(da)    to support the involvement and consultation of regional and local authorities in the preparation and implementation of structural reform measures to a degree commensurate with the powers and responsibilities of those regional and local authorities within the constitutional and administrative structure of each Member State.

Amendment    16

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a

Regulation (EU) 2017/825

Article 10 – paragraph 1

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme is set at EUR 222 800 000 in current prices.;

1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme is set at EUR 222 800 000 in current prices, of which EUR 80 000 000 shall be provided from the Flexibility Instrument under the Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013*;

 

_________________

 

* Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884).

Amendment    17

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2017/825

Article 16 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part

 

Present text

Amendment

 

(3a)  in Article 16(2), the introductory part is replaced by the following:

2.  The Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with an annual monitoring report on the implementation of the Programme. That report shall include information on:

“2.   From 2018 until and including 2021 the Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with an annual monitoring report on the implementation of the Programme. That report shall include information on:”

Amendment    18

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 b (new)

Regulation (EU) 2017/825

Article 16 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d a (new)

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(3b)  in Article 16, paragraph 2 point da is inserted:

 

" (da)  outcomes of quality control and monitoring of support projects on the ground; "

(1)

Not yet published in the Official Journal.

(2)

Not yet published in the Official Journal.


EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

The Commission’s proposal seeks to amend Regulation (EU) 2017/825 in order to increase the financial envelope of the Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP) and adapt its general objective. The Commission has chosen to do this in the light of the high number of requests from the Member States for funding for structural reforms.

In particular, the amending act seeks to amend Article 4 on the objective of the SRSP by adding support for preparations for euro area membership to the goals of the programme (the words ‘which will also prepare for participation in the euro area’ are added to the article). It also inserts an Article 5a permitting funding for euro preparation actions and activities.

Furthermore, the overall financial envelope for the SRSP is increased from EUR 142.8 million to EUR 222.8 million, through the use of the Flexibility Instrument in the Multiannual Financial Framework. Member States will be able to choose to further complement the SRSP by transferring appropriations from the technical assistance budget, taking the total to around EUR 300 million. The Common Provisions Regulation already permits such transfers.

Your rapporteur considers that this is a textually minor, but politically very important modification to the SRSP. Nineteen Member States are already part of the euro area. Seven Member States are subject to a Treaty obligation to prepare for participation in the euro area, namely Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Sweden. Some of those Member States have made little progress towards that goal in recent years, making EU support for euro area participation increasingly relevant. Two Member States are not obliged to join the euro area in view of their opt-out from the single currency, namely Denmark and the United Kingdom. The latter is of course due to withdraw from the European Union in 2019.

Your rapporteur considers that it is important to have greater clarity both on the structural reforms to be promoted using cohesion funding and on their likely impact on the effectiveness of cohesion funding. It is important to note that most of the inequalities across EU countries are now accounted by differences within rather than between countries. Effective structural transformation therefore requires a commitment by governments at different levels to work together to facilitate concerted and integrated action, combining a mix of policy inputs, to meet different territorial development needs and challenges. Given that Member States already have their own reform initiatives, the programme should focus on the measures that will best support the country-specific recommendations.

Your rapporteur supports the two main elements of the proposal, namely the budget increase for the SRSP and the inclusion of preparations for euro area membership as one of the objectives of the programme. The number of amendments to the proposal is therefore limited at this stage. These amendments aim to underline the importance of support for euro area membership preparations, and to ensure that regional and local authorities may be involved to a greater degree in structural reform projects.


OPINION of the Committee on Budgets (19.6.2018)

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2017/825 to increase the financial envelope of the Structural Reform Support Programme and adapt its general objective

(COM(2017)0825 – C8‑0433/2017 – 2017/0334(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion (*): Jean Arthuis

(*) Associated committee – Rule 54 of the Rules of Procedure

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The rapporteur believes that the revision of the financial envelope of the Structural Reform Support Programme and of its general objective provides an opportunity to:

1) Revise the general objective of the programme to ensure it is clearly targeted at providing technical assistance at the request of Member States to reforms that are socially and/or environmentally beneficial. The Programme should contribute to achieving economic recovery and quality job creation, combating poverty, and stimulating investment in the real economy.

2) Develop criteria for accepting the request from Member States for assistance when more requests have been received than can be facilitated within the financial envelope, based on the above requirement that the reform is socially and/or environmentally beneficial.

The rapporteur believes the expansion of the financial envelope dedicated to this programme should be linked to a revision of the understanding of what ‘structural reforms’ it should be targeted towards. Structural reforms under the programme should be understood as including programmes of public investment, the renationalisation or re-municipalisation of public goods and services, the strengthening of public social security systems, and reforms that advance collective bargaining and promote real-wage growth.

According to the programme’s 2017 work programme, around 90% of the programme’s funds went to projects aimed at implementing the instructions of the Commission under the European Semester and other EU legislative requirements. As a result, the rapporteur believes that the role of social partners, civil society, and local and regional authorities in formulating the request and designing and monitoring the implementation of the reform should be specifically mentioned in the proposal.

Regarding the revision of the general objective to include the convergence criteria for Member States that are not members of the euro, the rapporteur believes this may result in the programme being used to undermine quality and accessible public services and social security systems – in relation to the government budget deficit and government debt-to-GDP ratio in particular. As a result, she believes the focus of the programme should be on authorising requests that will provide a definite social or environmental benefit.

The rapporteur disagrees with the Commission’s suggestion in its Explanatory Memorandum accompanying the proposal that Member States should be invited to redeploy existing funds for technical assistance under the European Structural and Investment Funds towards this programme, including for requests regarding euro adoption. She believes the ESIF funds and the important role they play across Member States should be maintained and not redeployed to this programme.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Budgets calls on the Committee on Regional Development, as the committee responsible, to take into account the following amendments:

Amendment    1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1)   The Structural Reform Support Programme (‘the Programme’) was established with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth-sustaining administrative and structural reforms, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. Support under the Programme is provided by the Commission, upon request by a Member State, and can cover a wide range of policy areas. Developing resilient economies built on strong economic and social structures, which allow Member States to efficiently absorb shocks and swiftly recover from them, contributes to economic and social cohesion. The implementation of institutional, administrative and growth-sustaining structural reforms is an appropriate tool for achieving such a development.

(1)   The Structural Reform Support Programme (‘the Programme’) was established with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth-sustaining administrative and structural reforms, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. Support under the Programme is provided by the Commission, upon request by a Member State, and can cover a wide range of policy areas. Developing resilient economies and societies built on strong economic and social structures, contributes to territorial, economic and social cohesion. The implementation of institutional, administrative and growth-sustaining structural reforms is an appropriate tool for achieving such a development. Structural reforms are recognised as beneficial not only when they reduce public expenditure in a socially sustainable way, but also when they increase expenditure in the short-term in order to improve economic performance and budget balances in the medium to long-term. It is vital for the successful implementation and sustainability of structural reforms that they are backed by democratic support, ensuring the involvement of all relevant stakeholder, such as local and regional authorities, economic and social partners, and representatives of civil society.

Amendment    2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(1 a)  In order to give an overview of the reforms designed and implemented on the basis of the request of each Member State, the distribution of the new budget for the Programme should be based on clear selection criteria and be presented in a transparent way. That would ensure the exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices, which is one of the aims of the Programme.

Amendment    3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(1 b)  In its pursuit of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth-sustaining structural reforms, the Programme should not replace or substitute funding from national budgets of Member States, or be used to cover current expenditure.

Amendment    4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2)   Member States have increasingly taken up support under the Programme, beyond the initial expectations. The requests for support received by the Commission during the 2017 cycle have, based on their estimated value, significantly exceeded the available annual allocation. During the 2018 cycle, the estimated value of requests received was five times the financial resources available for that year. Almost all Member States have requested support under the Programme and requests are distributed across all policy areas covered by the Programme.

(2)   Member States have increasingly taken up support under the Programme, beyond the initial expectations. The requests for support received by the Commission during the 2017 cycle have, based on their estimated value, significantly exceeded the available annual allocation, which has resulted therefore in requests not being selected for funding. During the 2018 cycle, the estimated value of requests received was five times the financial resources available for that year. Almost all Member States have requested support under the Programme and requests are distributed across all policy areas covered by the Programme.

Amendment    5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3)  Strengthening economic and social cohesion by reinforcing structural reforms is crucial for successful participation in the Economic and Monetary Union. That is particularly important for Member States whose currency is not the euro, in their preparation to join the euro area.

(3)  Strengthening territorial, economic and social cohesion by reinforcing structural reforms is crucial for successful participation in the Economic and Monetary Union. That is particularly important for Member States whose currency is not the euro, in their preparation to join the euro area.

Amendment    6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4)  It is thus appropriate to stress in the general objective of the Programme – within its contribution towards responding to economic and social challenges – that enhancing cohesion, competitiveness, productivity, sustainable growth, and job creation should also contribute to the preparations for future participation in the euro area by those Member States whose currency is not the euro.

(4)  It is thus appropriate to stress in the general objective of the Programme – within its contribution towards responding to territorial, economic and social challenges – that enhancing cohesion, competitiveness, productivity, sustainable growth, and job creation should also contribute to the preparations for future participation in the euro area by those Member States whose currency is not the euro.

Amendment    7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6)  In order to meet the growing demand for support from Member States, and in view of the need to support the implementation of structural reforms in Member States whose currency is not the euro, the financial allocation for the Programme should be increased to a sufficient level that allows the Union to provide support that meets the needs of the requesting Member States.

(6)  In order to meet the growing demand for support from Member States, and in view of the need to support the implementation of structural reforms in Member States whose currency is not the euro, the financial allocation for the Programme should be increased to a sufficient level that allows the Union to provide support that meets the needs of the requesting Member States. That additional allocation should be financed exclusively through fresh appropriations to be mobilised by the budgetary authority, making full use of the available budgetary flexibility, on the basis of a relevant Commission proposal. No redeployments should be considered for that purpose, in order to avoid any negative impact on the financing of existing multiannual programmes.

Amendment    8

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2017/825

Article 4 – paragraph 1

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The general objective of the Programme shall be to contribute to institutional, administrative and growth-sustaining structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming and strengthening institutions, governance, public administration, and economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges, with a view to enhancing cohesion, competitiveness, productivity, sustainable growth, job creation, and investment, which will also prepare for participation in the euro area, in particular in the context of economic governance processes, including through assistance for the efficient, effective and transparent use of the Union funds.;

The general objective of the Programme shall be to contribute to institutional, administrative and growth-sustaining structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming and strengthening institutions, governance, public administration, and economic and social sectors in response to territorial, economic and social challenges, with a view to enhancing cohesion, competitiveness, productivity, sustainable growth, financial stability, quality job creation, and investment, which will also prepare for participation in the euro area, in particular in the context of economic governance processes, including through assistance for the efficient, effective and transparent use of the Union funds.;

Amendment    9

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a

Regulation (EU) 2017/825

Article 10 – paragraph 1

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme is set at EUR 222 800 000 in current prices.;

1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme is set at EUR 222 800 000 in current prices. Any increase to the Programme shall be financed by the mobilisation of the special instruments as provided for in Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 * and not at the expense of existing Union programmes.;

 

_________________

 

* Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884).

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title

Increase of the financial envelope of the Structural Reform Support Programme and adapt its general objective

References

COM(2017)0825 – C8-0433/2017 – 2017/0334(COD)

Committee responsible

       Date announced in plenary

REGI

14.12.2017

 

 

 

Opinion by

       Date announced in plenary

BUDG

14.12.2017

Associated committees - date announced in plenary

19.4.2018

Rapporteur

       Date appointed

Liadh Ní Riada

21.3.2018

Discussed in committee

24.4.2018

 

 

 

Date adopted

19.6.2018

 

 

 

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

28

5

3

Members present for the final vote

Nedzhmi Ali, Jean Arthuis, Richard Ashworth, Gérard Deprez, Manuel dos Santos, José Manuel Fernandes, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, Jens Geier, Iris Hoffmann, Monika Hohlmeier, John Howarth, Bernd Kölmel, Zbigniew Kuźmiuk, Vladimír Maňka, Siegfried Mureşan, Jan Olbrycht, Răzvan Popa, Petri Sarvamaa, Jordi Solé, Patricija Šulin, Isabelle Thomas, Inese Vaidere, Monika Vana, Tiemo Wölken, Marco Zanni

Substitutes present for the final vote

Anneli Jäätteenmäki, Alain Lamassoure, Janusz Lewandowski, Verónica Lope Fontagné, Andrey Novakov, Pavel Poc, Claudia Țapardel

Substitutes under Rule 200(2) present for the final vote

John Stuart Agnew, Martina Anderson, Auke Zijlstra, Ivan Štefanec

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

28

+

ALDE

Nedzhmi Ali, Jean Arthuis, Gérard Deprez

ECR

Zbigniew Kuźmiuk

PPE

Richard Ashworth, José Manuel Fernandes, Monika Hohlmeier, Alain Lamassoure, Janusz Lewandowski, Verónica Lope Fontagné, Siegfried Mureşan, Andrey Novakov, Jan Olbrycht, Petri Sarvamaa, Inese Vaidere, Ivan Štefanec, Patricija Šulin

S&D

Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, Jens Geier, Iris Hoffmann, John Howarth, Vladimír Maňka, Pavel Poc, Răzvan Popa, Isabelle Thomas, Tiemo Wölken, Manuel dos Santos, Claudia Țapardel

5

-

ECR

Bernd Kölmel

EFDD

John Stuart Agnew

ENF

Marco Zanni, Auke Zijlstra

GUE/NGL

Martina Anderson

3

0

ALDE

Anneli Jäätteenmäki

Verts/ALE

Jordi Solé, Monika Vana

Key to symbols:

+  :  in favour

-  :  against

0  :  abstention


OPINION of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (20.6.2018)

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2017/825 to increase the financial envelope of the Structural Reform Support Programme and adapt its general objective

(COM(2017)0825 – C8‑0433/2017 – 2017/0334(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion (*): Roberto Gualtieri

(*)  Associated committee – Rule 54 of the Rules of Procedure

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs calls on the Committee on Regional Development, as the committee responsible, to take into account the following amendments:

Amendment    1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital -1 (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(-1)  In order to achieve the objectives of the Union, as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union, Member States are required to consider their economic policy as a matter of common concern and to coordinate it within the Union.

Amendment    2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital -1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(-1a)  The Union policies, actions and instruments are to promote economic, social and territorial cohesion.

Amendment    3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital -1 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(-1b)  In defining and implementing its policies and activities, the Union needs to take into account, including through the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against social exclusion, and the high level of education, training and protection of human health.

Amendment    4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital -1 c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(-1c)  The Union is required to support Member States, upon their request, to improve their administrative capacity to implement Union law.

Amendment    5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1)  The Structural Reform Support Programme (‘the Programme’) was established with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth-sustaining administrative and structural reforms, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. Support under the Programme is provided by the Commission, upon request by a Member State, and can cover a wide range of policy areas. Developing resilient economies built on strong economic and social structures, which allow Member States to efficiently absorb shocks and swiftly recover from them, contributes to economic and social cohesion. The implementation of institutional, administrative and growth-sustaining structural reforms is an appropriate tool for achieving such a development.

(1)  The Structural Reform Support Programme (‘the Programme’) has the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement economic and administrative reforms aimed at promoting robust and sustainable growth, quality job creation, social and territorial cohesion and convergence, competitiveness, productivity and shared prosperity, and enhanced resilience to shocks, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. Support under the Programme is provided by the Commission, upon request by a Member State, and can cover a wide range of policy areas in line with National Reform Programmes.

Amendment    6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(1a)  Successful implementation of structural reforms requires political will, decisiveness, efficient and effective public administration and the support from all segments of society. It is therefore important that structural reforms are backed through the involvement of economic and social partners and other relevant stakeholders, and by democratic support via national and, where appropriate, regional parliaments.

Amendment    7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(1b)  Preference should be given to measures that have synergistic effects on other sectors and that are aimed at, inter alia, achieving high and long-term sustainable growth, recovery and convergence in the Union, fighting tax fraud, evasion and avoidance, promoting higher quality employment and implementing social policies. Those structural reforms should be consistent with and linked to the objectives set out in the European Semester and the implementation of the country-specific recommendations in the Member States. Structural reforms should include the correct and timely transposition and implementation of legal acts of the Union as the proper functioning of these acts is fundamental to achieve economic convergence.

Amendment    8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1 c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(1c)  The euro is the currency of the European Union, as indicated in Article 119(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

Amendment    9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2)  Member States have increasingly taken up support under the Programme, beyond the initial expectations. The requests for support received by the Commission during the 2017 cycle have, based on their estimated value, significantly exceeded the available annual allocation. During the 2018 cycle, the estimated value of requests received was five times the financial resources available for that year. Almost all Member States have requested support under the Programme and requests are distributed across all policy areas covered by the Programme.

(2)  Member States have increasingly taken up support under the Programme, beyond the initial expectations. The requests for support received by the Commission during the 2017 cycle have, based on their estimated value, significantly exceeded the available annual allocation resulting in several requests not having been selected for funding. During the 2018 cycle, the estimated value of requests received was five times the financial resources available for that year. Almost all Member States have requested support under the Programme and requests are distributed across all policy areas covered by the Programme.

Amendment    10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(2a)  The presentation and transparency of the Programme results should be increased by making an overview of implementation of reforms in each Member State publicly available online, in order to ensure exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices among Member States.

Amendment    11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3)  Strengthening economic and social cohesion by reinforcing structural reforms is crucial for successful participation in the Economic and Monetary Union. That is particularly important for Member States whose currency is not the euro, in their preparation to join the euro area.

(3)  Strengthening economic and social cohesion, including by reinforcing socially balanced, environmentally sustainable and growth-friendly structural reforms is crucial for successful participation in the Economic and Monetary Union and its long-term stability and prosperity. That is particularly important for Member States whose currency is not the euro, in their preparation to join the euro area.

Amendment    12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4)  It is thus appropriate to stress in the general objective of the Programme – within its contribution towards responding to economic and social challenges – that enhancing cohesion, competitiveness, productivity, sustainable growth, and job creation should also contribute to the preparations for future participation in the euro area by those Member States whose currency is not the euro.

(4)  It is thus appropriate to stress in the general objective of the Programme – within its contribution towards responding to economic and social challenges – that enhancing cohesion, competitiveness, productivity, sustainable growth, and quality job creation should also contribute to the preparations for future participation in the euro area by those Member States whose currency is not the euro. A thorough ex-post evaluation of how the Programme has assisted structural reforms in Member States is a necessary part of that general objective.

Amendment    13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5)  It is also necessary to indicate that actions and activities of the Programme may support reforms that may help Member States that wish to adopt the euro to prepare for participation in the euro area.

(5)  It is also necessary to indicate that actions and activities of the Programme may support reforms that can help Member States with the current derogation to the participation to the third phase of the economic and monetary union (EMU), that wish to adopt the euro to prepare for participation in the euro area.

Amendment    14

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6)  In order to meet the growing demand for support from Member States, and in view of the need to support the implementation of structural reforms in Member States whose currency is not the euro, the financial allocation for the Programme should be increased to a sufficient level that allows the Union to provide support that meets the needs of the requesting Member States.

(6)  In order to meet the growing demand for support from Member States, and in view of the need to support the implementation of structural reforms in Member States whose currency is not the euro, the financial allocation for the Programme should be increased to a sufficient level that allows the Union to provide support that meets the needs of the requesting Member States. Such an increase should not take place through redeployments of existing European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), but should be financed by the mobilisation of the special instruments as provided for in Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013*. Member States should not be obliged to transfer their national and regional ESIF allocations with a view to filling the financing gap of the Programme.

* Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884).

Amendment    15

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7)  In order to provide support with the least possible delay, the Commission should be able to use part of the financial envelope also to cover the cost of activities supporting the Programme, such as expenses related to quality control and monitoring of projects on the ground.

(7)  In order to provide support with the least possible delay, the Commission should be able to use part of the financial envelope also to cover the cost of activities supporting the Programme, such as expenses related to quality control, monitoring, and evaluation of projects on the ground.

Amendment    16

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) No 2017/825

Article 4 – paragraph 1

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The general objective of the Programme shall be to contribute to institutional, administrative and growth-sustaining structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming and strengthening institutions, governance, public administration, and economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges, with a view to enhancing cohesion, competitiveness, productivity, sustainable growth, job creation, and investment, which will also prepare for participation in the euro area, in particular in the context of economic governance processes, including through assistance for the efficient, effective and transparent use of the Union funds.”;

The general objective of the Programme shall be to provide support to national, regional and local authorities for administrative and economic reform and measures aimed at reforming and strengthening institutions, governance, public administration, economic and social sectors, and addressing economic and social challenges, with a view to promoting and enhancing sustainable growth, environmental sustainability, social protection, job creation and investment, competitiveness, productivity, territorial and social cohesion, convergence and shared prosperity, and resilience to shocks. That support may include also assistance for the efficient, effective and transparent use of the Union funds as well as for the correct and timely transposition and implementation of legal acts of the Union. Through these goals, the Programme will also prepare for participation in the euro area, in particular in the context of economic governance processes.”;

Amendment    17

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a

Regulation (EU) No 2017/825

Article 10 – paragraph 1

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme is set at EUR 222 800 000 in current prices.

1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme is set at EUR 222 800 000 in current prices. Such an increase shall not take place through redeployments of existing European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), but shall be financed by the mobilisation of the special instruments as provided for in Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013*.

* Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884).

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title

Increase of the financial envelope of the Structural Reform Support Programme and adapt its general objective

References

COM(2017)0825 – C8-0433/2017 – 2017/0334(COD)

Committee responsible

       Date announced in plenary

REGI

14.12.2017

 

 

 

Opinion by

       Date announced in plenary

ECON

14.12.2017

Associated committees - date announced in plenary

19.4.2018

Rapporteur

       Date appointed

Roberto Gualtieri

24.4.2018

Discussed in committee

4.6.2018

18.6.2018

 

 

Date adopted

19.6.2018

 

 

 

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

40

14

1

Members present for the final vote

Gerolf Annemans, Burkhard Balz, Hugues Bayet, Pervenche Berès, David Coburn, Esther de Lange, Markus Ferber, Jonás Fernández, Sven Giegold, Neena Gill, Roberto Gualtieri, Brian Hayes, Gunnar Hökmark, Cătălin Sorin Ivan, Petr Ježek, Barbara Kappel, Georgios Kyrtsos, Philippe Lamberts, Werner Langen, Olle Ludvigsson, Ivana Maletić, Fulvio Martusciello, Gabriel Mato, Alex Mayer, Bernard Monot, Caroline Nagtegaal, Luděk Niedermayer, Stanisław Ożóg, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Anne Sander, Alfred Sant, Martin Schirdewan, Pedro Silva Pereira, Peter Simon, Theodor Dumitru Stolojan, Kay Swinburne, Paul Tang, Ramon Tremosa i Balcells, Ernest Urtasun, Marco Valli, Miguel Viegas, Jakob von Weizsäcker, Marco Zanni

Substitutes present for the final vote

Andrea Cozzolino, Ashley Fox, Doru-Claudian Frunzulică, Syed Kamall, Alain Lamassoure, Thomas Mann, Luigi Morgano, Michel Reimon, Joachim Starbatty

Substitutes under Rule 200(2) present for the final vote

Jens Gieseke, Agnieszka Kozłowska-Rajewicz, Rupert Matthews

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

40

+

ALDE

Petr Ježek, Ramon Tremosa i Balcells

PPE

Burkhard Balz, Markus Ferber, Jens Gieseke, Brian Hayes, Gunnar Hökmark, Agnieszka Kozłowska-Rajewicz, Georgios Kyrtsos, Alain Lamassoure, Esther de Lange, Werner Langen, Ivana Maletić, Thomas Mann, Fulvio Martusciello, Gabriel Mato, Luděk Niedermayer, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Anne Sander, Theodor Dumitru Stolojan

S&D

Hugues Bayet, Pervenche Berès, Andrea Cozzolino, Jonás Fernández, Doru-Claudian Frunzulică, Neena Gill, Roberto Gualtieri, Cătălin Sorin Ivan, Olle Ludvigsson, Alex Mayer, Luigi Morgano, Alfred Sant, Pedro Silva Pereira, Peter Simon, Paul Tang, Jakob von Weizsäcker

VERTS/ALE

Sven Giegold, Philippe Lamberts, Michel Reimon, Ernest Urtasun

14

-

ALDE

Caroline Nagtegaal

ECR

Ashley Fox, Syed Kamall, Rupert Matthews, Stanisław Ożóg, Joachim Starbatty, Kay Swinburne

EFDD

David Coburn, Bernard Monot, Marco Valli

ENF

Gerolf Annemans, Marco Zanni

GUE/NGL

Martin Schirdewan, Miguel Viegas

1

0

ENF

Barbara Kappel

Key to symbols:

+  :  in favour

-  :  against

0  :  abstention


OPINION of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (8.6.2018)

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2017/825 to increase the financial envelope of the Structural Reform Support Programme and adapt its general objective

(COM(2017)0825 – C8‑0433/2017 – 2017/0334(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Csaba Sógor

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The Structural Reform Support Programme (the Programme) for the period 2017 to 2020, set up last year with a large support in the European Parliament has been running since 20 May 2017 with a budget of EUR 142.8 million. Its objective is to contribute to institutional, administrative and growth-sustaining structural reforms in the Member States by providing expert support to national authorities that request it.

The support provided can cover a wide range of policy areas, among which many are of direct social importance, such as education and training, labour market policies for the creation of jobs, fight against poverty, promotion of social inclusion, social security and social welfare systems, public health and healthcare systems. Other areas of support also have strong impact on economic and social cohesion in the EU.

The significantly higher than initially expected take-up of the programme by Member States has led to a demand of support that exceeds several times the available budget. According to Commission data, in the 2018 cycle 444 requests for support were submitted by 24 Member States and while the total annual allocation was EUR 30.5 million, the estimated cost of all requests was around five times higher, standing at approximately EUR 152 million.

This led the Commission to propose the reinforcement of the Programme by EUR 80 million through the use of the Flexibility Instrument under Article 11 of the current Multiannual Financial Framework. Additionally, the Commission intends to make explicit reference among the objectives of the Programme to finance actions and activities in support of reforms that may help Member States in their preparation to join the Euro area.

The Commission further invites Member States to make use of the possibility, under Article 11 of the Structural Reform Support Programme Regulation, of transferring part of their resources from the technical assistance component of the European Structural and Investment Funds to the Programme.

Considering the disparities among Member States in the availability of high quality expertise for the design and implementation of growth inducing, sustainable and inclusive policies as well as the popularity of the Programme among them, the reinforcement of the Programme’s budget is very welcome.

However, beside fully acknowledging the relevance of expressly including support towards the adoption of the Euro among the objectives of the Programme, your rapporteur would also like to highlight the need to additionally stress the EU strategic priorities outlined in the Annual Growth Survey such as supporting high quality education, training, labour productivity and active labour market policies. Structural reforms related to social and employment policies should be further emphasised, taking into account the fact that the Europe 2020 targets on employment and social inclusion are furthest from being achieved.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs calls on the Committee on Regional Development, as the committee responsible, to take into account the following amendments:

Amendment    1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital -1 (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(-1)  In accordance with Article 9 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), in defining and implementing its policies and activities, the Union needs to take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against social exclusion, and a high level of education, training and protection of human health. In addition, and as set out in Article 11 TFEU, environmental protection requirements need to be integrated into the Union policies and activities, in particular with a view to promoting sustainable development.

Amendment    2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1)  The Structural Reform Support Programme (‘the Programme’) was established with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth-sustaining administrative and structural reforms, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. Support under the Programme is provided by the Commission, upon request by a Member State, and can cover a wide range of policy areas. Developing resilient economies built on strong economic and social structures, which allow Member States to efficiently absorb shocks and swiftly recover from them, contributes to economic and social cohesion. The implementation of institutional, administrative and growth-sustaining structural reforms is an appropriate tool for achieving such a development.

(1)  The Structural Reform Support Programme (‘the Programme’) was established with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement inclusive growth sustaining administrative and structural reforms with European added value and to promote, inter alia, solidarity, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds, in the field of, inter alia, social inclusion. The Programme can thus also be an important tool in contributing to achieving the goals and principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. Support under the Programme is provided by the Commission, upon request by a Member State, and can cover a wide range of policy areas. Developing resilient economies built on strong economic and social structures, which allow Member States to efficiently absorb shocks and swiftly recover from them, contributes to achieving the Union’s objectives of economic and social cohesion and full employment. The implementation of institutional, administrative and sustainable structural reforms that support inclusive growth, job creation and social cohesion is an appropriate tool for achieving such a development. The Programme is well placed to complement and further strengthen the implementation of the European Semester cycle, particularly its Annual Growth Survey and country-specific recommendations, and make progress towards the long-term Europe 2020 targets.

Amendment    3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(1a)  The increase of the financial envelope dedicated to the Programme should be linked to a revision of the Programme's objectives as it is necessary in many Member States to strengthen public social security systems as well as collective bargaining and real wage growth.

Amendment    4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2)  Member States have increasingly taken up support under the Programme, beyond the initial expectations. The requests for support received by the Commission during the 2017 cycle have, based on their estimated value, significantly exceeded the available annual allocation. During the 2018 cycle, the estimated value of requests received was five times the financial resources available for that year. Almost all Member States have requested support under the Programme and requests are distributed across all policy areas covered by the Programme.

(2)  Member States have increasingly taken up support under the Programme, beyond the initial expectations. The requests for support received by the Commission during the 2017 cycle have, based on their estimated value, significantly exceeded the available annual allocation. During the 2018 cycle, the estimated value of requests received was five times the financial resources available for that year. Almost all Member States have requested support under the Programme and requests are distributed across all policy areas covered by the Programme. It is anticipated that the Programme will continue to be significantly oversubscribed and therefore will require a selection to be made of requests for support, without prejudice to the necessity of equal treatment of Member States. When assessing requests, a strong focus should be kept on priorities outlined in the Annual Growth Survey (AGS), on strategic Union priorities and on requests with both positive social impact and partner involvement. In line with the AGS 2018, the difference in the recovery of the economies and the employment situation in Member States requires further targeted investments on high quality education, training, labour productivity and active labour market policies. Structural reforms related to social and employment policies should be further emphasised, taking into account the fact that the Europe 2020 targets on employment and social inclusion are furthest from being achieved. In the assessment of requests, due consideration should also be given to the justification for the reform, including the results of relevant stakeholder and partner consultations, wherever that is made relevant by the nature and scope of reforms pursued.

Amendment    5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3)  Strengthening economic and social cohesion by reinforcing structural reforms is crucial for successful participation in the Economic and Monetary Union. That is particularly important for Member States whose currency is not the euro, in their preparation to join the euro area.

(3)  Strengthening economic and social cohesion by reinforcing structural reforms is crucial for successful participation in the Economic and Monetary Union.

Amendment    6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4)  It is thus appropriate to stress in the general objective of the Programme – within its contribution towards responding to economic and social challenges – that enhancing cohesion, competitiveness, productivity, sustainable growth, and job creation should also contribute to the preparations for future participation in the euro area by those Member States whose currency is not the euro.

(4)  It is thus appropriate to include in the general objective of the Programme – within its contribution towards responding to economic and social challenges – that enhancing economic, social and territorial cohesion, social inclusion and the fight against poverty, competitiveness, productivity and sustainable and inclusive growth, job creation and investment should also contribute to the preparations for future participation in the euro area by those Member States whose currency is not the euro as well as to convergence within and outside the euro area.

Amendment    7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5)  It is also necessary to indicate that actions and activities of the Programme may support reforms that may help Member States that wish to adopt the euro to prepare for participation in the euro area.

(5)  It is also necessary to indicate that actions and activities of the Programme may support reforms that help Member States that wish to adopt the euro to prepare for participation in the euro area in such a way that should also allow those Member States to improve their performance in terms of the social indicators that feed into the European Semester.

Amendment    8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6)  In order to meet the growing demand for support from Member States, and in view of the need to support the implementation of structural reforms in Member States whose currency is not the euro, the financial allocation for the Programme should be increased to a sufficient level that allows the Union to provide support that meets the needs of the requesting Member States.

(6)  In order to meet the growing demand for support from Member States, and in view of the need to support the implementation of structural reforms in Member States whose currency is not the euro, the financial allocation for the Programme should be increased to a sufficient level, via the Flexibility Instrument provided for by the current Multiannual Financial Framework, which will allow the Union to provide support that meets the needs of the requesting Member States. On a voluntary basis, Member States should be able to make use of the possibility, provided for under Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2017/825, of transferring part of their resources from the technical assistance component of the ESIF to the Programme, for the purpose of support for the implementation of reforms, including reforms linked to euro adoption. However, given the importance of developing structural reforms for strengthening economic and social cohesion and the strong demand among Member States for support under the Programme, and subject to a positive assessment of results achieved in 2017-2020, a permanent programme for supporting structural reforms with its own budget in the post-2020 MFF should be considered.

Amendment    9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7)  In order to provide support with the least possible delay, the Commission should be able to use part of the financial envelope also to cover the cost of activities supporting the Programme, such as expenses related to quality control and monitoring of projects on the ground.

(7)  In order to provide quality support with the least possible delay, the Commission should be able to use part of the financial envelope also to cover the cost of activities supporting the Programme, such as expenses related to quality control and monitoring of projects on the ground. Such expenses should be proportional to the overall value of expenditure under the support projects.

Amendment    10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(7a)  In order to ensure smooth reporting on implementation of the Programme to the European Parliament and the Council, the period in which the Commission is to provide annual monitoring reports should be specified.

Amendment    11

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2017/825

Article 4 – paragraph 1

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The general objective of the Programme shall be to contribute to institutional, administrative and growth-sustaining structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming and strengthening institutions, governance, public administration, and economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges, with a view to enhancing cohesion, competitiveness, productivity, sustainable growth, job creation, and investment, which will also prepare for participation in the euro area, in particular in the context of economic governance processes, including through assistance for the efficient, effective and transparent use of the Union funds.;

The general objective of the Programme shall be to contribute to institutional, administrative, growth-sustaining and inclusive structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming and strengthening institutions, governance, public administration, and economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges, with a view to enhancing economic, social and territorial cohesion, social inclusion and the fight against poverty, competitiveness, productivity, sustainable and inclusive growth, job creation, and investment, in particular in the context of economic governance processes and of the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, including through assistance for the efficient, effective and transparent use of the Union funds. The Programme may also specifically contribute to successful participation of Member States in the Economic and Monetary Union and to preparations for participation in the euro area for Member States whose currency is not the Euro by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at these preparations;

Amendment    12

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2017/825

Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(1a)  in Article 5(2), the following point is added:

 

“(fa)  actions and activities in support of reforms in Member States in their preparation to join the euro area.”

Amendment    13

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2017/825

Article 5a

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2)  Article 5a is added

deleted

”Article 5a

 

Support for preparation for euro area membership

 

The Programme may finance actions and activities in support of reforms that may help Members States in their preparation to join the euro area.”

 

Amendment    14

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a

Regulation (EU) 2017/825

Article 10 – paragraph 1

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme is set at EUR 222 800 000 in current prices.;

1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme is set at EUR 222 800 000 in current prices, of which EUR 80 000 000 shall be provided from the Flexibility Instrument under Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013*.;

 

__________________

 

* Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884).

Amendment    15

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2017/825

Article 16 – paragraph 2

 

Present text

Amendment

 

(3a)  in Article 16, the introductory part of paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:

2.  The Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with an annual monitoring report on the implementation of the Programme. That report shall include information on:

"2.  From 2018 until and including 2021, the Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with an annual monitoring report on the implementation of the Programme. That report shall include information on:"

Amendment    16

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 b (new)

Regulation EU 2017/825

Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(3b)  in Article 16 (2), point da is inserted:

 

" (da)  outcomes of quality control and monitoring of support projects on the ground; "

(http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32017R0825&from=EN)

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title

Increase of the financial envelope of the Structural Reform Support Programme and adapt its general objective

References

COM(2017)0825 – C8-0433/2017 – 2017/0334(COD)

Committee responsible

       Date announced in plenary

REGI

14.12.2017

 

 

 

Opinion by

       Date announced in plenary

EMPL

14.12.2017

Rapporteur

       Date appointed

Csaba Sógor

13.3.2018

Discussed in committee

15.5.2018

 

 

 

Date adopted

7.6.2018

 

 

 

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

34

7

0

Members present for the final vote

Guillaume Balas, Enrique Calvet Chambon, David Casa, Michael Detjen, Lampros Fountoulis, Elena Gentile, Marian Harkin, Czesław Hoc, Danuta Jazłowiecka, Agnes Jongerius, Jan Keller, Ádám Kósa, Agnieszka Kozłowska-Rajewicz, Jérôme Lavrilleux, Patrick Le Hyaric, Dominique Martin, Anthea McIntyre, Miroslavs Mitrofanovs, Elisabeth Morin-Chartier, Emilian Pavel, Georgi Pirinski, Terry Reintke, Claude Rolin, Siôn Simon, Marita Ulvskog, Renate Weber, Jana Žitňanská

Substitutes present for the final vote

Georges Bach, Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto, Dieter-Lebrecht Koch, Eduard Kukan, Miapetra Kumpula-Natri, Paloma López Bermejo, António Marinho e Pinto, Rory Palmer, Jasenko Selimovic, Monika Vana, Flavio Zanonato

Substitutes under Rule 200(2) present for the final vote

Andrea Bocskor, Dietmar Köster, Renaud Muselier

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

34

+

ALDE

PPE

S&D

VERTS/ALE

Enrique Calvet Chambon, Marian Harkin, António Marinho e Pinto, Jasenko Selimovic, Renate Weber

Georges Bach, Andrea Bocskor, David Casa, Danuta Jazłowiecka, Dieter-Lebrecht Koch, Agnieszka Kozłowska-Rajewicz, Eduard Kukan, Ádám Kósa, Jérôme Lavrilleux, Elisabeth Morin-Chartier, Renaud Muselier, Claude Rolin

Guillaume Balas, Michael Detjen, Elena Gentile, Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto, Agnes Jongerius, Jan Keller, Miapetra Kumpula-Natri, Dietmar Köster, Rory Palmer, Emilian Pavel, Georgi Pirinski, Siôn Simon, Marita Ulvskog, Flavio Zanonato

Miroslavs Mitrofanovs, Terry Reintke, Monika Vana

7

-

ECR

ENF

GUE/NGL

NI

Czesław Hoc, Anthea McIntyre, Jana Žitňanská

Dominique Martin

Patrick Le Hyaric, Paloma López Bermejo

Lampros Fountoulis

0

0

 

 

Key to symbols:

+  :  in favour

-  :  against

0  :  abstention


PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Title

Increase of the financial envelope of the Structural Reform Support Programme and adapt its general objective

References

COM(2017)0825 – C8-0433/2017 – 2017/0334(COD)

Date submitted to Parliament

6.12.2017

 

 

 

Committee responsible

       Date announced in plenary

REGI

14.12.2017

 

 

 

Committees asked for opinions

       Date announced in plenary

BUDG

14.12.2017

ECON

14.12.2017

EMPL

14.12.2017

PECH

14.12.2017

 

CULT

14.12.2017

 

 

 

Not delivering opinions

       Date of decision

PECH

11.12.2017

CULT

22.1.2018

 

 

Associated committees

       Date announced in plenary

BUDG

19.4.2018

ECON

19.4.2018

 

 

Rapporteurs

       Date appointed

Ruža Tomašić

25.1.2018

 

 

 

Discussed in committee

27.3.2018

25.4.2018

 

 

Date adopted

25.6.2018

 

 

 

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

15

3

1

Members present for the final vote

Mercedes Bresso, Rosa D’Amato, John Flack, Constanze Krehl, Louis-Joseph Manscour, Iskra Mihaylova, Andrey Novakov, Younous Omarjee, Konstantinos Papadakis, Ruža Tomašić, Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso, Matthijs van Miltenburg, Lambert van Nistelrooij, Derek Vaughan

Substitutes present for the final vote

John Howarth, Ivana Maletić

Substitutes under Rule 200(2) present for the final vote

John Stuart Agnew, Olle Ludvigsson, Marc Tarabella

Date tabled

27.6.2018


FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

15

+

ALDE

Iskra Mihaylova, Matthijs van Miltenburg

ECR

John Flack, Ruža Tomašić

PPE

Ivana Maletić, Lambert van Nistelrooij, Andrey Novakov, Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso

S&D

Mercedes Bresso, John Howarth, Constanze Krehl, Olle Ludvigsson, Louis-Joseph Manscour, Marc Tarabella, Derek Vaughan

3

-

EFDD

John Stuart Agnew

GUE/NGL

Younous Omarjee

NI

Konstantinos Papadakis

1

0

EFDD

Rosa D'Amato

Key to symbols:

+  :  in favour

-  :  against

0  :  abstention

Last updated: 27 June 2018Legal notice