REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund

27.2.2019 - (COM(2018)0372 – C8-0227/2018 – 2018/0197(COD)) - ***I

Committee on Regional Development
Rapporteur: Andrea Cozzolino

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund

(COM(2018)0372 – C8-0227/2018 – 2018/0197(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2018)0372),

–  having regard to Article 294(2) and Articles 177, 178 and 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C8-0227/2018),

–  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 17 October 2018 [1],

–  having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of 5 December 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 opinion of the Committee on Budgets, the position in the form of amendments of the Committee on Budgetary Control, and the opinions of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, of the Committee on Culture and Education, and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A8-0094/2019),

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 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3)  Regulation (EU) 2018/XXX of the European Parliament and of the Council [new CPR]1 sets out common rules applicable to various funds including the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF'), the European Social Fund Plus ('ESF+'), the Cohesion Fund, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund ('EMFF'), the Asylum and Migration Fund ('AMIF'), the Internal Security Fund ('ISF') and the Border Management and Visa Instrument ('BMVI') which operate under a common framework ('the Funds').	(3)  Regulation (EU) 2018/XXX of the European Parliament and of the Council [new CPR]1 sets out common rules applicable to various funds including the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF'), the European Social Fund Plus ('ESF+'), the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund ('EMFF'), the Asylum and Migration Fund ('AMIF'), the Internal Security Fund ('ISF') and the Border Management and Visa Instrument ('BMVI') which operate under a common framework ('the Funds').
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1 [Full reference - new CPR].	1 [Full reference - new CPR].
Amendment    2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(3 a)  Member States and the Commission shall ensure the coordination, complementarity and coherence between the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Cohesion Fund (CF), the European Social Development Fund+ (ESF+), the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the European Fund for Agricultural Development (EAFRD), so that they can complement each other where this is beneficial for creating successful projects.
Amendment    3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(5)  Horizontal principles as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union ('TEU') and in Article 10 of the TFEU, including principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5 of the TEU, should be respected in the implementation of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, taking into account the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Member States should also respect the obligations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensure accessibility in line with its article 9 and in accordance with the Union law harmonising accessibility requirements for products and services. Member States and the Commission should aim at eliminating inequalities and at promoting equality between men and women and integrating the gender perspective, as well as at combating discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The Funds should not support actions that contribute to any form of segregation. The objectives of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should be pursued in the framework of sustainable development and the Union's promotion of the aim of preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment as set out in Articles 11 and 191(1) of the TFEU, taking into account the polluter pays principle. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, operations benefitting undertakings shall comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU.	(5)  Horizontal principles as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union ('TEU') and in Article 10 of the TFEU, including principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5 of the TEU, should be respected in the implementation of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, taking into account the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the European Pillar of Social Rights. Member States and the Commission should aim at eliminating social and income inequalities, at furthering the fight against poverty, at the preservation and promoting the creation of quality jobs with attendant rights and at ensuring that the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund promote equal opportunities for all, combating discrimination based on gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The funds should also promote the transition from institutional care to family and community-based care, in particular for those who face multiple discrimination. The Funds should not support actions that contribute to any form of segregation. Investments under the ERDF, in synergy with ESF+, should contribute to promoting social inclusion and fighting poverty, and to raising citizens’ quality of life in line with the obligations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to contribute to children’s rights.
Amendment    4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(8)  In an increasingly interconnected world and in view of the demographic and migration dynamics, it is clear that Union migration policy requires a common approach that relies on the synergies and complementarities of the different funding instruments. In order to ensure coherent, strong and consistent support for solidarity and responsibility-sharing efforts between Member States in managing migration, the ERDF should provide support to facilitate the long-term integration of migrants.	(8)  In an increasingly interconnected world and in view of the internal and external demographic and migration dynamics, it is clear that Union migration policy requires a common approach that relies on the synergies and complementarities of the different funding instruments. The ERDF must pay more specific attention to demographic change as a key challenge and priority area in devising and implementing programmes. In order to ensure coherent, strong and consistent support for solidarity and responsibility as well as sharing efforts between Member States in managing migration, cohesion policy could contribute to integration processes of refugees and migrants under international protection by adopting an approach aimed at protecting the dignity and rights of them, not least in view of the mutually-reinforcing relationship between integration and local economic growth, especially by providing infrastructure support to cities and local authorities involved in implementing integration policies;
Amendment    5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(9)  In order to support the efforts of Member States and regions in facing new challenges and ensuring a high level of security for their citizens as well as the prevention of radicalisation, while relying on the synergies and complementarities with other Union policies, investments under the ERDF should contribute to security in areas where there is a need to ensure safe and secure public spaces and critical infrastructure, such as transport and energy.	(9)  In order to support the efforts of Member States and regions in reducing disparities between levels of development and harmonise different situations of EU regions, facing up to social disparities, new challenges and ensuring inclusive societies and a high level of security as well as the prevention of marginalisation and radicalisation, while relying on the synergies and complementarities with other Union policies, investments under the ERDF should contribute in areas where there is a need to ensure safe, modern, accessible and secure public spaces and critical infrastructure, such as communication, public transport, energy and universal, high-quality public services which are vital to address regional and social disparities, promote social cohesion and regional development and encourage enterprises and people to stay in their local area.
Amendment    6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(10)  In addition, investments under the ERDF should contribute to the development of a comprehensive high-speed digital infrastructure network, and to promoting clean and sustainable multimodal urban mobility.	(10)  In addition, investments under the ERDF should contribute to the development of a comprehensive high-speed digital infrastructure network, throughout the Union, including in rural areas where it is a vital contributor to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and to promoting pollution-free and sustainable multimodal mobility with a focus on walking, cycling, public transport and shared mobility.
Amendment    7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(10 a)  Many of the greatest challenges in Europe increasingly affect marginalised Roma communities, who often live in the most disadvantaged micro-regions which lack safe and accessible drinking water, sewage, electricity, and which do not enjoy transportation possibilities, digital connectivity, renewable energy systems or disaster resilience. Therefore, ERDF-CF shall contribute to improving the living conditions of Roma and fulfilling their true potential as EU citizens, and Member States shall safeguard that the benefits of all the five policy objectives of ERDF-CF will reach the Roma as well.
Amendment    8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(12)  In order to improve the overall administrative capacity of institutions and governance in Member States implementing programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, it is necessary to enable supporting measures under all of the specific objectives.	(12)  In order to contribute to an appropriate governance, enforcement, cross-border cooperation and spread of best practices and innovations in the field of smart specialization and circular economy improve the overall administrative capacity of the institutions and governance in the Member States, including at the regional and local levels on the principles of multilevel governance, implementing the programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, it is necessary to promote administrative reinforcement measures of a structural nature in support of all specific objectives. Being based on measurable objectives and notified to citizens and businesses as a means of simplifying and reducing the administrative burden imposed on beneficiaries and managing authorities, it is possible for these measures to strike the right balance between the result-orientation of the policy and the level of checks and controls.
Amendment    9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 13
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(13)  In order to encourage and boost cooperation measures, within programmes implemented under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, it is necessary to enhance cooperation measures with partners within a given Member State or between different Member States in relation to support provided under all of the specific objectives. Such enhanced cooperation is additional to the cooperation under ETC/Interreg and should in particular support cooperation among structured partnerships with a view to implementing regional strategies as referred to in the Communication from the Commission ‘Strengthening Innovation in Europe's Regions: Strategies for resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth’1 . Partners may therefore come from any region in the Union, but may also include cross-border regions and regions which are all covered by a macro-regional or sea-basin strategy or a combination of the two.	(13)  In order to encourage and boost cooperation measures, within programmes implemented under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, it is necessary to enhance cooperation measures with partners including those at local and regional level within a given Member State or between different Member States in relation to support provided under all of the specific objectives. Such enhanced cooperation is additional to the cooperation under ETC/Interreg and should in particular support cooperation among structured partnerships with a view to implementing regional strategies as referred to in the Communication from the Commission ‘Strengthening Innovation in Europe's Regions: Strategies for resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth’1 . Partners may therefore come from any region in the Union, but may also include cross-border regions and regions which are all covered by European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation, a macro-regional or sea-basin strategy or a combination of the two.
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1 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of Regions of 8 July 2017 - COM(2017) 376 final.	1 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of Regions of 8 July 2017 - COM(2017) 376 final.
Amendment    10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 13 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(13a)  The future cohesion policy may take adequate consideration of and provide support to the regions of the Union that are most impacted by the consequences of the United Kingdom’s exit from the Union, in particular those that will, as a result, find themselves situated on external sea or land borders of the Union;
Amendment    11 Proposal for a regulation Recital 14
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(14)  Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Funds will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the EU budget expenditure supporting climate objectives. Operations under the ERDF are expected to contribute 30 % of the overall financial envelope of the ERDF to climate objectives. Operations under the Cohesion Fund are expected to contribute 37% of the overall financial envelope of the Cohesion Fund to climate objectives.	(14)  The objectives of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should be pursued in the framework of sustainable development, notably the highly importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement, 2030 Agenda of the United Nations and the UN Sustainable Development Goals as well as and the Union's promotion of the aim of preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment as set out in Articles 11 and 191(1) of the TFEU, taking into account the polluter pays principle as well as focusing on poverty, inequality and a just transition to a socially and environmentally sustainable economy in a participatory approach in cooperation with relevant public authorities, economic, and social partners as well as civil society organisations. Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change and loss of biodiversity in order to contribute to the financing of necessary actions to be taken at EU, national and local level to fulfil in line with the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as to ensure integrated disaster prevention support linking resilience and risk prevention, preparation and response, the Funds will contribute to mainstream climate actions and biodiversity protection by targeting 30 % of the EU budget expenditure supporting climate objectives. The Funds must contribute substantially to the achievement of a circular and low-carbon economy in all territories of the Union and fully incorporating the regional dimension. Operations under the ERDF should contribute to at least 35 % of the overall financial envelope of the ERDF to climate objectives. Operations under the Cohesion Fund are expected to contribute 40 % of the overall financial envelope of the Cohesion Fund to climate objectives. These percentages should be respected throughout the programming period. Therefore, relevant actions will be identified during the preparation and implementation of these funds, and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review procedures. These actions and the financial allocation reserved for their implementation are to be included in the national Integrated Energy and Climate Plans in accordance with Annex IV of Regulation (EU)2018/xxxx[new CPR] as well as long-term renovation strategy established under the revised Energv Performance of Building Directive (E) 2018/844 to contribute to the achievement of a decarbonised building stock by 2050, and attached to the Programmes. Specific attention should be paid to carbon-intensive areas facing challenges due to decarbonisation commitments, in view of assisting them in pursuing strategies consistent with the Union’s climate commitment and laid down in the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plans and under the ETS Directive 2018/410 and to protect workers also through training and reskilling opportunities.
Amendment    12 Proposal for a regulation Recital 15
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(15)  In order to enable the ERDF to provide support under ETC/Interreg in terms of both investments in infrastructure and the associated investments, training and integration activities, it is necessary to provide that the ERDF may also provide support for activities under the specific objectives of the ESF+, set up under Regulation (EU) 2018/XXX of the European Parliament and of the Council [new ESF+]1.	(15)  In order to enable the ERDF to provide support under ETC/Interreg in terms of both investments in infrastructure and the associated investments, training and integration activities, for the improvement and development of administrative skills and competences, it is necessary to provide that the ERDF may also provide support for activities under the specific objectives of the ESF+, set up under Regulation (EU) 2018/XXX of the European Parliament and of the Council [new ESF+]1.
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1 [Full reference - new ESF+].	1 [Full reference - new ESF+].
Amendment    13 Proposal for a regulation Recital 16
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(16)  In order to concentrate the use of limited resources in the most efficient way, the support given to by the ERDF to productive investments under the relevant specific objective, should be limited to only micro, small and medium-sized enterprises ('SMEs') within the meaning of Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC1 , except where investments involve cooperation with SMEs in research and innovation activities.	(16)  SMEs and micro-enterprises are key drivers of economic growth, innovation and employment and play an important role in the economic recovery and in the transition towards a sustainable Union economy. It is necessary to promote SMEs in emerging areas tied in with European and regional challenges, such as the creative and cultural industries, as well as innovative services addressing new societal needs including integration and social inclusion of disadvantaged communities, population ageing, health and care services, eco-innovation and resource efficiency. In order to concentrate the use of limited resources in the most efficient way, but without undermining achievement of the programme's objectives, the support given to by the ERDF to productive investments under the relevant specific objective, should preferably be limited to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises ('SMEs') within the meaning of Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC1 without prejudice for public sector companies, except where investments involve cooperation with SMEs. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, operations benefitting undertakings shall comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU.
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1 Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (OJ L 124, 20.5.2003, p. 36).	1 Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (OJ L 124, 20.5.2003, p. 36).
Amendment    14 Proposal for a regulation Recital 17
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(17)  The ERDF should help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union and to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions including those facing challenges due to the decarbonisation commitments. ERDF support under the Investment for jobs and growth goal should therefore be concentrated on key Union priorities in line with policy objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR]. Therefore support from the ERDF should be concentrated on the policy objectives of 'a smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation' and 'a greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management'. That thematic concentration should be attained at national level while allowing for flexibility at the level of individual programmes and between the three groups of Member States formed according to respective gross national income. In addition, the methodology to classify Member States should be set out in detail taking into account the specific situation of the outermost regions.	(17)  The ERDF should help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union and to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions including those facing challenges due to the decarbonisation commitments through financial support for the transitional period. It should also foster resilience and prevent vulnerable territories from falling behind. ERDF support under the Investment for jobs and growth goal should therefore be concentrated on key Union priorities in line with policy objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR]. Therefore support from the ERDF should be concentrated specifically on the two policy objectives of a 'a smarter Europe by promoting innovative, smart and inclusive economic development and transformation, regional connectivity in the area of technologies, developing the information and communication technologies (ICT), connectivity and efficient public administration and 'a greener, low-carbon and resilient Europe for all by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management 'while taking account of the overall policy objectives of a more cohesive and solidarity-based Europe helping reduce economic, social and territorial asymmetries. Said thematic concentration should be attained at national level, allowing margins for flexibility at the level of individual programmes and between various categories of regions, taking account too of different levels of development. In addition, the methodology to classify the regions should be set out in detail taking into account the specific situation of the outermost regions.
Amendment    15 Proposal for a regulation Recital 17 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(17a)  In order to ensure the strategic importance of investments co-financed by the ERDF and CF, Members States could make a duly justified request for further flexibility within the current framework of Stability and Growth Pact for the public or equivalent structural expenditure.
Amendment    16 Proposal for a regulation Recital 18
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(18)  In order to concentrate the support on key Union priorities, it is also appropriate that thematic concentration requirements should be respected throughout the programming period, including in the case of transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes.	(18)  In order to concentrate the support on key Union priorities and in line with the objectives of social, economic and territorial cohesion set out in Article 174 TFEU and the policy objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR], it is also appropriate that thematic concentration requirements should be respected throughout the programming period, including in the case of transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes.
Amendment    17 Proposal for a regulation Recital 18 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(18a)  The ERDF should address the problems of accessibility to, and remoteness from, large markets, faced by areas with an extremely low population density, as referred to in Protocol No 6 on special provisions for Objective 6 in the framework of the Structural Funds in Finland and Sweden to the 1994 Act of Accession. The ERDF should also address the specific difficulties encountered by certain islands, border regions, mountain regions and sparsely populated areas, the geographical situation of which slows down their development, with a view to supporting their sustainable development.
Amendment    18 Proposal for a regulation Recital 19
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(19)  This Regulation should set out the different types of activities the costs of which may be supported by means of investments from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, under their respective objectives as set out in the TFEU. The Cohesion Fund should be able to support investments in the environment and in TEN-T. With regard to the ERDF, the list of activities should be simplified and it should be able to support investments in infrastructure, investments in relation to access to services, productive investments in SME's, equipment, software and intangible assets, as well as measures with regard to information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experiences and activities involving clusters. In order to support the programme implementation, both funds should also be able to support technical assistance activities. Finally, in order to support provide for a broader range of interventions for Interreg programmes, the scope should be enlarged to also include the sharing a broad range of facilities and human resources and costs linked to measures within the scope of the ESF+.	(19)  This Regulation should set out the different types of activities the costs of which may be supported by means of investments from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, under their respective objectives as set out in the TFEU including crowdfunding. The Cohesion Fund should be able to support investments in the environment and in TEN-T. With regard to the ERDF, the list of activities should take into account specific national and regional development needs as well as endogenous potential and be simplified and it should be able to support investments in infrastructure, including research and innovation infrastructure and facilities, cultural and heritage infrastructure, sustainable tourism infrastructure also through the tourist districts, services to enterprises, as well as investments in housing, investments in relation to access to services with a particular focus on disadvantaged, marginalised and segregated communities, productive investments in SME's, equipment, software and intangible assets, incentives during the transition period of regions in the process of decarbonisation, as well as measures with regard to information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experiences between partners and activities involving clusters. In order to support the programme implementation, both funds should also be able to support technical assistance activities. Finally, in order to support provide for a broader range of interventions for Interreg programmes, the scope should be enlarged to also include the sharing a broad range of facilities and human resources and costs linked to measures within the scope of the ESF+.
Amendment    19 Proposal for a regulation Recital 20
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(20)  Trans-European transport networks projects in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1316/2013 shall continue to be financed from the Cohesion Fund via both shared management and the direct implementation mode under the Connecting Europe Facility ('CEF').	(20)  Trans-European transport networks projects in accordance with Regulation (EU) No1316/2013 shall continue to be financed from the Cohesion Fund, including tackling the missing links and bottlenecks, in a balanced manner as well as including for improving the safety of existing bridges and tunnels via both shared management and the direct implementation mode under the Connecting Europe Facility ('CEF'). These networks must prioritise investment in road transport networks and boost public services in rural areas, especially in sparsely populated areas and in areas with largely ageing populations, in order to foster interconnectivity between cities and the countryside, promote rural development, bridge the digital divide.
Amendment    20 Proposal for a regulation Recital 21
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(21)  At the same time, it is important to clarify those activities which fall outside the scope of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, including investments to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council1 in order to avoid duplication of available financing, which already exists as part of that Directive. In addition, it should be explicitly set out that the overseas countries and territories listed in Annex II of the TFEU are not eligible for support from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund.	(21)  At the same time, it is important to identify synergies on the one hand and clarify those activities which fall outside the scope of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund on the other hand; this in order to multiplication effects or avoid duplication of available financing. In addition, it should be explicitly set out that the overseas countries and territories listed in Annex II of the TFEU are not eligible for support from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund.
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1 Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).
Amendment    21 Proposal for a regulation Recital 23
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(23)  Pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the Inter-institutional agreement for Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016, there is a need to evaluate the Funds on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements, while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens, in particular on Member States. These requirements, where appropriate, can include measurable indicators, as a basis for evaluating the effects of the Funds on the ground.	(23)  Pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the Inter-institutional agreement for Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016, there is a need to evaluate the Funds on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements, while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens. These requirements, where appropriate, can include measurable indicators, as a basis for evaluating the effects of the Funds on the ground.
Amendment    22 Proposal for a regulation Recital 24
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(24)  In order to maximise the contribution to territorial development, actions in this field should be based on integrated territorial strategies including in urban areas. Therefore, the ERDF support should be delivered through the forms set out in Article 22 of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR] ensuring appropriate involvement of local, regional and urban authorities.	(24)  In order to maximise the contribution to territorial development, and to address more effectively economic, demographic, environmental and social challenges, as envisaged in Article 174 TFEU, in areas with natural or demographic disadvantages including ageing, rural desertification and demographic decline but also demographic pressure or where it is difficult to access basic services, actions in this field should be based on programmes, axes or integrated territorial strategies including urban areas and rural communities. These actions should be the two sides of the same coin, based on both the central urban hubs and their surroundings as well as the more remote rural. These strategies may also benefit from a multifund and integrated approach involving the ERDF, ESF+, EMFF and EAFRD. A minimum target of 5% of ERDF resources should be earmarked at national level for integrated territorial development. Therefore, support should be delivered ensuring appropriate involvement of local, regional and urban authorities, economic and social partners and representatives of civil society and non-governmental organisations.
Amendment    23 Proposal for a regulation Recital 24 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(24a)  Specific attention should be paid to carbon-intensive areas facing challenges due to decarbonisation commitments, in view of assisting them in pursuing strategies consistent with the Union’s climate commitment under the Paris Agreement that protect workers and affected communities alike. Such areas should benefit from dedicated support to prepare and implement plans for decarbonisation of their economies taking into account the need for targeted vocational training and reskilling opportunities for the workforce.
Amendment    24 Proposal for a regulation Recital 25
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(25)  Within the framework of sustainable urban development, it is considered necessary to support integrated territorial development in order to more effectively tackle the economic, environmental, climate, demographic and social challenges affecting urban areas, including functional urban areas, while taking into account the need to promote urban-rural linkages. The principles for selecting the urban areas where integrated actions for sustainable urban development are to be implemented, and the indicative amounts for those actions, should be set out in the programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal with a minimum target of 6% of the ERDF resources allocated at national level for that purpose. It should also be established that this percentage should be respected throughout the programming period in the case of transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes, including at the mid-term review.	(25)  Within the framework of sustainable urban development, it is considered necessary to support integrated territorial development in order to more effectively tackle the economic, environmental, climate, demographic, technology and social and cultural challenges affecting urban areas, including functional urban areas and rural communities, while taking into account the need to promote urban-rural linkages, including through peri-urban areas where appropriate. The principles for selecting the urban areas where integrated actions for sustainable urban development are to be implemented, and the indicative amounts for those actions, should be set out in the programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal. Said actions may also benefit from a multifund and integrated approach involving the ERDF, ESF+, EMFF and the EAFRD. A minimum target of 10 % of the ERDF resources should be earmarked at national level for the sustainable urban development priority. It should also be established that this percentage should be respected throughout the programming period in the case of transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes, including at the mid-term review.
Amendment    25 Proposal for a regulation Recital 26
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(26)  In order to identify or provide solutions which address issues relating to sustainable urban development at Union level, the Urban Innovative Actions in the area of sustainable urban development should be replaced by a European Urban Initiative, to be implemented under direct or indirect management. That initiative should cover all urban areas and support the Urban Agenda for the European Union1.	(26)  In order to identify or provide solutions which address issues relating to sustainable urban development at Union level, the Urban Innovative Actions in the area of sustainable urban development should be continued and developed into a European Urban Initiative. That initiative should support the Urban Agenda for the European Union1 aiming to stimulate growth, liveability and innovation and to identify and successfully tackle social challenges.
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1 Council Conclusions on an Urban Agenda for the EU of 24 June 2016.	1 Council Conclusions on an Urban Agenda for the EU of 24 June 2016.
Amendment    26 Proposal for a regulation Recital 27
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(27)  Specific attention should be paid to outermost regions, namely by adopting measures under Article 349 of the TFEU providing for an additional allocation for the outermost regions to offset the additional costs incurred in these regions as a result of one or several of the permanent restraints referred to in Article 349 of the TFEU, namely remoteness, insularity, small size, difficult topography and climate, economic dependence on a few products, the permanence and combination of which severely restrain their development. This allocation can cover investments, operating costs and public service obligations aimed at offsetting additional costs caused by such restraints. Operating aid may cover expenditure on freight transport services and start-up aid for transport services as well as expenditure on operations linked to storage constraints, the excessive size and maintenance of production tools, and the lack of human capital in the local market. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, and as is the case for all operations co-financed by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, any ERDF support to the financing of operating and investment aid in the outermost regions should comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU.	(27)  Specific attention should be paid to outermost regions, namely by adopting measures under Article 349 of the TFEU providing for an additional allocation for the outermost regions to offset the additional costs incurred in these regions as a result of one or several of the permanent restraints referred to in Article 349 of the TFEU, namely remoteness, insularity, small size, difficult topography and climate, economic dependence on a few products, the permanence and combination of which severely restrain their development. This allocation can cover investments, operating costs and public service obligations aimed at offsetting additional costs caused by such restraints. Operating aid may cover expenditure on freight transport services, green logistics, mobility management and start-up aid for transport services as well as expenditure on operations linked to storage constraints, the excessive size and maintenance of production tools, and the lack of human capital in the local market. This allocation shall not be subject to the thematic concentration provided for in this Regulation. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, and as is the case for all operations co-financed by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, any ERDF support to the financing of operating and investment aid in the outermost regions should comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU.
Amendment    27 Proposal for a regulation Recital 29
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(29)  Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to reinforce economic, social and territorial cohesion by redressing the main regional imbalances in the Union, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of the extent of the disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions and the limit on the financial resources of the Member States and regions, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective,	(29)  Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to reinforce economic, social and territorial cohesion by redressing the main regional imbalances in the Union through citizens oriented approach aimed at supporting community led development and fostering active citizenship, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of the extent of the disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions and the limit on the financial resources of the Member States and regions, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective,
Amendment    28 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Article 1a
	Tasks of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund
	The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund (CF) shall contribute to the overall objective of strengthening the Union’s economic, social and territorial cohesion.
	The ERDF shall contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions within the Union, and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions including environmental challenges, through sustainable development and structural adjustment of regional economies.
	The Cohesion Fund shall contribute to projects in the field of trans-European networks and environment.
Amendment    29 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  'a smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation' ('PO 1') by:	(a)  'a smarter Europe by promoting innovative, smart and inclusive economic development and transformation, regional connectivity in the area of technologies, developing the information and communication technologies (ICT), connectivity and efficient public administration' ('PO 1') by:
Amendment    30 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies;	(i)  supporting the development and enhancement of research and innovation capacities, investments and infrastructure, the uptake of advanced technologies and supporting and promoting the clusters for innovation between business, research, academia and public authorities;
Amendment    31 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, companies and governments;	(ii)  enhancing digital connectivity and reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, scientific establishments, companies, governments and public administration at regional and local level including smart cities and smart villages;
Amendment    32 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  enhancing growth and competitiveness of SMEs;	(iii)  enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and providing support for the creation and safeguarding of jobs and support technological upgrade and modernization;
Amendment    33 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iv
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iv)  developing skills for smart specialisation, industrial transition and entrepreneurship;	(iv)  developing skills and strategies, and building capacities for smart specialisation, just transition, circular economy, social innovation, entrepreneurship, tourism sector and transition to industry 4.0;
Amendment    34 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  'a greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management ('PO 2') by:	(b)  'a greener, low-carbon and resilient Europe for all by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management ('PO 2') by:
Amendment    35 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  promoting energy efficiency measures;	(i)  promoting energy efficiency, savings and energy poverty measures;
Amendment    36 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  promoting renewable energy;	(ii)  promoting sustainable renewable energy;
Amendment    37 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  developing smart energy systems, grids and storage at local level;	(iii)  developing smart energy systems, grids and storage;
Amendment    38 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iv)  promoting climate change adaptation, risk prevention and disaster resilience;	(iv)  promoting climate change adaptation, risk prevention, management of and resilience to extreme weather events and natural disasters including earthquakes, forest fires, flooding and drought, taking into account eco-system based approaches;
Amendment    39 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point v
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(v)  promoting sustainable water management;	(v)  promoting universal access to water and sustainable water management;
Amendment    40 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vi
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(vi)  promoting the transition to a circular economy;	(vi)  promoting the transition to a circular economy economy and improving resource efficiency;
Amendment    41 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vi a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(vi a)  supporting regional transformation processes towards decarbonisation as well as the transition towards low-carbon energy generation
Amendment    42 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(vii)  enhancing biodiversity, green infrastructure in the urban environment, and reducing pollution;	(vii)  protecting and enhancing biodiversity and natural heritage, preserving and highlighting protected natural areas, natural resources and reducing every form of pollution such as air, water, soil, noise and light pollution;
Amendment    43 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(viia)  enhancing green infrastructure in functional urban areas, developing small-scale multimodal urban mobility as part of a net zero emission economy;
Amendment    44 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  'a more connected Europe by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity' ('PO 3') by:	(c)  'a more connected Europe for all by enhancing mobility' ('PO 3') by:
Amendment    45 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  enhancing digital connectivity;	deleted (This amendment will require consequential adjustments to Annex I and Annex II)
Amendment    46 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  developing a sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent, secure and intermodal TEN-T;	(ii)  developing a climate resilient, intelligent, secure and sustainable road and railway and intermodal TEN-T and cross-border links focussing on noise reduction measures, environmentally friendly public transport and rail networks;
Amendment    47 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  developing sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility;	(iii)  developing sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to TEN-T, cross-border mobility and environmentally friendly public transport networks;
Amendment    48 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iv)  promoting sustainable multimodal urban mobility;	deleted (This amendment will require consequential adjustments to Annex I and Annex II)
Amendment    49 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d)  'a more social Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights' ('PO 4') by:	(d)  'a more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights’ (‘PO 4’) by:
Amendment    50 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets and access to quality employment through developing social innovation and infrastructure;	(i)  enhancing the effectiveness and inclusiveness of labour markets and access to high quality employment through developing social innovation and infrastructure and promoting the social economy and innovation;
Amendment    51 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  improving access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and life long learning through developing infrastructure;	(ii)  improving equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and life long learning and sport through developing accessible infrastructure and services;
Amendment    52 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point ii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iia)  investment in housing, when owned by public authorities or non-profit operators for use as housing designated for low-income households or people with special needs;
Amendment    53 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  increasing the socioeconomic integration of marginalised communities, migrants and disadvantaged groups, through integrated measures including housing and social services;	(iii)  promoting the socioeconomic inclusion of marginalised communities and deprived communities such as Roma and disadvantage groups, through integrated actions including housing and social services;
Amendment    54 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iiia)  promoting long-term socio-economic integration of refugees and migrants under international protection through integrated actions including housing and social services by providing infrastructure support to cities and local authorities involved;
Amendment    55 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iv
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iv)  ensuring equal access to health care through developing infrastructure, including primary care;	(iv)  ensuring equal access to health care through developing health care infrastructure and other assets, including primary care and preventive measures and advancing the transition from institutional to family- and community-based care;
Amendment    56 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iv a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iva)  providing support for physical, economic and social regeneration in deprived communities;
Amendment    57 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e)  'a Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban, rural and coastal areas and local initiatives' ('PO 5') by:	(e)  'a Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban and all other areas and local initiatives' ('PO 5') by:
Amendment    58 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental development, cultural heritage and security in urban areas;	(i)  fostering integrated and inclusive social, economic and environmental development, culture, natural heritage, sustainable tourism also through the tourist districts, sports and security in urban areas, including functional urban areas;
Amendment    59 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental local development, cultural heritage and security, including for rural and coastal areas also through community-led local development.	(ii)  fostering integrated and inclusive social, economic and environmental development, culture, natural heritage, sustainable tourism also through the tourist districts, sports and security, all at local level, rural, mountain, islands and coastal regions, isolated and sparsely populated and all other areas that have difficulty accessing basic services including also on NUTS 3 level, through territorial and local development strategies, through the forms set out in points (a) (b) and (c) of Article 22 of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR].
Amendment    60 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1a.  Enhancing small-scale multimodal urban mobility as referred to in point b (vii a) of this Article, which shall be considered eligible for support if ERDF contribution to the operation shall not exceed EUR 10 000 000.
Amendment    61 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
With regard to the specific objectives set out in paragraph 1, the ERDF or the Cohesion Fund, as appropriate, may also support activities under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, where they either:	With regard to achieving the specific objectives set out in paragraph 1, the ERDF or the Cohesion Fund may also:
Amendment    62 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  improve the capacity of programme authorities, and bodies linked to the implementation of the Funds;	(a)  improve the capacity of programme authorities, and bodies linked to the implementation of the Funds, and support public authorities, local and regional administrations responsible for implementation of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, through specific administrative capacity-building plans aimed at localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), simplifying procedures and cutting implementation time for actions, provided these are structural in nature and the programme itself has measurable objectives;
Amendment    63 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Support of capacity-building, referred to point (a) of this Article, may be complemented by additional support from the Reform Support Programme established under regulation EU (2018/xxx (Reform Support Programme);
Amendment    64 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Cooperation referred to in point (b) shall include cooperation with partners from cross-border regions, from non-contiguous regions or from regions located in the territory covered by a macro-regional or sea-basin strategy or a combination thereof.	Cooperation referred to in point (b) shall include cooperation with partners from cross-border regions, from non-contiguous regions or from regions located in the territory covered by a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation, a macro-regional or sea-basin strategy or a combination thereof.
Amendment    65 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Meaningful participation of regional and local authorities, civil society organisations including beneficiaries in all stages of the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Programmes under ERDF shall be ensured in line with principles, set in the European Code of Conduct on Partnership.
Amendment    66 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Member States shall be classified, in terms of their gross national income ratio, as follows:	Regions at NUTS 2 level shall be classified, in terms of their gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, as follows:
Amendment    67 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  those with a gross national income ratio equal to or above 100 % of the EU average ('group 1');	(a)  those with a GDP per capita above 100 % of the average GDP of the EU27 ('group 1');
Amendment    68 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  those with a gross national income ratio equal to or above 75 % and below 100 % of the EU average ('group 2');	(b)  those with a GDP per capita between 75 % and 100 % of the average GDP of the EU27 ('group 2');
Amendment    69 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  those with a gross national income ratio below 75 % of the EU average ('group 3').	(c)  those with a GDP per capita less than 75 % of the average GDP of the EU27 average ('group 3').
Amendment    70 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
For the purposes of this Article, the gross national income ratio means the ratio between the gross national income per capita of a Member State, measured in purchasing power standards and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period from 2014 to 2016, and the average gross national income per capita in purchasing power standards of the 27 Member States for that same reference period.	For the purposes of this Article, the classification of a region under one of the three categories of regions shall be determined on the basis of the ratio between the gross domestic product per capita of each region, measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period from 2014 to 2016, and the average GDP of the EU27 for that same reference period.
Amendment    71 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  Member States of group 1 shall allocate at least 85 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1 and PO 2, and at least 60 % to PO 1;	(a)  For the more developed regions category (group 1) they shall allocate
Amendment    72 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point a – point i (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	i)  at least 50 % of total ERDF resources at national level to PO 1; and
Amendment    73 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point a – point ii (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	ii)  at least 30 % of total ERDF resources at national level to PO 2.
Amendment    74 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  Member States of group 2 shall allocate at least 45 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 30 % to PO 2;	(b)  For the transition regions category (group 2) they shall allocate:
Amendment    75 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point b – point i (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	i)  at least 40 % of total ERDF resources at national level to PO 1 and
Amendment    76 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point b – point ii (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	ii)  at least 30 % of total ERDF resources at national level to PO 2.
Amendment    77 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  Member States of group 3 shall allocate at least 35 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 30 % to PO 2.	(c)  For the less developed regions category (group 3) they shall allocate:
Amendment    78 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point c – point i (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	i)  at least 30 % of total ERDF resources at national level to PO 1 and
Amendment    79 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point c – point ii (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	ii)  at least 30 % of total ERDF resources at national level to PO 2.
Amendment    80 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	4a.  In duly duly justified cases, the Member State concerned may request that the concentration level for resources at regional category level be decreased by no more than 5 percentage points, or 10 percentage points in the cases of outermost regions, for the thematic objective determined in accordance with Article 3(4)(a)(i), Article 3(4)(b)(i) and Article 3(4)(c)(i) [new ERDF-Cohesion Fund].
Amendment    81 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
6.  Where the ERDF allocation with regard to PO 1 or PO 2 or both of a given programme is reduced following a decommitment under Article [99] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR], or due to financial corrections by the Commission in accordance with Article [98] of that Regulation, compliance with the thematic concentration requirement set out in paragraph 4 shall not be re-assessed.	6.  Where the ERDF allocation concerning PO 1 or PO 2, the main policy objectives, or both of a given programme is reduced following a decommitment under Article [99] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR], or due to financial corrections by the Commission in accordance with Article [98] of that Regulation, compliance with the thematic concentration requirement set out in paragraph 4 shall not be re-assessed.
Amendment    82 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	6a.  Resources allocated to PO5 that contribute to PO1 and PO2, shall be calculated as contributing to thematic concentration requirements. The contribution to PO1 and PO2 shall be duly justified based on a substantiated assessment.
Amendment    83 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(aa)  investments in research, development and innovation (R&D&I);
Amendment    84 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  productive investments in SMEs;	(c)  productive investments and investments which help to safeguard existing jobs and create new jobs in SMEs and any support in SMEs in the form of grants and financial instruments;
Amendment    85 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
In addition, productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs can be supported when they involve cooperation with SMEs in research and innovation activities supported under point (a)(i) of Article 2 (1).	Productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs can be supported when they involve cooperation with SMEs or business infrastructure that benefits SMEs.
Amendment    86 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	In addition, productive investments in SMEs can also be supported in research and innovation activities supported under point (a)(i) of Article 2 (1).
Amendment    87 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
In order to contribute to the specific objective under PO 1 set out in point (a) (iv) of Article 2(1), the ERDF shall also support training, life long learning and education activities.	In order to contribute to the specific objective under PO 1 set out in point (a) (iv) of Article 2(1), the ERDF shall also support training, mentoring, life long learning, reskilling and education activities.
Amendment    88 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  investments in the environment, including investments related to sustainable development and energy presenting environmental benefits;	(a)  investments in the environment, including investments related to circular economy, sustainable development and renewable energy presenting environmental benefits;
Amendment    89 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  investments in TEN-T;	(b)  investments in TEN-T core and comprehensive network;
Amendment    90 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  technical assistance.	(c)  technical assistance, including improvement and development of administrative skills and competences of local authorities in managing these funds.
Amendment    91 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ca)  information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experience and activities involving clusters;
Amendment    92 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Member States shall ensure an appropriate balance between investments under points (a) and (b).	Member States shall ensure an appropriate balance between investments under points (a) and (b), based on the investments and specific requirements of each Member State.
Amendment    93 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  The amount of the Cohesion Fund transferred to the Connecting Europe Facility23 shall be used for TEN-T projects.	2.  The amount of the Cohesion Fund transferred to the Connecting Europe Facility23 shall be proportional and shall be used for TEN-T projects.
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23 Reference	23 Reference
Amendment    94 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e)  investment in airport infrastructure except for outermost regions;	(e)  investment in new regional airport and in airport infrastructure, except for:
Amendment    95 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ea)  investment related to outermost regions;
Amendment    96 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(eb)  support linked to core TEN-T networks;
Amendment    97 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point e c (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ec)  Investment related to emvironmental protection and aimed to mitigate or reduce its negative environmental impact.
Amendment    98 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point f
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(f)  investment in disposal of waste in landfill;	(f)  investment in disposal of waste in landfill, except in the outermost regions and for support for decommissioning, reconverting or making safe existing facilities and without prejudice to Article 4(2) of Directive (EU) 2008/98 of the European Parliament and of the Council1;
	____________
	1 Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives (OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, p. 3).
Amendment    99 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point g
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(g)  investment in facilities for the treatment of residual waste;	(g)  investment in facilities for the treatment of residual waste with the exception of outermost regions and in case of state-of-the-art recycling solutions in line with the principles of the circular economy and the waste hierarchy fully respecting the targets laid down in Art 11(2) of Directive (EU) 2008/98 and provided that Member States have established their waste management plans according to Art. 29 of Directive (EU) 2018/851. Residual waste should be understood as primarily non separately collected municipal waste and rejects from waste treatment;
Amendment    100 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point h
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(h)  investment related to production, processing, distribution, storage or combustion of fossil fuels, with the exception of investment related to clean vehicles as defined in Article 4 of Directive 2009/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council26 ;	(h)  investment related to production, processing, transport, distribution, storage or combustion of fossil fuels, with the exception of investment:
	(ha)  related to clean vehicles as defined in Article 4 of Directive 2009/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council26
	(hb)  related to low carbon high efficiency co-generation and efficient district heating systems;
	(hc)  providing substantial contribution to a net-zero emission economy;
	(hd)  related to achieving the targets laid out in the Directive (EU) 2018/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 amending Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency and the Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources;
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26 Directive 2009/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles (OJ L 120, 15.5.2009, p. 5).	26 Directive 2009/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles (OJ L 120, 15.5.2009, p. 5).
Amendment    101 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1a.  The exceptions mentioned in point b of this paragraph h shall be limited to an amount up to 1 % of the total ERDF-CF resources at national level.
Amendment    102 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  investment in broadband infrastructure in areas in which there are at least two broadband networks of equivalent category;	deleted
Amendment    103 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point j
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(j)  funding for the purchase of rolling stock for use in rail transport, except if it is linked to the:	deleted
(i)  discharge of a publicly tendered public service obligation under Regulation 1370/2007 as amended;
(ii)  provision of rail transport services on lines fully opened to competition, and the beneficiary is a new entrant eligible for funding under Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [Invest EU regulation].
Amendment    104 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point j a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ja)  investments in the construction of institutional care facilities that segregate or infringe on personal choice and independence;
Amendment    105 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  In addition, the Cohesion Fund shall not support investment in housing unless related to the promotion of energy efficiency or renewable energy use.	2.  In addition, the Cohesion Fund shall not support investment in housing unless related to the promotion of energy and resource efficiency or renewable energy use and accessible living conditions for older people and persons with disabilities and seismic retrofitting.
Amendment    106 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Article 6 a
	Partnership
	1.  Each Member State shall ensure the meaningful and inclusive participation of social partners, civil society organisations and service users in the management, programming, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of activities and policies supported by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund under shared management, according to Article 6 of the proposed CPR Regulation “Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 240/2014.
Amendment    107 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  Common output and result indicators, as set out in the Annex I with regard to the ERDF and to the Cohesion Fund, and, where necessary, programme-specific output and result indicators shall be used in accordance with point (a) of the second subparagraph of Article [12(1)], point (d)(ii) of Article [17(3)] and point (b) of Article [37(2)] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR].	1.  Common output and result indicators, as set out and defined in the Annex I with regard to the ERDF and to the Cohesion Fund, and, where relevant, programme-specific output and result indicators shall be used in accordance with point (a) of the second subparagraph of Article [12(1)], point (d)(ii) of Article [17(3)] and point (b) of Article [37(2)] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR].
Amendment    108 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	4a.  Member States may make a duly justified request for further flexibility within the current framework of Stability and Growth Pact for the public or equivalent structural expenditure, supported by the public administration by way of co-financing of investments activated as part of ERDF and CF. When defining the fiscal adjustment under either the preventive or the corrective arm of the Stability and Growth Pact, the Commission shall carefully assess this request in a manner reflecting the strategic importance of investments co-financed by the ERDF and CF.
Amendment    109 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The ERDF may support integrated territorial development within programmes under both goals referred to in Article 4(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR] in accordance with Chapter II of Title III of that Regulation[new CPR].	1.  The ERDF shall support integrated territorial development within programmes under both goals referred to in Article 4(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR] in accordance with Chapter II of Title III of that Regulation[new CPR].
Amendment    110 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1a.  At least 5% of the ERDF resources available at national level under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, other than for technical assistance, shall be allocated to integrated territorial development in non-urban areas with natural, geographic or demographic handicaps or disadvantages or which have difficulty accessing basic services. Out of this amount, at least 17,5 % shall be allocated to rural areas and communities taking into account provisions of a Smart Villages Pact to develop projects such as smart villages.
Amendment    111 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  Member States shall implement integrated territorial development, supported by the ERDF, exclusively through the forms referred to in Article [22] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR].	2.  Member States shall implement integrated territorial development, through a specific axis or programme or through the other forms referred to in Article [22] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR], and may benefit from a multifund and integrated approach involving the ERDF, ESF+, EMFF and EAFRD.
Amendment    112 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The ERDF shall support integrated territorial development based on territorial strategies in accordance with Article [23] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR] focused on urban areas ('sustainable urban development') within programmes under both goals referred to in Article 4(2) of that Regulation.	1.  To address economic, environmental, climate, demographic and social challenges, the ERDF shall support integrated territorial development based on territorial strategies in accordance with Article [23] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR], which may also benefit from a multifund and integrated approach involving the ERDF and the ESF+, and focused on functional urban areas ('sustainable urban development') within programmes under both goals referred to in Article 4(2) of that Regulation.
Amendment    113 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
At least 6% of the ERDF resources at national level under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, other than for technical assistance, shall be allocated to sustainable urban development in the form of community-led local development, integrated territorial investments or another territorial tool under PO5.	At least 10% of the ERDF resources at national level under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, other than for technical assistance, shall be allocated to sustainable urban development in the form of a specific programme, a specific priority axis, community-led local development, integrated territorial investments or other territorial tools, as set out in point (c) of Article 22 of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx (new CPR). The ‘urban authorities’ referred to in Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2018/XXXX [new CPR] shall be empowered to choose the measures and projects involved. Operations carried out under POs other than PO5 may, if consistent, contribute to reaching the 10% minimum threshold for sustainable urban development. Investments made under PO5 (i) should count as contributing to this earmarking of 10%, as well as operations carried out under other POs, if consistent with sustainable urban development.
Amendment    114 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
This initiative shall cover all urban areas and shall support the Urban Agenda of the Union.	This initiative shall cover all functional urban areas and shall support the partnerships and organisational costs of the Urban Agenda of the Union. Local authorities should be actively involved in establishing and implementing the European Urban Initiative.
Amendment    115 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  support of capacity-building;	(a)  support of capacity-building, including actions of exchange for regional and local representatives at subnational level;
Amendment    116 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  support of innovative actions;	(b)  support of innovative actions which may receive additional co-funding for regulation (EU) 2018/xxx (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development) and be provided jointly with the European Network for Rural Development in particular with regard to rural and urban links and projects supporting the development of urban and functional urban areas;
Amendment    117 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  support of knowledge, policy development and communication.	(c)  support of knowledge, territorial impact assessments, policy development and communication.
Amendment    118 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Upon request from one or more Member States, the European Urban Initiative may also support inter-governmental cooperation on urban matters.	Upon request from one or more Member States, the European Urban Initiative may also support inter-governmental cooperation on urban matters such as the reference framework on sustainable cities, the territorial agenda of the European Union and the adjustment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals to the local level circumstances.
Amendment    119 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	The Commission shall submit an annual report to the European Parliament on developments in connection with the European Urban Initiative.
Amendment    120 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Article 10 a
	Areas facing natural or demographic handicaps and challenges
	1.  In programmes that are co-funded by the ERDF and cover areas facing severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps and challenges such as those referred to in Article 174 TFEU, special attention shall be paid to addressing the challenges faced by those areas.
	In particular, NUTS level 3 areas or clusters of local administrative units (LAUs) with a population density of below 12.5 inhabitants per km2 for sparsely populated areas or below 8 inhabitants per km2 for very sparsely populated areas, or with an average population decrease of more than1% between 2007 and 2017 shall be subject to specific regional and national plans to enhance attractiveness, increase business investment and boost the accessibility of digital and public services, including a fund in the cooperation agreement. A dedicated funding may be earmarked in the Partnership Agreement.
Amendment    121 Proposal for a regulation Article 11 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The specific additional allocation for the outermost regions shall be used to offset the additional costs incurred in these regions as a result of one or several of the permanent restraints to their development listed in Article 349 of the TFEU.	1.  Article 3 shall not apply to the specific additional allocation for the outermost regions. This specific additional allocation for the outermost regions shall be used to offset the additional costs incurred in these regions as a result of one or several of the permanent restraints to their development listed in Article 349 of the TFEU.
Amendment    122 Proposal for a regulation Article 11 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	3a.  By way of derogation from Article 4(1), the ERDF may support productive investment in enterprises in the outermost regions, irrespective of their size.
Amendment    123 Proposal for a regulation Article 13 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 7(4) shall be conferred on the Commission for an indeterminate period of time from the date of the entry into force of this Regulation.	2.  The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 7(4) shall be conferred on the Commission from the date of the entry into force of this Regulation until 31 December 2027.
Amendment    124 Proposal for a regulation Article 13 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Article 13a
	Repeal
	Without prejudice to Article 12 of this Regulation, Regulations (EC) No 1301/2013 and (EC) No 1300/2013 are repealed with effect from 1 January 2021.
Amendment    125 Proposal for a regulation Article 13 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Article 13b
	Review
	The European Parliament and the Council shall review this Regulation by 31 December 2027, in accordance with Article 177 TFEU.
Amendment    126 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 1 – Column 1– title
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.   A smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation	1.   A smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation regional connectivity in the area of technologies, developing the information and communication technologies (ICT), connectivity and efficient public administration' ('PO 1') by:
Amendment    127 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 1 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO -01 (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO -01 - Regional average income
Amendment    128 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 1 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 10 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO 10a - Enterprises supported to transform their products and services into circular economy
Amendment    129 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 1 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 14 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO 14a - Additional socio-economic hubs with broadband access of very high capacity
Amendment    130 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 1 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCR 14 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR 14b - Socio-economis hubs with broadband subscriptions to a very high capacity network
Amendment    131 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 1 – Column 2 – Results – RCR -01 (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR -01 - Increase of regional income ratio as defined in Article 3(3)
Amendment    132 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 1 – Column 2 – Results – RCR 14
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
RCR 14 - Enterprises using public digital services*	RCR 14 - Users of public digital services*
Amendment    133 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Column 1 – Policy objective 2 – title
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  A greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management	2.  A greener, low-carbon and resilient Europe for all by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management
Amendment    134 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 18 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO 18a - The percentage of annual energy savings for the entire building stock (compared to a baseline) in line with the objective of reaching a high-efficient and decarbonised building stock as included in the national long term renovation strategy to support renovation of the national stock of residential and non-residential buildings
Amendment    135 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 18 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO 18b - Households with improved energy performance of their dwellings, reaching at least 60% energy savings
Amendment    136 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 18 c (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO 18c - Households with improved energy performance of their dwellings, reaching Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB) standard level after renovation
Amendment    137 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 19
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
RCO 19 ‐ Public buildings supported to improve energy performance	RCO 19 – Buildings supported to improve energy performance (of which: residential, private non‐residential, public non‐residential)
Amendment    138 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 19 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO 19b - Number of energy poor/vulnerable consumers supported to improve the energy performance of their dwelling
Amendment    139 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 2 – Outputs – RC0 20 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO 20a – Buildings supported to improve their smart readiness
Amendment    140 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 22 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO 22a - Total final renewable energy consumption and consumption per sector (heating and cooling, transport, electricity)
Amendment    141 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 22 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO 22b - Share of total renewable energy produced
Amendment    142 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 22 c (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO 22c - Reduction of annual import of non-renewable energy
Amendment    143 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 97a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO 97a - Share of renewable self-consumers in the total electricity capacity installed
Amendment    144 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 98a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO 98a - Support transitional period regions effected by decarbonisation
Amendment    145 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 24
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
RCO 24 - New or upgraded disaster monitoring, preparedness, warning and response systems*	RCO 24 - New or upgraded monitoring, preparedness, warning and response systems for natural disasters such as earthquakes, forest fires, floods or droughts*
Amendment    146 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 28
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
RCO 28 - Areas covered by protection measures against forest fires	RCO 28 - Areas covered by protection measures against forest fires, earthquakes, floods or droughts
Amendment    147 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 32a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO 32a - Total fossil fuels replaced by low-emmission energy sources
Amendment    148 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 34
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
RCO 34 - Additional capacity for waste recycling	RCO 34 - Additional capacity for waste prevention and recycling
Amendment    149 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 3 – Results – RCO 34a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO 34a – Number of converted jobs
Amendment    150 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Column 3 – Results – RCR 27
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
RCR 27 Households with improved energy performance of their dwellings	RCR 27 Households with improved energy performance of their dwellings reaching at least 60 % energy savings
Amendment    151 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Column 3 – Results – RCR 28 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR 28 a Buildings with improved energy performances resulting from contractual arrangements which guarantee verifiable energy savings and improved efficiency, such as energy performance contracting as defined in point (27) of Article 2 of Directive 2012/27/EU1a
	___________________
	1a Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on energy efficiency, amending Directives 2009/125/EC and 2010/30/EU and repealing Directives 2004/8/EC and 2006/32/EC (OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 1).
Amendment    152 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 3 – Results – RCR 30 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR 30a – Buildings with improved smart readiness
Amendment    153 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 3 – Results – RCR -43
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
RCR 43 - Water losses	RCR 43 - Reduction of water losses
Amendment    154 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 3 – Results – RCR -46 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR -46a – Waste generation per capita
Amendment    155 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 3 – Results – RCR -46 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR -46b – Per capita waste sent to disposal and energy recovery
Amendment    156 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 3 – Results – RCR -47 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR -47a – Biowaste recycled
Amendment    157 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 3 – Results – RCR 48 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR 48a – Population served by waste preparing for re-use facilities
Amendment    158 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 3 – Results – RCR 48 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR 48b – Circular material use rate
Amendment    159 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 3 – Results – RCR 49
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
RCR 49 - Waste recovered	RCR 49 - Waste reused
Amendment    160 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Column 3 – Results – RCR 49 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR 49a – Waste prepared for re-use
Amendment    161 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – Policy objective 3 – title
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.   A more connected Europe by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity	3.   A more connected Europe for all by enhancing mobility
Amendment    162 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 3 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 43
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
RCO 43 - Length of new roads supported - TEN-T1	RCO 43 - Length of new roads supported - TEN-T1 (core and comprehensive networks)
______________	________________
1 Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network and repealing Decision No 661/2010/EU (OJ L 348, 20.12.2013, p. 1).	1 Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network and repealing Decision No 661/2010/EU (OJ L 348, 20.12.2013, p. 1).
Amendment    163 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 3 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 45
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
RCO 45 - Length of roads reconstructed or upgraded - TEN-T	RCO 45 - Length of roads reconstructed or upgraded - TEN-T (core and comprehensive networks)
Amendment    164 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 3 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 47
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
RCO 47 - Length of new rail supported - TEN-T3	RCO 47 - Length of new rail supported - TEN-T3 (core and comprehensive networks)
Amendment    165 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 3 – Column 2 – Outputs – RCO 49
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
RCO 49 - Length of rail reconstructed or upgraded - TEN-T4	RCO 49 - Length of rail reconstructed or upgraded - TEN-T4 (core and comprehensive networks)
Amendment    166 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 3 – Column 3 – Results – RCR - 55 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR -55a - Ratio of completion of the TEN-T corridor on the national territory
Amendment    167 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 3 – Column 3 – Results – RCR - 57 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR -57a - Ratio of completion of the TEN-T corridor on the national territory
Amendment    168 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 1 – Column 1– title
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4.  A more social Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights	4.  A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights
Amendment    169 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 3 – Column 3 – Results – RCR -68 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR -68a - Members of marginalised communities and disadvantaged groups through integrated actions including housing and social services (other than Roma)
Amendment    170 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 3 – Column 3 – Results – RCR -68 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR -68b - Members of marginalised communities and disadvantaged groups through integrated actions including housing and social services (Roma)
Amendment    171 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 1 – Column 1 – Title
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5.  A Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban, rural and coastal areas and local initiatives	5.  A Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban and all other areas and local initiatives
Amendment    172 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – Column 1 – Policy objective 1 – Title
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  A smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation	1.  A smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation regional connectivity in the area of technologies, developing the information and communication technologies (ICT), connectivity and efficient public administration' by:
Amendment    173 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – Policy objective 1 – Column 3 – Outputs – CCO -01 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	CCO -01a - Enterprises supported for sustainable economical activity
Amendment    174 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – Policy objective 1 – Column 3 – Outputs – CCO 04
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
CCO 04 - SMEs supported to create jobs and growth	CCO 04 - SMEs supported to create jobs and sustainable growth
Amendment    175 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – Policy objective 1 – Column 4 – Results – CCR -01 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	CCR -01a - Increase of regional income ratio
Amendment    176 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – Column 1 – Policy objective 2 – title
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.   A greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management	2.   A greener, low-carbon and resilient Europe for all by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the (circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management
Amendment    177 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – Policy objective 2 – Column 3 – Outputs – CCO 08 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	CCO 08a - Development of new enterprises
Amendment    178 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – Policy objective 2 – Column 3 – Outputs – CCO 09 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	CCO 09a - Increased climate change adaptation, increased natural disasters risk prevention and better resilience to disasters and extreme weather events
Amendment    179 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – Policy objective 2 – Column 4 – Results – CCR 07 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	CCR 07a - Number of jobs created
Amendment    180 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – Policy objective 3 – title
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3. A more connected Europe by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity	3. A more connected Europe for all by enhancing mobility
Amendment    181 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – Policy objective 3 – Column 3 – Outputs – CCO 14
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
CCO 14 – Road TEN-T: New and upgraded roads	CCO 14 – Road TEN-T: New and upgraded roads and bridges
Amendment    182 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – Policy objective 3 – Column 4 – Results – CCR 13
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
CCR 13 - Time savings due to improved road infrastructure	CCR 13 - Time savings due to improved road and bridge infrastructure
Amendment    183 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – Policy objective 4 – title
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4.  A more social Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights	4.  A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights
Amendment    184 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – Policy objective 5 – title
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5.  A Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban, rural and coastal areas and local initiatives	5.  A Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban and all other areas

• [1]    OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 90.
• [2]    Not yet published in the Official Journal.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

A. Introduction

The European Union finds its origin in the concept of peaceful cooperation between different peoples and nations in order to promote economic, social and territorial cohesion and solidarity between the different regions.

These goals have to be pursued through cohesion policy, the main policy for EU investment in growth and employment in order to reduce regional disparities and help close the gap between the EU’s citizens and regions and the European project.

The economic crises created distortions that have made these tasks more difficult in that inequalities between regions have increased, despite inequalities between Member States decreasing during the same period. This is why neither EU nor national budget obligations, nor the repercussions of Brexit, must be allowed to weaken cohesion policy in any way or distort its aims.

The new cohesion policy has to draw on lessons from past experience in order to better meet today’s challenges. It must have a budget that is adequate. Old and new challenges, such as climate change, the social repercussions of the economic crisis and demographic changes, mean that cohesion policy now has more tasks and more investment objectives in all the EU regions. Excessive centralisation must be avoided as this would jeopardise its territorial dimension.

B. Rapporteur’s overall objectives

After the not entirely positive experiences of the current programming period, it will be important to ensure that cohesion policy gets off to a prompt start after 2020, so specific initiatives can be started in time in all the Member States and regions.

The rapporteur welcomes the Commission’s work on simplification, but would however like to point out that simplification should not be applied to the principles or the goals, but to cutting bureaucracy and the costs weighing down on regions and citizens. The rapporteur regrets, and has therefore sought to rectify, the fact that the oft cited synergies between the ESI funds are being lost, particularly in regard to the new social fund (ESF+).

The rapporteur’s aim is to strengthen these synergies to ensure that approaches taken to the main challenges in the field continue to be integrated and complementary, particularly with regard to the territorial approach and the approach for a more social Europe.

The rapporteur recognises too that cohesion policy and macroeconomic policies are interdependent. However this link must not be to the detriment of the territorial dimension; on the contrary, it should create a new and constructive approach, based on in-depth restructuring of the aims of the country-specific recommendations and, more generally, of the European Semester itself. This is the only way in which this relationship would cease to be a case of one policy (cohesion policy) at the service of another (macroeconomic policy), and become complementary instead, bringing advantages for both policies and, especially, for citizens. A form of economic governance, therefore, that optimises the understanding of regional diversity in the requirements and challenges of economic, social and institutional development, and which enables support policies to be restructured. At the same time, macroeconomic conditionality is not useful in any form.

More generally and concerning the future of cohesion policy, the rapporteur considers that the levels of co-financing take on an essential role in the architecture of the funds. Increasing co-financing – from the Commission’s point of view – makes Member States ‘aware of their responsibility’, but it also guarantees that more resources are available and that reducing EU resources has less impact. Even if all this is true, and fair, placing these Member States in a position where they are able to use these resources without creating conflicts with other EU provisions is a duty. This is very controversial but it is a trap that must be avoided, including by promoting original and courageous solutions.

C. Rapporteur’s main amendments

The rapporteur believes Article 174 TFEU needs to be quoted to highlight the territorial and regional dimension of actions under EU cohesion policy.

Article 2 of the Proposal sets out the specific objectives for the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, dividing them into five macro-areas: a Europe that is smarter, greener, more connected, more social and closer to citizens. These are in turn broken down into 21 support sectors that are much vaguer and far less detailed that those in the current programming period. The five new areas draw the previous 11 investment priorities together and simplify them. The Commission’s proposal for the 2014-2020 programming period is not as firmly defined, leaving margins for discretion in the choice of measures to be taken at Member State level. Although the list was reasonably inclusive it was still necessary to intervene, in particular to make measures on natural heritage, zero-emissions urban mobility and sustainable tourism more possible.

Article 3 of the Proposal considers the concentration criteria for the thematic objectives, shifting their classification from a regional level tied in to per capita GDP to a national level tied in to gross national income. This approach, in the rapporteur’s opinion, opens up a political debate on the real consequences of a possible centralisation and on the effects this could have for EU regions. The rapporteur is particularly concerned by the effects a fairly inflexible thematic concentration at national level could have on the territorial re-allocation of support, especially for bigger countries and those with federal administrative structures (which, inter alia, also figure among the countries that benefit most from the funds), as well as for more complex, fragmented national economies with higher rates of territorial inequality. The rapporteur feels that fund management should consider the territorial, economic and social specificities of the beneficiaries of cohesion policy first of all, starting with the regions. He is of the opinion that Article 3 contains a great deal of room for manoeuvre in regard to assessment and support, with the specific objective of turning cohesion policy into an instrument that is genuinely there for Member States and local authorities to use in tackling the challenges being thrown up by current changes.

The rapporteur considers, therefore, that thematic concentrative must be re-established at the level of categories of regions and not, as proposed by the Commission, at Member State level, because the latter would produce excessive centralisation without, on the other hand, guaranteeing the hoped-for flexibility. Furthermore, the rapporteur agrees with the minimum reserve to be concentrated on PO 1 and PO 2 (a greener Europe), but considers that PO 2 should also be extended to the more developed regions group. Finally, to ensure a real margin with sufficient flexibility, the rapporteur has seen fit to introduce a cross-cutting criterion enabling Member States, where this is sufficiently backed up by data in the requirements analysis, to request additional flexibility regarding the percentage allocated to PO 1 (up to 5 percentage points, and up to 10 percentage points for outermost regions) at regional category level, once again with a view to better meeting the requirements of citizens and the economy.

Articles 4 and 5 establish the scope of support from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, which includes: investments in infrastructure, investments in access to services, productive investments in SMEs, investments related to sustainable development and energy presenting environmental benefits, and technical assistance. Technical assistance is defined in Article 31 of the Proposal for a ‘CPR’ regulation (on the percentage of the funds reimbursed for technical assistance) and in Article 32 thereof (possibility for Member States to undertake additional technical assistance actions to reinforce the capacity of Member State authorities and beneficiaries for the effective administration and use of the Funds). The rapporteur considers that while Article 31 changes the way traditional technical assistance for programmes is understood to reimbursement on a percentage basis as the programmes progress, Article 32 opens an important window on the close links between Structural Fund programming and the development, improvement and optimisation of local public authorities.

The rapporteur therefore considers it vital to insert a clear reference into Articles 4 and 5 stressing the importance of these funds being used to strengthen public authorities. It is necessary to move beyond a system which, faced with a huge expense for ‘external’ technical assistance, only ensures structural weaknesses in public authorities are addressed but does not, at the same time, provide for measures that can make sure said weaknesses no longer occur. The rapporteur has, therefore, reintroduced strengthening public authorities’ capacities as a cross-cutting objective, particularly in relation to how accessible services are for citizens and the efficiency of the answers provided. The rapporteur felt that the Commission’s proposal in this regard did not go far enough and was even lacking at some points, and has included this so that actions started during the 2014-2020 programming period are not interrupted.

Article 6 of the Proposal, concerning sectors excluded from ERDF support, needs greater thought. The list is much longer than previously, a fact justified by saying this is intended to reduce areas of uncertainty. Nevertheless some doubts remain, particularly in the field of investments in landfill waste disposal, where support for decommissioning, reconversion and making safe facilities no longer in use needs to be preserved. At the same time, a precise definition of ‘residual waste’ is needed, in order to define better the scope of exclusion from financing and to avoid, in particular, contradicting the Waste and Energy Directives. The exclusion of airport infrastructure and rolling stock purchases is equally controversial.

Articles 8 and 9 are particularly relevant to the question of the relationship between cohesion policy and the regions. In the first place, the rapporteur has chosen to stress that Article 8 is intended to benefit ‘non-urban’ areas, believing that, as for urban areas, provision needs to be made for a minimum reserve (at least 5%) to be allocated to support and develop those areas which, in part because of the crisis, are facing problems of impoverishment (material and immaterial, in goods and services) and falling population numbers. The figures show that targeted ad hoc measures are urgently needed to help stop the current downwards spiral.

Sustainable urban development (Article 9) is equally important and even with the success achieved in the current programming period, resources for this form of local development need to be increased and the category of instruments that can be used expanded. In particular, both for Article 8 and for Article 9, reintroduction of the possibility of integrated support co-financed through the ERDF/Cohesion Fund and the ESF+ is considered essential.

The aim of these and other amendments by the rapporteur is to ensure both now and for the future that cohesion policy continues to reduce inequalities and contribute to a Europe that is more social, more attentive and closer to its own regions, citizens, enterprises and young people.

OPINION of the Committee on Budgets (11.12.2018)

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund
(COM(2018)0372 – C8‑0227/2018 – 2018/0197(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Jan Olbrycht

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 2 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(2a)  The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund (CF) should help finance support to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion, eliminating the main disparities and correcting regional imbalances within the Union, and reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions, through sustainable development and structural adjustment of regional economies.
Amendment    2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3)  Regulation (EU) 2018/XXX of the European Parliament and of the Council [new CPR]16 sets out common rules applicable to various funds including the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF'), the European Social Fund Plus ('ESF+'), the Cohesion Fund, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund ('EMFF'), the Asylum and Migration Fund ('AMIF'), the Internal Security Fund ('ISF') and the Border Management and Visa Instrument ('BMVI') which operate under a common framework ('the Funds').	(3)  Regulation (EU) 2018/XXX of the European Parliament and of the Council [new CPR]16 sets out common rules applicable to various funds including the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF'), the European Social Fund Plus ('ESF+'), the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (‘EAFRD’), the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund ('EMFF'), the Asylum and Migration Fund ('AMIF'), the Internal Security Fund ('ISF') and the Border Management and Visa Instrument ('BMVI') which operate under a common framework ('the Funds').
__________________	__________________
16 [Full reference - new CPR].	16 [Full reference - new CPR].
Amendment    3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(5)  Horizontal principles as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union ('TEU') and in Article 10 of the TFEU, including principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5 of the TEU, should be respected in the implementation of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, taking into account the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Member States should also respect the obligations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensure accessibility in line with its article 9 and in accordance with the Union law harmonising accessibility requirements for products and services. Member States and the Commission should aim at eliminating inequalities and at promoting equality between men and women and integrating the gender perspective, as well as at combating discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The Funds should not support actions that contribute to any form of segregation. The objectives of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should be pursued in the framework of sustainable development and the Union's promotion of the aim of preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment as set out in Articles 11 and 191(1) of the TFEU, taking into account the polluter pays principle. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, operations benefitting undertakings shall comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU.	(5)  Horizontal principles as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union ('TEU') and in Article 10 of the TFEU, including principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5 of the TEU, should be respected in the implementation of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, taking into account the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Member States should also respect the obligations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensure accessibility in line with its article 9 and in accordance with the Union law harmonising accessibility requirements for products and services. Member States and the Commission should aim at eliminating inequalities and at promoting equality between men and women and integrating the gender mainstreaming and gender equality, as well as at combating discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The Funds should not support actions that contribute to any form of segregation. The objectives of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should be pursued in the framework of sustainable development and the Union's promotion of the aim of preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment as set out in Articles 11 and 191(1) of the TFEU, taking into account the polluter pays principle. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, operations benefitting undertakings shall comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU.
Amendment    4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 15
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(15)  In order to enable the ERDF to provide support under ETC/Interreg in terms of both investments in infrastructure and the associated investments, training and integration activities, it is necessary to provide that the ERDF may also provide support for activities under the specific objectives of the ESF+, set up under Regulation (EU) 2018/XXX of the European Parliament and of the Council [new ESF+]18.	(15)  In order to enable the ERDF to provide support under ETC/Interreg in terms of both investments in infrastructure and the associated investments, training and integration activities, for the improvement and development of administrative skills and competences, it is necessary to provide that the ERDF may also provide support for activities under the specific objectives of the ESF+, set up under Regulation (EU) 2018/XXX of the European Parliament and of the Council [new ESF+]18.
__________________	__________________
18 [Full reference - new ESF+].	18 [Full reference - new ESF+].
Amendment    5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 17
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(17)  The ERDF should help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union and to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions including those facing challenges due to the decarbonisation commitments. ERDF support under the Investment for jobs and growth goal should therefore be concentrated on key Union priorities in line with policy objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR]. Therefore support from the ERDF should be concentrated on the policy objectives of 'a smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation' and 'a greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management'. That thematic concentration should be attained at national level while allowing for flexibility at the level of individual programmes and between the three groups of Member States formed according to respective gross national income. In addition, the methodology to classify Member States should be set out in detail taking into account the specific situation of the outermost regions.	(17)  The ERDF should help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union and to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured and less developed regions including those facing challenges due to the decarbonisation commitments. ERDF support under the Investment for jobs and growth goal should therefore be concentrated on key Union priorities in line with policy objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR]. Therefore support from the ERDF should be concentrated on the policy objectives of 'a smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation' and 'a greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management'. Said thematic concentration should be attained at national level, allowing margins for flexibility at the level of individual programmes and between various categories of regions, taking account too of different levels of development. In addition, the methodology to classify the regions should be set out in detail taking into account the specific situation of the outermost regions.
Amendment    6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 19
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(19)  This Regulation should set out the different types of activities the costs of which may be supported by means of investments from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, under their respective objectives as set out in the TFEU. The Cohesion Fund should be able to support investments in the environment and in TEN-T. With regard to the ERDF, the list of activities should be simplified and it should be able to support investments in infrastructure, investments in relation to access to services, productive investments in SME's, equipment, software and intangible assets, as well as measures with regard to information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experiences and activities involving clusters. In order to support the programme implementation, both funds should also be able to support technical assistance activities. Finally, in order to support provide for a broader range of interventions for Interreg programmes, the scope should be enlarged to also include the sharing a broad range of facilities and human resources and costs linked to measures within the scope of the ESF+.	(19)  This Regulation should set out the different types of activities the costs of which may be supported by means of investments from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, under their respective objectives as set out in the TFEU. The Cohesion Fund should be able to support investments in the environment and in TEN-T. With regard to the ERDF, the list of activities should be simplified and it should be able to support investments in infrastructure, investments in relation to access to services, productive investments in SME's, equipment, software and intangible assets, as well as measures with regard to information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experiences and activities involving clusters. In order to support the programme implementation, both funds should also be able to support technical assistance activities including for the improvement and development of administrative skills and competences. Finally, in order to support provide for a broader range of interventions for Interreg programmes, the scope should be enlarged to also include the sharing a broad range of facilities and human resources and costs linked to measures within the scope of the ESF+.
Amendment    7 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iv a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iva)  enhancing digital connectivity;
Justification
It is important to shift the specific objective ‘Enhancing digital connectivity’ from PO3 to PO1 in order to effectively achieve innovation and smart economic transformation.
Amendment    8 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iv b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ivb)  strengthening cyber security.
Amendment    9 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(viia)  promoting sustainable multimodal urban mobility;
Justification
Shifting the objective ‘Promoting sustainable multimodal urban mobility’ from PO3 to PO2 will help getting greener European towns and cities. This is a major step in the way to climate adaptation in Europe.
Amendment    10 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  'a more connected Europe by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity' ('PO 3') by:	(c)  'a more connected Europe by enhancing mobility and regional connectivity' ('PO 3') by:
Amendment    11 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  enhancing digital connectivity;	deleted
Justification
It is important to shift the specific objective ‘Enhancing digital connectivity’ from PO3 to PO1 in order to effectively achieve innovation and smart economic transformation.
Amendment    12 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iv)  promoting sustainable multimodal urban mobility;	deleted
Justification
Shifting the objective ‘Promoting sustainable multimodal urban mobility’ from PO3 to PO2 will help getting greener European towns and cities. This is a major step in the way to climate adaptation in Europe.
Amendment    13 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iva)  promote transport connections, including maritime connection, for the peripheral and insular regions of the Union;
Amendment    14 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iv a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iva)  developing social entrepreneurship and social innovation.
Amendment    15 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Member States shall be classified, in terms of their gross national income ratio, as follows:	Regions shall be classified, in terms of their gross domestic product ratio, as follows:
Amendment    16 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  those with a gross national income ratio equal to or above 100 % of the EU average ('group 1');	(a)  more developed regions;
Amendment    17 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  those with a gross national income ratio equal to or above 75 % and below 100 % of the EU average ('group 2');	(b)  transition regions;
Amendment    18 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  those with a gross national income ratio below 75 % of the EU average ('group 3').	(c)  less developed regions;
Amendment    19 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
For the purposes of this Article, the gross national income ratio means the ratio between the gross national income per capita of a Member State, measured in purchasing power standards and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period from 2014 to 2016, and the average gross national income per capita in purchasing power standards of the 27 Member States for that same reference period.	For the purposes of this Article, the classification of a region under one of the three categories of regions shall be determined on the basis of the ratio between the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of each region, measured in purchasing power parity (PPP) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period from 2014 to 2016, and the average GDP of the EU 27 for that same reference period.
Amendment    20 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
With regard to programmes under the Investment for Jobs and growth goal for the outermost regions, they shall be classified as falling within group 3.	With regard to programmes under the Investment for Jobs and growth goal for the outermost regions, they shall be classified as less developed regions.
Justification
In order to simplify the thematic concentration of ERDF support and make it more flexible and operational, only 2 categories of countries are proposed in the relevant classification. The determining threshold is set at 90% of the EU average of gross national income ratio by way of analogy with the eligibility criterion for the Cohesion Fund (CPR Regulation, art. 102, point 3)
Amendment    21 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  Member States of group 1 shall allocate at least 85 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1 and PO 2, and at least 60 % to PO 1;	(a)  In more developed regions at least 75 % of the total ERDF resources at national level shall be allocated under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1 and PO 2, and at least 30 % to PO 2;
Amendment    22 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  Member States of group 2 shall allocate at least 45 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 30 % to PO 2;	(b)  In transition regions at least 35% of the total ERDF resources at national level shall be allocated under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1,and at least 30 % to PO2;
Amendment    23 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  Member States of group 3 shall allocate at least 35 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 30 % to PO 2.	(c)  In less developed regions at least 25 % of the total ERDF resources at national level shall be allocated under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 30 % to PO 2
Amendment    24 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point f
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(f)  technical assistance.	(f)  technical assistance, including improvement and development of administrative skills and competences of local authorities in managing these funds.
Amendment    25 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ba)  development of sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility;
Amendment    26 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(bb)  promotion of sustainable multimodal urban mobility;
Amendment    27 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  technical assistance.	(c)  technical assistance, including improvement and development of administrative skills and competences of local authorities in managing these funds.
Amendment    28 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Member States shall ensure an appropriate balance between investments under points (a) and (b).	Member States shall ensure an appropriate balance between investments under points (a), (b), (ba) and (bb).
Amendment    29 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e)  investment in airport infrastructure except for outermost regions;	(e)  investment in airport infrastructure except for outermost regions and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps in line with Article 174 TFEU;
Amendment    30 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point j
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(j)  funding for the purchase of rolling stock for use in rail transport, except if it is linked to the:	deleted
(i)  discharge of a publicly tendered public service obligation under Regulation 1370/2007 as amended;
(ii)  provision of rail transport services on lines fully opened to competition, and the beneficiary is a new entrant eligible for funding under Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [Invest EU regulation].
Amendment    31 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  In addition, the Cohesion Fund shall not support investment in housing unless related to the promotion of energy efficiency or renewable energy use.	2.  In addition, the Cohesion Fund shall not support investment in housing unless related to the promotion of energy efficiency, renewable energy use, or water usage.
Amendment    32 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
At least 6% of the ERDF resources at national level under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, other than for technical assistance, shall be allocated to sustainable urban development in the form of community-led local development, integrated territorial investments or another territorial tool under PO5.	At least 10% of the ERDF resources at national level under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, other than for technical assistance, shall be allocated to sustainable urban development in the form of community-led local development, integrated territorial investments or another territorial tool under PO5.
Amendment    33 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  support of capacity-building;	(a)  support of capacity-building at subnational level;
Amendment    34 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  support of knowledge, policy development and communication.	(c)  support of knowledge, territorial impact assessments, policy development and communication.
Amendment    35 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Article 12 a
	Areas with natural or demographic handicaps
	In operational programmes co-financed by the ERDF, covering areas with severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps as referred to in Article 174 TFEU, particular attention shall be paid to addressing the specific difficulties of those areas.
Amendment    36 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – table – Policy objective 3 – RCO 34
RCO 34 - Additional capacity for waste recycling	RCR 46 - Population served by waste recycling facilities and small waste management systems
	RCR 47 - Waste recycled
	RCR 48 - Recycled waste used as raw materials
	RCR 49 - Waste recovered
Amendment
RCO 34 - Additional capacity for waste prevention and recycling	RCR -46 - Waste generation per capita
	ERC -46a - Per capita waste sent to disposal and energy recovery
	RCR 46 - Population served by waste recycling facilities and small waste management systems
	RCR 47 - Waste recycled
	RCR 47a - Biowaste recycled
	RCR 48 - Recycled waste used as raw materials
	RCR 49 - Waste recovered
	RCR 49a - Population served by waste preparing for re-use facilities
	RCR 49b - Waste prepared for re-use as defined in the Article 11a.1(b) on the Waste Framework Directive (EU) 2018/851
	RCR 49c - Indicators that the Commission has to establish by 31 March 2019 via the adoption of implementing acts to measure the overall progress in the implementation of waste prevention measures (Article 9.7 of the Waste Framework Directive (EU) 2018/851)

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund
References	COM(2018)0372 – C8-0227/2018 – 2018/0197(COD)
Committee responsible        Date announced in plenary	REGI 11.6.2018
Opinion by        Date announced in plenary	BUDG 11.6.2018
Rapporteur        Date appointed	Jan Olbrycht 28.6.2018
Discussed in committee	24.9.2018
Date adopted	10.12.2018
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	25 1 1
Members present for the final vote	Jean Arthuis, Richard Ashworth, Lefteris Christoforou, Manuel dos Santos, André Elissen, José Manuel Fernandes, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, Jens Geier, Ingeborg Gräßle, John Howarth, Siegfried Mureşan, Liadh Ní Riada, Jan Olbrycht, Pina Picierno, Paul Rübig, Petri Sarvamaa, Jordi Solé, Patricija Šulin, Indrek Tarand, Monika Vana, Daniele Viotti, Marco Zanni
Substitutes present for the final vote	Xabier Benito Ziluaga, Karine Gloanec Maurin, Marco Valli
Substitutes under Rule 200(2) present for the final vote	Clara Eugenia Aguilera García, Claudia Schmidt

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

25	+
ALDE	Jean Arthuis
EFDD	Marco Valli
GUE/NGL	Xabier Benito Ziluaga, Liadh Ní Riada
PPE	Richard Ashworth, Lefteris Christoforou, José Manuel Fernandes, Ingeborg Gräßle, Siegfried Mureşan, Jan Olbrycht, Paul Rübig, Petri Sarvamaa, Claudia Schmidt, Patricija Šulin
S&D	Clara Eugenia Aguilera García, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, Jens Geier, Karine Gloanec Maurin, John Howarth, Pina Picierno, Daniele Viotti, Manuel dos Santos
Verts/ALE	Jordi Solé, Indrek Tarand, Monika Vana

1	-
ENF	André Elissen

1	0
ENF	Marco Zanni

Key to symbols:

+  :  in favour

-  :  against

0  :  abstention

11.10.2018

POSITION IN THE FORM OF AMENDMENTS

of the Committee on Budgetary Control

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund

(COM(2018)0372 – C8‑0227/2018 – 2018/0197(COD))

On behalf of the Committee on Budgetary Control: Gilles Pargneaux (rapporteur)

AMENDMENT

The Committee on Budgetary Control presents the following amendment to the Committee on Regional Development, as the committee responsible:

Amendment    1 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(3a)  In order to ensure the success of cohesion policy after 2020, it is essential to reduce the administrative burden imposed on beneficiaries and managing authorities, to strike the right balance between the result-orientation of the policy and the level of checks and controls carried out in order to increase proportionality, to introduce differentiation in the implementation of programmes, and to simplify rules and procedures, which are now often perceived as too confusing.
Amendment    2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(8)  In an increasingly interconnected world and in view of the demographic and migration dynamics, it is clear that Union migration policy requires a common approach that relies on the synergies and complementarities of the different funding instruments. In order to ensure coherent, strong and consistent support for solidarity and responsibility-sharing efforts between Member States in managing migration, the ERDF should provide support to facilitate the long-term integration of migrants.	(8)  In an increasingly interconnected world and in view of the demographic and migration dynamics, it is clear that Union migration policy requires a common approach that relies on the synergies and complementarities of the different funding instruments. In order to ensure coherent, strong and consistent support for solidarity and responsibility-sharing efforts between Member States in managing migration, the ERDF should provide support to facilitate the long-term integration of migrants and refugees. Priority should be given to the promotion of employment and social inclusion, the fight against poverty and discrimination, and investment in education, continuous training and apprenticeships.
Amendment    3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(10)  In addition, investments under the ERDF should contribute to the development of a comprehensive high-speed digital infrastructure network, and to promoting clean and sustainable multimodal urban mobility.	(10)  In addition, investments under the ERDF should contribute to the development of a comprehensive high-speed digital infrastructure network throughout the Union, including in rural areas where it is a vital contributor to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and to promoting clean and sustainable multimodal urban mobility.
Amendment    4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 13 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(13a)  The future cohesion policy must take adequate consideration of and provide support to the regions of the Union that are most impacted by the consequences of the United Kingdom’s exit from the Union, in particular those that will, as a result, find themselves situated on external sea or land borders of the Union;
Amendment    5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 15 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(15a)  SMEs and micro-enterprises are key drivers of economic growth, innovation and employment, providing 85 % of all new jobs. There are currently more than 20 million SMEs in the Union. These enterprises play an important role in the economic recovery and in the transition towards a sustainable Union economy.
Amendment    6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 16
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(16)  In order to concentrate the use of limited resources in the most efficient way, the support given to by the ERDF to productive investments under the relevant specific objective, should be limited to only micro, small and medium-sized enterprises ('SMEs') within the meaning of Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC19, except where investments involve cooperation with SMEs in research and innovation activities.	(16)  In order to concentrate the use of limited resources in the most efficient way, the support given to by the ERDF to productive investments under the relevant specific objective, should be limited to only SMEs within the meaning of Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC19, in order to boost the competitiveness and viability of those enterprises, except where investments involve cooperation with SMEs in research and innovation activities.
_________________	_________________
19 Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (OJ L 124, 20.5.2003, p. 36).	19 Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (OJ L 124, 20.5.2003, p. 36).
Amendment    7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 22 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(22 a)  In order to ensure timely and effective implementation, all monitoring, performance and control procedures should be proportionate and simplified as regards to managing authorities and to beneficiaries;
Amendment    8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 23
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(23)  Pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the Inter-institutional agreement for Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016, there is a need to evaluate the Funds on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements, while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens, in particular on Member States. These requirements, where appropriate, can include measurable indicators, as a basis for evaluating the effects of the Funds on the ground.	(23)  Pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the Inter-institutional agreement for Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016, there is a need to evaluate the Funds on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements, while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens, in particular on Member States. As far as possible, these requirements should include measurable indicators, as a basis for evaluating the effects of the Funds on the ground.
Amendment    9 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iv a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iv a)  modernization and innovation in public administration, protection of intellectual property and supporting the competitiveness of SMEs;
Amendment    10 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  In compliance with its reporting requirement pursuant to Article [38(3)(e)(i)] of the Financial Regulation, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament and the Council information on performance in accordance with Annex II.	3.  In compliance with its reporting requirement pursuant to Article [38(3)(e)(i)] of the Financial Regulation, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament and the Council information on performance and results in accordance with Annex II by reporting on both progress and shortfalls and by ensuring a clear link between spending and performance.
Amendment    11 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4.  The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 13 to amend Annex I in order to make the necessary adjustments to the list of indicators to be used by Member States and to amend Annex II in order to make the necessary adjustments to the information on performance to be provided to the European Parliament and the Council.	4.  The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 13 to amend Annex I in order to make the relevant and reasoned adjustments to the list of indicators to be used by Member States and to amend Annex II, if necessary, in order to provide the European Parliament and the Council with improved qualitative and quantitative information on performance and results against the objectives set.
Amendment    12 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	4 a.  The Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with reliable information on the quality of the performance data used.
Amendment    13 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
At least 6% of the ERDF resources at national level under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, other than for technical assistance, shall be allocated to sustainable urban development in the form of community-led local development, integrated territorial investments or another territorial tool under PO5.	At least 6% of the ERDF resources at national level under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, other than for technical assistance, shall be allocated to sustainable urban development in the form of community-led local development, integrated territorial investments or another territorial tool under PO5, incorporating relevant PO1 to PO4.
Amendment    14 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The ERDF shall also support the European Urban Initiative, implemented by the Commission in direct and indirect management.	The ERDF shall also support the European Urban Initiative.
Justification
Urban agenda is in an exclusive competence of Member States, the subsidiarity principle must be guaranteed.

OPINION of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (26.10.2018)

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund
(COM(2018)0372 – C8‑0227/2018 – 2018/0197(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Kateřina Konečná

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

On 2 May 2018, the Commission adopted a proposal for the next multi-annual financial framework (MFF) for the period 2021-2027. This includes the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF') and the Cohesion Fund (CF).

Overall, the Rapporteur welcomes the Commission proposal, which simplifies the complex procedures associated with the ERDF and the CF and expands the support measures concerning green and climate objectives. In particular, she supports higher investments into greener and low-carbon Europe, such as energy efficiency and circular economy measures, development of smart energy systems, grids and storages, promoting sustainable water management and reducing the pollution.

However, there is a need to ensure an increased financing for the necessary modernisation and development of the infrastructure of Member States in order to meet all new ambitious environmental, energy, waste management transport and climate targets of the Union legislation in the line with Paris Agreement. The support of projects co-financed by these funds is vital especially in the regions whose development is lagging behind. Moreover, in many countries, the ERDF and the CF represent at least 50% of public investment and without this EU co-financing the respective Member States would not otherwise have the financial capacity to make such investments

As regards financing, the Rapporteur believes that the proposed cuts (by half) in CF are significant compared to the current programming period. At the same time, the amount to be transferred from CF to Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is equal to the amount transferred in the current programming period 2014 – 2020. As the money from CF is, among others, expected to finance also climate and environmental projects, thus contributing to meeting the climate and environmental objectives of the EU, the Rapporteur does not believe that the decrease of the allocation of the CF to be managed under the shared management is adequate. Any transfer from CF to CEF should be based on a profound Commission analysis that will support and not weaken the ability of the Member States to meet their climate and environmental targets. The share of funds transferred to the CEF should proportionally equal the transfer in the current programming period (i.e. to be decreased by 50 %) and it should be available for the Member State during the whole programming period.

In her view, the use of the ERDF and of the CF should be improved by linking cohesion policy investments more closely to Member States’ overall plans to deliver the 2030 targets, in the context of a trajectory leading to a longer- term decarbonisation of the EU economy. In this respect, the Rapporteur proposes more resources under the Policy Objectives 2 (PO2) fighting against the climate change effects.

The EU transport sector is currently facing fundamental transformations. The greenhouse gas emissions from transport will need to be lower. Air pollutant emissions from transport need to be drastically reduced without any delay. Furthermore, the deployment of low- and zero-emission vehicles would need to increase. However, the proper infrastructure for these vehicles is missing. 76% of all charging points are located in only four Member States covering only 27% of the EU’s total surface area. A successful transition to low-emission mobility requires a common policy framework for vehicles, infrastructures, electricity grids, where economic and employment incentives are combined across Union at national, regional and local levels. The Rapporteur considers necessary to offer to Member States and to their regions the opportunity to finance the development of their infrastructure for low-emission vehicles from every possible Union source, including both ERDF and CF. Recharging and refuelling infrastructure has to be put in place quickly. In this respect, the Rapporteur proposes to move promoting sustainable multimodal urban mobility objective from Policy Objective 3 (PO3) to Policy Objective 2 (PO2) where resources are currently allocated and where there is more pressure on the Member States to meet the environmental objectives. She is of the opinion that transition to low-emission mobility is more connected to the overall low-carbon Europe objective rather than to connectivity targets.

The risk of droughts in several EU regions is increasing due to climate change; therefore, protection of water resources, water ecosystems and of the drinking and bathing water represent cornerstones of environmental protection in Europe. In recent years, Europe suffered over 100 major damaging floods. In addition to economic and social damage, floods may have severe environmental consequences. The Rapporteur believes that promotion of sustainable water management, including measures to combat drought and floods, is necessary.

Harmful noise can affect almost every aspect of a person’s life. Sustained loud levels of noise can cause health problems and increased stress. High levels of noise can also negatively affect entire ecosystems. Light pollution is as well harmful for health. It wastes energy, increases carbon emissions and consequently increases costs for consumers. Artificial light also affects flora and fauna in different ways. Therefore, the Rapporteur sets out a proposal concerning measures in the area of reducing noise and light pollution.

Cohesion policy is a key element to transform circular economy into reality. The Rapporteur believes that in the less developed countries should have an opportunity to modernise their current facilities for the treatment of residual waste in order to meet the circular economy targets. The modernisation of current facilities is in practice much less economically challenging than development of a new facility and, ultimately, often more feasible for countries with limited budgets while at the same time delivering a real positive environmental impact.

70% of Europeans want the EU to do more for health and social issues. The Rapporteur questions the added value of the inclusion of the EU Health Programme into an enlarged ESF+. She deplores the proposed 8% cut in health funding compared to the 2014-2020 period. Furthermore, cohesion policy should also contribute to improving health status of the Union’s citizens. In the Rapporteur’s view, synergies may be created with the ESF+ and its strand on health, the European Pillar of Social Rights within the European Semester exercise when the Country Specific Recommendations focus increasingly more on health-related issues. Operational programmes co-financed by ERDF and Cohesion Fund should be designed in order to advance the access to healthcare. The Rapporteur also stresses that fostering of the integrated social, economic and environmental development, cultural heritage, security and health in urban, rural and coastal areas is needed. Deeper cooperation with the patients or patient organisations is also necessary in the area of successful health investments.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety 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)  Article 176 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ('TFEU') provides that the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF') is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union. Under that Article and the second and third paragraphs of Article 174 of the TFEU, the ERDF is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions, among which particular attention is to be paid to regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions.	(1)  Article 176 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ('TFEU') provides that the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF') is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union. Under that Article and the second and third paragraphs of Article 174 of the TFEU, the ERDF is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions, among which particular attention is to be paid to regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic disadvantages, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions.
Amendment    2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(5)  Horizontal principles as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union ('TEU') and in Article 10 of the TFEU, including principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5 of the TEU, should be respected in the implementation of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, taking into account the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Member States should also respect the obligations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensure accessibility in line with its article 9 and in accordance with the Union law harmonising accessibility requirements for products and services. Member States and the Commission should aim at eliminating inequalities and at promoting equality between men and women and integrating the gender perspective, as well as at combating discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The Funds should not support actions that contribute to any form of segregation. The objectives of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should be pursued in the framework of sustainable development and the Union's promotion of the aim of preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment as set out in Articles 11 and 191(1) of the TFEU, taking into account the polluter pays principle. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, operations benefitting undertakings shall comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU.	(5)  Horizontal principles as set out in Articles 2 and 3 of the Treaty on European Union ('TEU') and in Articles 7 to 11 of the TFEU, including principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5 of the TEU, should be respected in the implementation of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, taking into account the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Member States should also respect the obligations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensure accessibility in line with its article 9 and in accordance with the Union law harmonising accessibility requirements for products and services. Member States and the Commission should aim at eliminating inequalities and at promoting equality between men and women and integrating the gender perspective, as well as at combating discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The Funds should not support actions that contribute to any form of segregation. The objectives of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should be pursued in the framework of sustainable development and the Union's promotion of the aim of preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment and combating climate change as set out in Articles 11 and 191(1) of the TFEU, taking into account the polluter pays principle. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, operations benefitting undertakings shall comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU.
Amendment    3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 7 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(7a)  Thematic concentrations under this Regulation should be attained at national level while allowing for flexibility regarding operational programmes and between different categories of regions. Thematic concentrations could be adjusted, where appropriate, in line with resources earmarked for investment priorities emerging from the shift to a low-carbon economy. The degree of thematic concentration should take into account the level of development of individual regions, funding levels and the specific needs of regions whose GDP per capita was used as an eligibility criterion for the period 2014-2020.
Amendment    4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 11 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(11a)  In view of the objective of this Regulation, that is to say strengthening Union economic, social and territorial cohesion in order to promote sustainable development, account should be taken of regional development disparities, the extent to which less-favoured regions are lagging behind and the limited resources available to certain Member States or regions.
Amendment    5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 13 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(13a)  In accordance with the Union´s commitments under the Paris Agreement and in line with the 7th Environmental Action programme, new and ambitious targets for the environment, energy, waste management and the climate have been introduced in Union legislation. In order to help Member States to meet those targets and continue with the necessary modernisation and development of infrastructure in their regions, adequate financing should be ensured. That structural transition would have a significant impact on jobs and growth in member states and regions. Therefore, it is necessary to enable all possible supporting measures under all of those specific objectives.
Amendment    6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 14
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(14)  Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Funds will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the EU budget expenditure supporting climate objectives. Operations under the ERDF are expected to contribute 30 % of the overall financial envelope of the ERDF to climate objectives. Operations under the Cohesion Fund are expected to contribute 37% of the overall financial envelope of the Cohesion Fund to climate objectives.	(14)  Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and in order to contribute to the financing of necessary actions to be taken at EU, national and local level to fulfil the Union's commitments, the Funds will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 30 % of the EU budget expenditure supporting climate objectives. Operations under the ERDF should contribute 35% of the overall financial envelope of the ERDF to climate objectives. Operations under the Cohesion Fund are expected to contribute 37% of the overall financial envelope of the Cohesion Fund to climate objectives. Following the recommendations of the European Court of Auditors’ Special Report 2016/31., climate mainstreaming and climate proofing mechanisms should differentiate between mitigation and adaptation, and be materialised ex-ante through all programming and planning processes rather than simply reporter ex-post.
Amendment    7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 14 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(14a)  The Union's transport sector is currently facing fundamental transformations, since digitalisation and automation are altering traditional manufacturing processes and the needs of consumers. It is necessary that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transport are lowered. Air pollutant emissions from transport need to be drastically reduced without delay. Furthermore, the deployment of low- and zero-emission vehicles would need to increase in order to reach the targets for greener and low-carbon Union. However, the proper infrastructure for those vehicles is still missing and currently there are only 100 000 charging points for electric vehicles in the Union, with 76 % of all charging points located in just 4 member states, covering only 27 % of the total surface area of the Union. A successful transition to low- emission mobility requires a common policy framework for vehicles, infrastructures and electricity grids, where economic and employment incentives are working together across Union, national, regional and local levels and are supported by stronger Union funding instruments. It is necessary to give member states and regions the opportunity to finance the development of infrastructure for low-emission vehicles from every possible source, including the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund. Recharging and refuelling infrastructure should be put in place quickly in order to fulfil the Union's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and related Union legislation.
Amendment    8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 14 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(14b)  Operations under both the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should deliver on measures and objectives laid out in the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plans to be developed under the Regulation on the Governance of the Energy Union, as well as with the Commission recommendations regarding these plans, both in terms of content and financial allocation.
Amendment    9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 15 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(15a)  The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should be able to support activities and objectives from other funding instruments in order to advance access to health and care. Synergies can be created with the European Social Fund + and its strand on health, the European Pillar of Social Rights, as well as the European Semester and the Country Specific Recommendations that focus increasingly more on health-related issues.
Amendment    10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 17
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(17)  The ERDF should help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union and to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions including those facing challenges due to the decarbonisation commitments. ERDF support under the Investment for jobs and growth goal should therefore be concentrated on key Union priorities in line with policy objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR]. Therefore support from the ERDF should be concentrated on the policy objectives of 'a smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation' and 'a greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management'. That thematic concentration should be attained at national level while allowing for flexibility at the level of individual programmes and between the three groups of Member States formed according to respective gross national income. In addition, the methodology to classify Member States should be set out in detail taking into account the specific situation of the outermost regions.	(17)  The ERDF should help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union and to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions including those facing challenges due to the decarbonisation commitments. ERDF support under the Investment for jobs and growth goal should therefore be concentrated on key Union priorities in line with policy objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR]. Therefore support from the ERDF should be concentrated on the policy objectives of 'a smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation' and 'a greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy and transport transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation, sustainable water management, and risk prevention and management'. That thematic concentration should be attained at national level while allowing for flexibility at the level of individual programmes and between the three groups of Member States formed according to respective gross national income. In addition, the methodology to classify Member States should be set out in detail taking into account the specific situation of the outermost regions.
Amendment    11 Proposal for a regulation Recital 17 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(17a)  Account should be taken of the problems faced by certain underfunded local and regional authorities under a centralised administrative system. Major difficulties in terms of project co-funding are eroding cohesion fund take-up in the very regions most in need of investment to narrow socio-economic and territorial disparities.
Amendment    12 Proposal for a regulation Recital 18
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(18)  In order to concentrate the support on key Union priorities, it is also appropriate that thematic concentration requirements should be respected throughout the programming period, including in the case of transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes.	(18)  In order to attain the objectives of the Member States, thematic concentration should be sufficiently flexible to adapt to the needs of each region, enabling the Union to support transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes. In that way, additional imbalances or deeper development disparities between regions would be avoided.
Amendment    13 Proposal for a regulation Recital 24 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(24a)  The effectiveness of public institutions and stakeholders and administrative efficiency should be further improved by means of additional technical and financial assistance to streamline the public service sectors being targeted by ERDF and CF measures.
Amendment    14 Proposal for a regulation Recital 26 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(26a)  In order to achieve the objectives set, measures should be taken to promote regional or local mobility or reduce air and noise pollution.
Amendment    15 Proposal for a regulation Recital 26 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(26b)  Measures should be taken to promote clean, sustainable and safe modes of transport.
Amendment    16 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph -1 (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	-1.  This Regulation shall contribute to the financing of support which aims to reinforce economic, social and territorial cohesion by redressing the main regional imbalances in the Union and by reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions, among which particular attention is to be paid to regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the outermost regions, northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions.
Amendment    17 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  In accordance with the policy objectives set out in Article [4(1)] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx[new CPR], the ERDF shall support the following specific objectives:	1.  In accordance with the policy objectives set out in Article [4(1)] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx[new CPR], the ERDF shall support the following specific objectives, taking into account the need for specific investment and infrastructure in each Member State:
Amendment    18 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  'a greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management ('PO 2') by:	(b)  'a greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy and transport transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management ('PO 2') by:
Amendment    19 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iv)  promoting climate change adaptation, risk prevention and disaster resilience;	(iv)  promoting climate change adaptation, risk, fire and flooding prevention, disaster resilience and interventions against hydrogeological instability;
Amendment    20 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point v
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(v)  promoting sustainable water management;	(v)  promoting sustainable water management, including measures to combat and prevent drought and floods, and sustainable waste management;
Amendment    21 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vi
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(vi)  promoting the transition to a circular economy;	(vi)  promoting the transition to a circular economy, in particular towards the achievement of the waste recycling and reuse targets as defined in Directive (EU) 2018/851 and Directive (EU) 2018/852, as well as the landfilling reduction targets as defined in Directive (EU) 2018/850;
Amendment    22 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(vii)  enhancing biodiversity, green infrastructure in the urban environment, and reducing pollution;	(vii)  enhancing biodiversity, green infrastructure in the urban environment, and reducing air, water, soil, noise and light pollution;
Amendment    23 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(viia)  promoting sustainable multimodal urban mobility, including infrastructure for low-emission mobility;
Amendment    24 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(viia)  promoting investment in the waste sector in order to meet the established Union environmental requirements, especially in Member States where those requirements are being exceeded;
Amendment    25 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vii b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(viib)  promoting investment in the water sector in order to meet established Union environmental requirements, especially in Member States where those requirements are being exceeded;
Amendment    26 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iv
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iv)  ensuring equal access to health care through developing infrastructure, including primary care;	(iv)  ensuring equal access to health care through developing infrastructure, awareness raising campaigns including primary care;
Amendment    27 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental development, cultural heritage and security in urban areas;	(i)  fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental development, cultural heritage, security and health in urban areas;
Amendment    28 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental local development, cultural heritage and security, including for rural and coastal areas also through community-led local development.	(ii)  fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental local development, cultural heritage, security and health, including for rural and coastal areas also through community-led local development.
Amendment    29 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  improve the capacity of programme authorities, and bodies linked to the implementation of the Funds;	(a)  improve, through technical and financial assistance, the capacity of programme authorities, and bodies linked to the implementation of the Funds, including civil society organisations;
Amendment    30 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  Member States of group 2 shall allocate at least 45 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 30 % to PO 2;	(b)  Member States of group 2 shall allocate at least 40 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 35 % to PO 2;
Amendment    31 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  Member States of group 3 shall allocate at least 35 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 30 % to PO 2.	(c)  Member States of group 3 shall allocate at least 35 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 35 % to PO 2.
Amendment    32 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  productive investments in SMEs;	(c)  productive investments in SMEs, within the meaning of Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC;
Amendment    33 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point e a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ea)  investment in the reconversion of declining industrial regions and regions whose development is lagging;
Amendment    34 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Where enterprises other than SMEs cooperate with SMEs in energy efficiency measures, low carbon economy or circular economy activities supported under points (b) (i), (iii), (vi) and (vii) of Article 2(1), productive investments may be supported when they are provided through financial instruments.
Amendment    35 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(aa)  investments in health and care facilities, including integrated care and primary care;
Amendment    36 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ab)  investments in measures to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy use, focusing on the specific needs of homes and residential and residential buildings;
Amendment    37 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Member States shall ensure an appropriate balance between investments under points (a) and (b).	Member States shall ensure an appropriate balance between investments under points (a), (aa), (ab) and (b).
Amendment    38 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	This Regulation shall not affect the continuation or modification (including total or partial cancellation) of assistance approved by the Commission under Regulations (EU) No 1300/2013 and (EU) No 1301/2013, or any act adopted pursuant thereto.
Amendment    39 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Requests for assistance submitted or approved under Regulations (EU) No 1300/2013 and (EU) No 1301/2013 shall remain valid.
Amendment    40 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – subheading 2
Text proposed by the Commission Policy objective Outputs Results (1) (2) (3) 2. A greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management RCO 18 - Households supported to improve energy performance of their dwelling RCR 26 - Annual final energy consumption (of which: residential, private non-residential, public non-residential) RCO 19 - Public buildings supported to improve energy performance RCR 27 - Households with improved energy performance of their dwellings RCO 20 - District heating network lines newly constructed or improved RCR 28 - Buildings with improved energy classification (of which: residential, private non-residential, public non-residential)   RCR 29 - Estimated greenhouse gas emissions*   RCR 30 - Enterprises with improved energy performance   RCO 22 - Additional production capacity for renewable energy (of which: electricity, thermal) RCR 31 - Total renewable energy produced (of which: electricity, thermal) RCO 97 - Number of energy communities and renewable energy communities supported* RCR 32 - Renewable energy: Capacity connected to the grid (operational)*   RCO 23 - Digital management systems for smart grids RCR 33 - Users connected to smart grids RCO 98 - Households supported to use smart energy grids RCR 34 - Roll-out of projects for smart grids RCO 24 - New or upgraded disaster monitoring, preparedness, warning and response systems* RCR 35 - Population benefiting from flood protection measures RCO 25 - Coastal strip, river banks and lakeshores, and landslide protection newly built or consolidated to protect people, assets and the natural environment RCR 36 - Population benefiting from forest fires protection measures RCO 26 - Green infrastructure built for adaptation to climate change RCR 37 - Population benefiting from protection measures against climate related natural disasters (other than floods and forest fires) RCO 27 - National/ regional/ local strategies addressing climate change adaptation RCR 96 - Population benefiting from protection measures against non-climate related natural risks and risks related to human activities* RCO 28 - Areas covered by protection measures against forest fires RCR 38 - Estimated average response time to disaster situations*   RCO 30 - Length of new or consolidated pipes for household water connections RCR 41 - Population connected to improved water supply RCO 31 - Length of sewage collection networks newly constructed or consolidated RCR 42 - Population connected to at least secondary waste water treatment RCO 32 - New or upgraded capacity for waste water treatment RCR 43 - Water losses   RCR 44 - Waste water properly treated   RCO 34 - Additional capacity for waste recycling RCR 46 - Population served by waste recycling facilities and small waste management systems   RCR 47 - Waste recycled   RCR 48 - Recycled waste used as raw materials   RCR 49 - Waste recovered   RCO 36 - Surface area of green infrastructure supported in urban areas RCR 50 - Population benefiting from measures for air quality RCO 37 - Surface of Natura 2000 sites covered by protection and restoration measures in accordance with the prioritised action framework RCR 95 -Population having access to new or upgraded green infrastructure in urban areas RCO 99 - Surface area outside Natura 2000 sites covered by protection and restoration measures RCR 51 - Population benefiting from measures for noise reduction RCO 38 - Surface area of rehabilitated land supported RCR 52 - Rehabilitated land used for green areas, social housing, economic or community activities RCO 39 - Systems for monitoring air pollution installed     Amendment Policy objective Outputs Results (1) (2) (3) 2. A greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management RCO 18 - Households supported to improve energy performance of their dwelling RCR 26 - Annual final energy consumption (of which: residential, private non-residential, public non-residential) RCO 19 - Public buildings supported to improve energy performance RCR 27 - Households with improved energy performance of their dwellings RCO 20 - District heating network lines newly constructed or improved RCR 28 - Buildings with improved energy classification (of which: residential, private non-residential, public non-residential)   RCR 29 - Estimated greenhouse gas emissions*   RCR 30 - Enterprises with improved energy performance   RCO 22 - Additional production capacity for renewable energy (of which: electricity, thermal) RCR 31 - Total renewable energy produced (of which: electricity, thermal) RCO 97 - Number of energy communities and renewable energy communities supported* RCR 32 – Renewable energy: Capacity connected to the grid (operational)*   RCO 23 - Digital management systems for smart grids RCR 33 - Users connected to smart grids RCO 98 - Households supported to use smart energy grids RCR 34 - Roll-out of projects for smart grids RCO24a - Measures to combat drought and floods RCR 35 - Population benefiting from flood or drought protection measures RCO 24 - New or upgraded disaster monitoring, preparedness, warning and response systems* RCR 36 - Population benefiting from forest fires protection measures RCO 25 - Coastal strip, river banks and lakeshores, and landslide protection newly built or consolidated to protect people, assets and the natural environment RCR 37 - Population benefiting from protection measures against climate related natural disasters (other than floods and forest fires) RCO 26 - Green infrastructure built for adaptation to climate change RCR 96 - Population benefiting from protection measures against non-climate related natural risks and risks related to human activities* RCO 27 - National/ regional/ local strategies addressing climate change adaptation RCR 38 - Estimated average response time to disaster situations* RCO 28 - Areas covered by protection measures against forest fires     RCO 30 - Length of new or consolidated pipes for household water connections RCR 41 - Population connected to improved water supply RCO 31 - Length of sewage collection networks newly constructed or consolidated RCR 42 - Population connected to at least secondary waste water treatment RCO 32 - New or upgraded capacity for waste water treatment RCR 43 - Water losses   RCR 44 - Waste water properly treated   RCR 45 - Contribute to the recovery of energy and raw materials from wastewater   RCR 45a – Municipal waste generated   RCR 45b - Residual waste generated   RCO 34 - Additional capacity for waste prevention and recycling RCR 46 - Population served by waste recycling facilities and small waste and sustainable management systems   RCR 47 - Waste recycled   RCR 48 - Recycled waste used as raw materials   RCR 49 - Waste reused   RCO 36 - Surface area of green infrastructure supported in urban areas RCR 50 - Population benefiting from measures for air quality RCO 37 - Surface of Natura 2000 sites covered by protection and restoration measures in accordance with the prioritised action framework RCR 95 -Population having access to new or upgraded green infrastructure in urban areas RCO 99 - Surface area outside Natura 2000 sites covered by protection and restoration measures RCR 51 - Population benefiting from measures for noise reduction RCO 38 - Surface area of rehabilitated land supported RCR 51a - Population benefiting from measures for light pollution reduction RCO 39 - Systems for monitoring air pollution installed RCO 55 - Length of tram and metro lines- new RCR 52 - Rehabilitated land used for green areas, social housing, economic or community activities RCO 56 - Length of tram and metro lines- reconstructed/ upgraded RCR 62 - Annual passengers of public transport RCO 57 - Environmentally friendly rolling stock for public transport RCR 63 - Annual users of new/ upgraded tram and metro lines RCO 58 - Dedicated cycling infrastructure supported RCR 64 - Annual users of dedicated cycling infrastructure RCO 59 - Alternative fuels infrastructure (refuelling/ recharging points) supported RCR 64a -Estimated greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) avoided RCO 60 - Cities and towns with new or upgraded digitised urban transport systems   RCO 60a - Number of fast electric vehicle charging points
Amendment    41 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – subheading 3
Text proposed by the Commission Policy objective Outputs Results (1) (2) (3) 3. A more connected Europe by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity RCO 41 - Additional households with broadband access of very high capacity RCR 53 - Households with broadband subscriptions to a very high capacity network RCO 42 - Additional enterprises with broadband access of very high capacity RCR 54 - Enterprises with broadband subscriptions to a very high capacity network   RCO 43 - Length of new roads supported - TEN-T1 RCR 55 - Users of newly built, reconstructed or upgraded roads RCO 44 - Length of new roads supported - other RCR 56 - Time savings due to improved road infrastructure RCO 45 - Length of roads reconstructed or upgraded - TEN-T RCR 101 - Time savings due to improved rail infrastructure RCO 46 - Length of roads reconstructed or upgraded - other     RCO 47 - Length of new rail supported - TEN-T RCR 57 - Length of European Rail Traffic Management System equipped railways in operation RCO 48 - Length of new rail supported - other RCR 58 - Annual number of passengers on supported railways RCO 49 - Length of rail reconstructed or upgraded - TEN-T RCR 59 - Freight transport on rail RCO 50 - Length of rail reconstructed or upgraded - other RCR 60 - Freight transport on inland waterways RCO 51 - Length of new or upgraded inland waterways - TEN-T   RCO 52 - Length of new or upgraded inland waterways - other   RCO 53 - Railways stations and facilities - new or upgraded   RCO 54 - Intermodal connections - new or upgraded   RCO 100 - Number of ports supported     RCO 55 - Length of tram and metro lines- new RCR 62 - Annual passengers of public transport RCO 56 - Length of tram and metro lines- reconstructed/ upgraded RCR 63 - Annual users of new/ upgraded tram and metro lines RCO 57 - Environmentally friendly rolling stock for public transport RCR 64 - Annual users of dedicated cycling infrastructure RCO 58 - Dedicated cycling infrastructure supported   RCO 59 - Alternative fuels infrastructure (refuelling/ recharging points) supported   RCO 60 - Cities and towns with new or upgraded digitised urban transport systems   _______________ 1 Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network and repealing Decision No 661/2010/EU (OJ L 348, 20.12.2013, p. 1).   Amendment Policy objective Outputs Results (1) (2) (3) 3. A more connected Europe by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity RCO 41 - Additional households with broadband access of very high capacity RCR 53 - Households with broadband subscriptions to a very high capacity network RCO 42 - Additional enterprises with broadband access of very high capacity RCR 54 - Enterprises with broadband subscriptions to a very high capacity network RCO 43 - Length of new roads supported - TEN-T1 RCR 55 - Users of newly built, reconstructed or upgraded roads RCO 44 - Length of new roads supported - other RCR 56 - Time savings due to improved road infrastructure RCO 45 - Length of roads reconstructed or upgraded - TEN-T RCR 101 - Time savings due to improved rail infrastructure RCO 46 - Length of roads reconstructed or upgraded - other     RCO 47 - Length of new rail supported - TEN-T RCR 57 - Length of European Rail Traffic Management System equipped railways in operation RCO 48 - Length of new rail supported - other RCR 58 - Annual number of passengers on supported railways RCO 49 - Length of rail reconstructed or upgraded - TEN-T RCR 59 - Freight transport on rail RCO 50 - Length of rail reconstructed or upgraded - other RCR 60 - Freight transport on inland waterways RCO 51 - Length of new or upgraded inland waterways - TEN-T   RCO 52 - Length of new or upgraded inland waterways - other   RCO 53 - Railways stations and facilities - new or upgraded   RCO 54 - Intermodal connections - new or upgraded   RCO 100 - Number of ports supported     deleted deleted _______________ 1 Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network and repealing Decision No 661/2010/EU (OJ L 348, 20.12.2013, p. 1).
Amendment    42 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – table 1 – subheading 4
Text proposed by the Commission Policy objective Outputs Results (1) (2) (3) 4. A more social Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights RCO 61 - Annual unemployed persons served by enhanced facilities for employment services (capacity) RCR 65 - Job seekers using annually the services of the employment services supported   RCO 63 - Capacity of temporary reception infrastructure created RCR 66 - Occupancy of temporary reception infrastructure built or renovated RCO 64 - Capacity of rehabilitated housing – migrants, refugees and persons under or applying for international protection RCR 67 - Occupancy of rehabilitated housing – migrants, refugees and persons under or applying for international protection RCO 65 - Capacity of rehabilitated housing - other RCR 68 - Occupancy of rehabilitated housing – other   RCO 66 - Classroom capacity of supported childcare infrastructure (new or upgraded)) RCR 70 - Annual number of children using childcare infrastructure supported RCO 67 - Classroom capacity of supported education infrastructure (new or upgraded RCR 71 - Annual number of students using education infrastructure supported   RCO 69 - Capacity of supported health care infrastructure RCR 72 - People with access to improved health care services RCO 70 - Capacity of supported social infrastructure (other than housing) RCR 73 - Annual number of persons using the health care facilities supported   RCR 74 - Annual number of persons using the social care facilities supported   RCR 75 - Average response time for medical emergencies in the area supported   Amendment Policy objective Outputs Results (1) (2) (3) 4. A more social Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights RCO 61 - Annual unemployed persons served by enhanced facilities for employment services (capacity) RCR 65 - Job seekers using annually the services of the employment services supported   RCO 63 - Capacity of temporary reception infrastructure created RCR 66 - Occupancy of temporary reception infrastructure built or renovated RCO 64 - Capacity of rehabilitated housing - migrants, refugees and persons under or applying for international protection RCR 67 - Occupancy of rehabilitated housing - migrants, refugees and persons under or applying for international protection RCO 65 - Capacity of rehabilitated housing - other RCR 68 - Occupancy of rehabilitated housing – other   RCO 66 - Classroom capacity of supported childcare infrastructure (new or upgraded) RCR 70 - Annual number of children using childcare infrastructure supported RCO 67 - Classroom capacity of supported education infrastructure (new or upgraded) RCR 71 - Annual number of students using education infrastructure supported   RCO 69 - Capacity and accessibility of supported health care infrastructure and (of) innovative healthcare technologies RCR 72 - People with access to improved health care services RCO 70 - Capacity and accessibility of supported social infrastructure (other than housing) RCR 73 - Annual number of persons using the health care facilities supported   RCR 74 - Annual number of persons using the social care facilities supported   RCR 75 - Average response time for medical emergencies in the area supported   RCR 75a – People with access to awareness raising and campaigns for prevention of diseases
Amendment    43 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – subheading 4 – point iv
Text proposed by the Commission Policy objective Specific objective Outputs Results (1) (2) (3) (4) 4. A more social Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights (iv) Ensuring equal access to health care through developing infrastructure, including primary care CCO 20 - New or upgraded capacity for health care infrastructure CCR 19 - Population with access to improved health care services   Amendment Policy objective Specific objective Outputs Results (1) (2) (3) (4) 4. A more social Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights (iv) Ensuring equal access to health care through developing infrastructure, including primary care taking into account needs identified by patients or patient organisations CCO 20 - New or upgraded capacity and accessibility for health care infrastructure CCR 19 - Population with access to improved health care services

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund
References	COM(2018)0372 – C8-0227/2018 – 2018/0197(COD)
Committee responsible        Date announced in plenary	REGI 11.6.2018
Opinion by        Date announced in plenary	ENVI 11.6.2018
Rapporteur        Date appointed	Kateřina Konečná 21.6.2018
Discussed in committee	29.8.2018
Date adopted	25.10.2018
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	38 1 4
Members present for the final vote	Marco Affronte, Paul Brannen, Nessa Childers, Birgit Collin-Langen, Miriam Dalli, Seb Dance, Angélique Delahaye, Mark Demesmaeker, Bas Eickhout, José Inácio Faria, Francesc Gambús, Elisabetta Gardini, Jens Gieseke, Julie Girling, Françoise Grossetête, Andrzej Grzyb, Jytte Guteland, György Hölvényi, Benedek Jávor, Karin Kadenbach, Kateřina Konečná, Urszula Krupa, Giovanni La Via, Peter Liese, Susanne Melior, Miroslav Mikolášik, Massimo Paolucci, Gilles Pargneaux, Bolesław G. Piecha, John Procter, Julia Reid, Nils Torvalds, Adina-Ioana Vălean, Damiano Zoffoli
Substitutes present for the final vote	Linnéa Engström, Eleonora Evi, Norbert Lins, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Christel Schaldemose, Keith Taylor
Substitutes under Rule 200(2) present for the final vote	José Blanco López, Jaromír Kohlíček, Tonino Picula

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

38	+
ALDE	Nils Torvalds
EFDD	Eleonora Evi
GUE/NGL	Jaromír Kohlíček, Kateřina Konečná
PEE	Birgit Collin‑Langen, Angélique Delahaye, José Inácio Faria, Francesc Gambús, Elisabetta Gardini, Jens Gieseke, Julie Girling, Françoise Grossetête, Andrzej Grzyb, György Hölvényi, Giovanni La Via, Peter Liese, Norbert Lins, Miroslav Mikolášik, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Adina Ioana Vălean
S&D	José Blanco López, Paul Brannen, Nessa Childers, Miriam Dalli, Seb Dance, Jytte Guteland, Karin Kadenbach, Susanne Melior, Massimo Paolucci, Gilles Pargneaux, Tonino Picula, Christel Schaldemose, Damiano Zoffoli
VERTS/ALE	Marco Affronte, Bas Eickhout, Linnéa Engström, Benedek Jávor, Keith Taylor

1	-
EFDD	Julia Reid

4	0
ECR	Mark Demesmaeker, Urszula Krupa, Bolesław G. Piecha, John Procter

Key to symbols:

+  :  in favour

-  :  against

0  :  abstention

OPINION of the Committee on Transport and Tourism (04.12.2018)

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund
(COM(2018)0372 – C8-0227/2018 – 2018/0197(COD))

Rapporteur: Christine Revault d'Allonnes Bonnefoy

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

1. Commission proposal

The proposal for a regulation of on the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) lays down key objectives for work to implement the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund.

This regulation sets out a thematic concentration at national level to guide Member States in implementing this funding. Against this backdrop, the Commission proposes allocating the bulk of resources (from 65% to 85%) to work to achieve policy objectives No 1: ‘a smarter Europe’ and No 2: ‘a greener, low-carbon Europe’, as set out in the Regulation establishing a common provision on all EU funds.

It also sets out a restrictive list of non-eligible activities that fall outside the intervention scope of the funds.

The regulation also establishes a set of monitoring indicators and lays down the approach to be followed for certain specific territories, encompassing sustainable urban development among other elements, as well as for the outermost regions.

2. Your rapporteur’s proposals

Given that the regions are best placed to articulate their needs and priorities, and with a view to advocating decentralised governance in the implementation of EU, your rapporteur proposes maintaining the regional, rather than national, thematic concentration provided for in this Regulation.

To afford regions greater flexibility in the use of ERDF funding, your rapporteur also proposes extending the thematic concentration to cover to other policy objectives. As such, since transport plays a such a key role in work to achieve the EU’s priority objectives, your rapporteur proposes incorporating a third policy objective – ‘a connected Europe’ – into the thematic concentration.

So as to afford the regions greater flexibility with which to support other policy objectives, your rapporteur thus proposes reducing the minimum proportion of resources earmarked for policy objective 1 – ‘a smarter Europe’ – from 60% to 30% for the most advanced regions, from 45% to 30% for the regions in transition and from 35% to 20% for the least developed regions.

Since transport plays a such a key role in work to achieve the EU’s priority objectives, your rapporteur proposes introducing a series of new transport-related specific objectives:

•  a specific objective on smart mobility and the quality of transport services within policy objective 1: ‘a smarter Europe’;

•  a specific objective on sustainable mobility within policy objective 2: ‘a greener Europe’;

•  a specific objective on the financing of the just transition fund within policy objective 2: ‘a greener Europe’;

•  a specific objective on mobility as a vector for territorial cohesion within policy objective 3: ‘a more connected Europe’;

•  a specific objective on access to public transport services within policy objective 4: ‘a more social Europe’.

With a view to encouraging the use of ERDF funding in the transport sector, your rapporteur also proposes deleting certain provisions curtailing the use of the ERDF on regional airports and railway rolling stock.

Lastly, your rapporteur is hereby tabling amendments to encourage synergies between the ERDF, the Cohesion Fund and the other EU budget instruments with a view to investing in the development of the trans-European transport network.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Transport and Tourism 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 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(5)  Horizontal principles as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union ('TEU') and in Article 10 of the TFEU, including principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5 of the TEU, should be respected in the implementation of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, taking into account the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Member States should also respect the obligations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensure accessibility in line with its article 9 and in accordance with the Union law harmonising accessibility requirements for products and services. Member States and the Commission should aim at eliminating inequalities and at promoting equality between men and women and integrating the gender perspective, as well as at combating discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The Funds should not support actions that contribute to any form of segregation. The objectives of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should be pursued in the framework of sustainable development and the Union's promotion of the aim of preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment as set out in Articles 11 and 191(1) of the TFEU, taking into account the polluter pays principle. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, operations benefitting undertakings shall comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU.	(5)  Horizontal principles as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union ('TEU') and in Article 10 of the TFEU, including principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5 of the TEU, should be respected in the implementation of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, taking into account the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Member States should also respect the obligations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensure barrier-free accessibility in line with its article 9 and in accordance with the Union law harmonising accessibility requirements for products and services. Member States and the Commission should aim at eliminating inequalities, reducing regional disparities and at promoting equality between men and women and integrating the gender perspective, as well as at combating discrimination based on sex, nationality, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The Funds should not support actions that contribute to any form of segregation. The objectives of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should be pursued in the framework of the Union's commitments under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Union's promotion of sustainable development and the aim of preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment as set out in Articles 11 and 191(1) of the TFEU, taking into account the polluter pays principle. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, operations benefitting undertakings shall comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU.
Amendment    2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(8)  In an increasingly interconnected world and in view of the demographic and migration dynamics, it is clear that Union migration policy requires a common approach that relies on the synergies and complementarities of the different funding instruments. In order to ensure coherent, strong and consistent support for solidarity and responsibility-sharing efforts between Member States in managing migration, the ERDF should provide support to facilitate the long-term integration of migrants.	(8)  In an increasingly interconnected world and in view of the demographic and migration dynamics, it is clear that Union migration policy requires a common approach that relies on the synergies and complementarities of the different funding instruments. In order to ensure coherent, strong and consistent support for solidarity and responsibility-sharing efforts between Member States in managing migration, the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should provide support to facilitate the long-term integration of migrants.
Amendment    3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(9)  In order to support the efforts of Member States and regions in facing new challenges and ensuring a high level of security for their citizens as well as the prevention of radicalisation, while relying on the synergies and complementarities with other Union policies, investments under the ERDF should contribute to security in areas where there is a need to ensure safe and secure public spaces and critical infrastructure, such as transport and energy.	(9)  In order to support the efforts of Member States and regions in facing new challenges and ensuring a high level of security and cohesion for their citizens as well as the prevention of radicalisation, while relying on the synergies and complementarities with other Union policies, investments under the ERDF should contribute to security in areas where there is a need to ensure safe and secure public spaces and critical infrastructure, such as transport and energy.
Amendment    4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(10)  In addition, investments under the ERDF should contribute to the development of a comprehensive high-speed digital infrastructure network, and to promoting clean and sustainable multimodal urban mobility.	(10)  In addition, investments under the ERDF should contribute to the development of trans-European networks of transport infrastructure and a comprehensive high-speed digital infrastructure network, and to promoting clean, safe and sustainable multimodal urban mobility.
Amendment    5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 17
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(17)  The ERDF should help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union and to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions including those facing challenges due to the decarbonisation commitments. ERDF support under the Investment for jobs and growth goal should therefore be concentrated on key Union priorities in line with policy objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR]. Therefore support from the ERDF should be concentrated on the policy objectives of 'a smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation' and 'a greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management'. That thematic concentration should be attained at national level while allowing for flexibility at the level of individual programmes and between the three groups of Member States formed according to respective gross national income. In addition, the methodology to classify Member States should be set out in detail taking into account the specific situation of the outermost regions.	(17)  The ERDF should help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union and to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions including those facing challenges due to the decarbonisation commitments. ERDF support under the Investment for jobs and growth goal should therefore be concentrated on key Union priorities in line with policy objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR]. Therefore, support from the ERDF should be concentrated on the policy objectives of 'a smarter Europe’, a greener, low-carbon Europe’, 'a more connected Europe’ and a ‘more social Europe’. That thematic concentration should be attained at regional level while allowing for flexibility at the level of individual programmes.
Amendment    6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 19
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(19)  This Regulation should set out the different types of activities the costs of which may be supported by means of investments from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, under their respective objectives as set out in the TFEU. The Cohesion Fund should be able to support investments in the environment and in TEN-T. With regard to the ERDF, the list of activities should be simplified and it should be able to support investments in infrastructure, investments in relation to access to services, productive investments in SME's, equipment, software and intangible assets, as well as measures with regard to information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experiences and activities involving clusters. In order to support the programme implementation, both funds should also be able to support technical assistance activities. Finally, in order to support provide for a broader range of interventions for Interreg programmes, the scope should be enlarged to also include the sharing a broad range of facilities and human resources and costs linked to measures within the scope of the ESF+.	(19)  This Regulation should set out the different types of activities the costs of which may be supported by means of investments from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, under their respective objectives as set out in the TFEU. The Cohesion Fund and ERDF should be able to support investments in the environment and in TEN-T. With regard to the ERDF, the list of activities should be simplified and it should be able to support investments in infrastructure, safety of existing tunnels and bridges, investments in relation to access to services, productive investments in SME's, equipment, software and intangible assets, as well as measures with regard to information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experiences and activities involving clusters. In order to support the programme implementation, both funds should also be able to support technical assistance activities. Finally, in order to support provide for a broader range of interventions for Interreg programmes, the scope should be enlarged to also include the sharing a broad range of facilities and human resources and costs linked to measures within the scope of the ESF+.
Amendment    7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 20
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(20)  Trans-European transport networks projects in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1316/2013 shall continue to be financed from the Cohesion Fund via both shared management and the direct implementation mode under the Connecting Europe Facility ('CEF').	(20)  Trans-European transport networks projects in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1316/2013 shall continue to be financed from the Cohesion Fund and the ERDF via both shared management and the direct implementation mode under the Connecting Europe Facility ('CEF').
Amendment    8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 20 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(20a)  Further, with a view to maximising the added value of investments in transport financed in whole or in part from the EU budget, synergies should be sought between the ERDF and directly managed instruments, such as the European Interconnection Mechanism (EIM) and the financial instruments of the forthcoming ‘InvestEU’ programme.
Amendment    9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 27
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(27)  Specific attention should be paid to outermost regions, namely by adopting measures under Article 349 of the TFEU providing for an additional allocation for the outermost regions to offset the additional costs incurred in these regions as a result of one or several of the permanent restraints referred to in Article 349 of the TFEU, namely remoteness, insularity, small size, difficult topography and climate, economic dependence on a few products, the permanence and combination of which severely restrain their development. This allocation can cover investments, operating costs and public service obligations aimed at offsetting additional costs caused by such restraints. Operating aid may cover expenditure on freight transport services and start-up aid for transport services as well as expenditure on operations linked to storage constraints, the excessive size and maintenance of production tools, and the lack of human capital in the local market. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, and as is the case for all operations co-financed by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, any ERDF support to the financing of operating and investment aid in the outermost regions should comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU.	(27)  Specific attention should be paid to outermost regions, namely by adopting measures under Article 349 of the TFEU providing for an additional allocation for the outermost regions to offset the additional costs incurred in these regions as a result of one or several of the permanent restraints referred to in Article 349 of the TFEU, namely remoteness, insularity, small size, difficult topography and climate, economic dependence on a few products, the permanence and combination of which severely restrain their development. This allocation can cover investments, operating costs and public service obligations aimed at offsetting additional costs caused by such restraints. Operating aid may cover expenditure on freight transport services, green logistics, mobility management and start-up aid for transport services as well as expenditure on operations linked to storage constraints, the excessive size and maintenance of production tools, and the lack of human capital in the local market. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, and as is the case for all operations co-financed by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, any ERDF support to the financing of operating and investment aid in the outermost regions should comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU.
Amendment    10 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies;	(i)  fostering research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies;
Amendment    11 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, companies and governments;	(ii)  reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, companies and governments and enhancing digital connectivity;
Amendment    12 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  enhancing growth and competitiveness of SMEs;	(iii)  enhancing growth, competitiveness and durability of SMEs;
Amendment    13 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iv a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iva)  developing smart, secure and interoperable modes of transport;
Amendment    14 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point v a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(v a)  promoting low emission and multimodal mobility;
Amendment    15 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vi a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(vi a)  supporting structural change to make the transition to low-carbon energy generation;
Amendment    16 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  enhancing digital connectivity;	(i)  enhancing digital connectivity and cross border connections;
Amendment    17 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  developing a sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent, secure and intermodal TEN-T;	(ii)  developing a sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent, safe and secure and intermodal TEN-T;
Amendment    18 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  developing sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility;	(iii)  developing sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent safe and secure intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to TEN-T, cross-border mobility, and connectivity with outermost regions;
Amendment    19 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iv)  promoting sustainable multimodal urban mobility;	(iv)  promoting sustainable multimodal and accessible urban mobility, including walking, cycling, public transport and shared mobility;
Amendment    20 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point ii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ii a)  improving access to inclusive, high-quality transport services;
Amendment    21 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iv
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iv)  ensuring equal access to health care through developing infrastructure, including primary care;	(iv)  ensuring equal access to health care through developing infrastructure, including primary care, including rural areas;
Amendment    22 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental development, cultural heritage and security in urban areas;	(i)  fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental development, cultural heritage, tourism sector and security in urban areas;
Amendment    23 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental local development, cultural heritage and security, including for rural and coastal areas also through community-led local development.	(ii)  fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental local development, cultural heritage, tourism sector and security, including for rural and coastal areas and outermost regions, also through community-led local development;
Amendment    24 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point ii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ii a)  taking measures to boost the attractiveness of regions and territories that promote sustainable tourism.
Amendment    25 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  With regard to programmes implemented under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, the total ERDF resources in each Member State shall be concentrated at national level in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4.	1.  With regard to programmes implemented under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, the total ERDF resources in each Member State shall be concentrated at regional level in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4.
Amendment    26 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  With regard to the thematic concentration of support for Member States comprising outermost regions, the ERDF resources allocated specifically to programmes for the outermost regions and those allocated to all other regions shall be treated separately.	2.  With regard to the thematic concentration of support for the outermost regions of the Member States, the ERDF resources allocated specifically to programmes for the outermost regions and those allocated to all other regions shall be treated separately.
Amendment    27 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Member States shall be classified, in terms of their gross national income ratio, as follows:	Regions shall be classified in accordance with Article 102 of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR]:
(a)  those with a gross national income ratio equal to or above 100% of the EU average ('group 1');	(a)   less developed regions, whose GDP per capita is less than 75% of the average GDP of the EU-27 ('less developed regions');
(b)  those with a gross national income ratio equal to or above 75% and below 100% of the EU average ('group 2');	(b)   transition regions, whose GDP per capita is between 75% and 100% of the average GDP of the EU-27 ('transition regions');
(c)  those with a gross national income ratio below 75% of the EU average ('group 3').	(c)  more developed regions, whose GDP per capita is above 100% of the average GDP of the EU-27 ('more developed regions').
Amendment    28 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
For the purposes of this Article, the gross national income ratio means the ratio between the gross national income per capita of a Member State, measured in purchasing power standards and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period from 2014 to 2016, and the average gross national income per capita in purchasing power standards of the 27 Member States for that same reference period.	deleted
Amendment    29 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
With regard to programmes under the Investment for Jobs and growth goal for the outermost regions, they shall be classified as falling within group 3.	With regard to programmes under the Investment for Jobs and growth goal for the outermost regions, they shall be classified as falling within the group of ‘less developed regions’.
Amendment    30 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  Member States of group 1 shall allocate at least 85 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1 and PO 2, and at least 60 % to PO 1;	(a)  Member States of group 1 shall allocate at least 60 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1 and PO 2;
Amendment    31 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  Member States of group 2 shall allocate at least 45 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 30 % to PO 2;	(b)  Member States of group 2 shall allocate at least 20 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 30 % to PO 2;
Amendment    32 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  Member States of group 3 shall allocate at least 35 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 30 % to PO 2.	(c)  Member States of group 3 shall allocate at least 15 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 30 % to PO 2.
Amendment    33 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  investments in infrastructure;	(a)  investments in infrastructure, particularly with European added value in the transport, energy and digital Trans-European Networks and the safety-upgrading of existing transport infrastructures such as bridges and tunnels;
Amendment    34 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(b a)  investments in sustainable urban mobility as well as public transport and bicycle lanes;
Amendment    35 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(e a)  funding for the purchase of rolling stock for use in the rail transport;
Amendment    36 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
In order to contribute to the specific objective under PO 1 set out in point (a) (iv) of Article 2(1), the ERDF shall also support training, life long learning and education activities.	In order to contribute to the specific objective under PO 1 set out in point (a) (iv) of Article 2(1) and the specific objective of PO 4 set out in Article 2 (2) (d) the ERDF shall also support training, lifelong learning and education activities.
Amendment    37 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	2a.  The amount transferred from the ERDF to the Connecting Europe Facility shall be used in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) [new CEF Regulation].
Amendment    38 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  investments in TEN-T;	(b)  investments in TEN-T and sustainable mobility;
Amendment    39 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) investment in airport infrastructure except for outermost regions;	deleted
Amendment    40 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point g
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(g)  investment in facilities for the treatment of residual waste;	(g)  investment in facilities for the treatment of residual waste, except for the outermost regions;
Amendment    41 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point j
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(j)  funding for the purchase of rolling stock for use in rail transport, except if it is linked to the:	deleted
(i)  discharge of a publicly tendered public service obligation under Regulation 1370/2007 as amended;
(ii)  provision of rail transport services on lines fully opened to competition, and the beneficiary is a new entrant eligible for funding under Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [Invest EU regulation].
Amendment    42 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  In compliance with its reporting requirement pursuant to Article [38(3)(e)(i)] of the Financial Regulation, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament and the Council information on performance in accordance with Annex II.	3.  In compliance with its reporting requirement pursuant to Article [38(3)(e)(i)] of the Financial Regulation, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament and the Council information on performance in accordance with Annex II. Such information shall also provide for a qualitative assessment of the progress towards achieving the specific objectives set out in Article 2.
Amendment    43 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The ERDF shall support integrated territorial development based on territorial strategies in accordance with Article [23] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR] focused on urban areas ('sustainable urban development') within programmes under both goals referred to in Article 4(2) of that Regulation.	1.  The ERDF shall support integrated territorial development based on territorial strategies in accordance with Article [23] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR] focused on urban areas ('sustainable urban development' and 'sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPs)' ) within programmes under both goals referred to in Article 4(2) of that Regulation.
Amendment    44 Proposal for a regulation Article 11 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The specific additional allocation for the outermost regions shall be used to offset the additional costs incurred in these regions as a result of one or several of the permanent restraints to their development listed in Article 349 of the TFEU.	1.  Article 3 shall not apply to the specific additional allocation for the outermost regions. The specific additional allocation for the outermost regions shall be used to offset the additional costs incurred in these regions as a result of one or several of the permanent restraints to their development listed in Article 349 of the TFEU.
Amendment    45 Proposal for a regulation Article 11 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(3a)  By way of derogation from Article 4(1), the ERDF may support productive investment in enterprises in the outermost regions, irrespective of the size of those enterprises.
Amendment    46 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – table 1 – point 1 – column 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  A smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation	1.  A competitive and a smarter Europe by strengthening its economic, social and territorial cohesion and by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation
Amendment    47 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – table 1 – point 3
Text proposed by the Commission Policy objective Outputs Results (1) (2) (3) 3. A more connected Europe by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity RCO 43 - Length of new roads supported - TEN-T RCR 55 - Users of newly built, reconstructed or upgraded roads   RCO 44 - Length of new roads supported - other RCR 56 - Time savings due to improved road infrastructure   RCO 45 - Length of roads reconstructed or upgraded - TEN-T RCR 101 – Time savings due to improved rail infrastructure   RCO 46 - Length of roads reconstructed or upgraded - other - RCR 57 - Length of European Rail Traffic Management System equipped railways in operation   RCO 47 - Length of new rail supported - TEN-T RCR 58 - Annual number of passengers on supported railways   RCO 48 - Length of new rail supported - other RCR 59 - Freight transport on rail   RCO 49 - Length of rail reconstructed or upgraded - TEN-T RCR 60 - Freight transport on inland waterways   RCO 50 - Length of rail reconstructed or upgraded - other     RCO 51 - Length of new or upgraded inland waterways - TEN-T     RCO 52 - Length of new or upgraded inland waterways - other     RCO 53 - Railways stations and facilities - new or upgraded     RCO 54 - Intermodal connections - new or upgraded     RCO 100 – Number of ports supported     RCO 55 - Length of tram and metro lines- new RCR 62 - Annual passengers of public transport   RCO 56 - Length of tram and metro lines- reconstructed/ upgraded RCR 63 - Annual users of new/ upgraded tram and metro lines   RCO 57 - Environmentally friendly rolling stock for public transport RCR 64 - Annual users of dedicated cycling infrastructure   RCO 58 - Dedicated cycling infrastructure supported     RCO 59 - Alternative fuels infrastructure (refuelling/ recharging points) supported   Amendment Policy objective Outputs Results (1) (2) (3) 3. A more connected Europe by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity RCO 43 - Length of new roads supported - TEN-T RCR 55 - Users of newly built, reconstructed or upgraded roads   RCO 44 - Length of new roads supported - other RCR 56 - Time savings due to improved road infrastructure   RCO 45 - Length of roads reconstructed or upgraded - TEN-T RCR 101 – Time savings due to improved rail infrastructure   RCO 46 - Length of roads reconstructed or upgraded - other -     - number of road and rail bridges and tunnels controlled every three years and well maintained for the sake of safety     RCO 47 - Length of new rail supported - TEN-T     RCO 48 - Length of new rail supported - other     RCO 49 - Length of rail reconstructed or upgraded - TEN-T RCR 57 - Length of European Rail Traffic Management System equipped railways in operation, including cross-border rail connections equiped with ERTMS systems   RCO 50 - Length of rail reconstructed or upgraded - other     RCO 51 - Length of new or upgraded inland waterways - TEN-T RCR 58 - Annual number of passengers on supported railways for distances under 50 km, between 50 and 300 km and more than 300 km   RCO 52 - Length of new or upgraded inland waterways - other     RCO 53 - Railways stations and facilities - new or upgraded - RCR 59 - Freight transport on rail   - Including number of those railway stations corresponding to the Commission TSI-PRM Regulation - Number of freight wagons retrofitted with LL brake blocks for noise reduction   RCO 54 - Intermodal connections - new or upgraded RCR 60 - Freight transport on inland waterways   RCO 100 – Number of ports supported     RCO 55 - Length of tram and metro lines- new     RCO 56 - Length of tram and metro lines- reconstructed/ upgraded RCR 62 - Annual passengers of public transport   RCO 57 - Environmentally friendly rolling stock for public transport RCR 63 - Annual users of new/ upgraded tram and metro lines   RCO 58 - Dedicated walking and cycling infrastructure supported - Annual users of bicycles   RCO 59 - Alternative fuels infrastructure (refuelling/ recharging points) supported - Intermodal market share (modal split) of users of private cars, public transport (metro - tramways - busses), car sharing and car pooling, bicycles and pedestrians   RCO 60 - Cities and towns with new or upgraded digitised urban transport systems RCR 64 - Annual users of dedicated walking and cycling infrastructure
Amendment    48 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – table 1 – point 5
Text proposed by the Commission Policy objective Outputs Results (1) (2) (3) 5. A Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban, rural and coastal areas and local initiatives RCO 74 - Population covered by strategies for integrated urban development RCR 76 - Stakeholders involved in the preparation and implementation of strategies of urban development   RCO 75 - Integrated strategies for urban development RCR 77 - Tourists/ visits to supported sites*   RCO 76 - Collaborative projects RCR 78 - Users benefiting from cultural infrastructure supported   RCO 77 - Capacity of cultural and tourism infrastructure supported   Amendment Policy objective Outputs Results (1) (2) (3) 5. A Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban, rural and coastal areas and local initiatives RCO 74 - Population covered by strategies for integrated urban development RCR 76 - Stakeholders involved in the preparation and implementation of strategies of urban development   - number of existing ‘Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs)’ RCR 77 - Tourists/ visits to supported sites*   RCO 75 - Integrated strategies for urban development     RCO 76 - Collaborative projects - Sustainable tourism projects where win-win situations for both tourists and inhabitants can be indicated   RCO 77 - Capacity of cultural, natural, historical and industrial tourism infrastructure supported RCR 78 - Users benefiting from cultural infrastructure and eco-tourism supported
Amendment    49 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – table 1 – point 1 – column 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  A smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation	1.  A competitive and a smarter Europe by strengthening its economic, social and territorial cohesion and by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation
Amendment    50 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – table 1 – point 3
Text proposed by the Commission Policy objective Outputs Results (1) (3) (4) 3. A more connected Europe by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity CCO 14 – Road TEN-T: New and upgraded roads CCR 13 - Time savings due to improved road infrastructure   CCO 15 – Rail TEN-T: New and upgraded railways CCR 14 - Annual number of passengers served by improved rail transport   CCO 16 - Extension and modernisation of tram and metro lines CCR 15 - Annual users served by new and modernised tram and metro lines Amendment Policy objective Outputs Results (1) (3) (4) 3. A more connected Europe by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity CCO 14 – Road TEN-T: New and upgraded roads CCR 13 - Time savings due to improved road infrastructure     - increase of congestion through extension of road infrastructure   CCO 15 – Rail TEN-T: New and upgraded railways     - number of regional cross-border rail connections that were abandoned or dismantled (missing links) CCR 14 - Annual number of passengers served by improved rail transport   - number cross-border rail connections that were missing links and have been reestablished     CCO 16 - Extension and modernisation of tram and metro lines as well as walking and cycling infrastructure CCR 15 - Annual users served by new and modernised tram and metro lines as well as pedestrians and cyclists

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund
References	COM(2018)0372 – C8-0227/2018 – 2018/0197(COD)
Committee responsible  Date announced in plenary	REGI 11.6.2018
Opinion by  Date announced in plenary	TRAN 11.6.2018
Rapporteur  Date appointed	Christine Revault d’Allonnes Bonnefoy 17.7.2018
Discussed in committee	9.10.2018
Date adopted	15.11.2018
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	38 4 2
Members present for the final vote	Daniela Aiuto, Marie-Christine Arnautu, Inés Ayala Sender, Georges Bach, Izaskun Bilbao Barandica, Michael Cramer, Luis de Grandes Pascual, Andor Deli, Karima Delli, Isabella De Monte, Ismail Ertug, Tania González Peñas, Dieter-Lebrecht Koch, Merja Kyllönen, Miltiadis Kyrkos, Innocenzo Leontini, Bogusław Liberadzki, Peter Lundgren, Marian-Jean Marinescu, Georg Mayer, Gesine Meissner, Renaud Muselier, Markus Pieper, Gabriele Preuß, Christine Revault d’Allonnes Bonnefoy, Dominique Riquet, Massimiliano Salini, Jill Seymour, Claudia Țapardel, Keith Taylor, István Ujhelyi, Wim van de Camp, Kosma Złotowski
Substitutes present for the final vote	Francisco Assis, Stefan Gehrold, Maria Grapini, Bolesław G. Piecha, Anders Sellström, Matthijs van Miltenburg, Henna Virkkunen
Substitutes under Rule 200(2) present for the final vote	Heinz K. Becker, Edward Czesak, Theodor Dumitru Stolojan, Richard Sulík

OPINION of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (14.11.2018)

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund
(COM(2018)0372 – C8‑0227/2018 – 2018/0197(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: James Nicholson

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The rapporteur broadly welcomes the aims and objectives of both the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund. It is right the EU has a coherent approach to reducing the economic and social disparities that exist between the regions and member states, and that aims to promote sustainable development. While the rapporteur understands that urban areas play a key role in reducing unemployment and promoting social inclusion and combating poverty, he feels a better balance between the needs of rural and urban areas is required. The rapporteur has therefore made some additions to the text that focus on rural areas and their communities. When we discuss education, skills training and employment creation we can sometimes concentrate solely on the EU’s towns and cities, the rapporteur proposes that specific attention is given to rural areas (amendment 6). The rapporteur has introduced a couple of new aspects to the text, farmers who are marginalised because they can work remotely and in isolation and seasonal workers who can often face difficulties integrating into rural communities. The rapporteur is keen to promote innovation and digitalisation and therefore recommends increasing allocation to PO 1 from 60% to 65% (amendment 10). Knowing how crucial access to the internet for farmers is, the rapporteur was not happy that the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund would not be able to support investment in broadband infrastructure in areas where there are at least two broadband networks. The rapporteur does not agree with this; it should be the member states and the regions who decide where the funds are most needed. Broadband networks may exist however if they are not adequate and do not allow proper access to the internet for the farmers in the most remote parts of the EU, the member states should be permitted to invest more in improvements (amendment 12).

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development 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)  Article 176 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ('TFEU') provides that the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF') is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union. Under that Article and the second and third paragraphs of Article 174 of the TFEU, the ERDF is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions, among which particular attention is to be paid to regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions.	(1)  Article 176 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ('TFEU') provides that the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF') is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union. Under that Article and the second and third paragraphs of Article 174 of the TFEU, the ERDF is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions, paying particular attention to rural areas, areas affected by an industrial transition and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions.
Amendment    2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 2 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(2a)  Moreover, Cohesion Fund investment is focused on a number of key priority areas in which the economic and social gap continues to widen, and targets in particular the differences between rural and urban areas, thereby neglecting rural areas stricken with poverty and stagnation;
Amendment    3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3)  Regulation (EU) 2018/XXX of the European Parliament and of the Council [new CPR]16 sets out common rules applicable to various funds including the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF'), the European Social Fund Plus ('ESF+'), the Cohesion Fund, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund ('EMFF'), the Asylum and Migration Fund ('AMIF'), the Internal Security Fund ('ISF') and the Border Management and Visa Instrument ('BMVI') which operate under a common framework ('the Funds').	(3)  Regulation (EU) 2018/XXX of the European Parliament and of the Council [new CPR]16 sets out common rules applicable to various funds including the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF'), the European Social Fund Plus ('ESF+'), the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the Cohesion Fund, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund ('EMFF'), the Asylum and Migration Fund ('AMIF'), the Internal Security Fund ('ISF') and the Border Management and Visa Instrument ('BMVI') which operate under a common framework ('the Funds').
_________________	_________________
16 [Full reference - new CPR].	16 [Full reference - new CPR].
Amendment    4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(5)  Horizontal principles as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union ('TEU') and in Article 10 of the TFEU, including principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5 of the TEU, should be respected in the implementation of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, taking into account the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Member States should also respect the obligations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensure accessibility in line with its article 9 and in accordance with the Union law harmonising accessibility requirements for products and services. Member States and the Commission should aim at eliminating inequalities and at promoting equality between men and women and integrating the gender perspective, as well as at combating discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The Funds should not support actions that contribute to any form of segregation. The objectives of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should be pursued in the framework of sustainable development and the Union's promotion of the aim of preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment as set out in Articles 11 and 191(1) of the TFEU, taking into account the polluter pays principle. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, operations benefitting undertakings shall comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU.	(5)  Horizontal principles as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union ('TEU') and in Article 10 of the TFEU, including principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5 of the TEU, should be respected in the implementation of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, taking into account the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Member States should also respect the obligations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensure accessibility in line with its article 9 and in accordance with the Union law harmonising accessibility requirements for products and services. Member States and the Commission should aim at eliminating inequalities and at promoting equality between men and women and integrating the gender perspective, as well as at combating discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The Funds should not support actions that contribute to any form of segregation or exclusion. The objectives of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should be pursued in the framework of sustainable development and the Union's promotion of the aim of preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment and combating climate change as set out in Articles 11 and 191(1) of the TFEU, taking into account the polluter pays principle. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, operations benefitting undertakings shall comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU.
Amendment    5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 7
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(7)  In order to identify the type of activities which can be supported by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, specific policy objectives for providing support from those funds should be laid down to ensure that they contribute to one or more of common policy objectives set out in Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR] .	(7)  In order to identify the type of activities which can be supported by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, harmonised specific policy objectives adapted to different situations for providing support from those funds should be laid down to ensure that they contribute to increasing added value in each region and to creating jobs. These objectives should in no way detract from the crucial overall objective of reducing disparities between levels of development in the EU’s various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions.
Amendment    6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(9a)  Universal, high-quality public services are vital to address regional and social disparities, promote social cohesion and regional development and encourage people and businesses to stay in their local area, especially the least developed regions.
Amendment    7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(9b)  ERDF and Cohesion Fund investments should be channelled into sustainable and accessible national, regional and local mobility, especially in regions lacking the resources for economic regeneration and growth and regions with low population density where serious lack of mobility constitutes a structural barrier to growth.
Amendment    8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(10)  In addition, investments under the ERDF should contribute to the development of a comprehensive high-speed digital infrastructure network, and to promoting clean and sustainable multimodal urban mobility.	(10)  In addition, investments under the ERDF should contribute to the development of a comprehensive high-speed digital infrastructure network that also covers rural areas, and to promoting clean and sustainable multimodal urban and rural mobility, thereby fostering greater economic, social and territorial cohesion which can effectively combat climate change.
Amendment    9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(10a)  Investment in digital networks in rural areas of the EU is a source of untapped potential and is key to harnessing new economic opportunities such as precision agriculture and the development of a bio-based economy, and can help to achieve the EU’s objectives of developing a digital infrastructure network and promoting green and sustainable multimodal mobility.
Amendment    10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 14 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(14a)  Operations under the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should deliver on objectives laid down in the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plans to be developed under the [Regulation on the Governance of the Energy Union] taking also into account the recommendations from the Commission regarding these plans, both in terms of content and financial allocation.
Amendment    11 Proposal for a regulation Recital 17
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(17)  The ERDF should help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union and to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions including those facing challenges due to the decarbonisation commitments. ERDF support under the Investment for jobs and growth goal should therefore be concentrated on key Union priorities in line with policy objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR]. Therefore support from the ERDF should be concentrated on the policy objectives of 'a smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation' and 'a greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management'. That thematic concentration should be attained at national level while allowing for flexibility at the level of individual programmes and between the three groups of Member States formed according to respective gross national income. In addition, the methodology to classify Member States should be set out in detail taking into account the specific situation of the outermost regions.	(17)  The ERDF should help to promote true convergence, to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union and to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions including those facing challenges due to the decarbonisation commitments, taking into account the legitimate choices, priorities and needs of each Member State, depending on their particular situation. ERDF support under the Investment for jobs and growth goal should also take into account collectively defined priorities, in line with policy objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR]. Therefore, support from the ERDF should take particular account of the policy objectives of 'a more cohesive and solidarity-based Europe helping reduce economic, social and territorial asymmetries and achieve a smart and innovative economic transformation' and 'a greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, the reduction of the impact of industry on the environment, green and blue investment, the circular economy, combating and adapting to climate change and risk prevention and management'. That thematic concentration should be attained at national level while allowing for flexibility at the level of individual programmes and between the three groups of Member States formed according to respective gross national income. In addition, the methodology to classify Member States should be set out in detail taking into account the specific situation of the outermost regions.
Amendment    12 Proposal for a regulation Recital 19
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(19)  This Regulation should set out the different types of activities the costs of which may be supported by means of investments from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, under their respective objectives as set out in the TFEU. The Cohesion Fund should be able to support investments in the environment and in TEN-T. With regard to the ERDF, the list of activities should be simplified and it should be able to support investments in infrastructure, investments in relation to access to services, productive investments in SME's, equipment, software and intangible assets, as well as measures with regard to information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experiences and activities involving clusters. In order to support the programme implementation, both funds should also be able to support technical assistance activities. Finally, in order to support provide for a broader range of interventions for Interreg programmes, the scope should be enlarged to also include the sharing a broad range of facilities and human resources and costs linked to measures within the scope of the ESF+.	(19)  This Regulation should set out the different types of activities the costs of which may be supported by means of investments from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, under their respective objectives as set out in the TFEU. The Cohesion Fund should be able to support investments in the environment and in TEN-T. With regard to the ERDF, the list of activities should be simplified and it should be able to support investments in infrastructure, investments in relation to access to services, with a particular focus on disadvantaged, marginalised and segregated communities, productive investments in SME's, equipment, software and intangible assets, as well as measures with regard to information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experiences and activities involving clusters. In order to support the programme implementation, both funds should also be able to support technical assistance activities. Finally, in order to support provide for a broader range of interventions for Interreg programmes, the scope should be enlarged to also include the sharing a broad range of facilities and human resources and costs linked to measures within the scope of the ESF+.
Amendment    13 Proposal for a regulation Recital 25
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(25)  Within the framework of sustainable urban development, it is considered necessary to support integrated territorial development in order to more effectively tackle the economic, environmental, climate, demographic and social challenges affecting urban areas, including functional urban areas, while taking into account the need to promote urban-rural linkages. The principles for selecting the urban areas where integrated actions for sustainable urban development are to be implemented, and the indicative amounts for those actions, should be set out in the programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal with a minimum target of 6% of the ERDF resources allocated at national level for that purpose. It should also be established that this percentage should be respected throughout the programming period in the case of transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes, including at the mid-term review.	(25)  Within the framework of sustainable urban development, it is considered necessary to support integrated territorial development in order to more effectively tackle the economic, environmental, climate, demographic and social challenges affecting urban and rural areas, while taking into account the need to promote urban-rural linkages and heightened cooperation. The principles for selecting the urban areas where integrated actions for sustainable urban development are to be implemented, and the indicative amounts for those actions, should be set out in the programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal with a minimum target of 6% of the ERDF resources allocated at national level for that purpose. It should also be established that this percentage should be respected throughout the programming period in the case of transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes, including at the mid-term review.
Amendment    14 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  This Regulation also sets out the specific objectives and the scope support from the Cohesion Fund with regard to the Investment for jobs and growth goal ('the Investment for jobs and growth goal') referred to in [point (a) of Article 4(2)] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR].	2.  This Regulation also sets out the specific objectives and the scope support from the Cohesion Fund with regard to the Investment for jobs and growth goal ('the Investment for jobs and growth goal') referred to in [point (a) of Article 4(2)] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR]. It also supplements rural development policy insofar as support for balanced territorial development is concerned.
Amendment    15 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  'a smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation' ('PO 1') by:	(a)  'a more cohesive and solidarity-based Europe by helping reduce economic, social and territorial asymmetries and promoting innovative and smart economic transformation' ('PO 1') by:
Justification
The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund are crucial cohesion policy instruments and their objectives should therefore include seeking to achieve cohesion and prevent asymmetries.
Amendment    16 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies;	(i)  enhancing research and innovation capacities, the uptake of advanced technologies and improving access to and the use and quality of technologies;
Amendment    17 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, companies and governments;	(ii)  reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, companies, public services and governments;
Justification
Public services are vital for cohesion and regional development, business activity and sustained population levels, especially in the less developed regions.
Amendment    18 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iia)  encouraging high-quality, modernised and universal public services
Amendment    19 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  enhancing growth and competitiveness of SMEs;	(iii)  enhancing and advancing the growth and competitiveness of SMEs in rural areas;
Amendment    20 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iv
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iv)  developing skills for smart specialisation, industrial transition and entrepreneurship;	(iv)  developing skills for smart specialisation, industrial transition, rural development and infrastructures for smart specialisation, the re-establishment of industries in regions affected by waning industrial capacity and entrepreneurship;
Amendment    21 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iv a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iva)   promoting the revitalisation and economic regeneration of regions suffering from depopulation and areas with natural handicaps;
Amendment    22 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iv b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ivb)  nurturing start-up ecosystems
Amendment    23 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  a greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management ('PO 2') by:	(b)  a greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting and supporting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment as well as a reduction in consumption, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management ('PO 2') by:
Amendment    24 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  developing smart energy systems, grids and storage at local level;	(iii)  developing smart energy systems, smart grids, storage at local level and establishing energy cooperatives
Amendment    25 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iiia)  promoting a reduction in consumption;
Amendment    26 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iv)  promoting climate change adaptation, risk prevention and disaster resilience;	(iv)  promoting climate change adaptation, risk prevention and management and natural disaster resilience, in particular eco-system based approaches;
Amendement    27 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point vii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(vii)  enhancing biodiversity, green infrastructure in the urban environment, and reducing pollution;	(vii)  enhancing biodiversity and green infrastructure in the urban and rural environment and reducing air, water, soil, noise and light pollution as well as waste;
Amendment    28 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  enhancing digital connectivity;	(i)  enhancing digital connectivity and access to high-speed internet particularly in rural areas with lower populations that are not as attractive to commercial operators;
Amendment    29 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  developing a sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent, secure and intermodal TEN-T;	(ii)  developing a sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent, secure and intermodal TEN-T, with a particular emphasis on creating an EU transport network that creates links between rural hubs rather than merely routes to capitals or large urban centres;
Amendement    30 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iv)  promoting sustainable multimodal urban mobility;	(iv)  promoting sustainable multimodal mobility in both urban and rural areas;
Amendment    31 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iva)  using digital technologies to meet the challenges faced by Europe's rural areas;
Amendment    32 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv ba (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ivb)  promoting rural mobility;
Amendment    33 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets and access to quality employment through developing social innovation and infrastructure;	(i)  enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets and access to quality employment and support for worker mobility through developing social innovation and infrastructure that encourages balanced territorial development across the whole EU, in particular for women in rural areas, paying specific attention to education, skills training and jobs in rural areas;
Amendment    34 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point i a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ia)  achieving a balanced territorial development of rural economies and communities including the creation and maintenance of employment;
Amendment    35 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point i b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ib)  helping the rural population gain access to valuable employment options;
Amendment    36 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  improving access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and life long learning through developing infrastructure;	(ii)  improving access to inclusive and quality services in education , preschool – in particular by strengthening the links between education and the economy and business – training and life long learning through developing infrastructure;
Amendement    37 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  increasing the socioeconomic integration of marginalised communities, migrants and disadvantaged groups, through integrated measures including housing and social services;	(iii)  increasing the socioeconomic integration of marginalised communities and disadvantaged groups, including those who work in isolated rural areas such as farmers and fishermen, through integrated measures including housing, education and social services;
Amendment    38 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iiia)  improving access to the system of care for the elderly, with emphasis on home care and the provision of such services outside institutional care frameworks;
Amendment    39 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iii b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iiib)  supporting migrants in rural areas, particularly seasonal workers who may struggle to integrate into rural communities;
Amendement    40 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iv
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iv)  ensuring equal access to health care through developing infrastructure, including primary care;	(iv)  promoting equal access to health care through developing infrastructure, including primary care and maternity care, particularly in peripheral rural areas;
Amendment    41 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e)  'a Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban, rural and coastal areas and local initiatives' ('PO 5') by:	(e)  'a Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban, rural, island and coastal areas, urban-rural partnerships and local initiatives' ('PO 5') by:
Amendement    42 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental local development, cultural heritage and security, including for rural and coastal areas also through community-led local development;	(ii)  fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental local development, cultural heritage and security, especially for rural, island and coastal areas also through community-led local development through the intermediary of local action groups;
Amendment    43 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point ii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iia)  addressing urban-rural linkages in response to challenges of functional areas in terms of employment and labour markets, interdependencies between different sectors, commuting patterns, demographic trends, cultural and natural heritage, climate change vulnerability, land use and resource management, institutional and governance arrangements, connectivity and accessibility.
Amendment    44 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point ii b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iib)  promoting the concept of ‘smart villages’ to reduce the development gap between urban and rural areas;
Amendment    45 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  Member States of group 1 shall allocate at least 85 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1 and PO 2, and at least 60 % to PO 1;	(a)  Member States of group 1 shall allocate at least 85 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1 and PO 2, and at least 65 % to PO 1;
Amendment    46 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  Member States of group 2 shall allocate at least 45 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 30 % to PO 2;	(b)  Member States of group 2 shall allocate at least 45 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 35% to PO 2;
Amendment    47 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  investments in infrastructure;	(a)  investments in infrastructure, with a focus on ICT infrastructure in rural areas;
Amendment    48 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  investments in access to services;	(b)  investments in access to services and skills with a particular focus on disadvantaged, marginalised and segregated communities;
Amendment    49 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point d a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(da)  Innovation and research
Amendment    50 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e)  information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experience and activities involving clusters;	(Does not affect the English version)
Amendment    51 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point e a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ea)  investments in innovation, including social innovation, and technology to promote rural development and ensure a promising future for EU rural areas;
Amendment    52 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point f a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(fa)  Low carbon economy.
Amendment    53 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  investments in the environment, including investments related to sustainable development and energy presenting environmental benefits;	(a)  investments in the environment, including investments related to sustainable development and energy, with a focus on strengthening energy cooperatives and decentralising electricity markets, presenting environmental benefits;
Amendment    54 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(aa)  reduction of economic and social disparities;
Amendment    55 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ca)  promoting sustainable development.
Amendment    56 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Member States shall ensure an appropriate balance between investments under points (a) and (b).	Member States shall ensure a balance between investments under points (a) and (b) that is fair in national terms, proportionate and appropriate.
Amendment    57 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  investment in broadband infrastructure in areas in which there are at least two broadband networks of equivalent category;	deleted
Amendment    58 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – title
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Sustainable urban development	Sustainable urban and rural development
Amendment    59 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The ERDF shall support integrated territorial development based on territorial strategies in accordance with Article [23] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR] focused on urban areas ('sustainable urban development') within programmes under both goals referred to in Article 4(2) of that Regulation.	1.  The ERDF shall support integrated territorial development based on territorial strategies in accordance with Article [23] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR] focused on urban and rural areas ('sustainable urban and rural development') within programmes under both goals referred to in Article 4(2) of that Regulation.
Amendment    60 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
At least 6% of the ERDF resources at national level under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, other than for technical assistance, shall be allocated to sustainable urban development in the form of community-led local development, integrated territorial investments or another territorial tool under PO5.	At least 6% of the ERDF resources at national level under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, other than for technical assistance, shall be allocated to sustainable urban and rural development in the form of community-led local development, integrated territorial investments or another territorial tool under PO5.
Amendment    61 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Outputs – RCO 22 and RCO 97
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
RCO 22 - Additional production capacity for renewable energy (of which: electricity, thermal)	RCO 22 - Additional production capacity for sustainable renewable energy (of which: electricity, thermal)
RCO 97 – Number of energy communities and renewable energy communities supported*	RCO 97 – Number of energy communities and renewable sustainable energy communities supported*
Amendment    62 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Results – RCR 31 and RCR 32
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
RCR 31 - Total renewable energy produced (of which: electricity, thermal)	RCR 31 - Total sustainable renewable energy produced (of which: electricity, thermal)
RCR 32 – Renewable energy: Capacity connected to the grid (operational)*	RCR 32 – Sustainable renewable energy: Capacity connected to the grid (operational)*
Amendment    63 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Results – RCR 51
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
RCR 51 - Population benefiting from measures for noise reduction	RCR 51 - Population benefiting from measures for air, water, soil, noise and light reduction
Amendment    64 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – Table 1 – Policy objective 2 – Outputs – RCO 39
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
RCO 39 - Systems for monitoring air pollution installed	RCO 39 - Systems for monitoring air, water, soil, noise and light pollution installed

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund
References	COM(2018)0372 – C8-0227/2018 – 2018/0197(COD)
Committee responsible        Date announced in plenary	REGI 11.6.2018
Opinion by        Date announced in plenary	AGRI 11.6.2018
Rapporteur        Date appointed	James Nicholson 10.7.2018
Date adopted	12.11.2018
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	30 4 3
Members present for the final vote	John Stuart Agnew, Clara Eugenia Aguilera García, Eric Andrieu, José Bové, Daniel Buda, Matt Carthy, Jacques Colombier, Michel Dantin, Paolo De Castro, Albert Deß, Diane Dodds, Herbert Dorfmann, Norbert Erdős, Luke Ming Flanagan, Karine Gloanec Maurin, Martin Häusling, Jan Huitema, Peter Jahr, Jarosław Kalinowski, Zbigniew Kuźmiuk, Norbert Lins, Philippe Loiseau, Giulia Moi, Ulrike Müller, Maria Noichl, Marijana Petir, Maria Lidia Senra Rodríguez, Czesław Adam Siekierski, Tibor Szanyi, Maria Gabriela Zoană, Marco Zullo
Substitutes present for the final vote	Franc Bogovič, Maria Heubuch, Anthea McIntyre, Momchil Nekov, Hilde Vautmans, Miguel Viegas, Thomas Waitz

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

30	+
ALDE	Jan Huitema, Ulrike Müller, Hilde Vautmans
ECR	Zbigniew Kuzmiuk, Anthea McIntyre
EFDD	Giulia Moi, Marco Zullo
ENF	Jacques Colombier, Philippe Loiseau
GUE/NGL	Matt Carthy, Luke Ming Flanagan
NI	Diane Dodds
PPE	Franc Bogovič, Daniel Buda, Michel Dantin, Herbert Dorfmann, Norbert Erdős, Peter Jahr, Jarosław Kalinowski, Norbert Lins, Marijana Petir, Czesław Adam Siekierski
S&D	Clara Eugenia Aguilera García, Eric Andrieu, Paolo De Castro, Karine Gloanec Maurin, Momchil Nekov, Maria Noichl, Tibor Szanyi, Maria Gabriela Zoană

4	-
EFDD	John Stuart Agnew
GUE/NGL	Maria Lidia Senra Rodríguez, Miguel Viegas
PPE	Albert Deß

3	0
VERTS/ALE	José Bové, Martin Häusling, Thomas Waitz

Key to symbols:

+  :  in favour

-  :  against

0  :  abstention

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

38	+
ALDE	Izaskun Bilbao Barandica, Gesine Meissner, Dominique Riquet, Matthijs van Miltenburg
ECR	Edward Czesak, Bolesław G. Piecha, Richard Sulík, Kosma Złotowski
GUE/NG	Tania González Peñas, Merja Kyllönen
PPE	Georges Bach, Heinz K. Becker, Andor Deli, Stefan Gehrold, Dieter-Lebrecht Koch, Innocenzo Leontini, Marian-Jean Marinescu, Renaud Muselier, Markus Pieper, Massimiliano Salini, Anders Sellström, Theodor Dumitru Stolojan, Henna Virkkunen, Luis de Grandes Pascual, Wim van de Camp
S&D	Francisco Assis, Isabella De Monte, Ismail Ertug, Maria Grapini, Miltiadis Kyrkos, Bogusław Liberadzki, Gabriele Preuß, Christine Revault d'Allonnes Bonnefoy, Claudia Țapardel, István Ujhelyi
VERTS/ALE	Michael Cramer, Karima Delli, Keith Taylor

4	-
ECR	Peter Lundgren
EFDD	Jill Seymour
ENF	Marie-Christine Arnautu, Georg Mayer

2	0
EFDD	Daniela Aiuto
S&D	Inés Ayala Sender

Key to symbols:

+  :  in favour

-  :  against

0  :  abstention

OPINION of the Committee on Culture and Education (16.11.2018)

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund
(COM(2018)0372 – C8‑0227/2018 – 2018/0197(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and on the Cohesion Fund COM(2018)0372 establishes the framework for ERDF and Cohesion Fund over the period from 2021-2027.

It provides for funding to be focused on a set of priorities and it draws up a list of thematic objectives consistent with those priorities and encourages integrated programming.

The aim of this opinion is to focus on the issues neglected by the proposal, such as creative industries, culture, youth and sport.

Lack of specific reference to culture in the legally binding regulations remains one of key obstacles in fostering cultural investments. Therefore, a more ambitious approach is needed, taking into account Article 167(4) TFEU stipulating that ‘the Union shall take cultural aspects into account in its action under other provisions of the Treaties’. The Rapporteur emphasizes that the full potential of culture and its role in supporting and fostering economic development, social inclusion and cohesion shall be recognized.

Unfortunately, the discussed proposal for a regulation refers to cultural heritage but disregards culture as a whole. It makes no reference to the contribution made by culture to local and regional development, despite its being closely linked with issues of education, social inclusion and innovation. The diverse contribution culture makes to education and learning through the development of competences and know-how, to economic development through the creative industries and the arts, and to social inclusion by countering the marginalisation of communities, justifies the inclusion of specific reference to culture in the thematic objective proposed schemes. Moreover, it is crucial to identify specific measures and to set aside resources for projects, such as incubators, digital infrastructure (broadband, for example), and intangible infrastructure for educational, cultural and research bodies, taking into account that culture-related projects, accounted for at least EUR 11 billion of cohesion policy expenditure for the programming periods 2007-2013 and 2014-2020.

Finally, when projects and their results are assessed a broader range of indicators shall be put into use in order to strengthen performance-focused and result-oriented approach. The Rapporteur therefore proposes the introduction of a new set of indicators on infrastructure projects on tourism, cultural and natural sites allowing to better capture the increase in visits to supported sites.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Culture and Education 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 5 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(5a)  The promotion of children’s rights as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is an explicit objective of Union policies (Article 3 of TEU). The EU and Member States should make appropriate use of the ERDF to support actions promoting effective interventions that contribute to the realisation of children’s rights.
Amendment    2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(8)  In an increasingly interconnected world and in view of the demographic and migration dynamics, it is clear that Union migration policy requires a common approach that relies on the synergies and complementarities of the different funding instruments. In order to ensure coherent, strong and consistent support for solidarity and responsibility-sharing efforts between Member States in managing migration, the ERDF should provide support to facilitate the long-term integration of migrants.	(8)  In an increasingly interconnected world and in view of the demographic and migration dynamics, it is clear that Union migration policy requires a common approach that relies on the synergies and complementarities of the different funding instruments. In order to ensure coherent, strong and consistent support for solidarity and responsibility-sharing efforts between Member States in managing migration, the ERDF should provide support to facilitate the long-term integration of migrants, irrespective of their residence status. Member States should ensure that local and regional authorities have access to ERDF resources to be made available to them to an adequate extent for the purpose of tackling migrant integration at local and regional level.
Amendment    3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(8a)  A just transition to a socially and environmentally sustainable economy should contribute to consolidate future-oriented development paths through better matching local and regional skills and strategies with decarbonisation commitments, and building capacities and support schemes to this end. Just transition processes are long-term, strongly depend on educational measures and commitments, and should be developed in a bottom-up approach and in cooperation with relevant public, economic and social partners as well as civil society bodies.
Amendment    4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(9)  In order to support the efforts of Member States and regions in facing new challenges and ensuring a high level of security for their citizens as well as the prevention of radicalisation, while relying on the synergies and complementarities with other Union policies, investments under the ERDF should contribute to security in areas where there is a need to ensure safe and secure public spaces and critical infrastructure, such as transport and energy.	(9)  In order to support the efforts of Member States and regions in facing new challenges and ensuring a high level of security for their citizens as well as inclusiveness for all citizens, involving a prevention policy to avoid marginalisation or radicalisation, while relying on the synergies and complementarities with other Union policies, such as culture, education, youth and sport, in particular with the Creative Europe (also through the seal of excellence), Erasmus and European Solidarity Corps investments under the ERDF should facilitate access to quality education, culture and grassroots sport by helping the authorities to upgrade their infrastructures and contribute to security in areas where there is a need to ensure safe and secure public spaces and critical infrastructure, such as transport and energy, as well as to the sustainability of cohesive societies, ensuring open cultural and public spaces;
Amendment    5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 17 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(17a)  The 2018 Open Method of Coordination (OMC) report from the working group of Member States’ experts on the public policies and the potential of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) stresses on the driving force of the CCIs in connecting culture and creativity with innovation, social cohesion, regional and entrepreneurial development. The large number of Regional Smart Specialization Strategies, including the one on Culture and Creativity, offers an opportunity to enhance the common work.
Amendment    6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 19
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(19)  This Regulation should set out the different types of activities the costs of which may be supported by means of investments from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, under their respective objectives as set out in the TFEU. The Cohesion Fund should be able to support investments in the environment and in TEN-T. With regard to the ERDF, the list of activities should be simplified and it should be able to support investments in infrastructure, investments in relation to access to services, productive investments in SME's, equipment, software and intangible assets, as well as measures with regard to information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experiences and activities involving clusters. In order to support the programme implementation, both funds should also be able to support technical assistance activities. Finally, in order to support provide for a broader range of interventions for Interreg programmes, the scope should be enlarged to also include the sharing a broad range of facilities and human resources and costs linked to measures within the scope of the ESF+.	(19)  This Regulation should set out the different types of activities the costs of which may be supported by means of investments from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, under their respective objectives as set out in the TFEU. The Cohesion Fund should be able to support investments in the environment and in TEN-T. With regard to the ERDF, the list of activities should be simplified and it should be able to support investments in infrastructure, investments in relation to access to services, with a particular focus on disadvantaged, marginalised and segregated communities, productive investments in SME's, including the cultural and creative industries, equipment, software and intangible assets, as well as measures with regard to information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experiences and activities involving clusters. In order to support the programme implementation, both funds should also be able to support technical assistance activities. Finally, in order to support provide for a broader range of interventions for Interreg programmes, the scope should be enlarged to also include the sharing a broad range of facilities and human resources and costs linked to measures within the scope of the ESF+.
Amendment    7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 22
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(22)  Member States should regularly transmit to the Commission information on the progress made using the common output and result indicators set out in Annex I. Common output and result indicators could be complemented, where necessary by programme-specific output and result indicators. The information provided by the Member States should be the basis on which the Commission should report on the progress towards the achievement of specific objectives over the whole programming period using for this purpose a core set of indicators set out in Annex II.	(22)  Member States should regularly transmit to the Commission information on the progress made using the common output and result indicators set out in Annex I. Common output and result indicators could be complemented, where necessary by programme-specific output and result indicators. The information provided by the Member States should be the basis on which the Commission should report on the progress towards the achievement of specific objectives over the whole programming period using for this purpose a core set of quantitative and qualitative indicators set out in Annex II.
Amendment    8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 23
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(23)  Pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the Inter-institutional agreement for Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016, there is a need to evaluate the Funds on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements, while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens, in particular on Member States. These requirements, where appropriate, can include measurable indicators, as a basis for evaluating the effects of the Funds on the ground.	(23)  Pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the Inter-institutional agreement for Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016, there is a need to evaluate the Funds on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements, while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens, in particular on Member States. These requirements, where appropriate, can include measurable quantitative and qualitative indicators, as a basis for evaluating the effects of the Funds on the ground.
Amendment    9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 25
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(25)  Within the framework of sustainable urban development, it is considered necessary to support integrated territorial development in order to more effectively tackle the economic, environmental, climate, demographic and social challenges affecting urban areas, including functional urban areas, while taking into account the need to promote urban-rural linkages. The principles for selecting the urban areas where integrated actions for sustainable urban development are to be implemented, and the indicative amounts for those actions, should be set out in the programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal with a minimum target of 6% of the ERDF resources allocated at national level for that purpose. It should also be established that this percentage should be respected throughout the programming period in the case of transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes, including at the mid-term review.	(25)  Within the framework of sustainable urban development, it is considered necessary to support integrated territorial development in order to more effectively tackle the economic, environmental, climate, cultural, demographic and social challenges affecting urban areas, including functional urban areas, while taking into account the need to promote urban-rural linkages and to reduce the digital divide. The principles for selecting the urban areas where integrated actions for sustainable urban development are to be implemented, and the indicative amounts for those actions, should be set out in the programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal with a minimum target of 6% of the ERDF resources allocated at national level for that purpose. It should also be established that this percentage should be respected throughout the programming period in the case of transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes, including at the mid-term review.
Amendment    10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 27 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(27a)  Culture, education, training, volunteering and sport are essential drivers in pursuing the objectives of a more cohesive, inclusive and innovative society.
Amendment    11 Proposal for a regulation Recital 29
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(29)  Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to reinforce economic, social and territorial cohesion by redressing the main regional imbalances in the Union, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of the extent of the disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions and the limit on the financial resources of the Member States and regions, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective,	(29)  Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to reinforce economic, social and territorial cohesion by redressing the main regional imbalances in the Union through citizens oriented approach aimed at supporting community led development and fostering active citizenship, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of the extent of the disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions and the limit on the financial resources of the Member States and regions, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective,
Amendment    12 Proposal for a regulation Recital 29 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29a)  Demographic change is one of the major challenges facing the Union and has widespread economic, social and environmental implications. It includes an ageing population, a decline in the number of young people, a lower birth rate, reduction of the active labour force and brain drain. In this respect, specific attention should be paid to those regions suffering from severe demographic crisis;
Amendment    13 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, companies and governments;	(ii)  reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, companies, governments and public institutions;
Amendment    14 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  enhancing growth and competitiveness of SMEs;	(iii)  enhancing creativity, growth and competitiveness of SMEs;
Amendment    15 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iv
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iv)  developing skills for smart specialisation, industrial transition and entrepreneurship;	(iv)  developing skills and training programmes, including blended learning, for smart specialisation, industrial transition and entrepreneurship;
Amendment    16 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets and access to quality employment through developing social innovation and infrastructure;	(i)  enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets and access to quality employment, particularly for young people, through developing social innovation and infrastructure;
Amendment    17 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  improving access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and life long learning through developing infrastructure;	(ii)  improving access to inclusive and quality services in formal, non-formal and informal education, early childhood care, training and lifelong learning, culture and sport through developing infrastructure and quality education and training programmes, including MOOCs and blended learning;
Amendment    18 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point ii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iia)  improving access to and participation in culture since cultural and creative engagement empowers the groups at risk of exclusion, such as economically disadvantaged, ageing, disabled people, and minority ethnic groups to become an active part of society;
Amendment    19 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  increasing the socioeconomic integration of marginalised communities, migrants and disadvantaged groups, through integrated measures including housing and social services;	(iii)  increasing the socioeconomic integration of marginalised communities, the unemployed, young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) and low-skilled,1a migrants and disadvantaged groups, through integrated measures including housing and social services, cultural and sport activities, local education, culture and sport infrastructure and lifelong learning;
	_________________
	a European Parliament report on a new skills agenda for Europe (A8-0276/2017)
Amendment    20 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental development, cultural heritage and security in urban areas;	(i)  fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental development, culture, cultural heritage, sport and provision of their infrastructure as well as security in urban areas; recalling that all the projects related to cultural heritage preservation, restoration, reuse and communication should take into consideration the recommendations on quality interventions on cultural heritage sites issued during the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018;
Amendment    21 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point i a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ia)  improving access to culture and fostering cultural and creative industries in order to contribute to the regeneration of rural and other off-centre areas and communities and to boost attractiveness in cities and regions
Amendment    22 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental local development, cultural heritage and security, including for rural and coastal areas also through community-led local development.	(ii)  fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental local development, culture, cultural heritage, sport and security, including for rural and coastal areas also through community-led local development; recalling that all the projects related to cultural heritage preservation, restoration, reuse and communication should take into consideration the recommendations on quality interventions on cultural heritage sites issued during the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018;
Amendment    23 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point ii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iia)  enhancing the preservation, promotion and dissemination of cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, in urban, rural and coastal areas;
Amendment    24 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point e a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ea)  training programmes, including on-the -job training, blended learning and MOOCs, lifelong learning and education activities, including no-formal and informal learning;
Amendment    25 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Investment into culture and tourism infrastructure shall be considered small scale and eligible for support, if the ERDF co-financing does not exceed EUR 10 000 000; that ceiling shall be raised to EUR 20 000 000 in the case of infrastructure considered to be world cultural heritage within the meaning of Article 1 of the 1972 UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
Amendment    26 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – table 1 – point 4 – column 2 – RCO 70 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO 70a – Capacity of supported cultural infrastructure
Amendment    27 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – table 1 – point 4 – column 2 – RCO 70 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO 70b – Capacity of supported sport infrastructure
Amendment    28 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – table 1 – point 5 – column 2 – RCO 77 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO 77a – Cultural projects
Amendment    29 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – table 1 – point 5 – column 2 – RCO 77 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCO 77b – Sports related projects
Amendment    30 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – table 1 – point 5 – column 3 – RCR 77 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR 77a - number of cultural infrastructure supported
Amendment    31 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – table 1 – point 5 – column 3 – RCR 77 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR 77b -number of tourism infrastructure supported
Amendment    32 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – table 1 – point 5 – column 3 – RCR 77 c (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR 77c - number of natural sites supported
Amendment    33 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – table 1 – point 5 – column 3 – RCR 77 d (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR 77d - increase in visits to supported cultural infrastructure
Amendment    34 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – table 1 – point 5 – column 3 – RCR 77 e (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR 77e - increase in visits to supported tourism infrastructure
Amendment    35 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – table 1 – point 5 – column 3 – RCR 77 f (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR 77f - increase in visits to supported natural sites
Amendment    36 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – table 1 – point 5 – column 3 – RCR 78 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR 78a – Participants and beneficiaries from cultural projects
Amendment    37 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – table 1 – point 5 – column 3 – RCR 78 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR 78b – Participants and beneficiaries from sports related projects
Amendment    38 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – table 2 – column 3 – RCR 86 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	RCR 86a – Projects contributing to the long term sustainable preservation of cultural heritage sites and following the quality control recommendations issued during the EYCH2018

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund
References	COM(2018)0372 – C8-0227/2018 – 2018/0197(COD)
Committee responsible        Date announced in plenary	REGI 11.6.2018
Opinion by        Date announced in plenary	CULT 11.6.2018
Rapporteur        Date appointed	Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski 1.6.2018
Date adopted	15.11.2018
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	23 1 2
Members present for the final vote	Isabella Adinolfi, Dominique Bilde, Andrea Bocskor, Nikolaos Chountis, Silvia Costa, Mircea Diaconu, Damian Drăghici, Angel Dzhambazki, Jill Evans, María Teresa Giménez Barbat, Petra Kammerevert, Svetoslav Hristov Malinov, Rupert Matthews, Luigi Morgano, Momchil Nekov, John Procter, Michaela Šojdrová, Yana Toom, Helga Trüpel, Sabine Verheyen, Julie Ward, Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski, Milan Zver
Substitutes present for the final vote	Santiago Fisas Ayxelà, Remo Sernagiotto
Substitutes under Rule 200(2) present for the final vote	Jarosław Wałęsa

OPINION of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (19.10.2018)

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund
(COM(2018)0372 – C8‑0227/2018 – 2018/0197(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Soraya Post

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The greatest challenge in the Union and in the world is poverty, which is a violation of human rights, since poverty deprives people of their access and enjoyment of all their other rights.

Acknowledging the detrimental effect of poverty, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development stated that ‘eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development’, and designated ‘ending poverty in all its forms everywhere’ as its first sustainable development goal (SDG).

Apart from poverty, the Union has been facing serious challenges concerning segregation, social exclusion and discrimination, all of which will continue to aggravate if we do not act rapidly both through our Union and member state policies and our funding programmes.

In order to effectively eradicate poverty and fight social exclusion and segregation, an integrated approach and the programming and implementation of multi-fund programmes are needed; therefore, it is vital to safeguard the compatibility and complementarity of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund with the ESF+ (with all its merged components), but also of other funds, such as the EAFRD, the Erasmus programme, etc. We have to make sure that the respective rules are simple, flexible, do not pose high administrative costs and that they are aligned.

On another note, even if often unconsciously and unintentionally, our national and Union programs and funds are discriminatory, since they do not take into account the challenges and the realities of the people living in the Union. Therefore, it is essential that infrastructure investments (including relating to the access to water, sewage and electricity), economic transformations, energy transitions, digital connectivity-related and transport investments, urban and rural developments, climate risk prevention measures should reach all the people living in the Union and its disadvantaged micro-regions and rural areas.

If we take the jointly set values in our Treaties seriously, and if we want to fulfil our commonly defined Union commitments and achieve the SDGs, we cannot allow having a Union budget, which is not safeguarding non-discrimination and equal opportunities.

If the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund are designed well, and if member states authorities fight corruption, they can change our presently grave European reality, they can contribute to the fulfillment of the potentials of all our citizens and residents, and they can help the long-term integration of those people, who have found their new homes in our European Union.

Therefore, your rapporteur’s main goal was to make the text of this proposal safeguard that the future – either mono- (fund-specific) or multi-fund – projects will be as inclusive and non-discriminatory as possible, and that they will enable better life prospects for everybody in the Union, thereby making ours a sustainable society.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home 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
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1)  Article 176 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ('TFEU') provides that the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF') is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union. Under that Article and the second and third paragraphs of Article 174 of the TFEU, the ERDF is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions, among which particular attention is to be paid to regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions.	(1)  Article 176 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ('TFEU') provides that the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF') is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union. Under that Article and the second and third paragraphs of Article 174 of the TFEU, the ERDF is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions, among which particular attention is to be paid to rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition and to regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions.
Amendment    2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(5)  Horizontal principles as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union ('TEU') and in Article 10 of the TFEU, including principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5 of the TEU, should be respected in the implementation of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, taking into account the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Member States should also respect the obligations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensure accessibility in line with its article 9 and in accordance with the Union law harmonising accessibility requirements for products and services. Member States and the Commission should aim at eliminating inequalities and at promoting equality between men and women and integrating the gender perspective, as well as at combating discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The Funds should not support actions that contribute to any form of segregation. The objectives of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should be pursued in the framework of sustainable development and the Union's promotion of the aim of preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment as set out in Articles 11 and 191(1) of the TFEU, taking into account the polluter pays principle. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, operations benefitting undertakings shall comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU.	(5)  Horizontal principles as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union ('TEU'), with a special focus on combating social exclusion and discrimination, and in Article 10 of the TFEU, including principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5 of the TEU, should be respected in the implementation of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, taking into account and fully respecting the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. Member States should also comply with the obligations set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in particular the obligation to ensure accessibility set out in its article 9, in accordance with the Union law harmonising accessibility requirements for products and services. The accessibility of persons with disabilities should be guaranteed in all infrastructure projects funded by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund with the exception of duly justified cases. Member States and the Commission should aim at eradicating poverty, at eliminating inequalities and at promoting equality between men and women and integrating the gender perspective, as well as at combating discrimination complying with Article 21 of the Charter that stipulates that any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation is prohibited.. The Funds should not support actions that contribute to any form of segregation. The objectives of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should be pursued in the framework of sustainable development and the Union's promotion of the aim of preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment as set out in Articles 11 and 191(1) of the TFEU, taking into account the polluter pays principle. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, operations benefitting undertakings shall comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU.
Amendment    3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(5 a)  The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should contribute to fulfilling the commitment of the Union and its Member States to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Amendment    4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(8)  In an increasingly interconnected world and in view of the demographic and migration dynamics, it is clear that Union migration policy requires a common approach that relies on the synergies and complementarities of the different funding instruments. In order to ensure coherent, strong and consistent support for solidarity and responsibility-sharing efforts between Member States in managing migration, the ERDF should provide support to facilitate the long-term integration of migrants.	(8)  In an increasingly interconnected world and in view of the demographic and migration dynamics, it is clear that Union migration policy requires a common approach that relies on the synergies and complementarities of the different funding instruments, such as the ESF+, ERDF, and the AMF. In order to ensure coherent, strong and consistent support for solidarity and efforts for the fair sharing of responsibilities between Member States in managing migration, the ERDF should provide support to facilitate the long-term integration and inclusion of third-country nationals.
Amendment    5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(9)  In order to support the efforts of Member States and regions in facing new challenges and ensuring a high level of security for their citizens as well as the prevention of radicalisation, while relying on the synergies and complementarities with other Union policies, investments under the ERDF should contribute to security in areas where there is a need to ensure safe and secure public spaces and critical infrastructure, such as transport and energy.	(9)  The ERDF should be used to prevent marginalisation and eradicate segregation, thereby contributing to the efforts of Member States and regions in ensuring a high level of cohesion, integration and inclusion in societies. Investments under the ERDF should also contribute to safety in areas where there is a need to ensure safe public spaces and critical infrastructure, such as transport and energy
Amendment    6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(9 a)  In order to effectively eradicate poverty and fight social exclusion and segregation, an integrated approach and the programming and implementation of multi-fund programmes are needed; therefore, the compatibility and complementarity of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund with the ESF+ and the EAFRD are vital.
Amendment    7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(10)  In addition, investments under the ERDF should contribute to the development of a comprehensive high-speed digital infrastructure network, and to promoting clean and sustainable multimodal urban mobility.	(10)  In addition, investments under the ERDF should contribute to the development of a comprehensive high-speed digital infrastructure network, and to promoting clean and sustainable multimodal urban mobility, including with urban-rural links.
Amendment    8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 25
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(25)  Within the framework of sustainable urban development, it is considered necessary to support integrated territorial development in order to more effectively tackle the economic, environmental, climate, demographic and social challenges affecting urban areas, including functional urban areas, while taking into account the need to promote urban-rural linkages. The principles for selecting the urban areas where integrated actions for sustainable urban development are to be implemented, and the indicative amounts for those actions, should be set out in the programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal with a minimum target of 6% of the ERDF resources allocated at national level for that purpose. It should also be established that this percentage should be respected throughout the programming period in the case of transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes, including at the mid-term review.	(25)  Within the framework of sustainable urban development, it is considered necessary to support integrated territorial development in order to more effectively tackle the economic, environmental, climate, demographic, social and geographic challenges affecting urban areas, including functional urban areas, while taking into account the need to promote urban-rural linkages and linkages to remote island regions. The principles for selecting the urban areas where integrated actions for sustainable urban development are to be implemented, and the indicative amounts for those actions, should be set out in the programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal with a minimum target of 6% of the ERDF resources allocated at national level for that purpose. It should also be established that this percentage should be respected throughout the programming period in the case of transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes, including at the mid-term review. The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should also address the specific challenges facing rural areas, such as population decline and ageing, aweak labour market, limited access to education and training, lack of healthcare facilities and social services, remoteness, isolation and risk of poverty and social exclusion.
Amendment    9 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  'a smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation' ('PO 1') by:	(a)  'a smarter Europe by promoting inclusive, innovative and smart economic transformation' ('PO 1') by:
Amendment    10 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  'a greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management ('PO 2') by:	(b)  'a greener, low-carbon Europe for all by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management ('PO 2') by:
Amendment    11 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point v
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(v)  promoting sustainable water management;	(v)  providing universal access to water and sewage, and promoting sustainable water management;
Amendment    12 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  'a more connected Europe by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity' ('PO 3') by:	(c)  'a more connected Europe for all by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity' ('PO 3') by:
Amendment    13 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  enhancing digital connectivity;	(i)  enhancing digital connectivity with a special focus on the most disadvantaged micro-regions, rural areas, and remote island regions;
Amendment    14 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  developing sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility;	(iii)  developing sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility covering all regions, including disadvantaged regions, regions with small cities and rural areas, as well as improved access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility;
Amendment    15 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iv a)  promoting urban-rural linkages, in particular efficient and sustainable mobility between urban and rural areas;
Amendment    16 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d)  'a more social Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights' ('PO 4') by:	(d)  'a non-discriminatory, inclusive and more social Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights, and eliminating poverty and social exclusion ' ('PO 4') by:
Amendment    17 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets and access to quality employment through developing social innovation and infrastructure;	(i)  enhancing the effectiveness and inclusiveness of labour markets and access to quality employment through developing social innovation and infrastructure;
Amendment    18 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  improving access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and life long learning through developing infrastructure;	(ii)  improving access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and life long learning through developing infrastructure in particular in rural areas;
Amendment    19 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  increasing the socioeconomic integration of marginalised communities, migrants and disadvantaged groups, through integrated measures including housing and social services;	(iii)  increasing the socioeconomic inclusion of marginalised communities, such as the Roma, and other disadvantaged groups through integrated measures including housing and social services;
Amendment    20 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iii a)  increasing the socioeconomic integration and inclusion of third-country nationals through integrated measures, including housing and social services;
Amendment    21 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d – point iv
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iv)  ensuring equal access to health care through developing infrastructure, including primary care;	(iv)  ensuring equal access to high-quality health care through developing infrastructure, including primary care, with special regard to rural areas and disadvantaged social groups, such as the Roma;
Amendment    22 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental development, cultural heritage and security in urban areas;	(i)  fostering the integrated and inclusive social, economic and environmental development, cultural heritage and social infrastructure in urban areas;
Amendment    23 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental local development, cultural heritage and security, including for rural and coastal areas also through community-led local development.	(ii)  fostering the integrated and inclusive social, economic and environmental local development, cultural heritage and social infrastructure, including for rural, coastal and remote island areas also through community-led local development.
Amendment    24 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  investments in access to services;	(b)  investments in access to services with a particular focus on disadvantaged, marginalised and segregated social groups;
Amendment    25 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The ERDF may support integrated territorial development within programmes under both goals referred to in Article 4(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR] in accordance with Chapter II of Title III of that Regulation[new CPR].	1.  The ERDF may support integrated territorial development within programmes under both goals referred to in Article 4(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR] in accordance with Chapter II of Title III of that Regulation [new CPR]. Integrated territorial development shall not be limited to urban areas but also encompass areas such as metropolitan areas, urban-rural, sub-regional or cross-border areas and isolated rural communities.
Amendment    26 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The ERDF shall support integrated territorial development based on territorial strategies in accordance with Article [23] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR] focused on urban areas ('sustainable urban development') within programmes under both goals referred to in Article 4(2) of that Regulation.	1.  The ERDF shall support integrated territorial development based on territorial strategies in accordance with Article [23] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR] focused on, but not limited to, urban areas ('sustainable urban development') within programmes under both goals referred to in Article 4(2) of that Regulation.
Amendment    27 Proposal for a regulation Annex 1 – table 1 – column 1 – point 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1)  A smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation	(1)  A smarter Europe by promoting inclusive innovative and smart economic transformation
Amendment    28 Proposal for a regulation Annex 1 – table 1 – column 1 – point 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2)  A greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management	(2)  A greener, low-carbon Europe for all by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management
Amendment    29 Proposal for a regulation Annex 1 – table 1 – column 1 – point 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3)  A more connected Europe by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity	(3)  A more connected Europe for all by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity
Amendment    30 Proposal for a regulation Annex 1 – table 1 – column 2 – RCO 65
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
RCO 65 - Capacity of rehabilitated housing - other	Capacity of rehabilitated housing – Roma
Amendment    31 Proposal for a regulation Annex 1 – table 1 – column 2 – RCO 65 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Capacity of rehabilitated housing – other
Amendment    32 Proposal for a regulation Annex 1 – table 1 – column 2 – RCO 69
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Capacity of supported health care infrastructure	Capacity of supported health care infrastructure -–Roma
Amendment    33 Proposal for a regulation Annex 1 – table 1 – column 2 – RCO 69 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Capacity of supported health care infrastructure – other
Amendment    34 Proposal for a regulation Annex 1 – table 1 – column 2 – RCO 70
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Capacity of supported social infrastructure (other than housing)	Capacity of supported social infrastructure (other than housing) – Roma
Amendment    35 Proposal for a regulation Annex 1 – table 1 – column 2 – RCO 70 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Capacity of supported social infrastructure (other than housing) – other
Amendment    36 Proposal for a regulation Annex 1 – table 1 – column 3 – RCR 68
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Occupancy of rehabilitated housing - other	Occupancy of rehabilitated housing – Roma
Amendment    37 Proposal for a regulation Annex 1 – table 1 – column 3 – RCR 68 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Occupancy of rehabilitated housing – other
Amendment    38 Proposal for a regulation Annex 1 – table 1 – column 3 – RCR 72
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
People with access to improved health care services	People with access to improved health care services – Roma
Amendment    39 Proposal for a regulation Annex 1 – table 1 – column 3 – RCR 72 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	People with access to improved health care services – other
Amendment    40 Proposal for a regulation Annex 1 – table 1 – column 3 – RCR 73
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Annual number of persons using the health care facilities supported	Annual number of persons using the health care facilities supported – Roma
Amendment    41 Proposal for a regulation Annex 1 – table 1 – column 3 – RCR 73 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Annual number of persons using the health care facilities supported – other
Amendment    42 Proposal for a regulation Annex 1 – table 1 – column 3 – RCR 74
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Annual number of persons using the social care facilities supported	Annual number of persons using the social care facilities supported – Roma
Amendment    43 Proposal for a regulation Annex 1 – table 1 – column 3 – RCR 74 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Annual number of persons using the social care facilities supported – other

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund
References	COM(2018)0372 – C8-0227/2018 – 2018/0197(COD)
Committee responsible        Date announced in plenary	REGI 11.6.2018
Opinion by        Date announced in plenary	LIBE 5.7.2018
Rapporteur        Date appointed	Soraya Post 9.7.2018
Discussed in committee	10.9.2018	18.10.2018
Date adopted	18.10.2018
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	36 6 1
Members present for the final vote	Asim Ademov, Heinz K. Becker, Monika Beňová, Malin Björk, Caterina Chinnici, Rachida Dati, Frank Engel, Tanja Fajon, Laura Ferrara, Romeo Franz, Kinga Gál, Nathalie Griesbeck, Sylvie Guillaume, Monika Hohlmeier, Filiz Hyusmenova, Dietmar Köster, Barbara Kudrycka, Cécile Kashetu Kyenge, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Péter Niedermüller, Ivari Padar, Soraya Post, Giancarlo Scottà, Birgit Sippel, Branislav Škripek, Csaba Sógor, Sergei Stanishev, Traian Ungureanu, Bodil Valero, Marie-Christine Vergiat, Josef Weidenholzer, Kristina Winberg, Tomáš Zdechovský, Auke Zijlstra
Substitutes present for the final vote	Lívia Járóka, Sylvia-Yvonne Kaufmann, Innocenzo Leontini, Ana Miranda, Angelika Mlinar, Maite Pagazaurtundúa Ruiz, Barbara Spinelli, Jaromír Štětina
Substitutes under Rule 200(2) present for the final vote	Ivan Štefanec

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

36	+
ALDE	Nathalie Griesbeck, Filiz Hyusmenova, Angelika Mlinar, Maite Pagazaurtundúa Ruiz
EFDD	Laura Ferrara
GUE/NGL	Malin Björk, Barbara Spinelli, Marie-Christine Vergiat
PPE	Asim Ademov, Heinz K. Becker, Rachida Dati, Frank Engel, Monika Hohlmeier, Lívia Járóka, Barbara Kudrycka, Innocenzo Leontini, Csaba Sógor, Ivan Štefanec, Traian Ungureanu
S&D	Monika Beňová, Caterina Chinnici, Tanja Fajon, Sylvie Guillaume, Sylvia-Yvonne Kaufmann, Dietmar Köster, Cécile Kashetu Kyenge, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Péter Niedermüller, Ivari Padar, Soraya Post, Birgit Sippel, Sergei Stanishev, Josef Weidenholzer
VERTS/ALE	Romeo Franz, Ana Miranda, Bodil Valero

6	-
ECR	Branislav Škripek, Kristina Winberg
ENF	Giancarlo Scottà, Auke Zijlstra
PPE	Kinga Gál, Jaromír Štětina

1	0
PPE	Tomáš Zdechovský

Key to symbols:

+  :  in favour

-  :  against

0  :  abstention

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

23	+
ALDE	Mircea Diaconu, María Teresa Giménez Barbat, Yana Toom
ECR	Angel Dzhambazki, Remo Sernagiotto
EFDD	Isabella Adinolfi
GUE/NGL	Nikolaos Chountis
PPE	Andrea Bocskor, Santiago Fisas Ayxelà, Svetoslav Hristov Malinov, Michaela Šojdrová, Sabine Verheyen, Jarosław Wałęsa, Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski, Milan Zver
S&D	Silvia Costa, Damian Drăghici, Petra Kammerevert, Luigi Morgano, Momchil Nekov, Julie Ward
VERTS/ALE	Jill Evans, Helga Trüpel

1	-
ENF	Dominique Bilde

2	0
ECR	Rupert Matthews, John Procter

Key to symbols:

+  :  in favour

-  :  against

0  :  abstention

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Title	European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund
References	COM(2018)0372 – C8-0227/2018 – 2018/0197(COD)
Date submitted to Parliament	30.5.2018
Committee responsible        Date announced in plenary	REGI 11.6.2018
Committees asked for opinions        Date announced in plenary	BUDG 11.6.2018	CONT 5.7.2018	EMPL 11.6.2018	ENVI 11.6.2018
	ITRE 11.6.2018	TRAN 11.6.2018	AGRI 11.6.2018	PECH 5.7.2018
	CULT 11.6.2018	LIBE 5.7.2018
Not delivering opinions        Date of decision	EMPL 14.6.2018	ITRE 21.11.2018	PECH 20.6.2018
Rapporteurs        Date appointed	Andrea Cozzolino 20.6.2018
Discussed in committee	20.6.2018	3.9.2018	15.10.2018	3.12.2018
Date adopted	14.2.2019
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	28 3 3
Members present for the final vote	Pascal Arimont, Franc Bogovič, Victor Boştinaru, Mercedes Bresso, Andrea Cozzolino, Rosa D’Amato, Tamás Deutsch, John Flack, Iratxe García Pérez, Krzysztof Hetman, Ivan Jakovčić, Sławomir Kłosowski, Constanze Krehl, Louis-Joseph Manscour, Martina Michels, Iskra Mihaylova, Andrey Novakov, Mirosław Piotrowski, Stanislav Polčák, Liliana Rodrigues, Fernando Ruas, Monika Smolková, Ruža Tomašić, Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso, Matthijs van Miltenburg, Lambert van Nistelrooij, Derek Vaughan
Substitutes present for the final vote	Martina Anderson, Raffaele Fitto, Elsi Katainen, Ivana Maletić, Bronis Ropė, Davor Škrlec, Maria Gabriela Zoană
Substitutes under Rule 200(2) present for the final vote	Anna Hedh
Date tabled	27.2.2019

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

28	+
ALDE	Ivan Jakovčić, Elsi Katainen, Iskra Mihaylova
ECR	John Flack, Sławomir Kłosowski, Mirosław Piotrowski, Ruža Tomašić
PPE	Pascal Arimont, Franc Bogovič, Tamás Deutsch, Krzysztof Hetman, Ivana Maletić, Lambert van Nistelrooij, Andrey Novakov, Stanislav Polčák, Fernando Ruas, Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso
S&D	Victor Boştinaru, Mercedes Bresso, Andrea Cozzolino, Iratxe García Pérez, Anna Hedh, Constanze Krehl, Louis-Joseph Manscour, Liliana Rodrigues, Monika Smolková, Derek Vaughan, Maria Gabriela Zoană

3	-
ALDE	Matthijs van Miltenburg
VERTS/ALE	Bronis Ropė, Davor Škrlec

3	0
EFDD	Rosa D'Amato
GUE/NGL	Martina Anderson, Martina Michels

Key to symbols:

+  :  in favour

-  :  against

0  :  abstention