REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme for the period 2017 to 2020 and amending Regulations (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 1305/2013

7.12.2016 - (COM(2015)0701 – C8‑0373/2015 – 2015/0263(COD)) - ***I

Committee on Regional Development
Rapporteurs: Lambert van Nistelrooij, Constanze Krehl
Rapporteur for the opinion (*):
Costas Mavrides, Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
(*) Associated committee – Rule 54 of the Rules of Procedure


Procedure : 2015/0263(COD)
Document stages in plenary
Document selected :  
A8-0374/2016

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme for the period 2017 to 2020 and amending Regulations (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 1305/2013

(COM(2015)0701 – C8‑0373/2015 – 2015/0263(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2015)0701),

–  having regard to Articles 294(2), 175 and 197(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C8‑0373/2015),

–  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 16 March 2016[1],

–  having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of 7 April 2016[2],

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

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Regional Development and the opinions of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the Committee on Fisheries and the Committee on Culture and Education (A8-0374/2016),

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

2.  Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

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

Amendment    1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(2a)  Article 174 TFEU requires the Union to develop and pursue its actions leading to the strengthening of its economic, social and territorial cohesion and, in particular, aim at reducing regional disparities.

Amendment    2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4)  Reforms are by their very nature complex processes that require a complete chain of highly-specialised knowledge and skills. Addressing structural reforms in a variety of public policy areas is challenging since their benefits often take time to materialise. Therefore, early and efficient design and implementation is crucial, be it for crisis-struck or structurally-weak economies. In this context, the provision of support by the Union in the form of technical assistance has been crucial in supporting the economic adjustment of Greece and Cyprus in the last years.

(4)  Reforms are by their very nature complex processes that require a complete chain of highly-specialised knowledge and skills, as well as multi-level cooperation and a long-term vision. Addressing structural reforms in a variety of public policy areas is challenging since their impact often take time to materialise. Therefore, timely and efficient design and implementation is crucial, be it for crisis-struck or structurally-weak economies. In this context, the provision of support by the Union in the form of technical assistance has been important in supporting the economic adjustment of Greece and Cyprus in the last years. Ownership of structural reforms on the ground is essential for the Structural Reform Support Programme (‘the Programme’) to be successful.

Amendment    3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5)  Member States may benefit from support in addressing challenges as regards the design and implementation of structural reforms. These challenges may be dependent on various factors, including limited administrative and institutional capacity or inadequate application and implementation of Union legislation.

(5)  Member States may benefit from support in addressing challenges as regards the design and implementation of growth-friendly structural reforms in line with the Union’s economic and social objectives, including support for economic growth, the creation of sustainable jobs, the promotion of sound investment and social development. These challenges may be dependent on various factors, such as limited administrative and institutional capacity or inadequate application and/ or delayed implementation of Union legislation designed to support smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Amendment    4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6)  The Union has a long-lasting experience on providing specific support to national administrations and other authorities of Member States as regards capacity building and similar actions in certain sectors (e.g. taxation, customs, support to small and medium-sized enterprises) and in relation to the implementation of cohesion policy. The experience gained by the Union in assisting national authorities carrying out reforms should be used in order to enhance the capacity of the Union to provide support to Member States. Comprehensive and integrated action is indeed necessary in order to provide support to those Member States that are undertaking growth-enhancing reforms and request assistance from the Union in this respect.

(6)  The Union has a long-lasting experience with concrete actions and existing funding on providing specific support to national administrations and other authorities of Member States as regards capacity building and similar actions in certain sectors (e.g. taxation, customs, support to small and medium-sized enterprises) and especially in relation to the implementation of cohesion policy. The experience gained by the Union in assisting national authorities carrying out reforms should be used in order to enhance the capacity of the Union to provide support to Member States. Comprehensive and integrated action exists and is indeed necessary in order to provide support to those Member States that are undertaking growth-enhancing reforms and request assistance from the Union in this respect.

Amendment    5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(6a)  The European Court of Auditors' Special Report (19/2015) entitled 'More attention to results needed to improve the delivery of technical assistance to Greece' includes useful recommendations with respect to the provision of technical assistance by the Commission to Member States which should be taken into account in the implementation of the support under the Programme.

Amendment    6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7)  Against this background, it is necessary to establish a Structural Reform Support Programme ('the Programme') with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth-enhancing administrative and structural reforms, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. The Programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery, job creation, boosting Europe's competitiveness and stimulating investment in the real economy.

(7)  Against this background, it is necessary to establish the Programme with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to design and implement growth-enhancing administrative and structural reforms and establish coherence with national and regional development strategies including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds in particular the European Structural and Investment Funds ('ESI Funds') and programmes. The Programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery, economic, social and territorial cohesion, job creation, guaranteeing a high level of social welfare and high-quality health and education services, combating poverty and social exclusion and boosting Europe's competitiveness and productivity and stimulating sustainable investment in the real economy.

Amendment    7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8)  Support under the Programme should be provided by the Commission upon request by a Member State, in areas such as budget and taxation, public function, institutional and administrative reforms, the justice system, anti-fraud, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering, business environment, private sector development, investment, competition, public procurement, privatization processes, access to finance, investment, trade, sustainable development, innovation, education and training, labour policies, public health, asylum, migration policies, agriculture and rural development and financial sector policies.

(8)  Support under the Programme should be provided by the Commission upon request by a Member State, in areas such as cohesion and urban policy, budget and taxation, public function, institutional and administrative reforms, territorial organisation, the justice system, anti-fraud, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering, measures to counteract tax evasion, business environment, private sector development, partnerships to attract investment, competition, public procurement, increasing public participation in enterprises and privatization processes, where appropriate, access to finance, investment, trade, sustainable development, innovation, strengthening of public education and training systems, labour policies, as well as of public health systems, asylum, migration policies, agriculture and rural development, fisheries and financial sector policies.

Amendment    8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9)  Member States should be able to request support from the Commission under the Programme in relation to the implementation of reforms in the context of economic governance processes, in particular of Country Specific Recommendations in the context of the European Semester, to actions related to the implementation of Union law, as well as in relation to the implementation of economic adjustment programmes. They should also be able to request support in relation to reforms undertaken at their own initiative, in order to achieve sustainable investment, growth and job creation.

(9)  Member States should be able to request support from the Commission under the Programme in relation to the design and implementation of reforms in the context of economic governance processes, in particular of relevant Country Specific Recommendations in the context of the European Semester, to actions related to the implementation of Union law, as well as in relation to the implementation of economic adjustment programmes. They should also be able to request support in relation to reforms undertaken at their own initiative, in order to achieve economic, social and territorial cohesion, sustainable investment, enhance growth, job creation and competitiveness. The Commission should provide guidance as to the main elements of the request for support.

Amendment    9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10)  Further to a dialogue with the requesting Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission should analyse the request, taking into account the principles of transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency, breadth and depth of the problems as identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged, analysis of socioeconomic indicators, and the general administrative capacity of the Member State. The Commission should also, in close cooperation with the Member State concerned, identify the priority areas, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support, taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes.

(10)  Further to a dialogue with the requesting Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission should analyse the request, taking into account the principles of subsidiarity, solidarity, transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency, breadth and depth and severity of the problems as identified, the justification for the reform sought, support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged, analysis of socioeconomic indicators, and the general administrative capacity of the Member State. The Member State concerned should be responsible for the application of the partnership principle. Based on this analysis and taking into account the existing actions and activities financed by Union funds or Union programmes, the Commission should reach an agreement with the Member State concerned on the priority areas, the objectives, an indicative timeline, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the estimated global financial contribution for such support, to be set out in a cooperation and support plan. The European Parliament should be fully informed as soon as a request for support under the Programme has been received and of the analysis undertaken by the Commission. The Commission should provide the cooperation and support plan to the European Parliament as soon as possible.

Amendment    10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(10a)  The Commission should be able, with the consent of the Member State wishing to receive support, to organise the provision of support in cooperation with international organisations, as defined in this Regulation.

Amendment    11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(10b)  The Member State wishing to receive support should be able, for a specific area or areas of support, to enter into a partnership with one or more Member States as Reform Partners to help formulate strategy, reform roadmaps, design high-quality assistance or oversee the implementation of strategy and projects. While the responsibility for the reforms lies with the Member State wishing to receive support, Reform Partners or other Member States providing support should be able to contribute to the successful implementation of the Programme. The European Parliament should be fully informed about the participation of a Reform Partner and its role in the cooperation and support plan.

Amendment    12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 11

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(11)  The Commission Communications ‘The EU Budget Review’13 and ‘A budget for Europe 2020’14 underline the importance of focusing funding on activities with clear European added value, i.e. where the Union intervention can bring additional value compared to action of Member States alone. Against this background, the support actions carried out under the Programme should ensure complementarity and synergy with other programmes and policies at national, Union and international level. The actions under the Programme should allow elaborating and implementing solutions that address national challenges which have impact on cross-border or Union-wide challenges and achieve a consistent and coherent implementation of Union law. In addition, they should contribute to further develop trust and promote cooperation with the Commission and among Member States. Moreover, the Union is in a better position than Member States to provide a platform for the provision and sharing of good practices from peers as well as to mobilise expertise.

(11)  The Commission Communications ‘The EU Budget Review’13 and ‘A budget for Europe 2020’14 underline the importance of focusing funding on actions and activities with clear European added value, i.e. where the Union intervention can bring additional value compared to action of Member States alone. Against this background, the support actions and activities carried out under the Programme should ensure complementarity and synergy with other programmes and policies at regional, national and Union levels, as set out in the Common Strategic Framework established under Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council, as well as the international level where appropriate. The actions and activities under the Programme should allow elaborating and implementing solutions that address national challenges which have impact on cross-border or Union-wide challenges and achieve a consistent and coherent implementation of Union law. In addition, they should contribute to further develop trust and promote cooperation with the Commission and among Member States. Moreover, the Union is in a position to provide a platform for the provision and sharing of good practices from peers as well as to mobilise expertise, so as to develop concrete solutions that are tailor-made to the specific situation in the requesting Member State.

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13 COM(2010)700 of 19 October 2010.

13 COM(2010)700 of 19 October 2010.

14 COM(2011)500 final of 29 June 2011.

14 COM(2011)500 final of 29 June 2011.

Amendment    13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(13a)  This Regulation lays down a financial envelope for the entire duration of the Programme which is to constitute the prime reference amount, within the meaning of Point 17 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management1a, for the European Parliament and the Council during the annual budgetary procedure. The financing of the Programme through the transfer of allocations from technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission should only be considered a one-off solution that should not constitute a precedent as regards the funding of future initiatives in this field. A possible legislative proposal for the prolongation of the Programme under the new Multiannual Financial Framework should include a separate new allocation that is earmarked specifically for the Programme.

 

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1a OJ C 373, 20.12.2013, p. 1.

Amendment    14

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 14

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(14)  Member States that request support should be able to contribute to the financial envelope of the Programme with additional funds. Currently, Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 limits the possibility of a transfer of resources dedicated to technical assistance at the initiative of a Member State to those Member States which face temporary budgetary difficulties. Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 should therefore be amended in order to allow all Member States to participate financially to the Programme. The resources transferred to the Union budget should be used for supporting actions contributing to smart, sustainable and inclusive growth or Fund-specific purposes in the Member States concerned.

(14)  Member States that request support should have the option to contribute to the financial envelope of the Programme with additional funds. Currently, Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 limits the possibility of a transfer of resources dedicated to technical assistance at the initiative of a Member State to those Member States which face temporary budgetary difficulties. Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 should therefore be amended in order to allow all Member States to participate financially to the Programme. The resources transferred to the Union budget should be used for supporting actions contributing to smart, sustainable and inclusive growth or Fund-specific purposes in the Member States concerned through improved effectiveness and efficiency and increased absorption of the Funds. Member States should decide voluntarily whether to allocate part of the resources to support structural reforms.

Amendment    15

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 15

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(15)  This Regulation should be implemented in compliance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council18 on the financial rules applicable to the annual budget of the European Union. The Commission should adopt multi-annual work programmes that set out the political objectives pursued, the expected results of the support and the funding priorities in the respective policy areas. Those elements should be further specified in annual work programmes adopted by implementing acts.

(15)  This Regulation should be implemented in compliance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council18 on the financial rules applicable to the annual budget of the European Union. The Commission should adopt multi-annual work programmes that set out the social, political and economic objectives pursued, the expected results of the support and the funding priorities in the respective policy areas. Those elements should be further specified in annual work programmes.

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18Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1).

18Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1).

Amendment    16

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 16

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(16)  Considering the importance of sustaining the efforts of Member States in pursuing and implementing structural, institutional and administrative reforms, it is necessary to allow a co-financing rate of 100% of the eligible costs in order to achieve the objectives of the Programme, whilst ensuring compliance with the principles of co-financing and no-profit.

(16)  Considering the importance of sustaining the efforts of Member States in pursuing and implementing structural, institutional and administrative reforms, it is necessary to allow a co-financing rate for grants of up to 100% of the eligible costs in order to achieve the objectives of the Programme, whilst ensuring compliance with the principles of co-financing and no-profit.

Amendment    17

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(17)  In the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring immediate response, such as a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a Member State going beyond its control, upon request of a Member State, the Commission should be able to adopt special measures, for a limited proportion of the annual work programme, in accordance with objectives and actions eligible under the Programme to support the national authorities in addressing the urgent needs.

(17)  In the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring immediate response, such as a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a Member State going beyond its control, upon request of a Member State wishing to receive support, the Commission should, urgently, be able to adopt special measures, for a limited proportion of the annual work programme and for a limited period of time of up to six months, in accordance with objectives and actions eligible under the Programme to support the national authorities in addressing the urgent needs. The European Parliament should be fully informed about the adoption of such special measures.

Amendment    18

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 18

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(18)  In order to ensure the efficient and coherent allocation of funds from the Union budget and the principle of sound financial management, actions under this Programme should complement and be additional to ongoing Union programmes, whilst avoiding double funding for the same expenditure. In particular, the Commission and the Member State concerned, in accordance with their respective responsibilities should ensure at Union and Member State levels, in all stages of the process, effective coordination in order to ensure consistency, complementarity and synergy between sources of funding supporting actions in the relevant Member States with close links to this Programme, specifically with measures being financed from the Union funds in the Member States.

(18)  In order to ensure the efficient, coherent and transparent use of funds from the Union budget and the principle of sound financial management, actions under this Programme should complement, be additional to and coordinated with ongoing Union programmes, without substituting them, whilst avoiding double funding for the same eligible cost. In particular, the Commission and the Member State concerned, in accordance with their respective responsibilities should ensure at Union and Member State levels, in all stages of the process, effective coordination in order to ensure consistency, complementarity and synergy between sources of funding supporting actions in the relevant Member States with close links to this Programme, specifically with measures being financed from the Union funds and Union programmes in the Member States, in particular the ESI Funds. It is of particular importance that the Commission ensures complementarity and synergies with support provided by relevant international organisations.

Amendment    19

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(19)  The financial interests of the Union should be protected through proportionate measures throughout the expenditure cycle, including the prevention, detection and investigation of irregularities, the recovery of funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, penalties.

(19)  The financial interests of the Union should be protected through proportionate measures throughout the expenditure cycle, including the prevention, detection and investigation of irregularities, the recovery of funds lost, unduly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, administrative and financial penalties in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.

Amendment    20

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 20

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(20)  To facilitate the evaluation of the Programme, a proper framework for monitoring the results achieved by the Programme should be put in place from the very beginning. A mid-term evaluation looking at the achievement of the objectives of the Programme, its efficiency and its added value at the European level should be carried out. A final evaluation should, in addition, deal with the long–term impact and the sustainability effects of the Programme. Those evaluations should be based on the indicators, measuring the effects of the Programme.

(20)  To facilitate the evaluation of the Programme, a proper, transparent framework for monitoring the implementation of actions and the results achieved by the Programme should be put in place from the very beginning. An annual monitoring report on the implementation of the Programme, including an analysis of the application of the criteria for assessing the request for support, an interim mid-term evaluation looking at the achievement of the objectives of the Programme, its efficiency and its added value at the European level and an assessment of the Programme under the next financial programming period, including its possible renewal and alternative sources of funding, should be carried out. An ex-post evaluation should, in addition, deal with the long–term impact and the sustainability effects of the Programme. Those evaluations should be based on the indicators defined in advance, measuring the effects of the Programme.

Amendment    21

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 21

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(21)  In order to adapt the list of indicators measuring the achievement of the objectives of the Programme, in the light of experience during the implementation of the Programme, the power to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the amendment of the list. It is of particular importance that the Commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council.

(21)  In order to adapt the list of indicators measuring the achievement of the objectives of the Programme, in the light of experience during the implementation of the Programme, and to supplement this Regulation, the power to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the amendment of the list and adoption of the multi-annual work programmes. It is of particular importance that the Commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, with different stakeholders, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.

Amendment    22

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 22

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(22)  In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation as regards the adoption of the multi-annual and annual work programmes, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission.

(22)  In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation as regards the adoption of the annual work programmes, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission, in accordance with Article 291 TFEU. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a. The advisory procedure should be used for the adoption of the annual work programmes.

 

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1a Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission's exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13).

Amendment    23

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 23

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(23)  Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to contribute to the institutional, administrative and structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions, governance, administration, economic and social sectors, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States alone, but can rather, by reason of their scale and effects, 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 Treaty on European Union. 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, since the scope of the support would be mutually agreed with the Member State concerned.

(23)  Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to contribute to the institutional, administrative and structural reforms decided in agreement with Member States by providing support to national authorities, as defined in this Regulation, for measures aimed at reforming institutions, governance structures or public administration, economic and social sectors, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States alone, but can rather, by reason of their scale and effects, 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 Treaty on European Union. 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, since the scope of the support would be mutually agreed with the Member State concerned.

Amendment    24

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply:

For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply:

1.  'Beneficiary Member State' means a Member State that receives support from the Union under this Programme;

1.  'Beneficiary Member State' means a Member State that requests and receives support from the Union under this Programme;

2.  'Union funds' means the European Structural and Investment funds referred to in Article 1 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, the Fund for the European Aid to the Most Deprived, established by Regulation (EU) No 223/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council19, the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund established by Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council20, the instrument for financial support for police cooperation, preventing and combating crime, and crisis management established as part of the Internal Security Fund, by Regulation (EU) No 513/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council21, and the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa established, as part of the Internal Security Fund, by Regulation (EU) 515/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council22.

2.  'Union funds' means the European Structural and Investment funds referred to in Article 1 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, the Fund for the European Aid to the Most Deprived, established by Regulation (EU) No 223/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council19, the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund established by Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council20, the instrument for financial support for police cooperation, preventing and combating crime, and crisis management established as part of the Internal Security Fund, by Regulation (EU) No 513/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council21, and the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa established, as part of the Internal Security Fund, by Regulation (EU) 515/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council22.

 

2a.  'National authority' means one or more national authorities, including authorities at regional and local levels, functioning in accordance with the Member State's institutional and legal framework and in accordance with the partnership principle as set out in the European code of conduct on partnership in the framework of the European Structural and Investment Funds22a.

 

2b.  'International organisation' means international public-sector organisation set up by an international agreement, as well as specialised agencies set up by such an organisation, within the meaning of point (c) (ii) of Article 58(1) of the Financial Regulation.

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19Regulation (EU) No 223/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014, on the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (OJ L 72, 12.3.2014, p. 1).

19Regulation (EU) No 223/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014, on the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (OJ L 72, 12.3.2014, p. 1).

20Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 establishing the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, amending Council Decision 2008/381/EC and repealing Decisions No 573/2007/EC and No 575/2007/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Decision 2007/435/EC (OJ L 150, 20.5.2014, p. 168).

20Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 establishing the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, amending Council Decision 2008/381/EC and repealing Decisions No 573/2007/EC and No 575/2007/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Decision 2007/435/EC (OJ L 150, 20.5.2014, p. 168).

21Regulation (EU) No 513/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 establishing, as part of the Internal Security Fund, the instrument for financial support for police cooperation, preventing and combating crime, and crisis management and repealing Council Decision 2007/125/JHA (OJ L 150, 20.5.2014, p. 93).

21Regulation (EU) No 513/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 establishing, as part of the Internal Security Fund, the instrument for financial support for police cooperation, preventing and combating crime, and crisis management and repealing Council Decision 2007/125/JHA (OJ L 150, 20.5.2014, p. 93).

22Regulation (EU) No 515/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 establishing, as part of the Internal Security Fund, the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa and repealing Decision No 574/2007/EC (OJ L 150, 20.5.2014, p. 143).

22Regulation (EU) No 515/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 establishing, as part of the Internal Security Fund, the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa and repealing Decision No 574/2007/EC (OJ L 150, 20.5.2014, p. 143).

 

22a Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No. 240/2014 of 7 January 2014 on the European code of conduct on partnership in the framework of the European Structural and Investment Funds (OJ L 74, 14.3.2014, p. 1).

Amendment    25

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The Programme shall finance actions with European added value. To that effect, the Commission shall ensure that actions selected for funding are likely to produce results with European added value and shall monitor whether European added value is actually achieved.

1.  The Programme shall finance actions and activities with European added value. To that effect, the Commission shall ensure that actions and activities selected for funding produce results which, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, have European added value and shall monitor whether European added value is actually achieved.

2.  Actions and activities of the Programme shall ensure European added value in particular through:

2.  Actions and activities of the Programme shall ensure European added value in particular through:

(a)  the development and implementation of solutions that address national challenges which have impact on cross-border or Union-wide challenges;

(a)  the development and implementation of solutions that address local, regional and national challenges which have impact on cross-border or Union-wide challenges, and that contribute to social, economic and territorial cohesion;

(b)  their complementarity and synergy with other Union programmes and policies at national, Union and international level;

(b)  their complementarity and synergy with other Union programmes and policies at regional, national and Union level as set out in the Common Strategic Framework established under Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, as well as at international level where appropriate;

(c)  their contribution to the consistent and coherent implementation of Union law;

(c)  their contribution to the consistent and coherent implementation of Union law and policies, as well as the promotion of European values, in particular solidarity and respect for fundamental rights;

(d)  their contribution to the sharing of good practices and to building a Union-wide platform and network of expertise;

(d)  their contribution to the sharing of good practices with a view to increasing the visibility of the Union’s reform programmes and to building a Union-wide platform and network of expertise;

(e)  the promotion of mutual trust between Beneficiary Member States and the Commission and cooperation among Member States.

(e)  the promotion of mutual trust between Beneficiary Member States and the Commission and cooperation among Member States.

Amendment    26

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The general objective of the Programme shall be to contribute to institutional, administrative and structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions, governance, administration, economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness, growth, jobs, and investment, in particular in the context of economic governance processes, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds.

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

Amendment    27

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  To achieve the general objective set out in Article 4, the Programme shall have the following specific objectives:

1.  To achieve the general objective set out in Article 4, the Programme shall have the following specific objectives that shall be pursued in close cooperation with beneficiary Member States:

(a)  to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design their reforms according to priorities, taking into account initial conditions and expected socio-economic impacts;

(a)  to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design and implement their reforms according to their priorities, taking into account initial conditions and expected socio-economic and territorial impacts, as well as the need to contribute to the objective of the Union strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth;

(b)  to support the national authorities to enhance their capacity to formulate, develop and implement reform policies and strategies and pursue an integrated approach ensuring consistency between goals and means across sectors;

(b)  to support the national authorities to enhance their capacity to plan and formulate, develop and implement reform policies and strategies and pursue an integrated approach ensuring consistency between priorities at national and where appropriate regional level goals and means across sectors;

(c)  to support the efforts of national authorities to define and implement appropriate processes and methodologies by taking into account good practices and lessons learned by other countries in addressing similar situations;

(c)  to support the efforts of national authorities to define and implement appropriate processes and methodologies by taking into account best practices and lessons learned by other countries in addressing similar situations;

(d)  to assist the national authorities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of human resources management, where appropriate, through definition of clear responsibilities and increase of professional knowledge and skills. These objectives shall be pursued in close cooperation with Beneficiary Member States.

(d)  to assist the national authorities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of human resources management, by strengthening professional knowledge and skills, as well as of social dialogue.

 

(da)  to assist national authorities as well as economic and social partners to improve their administrative and operational capacities to implement Union Funds, in particular the ESI Funds.

2.  The specific objectives set out in paragraph 1 shall refer to policy areas related to competitiveness, growth, jobs and investment, in particular to the following:

2.  The specific objectives set out in paragraph 1 shall refer to policy areas related to economic, social and territorial cohesion, competitiveness, innovation, smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth, jobs and investment, in particular to the following:

(a)  public financial management, budget process, debt management and revenue administration;

(a)  public financial management, budget process, debt management and revenue administration;

(b)  institutional reform and efficient and service-oriented functioning of public administration, effective rule of law, reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti-fraud, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering;

(b)  institutional reform and efficient and service-oriented functioning of public administration, including through simplification of rules, effective rule of law, reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti-fraud, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering;

(c)  business environment, private sector development, investment, privatization processes, trade and foreign direct investment, competition and public procurement, sustainable sectoral development and support for innovation;

(c)  business environment, re-industrialisation, private sector development, financial and administrative assistance to SMEs, investment, increasing public participation in enterprises and privatization processes, where appropriate, trade and foreign direct investment, competition and public procurement, sustainable sectoral development and support for innovation and digitalisation;

(d)  education and training, labour market policies, social inclusion, social security and social welfare systems, public health and healthcare systems, asylum, migration and borders policies;

(d)  cohesion, education and training, labour market policies for the creation of jobs, fight against poverty and promotion of social inclusion, social security and social welfare systems, public health and healthcare systems, asylum, migration and borders policies;

(e)  policies for the agricultural sector and the sustainable development of rural areas;

(e)  policies for implementing climate action and promoting energy efficiency, achieving energy diversification, as well as for the agricultural sector, fisheries and the sustainable development of rural areas;

(f)  financial sector policies and access to finance.

(f)  financial sector policies, including the promotion of financial literacy, financial stability, access to finance and lending to the real economy; the production, provision and quality monitoring of data and statistics; and policies aiming at combating tax evasion.

Amendment    28

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

With a view to pursuing the objectives set out in Articles 4 and 5, the Programme may finance in particular the following types of action:

With a view to pursuing the objectives set out in Articles 4 and 5 and achieving tailor-made solutions, the Programme may finance in particular the following types of action:

(a)  expertise related to policy advice, policy change, and legislative, institutional, structural and administrative reforms;

(a)  expertise related to policy advice, policy change, formulation of strategies and reform roadmaps, as well as to legislative, institutional, structural and administrative reforms at national, regional and local level where appropriate;

(b)  the provision of expert(s) (including resident experts), for a short or long period, to perform tasks in specific domains or to carry out operational activities, where necessary with interpretation, translation and cooperation support, administrative assistance and infrastructure and equipment facilities;

(b)  the provision of expert(s) (including resident experts), for a short or long period, to perform tasks in specific domains or to carry out operational activities, where necessary with interpretation, translation and cooperation support, administrative assistance and infrastructure and equipment facilities;

(c)  institutional, administrative or sectoral capacity building and related supporting actions, notably:

(c)  institutional, administrative or sectoral capacity building and related supporting actions including empowering civil society, as well as reforms at all governance levels notably:

(i)  seminars, conferences and workshops;

(i)  seminars, conferences and workshops;

(ii)  working visits to relevant Member States or a third country to enable officials to acquire or increase their expertise or knowledge in relevant matters;

(ii)  working visits to relevant Member States or a third country to enable officials to acquire or increase their expertise or knowledge in relevant matters;

(iii)  training actions and the development of online or other training modules to support the necessary professional skills and knowledge relating to the relevant reforms;

(iii)  training actions and the development of online or other training modules to support the necessary professional skills and knowledge relating to the relevant reforms;

(d)  collection of data and statistics; development of common methodologies and, where appropriate, indicators or benchmarks;

(d)  collection of data and statistics; development of common methodologies and, where appropriate, indicators or benchmarks;

(e)  organisation of local operational support in areas such as asylum, migration, border control;

(e)  organisation of local operational support in areas such as asylum, migration, border control;

(f)  IT capacity building: development, maintenance, operation and quality control of the IT infrastructure and applications needed to implement the relevant reforms;

(f)  IT capacity building for the development, maintenance, operation and quality control of the IT infrastructure and applications needed to implement the relevant reforms, and programmes geared towards the digitalisation of public services;

(g)  studies, researches, analyses and surveys; evaluations and impact assessments; elaboration and publication of guides, reports and educational material;

(g)  studies, researches, analyses and surveys; evaluations and impact assessments; elaboration and publication of guides, reports and educational material;

(h)  communication projects: learning, cooperation, awareness raising, dissemination activities, and exchange of good practices; organisation of awareness-raising and information campaigns, media campaigns and events, including corporate communication;

(h)  communication projects in the context of the reforms proposed for learning, cooperation, awareness raising, dissemination activities, and exchange of good practices; organisation of awareness-raising and information campaigns, media campaigns and events, including corporate communication and communication through social networks, where appropriate;

(i)  compilation and publication of materials to disseminate information as well as results of the Programme: development, operation and maintenance of systems and tools using information and communication technologies;

(i)  compilation and publication of materials to disseminate information as well as results of the Programme, including through the development, operation and maintenance of systems and tools using information and communication technologies;

(j)  any other activity in support of the general and specific objectives set out in Articles 4 and 5.

(j)  any other relevant activity in support of the general and specific objectives set out in Articles 4 and 5.

Amendment    29

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  A Member State wishing to receive support under the Programme shall submit a request for support to the Commission, identifying the policy areas and the priorities for support within the scope of the Programme as set out in Article 5(2). This request shall be submitted at the latest by 31 October of each calendar year.

1.  A Member State wishing to receive support under the Programme shall submit a request for support to the Commission, identifying the policy areas and the priorities for support within the scope of the Programme as set out in Article 5(2). This request shall be submitted at the latest by 31 October of each calendar year. The Commission shall provide guidance as to the main elements included in the request for support to be submitted by the Member State.

2.  Taking into account the principles of transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management, further to a dialogue with the Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency, breadth and depth of the problems identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned, analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the Member State. Taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes, the Commission in close cooperation with the Member State concerned shall identify the priority areas for support, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support.

2.  Taking into account the principles of subsidiarity, solidarity, transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management, further to a dialogue with the Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency, breadth and depth of the problems identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged, analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the Member State. Based on this analysis and taking into account the existing actions and activities financed by Union funds or other Union programmes, the Commission and the Member State concerned shall agree on the priority areas for support, the objectives, an indicative timeline, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the estimated global financial contribution for such support in a cooperation and support plan.

 

2a.  The Commission shall keep the European Parliament fully informed as soon as a request for support has been received under the Programme and on the analysis undertaken by the Commission. The Commission shall also provide the cooperation and support plan to the European Parliament as soon as possible.

3.  The request for support may be submitted regarding the following:

3.  The request for support may be submitted regarding the following:

(a)  the implementation of reforms in the context of economic governance processes, in particular of the relevant Country Specific Recommendations issued in the context of the European semester or of relevant actions related to the implementation of Union law;

(a)  the implementation of reforms by Member States, undertaken at their own initiative, in particular to achieve sustainable economic growth and job creation;

(b)  the implementation of economic adjustment programmes for Member States that receive Union financial assistance under existing instruments, in particular in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 472/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council23 for the euro area Member States and Council Regulation (EC) No 332/200224 for non-euro area Member States;

(b)  the implementation of economic adjustment programmes for Member States that receive Union financial assistance under existing instruments, in particular in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 472/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council23 for the euro area Member States and Council Regulation (EC) No 332/200224 for non-euro area Member States;

(c)  the implementation of reforms by Member States, undertaken at their own initiative, notably to achieve sustainable investment, growth and job creation.

(c)  the implementation of sustainable reforms in the context of economic governance processes, in particular of the relevant Country Specific Recommendations issued in the context of the European semester or of relevant actions related to the implementation of Union law.

________________

________________

23 Regulation (EU) No 472/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on the strengthening of economic and budgetary surveillance of Member States in the euro area experiencing or threatened with serious difficulties with respect to their financial stability (OJ L 140, 27.5.2013, p. 1).

23 Regulation (EU) No 472/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on the strengthening of economic and budgetary surveillance of Member States in the euro area experiencing or threatened with serious difficulties with respect to their financial stability (OJ L 140, 27.5.2013, p. 1).

24 Council Regulation (EC) No 332/2002 of 18 February 2002 establishing a facility providing medium-term financial assistance for Member States' balances of payments (OJ L 53, 23.2.2002, p. 1).

24 Council Regulation (EC) No 332/2002 of 18 February 2002 establishing a facility providing medium-term financial assistance for Member States' balances of payments (OJ L 53, 23.2.2002, p. 1).

(In paragraph 3, points (a) and (c) in the Commission text have become points (c) and (a) respectively in Parliament’s amendment. And both are also amended.)

Amendment    30

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Organisation of support

Organisation of support and Reform Partners

1.  The Commission may define the support envisaged for Beneficiary Member States in cooperation with other Member States or international organisations.

1.  The Commission may, with the consent of the Beneficiary Member State, organise the support in cooperation with other Member States or international organisations.

2.  The Beneficiary Member State, in coordination with the Commission, may enter into partnership with one or more other Member States which shall act as Reform Partners in respect of specific areas of reform. A Reform Partner shall, in coordination with the Commission, help formulate strategy, reform roadmaps, design high-quality assistance or oversee implementation of strategy and projects.

2.  The Beneficiary Member State, in coordination with the Commission, may enter into partnership with one or more other Member States which shall act as Reform Partners in respect of specific areas of reform. A Reform Partner shall, in coordination with the Commission and on the basis of a mutual understanding with the Beneficiary Member State and the Commission, help formulate strategy, reform roadmaps, design high-quality assistance or oversee implementation of strategy and projects. The Commission shall keep the European Parliament fully informed about the participation of a Reform Partner and its role in the cooperation and support plan.

Amendment    31

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme shall be up to EUR 142 800 000.

1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme shall be EUR 142 800 000 in current prices.

2.  The financial allocation of the Programme may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities which are required for the management of the Programme and the achievement of its objectives, in particular studies, meetings of experts, information and communication actions, including corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union, as far as they are related to the general objectives of this Regulation, expenses linked to IT networks focusing on information processing and exchange, together with all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the Commission for the management of the Programme.

2.  The financial allocation of the Programme may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities which are required for the management of the Programme and the achievement of its objectives, in particular studies, meetings of experts, information and communication actions, as far as they are related to the general objectives of this Regulation, expenses linked to IT networks focusing on information processing and exchange, together with all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the Commission for the management of the Programme.

3.  The budgetary authority shall authorise the available annual appropriations within the limits of the Multiannual Financial Framework established by Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013.

3.  The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the European Parliament and the Council within the limits of the multiannual financial framework.

Amendment     32

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  In addition to the financial envelope set out in Article 9, the Programme may be financed through additional contributions from Member States.

1.  In addition to the financial envelope set out in Article 9, the Programme may be financed through additional voluntary contributions from Member States.

Amendment    33

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The Commission shall implement the Programme in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.

1.  The Commission shall implement the Programme in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.

2.  The measures of the Programme may be implemented either directly by the Commission or indirectly, by entities and persons other than Member States in accordance with Article 60 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012. In particular, Union financial support for actions provided for in Article 6 of this Regulation shall take the form of:

2.  The measures of the Programme may be implemented either directly by the Commission or indirectly, by entities and persons other than Member States in accordance with Article 60 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012. In particular, Union financial support for actions provided for in Article 6 of this Regulation shall take the form of:

(d)  grants (including grants to the Member States' national authorities);

(d)  grants (including grants to the Member States' national authorities);

(e)  public procurement contracts;

(e)  public procurement contracts;

(f)  reimbursement of costs incurred by external experts;

(f)  reimbursement of costs incurred by external experts, including experts of either the national, regional or local authorities of Member States providing support;

(g)  contributions to trust funds;

(g)  contributions to trust funds set up by international organisations; and;

(h)  actions carried out in indirect management.

(h)  actions carried out in indirect management.

3.  Grants may be awarded to Member States' national authorities, the European Investment Bank group, international organisations, public and/or private bodies and entities legally established in any of the following:

3.  Grants may be awarded to Member States' national authorities, the European Investment Bank group, international organisations, public and/or private bodies and entities legally established in any of the following:

(a)  Member States;

(a)  Member States;

(b)  European Free Trade Agreement countries which are party to the European Economic Area Agreement, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the EEA Agreement.

(b)  European Free Trade Agreement countries which are party to the European Economic Area Agreement, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the EEA Agreement.

The co-financing rate for grants shall be up to 100 % of the eligible costs, without prejudice to the principles of co-financing and no-profit.

The co-financing rate for grants shall be up to 100 % of the eligible costs, without prejudice to the principles of co-financing and no-profit.

4.  Support may also be provided by individual experts who may be invited to contribute to selected activities organised under the Programme wherever that is necessary for the achievement of the specific objectives set out in Articles 5.

4.  Support may also be provided by individual experts who may be invited to contribute to selected activities organised under the Programme wherever that is necessary for the achievement of the specific objectives set out in Article 5.

5.  In order to implement the Programme, the Commission shall adopt, by way of implementing acts, multi-annual work programmes. Multi-annual work programmes shall set out the policy objectives pursued through the envisaged support and the expected results, as well as funding priorities in the relevant policy areas. The multi-annual work programmes shall be further specified in annual work programmes, adopted by way of implementing acts, identifying the measures needed for their implementation, together with all the elements required by Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.

5.  The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 16 in order to supplement this Regulation by establishing multi-annual work programmes. Multi-annual work programmes shall set out the policy objectives pursued through the envisaged support and the expected results, as well as funding priorities in the relevant policy areas. The multi-annual work programmes shall be further specified in annual work programmes, adopted by way of implementing acts, identifying the measures needed for their implementation, together with all the elements required by Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.

6.  To ensure timely availability of resources, the annual work programme may indicate that in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring an immediate response, including a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a Member State going beyond its control, the Commission may, on request by a Member State, adopt special measures in accordance with the objectives and actions defined in this Regulation to support the national authorities in addressing urgent needs. Such special measures may account only for a limited proportion of the annual work programme and shall not be subject to the conditions set out in Article 7.

6.  To ensure timely availability of resources, the annual work programme may indicate that in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring an immediate response, including a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a Member State going beyond its control, the Commission may, on request by a Member State wishing to receive support, adopt urgent special measures, initially not included in the annual work programme, in accordance with the objectives and actions defined in this Regulation to support the national authorities in addressing urgent needs. Such special measures are interim in nature, may account only for a limited proportion of the annual work programme and shall not be subject to the conditions set out in Article 7. The special measures shall end within six months and may be replaced by support in accordance with the conditions set out in Article 7.

 

The Commission shall keep the European Parliament fully informed as to the special measures adopted on the basis of this Article.

Amendment    34

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Commission and the Beneficiary Member States, within their respective responsibilities, shall foster synergies and ensure effective coordination between the Programme and other Union programmes and instruments, and in particular with measures financed by the Union funds. To this end, they shall:

The Commission and the Beneficiary Member States, within their respective responsibilities, shall foster synergies and ensure effective coordination between the Programme and other Union programmes and instruments, and in particular with measures financed by the Union funds. To this end, they shall:

(a)  ensure complementarity and synergy between different instruments at Union and national levels, in particular in relation to measures financed by Union funds, both in the planning phase and during implementation;

(a)  ensure complementarity and synergy between different instruments at Union, national and regional levels, in particular in relation to measures financed by Union funds, both in the planning phase and during implementation, in particular in relation to the ESI Funds;

(b)  optimise mechanisms for coordination to avoid duplication of effort;

(b)  optimise mechanisms for coordination to avoid duplication of effort and cost;

(c)  ensure close cooperation between those responsible for implementation at Union and national level to deliver coherent and streamlined support actions.

(c)  ensure close cooperation between those responsible for implementation at Union, national and regional level to deliver coherent and streamlined support actions.

The relevant multi-annual and annual work programmes may serve as the coordination framework, where support is envisaged in any of the areas referred to in Article 5(2).

The relevant multi-annual and annual work programmes may serve as the coordination framework, where support is envisaged in any of the areas referred to in Article 5(2).

 

The Commission shall ensure complementarity and synergies with support provided by relevant international organisations.

Amendment    35

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The Commission shall take appropriate measures ensuring that, when actions financed under this Regulation are implemented, the financial interests of the Union are protected by the application of preventive measures against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities, by effective checks and, if irregularities are detected, by the recovery of the amounts wrongly paid and, where appropriate, by effective, proportionate and deterrent penalties.

1.  The Commission shall take appropriate measures ensuring that, when actions financed under this Regulation are implemented, the financial interests of the Union are protected by the application of preventive measures against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities, by effective checks and, if irregularities are detected, by the recovery of the amounts unduly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, by effective, proportionate, administrative and financial penalties in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.

Amendment    36

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The Commission shall monitor the implementation of the actions financed by the Programme and measure the achievement of the specific objectives referred to in Article 5(1) in accordance with indicators set out in the Annex.

1.  The Commission shall monitor the implementation of the actions financed by the Programme and measure the achievement of the general objective in Article 4 and the specific objectives referred to in Article 5(1) in accordance with indicators set out in the Annex.

The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 16 concerning amendments to the list of indicators set out in the Annex.

The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 16 concerning amendments to the list of indicators set out in the Annex.

2.  The Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with an interim evaluation report, by mid of 2019, at the latest, and an ex-post evaluation report by end of December 2021.

2.  The Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with an annual monitoring report on the implementation of the Programme, including an analysis of the application of the criteria referred to in Article 7(2) for assessing the requests for support submitted by Member States, an interim evaluation report, by mid of 2019, at the latest, and an ex-post evaluation report by end of December 2021.

3.  The interim evaluation report shall include information on the achievement of the Programme's objectives, the efficiency of the use of resources and the Programme’s European added value and assessment on whether funding in areas covered by the Programme needs to be adapted or extended after 2020. It shall also address the continued relevance of all objectives and actions. The ex-post evaluation report shall include information on the longer-term impact of the Programme.

3.  The interim evaluation report shall include information on the achievement of the Programme's objectives, the efficiency of the use of resources and the Programme’s European added value and assessment on whether funding in areas covered by the Programme needs to be adapted, suspended or re-established under the next financial framework with a dedicated financial envelope. It shall also address the continued relevance of all objectives and actions. The ex-post evaluation report shall assess the Programme as a whole and include information on its longer-term impact.

Amendment    37

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article.

1.  The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article.

2.  The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of four years from 1 January 2017.

2.  The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 12(5) and the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of four years from 1 January 2017.

3.  The delegation of power referred to in the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect on the day following publication in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

3.  The delegation of power referred to in Article 12(5) and the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect on the day following publication in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

 

3a.  Before adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making.

4.  As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council.

4.  As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council.

5.  A delegated act adopted pursuant to the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of the notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

5.  A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 12(5) and the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of the notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

Amendment    38

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – point 3

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013

Article 91 – paragraph 3

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.  0,35% of the global resources after the deduction of the support to the CEF referred to in Article 92(6), and to the aid for the most deprived referred to in Article 92(7) shall be allocated to technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission, of which up to EUR 112 233 000 shall be allocated to the Structural Reform Support Programme for use within the scope and purpose of that Programme.

3.  0,35% of the global resources after the deduction of the support to the CEF referred to in Article 92(6), and to the aid for the most deprived referred to in Article 92(7) shall be allocated to technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission, of which up to EUR 112 233 000 in current prices shall be allocated to the Structural Reform Support Programme for use within the scope and purpose of that Programme

Amendment    39

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18

Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013

Article 51 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 the EAFRD may use up to 0,25 % of its annual allocation to finance the tasks referred to in Article 58 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, including the costs for setting up and operating the European network for rural development referred to in Article 52 of this Regulation and the EIP network referred to in Article 53 of this Regulation at the Commission's initiative and/or on its behalf, of which up to EUR 30 567 000 shall be allocated to the Structural Reform Support Programme for use within the scope and purpose of that Programme.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 the EAFRD may use up to 0,25 % of its annual allocation to finance the tasks referred to in Article 58 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, including the costs for setting up and operating the European network for rural development referred to in Article 52 of this Regulation and the EIP network referred to in Article 53 of this Regulation at the Commission's initiative and/or on its behalf, of which up to EUR 30 567 000 in current prices shall be allocated to the Structural Reform Support Programme for use within the scope and purpose of that Programme.

  • [1] OJ C 177 of 18.5.2016, p. 47.
  • [2]  Not yet published in the Official Journal.

OPINION of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (*) (23.11.2016)

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme for the period 2017 to 2020 and amending Regulations (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 1305/2013
(COM(2015)0701 – C8‑0373/2015 – 2015/0263(COD))

Rapporteur (*): Costas Mavrides

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

AMENDMENTS

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

Amendment    1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3)  Several Member States have been undergoing and continue to undergo adjustment processes to correct macroeconomic imbalances accumulated in the past and many are facing the challenge of low potential growth. The Union has identified the implementation of structural reforms among its policy priorities to set the recovery on a sustainable path, unlock the growth potential to strengthen the adjustment capacity, and support the process of convergence.

(3)  Several Member States have been undergoing and continue to undergo adjustment processes to correct macroeconomic imbalances accumulated in the past and many are facing the challenge of low potential growth and high unemployment. The Union has identified the need for the implementation of growth-friendly structural reforms, among its policy priorities to create the conditions to achieve a sustainable growth path, unlock the growth potential to strengthen the adjustment capacity, and support the process of convergence and an increase in investment.

Amendment    2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4)  Reforms are by their very nature complex processes that require a complete chain of highly-specialised knowledge and skills. Addressing structural reforms in a variety of public policy areas is challenging since their benefits often take time to materialise. Therefore, early and efficient design and implementation is crucial, be it for crisis-struck or structurally-weak economies. In this context, the provision of support by the Union in the form of technical assistance has been crucial in supporting the economic adjustment of Greece and Cyprus in the last years.

(4)  Reforms are by their very nature complex processes that require a complete chain of highly-specialised knowledge and skills as well as a long-term vision. The implementation of sustainable structural reforms in a variety of public policy areas is challenging since their benefits often take time and a continued commitment to materialise, and therefore measures need to be taken to discourage policy-making with a short-term perspective. In particular, early and efficient design and implementation is crucial, including for crisis-struck or structurally-weak economies. In this context, the provision of support by the Union in the form of technical assistance has been crucial in supporting the economic adjustment of Greece and Cyprus in the last years, and can serve as a useful precedent for a s programme to support structural reform. Ownership of structural reforms and political will in the Members States, including local and regional authorities, where appropriate, and the social partners, is essential for such a programme to be successful.

Amendment    3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5)  Member States may benefit from support in addressing challenges as regards the design and implementation of structural reforms. These challenges may be dependent on various factors, including limited administrative and institutional capacity or inadequate application and implementation of Union legislation.

(5)  Member States may benefit from support in addressing challenges as regards the design and implementation of growth-friendly structural reforms. These challenges may be dependent on various factors, including the inadequate design of reforms, limited administrative and institutional capacity or inadequate application and implementation of Union legislation.

Amendment     4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6)  The Union has a long-lasting experience on providing specific support to national administrations and other authorities of Member States as regards capacity building and similar actions in certain sectors (e.g. taxation, customs, support to small and medium-sized enterprises) and in relation to the implementation of cohesion policy. The experience gained by the Union in assisting national authorities carrying out reforms should be used in order to enhance the capacity of the Union to provide support to Member States. Comprehensive and integrated action is indeed necessary in order to provide support to those Member States that are undertaking growth-enhancing reforms and request assistance from the Union in this respect.

(6)  The Union has a long-lasting experience with the provision of specific support to national administrations and other authorities of Member States as regards capacity building and similar actions in certain sectors (e.g. taxation, customs, support to small and medium-sized enterprises) and in relation to the implementation of cohesion policy. The policy experience and capacity of the Union institutions should serve as a basis for providing comprehensive and integrated action in supporting those Member States that are undertaking growth-enhancing reforms and request assistance from the Union in this respect. Consequently, an integrated and cross-sectorial approach should be adopted, in order to ensure coherence of the policy landscape.

Amendment     5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(6a)  The European Court of Auditors' Special Report (19/2015) entitled 'More attention to results needed to improve the delivery of technical assistance to Greece' includes useful recommendations with respect to the provision of technical assistance by the Commission to Member States which should be taken into account in the implementation of the support under the Structural Reform Support Programme.

Amendment     6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(6b)  Efforts for growth-enhancing structural reforms should be continued with determination in order to ensure the effectiveness of such reforms and to build on the progress made.

Amendment    7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7)  Against this background, it is necessary to establish a Structural Reform Support Programme ('the Programme') with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth-enhancing administrative and structural reforms, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. The Programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery, job creation, boosting Europe's competitiveness and stimulating investment in the real economy.

(7)  Against this background, it is necessary to establish a Structural Reform Support Programme (‘the Programme’) with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to design and implement growth-enhancing administrative and structural reforms, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. The Programme constitutes significant additional support for better and faster implementation of reforms intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining convergence, economic recovery, job creation, boosting Europe’s cohesion, competitiveness and productivity and stimulating investment in the real economy.

Amendment    8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8)  Support under the Programme should be provided by the Commission upon request by a Member State, in areas such as budget and taxation, public function, institutional and administrative reforms, the justice system, anti-fraud, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering, business environment, private sector development, investment, competition, public procurement, privatization processes, access to finance, investment, trade, sustainable development, innovation, education and training, labour policies, public health, asylum, migration policies, agriculture and rural development and financial sector policies.

(8)  Support under the Programme should be provided by the Commission upon request by a Member State, in areas such as budget and taxation, public function, institutional and administrative reforms, the justice system, anti-fraud, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering, business environment, private sector development, investment, competition, public procurement, public participation in enterprises, access to finance, investment, trade, sustainable development, innovation, education and training, labour policies, public health, asylum, migration policies, agriculture and rural development and financial sector policies.

Amendment    9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9)  Member States should be able to request support from the Commission under the Programme in relation to the implementation of reforms in the context of economic governance processes, in particular of Country Specific Recommendations in the context of the European Semester, to actions related to the implementation of Union law, as well as in relation to the implementation of economic adjustment programmes. They should also be able to request support in relation to reforms undertaken at their own initiative, in order to achieve sustainable investment, growth and job creation.

(9)  Member States should be able to request support from the Commission under the Programme in relation to the design and implementation of reforms in the context of economic governance processes, in particular to improve the implementation of Country Specific Recommendations in the context of the European Semester, to actions related to the appropriate implementation of Union law, as well as in relation to the implementation of economic adjustment programmes. They should also be able to request support in relation to reforms undertaken at their own initiative, in order to achieve sustainable investment, enhance growth and job creation, competitiveness, and territorial cohesion.

Amendment    10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10)  Further to a dialogue with the requesting Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission should analyse the request, taking into account the principles of transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency, breadth and depth of the problems as identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged, analysis of socioeconomic indicators, and the general administrative capacity of the Member State. The Commission should also, in close cooperation with the Member State concerned, identify the priority areas, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support, taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes.

(10)  Further to a dialogue with the requesting Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission should analyse the request, taking into account the principles of transparency, subsidiarity, equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency, breadth and depth of the problems as identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged, analysis of socioeconomic indicators, and the general administrative capacity of the Member State. The Commission should also, in close cooperation with the Member State concerned, identify the priority actions for effective support, the type and the scope of the support measures, to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support, taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes.

Amendment     11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(10a)  The Commission should be able, with the consent of the Member State wishing to receive support, to organise the provision of support in cooperation with international organisations or other Member States that may agree to act as reform partners. The Member State wishing to receive support should be able, for a specific area of support, to enter into a partnership with one or more Member States as reform partners to help formulate strategy, reform roadmaps, design assistance or oversee the implementation of strategy and projects. While the responsibility for the delivery of the reforms lies with the Member State wishing to receive support, reform partners or other Member States providing support should be able to contribute to the successful implementation of the Programme.

Amendment    12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 11

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(11)  The Commission Communications ‘The EU Budget Review’1 and ‘A budget for Europe 2020’2 underline the importance of focusing funding on activities with clear European added value, i.e. where the Union intervention can bring additional value compared to action of Member States alone. Against this background, the support actions carried out under the Programme should ensure complementarity and synergy with other programmes and policies at national, Union and international level. The actions under the Programme should allow elaborating and implementing solutions that address national challenges which have impact on cross-border or Union-wide challenges and achieve a consistent and coherent implementation of Union law. In addition, they should contribute to further develop trust and promote cooperation with the Commission and among Member States. Moreover, the Union is in a better position than Member States to provide a platform for the provision and sharing of good practices from peers as well as to mobilise expertise.

(11)  The Commission Communications ‘The EU Budget Review’1 and ‘A budget for Europe 2020’2 underline the importance of focusing funding on activities with clear European added value, i.e. where the Union intervention can bring additional value compared to action of Member States alone. Against this background, the support actions carried out under the Programme should ensure complementarity and synergy with other programmes and policies at national, Union and international level. The actions under the Programme should allow elaborating and implementing solutions that address national challenges which have impact on cross-border or Union-wide challenges and achieve a consistent and coherent implementation of Union law. In addition, they should contribute to further develop trust of citizens in the European project and promote cooperation with the Commission and among Member States. Moreover, the Union is in a better position than Member States to provide a platform for the provision and sharing of good practices from peers as well as to mobilise expertise, so that proposals are able to be tailored to the specific situation in the requesting Member States.

__________________

__________________

1COM(2010)700 of 19 October 2010.

1COM(2010)700 of 19 October 2010.

2COM(2011)500 final of 29 June 2011.

2COM(2011)500 final of 29 June 2011.

Amendment     13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 23

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(23)  Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to contribute to the institutional, administrative and structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions, governance, administration, economic and social sectors, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States alone, but can rather, by reason of their scale and effects, 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 Treaty on European Union. 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, since the scope of the support would be mutually agreed with the Member State concerned.

(23)  Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to contribute to the institutional, administrative and structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions, the territorial governance structure at national, regional and local level, administration, economic and social sectors, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States alone, but can rather, by reason of their scale and effects, 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 Treaty on European Union. 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, since the scope of the support would be mutually agreed with the Member State concerned.

Amendment     14

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – title

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Definitions

Definitions and principles

Amendment     15

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply:

For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions and principles shall apply:

Amendment     16

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  'Beneficiary Member State' means a Member State that receives support from the Union under this Programme;

1.  'Beneficiary Member State' means a Member State that requests and receives support from the Union under this Programme;

Amendment     17

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a)  the development and implementation of solutions that address national challenges which have impact on cross-border or Union-wide challenges;

(a)  the development and implementation of solutions that address national challenges which have arise from or impact on cross-border or Union-wide challenges, and that contribute to social and economic cohesion;

Amendment     18

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c)  their contribution to the consistent and coherent implementation of Union law;

(c)  their contribution to the consistent and coherent implementation of Union law and policies;

Amendment    19

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The general objective of the Programme shall be to contribute to institutional, administrative and structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions, governance, administration, economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness, growth, jobs, and investment, in particular in the context of economic governance processes, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds.

The general objective of the Programme shall be to contribute to institutional, administrative and growth friendly structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national and, where applicable, regional and local authorities for measures aimed at reforming and strengthening or establishing institutions, governance, administration in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing cohesion, competitiveness, productivity, sustainable growth, quality job creation, and investment, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds.

Amendment    20

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  To achieve the general objective set out in Article 4, the Programme shall have the following specific objectives:

1.  To achieve the general objective set out in Article 4, the Programme shall have the following specific objectives that shall be pursued in close cooperation with beneficiary Member States:

Amendment    21

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a)  to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design their reforms according to priorities, taking into account initial conditions and expected socio-economic impacts;

(a)  to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design and implement their sustainable reforms according to priorities and the principle of subsidiarity, taking into account initial conditions and expected socio-economic impacts

Amendment     22

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)  to support the national authorities to enhance their capacity to formulate, develop and implement reform policies and strategies and pursue an integrated approach ensuring consistency between goals and means across sectors;

(b)  to support the national authorities to enhance their capacity to plan and formulate, develop and implement reform policies and strategies and pursue an integrated approach ensuring consistency between goals and means across sectors;

Amendment     23

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c)  to support the efforts of national authorities to define and implement appropriate processes and methodologies by taking into account good practices and lessons learned by other countries in addressing similar situations;

(c)  to support national authorities to design and implement appropriate processes and methodologies by taking into account good practices and lessons learned by other countries in addressing similar situations;

Amendment    24

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point d

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d)  to assist the national authorities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of human resources management, where appropriate, through definition of clear responsibilities and increase of professional knowledge and skills.

(d)  to assist the national authorities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of social dialogue, human resources management, where appropriate, through definition of clear responsibilities and increase of professional knowledge and skills.

Amendment    25

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

These objectives shall be pursued in close cooperation with Beneficiary Member States

deleted

Amendment    26

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The specific objectives set out in paragraph 1 shall refer to policy areas related to competitiveness, growth, jobs and investment, in particular to the following:

2.  The specific objectives set out in paragraph 1 shall refer to policy areas related to cohesion, competitiveness, innovation, sustainable growth, jobs and investment, in particular to the following:

Amendment    27

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)  institutional reform and efficient and service-oriented functioning of public administration, effective rule of law, reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti-fraud, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering;

(b)  institutional reform and efficient and service-oriented functioning of public administration, effective rule of law, including the correct application of Union law and policies, reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti-fraud, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering;

Amendment    28

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c)  business environment, private sector development, investment, privatization processes, trade and foreign direct investment, competition and public procurement, sustainable sectoral development and support for innovation;

(c)  business environment, private sector development, investment, public participation in enterprises, trade and foreign direct investment, competition and public procurement, sustainable sectoral development and support for innovation;

Amendment     29

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(e)  policies for the agricultural sector and the sustainable development of rural areas;

(e)  policies for implementing climate action, promoting energy efficiency, achieving energy diversification and ending energy isolation of Member States and regions, as well as for the agricultural sector and the sustainable development of rural areas;

Amendment     30

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point f

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(f)  financial sector policies and access to finance.

(f)  financial sector policies, including the promotion of financial literacy, financial stability, access to finance and lending to the real economy; the production, provision and quality monitoring of data and statistics; and policies aiming at combating tax evasion.

Amendment     31

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  A Member State wishing to receive support under the Programme shall submit a request for support to the Commission, identifying the policy areas and the priorities for support within the scope of the Programme as set out in Article 5(2). This request shall be submitted at the latest by 31 October of each calendar year.

1.  A Member State wishing to receive technical support under the Programme shall submit a request for technical support to the Commission, identifying the policy areas and the priorities for support within the scope of the Programme as set out in Article 5(2). This request shall be submitted at the latest by 31 October of each calendar year.

Amendment    32

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  Taking into account the principles of transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management, further to a dialogue with the Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency, breadth and depth of the problems identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned, analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the Member State. Taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes, the Commission in close cooperation with the Member State concerned shall identify the priority areas for support, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support.

2.  Taking into account the principles of transparency, equal treatment, subsidiarity, respect for social partners and sound financial management, further to a dialogue with the Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency, breadth and depth of the problems identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned, analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the Member State. Taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes, in particular European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) and EFSI, the Commission in close cooperation with the Member State concerned shall identify the priority actions for effective support, the particular objectives for that Member State based on Article 5 of this Regulation, a timeline, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the estimated global financial contribution for such support.

Amendment    33

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.   The request for support may be submitted regarding the following:

3.   The request for support may be submitted regarding the following:

(a)  the implementation of reforms in the context of economic governance processes, in particular of the relevant Country Specific Recommendations issued in the context of the European Semester or of relevant actions related to the implementation of Union law;

(a)  the implementation of sustainable reforms by Member States, undertaken at their own initiative, notably to achieve economic growth, job creation.

(b)   the implementation of economic adjustment programmes for Member States that receive Union financial assistance under existing instruments, in particular in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 472/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council23 for the euro area Member States and Council Regulation (EC) No 332/200224 for non-euro area Member States;

(b)   the implementation of economic adjustment programmes for Member States that receive Union financial assistance under existing instruments, in particular in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 472/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council23 for the euro area Member States and Council Regulation (EC) No 332/200224 for non-euro area Member States;

(c)  the implementation of reforms by Member States, undertaken at their own initiative, notably to achieve sustainable investment, growth and job creation.

(c)  the implementation of sustainable reforms in the context of economic governance processes, in particular of the relevant Country Specific Recommendations issued in the context of the European Semester or of relevant actions related to the implementation of Union law;

_____________

________________

23 Regulation (EU) No 472/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on the strengthening of economic and budgetary surveillance of Member States in the euro area experiencing or threatened with serious difficulties with respect to their financial stability (OJ L 140, 27.5.2013, p. 1).

23 Regulation (EU) No 472/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on the strengthening of economic and budgetary surveillance of Member States in the euro area experiencing or threatened with serious difficulties with respect to their financial stability (OJ L 140, 27.5.2013, p. 1).

24 Council Regulation (EC) No 332/2002 of 18 February 2002 establishing a facility providing medium-term financial assistance for Member States' balances of payments (OJ L 53, 23.2.2002, p. 1).

24 Council Regulation (EC) No 332/2002 of 18 February 2002 establishing a facility providing medium-term financial assistance for Member States' balances of payments (OJ L 53, 23.2.2002, p. 1).

(Points (a) and (c) in the Commission text have become points (c) and (a) respectively in Parliament’s amendment. And both are also amended.)

Amendment     34

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – title

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Organisation of support

Organisation of technical support

Amendment     35

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The Commission may define the support envisaged for Beneficiary Member States in cooperation with other Member States or international organisations.

1.  The Commission may define the technical support envisaged for Beneficiary Member States in cooperation with other Member States or international organisations.

Amendment     36

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The Beneficiary Member State, in coordination with the Commission, may enter into partnership with one or more other Member States which shall act as Reform Partners in respect of specific areas of reform. A Reform Partner shall, in coordination with the Commission, help formulate strategy, reform roadmaps, design high-quality assistance or oversee implementation of strategy and projects.

2.  The Beneficiary Member State, in cooperation with the Commission, may enter into partnership with one or more other Member States which shall act as Reform Partners in respect of specific areas of reform. A Reform Partner shall, in cooperation with the Commission, help formulate strategy, reform roadmaps, design high-quality assistance or oversee implementation of strategy and projects.

Amendment     37

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  In addition to the financial envelope set out in Article 9, the Programme may be financed through additional contributions from Member States.

1.  In addition to the financial envelope set out in Article 9, the Programme may be financed through additional voluntary contributions from Member States.

Amendment    38

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with an interim evaluation report, by mid of 2019, at the latest, and an ex-post evaluation report by end of December 2021.

2.   The Commission shall report annually to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of the programme and shall provide an ex-post evaluation report by end of December 2021. The annual report shall include information on the achievement of the Programme's objectives, a justification on any decision to grant or to refuse support to Member States, the efficiency of the use of resources, the Programme’s European added value and an assessment on whether funding in areas covered by the Programme needs to be adapted or extended after 2020. It shall also address the continued relevance of all objectives and actions. The ex-post evaluation report shall include information on the longer-term impact of the Programme.

Amendment    39

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.  The interim evaluation report shall include information on the achievement of the Programme's objectives, the efficiency of the use of resources and the Programme’s European added value and assessment on whether funding in areas covered by the Programme needs to be adapted or extended after 2020. It shall also address the continued relevance of all objectives and actions. The ex-post evaluation report shall include information on the longer-term impact of the Programme.

deleted

Amendment     40

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – paragraph 1 – point i a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(ia)  the number of objectives in the support plan that have been reached by the beneficiary Member State

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title

Establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme for the period 2017 to 2020

References

COM(2015)0701 – C8-0373/2015 – 2015/0263(COD)

Committee responsible

       Date announced in plenary

REGI

2.12.2015

 

 

 

Opinion by

       Date announced in plenary

ECON

2.12.2015

Associated committees - date announced in plenary

12.5.2016

Rapporteur

       Date appointed

Costas Mavrides

12.5.2016

Discussed in committee

13.7.2016

10.10.2016

 

 

Date adopted

10.11.2016

 

 

 

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

40

8

1

Members present for the final vote

Pervenche Berès, Udo Bullmann, Fabio De Masi, Anneliese Dodds, Markus Ferber, Sven Giegold, Neena Gill, Roberto Gualtieri, Danuta Maria Hübner, Barbara Kappel, Alain Lamassoure, Sander Loones, Bernd Lucke, Olle Ludvigsson, Ivana Maletić, Costas Mavrides, Bernard Monot, Luděk Niedermayer, Stanisław Ożóg, Dimitrios Papadimoulis, Pirkko Ruohonen-Lerner, Alfred Sant, Molly Scott Cato, Pedro Silva Pereira, Peter Simon, Renato Soru, Theodor Dumitru Stolojan, Paul Tang, Michael Theurer, Ernest Urtasun, Marco Valli, Tom Vandenkendelaere, Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, Jakob von Weizsäcker, Pablo Zalba Bidegain, Marco Zanni

Substitutes present for the final vote

Ashley Fox, Doru-Claudian Frunzulică, Ildikó Gáll-Pelcz, Sophia in ‘t Veld, Ramón Jáuregui Atondo, Verónica Lope Fontagné, Eva Paunova, Romana Tomc

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

Andrea Bocskor, Franc Bogovič, Hans-Olaf Henkel, Sandra Kalniete, Agnieszka Kozłowska-Rajewicz

OPINION of the Committee on Budgets (10.11.2016)

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme for the period 2017 to 2020 and amending Regulations (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 1305/2013
(COM(2015)0701 – C8‑0373/2015 – 2015/0263(COD))

Rapporteur: 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 7

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7)  Against this background, it is necessary to establish a Structural Reform Support Programme ('the Programme') with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth-enhancing administrative and structural reforms, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. The Programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery, job creation, boosting Europe's competitiveness and stimulating investment in the real economy.

(7)  Against this background, it is necessary to establish a Structural Reform Support Programme ('the Programme') with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth-enhancing administrative and structural reforms, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. The Programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery, job creation, boosting Europe's competitiveness and stimulating sustainable investment in the real economy.

Amendment    2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10)  Further to a dialogue with the requesting Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission should analyse the request, taking into account the principles of transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency, breadth and depth of the problems as identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged, analysis of socioeconomic indicators, and the general administrative capacity of the Member State. The Commission should also, in close cooperation with the Member State concerned, identify the priority areas, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support, taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes.

(10)  Further to a dialogue with the requesting Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission should analyse the request, taking into account the principles of transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency, breadth and depth of the problems as identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged, analysis of socioeconomic indicators, and the general administrative capacity of the Member State. The Commission should also, in close cooperation with the Member State concerned, identify the priority areas, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support, taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes. The Commission should further enrich the pool of available external experts who could be dispatched in an ad hoc way to work on supporting projects in Member States.

Amendment    3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 11

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(11)  The Commission Communications ‘The EU Budget Review’13 and ‘A budget for Europe 2020’14 underline the importance of focusing funding on activities with clear European added value, i.e. where the Union intervention can bring additional value compared to action of Member States alone. Against this background, the support actions carried out under the Programme should ensure complementarity and synergy with other programmes and policies at national, Union and international level. The actions under the Programme should allow elaborating and implementing solutions that address national challenges which have impact on cross-border or Union-wide challenges and achieve a consistent and coherent implementation of Union law. In addition, they should contribute to further develop trust and promote cooperation with the Commission and among Member States. Moreover, the Union is in a better position than Member States to provide a platform for the provision and sharing of good practices from peers as well as to mobilise expertise.

(11)  The Commission Communications ‘The EU Budget Review’13 and ‘A budget for Europe 2020’14 underline the importance of focusing funding on activities with clear European added value, i.e. where the Union intervention can bring additional value compared to action of Member States alone. Against this background, the support actions carried out under the Programme should ensure complementarity and synergy with other programmes and policies at regional, national, Union and international level. The actions under the Programme should allow elaborating and implementing solutions that address national challenges which have impact on cross-border or Union-wide challenges and achieve a consistent and coherent implementation of Union law. In addition, they should contribute to further develop trust and promote cooperation with the Commission and among Member States. Moreover, the Union is in a better position than Member States to provide a platform for the provision and sharing of good practices from peers as well as to mobilise expertise.

__________________

__________________

13 COM(2010)700 of 19 October 2010.

13 COM(2010)700 of 19 October 2010.

14 COM(2011)500 final of 29 June 2011.

14 COM(2011)500 final of 29 June 2011.

Amendment    4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(13 a)  This Regulation lays down a financial envelope for the entire duration of the Programme which is to constitute the prime reference amount, within the meaning of Point 17 of the Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, for the European Parliament and the Council during the annual budgetary procedure.

Amendment    5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(13 b)  The financing of the Programme through the transfer of allocations from technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission could only be considered as a one-off solution that should not create a precedent as regards the funding of future initiatives in this field. A possible legislative proposal for the prolongation of the Programme under the new Multiannual Financial Framework would be to include a separate new allocation that is earmarked specifically for the Programme.

Amendment    6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 16

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(16)  Considering the importance of sustaining the efforts of Member States in pursuing and implementing structural, institutional and administrative reforms, it is necessary to allow a co-financing rate of 100% of the eligible costs in order to achieve the objectives of the Programme, whilst ensuring compliance with the principles of co-financing and no-profit.

(16)  Considering the importance of sustaining the efforts of Member States in pursuing and implementing structural, institutional and administrative reforms, it is necessary to allow a co-financing rate of up to 100% of the eligible costs in order to achieve the objectives of the Programme, whilst ensuring compliance with the principles of co-financing and no-profit.

Amendment    7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 20

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(20)  To facilitate the evaluation of the Programme, a proper framework for monitoring the results achieved by the Programme should be put in place from the very beginning. A mid-term evaluation looking at the achievement of the objectives of the Programme, its efficiency and its added value at the European level should be carried out. A final evaluation should, in addition, deal with the long–term impact and the sustainability effects of the Programme. Those evaluations should be based on the indicators, measuring the effects of the Programme.

(20)  To facilitate the evaluation of the Programme and the achievement of defined objectives, a proper framework for monitoring the results achieved by the Programme should be put in place from the very beginning. That framework should also take note of the lessons learned in the process. An annual monitoring report on the implementation of the Programme, including an analysis of the application of the criteria for assessing the request for support, an interim evaluation looking at the achievement of the objectives of the Programme, its efficiency and its added value at the European level, and an assessment on the future of the Programme under the next financial programming period, should be carried out. An ex-post evaluation should, in addition, deal with the long–term impact and the sustainability effects of the Programme. Those evaluations should be based on the indicators, measuring the effects of the Programme.

Amendment    8

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

1a.   The financial allocation of the Programme may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities which are required for the management of the Programme and the achievement of its objectives, in particular studies, meetings of experts, information and communication actions, including corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union, as far as they are related to the general objectives of this Regulation, and expenses linked to IT networks focusing on information processing and exchange, together with all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the Commission for the management of the Programme.

Amendment    9

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme shall be up to EUR 142 800 000.

1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme is set at EUR 142 800 000.

Amendment    10

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The financial allocation of the Programme may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities which are required for the management of the Programme and the achievement of its objectives, in particular studies, meetings of experts, information and communication actions, including corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union, as far as they are related to the general objectives of this Regulation, expenses linked to IT networks focusing on information processing and exchange, together with all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the Commission for the management of the Programme.

deleted

Amendment    11

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with an interim evaluation report, by mid of 2019, at the latest, and an ex-post evaluation report by end of December 2021.

2.  The Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with an annual monitoring report on the implementation of the Programme, including an analysis of the application of the criteria referred to in Article 7(2) for assessing the requests for support submitted by Member States, an interim evaluation report, by end of 2018, at the latest, and an ex-post evaluation report by end of December 2021.

Amendment    12

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.  The interim evaluation report shall include information on the achievement of the Programme's objectives, the efficiency of the use of resources and the Programme’s European added value and assessment on whether funding in areas covered by the Programme needs to be adapted or extended after 2020. It shall also address the continued relevance of all objectives and actions. The ex-post evaluation report shall include information on the longer-term impact of the Programme.

3.  The interim evaluation report shall include information on the achievement of the Programme's objectives, the efficiency of the use of resources and the Programme's European added value and assessment on whether funding in areas covered by the Programme needs to be re-established under the next financial framework with a dedicated financial envelope. It shall also address the continued relevance of all objectives and actions. The ex-post evaluation report shall include information on the longer-term impact of the Programme.

Amendment    13

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – point 3

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013

Article 91 – paragraph 3

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.  0,35% of the global resources after the deduction of the support to the CEF referred to in Article 92(6), and to the aid for the most deprived referred to in Article 92(7) shall be allocated to technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission, of which up to EUR 112 233 000 shall be allocated to the Structural Reform Support Programme for use within the scope and purpose of that Programme.

3.  0,35% of the global resources after the deduction of the support to the CEF referred to in Article 92(6), and to the aid for the most deprived referred to in Article 92(7) shall be allocated to technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission, of which up to EUR 112 233 000 in current prices shall be allocated to the Structural Reform Support Programme for use within the scope and purpose of that Programme

Amendment    14

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1

Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013

Article 51 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 the EAFRD may use up to 0,25 % of its annual allocation to finance the tasks referred to in Article 58 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, including the costs for setting up and operating the European network for rural development referred to in Article 52 of this Regulation and the EIP network referred to in Article 53 of this Regulation at the Commission's initiative and/or on its behalf, of which up to EUR 30 567 000 shall be allocated to the Structural Reform Support Programme for use within the scope and purpose of that Programme.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 the EAFRD may use up to 0,25 % of its annual allocation to finance the tasks referred to in Article 58 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, including the costs for setting up and operating the European network for rural development referred to in Article 52 of this Regulation and the EIP network referred to in Article 53 of this Regulation at the Commission's initiative and/or on its behalf, of which up to EUR 30 567 000 in current prices shall be allocated to the Structural Reform Support Programme for use within the scope and purpose of that Programme.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title

Establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme for the period 2017 to 2020

References

COM(2015)0701 – C8-0373/2015 – 2015/0263(COD)

Committee responsible

       Date announced in plenary

REGI

2.12.2015

 

 

 

Opinion by

       Date announced in plenary

BUDG

2.12.2015

Rapporteur

       Date appointed

Jan Olbrycht

18.1.2016

Date adopted

10.11.2016

 

 

 

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

23

6

1

Members present for the final vote

Jean Arthuis, Richard Ashworth, Reimer Böge, Lefteris Christoforou, Jean-Paul Denanot, Gérard Deprez, José Manuel Fernandes, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, Jens Geier, Esteban González Pons, Monika Hohlmeier, Vladimír Maňka, Ernest Maragall, Clare Moody, Siegfried Mureşan, Liadh Ní Riada, Jan Olbrycht, Paul Rübig, Patricija Šulin, Indrek Tarand, Isabelle Thomas, Inese Vaidere, Monika Vana, Daniele Viotti, Marco Zanni, Auke Zijlstra

Substitutes present for the final vote

Stanisław Ożóg, Nils Torvalds, Tomáš Zdechovský

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

John Stuart Agnew

OPINION of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (10.11.2016)

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme for the period 2017 to 2020 and amending Regulations (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 1305/2013
(COM(2015)0701 – C8‑0373/2015 – 2015/0263(COD))

Rapporteur: Csaba Sógor

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

As a consequence of the economic crisis, the need for structural reforms has emerged stronger and more urgent than ever in the European Union. In June 2010, the Heads of State and Government of all EU Member States subscribed to the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The strategy recognised that the economic downturn had exposed structural weaknesses in Europe's economy. The response the EU collectively decided to devise did not only aim to return to the pre-crisis situation; instead, it stressed that the Member States and the EU should upgrade efforts to implement the necessary structural reforms, which would restore growth and secure a sustainable path for the European economy, helping the EU emerge from the crisis stronger than ever.

Six years after the launch of the Europe 2020 strategy, this pledge is far from being met.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) shares the view that most EU Member States can afford no more delays in delivering ambitious reforms. In its 2016 Going for growth report, the OECD noted that “global growth prospects remain clouded in the near term, with world trade slowing down and the recovery in advanced economies being dragged down by persistently weak investment. The case for structural reforms, combined with supporting demand policies, remains strong to sustainably lift productivity and the job creation that will promote improvements in equity. [...] Against the background of subdued global economic prospects, there is a good case for prioritising reforms that in addition to stimulate employment and productivity, can best support activity in the short term”.

The process of properly designing and implementing reforms can be very arduous and requires strong analytical, planning and managing capacities, as well as access to information and adequate human resources. Evaluation of the experience gained with the Task force for Greece suggests that the availability of technical support can be key in driving reforms, but its impact can be seriously hindered by a lack of a clear strategy. This experience also shows that technical support should not only be available in times of crisis. In your rapporteur’s opinion, it is best used to create structurally sound and resilient economies that can withstand future challenges.

Against this background, the Commission proposal to establish the Structural Reform Support Programme providing assistance for a broad spectrum of reforms is a welcome initiative, as all EU Member States should be offered the possibility to ask and receive support for moving forward on the way of reforms that can create a healthy economic environment, boost growth and employment and improve the living standards of their citizens.

The Commission has identified cohesion policy, more specifically the resources devoted to technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission, as the source of funding for the new Programme. This choice raises concerns that must be taken into consideration, as it is far from proven that Member States’ needs in terms of capacity building for effectively and efficiently managing the Funds within the new, more complex regulatory framework will eventually turn out to be lower than originally expected. To counter-balance this, it should not be neglected that the type of reforms targeted by the Programme would per se contribute to creating the favourable environment that can help Member States fully benefit from cohesion policy investments both in hard and in soft assets, including by improving absorption rates.

Considering the disparities in the levels of development of Member States, as well in the availability of high quality expertise for the design and implementation of deep structural reforms, some countries will have the opportunity to benefit more from this support than others. However, all successful reforms will eventually lead to increased social, economic and territorial cohesion in the EU.

AMENDMENTS

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

Amendment    1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

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

deleted

Amendment    2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(2 a)  Articles 5 and 148 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provide that the Council, on a proposal from the Commission and after consulting the European Parliament, is required to draw up guidelines each year for the coordination of the employment policies of the Member States.

Amendment    3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3)  Several Member States have been undergoing and continue to undergo adjustment processes to correct macroeconomic imbalances accumulated in the past and many are facing the challenge of low potential growth. The Union has identified the implementation of structural reforms among its policy priorities to set the recovery on a sustainable path, unlock the growth potential to strengthen the adjustment capacity, and support the process of convergence.

(3)  Several Member States have been undergoing and continue to undergo adjustment processes to correct macroeconomic and social imbalances accumulated in the past and many are suffering from low potential growth, high unemployment rates, a severe crisis affecting their main production systems, widening social disparities and an increased risk of poverty among the population. There is therefore a need for socially responsible, smart, sustainable and inclusive structural reforms which meet the requirements laid down in Article 9 TFEU. The Union has therefore identified the implementation of such structural reforms among its policy priorities to set the recovery on a sustainable path, unlock the growth potential to strengthen the adjustment capacity, boost growth, create jobs, foster investment and support the process of upward convergence.

Amendment    4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4)  Reforms are by their very nature complex processes that require a complete chain of highly-specialised knowledge and skills. Addressing structural reforms in a variety of public policy areas is challenging since their benefits often take time to materialise. Therefore, early and efficient design and implementation is crucial, be it for crisis-struck or structurally-weak economies. In this context, the provision of support by the Union in the form of technical assistance has been crucial in supporting the economic adjustment of Greece and Cyprus in the last years.

(4)  Reforms are by their very nature complex processes that require political will, the ability to engage in dialogue and multi-level cooperation, budgetary and administrative resources and a complete chain of highly-specialised knowledge and skills. Addressing structural reforms in a variety of public policy areas is challenging since their results often take time to materialise. Therefore, early and efficient design and implementation is crucial, be it for crisis-struck or structurally-weak economies. In this context, the provision of support by the Union in the form of technical assistance has been important in supporting the fiscal consolidation process and structural reforms in recent years, especially in the Member States covered by the economic adjustment programmes. Therefore the Union should take into account the lessons learned from the programmes that aimed to support the economic adjustment of Greece and Cyprus in the last years. Stakeholder involvement in the design of reforms, impact assessment and ownership of those reforms by the Member States, including by regional and local authorities, the social partners and civil society, are also essential for support programmes to succeed.

Amendment    5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(4a)  As part of the European Semester, the European Parliament has defined1a socially responsible reforms as reforms based on solidarity, integration, social justice and a fair distribution of wealth, i.e. a model able to ensure equality and social protection, protect vulnerable groups and improve the living standards of all citizens.

 

__________________

 

1a European Parliament resolution of 25 February 2016 on European Semester for economic policy coordination: Employment and Social Aspects in the Annual Growth Survey 2016 (Texts adopted, P8_TA(2016)0059).

Amendment    6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5)  Member States may benefit from support in addressing challenges as regards the design and implementation of structural reforms. These challenges may be dependent on various factors, including limited administrative and institutional capacity or inadequate application and implementation of Union legislation.

(5)  Member States may benefit from support in addressing challenges as regards the design and implementation of sustainable structural reforms in line with the Union's economic and social objectives, including support for economic growth, the creation of sustainable and decent jobs, the promotion of sound public investment and social development. These challenges may be dependent on various factors, including limited administrative and institutional capacity or inadequate application and implementation of Union legislation, which could lead to inadequately designed reforms that are incapable of meeting those objectives. Such facts in turn could affect the long-term growth potential of some Member States with knock-on effects for social welfare provision and job creation.

Amendment    7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6)  The Union has a long-lasting experience on providing specific support to national administrations and other authorities of Member States as regards capacity building and similar actions in certain sectors (e.g. taxation, customs, support to small and medium-sized enterprises) and in relation to the implementation of cohesion policy. The experience gained by the Union in assisting national authorities carrying out reforms should be used in order to enhance the capacity of the Union to provide support to Member States. Comprehensive and integrated action is indeed necessary in order to provide support to those Member States that are undertaking growth-enhancing reforms and request assistance from the Union in this respect.

(6)  The Union institutions and bodies have a long-lasting experience in providing specific support to national and/or subnational authorities of Member States as regards capacity building and similar actions in certain sectors (e.g. taxation, customs, support to small and medium-sized enterprises) and in relation to the implementation of cohesion policy. The experience gained by the Union institutions and bodies in assisting national and regional authorities designing and carrying out inclusive and sustainable reforms should be used in order to enhance the capacity of the Union to provide support to interested Member States to help improve their growth potential and social cohesion through measures aimed at increasing employment rates, combating exclusion and poverty and raising the accessibility and quality of healthcare and education services. Those support measures should be based on a comprehensive and integrated approach that takes into account the links between the different areas covered by reforms and the ability of all levels of government to work together as partners, while respecting each Member State’s institutional framework and also involving all stakeholders.

Amendment    8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(6 a)  The European Court of Auditors' Special Report No 19/2015 entitled 'More attention to results needed to improve the delivery of technical assistance to Greece' recognises that the delivery of technical assistance to Member States should be based on a strategy with well-defined objectives. That report also provides useful recommendations, which should be taken into account, on how the Commission can improve its support to Member States, including through increasing the ownership and effectiveness of reforms.

Amendment    9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7)  Against this background, it is necessary to establish a Structural Reform Support Programme ('the Programme') with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth-enhancing administrative and structural reforms, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. The Programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery, job creation, boosting Europe's competitiveness and stimulating investment in the real economy.

(7)  Against this background, it is necessary to establish a Structural Reform Support Programme ('the Programme') with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to design and implement sustainable growth-enhancing administrative and structural economic and social reforms, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds, in particular the European Structural and Investment Funds. The Programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery, boosting Europe's competitiveness, creating stable and sustainable jobs, increasing productivity, stimulating sustainable investment in the real economy, and towards guaranteeing high quality health and education services, combating poverty and social exclusion and, ultimately, strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion in the Union.

Amendment    10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(7 a)  In accordance with Article 9 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in designing and implementing the Programme, the Union is required to take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against social exclusion, and a high level of education, training and protection of human health. In addition, as set out in Article 11 of the of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, environmental protection requirements are required to be integrated in Union policies with a view to promoting sustainable development. In order to promote good governance and ensure the participation of civil society, Article 15 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union sets out that the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies are required to conduct their work as openly as possible.

Amendment    11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8)  Support under the Programme should be provided by the Commission upon request by a Member State, in areas such as budget and taxation, public function, institutional and administrative reforms, the justice system, anti-fraud, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering, business environment, private sector development, investment, competition, public procurement, privatization processes, access to finance, investment, trade, sustainable development, innovation, education and training, labour policies, public health, asylum, migration policies, agriculture and rural development and financial sector policies.

(8)  Support under the Programme should be provided by the Commission upon request by a Member State, in areas where specific needs have been identified by the Member States, such as budget and taxation, public function, institutional and administrative reforms, the justice system, anti-fraud, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering, action against undeclared work and letterbox companies, business environment, private sector development, investment, competition, public procurement, privatization processes, access to finance, investment, trade, sustainable development, innovation, education and training, labour and social policies, combating poverty and promoting social inclusion, public health, asylum, migration policies, agriculture and rural development and financial sector policies.

Amendment    12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(8a)  It is necessary to set out the eligible actions through which the objective of the Programme is to be achieved.

Amendment    13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9)  Member States should be able to request support from the Commission under the Programme in relation to the implementation of reforms in the context of economic governance processes, in particular of Country Specific Recommendations in the context of the European Semester, to actions related to the implementation of Union law, as well as in relation to the implementation of economic adjustment programmes. They should also be able to request support in relation to reforms undertaken at their own initiative, in order to achieve sustainable investment, growth and job creation.

(9)  Member States should be able to request support from the Commission under the Programme in relation to the implementation of their reforms in the context of economic governance processes, in particular of relevant Country Specific Recommendations in the context of the European Semester, to actions related to the implementation of Union law, policies and strategies, as well as in relation to the implementation of economic adjustment programmes. They should also be able to request support in relation to reforms undertaken at their own initiative, in order to achieve sustainable investment, job creation, inclusive growth, social inclusion and cohesion, as well as adequate social protection. In order for the reforms pursued to have a wide level of support, Member States wishing to benefit from the Programme should consult, in the process of drawing up applications, relevant stakeholders, such as local and regional authorities, the economic and social partners and civil society, in line with the relevant provisions of the code of conduct on partnership under cohesion policy, as well as national parliaments.

Amendment    14

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10)  Further to a dialogue with the requesting Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission should analyse the request, taking into account the principles of transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency, breadth and depth of the problems as identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged, analysis of socioeconomic indicators, and the general administrative capacity of the Member State. The Commission should also, in close cooperation with the Member State concerned, identify the priority areas, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support, taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes.

(10)  Further to a dialogue with the requesting Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission should analyse the request, taking into account the principles of subsidiarity, transparency, partnership, autonomy of the social partners, equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on the urgency, breadth and depth of the problems as identified, the justification for the reform, including the results of relevant stakeholder and partner consultations, support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged, analysis of socioeconomic indicators, the general administrative capacity of the Member State, while also taking into account existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes and instruments. The decision to provide support under the Programme should take the form of a technical assistance agreement in which, based on the specific needs identified by the Member State concerned, the Commission and the Member State should agree on the priority areas, the scope and the indicative timeline of the support measures to be provided as well as the global financial contribution for such support. In so doing, the Commission and the Member State concerned should take into account existing divisions of powers between the different levels of government, as well as the fact that some Country Specific Recommendations are addressed to local and regional authorities.

Amendment    15

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 11

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(11)  The Commission Communications ‘The EU Budget Review’13 and ‘A budget for Europe 2020’14 underline the importance of focusing funding on activities with clear European added value, i.e. where the Union intervention can bring additional value compared to action of Member States alone. Against this background, the support actions carried out under the Programme should ensure complementarity and synergy with other programmes and policies at national, Union and international level. The actions under the Programme should allow elaborating and implementing solutions that address national challenges which have impact on cross-border or Union-wide challenges and achieve a consistent and coherent implementation of Union law. In addition, they should contribute to further develop trust and promote cooperation with the Commission and among Member States. Moreover, the Union is in a better position than Member States to provide a platform for the provision and sharing of good practices from peers as well as to mobilise expertise.

(11)  The Commission Communications 'The EU Budget Review'13 and 'A budget for Europe 2020'14 underline the importance of focusing funding on activities with clear European added value, i.e. where the Union intervention can bring additional value compared to action of Member States alone as laid down in Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council14a and its rules of application. Against this background, the support actions carried out under the Programme should ensure complementarity and synergy, at local, regional, national, Union and international level, with other programmes and policies. The actions under the Programme should allow elaborating and implementing solutions that address national challenges with a cross-border or Union-wide impact and improve implementation of Union law, policies and strategies. Moreover, the Union is in a better position than Member States to provide a platform for the provision and sharing of good practices from peers as well as to mobilise expertise so as to develop solutions tailored to the specific situation in the requesting Member States.

__________________

__________________

13 COM(2010)700 of 19 October 2010.

13 COM(2010)700 of 19 October 2010.

14 COM(2011)500 final of 29 June 2011.

14 COM(2011)500 final of 29 June 2011.

 

14a Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1).

Amendment    16

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(13a)  The funding source for the Programme should not constitute a precedent for any future proposals. As part of the mid-term review, it is necessary for the Commission and the Court of Auditors to conduct a rigorous analysis of the relevance of the Programme, its European added value and whether other sources of funding can be considered.

Amendment    17

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 14

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(14)  Member States that request support should be able to contribute to the financial envelope of the Programme with additional funds. Currently, Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 limits the possibility of a transfer of resources dedicated to technical assistance at the initiative of a Member State to those Member States which face temporary budgetary difficulties. Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 should therefore be amended in order to allow all Member States to participate financially to the Programme. The resources transferred to the Union budget should be used for supporting actions contributing to smart, sustainable and inclusive growth or Fund-specific purposes in the Member States concerned.

(14)  Member States that request support should have the option to contribute to the financial envelope of the Programme with additional funds. Currently, Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 limits the possibility of a transfer of resources dedicated to technical assistance at the initiative of a Member State to those Member States which face temporary budgetary difficulties. Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 should therefore be amended in order to allow all Member States to participate financially to the Programme. The resources transferred to the Union budget should be used for supporting actions contributing to smart, sustainable and inclusive growth or Fund-specific purposes in the Member States concerned through improved effectiveness and efficiency and increased absorption of the Funds.

Amendment    18

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 15

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(15)  This Regulation should be implemented in compliance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council18 on the financial rules applicable to the annual budget of the European Union. The Commission should adopt multi-annual work programmes that set out the political objectives pursued, the expected results of the support and the funding priorities in the respective policy areas. Those elements should be further specified in annual work programmes adopted by implementing acts.

(15)  This Regulation should be implemented in compliance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012. The Commission should be empowered to adopt by delegated acts multi-annual work programmes that set out the social and economic objectives pursued, the expected results of the support and the funding priorities in the respective policy areas. The multi-annual work programmes should also set transparent criteria so as to determine which measures under the Programme are to be prioritised and how available resources are to be allocated. Those elements should be further specified in annual work programmes adopted by implementing acts.

__________________

 

18 Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1).

 

Amendment    19

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 16

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(16)  Considering the importance of sustaining the efforts of Member States in pursuing and implementing structural, institutional and administrative reforms, it is necessary to allow a co-financing rate of 100% of the eligible costs in order to achieve the objectives of the Programme, whilst ensuring compliance with the principles of co-financing and no-profit.

(16)  Considering the importance of sustaining the efforts of Member States in pursuing and implementing socially responsible and sustainable structural, institutional and administrative reforms, it is necessary to allow a co-financing rate of up to 100% of the eligible costs in order to achieve the objectives of the Programme, whilst ensuring compliance with the principles of co-financing and no-profit.

Amendment    20

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(17)  In the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring immediate response, such as a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a Member State going beyond its control, upon request of a Member State, the Commission should be able to adopt special measures, for a limited proportion of the annual work programme, in accordance with objectives and actions eligible under the Programme to support the national authorities in addressing the urgent needs.

(17)  In the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring immediate response, such as a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a Member State, upon request of a Member State, the Commission and the Member State should be able to agree on the adoption of special measures, for a limited proportion of the annual work programme, in accordance with objectives and actions eligible under the Programme to support the national authorities in addressing the urgent needs.

Amendment    21

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 18

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(18)  In order to ensure the efficient and coherent allocation of funds from the Union budget and the principle of sound financial management, actions under this Programme should complement and be additional to ongoing Union programmes, whilst avoiding double funding for the same expenditure. In particular, the Commission and the Member State concerned, in accordance with their respective responsibilities should ensure at Union and Member State levels, in all stages of the process, effective coordination in order to ensure consistency, complementarity and synergy between sources of funding supporting actions in the relevant Member States with close links to this Programme, specifically with measures being financed from the Union funds in the Member States.

(18)  In order to ensure the efficient and coherent allocation of funds from the Union budget and the principle of sound financial management, actions under this Programme should complement and be additional to ongoing Union programmes, whilst avoiding double funding for the same expenditure. In particular, the Commission and the Member State concerned, in accordance with their respective responsibilities should ensure at Union and Member State levels, in all stages of the process, effective coordination in order to ensure consistency, complementarity and synergy between measures being financed from the Union funds, programmes and instruments and support from other relevant international organisations.

Amendment    22

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(19)  The financial interests of the Union should be protected through proportionate measures throughout the expenditure cycle, including the prevention, detection and investigation of irregularities, the recovery of funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, penalties.

(19)  The financial interests of the Union should be protected through proportionate measures throughout the expenditure cycle, including the prevention, detection and investigation of irregularities, the recovery of funds lost, unduly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, administrative and financial penalties in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.

Amendment    23

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 20

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(20)  To facilitate the evaluation of the Programme, a proper framework for monitoring the results achieved by the Programme should be put in place from the very beginning. A mid-term evaluation looking at the achievement of the objectives of the Programme, its efficiency and its added value at the European level should be carried out. A final evaluation should, in addition, deal with the long–term impact and the sustainability effects of the Programme. Those evaluations should be based on the indicators, measuring the effects of the Programme.

(20)  To facilitate the evaluation of the Programme, a proper framework for monitoring the implementation of actions and the results achieved by the Programme should be put in place from the very beginning. An external mid-term evaluation looking at the achievement of the objectives of the Programme, its efficiency and its added value, including, but not limited to, policy areas related to competitiveness, growth, jobs and investment at the European level should be carried out. A final evaluation should, in addition, deal with the long–term impact and the sustainability effects of the Programme. Those evaluations should be based on the indicators, measuring the effects of the Programme. On an annual basis, the Commission should also publish information on the implementation of the annual work programmes, including information on the beneficiaries of the technical assistance, the technical assistance providers, the objectives and priorities of the reforms pursued through the assistance and allocated funds.

Amendment    24

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 21

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(21)  In order to adapt the list of indicators measuring the achievement of the objectives of the Programme, in the light of experience during the implementation of the Programme, the power to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the amendment of the list. It is of particular importance that the Commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council.

(21)  In order to adopt multi-annual work programmes and to adapt the list of indicators measuring the achievement of the objectives of the Programme, in the light of experience during the implementation of the Programme, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the adoption of multi-annual work programmes and the amendment of the list. It is of particular importance that the Commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.

Amendment    25

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 22

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(22)  In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation as regards the adoption of the multi-annual and annual work programmes, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission.

(22)  In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation as regards the adoption of the annual work programmes, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission.

Amendment    26

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 23

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(23)  Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to contribute to the institutional, administrative and structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions, governance, administration, economic and social sectors, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States alone, but can rather, by reason of their scale and effects, 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 Treaty on European Union. 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, since the scope of the support would be mutually agreed with the Member State concerned.

(23)  Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to contribute to sustainable institutional, administrative and structural reforms in the Member States by providing technical assistance, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States alone, but can rather, by reason of their scale and effects, 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 Treaty on European Union. 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    27

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

1 a.  'national authorities' means Member State authorities, including authorities at regional and local levels in accordance with national law;

Amendment    28

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

1b.  ‘technical assistance agreement’ means a document agreed between the Commission and the Beneficiary Member State which sets out the terms for the provision of support under the Programme and which specifies among others the priority areas, the scope and indicative timeline of the support measures, as well as the financial contribution from the Programme;

Amendment    29

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The Programme shall finance actions with European added value. To that effect, the Commission shall ensure that actions selected for funding are likely to produce results with European added value and shall monitor whether European added value is actually achieved.

1.  The Programme shall finance actions with European added value. To that effect, the Commission shall ensure that actions selected for funding can be expected to produce results with European added value and shall monitor whether European added value is actually achieved.

Amendment    30

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  Actions and activities of the Programme shall ensure European added value in particular through:

2.  Actions of the Programme shall ensure European added value in particular through:

Amendment    31

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a)  the development and implementation of solutions that address national challenges which have impact on cross-border or Union-wide challenges;

(a)  the development and implementation of solutions that address national challenges with a possible cross-border or Union-wide impact;

Amendment    32

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)  their complementarity and synergy with other Union programmes and policies at national, Union and international level;

(b)  their complementarity and synergy with other Union programmes and policies at local, regional, national, Union and international level;

Amendment    33

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c)  their contribution to the consistent and coherent implementation of Union law;

(c)  their contribution to the implementation of Union law;

Amendment    34

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d)  their contribution to the sharing of good practices and to building a Union-wide platform and network of expertise;

(d)  their contribution to the sharing of good practices and/or to building a Union-wide platform and network of expertise;

Amendment    35

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(da)  the promotion of European values, in particular solidarity and respect for fundamental rights.

Amendment    36

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(e)  the promotion of mutual trust between Beneficiary Member States and the Commission and cooperation among Member States.

deleted

Amendment    37

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The general objective of the Programme shall be to contribute to institutional, administrative and structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions, governance, administration, economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness, growth, jobs, and investment, in particular in the context of economic governance processes, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds.

The general objective of the Programme shall be to contribute to institutional, administrative and structural reforms carried out in a socially responsible way in the Member States by providing technical support to national authorities for designing and implementing measures aimed at enhancing competitiveness, inclusive and sustainable growth, decent and sustainable jobs, productivity and sustainable investment, at reinforcing the fight against poverty and social exclusion, at promoting a high level of education and training and at enhancing economic, social and territorial cohesion, in particular in the context of economic governance processes, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds.

Amendment    38

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a)  to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design their reforms according to priorities, taking into account initial conditions and expected socio-economic impacts;

(a)  to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design reforms according to their priorities, taking into account initial conditions and expected socio-economic impacts and the objectives to contribute to delivering the Union strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and promote social cohesion;

Amendment    39

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)  to support the national authorities to enhance their capacity to formulate, develop and implement reform policies and strategies and pursue an integrated approach ensuring consistency between goals and means across sectors;

(b)  to support the national authorities to enhance their capacity to formulate, develop and implement reform policies and strategies connected with growth and social cohesion and pursue an integrated approach ensuring consistency between goals and means across sectors;

Amendment    40

Proposal for a regulation

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

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(ba)  to support the national authorities to harmonise national legislation with Union law and to implement Union law;

Amendment    41

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c)  to support the efforts of national authorities to define and implement appropriate processes and methodologies by taking into account good practices and lessons learned by other countries in addressing similar situations;

(c)  to support the efforts of national authorities, in close cooperation with stakeholders, to define and implement appropriate processes and methodologies by taking into account good practices and lessons learned by other countries addressing similar situations;

Amendment    42

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

These objectives shall be pursued in close cooperation with Beneficiary Member States

These objectives shall be pursued in full cooperation with Beneficiary Member States and with due respect for Member States’ priorities and for dialogue with the social partners.

Amendment    43

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The specific objectives set out in paragraph 1 shall refer to policy areas related to competitiveness, growth, jobs and investment, in particular to the following:

2.  The specific objectives set out in paragraph 1 shall refer to policy areas related to competitiveness, inclusive growth, sustainable jobs, investment and social cohesion, in particular to the following:

Amendment    44

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)  institutional reform and efficient and service-oriented functioning of public administration, effective rule of law, reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti-fraud, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering;

(b)  institutional reform and efficient, quality and service-oriented functioning of public administration, effective rule of law, reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti-fraud, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, as well as policies aiming at combating tax avoidance and tax evasion;

Amendment    45

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c)  business environment, private sector development, investment, privatization processes, trade and foreign direct investment, competition and public procurement, sustainable sectoral development and support for innovation;

(c)  business environment, reindustrialisation, changes in production systems, energy sectors, private sector development, investment, economically and socially duly justified privatization processes, trade and foreign direct investment, competition and public procurement, sustainable sectoral development and support for innovation and digitalisation;

Amendment    46

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point d

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d)  education and training, labour market policies, social inclusion, social security and social welfare systems, public health and healthcare systems, asylum, migration and borders policies;

(d)  education and training, labour market policies for the creation of sustainable jobs, fight against poverty and promotion of social inclusion, social security and social welfare systems, public health and healthcare systems;

 

 

Amendment    47

Proposal for a regulation

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

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(da)  asylum, migration and borders policies;

Amendment    48

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

2a.  The Member State shall, in consultation with regional authorities where applicable, identify the policy areas it wishes to tackle in accordance with its specific needs.

Amendment    49

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a)  expertise related to policy advice, policy change, and legislative, institutional, structural and administrative reforms;

(a)  expertise related to legislative, institutional, structural and administrative reforms;

Amendment    50

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(ia)  formulation of strategies and reform roadmaps, drafting of legislative and non-legislative acts;

Amendment    51

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d)  collection of data and statistics; development of common methodologies and, where appropriate, indicators or benchmarks;

(d)  collection of data and statistics; development of common methodologies and, where appropriate, indicators and/or benchmarks;

Amendment    52

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point e

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(e)  organisation of local operational support in areas such as asylum, migration, border control;

(e)  organisation of local operational support;

Amendment    53

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point f

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(f)  IT capacity building: development, maintenance, operation and quality control of the IT infrastructure and applications needed to implement the relevant reforms;

(f)  IT capacity building for the development, maintenance, operation and quality control of the IT infrastructure and applications needed to implement the relevant reforms;

Amendment    54

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point h

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(h)  communication projects: learning, cooperation, awareness raising, dissemination activities, and exchange of good practices; organisation of awareness-raising and information campaigns, media campaigns and events, including corporate communication;

(h)  communication projects in the context of the reforms pursued: learning, cooperation, awareness raising, dissemination activities, and exchange of good practices; organisation of awareness-raising and information campaigns, media campaigns and events;

Amendment    55

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point i

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(i)  compilation and publication of materials to disseminate information as well as results of the Programme: development, operation and maintenance of systems and tools using information and communication technologies;

(i)  compilation and publication of materials to disseminate information as well as results of the Programme, including through the development, operation and maintenance of systems and tools using information and communication technologies;

Amendment    56

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  A Member State wishing to receive support under the Programme shall submit a request for support to the Commission, identifying the policy areas and the priorities for support within the scope of the Programme as set out in Article 5(2). This request shall be submitted at the latest by 31 October of each calendar year.

1.  A Member State wishing to receive support under the Programme shall submit a request for support to the Commission, identifying the policy areas and the priorities for support within the scope of the Programme as set out in Article 5(2). This request shall be submitted at the latest by 31 October of each calendar year. Before submitting a request, Member States shall involve their Parliament and, in line with the partnership principle as referred to in Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, their partners from regional and local authorities, social partners and representatives of civil society.

Amendment    57

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  Taking into account the principles of transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management, further to a dialogue with the Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency, breadth and depth of the problems identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned, analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the Member State. Taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes, the Commission in close cooperation with the Member State concerned shall identify the priority areas for support, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support.

2.  Taking into account the principles of subsidiarity, transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management, further to a dialogue with the Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency, breadth and depth of the problems as identified, the justification for the reform, including the results of relevant stakeholder and partner consultations, support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged, analysis of socioeconomic indicators, the general administrative capacity of the Member State, while also taking into account existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes and instruments.

 

The decision to providing support under the Programme shall take the form of a technical assistance agreement in which, based on the specific needs identified by the Member State concerned, the Commission and the Member State shall agree on the priority areas, the scope and the indicative timeline of the support measures to be provided as well as the global financial contribution for such support.

Amendment    58

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c)  the implementation of reforms by Member States, undertaken at their own initiative, notably to achieve sustainable investment, growth and job creation.

(c)  the implementation of reforms by Member States, undertaken at their own initiative, notably to achieve sustainable investment and job creation, inclusive growth and competitiveness.

Amendment    59

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

3 a.  Once assistance for a Member State has been approved, the national authorities of the Beneficiary Member State shall inform the national parliament, the corresponding advisory committees and the social partners on the technical assistance agreement concluded, in full compliance with applicable national legislation.

Amendment    60

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The Commission may define the support envisaged for Beneficiary Member States in cooperation with other Member States or international organisations.

1.  The Commission may, with the agreement of the Beneficiary Member State, define the support envisaged for Beneficiary Member States in cooperation with other Member States or international organisations.

Amendment    61

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The Beneficiary Member State, in coordination with the Commission, may enter into partnership with one or more other Member States which shall act as Reform Partners in respect of specific areas of reform. A Reform Partner shall, in coordination with the Commission, help formulate strategy, reform roadmaps, design high-quality assistance or oversee implementation of strategy and projects.

2.  The Beneficiary Member State, in coordination with the Commission, may enter into partnership with one or more other Member States which shall act as Reform Partners in respect of specific areas of reform on the basis of a reciprocal agreement. A Reform Partner shall, in coordination with the Commission and the Beneficiary Member State, help formulate strategy, reform roadmaps, design high-quality assistance or oversee implementation of strategy and projects.

Amendment    62

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The financial allocation of the Programme may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities which are required for the management of the Programme and the achievement of its objectives, in particular studies, meetings of experts, information and communication actions, including corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union, as far as they are related to the general objectives of this Regulation, expenses linked to IT networks focusing on information processing and exchange, together with all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the Commission for the management of the Programme.

2.  The financial allocation of the Programme may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities which are required for the management of the Programme and the achievement of its objectives, in particular studies, meetings of experts, information and communication actions, as far as they are related to the general objectives of this Regulation, expenses linked to IT networks focusing on information processing and exchange, together with all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the Commission for the management of the Programme.

Amendment    63

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.  These additional contributions referred to in paragraph 1 shall be used to support actions which contribute to delivering the Union strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. A contribution made by a Beneficiary Member State in accordance with paragraph 2 shall be used exclusively in that Member State.

3.  These additional contributions referred to in paragraph 1 shall be used to support actions which contribute to delivering the Union strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. A contribution made by a Beneficiary Member State in accordance with paragraph 2 shall be used exclusively for technical assistance provided for that Member State.

Amendment    64

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point g

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(g)  contributions to trust funds;

(g)  contributions to trust funds for the provision of support by international organisations;

Amendment    65

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 3 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.  Grants may be awarded to Member States' national authorities, the European Investment Bank group, international organisations, public and/or private bodies and entities legally established in any of the following:

3.  Grants may be awarded to Member States' national authorities, the European Investment Bank group, international organisations, and public bodies and entities legally established in any of the following:

Amendment    66

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

4.  Support may also be provided by individual experts who may be invited to contribute to selected activities organised under the Programme wherever that is necessary for the achievement of the specific objectives set out in Articles 5.

4.  Individual experts may also be invited to contribute to selected activities organised under the Programme wherever that is necessary for the achievement of the specific objectives set out in Articles 5.

Amendment    67

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

5.  In order to implement the Programme, the Commission shall adopt, by way of implementing acts, multi-annual work programmes. Multi-annual work programmes shall set out the policy objectives pursued through the envisaged support and the expected results, as well as funding priorities in the relevant policy areas. The multi-annual work programmes shall be further specified in annual work programmes, adopted by way of implementing acts, identifying the measures needed for their implementation, together with all the elements required by Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.

5.  The Commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 16 concerning the adoption of multi-annual work programmes. Multi-annual work programmes shall set out the policy objectives pursued through the envisaged support and the expected results, as well as funding priorities in the relevant policy areas. The multi-annual work programmes shall be further specified in annual work programmes, adopted by way of implementing acts, identifying the measures needed for their implementation, together with all the elements required by Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.

Amendment    68

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

6.  To ensure timely availability of resources, the annual work programme may indicate that in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring an immediate response, including a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a Member State going beyond its control, the Commission may, on request by a Member State, adopt special measures in accordance with the objectives and actions defined in this Regulation to support the national authorities in addressing urgent needs. Such special measures may account only for a limited proportion of the annual work programme and shall not be subject to the conditions set out in Article 7.

6.  To ensure flexibility and timely availability of resources in unforeseen circumstances, the annual work programme shall also allow the possibility for special measures initially not included in the annual work programme. Therefore, in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring an immediate response, including a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a Member State going beyond its control, the Commission may, on request by a Member State, adopt special measures in accordance with the objectives and actions defined in this Regulation to support the national authorities in addressing urgent needs. Such special measures may account only for a limited proportion of the annual work programme and shall not be subject to the conditions set out in Article 7.

Amendment    69

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c)  ensure close cooperation between those responsible for implementation at Union and national level to deliver coherent and streamlined support actions.

(c)  ensure close cooperation between those responsible for implementation at Union and local, regional and national level to deliver coherent and streamlined support actions.

Amendment    70

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The Commission shall take appropriate measures ensuring that, when actions financed under this Regulation are implemented, the financial interests of the Union are protected by the application of preventive measures against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities, by effective checks and, if irregularities are detected, by the recovery of the amounts wrongly paid and, where appropriate, by effective, proportionate and deterrent penalties.

1.  The Commission shall take appropriate measures ensuring that, when actions financed under this Regulation are implemented, the financial interests of the Union are protected by the application of preventive measures against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities, by effective checks and, if irregularities are detected, by the recovery of the amounts unduly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, by effective, proportionate, administrative and financial penalties in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.

Amendment    71

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Commission shall monitor the implementation of the actions financed by the Programme and measure the achievement of the specific objectives referred to in Article 5(1) in accordance with indicators set out in the Annex.

The Commission shall monitor the implementation of the actions financed by the Programme and measure the achievement of the specific objectives referred to in Article 5(1) in accordance with the indicators set out in the Annex and additional specific indicators agreed upon by the Commission and the Beneficiary Member State for each request for support.

Amendment    72

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with an interim evaluation report, by mid of 2019, at the latest, and an ex-post evaluation report by end of December 2021.

2.  On an annual basis, the Commission shall publish information on the implementation of the annual work programmes, including information on the beneficiaries of the technical assistance, the technical assistance providers, and the objectives and priorities of the reforms pursued through the assistance and allocated funds. The Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with an external interim evaluation report, by mid of 2019, at the latest, and an ex-post evaluation report by end of December 2021.

Amendment    73

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.  The interim evaluation report shall include information on the achievement of the Programme's objectives, the efficiency of the use of resources and the Programme’s European added value and assessment on whether funding in areas covered by the Programme needs to be adapted or extended after 2020. It shall also address the continued relevance of all objectives and actions. The ex-post evaluation report shall include information on the longer-term impact of the Programme.

3.  The interim evaluation report shall include information on the achievement of the Programme's objectives, the efficiency of the use of resources and the Programme’s European added value and assessment on whether funding in areas covered by the Programme needs to be extended after 2020, if necessary with the appropriate adaptations. It shall also address the continued relevance of all objectives and actions. The ex-post evaluation report shall include information on the longer-term impact of the Programme.

Amendment    74

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of four years from 1 January 2017.

2.  The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 12(5) and in the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of four years from 1 January 2017.

Amendment    75

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.  The delegation of power referred to in the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect on the day following publication in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

3.  The delegation of power referred to in Article 12(5) and in the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect on the day following publication in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

Amendment    76

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

5.  A delegated act adopted pursuant to the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of the notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

5.  A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 12(5) or to the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of the notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

Amendment    77

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013

Article 25 – paragraph 1

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

“1.   On the request of a Member State pursuant to Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2015/ XXX of the European Parliament and the Council(*), a part of the resources provided for under Article 59 of this Regulation and programmed in accordance with Fund-specific rules may, in agreement with the Commission, be transferred to technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission for implementation of measures in relation to the Member State concerned in accordance with point (l) of the third subparagraph of Article 58(1) of this Regulation through direct or indirect management."

“1.   On the request of a Member State pursuant to Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2015/ XXX of the European Parliament and the Council(*), a part of the resources provided for under Article 59 of this Regulation and programmed in accordance with Fund-specific rules may, in agreement with the Commission, be transferred to technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission for implementation of measures in relation to the Member State concerned in accordance with point (l) of the third subparagraph of Article 58(1) of this Regulation through direct or indirect management. The resources transferred in accordance with these provisions shall be utilised to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the use of the specific Funds concerned. "

Amendment    78

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013

Article 25 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1

 

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

“A Member State shall request the transfer referred to in paragraph 1 for a calendar year by 31 January of the year in which a transfer is to be made. The request shall be accompanied by a proposal to amend the programme or programmes from which the transfer will be made. Corresponding amendments shall be made to the Partnership Agreement in accordance with Article 30(2) which shall set out the total amount transferred each year to the Commission.”

“A Member State shall request the transfer referred to in paragraph 1 for a calendar year by 31 January of the year in which a transfer is to be made. The request shall be accompanied by a proposal to amend the programme or programmes from which the transfer will be made. Corresponding amendments shall be made to the Partnership Agreement in accordance with Article 30(2) which shall set out the total amount transferred each year to the Commission. In assessing the request, the Commission shall verify compliance with Article 92(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013.

Amendment    79

Proposal for a regulation

Annex – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The achievement of the specific objectives referred to in Article 5(1) shall be measured on the basis of the following indicators:

The implementation of the actions financed by the Programme shall be monitored on the basis of the following indicators:

Amendment    80

Proposal for a regulation

Annex – paragraph 1 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a)  the number and type of national authorities, administration services and other public entities such as national ministries or regulatory authorities, by Beneficiary Member State to which support under the Programme was provided;

(a)  the number and type of national, regional and local authorities, administration services and other public entities such as national ministries or regulatory authorities, by Beneficiary Member State to which support under the Programme was provided;

Amendment    81

Proposal for a regulation

Annex – paragraph 1 – point c – point d

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d)  support recipients from the Beneficiary Member State such as national authorities.

(d)  support recipients from the Beneficiary Member State such as national, regional or local authorities.

Amendment    82

Proposal for a regulation

Annex – paragraph 1 – point g

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(g)  the feedback from national authorities, administration services and other public entities having received support under the Programme as well as (if available) other stakeholders/participants on the results and/or impact of the actions under the Programme by specific objective, policy area and Beneficiary Member State, supported where available by quantitative or empirical data;

deleted

Amendment    83

Proposal for a regulation

Annex – paragraph 1 – point h

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(h)  the feedback from support providers on the results and/or impact of the support that they have provided under the Programme in the specific objective and policy area in which they have been active, by Beneficiary Member State, supported where available by quantitative or empirical data;

deleted

Amendment    84

Proposal for a regulation

Annex – paragraph 1 – point i

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(i)  the evolution of the views of relevant stakeholders regarding the contribution of the Programme to the achievement of the reforms by specific objective, policy area, and Beneficiary Member State, supported where available, by appropriate quantitative or empirical data.

deleted

Amendment    85

Proposal for a regulation

Annex – paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

The achievement of the specific objectives referred to in Article 5(1) shall be measured on the basis of the following indicators:

 

(a)  the feedback from national, regional or local authorities, administration services and other public entities having received support under the Programme as well as, if available, feedback from other stakeholders or participants on the results and/or impact of the actions under the Programme by specific objective, policy area and Beneficiary Member State, supported where available by quantitative or empirical data;

 

(b)  the feedback from support providers on the results and/or impact of the support that they have provided under the Programme in the specific objective and policy area in which they have been active, by Beneficiary Member State, supported where available by quantitative or empirical data;

 

(c)  the evolution of the views of relevant stakeholders regarding the contribution of the Programme to the achievement of the reforms by specific objective, policy area, and Beneficiary Member State, supported where available, by appropriate quantitative or empirical data.

Amendment    86

Proposal for a regulation

Annex – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

These indicators shall be used according to data and information available (including appropriate quantitative or empirical data).

These indicators shall be used according to data and information available (including appropriate quantitative or empirical data). They shall be complemented by additional specific indicators agreed upon by the Commission and the Beneficiary Member State for each request for support.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title

Establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme for the period 2017 to 2020

References

COM(2015)0701 – C8-0373/2015 – 2015/0263(COD)

Committee responsible

       Date announced in plenary

REGI

2.12.2015

 

 

 

Opinion by

       Date announced in plenary

EMPL

2.12.2015

Rapporteur

       Date appointed

Csaba Sógor

12.4.2016

Discussed in committee

16.6.2016

31.8.2016

13.10.2016

 

Date adopted

8.11.2016

 

 

 

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

42

10

0

Members present for the final vote

Laura Agea, Guillaume Balas, Brando Benifei, Vilija Blinkevičiūtė, Enrique Calvet Chambon, David Casa, Ole Christensen, Martina Dlabajová, Lampros Fountoulis, Arne Gericke, Marian Harkin, Danuta Jazłowiecka, Agnes Jongerius, Rina Ronja Kari, Jan Keller, Ádám Kósa, Jean Lambert, Patrick Le Hyaric, Jeroen Lenaers, Verónica Lope Fontagné, Javi López, Morten Løkkegaard, Thomas Mann, Dominique Martin, Anthea McIntyre, Joëlle Mélin, Elisabeth Morin-Chartier, Emilian Pavel, João Pimenta Lopes, Georgi Pirinski, Marek Plura, Terry Reintke, Sofia Ribeiro, Maria João Rodrigues, Claude Rolin, Anne Sander, Sven Schulze, Siôn Simon, Jutta Steinruck, Yana Toom, Renate Weber, Tatjana Ždanoka, Jana Žitňanská

Substitutes present for the final vote

Daniela Aiuto, Georges Bach, Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto, Csaba Sógor, Helga Stevens, Neoklis Sylikiotis, Tom Vandenkendelaere, Flavio Zanonato

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

David Coburn

OPINION of the Committee on Fisheries (16.6.2016)

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme for the period 2017 to 2020 and amending Regulations (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 1305/2013
(COM(2015)0701 – C8-0373/2015 – 2015/0263(COD))

Rapporteur: Alain Cadec

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The aim of the Structural Reform Support Programme is to contribute to the Member States' institutional, administrative and structural reforms by providing support through part of the technical assistance provided for in the structural funds. The dedicated financial envelope for the implementation of the programme will amount to EUR 142.8 million over four years. These funds will be deducted from the resources allocated to technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission, within a limit of 0.35% of the total. In addition, the Member States may decide to add funds by transferring to the programme part of the resources available under technical assistance at the initiative of the Member States. In the case of the Common Fisheries Policy, technical assistance at the initiative of the Member States may be up to 6% of the total amount of an operational programme financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).

Your rapporteur is concerned about the possible use of the EMFF to finance structural reforms not related to fishing, as there would be nothing to prevent a Member State reallocating part of the technical assistance under the EMFF to other issues. Your rapporteur therefore proposes that any EMFF contribution be strictly earmarked for implementation of structural reforms relating to the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy.

Member States are having serious difficulties in fulfilling the landing obligation and this mechanism could help them. Other objectives are enhancing controls and improving the collection of scientific data. The EMFF is a dedicated fisheries fund and must remain so.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Fisheries 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 14 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(14a)   Given that the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund has limited financial resources compared to other EU funds, any transfer of its resources allocated to technical assistance at the initiative of a Member State should be used exclusively to support structural reforms connected with the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy, including control and collection of scientific data.

Justification

The EMFF contribution to the Structural Reform Support Programme should be earmarked exclusively for implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy.

Amendment    2

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(e)  policies for the agricultural sector and the sustainable development of rural areas;

(e)  policies for the agricultural sector, the sustainable development of rural areas and the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy;

Justification

A reference to implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy is needed to allow any EMFF contribution to be earmarked for this objective.

Amendment    3

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

3a.   Resources referred to in paragraph 2 which come from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund shall be used exclusively to support actions which contribute to the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy, including as regards control and the collection of scientific data.

Justification

The EMFF contribution to the Structural Reform Support Programme should be earmarked exclusively for implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title

Establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme for the period 2017-2020

References

COM(2015)0701 – C8-0373/2015 – 2015/0263(COD)

Committee responsible

       Date announced in plenary

REGI

2.12.2015

 

 

 

Opinion by

       Date announced in plenary

PESH:

2.12.2015

Rapporteur:

       Date appointed

Alain Cadec

10.12.2015

Discussed in committee

17.2.2016

 

 

 

Date adopted

15.6.2016

 

 

 

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

16

1

0

Members present for the final vote

Marco Affronte, Clara Eugenia Aguilera García, Renata Briano, Alain Cadec, Linnéa Engström, João Ferreira, Ian Hudghton, Carlos Iturgaiz, Werner Kuhn, António Marinho e Pinto, Gabriel Mato, Ulrike Rodust, Remo Sernagiotto, Isabelle Thomas, Ruža Tomašić, Jarosław Wałęsa

Substitutes present for the final vote

José Blanco López

OPINION of the Committee on Culture and Education (11.11.2016)

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme for the period 2017 to 2020 and amending Regulations (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 1305/2013
(COM(2015)0701 – C8-0373/2015 – 2015/0263(COD))

Rapporteur: Curzio Maltese

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The Commission proposal aims to establish a structural reform support programme which includes intervention in numerous areas, including education and training. Against a background in which intervention is geared to economic recovery, your rapporteur draws attention to the specific features of education, training, access to culture and to the cultural heritage, since the goals of these sectors cannot be determined by the economic objectives of the European Union.

As Article 14 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union also points out, education is a fundamental human right which everyone should be able to enjoy. It seeks the comprehensive development of the human dimension and, as pointed out by the EU ministers of education in the Paris Declaration of 17 March 2015, the 'primary purpose of education is not only to develop knowledge, skills, competences and attitudes, but also to help young people to become active, responsible, open-minded members of society'. Your rapporteur considers it vital to support all measures which aim to improve systems and policies in the field of education, training and access to culture, which should be high-quality, public, free and universal. He therefore takes the view that the success of these policies cannot be measured through parameters which take into consideration the possible short-term economic impact.

In order to ensure that people can exercise their right to education in full, it has to be inclusive: every individual has to be able to have access to quality education, regardless of their social and economic background. In countries which have already received the technical assistance which the Commission has proposed to extend to all Member States, such as Greece and Cyprus, the economic adjustment programmes launched have repeatedly called for a reduction in spending on education and training, leading to the marginalisation of students from disadvantaged groups and thus undermining the guarantee of actual access to the right to education. This has been amply demonstrated also by a study carried out for the European Parliament, entitled 'The impact of the crisis on fundamental rights across Member States of the EU'.

Your rapporteur expresses concern over the transfer of resources already allocated or committed to the sectors of education, training and culture to other Union funds and thus proposes that these funds be excluded from the programme's financial envelope.

In addition, in keeping with the opinion expressed by the European Economic and Social Committee (ECO/398), your rapporteur stresses the importance of involving the social partners and all civil society stakeholders in the process of activating, supervising and monitoring the Structural Reform Support Programme.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Culture and Education calls on the Committee on Regional Development, as the committee responsible, to take into account the following amendment

Amendment    1

Proposal for a regulation

Citation 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

Having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular Articles 13, 14 and 15 thereof,

Amendment    2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

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

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

Amendment    3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7)  Against this background, it is necessary to establish a Structural Reform Support Programme ('the Programme') with the objective of strengthening the capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth-enhancing administrative and structural reforms, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. The Programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery, job creation, boosting Europe's competitiveness and stimulating investment in the real economy.

(7)  Against this background, it is necessary to establish a Structural Reform Support Programme ('the Programme') with the objective of strengthening the capacity of national and regional authorities to prepare and implement growth-enhancing administrative and structural reforms, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds. The Programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery, job creation, boosting Europe's competitiveness and stimulating sustainable investment in the real economy.

Amendment    4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10)  Further to a dialogue with the requesting Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission should analyse the request, taking into account the principles of transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency, breadth and depth of the problems as identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged, analysis of socioeconomic indicators, and the general administrative capacity of the Member State. The Commission should also, in close cooperation with the Member State concerned, identify the priority areas, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support, taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes.

(10)  Further to a dialogue with the requesting Member State, subject to the involvement context of the social partners and civil society, the Commission should analyse the request, taking into account the principles of subsidiarity, transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency, breadth and depth of the problems as identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged, analysis of socioeconomic indicators, and the general administrative capacity of the Member State. The Commission should also, in close cooperation with the Member State concerned, identify the priority areas, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support, taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes.

Amendment    5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(10a)  In accordance with Article 14 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, education is a fundamental human right and a common good. Therefore it needs to be high-quality, inclusive and access to all is required to be guaranteed. Consequently, the priority given to economic recovery has to be balanced with the need to give special attention to the sector of education. The function of education, in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in particular with Article 26 thereof, is geared to the full development of the human personality; accordingly, its goals cannot be determined by the economic objectives of the Union alone. In order to create an appropriate socio-economic framework, fostering employability and improving access to education, support should not be measured exclusively in financial terms but also in terms of citizenship and personal development.

Amendment    6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(13)  The financial envelope of the Programme should consist of financial resources deducted from allocations for technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission under Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council16 and Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council17 . In order to allow such deduction, it is necessary to amend those Regulations.

(13)  The financial envelope of the Programme should consist of financial resources deducted from allocations for technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission under Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council16 and Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council17 . In order to allow such deduction, it is necessary to amend those Regulations. The financing of the Programme should not constitute a precedent for any future initiatives by the Commission to be financed from cohesion policy.

__________________

__________________

16 Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320).

16 Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320).

17 Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 487).

17 Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 487).

Amendment    7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(17)  In the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring immediate response, such as a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a Member State going beyond its control, upon request of a Member State, the Commission should be able to adopt special measures, for a limited proportion of the annual work programme, in accordance with objectives and actions eligible under the Programme to support the national authorities in addressing the urgent needs.

(17)  In the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring immediate response, such as a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a Member State going beyond its control, upon request of a Member State, the Commission should be able to adopt special measures, for a limited proportion of the annual work programme, in accordance with objectives and actions eligible under the Programme to support the local, regional and national authorities in addressing the urgent needs.

Justification

One of the key points of the EESC opinion stresses that the programme must be open to local and regional authorities, which must be directly involved in putting together the structural reform project in question, when concerned.

Amendment    8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 20

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(20)  To facilitate the evaluation of the Programme, a proper framework for monitoring the results achieved by the Programme should be put in place from the very beginning. A mid-term evaluation looking at the achievement of the objectives of the Programme, its efficiency and its added value at the European level should be carried out. A final evaluation should, in addition, deal with the long–term impact and the sustainability effects of the Programme. Those evaluations should be based on the indicators, measuring the effects of the Programme.

(20)  To facilitate the evaluation of the Programme, a proper framework for monitoring the results achieved by the Programme should be put in place from the very beginning. A mid-term evaluation looking at the achievement of the objectives of the Programme, its efficiency and its added value at the European level should be carried out. A final evaluation should, in addition, deal with the long–term impact and the sustainability effects of the Programme. Those evaluations should be based on the indicators, measuring the effects of the Programme. The implementation of the Programme should be subject to annual monitoring as well as to independent interim and ex-post evaluation on the basis of which the possible suspension after 2020 could be decided. Therefore, output indicators should be permitted to be added to the proposed set of indicators.

Amendment    9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 21

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(21)  In order to adapt the list of indicators measuring the achievement of the objectives of the Programme, in the light of experience during the implementation of the Programme, the power to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the amendment of the list. It is of particular importance that the Commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council.

(21)   In order to adapt the list of indicators measuring the achievement of the objectives of the Programme, in the light of experience during the implementation of the Programme, the power to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the amendment of the list. It is of particular importance that the Commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.

Amendment    10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 23

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(23)  Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to contribute to the institutional, administrative and structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions, governance, administration, economic and social sectors, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States alone, but can rather, by reason of their scale and effects, 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 Treaty on European Union. 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, since the scope of the support would be mutually agreed with the Member State concerned.

(23)  Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to contribute to the institutional, administrative and structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to local, regional and national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions, governance, administration, economic and social sectors, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States alone, but can rather, by reason of their scale and effects, 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 Treaty on European Union. 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, since the scope of the support would be mutually agreed with the Member State concerned.

Justification

One of the key points of the EESC opinion stresses that the programme must be open to local and regional authorities, which must be directly involved in putting together the structural reform project in question, when concerned.

Amendment    11

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The Programme shall finance actions with European added value. To that effect, the Commission shall ensure that actions selected for funding are likely to produce results with European added value and shall monitor whether European added value is actually achieved.

1.  The Programme shall finance actions with European added value. To that effect, the Commission shall ensure that actions selected for funding are likely to produce results with European added value and shall monitor whether European added value is actually achieved. Action should be closely monitored and feedback should be taken into account and implemented accordingly.

Justification

Some precision is needed on how and when the actions should be monitored before the interim and ex-post evaluation. This could be helpful to take the right decisions for the following actions and projects and bring the desired European added value.

Amendment    12

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)  their complementarity and synergy with other Union programmes and policies at national, Union and international level;

(b)  their complementarity and synergy with other Union programmes and policies at national, regional, local, Union and international level;

Amendment    13

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(ea)  the promotion of European values, in particular the solidarity which has been the base for all regional policies, including the empowerment of all citizens in regional and local decision-making processes.

Amendment    14

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(eb)  the promotion of intercultural dialogue through the education, training and creative sectors.

Amendment    15

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The general objective of the Programme shall be to contribute to institutional, administrative and structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions, governance, administration, economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness, growth, jobs, and investment, in particular in the context of economic governance processes, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds.

The general objective of the Programme shall be to contribute to institutional, administrative and structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national, local and regional authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions, governance, administration, economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness, sustainable growth, jobs, investment and economic, social and territorial cohesion, including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the Union funds.

Amendment    16

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  To achieve the general objective set out in Article 4, the Programme shall have the following specific objectives:

1.  To achieve the general objective set out in Article 4, the Programme shall have the following specific objectives.

(a)  to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design their reforms according to priorities, taking into account initial conditions and expected socio-economic impacts;

(a)  to assist the initiatives of national, regional and local authorities to design their reforms according to priorities, taking into account initial conditions and expected socio-economic impacts;

(b)  to support the national authorities to enhance their capacity to formulate, develop and implement reform policies and strategies and pursue an integrated approach ensuring consistency between goals and means across sectors;

(b)  to support the national regional and local authorities to enhance their capacity to formulate, develop and implement reform policies and strategies and pursue an integrated approach ensuring consistency between goals and means across sectors;

 

(ba)  to support competent authorities to improve systems and policies in the field of education, training and access to culture, which should be universal, of high quality, sustainable, inclusive, promote excellence, research and development at every level;

(c)  to support the efforts of national authorities to define and implement appropriate processes and methodologies by taking into account good practices and lessons learned by other countries in addressing similar situations;

(c)  to support the efforts of national, regional and local authorities to define and implement appropriate processes and methodologies by taking into account good practices and lessons learned by other countries in addressing similar situations;

(d)  to assist the national authorities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of human resources management, where appropriate, through definition of clear responsibilities and increase of professional knowledge and skills.

(d)  to assist the national, regional and local authorities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of human resources management, where appropriate, through definition of clear responsibilities and increase of professional knowledge and skills.

 

(da)  to encourage the involvement of citizens in decision-making through consultations and to strengthen citizenship through participatory elements.

These objectives shall be pursued in close cooperation with Beneficiary Member States.

These objectives shall be pursued upon the request of Beneficiary Member States and in close cooperation with them.

2.  The specific objectives set out in paragraph 1 shall refer to policy areas related to competitiveness, growth, jobs and investment, in particular to the following:

2.  The Member State shall, in consultation with its competent authorities, where applicable with its regional authorities, determine the policy areas it wishes to tackle in accordance with specific national and regional needs.

(a)  public financial management, budget process, debt management and revenue administration;

 

(b)  institutional reform and efficient and service-oriented functioning of public administration, effective rule of law, reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti-fraud, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering;

 

(c)  business environment, private sector development, investment, privatization processes, trade and foreign direct investment, competition and public procurement, sustainable sectoral development and support for innovation;

 

(d)  education and training, labour market policies, social inclusion, social security and social welfare systems, public health and healthcare systems, asylum, migration and borders policies;

 

(e)  policies for the agricultural sector and the sustainable development of rural areas;

 

(f)  financial sector policies and access to finance.

 

Amendment    17

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)  the provision of expert(s) (including resident experts), for a short or long period, to perform tasks in specific domains or to carry out operational activities, where necessary with interpretation, translation and cooperation support, administrative assistance and infrastructure and equipment facilities;

(b)  the provision of expert(s) (including resident experts), for a short or long period, to perform tasks in specific domains or to carry out operational activities, where necessary with interpretation, translation and cooperation support, administrative assistance and infrastructure and equipment facilities. Combining foreign with local experts can help maximize effectiveness, by making it easier to understand problems and design tailor-made solutions to the specific situation in the requesting Member States;

Amendment    18

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  A Member State wishing to receive support under the Programme shall submit a request for support to the Commission, identifying the policy areas and the priorities for support within the scope of the Programme as set out in Article 5(2). This request shall be submitted at the latest by 31 October of each calendar year.

1.  A Member State wishing to receive support under the Programme shall submit, after consulting the social partners concerned and civil society, a request for support to the Commission, identifying the policy areas and the priorities for support within the scope of the Programme as set out in Article 5. This request shall be submitted at the latest by 31 October of each calendar year.

Amendment    19

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  Taking into account the principles of transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management, further to a dialogue with the Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency, breadth and depth of the problems identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned, analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the Member State. Taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes, the Commission in close cooperation with the Member State concerned shall identify the priority areas for support, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support.

2.  Taking into account the principles of subsidiarity, transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management, further to a dialogue with the Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency, breadth and depth of the problems identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned, analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the Member State. Taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes, the Commission in close cooperation with the Member State concerned shall identify the priority areas for support, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support. The Programme shall remain voluntary for Member States and shall not involve compulsory and stigmatizing procedures.

Amendment    20

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c)  the implementation of reforms by Member States, undertaken at their own initiative, notably to achieve sustainable investment, growth and job creation.

(c)  the implementation of reforms by Member States, undertaken at their own initiative, notably to achieve sustainable investment, growth, high quality education, research, training and job creation.

Amendment    21

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The Commission may define the support envisaged for Beneficiary Member States in cooperation with other Member States, or international organisations.

1.  The Commission may define the support envisaged for Beneficiary Member States in cooperation with other Member States, the social partners concerned, civil society or international organisations.

Amendment    22

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The Beneficiary Member State, in coordination with the Commission, may enter into partnership with one or more other Member States which shall act as Reform Partners in respect of specific areas of reform. A Reform Partner shall, in coordination with the Commission, help formulate strategy, reform roadmaps, design high-quality assistance or oversee implementation of strategy and projects.

2.  The Beneficiary Member State, in coordination with the Commission, may enter into partnership with one or more other Member States which shall act as Reform Partners in respect of specific areas of reform. A Reform Partner shall, in coordination with the Beneficiary Member State and the Commission, help formulate strategy, reform roadmaps, design high-quality assistance or oversee implementation of strategy and projects.

Amendment    23

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.  The budgetary authority shall authorise the available annual appropriations within the limits of the Multiannual Financial Framework established by Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013.

3.  The budgetary authority shall authorise the available annual appropriations within the limits of the Multiannual Financial Framework established by Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013, which shall guarantee appropriate resources in actions, plans, programmes and projects in education, training and culture.

Amendment    24

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The Commission shall implement the Programme in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.

1.  The Commission shall implement the Programme in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.

2.  The measures of the Programme may be implemented either directly by the Commission or indirectly, by entities and persons other than Member States in accordance with Article 60 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012. In particular, Union financial support for actions provided for in Article 6 of this Regulation shall take the form of:

2.  The measures of the Programme may be implemented either directly by the Commission or indirectly, by entities and persons other than Member States in accordance with Article 60 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012. In particular, Union financial support for actions provided for in Article 6 of this Regulation shall take the form of:

(d)  grants (including grants to the Member States' national authorities);

(d)  grants (including grants to the Member States' local, regional and national authorities);

(e)  public procurement contracts;

(e)  public procurement contracts;

(f)  reimbursement of costs incurred by external experts;

(f)  reimbursement of costs incurred by external experts;

(g)  contributions to trust funds;

(g)  contributions to trust funds;

(h)  actions carried out in indirect management.

(h)  actions carried out in indirect management.

3.  Grants may be awarded to Member States' national authorities, the European Investment Bank group, international organisations, public and/or private bodies and entities legally established in any of the following:

3.  Grants may be awarded to Member States' local, regional and national authorities, the European Investment Bank group, international organisations, public and/or private bodies and entities legally established in any of the following:

(a)  Member States;

(a)  Member States;

(b)  European Free Trade Agreement countries which are party to the European Economic Area Agreement, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the EEA Agreement.

(b)  European Free Trade Agreement countries which are party to the European Economic Area Agreement, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the EEA Agreement.

The co-financing rate for grants shall be up to 100 % of the eligible costs, without prejudice to the principles of co-financing and no-profit.

The co-financing rate for grants shall be up to 100 % of the eligible costs, without prejudice to the principles of co-financing and no-profit.

4.  Support may also be provided by individual experts who may be invited to contribute to selected activities organised under the Programme wherever that is necessary for the achievement of the specific objectives set out in Articles 5.

4.  Support may also be provided by individual experts who may be invited to contribute to selected activities organised under the Programme wherever that is necessary for the achievement of the specific objectives set out in Article 5 and a follow up to the monitoring activities/ procedures of their contribution should be duly envisaged.

5.  In order to implement the Programme, the Commission shall adopt, by way of implementing acts, multi-annual work programmes. Multi-annual work programmes shall set out the policy objectives pursued through the envisaged support and the expected results, as well as funding priorities in the relevant policy areas. The multi-annual work programmes shall be further specified in annual work programmes, adopted by way of implementing acts, identifying the measures needed for their implementation, together with all the elements required by Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.

5.  The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 16, with a view to supplementing this Regulation by establishing multi-annual work programmes. Multi-annual work programmes shall set out the policy objectives pursued through the envisaged support and the expected results, as well as funding priorities in the relevant policy areas. The multi-annual work programmes shall be further specified in annual work programmes, adopted by way of implementing acts, identifying the measures needed for their implementation, together with all the elements required by Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.

 

5a.  In order to plan the programmes, the relevant social partners and civil society be involved. The support activation process cannot be launched without consulting the relevant social partners and civil society.

6.  To ensure timely availability of resources, the annual work programme may indicate that in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring an immediate response, including a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a Member State going beyond its control, the Commission may, on request by a Member State, adopt special measures in accordance with the objectives and actions defined in this Regulation to support the national authorities in addressing urgent needs. Such special measures may account only for a limited proportion of the annual work programme and shall not be subject to the conditions set out in Article 7.

6.  To ensure timely availability of resources, the annual work programme may indicate that in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring an immediate response, including a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a Member State going beyond its control, the Commission may, on request by a Member State, adopt special measures in accordance with the objectives and actions defined in this Regulation to support the national regional and local authorities in addressing urgent needs. Such special measures may account only for a limited proportion of the annual work programme and shall not infringe point (ba) of Article 5 (1).

Amendment    25

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Commission and the Beneficiary Member States, within their respective responsibilities, shall foster synergies and ensure effective coordination between the Programme and other Union programmes and instruments, and in particular with measures financed by the Union funds. To this end, they shall:

Without prejudice to point (ba) of Article 5 (1) the Commission and the Beneficiary Member States, within their respective responsibilities, shall foster synergies and ensure effective coordination between the Programme and other Union programmes and instruments, and in particular with measures financed by the Union funds. To this end, they shall:

(a)  ensure complementarity and synergy between different instruments at Union and national levels, in particular in relation to measures financed by Union funds, both in the planning phase and during implementation;

(a)  ensure complementarity and synergy between different instruments at Union and national, regional and local levels, in particular in relation to measures financed by Union funds, both in the planning phase and during implementation;

(b)  optimise mechanisms for coordination to avoid duplication of effort;

(b)  optimise mechanisms for coordination to avoid duplication of effort and cost;

(c)  ensure close cooperation between those responsible for implementation at Union and national level to deliver coherent and streamlined support actions.

(c)  ensure close cooperation between those responsible for implementation at Union and national, regional and local level to deliver coherent and streamlined support actions.

The relevant multi-annual and annual work programmes may serve as the coordination framework, where support is envisaged in any of the areas referred to in Article 5(2).

The relevant multi-annual and annual work programmes may serve as the coordination framework, where support is envisaged in any of the areas referred to in Article 5 and shall not infringe point (ba) of Article 5 (1).

Amendment    26

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The Commission shall monitor the implementation of the actions financed by the Programme and measure the achievement of the specific objectives referred to in Article 5(1) in accordance with indicators set out in the Annex.

1.  The Commission shall monitor the implementation of the actions financed by the Programme and measure the achievement of the specific objectives referred to in Article 5(1) in accordance with indicators set out in the Annex.

The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 16 concerning amendments to the list of indicators set out in the Annex.

The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 16 concerning amendments to the list of indicators set out in the Annex.

2.  The Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with an interim evaluation report, by mid of 2019, at the latest, and an ex-post evaluation report by end of December 2021.

2.  The Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with annual monitoring report and an interim evaluation report, by 31 December 2018, at the latest, and an ex-post evaluation report by end of December 2021.

3.  The interim evaluation report shall include information on the achievement of the Programme's objectives, the efficiency of the use of resources and the Programme’s European added value and assessment on whether funding in areas covered by the Programme needs to be adapted or extended after 2020. It shall also address the continued relevance of all objectives and actions. The ex-post evaluation report shall include information on the longer-term impact of the Programme.

3.  The interim evaluation report shall include information on the achievement of the Programme's objectives, the efficiency of the use of resources and the Programme’s European added value and assessment on whether funding in areas covered by the Programme needs to be adapted or extended after 2020. It shall also address the continued relevance of all objectives and actions. The ex-post evaluation report shall include information on the longer-term impact of the Programme and shall assess the Programme as a whole, both its weaknesses and its strengths.

 

3a.  The implementation of the Programme shall be subject to annual monitoring as well as to independent interim and ex-post evaluation on the basis of which the possible suspension after 2020 could be decided. Therefore, output indicators maybe added to the proposed set of indicators.

Amendment    27

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of four years from 1 January 2017.

2.  The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 12(5) and the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of four years from 1 January 2017.

Amendment    28

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.   The delegation of power referred to in the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect on the day following publication in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

3.   The delegation of power referred to in Article 12(5) and in the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect on the day following publication in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

Amendment    29

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

5.   A delegated act adopted pursuant to the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of the notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

5.   A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 12(5) and the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of the notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title

Establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme for the period 2017 to 2020

References

COM(2015)0701 – C8-0373/2015 – 2015/0263(COD)

Committee responsible

       Date announced in plenary

REGI

2.12.2015

 

 

 

Opinion by

       Date announced in plenary

CULT

4.2.2016

Rapporteur

       Date appointed

Curzio Maltese

23.2.2016

Discussed in committee

20.6.2016

 

 

 

Date adopted

8.11.2016

 

 

 

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

20

4

3

Members present for the final vote

Dominique Bilde, Andrea Bocskor, Silvia Costa, Mircea Diaconu, Angel Dzhambazki, Jill Evans, María Teresa Giménez Barbat, Giorgos Grammatikakis, Petra Kammerevert, Andrew Lewer, Svetoslav Hristov Malinov, Curzio Maltese, Luigi Morgano, Momchil Nekov, Michaela Šojdrová, Yana Toom, Helga Trüpel, Julie Ward, Theodoros Zagorakis, Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski, Milan Zver, Krystyna Łybacka

Substitutes present for the final vote

Therese Comodini Cachia, Santiago Fisas Ayxelà, Emma McClarkin

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

David Coburn, Ángela Vallina

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Title

Establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme for the period 2017 to 2020

References

COM(2015)0701 – C8-0373/2015 – 2015/0263(COD)

Date submitted to Parliament

18.11.2015

 

 

 

Committee responsible

       Date announced in plenary

REGI

2.12.2015

 

 

 

Committees asked for opinions

       Date announced in plenary

BUDG

2.12.2015

ECON

2.12.2015

EMPL

2.12.2015

ENVI

2.12.2015

 

ITRE

2.12.2015

AGRI

2.12.2015

PECH

2.12.2015

CULT

4.2.2016

 

LIBE

2.12.2015

 

 

 

Not delivering opinions

       Date of decision

ENVI

22.12.2015

ITRE

28.1.2016

AGRI

11.1.2016

LIBE

14.12.2015

Associated committees

       Date announced in plenary

ECON

12.5.2016

 

 

 

Rapporteurs

       Date appointed

Lambert van Nistelrooij

14.1.2016

Constanze Krehl

14.1.2016

 

 

Discussed in committee

25.5.2016

8.9.2016

 

 

Date adopted

29.11.2016

 

 

 

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

29

11

0

Members present for the final vote

Pascal Arimont, Franc Bogovič, Steeve Briois, Rosa D’Amato, Michela Giuffrida, Krzysztof Hetman, Ivan Jakovčić, Marc Joulaud, Constanze Krehl, Andrew Lewer, Louis-Joseph Manscour, Martina Michels, Iskra Mihaylova, Jens Nilsson, Younous Omarjee, Konstantinos Papadakis, Mirosław Piotrowski, Stanislav Polčák, Julia Reid, Terry Reintke, Liliana Rodrigues, Fernando Ruas, Maria Spyraki, Olaf Stuger, Ruža Tomašić, Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso, Ángela Vallina, Matthijs van Miltenburg, Lambert van Nistelrooij, Derek Vaughan, Kerstin Westphal

Substitutes present for the final vote

Daniel Buda, James Carver, Elena Gentile, Ivana Maletić, Dan Nica, James Nicholson, Bronis Ropė

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

Vladimir Urutchev, Boris Zala

Date tabled

7.12.2016