REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision and quality of statistics for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure
24.2.2014 - (COM(2013)0342 – C7‑0162/2013 – 2013/0181(COD)) - ***I
Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
Rapporteur: Derk Jan Eppink
DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION
on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision and quality of statistics for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure
(COM(2013)0342 – C7‑0162/2013 – 2012/0181(COD))
(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)
The European Parliament,
– having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2013)0342),
– having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 338(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C7‑0162/2013),
– having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
– having regard to the opinion of the European Central Bank of 10 October 2013[1],
– having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,
– having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and the Committee on Regional Development (A7-0143/2014),
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 1 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(1) Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances1 sets up an alert mechanism to facilitate the early identification and the monitoring of imbalances. Under this mechanism, the Commission is required to prepare an annual Alert Mechanism Report (AMR) containing a qualitative economic and financial assessment and identifying Member States that the Commission considers may be affected by, or may be at risk of being affected by, imbalances. |
(1) Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council 1 (MIP) sets up an alert mechanism to facilitate the early identification and the monitoring of imbalances. Under this mechanism, the Commission is required to prepare an annual Alert Mechanism Report (AMR) containing a qualitative economic and financial assessment and identifying Member States that the Commission considers may be affected by, or may be at risk of being affected by, imbalances. |
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1 OJ L 306, 23.11.11, p.25. |
1 Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances (OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 25). |
Justification | |
Drafting point to clarify acronym. | |
Amendment 2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(3) Reliable statistical data are the basis for effective surveillance of macroeconomic imbalances. To guarantee sound and independent statistics, Member States should ensure the professional independence of national statistical authorities, consistent with the European statistics code of practice laid down in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on European statistics3. |
(3) Reliable, accurate and useful statistical data are essential for effective surveillance of macroeconomic imbalances. To guarantee sound and independent statistics, the independence of Eurostat should be strengthened in line with the European Parliament's proposals for the revision of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a and Member States should ensure the professional independence of national statistical authorities, consistent with the European statistics code of practice laid down in that Regulation. |
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3 OJ L 87, 31.3.2009, p. 164 |
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1a Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on European statistics and repealing Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1101/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transmission of data subject to statistical confidentiality to the Statistical Office of the European Communities, Council Regulation (EC) No 322/97 on Community Statistics, and Council Decision 89/382/EEC, Euratom establishing a Committee on the Statistical Programmes of the European Communities (OJ L 87, 31.3.2009, p. 164). |
Amendment 3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(3a) It is necessary that the Commission continue to address the need for reliable statistical information that enables Union policies to better respond to economic, social and territorial realities at regional level. |
Amendment 4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(4) The AMR, which is based on a scoreboard with a set of indicators the values of which are compared to their indicative thresholds, is an initial screening device whereby the Commission identifies Member States where it considers that developments warrant further in-depth analysis to determine whether imbalances exist or risk emerging. The AMR should include MIP relevant data. It is however in the following in-depth reviews that the driving forces behind the observed developments are analysed in detail with a view to determining the nature of the imbalances. The scoreboard and the thresholds are not interpreted mechanically, but are subject to economic reading. When carrying out in-depth reviews, the Commission will examine a broad range of economic variables and additional information taking due account of country specific circumstances. For these reasons, all the data that may be used for the purpose of the macroeconomic imbalances procedure cannot be listed in advance in an exhaustive manner, but should be defined by reference to the procedures set out in Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 for the detection of macroeconomic imbalances as well as the prevention and correction of excessive macroeconomic imbalances within the Union. In implementing the macroeconomic imbalances procedure, the Commission and the Council should give preference to statistics which are compiled and transmitted, by Member States, to the Commission (Eurostat). Other statistics, which are not compiled and transmitted this way, should only be used when the former statistics do not provide the required information, and taking due account of the quality of these other statistics. |
(4) The AMR, which is based on a scoreboard with a set of indicators the values of which are compared to their indicative thresholds, is an initial screening device whereby the Commission identifies Member States where it considers that developments warrant further in-depth analysis to determine whether imbalances exist or risk emerging. The AMR should include MIP relevant data. It is however in the following in-depth reviews that the driving forces behind the observed developments are analysed in detail with a view to determining the nature of the imbalances. The scoreboard and the thresholds should not be interpreted mechanically, but should be subject to economic reading. When carrying out in-depth reviews, the Commission will examine a broad range of economic variables and additional information taking due account of country specific circumstances. For these reasons, all the data that may be used for the purpose of the macroeconomic imbalances procedure cannot be listed in advance in an exhaustive manner, but should be defined by reference to the procedures set out in Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 for the detection of macroeconomic imbalances as well as the prevention and correction of excessive macroeconomic imbalances within the Union. In implementing, monitoring and assessing the macroeconomic imbalances procedure, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission should give preference to statistics which are compiled and transmitted, by Member States, to the Commission (Eurostat). Other statistics, which are not compiled and transmitted this way, should only be used when the former statistics do not provide the required information, and taking due account of the quality of these other statistics. |
Amendment 5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(5) A reliable procedure should be set up for the compilation, monitoring and release of the data relevant for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure (hereinafter referred to as “MIP relevant data”) as well as a continuous improvement of the underlying statistical information in line with the Commission’s quality management frameworks for European statistics4. The Group of Directors of Macroeconomic Statistics (DMES), established by the Commission, is an appropriate expert group to provide the Commission (Eurostat) with the required assistance for the application of a robust quality monitoring procedure for the MIP relevant data. |
(5) A reliable procedure should be set up for the collection, compilation, monitoring and release of the data relevant for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure (hereinafter referred to as “MIP relevant data”) as well as a continuous improvement of the underlying statistical information in line with the Commission’s quality management frameworks for European statistics4. The Group of Directors of Macroeconomic Statistics (DMES), established by the Commission and including in its ranks experts from the European Statistical System Committee and the European System of Central Banks, is an appropriate expert group to provide the Commission (Eurostat) with the required assistance for the application of a robust quality monitoring procedure for the MIP relevant data. |
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4 COM(2005)217 final and COM(2011)211 final. |
4COM(2005)217 final and COM(2011)211 final. |
Amendment 6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(6) It is essential that the statistical production necessary for the performance of the activities of the Union should only be based on reliable data. In the production of MIP relevant data, which is an essential input for the detection of macroeconomic imbalances as well as the prevention and correction of excessive macroeconomic imbalances within the Union, unreliable data can have a significant impact on the interest of the Union. Additional measures to make the enforcement of the production, provision and quality monitoring of MIP relevant data more effective are necessary for the performance of the macroeconomic imbalances procedure. Those measures should enhance the credibility of the underlying statistical information as well as of the provision and quality monitoring of the MIP relevant data. In order to deter against misrepresentation, whether intentional or due to serious negligence, of MIP relevant data, a mechanism of financial sanctions should be established, which will also serve the purpose of ensuring due diligence in the production of MIP relevant data. |
(6) It is essential that the statistical production necessary for the performance of the activities of the Union is based on reliable data. It is appropriate to supplement the procedures set down in Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 and Regulation (EU) No 1174/2011 with a corresponding formal framework for the compilation, quality monitoring and release of MIP relevant data, in line with the common quality criteria set down in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009. Additional measures should make the enforcement of the production, provision and quality monitoring of MIP relevant data more effective and are necessary for the performance of the macroeconomic imbalances procedure. Those measures should enhance the credibility of the underlying statistical information as well as of the provision and quality monitoring of the MIP relevant data. |
Amendment 7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(6a) In order to deter against misrepresentation of MIP relevant data, whether intentional or due to serious negligence, a corrective mechanism should be established, which will also serve the purpose of ensuring due diligence in the production of MIP relevant data. |
Justification
If Article 338(1) TFEU is considered to be an insufficient or inappropriate legal basis on which to provide for such sanctions against Member States in cases of intentional misrepresentation or serious negligence resulting in the misrepresentation of the MIP relevant data, diligent consideration should be given to adding a further legal basis or adapting the provisions of Chapter VIII of this Regulation.
Amendment 8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 7 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(7) To supplement the rules on calculating the fines for manipulation of statistics as well as the rules on the procedure to be followed by the Commission for the investigation of such actions, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘the Treaty’) should be delegated to the Commission in respect of detailed criteria for establishing the amount of the fine and for conducting the Commission's investigations. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. When preparing and drawing up delegated acts, the Commission should ensure the simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and the Council. |
(7) To supplement the rules on calculating the interest-bearing deposits and fines for manipulation of statistics as well as the rules on the procedure to be followed by the Commission for the investigations related to the manipulation of statistics, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘the Treaty’) should be delegated to the Commission in respect of detailed criteria for establishing the amount of the fine and for conducting the Commission's investigations. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. When preparing and drawing up delegated acts, the Commission should ensure the simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and the Council. |
Amendment 9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(8) Close cooperation and on-going dialogue should be established between the Commission and Member States’ statistical authorities in order to ensure the quality of the MIP relevant data reported by Member States and the underlying statistical information. |
(8) The ongoing cooperation and coordination between the Commission (Eurostat) and Member States’ statistical authorities is an important part of efficient coordination of statistical activities within the European Statistical System (ESS). Such collaboration needs to be strengthened in order to ensure the quality of the MIP relevant data reported by Member States and the underlying statistical information; the institutional separation of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and the independence of central banks should be respected within the framework of developing, producing and disseminating MIP relevant data under the respective governance structure and statistical work programmes of the ESS and the ESCB. |
Amendment 10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(9) Close cooperation between the European Statistical System and the European System of Central Banks should be ensured in relation to MIP relevant data, in line with Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009, in order to minimise the reporting burden, guarantee coherence, improve the underlying statistics and ensure comparability. |
(9) Since the ESS is responsible for producing a number of statistics underlying the MIP relevant data and the ESCB is responsible for producing a number of other statistics underlying the MIP relevant data, close cooperation between the two systems should be ensured in relation to MIP relevant data, in line with Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009, in order to minimise the reporting burden, guarantee coherence, improve the underlying statistics and ensure comparability. Practical operational arrangements for the cooperation between the ESS and the ESCB on quality assurance for MIP relevant data could be laid down in a memorandum of understanding. Given its long-standing experience in the areas of statistics covered by the MIP relevant data, the Committee on monetary, financial and balance of payments statistics (CMFB) established by the Council Decision 2006/856/EC1a could provide advice on the practical operational arrangements for cooperation that could be reflected in such a memorandum of understanding. |
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1a. OJ L 332, 30.11.2006, p. 21. |
Amendment 11 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(9a) The provisions laid down in this Regulation are to be considered within the frame of the reinforcement of European economic governance, which calls for greater democratic accountability at the national and the Union level. The improved statistical monitoring system of MIP relevant data should include a closer and more timely involvement of the national parliaments and the European Parliament. While recognising that the counterparts of the European Parliament in the framework of the dialogue are the relevant institutions of the Union and their representatives, the competent committee of the European Parliament may extend invitations to representatives of the National Statistical Institutes (NSIs) to participate voluntarily in hearings. |
Amendment 12 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9 b (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(9b) The strengthening of economic governance through an improved statistical monitoring system of MIP relevant data should include a closer and more timely involvement of the national parliaments and the European Parliament . |
Amendment 13 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(12a) However, the suspension of funds due to be triggered by the macroeconomic imbalances procedure should be used as a last resort and take into account an in-depth analyses of the unemployment, poverty and GDP contraction indicators. |
Amendment 14 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 2 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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2a. Quality assurance procedures put in place in the framework of this Regulation shall build on and take into consideration best practices in existing quality assurance procedures. They shall not result in the duplication of quality assurance efforts nor parallel data series. |
Amendment 15 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 2 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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2. The deadlines for the transmission of the MIP relevant data shall be those laid down pursuant to the relevant basic acts or shall be communicated by the Commission in specific calendars taking into account the needs of the Union. |
2. The deadlines for the transmission of the MIP relevant data shall be those laid down pursuant to the relevant basic acts or shall be communicated by the Commission in specific calendars taking into account the European Semester framework and the needs of the Union. |
Amendment 16 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 3 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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3. The Commission shall indicate to the Member States, each year, the timetable of the annual Alert Mechanism Report established by Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011. Based on this timetable and on the deadlines and calendars referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission shall also decide on and communicate, to the Member States, a cut-off date for their transmission of all the most up-to-date MIP relevant data. |
3. The Commission shall indicate to the Member States, each year, the timetable of the annual Alert Mechanism Report established by Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011. Based on this timetable and on the deadlines and calendars referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission shall also decide on and communicate, to the Member States, a cut-off date for when the Commission (Eurostat) is to extract the MIP relevant data to compute for each Member State the MIP scoreboard indicators and set up a reference database on MIP relevant data. |
Amendment 17 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 3 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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3a. The Commission (Eurostat) shall provide each Member State with access to the reference database with the extracted MIP relevant data no later than five working days after the cut-off date for checking purposes. Member States shall check the data and shall confirm, or provide amendments to, the data during the seven working days following that five-day period. |
Amendment 18 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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1. When transmitting the MIP relevant data referred to in Article 1, Member States shall send, to the Commission (Eurostat), information showing how these data are calculated, including any changes in the sources and methods, in the form of a quality report. |
1. When transmitting the MIP relevant data referred to in Article 1, Member States shall submit, to the Commission (Eurostat), information indicating how these data are calculated, including any changes in the sources and methods, in the form of a quality report. |
Amendment 19 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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2a. Member States shall transmit the quality report within seven days as referred to in Article 2(3a). |
Amendment 20 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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3. The Commission shall adopt implementing acts with a view to defining the modalities, structure and periodicity of the quality reports. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 14(2). |
3. The Commission shall adopt delegated acts with a view to defining the modalities, structure and periodicity of the quality reports referred to in paragraph 1. Those delegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 12. |
Amendment 21 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 2 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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2. Member States shall establish the inventories and send them to the Commission (Eurostat) at the latest on […][nine months after the adoption of this Regulation– exact date to be inserted by OP upon publication]. The Commission shall adopt implementing acts with a view to defining the structure and the modalities for the updating of these inventories by […][within six months after the adoption of this Regulation– exact date to be inserted by OP upon publication]. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 14(2). |
2. Member States shall establish the inventories and send them to the Commission (Eurostat) at the latest on […][nine months after the adoption of this Regulation– exact date to be inserted by OJ upon publication]. The Commission shall adopt delegated acts with a view to defining the structure and the modalities for the updating of these inventories by […][within six months after the adoption of this Regulation– exact date to be inserted by OJ upon publication]. Those delegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 12. |
Amendment 22 Proposal for a regulation Chapter VI – title | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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MISSIONS TO MEMBER STATES |
DIALOGUE MISSIONS TO MEMBER STATES |
Amendment 23 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 1 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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1. Where the Commission (Eurostat) identifies problems, in particular in the context of the quality assessment under Article 5, it may decide to carry out missions to the Member State concerned. |
1. Where the Commission (Eurostat) identifies a need to deepen its assessment of the quality of statistics, in particular in the context of the quality assessment under Article 5, it may decide to carry out dialogue missions to the Member State concerned. |
Amendment 24 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 2 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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2. The aim of such missions shall be to investigate in depth the quality of the MIP relevant data concerned. The missions shall concentrate on methodological issues, the sources and methods described in the inventories, the data and supporting statistical processes with a view to assessing their compliance with the relevant accounting and statistical rules. |
2. The aim of the dialoguemissions referred to in paragraph 1 shall be to investigate in depth the quality of the MIP relevant data concerned. The dialogue missions shall concentrate on methodological issues, the sources and methods described in the inventories, the data and supporting statistical processes with a view to assessing their compliance with the relevant accounting and statistical rules. |
Amendment 25 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 2 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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2a. When organising the dialogue missions, the Commission shall transmit its provisional findings to the Member State concerned for comments. |
Amendment 26 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 3 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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3. The Commission (Eurostat) shall report to the Economic Policy Committee set up by Council Decision 74/122/EEC7 on the findings of these missions, including any comments on these findings made by the Member State concerned. After having been transmitted to the Economic Policy Committee, these reports, along with any comments made by the Member State concerned, shall be made public, without prejudice to the provisions concerning statistical confidentiality in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009. |
3. The Commission (Eurostat) shall report to the European Parliament and to the Economic Policy Committee set up by Council Decision 74/122/EEC7 on the findings of these dialogue missions, including any comments on these findings made by the Member State concerned. After having been transmitted to the European Parliament and to the Economic Policy Committee, these reports, along with any comments made by the Member State concerned, shall be made public, without prejudice to the provisions concerning statistical confidentiality in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009. |
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7. OJ L 63, 5.3.1974, p.21 |
7. OJ L 63, 5.3.1974, p. 21 |
Amendment 27 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 4 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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4. Member States shall, at the request of the Commission (Eurostat), provide the assistance from experts on statistical issues related to the macroeconomic imbalances procedure, including for the preparation and carrying-out of the missions. In the exercise of their duties, these experts shall provide independent expertise. A list of those experts shall be constituted by (date to be fixed) on the basis of proposals sent to the Commission (Eurostat) by the national authorities responsible for the MIP relevant data. |
4. Member States shall, at the request of the Commission (Eurostat), provide the assistance from experts on statistical issues related to the macroeconomic imbalances procedure, including for the preparation and carrying-out of the dialogue missions. In the exercise of their duties, these experts shall provide independent expertise. A list of those experts shall be constituted by [OJ please insert date: six months after publication of this Regulation] on the basis of proposals sent to the Commission (Eurostat) by the national authorities responsible for the MIP relevant data. |
Amendment 28 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 5 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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5. The Commission (Eurostat) shall lay down the rules and procedures related to the selection of the experts, taking into account an appropriate distribution of experts across Member States and an appropriate rotation of experts between Member States, their working arrangements and the financial details. The Commission (Eurostat) shall share with the Member States the full cost incurred by the Member States for the assistance from their national experts. |
5. The Commission (Eurostat) shall lay down the rules and procedures related to the selection of the experts taking into account an appropriate distribution of experts across Member States and an appropriate and timely rotation of experts between Member States, their working arrangements and the financial details. The Commission (Eurostat) shall share with the Member States the full cost incurred by the Member States for the assistance from their national experts. |
Justification | |
In order to ensure that the expert opinions provided are objective, it is necessary to ensure the right selection, distribution and timing in the rotation of those experts. | |
Amendment 29 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 6 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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6a. This Article shall not apply in cases where sectoral legislation already provides for Commission visits to Member States. |
Amendment 30 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 1 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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1. The Commission (Eurostat) shall provide the MIP relevant data used for the purposes of the macroeconomic imbalances procedure including by means of news releases and/or other channels as it considers appropriate. |
1. The Commission (Eurostat) shall make public the MIP relevant data used for the purposes of the macroeconomic imbalances procedure including by means of news releases and/or other channels as it considers appropriate. |
Amendment 31 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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2. The Commission (Eurostat) shall not delay the provision of the MIP relevant data of Member States where a Member State has not transmitted its own data. |
2. The Commission (Eurostat) shall determine the publication date for the news release and communicate it to Member States within ten working days after the cut-off date referred to in Article 2. It shall not delay the provision of the MIP relevant data of Member States where a Member State has not transmitted its own data. |
Amendment 32 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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3. The Commission (Eurostat) may express a reservation on the quality of a Member State's MIP relevant data. No later than three working days before the planned publication date, the Commission (Eurostat) shall communicate to the Member State concerned and to the President of the Economic Policy Committee the reservation it intends to express and make public. Where the issue is resolved after publication of the data and the reservation, withdrawal of the reservation shall be made public immediately thereafter. |
3. The Commission (Eurostat) may express a reservation on the quality of a Member State's MIP relevant data. The Member State concerned shall be given the opportunity to defend its position. No later than ten working days before the planned publication date, the Commission (Eurostat) shall communicate to the Member State concerned and to the President of the Economic Policy Committee the reservation it intends to express and make public. Where the issue is resolved after publication of the data and the reservation, withdrawal of the reservation shall be made public immediately thereafter. |
Amendment 33 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 4 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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4. The Commission (Eurostat) may amend data transmitted by Member States and provide the amended data and a justification of the amendment where there is evidence that the data reported by Member States do not comply with the requirements of Article 3(2). No later than three working days before the planned publication date, the Commission (Eurostat) shall communicate to the Member State concerned and to the President of the Economic Policy Committee the amended data and the justification for the amendment. |
4. The Commission (Eurostat) may amend data transmitted by Member States and make public the amended data and a justification of the amendment where there is evidence that the data reported by Member States do not comply with the requirements of Article 3(2) as well as with the applicable methodological standards and the requirements of completeness, reliability, timeliness and consistency of statistical data. No later than three working days before the planned publication date, the Commission (Eurostat) shall communicate to the Member State concerned and to the President of the Economic Policy Committee the amended data and the justification for the amendment. |
Amendment 34 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 1 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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1. The Council, acting on a proposal by the Commission, may decide to impose a fine on a Member State that intentionally or by serious negligence misrepresents the MIP relevant data. |
1. The Council, acting on rcommendations by the Commission, may decide in a two step procedure to impose an interest-bearing deposit and subsequently if the Commission assesses that the Member States has not complied with the corrective actions referred to in paragraph 1a and as a last resort measure, a fine on a Member State that has acted intentionally to misrepresent the MIP relevant data or by way of serious negligence that has resulted in the misrepresentation of the MIP relevant data, which as a consequence has impacted on the ability of the Commission to make a true and fair assessment. |
Amendment 35 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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1a. The Member State shall report to the Commission within a specified deadline on the corrective actions necessary to address and remedy the misrepresentation or the serious negligence referred to in the first paragraph and prevent similar circumstances to arise in future. The report shall be made public. |
Amendment 36 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 2 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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2. The fine referred to in paragraph 1 shall be effective, dissuasive and proportionate to the nature, seriousness and duration of the misrepresentation. The amount of the fine shall not exceed 0.05% of the GDP of the Member State concerned. |
2. The interest-bearing deposit referred to in paragraph 1 shall be effective, dissuasive and proportionate to the nature, seriousness and duration of the misrepresentation. The amount of the interest bearing shall not exceed 0.05% of the GDP in the preceding year of the Member State concerned. |
Amendment 37 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 –paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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3. The Commission may conduct all investigations necessary to establish the existence of the misrepresentations referred to in paragraph 1. It may decide to initiate an investigation when it finds that there are serious indications of the existence of facts liable to constitute such a misrepresentation. In investigating the putative misrepresentations, the Commission shall take into account any comments submitted by the Member State concerned. In order to carry out its tasks, the Commission may request the Member State to provide information, and may conduct on-site inspections and access the underlying statistical information and documents related to the MIP relevant data. If the law of the Member State concerned requires prior judicial authorisation for on-site inspections, the Commission shall make the necessary applications. |
3. The Commission may, in accordance with the Treaties and specific sectoral legislation, initiate and conduct all investigations necessary to establish the existence of the misrepresentations referred to in paragraph 1. It may decide to initiate an investigation when it finds that there are serious indications of the existence of facts liable to constitute such a misrepresentation. In investigating the putative misrepresentations, the Commission shall take into account any comments submitted by the Member State concerned. In order to carry out its tasks, the Commission may request the Member State under investigation to provide information, and may conduct on-site inspections and access the underlying statistical information and documents related to the MIP relevant data. If required by the law of the Member State under investigation, authorisation by the judicial authority shall be obtained before an on-site inspection. |
Amendment 38 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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Upon completion of its investigation, and before submitting any proposal to the Council, the Commission shall give the Member State concerned the opportunity of being heard in relation to the matters under investigation. The Commission shall base any proposal to the Council only on facts on which the Member State concerned has had the opportunity to comment. |
Upon completion of its investigation, and before submitting any Recommendation to the Council, the Commission shall give the Member State under investigation the opportunity of being heard on the matters being investigated. The Commission shall base any Recommendation to the Council only on facts on which the Member State concerned has had the opportunity to comment. |
Amendment 39 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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The Commission shall inform the competent Committee of the European Parliament of any investigation or Recommendation made pursuant to this paragraph. The competent committee of the European Parliament may offer a Member State which is the subject of a Commission Recommendation an opportunity to participate in an exchange of views. |
Amendment 40 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 4 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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4a. The Commission may, following a reasoned request by the Member State concerned addressed to the Commission recommend that the Council reduce the amount of the interest-bearing deposit or cancel it. |
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The interest-bearing deposit shall bear an interest rate reflecting the Commission's credit risk and the relevant investment period. |
Amendment 41 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 5 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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5. The Court of Justice of the European Union shall have unlimited jurisdiction to review the decisions of the Council imposing fines under paragraph 1. It may annul, reduce or increase the fine so imposed. |
5. The Court of Justice of the European Union shall have unlimited jurisdiction to review the decisions of the Council imposing interest bearing deposits under paragraph 1. It may annul, reduce or increase the interest bearing deposit so imposed. |
Amendment 42 Proposal for a regulation Chapter IX – Title | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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NATURE AND BUDGET DISTRIBUTION OF THE SANCTIONS |
NATURE AND BUDGET ALLOCATION OF THE FINES |
Amendment 43 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 2 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 9(4) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of three years starting after one month following the adoption of this Regulation. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of that 3-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period. |
2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 3(3), Article 6(2) and Article 9(4) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of two years starting after one month following the adoption of this Regulation. The Commission shall, after consultation of the relevant actors including the ECB in line with Article 127 TFEU, draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of that 3-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period. |
Amendment 44 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 3 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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3. The delegation of power referred to in Article 9(4) 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 the day following the publication of the decision 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 3(3), Article 6(2) and Article 9(4) 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 the day following the publication of the decision 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 45 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 5 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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5. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 9(4) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council. |
5. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 3(3), Article 6(2) and Article 9(4) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of three months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by three months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council. |
Amendment 46 Proposal for a regulation Article 13 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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For the measures referred to in Article 9 the Council shall act without taking into account the vote of the member of the Council representing the Member State concerned. |
For the measures referred to in Article 9 the Council shall act without taking into account the vote of the member of the Council representing the Member State concerned. The decision referred to in Article 9 (1) shall be deemed to be adopted by the Council unless the Council decides, by a qualified majority, to reject the recommendation within 10 days of its adoption by the Commission. |
Amendment 47 Proposal for a regulation Article 13 – paragraph 1 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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A qualified majority of the members of the Council referred to in Article 9(1) shall be defined in accordance with point (a) of Article 238(3) TFEU. |
Amendment 48 Proposal for a regulation Article 15 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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In line with Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009, the national statistical institutes of the Member States (the NSI) shall ensure the required coordination on the MIP relevant data at national level. All other national authorities shall report to the NSI for this purpose. The Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure the application of this provision. |
In line with Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009, the national statistical institutes of the Member States (the NSIs) shall ensure the required coordination on the MIP relevant data at national level. National central banks, in their capacity as ESCB members producing MIP relevant data, and where appropriate, other relevant national authorities shall cooperate with the NSIs for this purpose. National authorities producing data shall be held responsible for that data. The Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure the application of this provision. |
Amendment 49 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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The Commission (Eurostat) shall report regularly to the European Parliament and to the Council on the activities carried out by the Commission (Eurostat) for the purpose of implementing this Regulation. |
The Commission (Eurostat) shall report at least annually to the European Parliament and to the Council on the activities carried out by the Commission (Eurostat) for the purpose of implementing this Regulation in the context of the European Semester as referred to in Regulation (EU) No 1175/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a . |
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1a Regulation (EU) No 1175/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies (OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 12). |
Amendment 50 Proposal for a regulation Article 18 – paragraph 1 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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1. By 14 December 2014 and every five years thereafter, the Commission shall review the application of this Regulation and report its findings to the European Parliament and the Council. |
1. By 14 December 2014 and every five years thereafter, the Commission shall review and report to the European Parliament and the Council on the application of this Regulation. Where appropriate, such a report shall be accompanied by a legislative proposal. |
Amendment 51 Proposal for a regulation Article 18 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(b) the effectiveness of this Regulation and the applied monitoring process. |
(b) the effectiveness and the proportionality of this Regulation and the applied monitoring process. |
- [1] Not yet published in the Official Journal.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
1. Background
On 7 June 2013, the European Commission adopted the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision and quality of statistics for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure. The proposed Regulation aims at ensuring the quality and timeliness of the production, provision and quality monitoring of statistical data which are compiled or transmitted for the purpose of the procedures for the detection of macroeconomic imbalances as well as the prevention and correction of excessive imbalances within the Union.
The Commission proposal covers the transmission of the statistical data and metadata that are relevant for the Macroeconomic Imbalances Procedure (‘MIP relevant data’) (Articles 1 and 2); a new quality assurance framework including quality reports by Member States (Articles 3 and 4); quality assessments by the Commission (Article 5); inventories of sources and methods (Article 6); missions to Member States (Article 7); the reporting and communication of the data to the different stakeholders (Article 8); and sanctions concerning the manipulation of statistics (Articles 9 to 13).
2. Procedure in the European Parliament
The ECON Committee was appointed as the lead Committee to deal with the proposal. The REGI and EMPL Committees decided to give an opinion.
3. Draft report
Your Rapporteur supports the overall objective of the proposed Regulation, namely to strengthen the economic governance of the Union through an improved statistical monitoring system of MIP relevant data. Indeed he recognises the need to develop clear requirements and procedures to ensure the highest quality of statistics in order to facilitate the early identification and monitoring of macroeconomic imbalances. However, your Rapporteur believes that the statistical quality monitoring of the MIP relevant data and the underlying statistical information can be closer aligned with (i) the procedural framework set out in the Macroeconomic Imbalances Procedure; and (ii) the existing legislation, practices and governance structures in the domain of European statistics.
In view of these considerations, your Rapporteur welcomes the proposed Regulation and suggests strengthening some of its elements with the following main modifications.
3.1. Alignment with enhanced economic governance framework
Your Rapporteur proposes to make the framework for the compilation, quality monitoring and release of MIP relevant data as parallel as possible to the procedures set down in Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances and Regulation (EU) No 1174/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on enforcement measures to correct excessive macroeconomic imbalances in the euro area .
In particular, your Rapporteur suggests following the logic of the Macroeconomic Imbalances Procedure framework and restricting the application of sanctions to countries whose currency is the euro. Any fines collected should then accordingly be assigned to the European Stability Mechanism instead of the Union budget. Your Rapporteur is aware of legal concerns raised regarding Article 338 TFEU as the legal basis for the possibility to impose sanctions on Member States for the deliberate misrepresentation of MIP relevant data. He hence included a recital to suggest that the Commission could envisage introducing an additional legal basis, such as e.g. Article 121(6) TFEU.
3.2. Alignment with existing legislation on European statistics
Your Rapporteur recommends closer aligning the proposed Regulation with Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on European statistics, taking into account elements that emerged during its on-going revision.
The European Statistical System (ESS) and the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) are both responsible for the production of a number of statistics underlying the MIP relevant data. Close cooperation between the two systems is necessary to assure the quality of the MIP relevant data. Your Rapporteur suggests that, given its long-standing experience in the areas of statistics covered by the MIP relevant data, the Committee on Monetary, Financial and Balance of Payments Statistics (CMBF) established by Council Decision 2006/856/EC could provide advice on the practical operational arrangements for such cooperation.
3.3 Transmission of data to the Commission
Your Rapporteur is of the opinion that the proposed Regulation should clarify the process for transmission, reporting and communication of the data. In particular, he suggests including (i) a cut-off date when the Commission (Eurostat) would extract the time series needed for the MIP Scoreboard and (ii) a publication date for the news release of the MIP Scoreboard indicators.
3.4. Dialogue visits
To further improve the efficiency of the proposed procedures, your Rapporteur suggests (i) calling the missions to Member States dialogue visits; (ii) making them a general provision not applicable where sectorial legislation already provides for visits; and (iii) distinguishing their purpose to deepen the assessment of the quality of statistics from that of the investigations explicitly aimed at establishing the existence of a deliberate misrepresentation of MIP relevant data.
3.5. Role of the European Parliament
Your Rapporteur proposes a closer and timelier involvement of the European Parliament and the national parliaments. In particular, the competent Committee of the European Parliament should be given the opportunity to extend invitations to heads of National Statistical Institutes to voluntarily participate in hearings.
OPINION of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (5.2.2014)
for the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision and quality of statistics for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure
(COM(2013)0342 – C7‑0162/2013 – 2013/0181(COD))
Rapporteur: Pervenche Berès
AMENDMENTS
The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs calls on the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, as the committee responsible, to take into account the following amendments:
Amendment 1 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(3) Reliable statistical data are the basis for effective surveillance of macroeconomic imbalances. To guarantee sound and independent statistics, Member States should ensure the professional independence of national statistical authorities, consistent with the European statistics code of practice laid down in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on European statistics3 . |
(3) Democratic decisions based on reliable statistical data and analysis are the basis for effective surveillance of macroeconomic imbalances. To guarantee sound and independent statistics, Member States should ensure the professional independence of national statistical authorities, consistent with the European statistics code of practice laid down in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on European statistics3 . |
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__________________ |
__________________ |
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3 OJ L 87, 31.3.2009, p. 164 |
3 OJ L 87, 31.3.2009, p. 164 |
Amendment 2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(8) Close cooperation and on-going dialogue should be established between the Commission and Member States' statistical authorities in order to ensure the quality of the MIP relevant data reported by Member States and the underlying statistical information. |
(8) Close cooperation and on-going dialogue to coordinate and harmonise data to be transmitted should be established between the Commission and Member States' statistical authorities in order to ensure the quality of the MIP relevant data reported by Member States and the underlying statistical information. |
Amendment 3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(9a) The strengthening of economic governance through an improved statistical monitoring system of MIP relevant data should include a closer and more timely involvement of the European Parliament and the national parliaments. |
Amendment 4 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 1 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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1. Where the Commission (Eurostat) identifies problems, in particular in the context of the quality assessment under Article 5, it may decide to carry out missions to the Member State concerned. |
1. Where the Commission (Eurostat) identifies problems or potential issues as to the quality of statistics, in particular in the context of the quality assessment under Article 5, it may decide to carry out missions to the Member State concerned. |
Amendment 5 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 3 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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3. The Commission (Eurostat) shall report to the Economic Policy Committee set up by Council Decision 74/122/EEC7 on the findings of these missions, including any comments on these findings made by the Member State concerned. After having been transmitted to the Economic Policy Committee, these reports, along with any comments made by the Member State concerned, shall be made public, without prejudice to the provisions concerning statistical confidentiality in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009. |
3. The Commission (Eurostat) shall report to the Economic Policy Committee set up by Council Decision 74/122/EEC7 and the Employment Committee established by Council Decision 2000/98/EC7a on the findings of these missions, including any comments on these findings made by the Member State concerned. After having been transmitted to the Economic Policy Committee, the Employment Committee and the relevant committees of the European Parliament, these reports, along with any comments made by the Member State concerned, shall be made public, without prejudice to the provisions concerning statistical confidentiality in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009. |
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7 OJ L 63, 5.3.1974, p.21 |
7 OJ L 63, 5.3.1974, p.21 |
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7a Council Decision 2000/98/EC of 24 January 2000 establishing the Employment Committee (OJ L 29, 4.2.2000, p. 21). |
Amendment 6 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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3. The Commission (Eurostat) may express a reservation on the quality of a Member State's MIP relevant data. No later than three working days before the planned publication date, the Commission (Eurostat) shall communicate to the Member State concerned and to the President of the Economic Policy Committee the reservation it intends to express and make public. Where the issue is resolved after publication of the data and the reservation, withdrawal of the reservation shall be made public immediately thereafter. |
3. The Commission (Eurostat) may express a reservation on the quality of a Member State's MIP relevant data. No later than five working days before the planned publication date, the Commission (Eurostat) shall communicate to the Member State concerned and to the President of the Economic Policy Committee the reservation it intends to express and make public. The Member State concerned shall be given the opportunity to explain the situation. Where the issue is resolved after publication of the data and the reservation, withdrawal of the reservation shall be made public immediately thereafter. |
Amendment 7 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 4 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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4. The Commission (Eurostat) may amend data transmitted by Member States and provide the amended data and a justification of the amendment where there is evidence that the data reported by Member States do not comply with the requirements of Article 3(2). No later than three working days before the planned publication date, the Commission (Eurostat) shall communicate to the Member State concerned and to the President of the Economic Policy Committee the amended data and the justification for the amendment. |
4. The Commission (Eurostat) may amend data transmitted by Member States and provide the amended data and a justification of the amendment where there is evidence that the data reported by Member States do not comply with the requirements of Article 3(2) or where the data transmitted by Member States is incomplete. No later than five working days before the planned publication date, the Commission (Eurostat) shall communicate to the Member State concerned and to the Presidents of the Economic Policy Committee and of the Employment Committee the amended data and the justification for the amendment. |
Amendment 8 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 1 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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1. The Council, acting on a proposal by the Commission, may decide to impose a fine on a Member State that intentionally or by serious negligence misrepresents the MIP relevant data. |
1. The Council, acting on a proposal by the Commission, may decide to impose a fine on a Member State that intentionally or by serious negligence misrepresents or delays the delivery of the MIP relevant data. |
Amendment 9 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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The Commission may conduct all investigations necessary to establish the existence of the misrepresentations referred to in paragraph 1. It may decide to initiate an investigation when it finds that there are serious indications of the existence of facts liable to constitute such a misrepresentation. In investigating the putative misrepresentations, the Commission shall take into account any comments submitted by the Member State concerned. In order to carry out its tasks, the Commission may request the Member State to provide information, and may conduct on-site inspections and access the underlying statistical information and documents related to the MIP relevant data. If the law of the Member State concerned requires prior judicial authorisation for on-site inspections, the Commission shall make the necessary applications. |
In compliance with the rules, the Commission may carry out all investigations necessary to establish the existence of the misrepresentations referred to in paragraph 1. It may decide to initiate an investigation when it finds that there are serious indications of the existence of facts liable to constitute such a misrepresentation. In investigating the putative misrepresentations, the Commission shall take into account any comments submitted by the Member State concerned. In order to carry out its tasks, the Commission may request the Member State to provide information, and may conduct on-site inspections and access the underlying statistical information and documents related to the MIP relevant data. If the law of the Member State concerned requires prior judicial authorisation for on-site inspections, the Commission shall make the necessary applications. |
Amendment 10 Proposal for a regulation Article 11 – paragraph 1 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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The revenue referred to in the first paragraph shall be allocated to the financing of the Member States' National Reform Programmes (NRPs) and their consequences as part of the European Semester cycle, with the aim of reducing economic, employment and social divergences. |
Amendment 11 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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The Commission (Eurostat) shall report regularly to the European Parliament and to the Council on the activities carried out by the Commission (Eurostat) for the purpose of implementing this Regulation. |
The Commission (Eurostat) shall report regularly to the relevant committees of the European Parliament and to the Council on the activities carried out by the Commission (Eurostat) for the purpose of implementing this Regulation. |
Amendment 12 Proposal for a regulation Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(ba) the appropriateness and effectiveness of the applied monitoring process in case of revision or addition of MIP relevant data. |
PROCEDURE
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Title |
Statistics for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure |
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References |
COM(2013)0342 – C7-0162/2013 – 2013/0181(COD) |
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Committee responsible Date announced in plenary |
ECON 13.6.2013 |
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Opinion by Date announced in plenary |
EMPL 13.6.2013 |
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Rapporteur Date appointed |
Pervenche Berès 3.7.2013 |
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Discussed in committee |
9.12.2013 |
22.1.2014 |
3.2.2014 |
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Date adopted |
3.2.2014 |
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Result of final vote |
+: –: 0: |
30 3 1 |
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Members present for the final vote |
Regina Bastos, Edit Bauer, Jean-Luc Bennahmias, Phil Bennion, Philippe Boulland, Milan Cabrnoch, Alejandro Cercas, Derek Roland Clark, Minodora Cliveti, Marije Cornelissen, Emer Costello, Karima Delli, Thomas Händel, Marian Harkin, Nadja Hirsch, Ádám Kósa, Jean Lambert, Verónica Lope Fontagné, Olle Ludvigsson, Thomas Mann, Elisabeth Morin-Chartier, Csaba Őry, Konstantinos Poupakis, Sylvana Rapti, Elisabeth Schroedter, Nicole Sinclaire, Jutta Steinruck |
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Substitute(s) present for the final vote |
Georges Bach, Edite Estrela, Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto, Jan Kozłowski, Anthea McIntyre, Evelyn Regner |
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Substitute(s) under Rule 187(2) present for the final vote |
Emilio Menéndez del Valle |
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OPINION of the Committee on Regional Development (27.1.2014)
for the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provisions and quality of statistics for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure
(COM(2013/0342 – C7‑0162/2013 – 2013/0181(COD))
Rapporteur: Ivars Godmanis
SHORT JUSTIFICATION
The Committee on Regional Development (REGI) drafted an opinion to the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) due to the fact that the cohesion policy umbrella regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 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 and the Cohesion Fund, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 includes in Article 23 and Annex III the macroeconomic imbalances procedure as a trigger for funds suspension. The Committee on Regional Development supports the development of a clear regulatory framework in order to ensure high quality statistics in support to efficient application of the macroeconomic imbalances procedure.
AMENDMENTS
The Committee on Regional Development calls on the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following amendments in its report:
Amendment 1 Proposal for a regulation Recital 1 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(1) Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances1 sets up an alert mechanism to facilitate the early identification and the monitoring of imbalances. Under this mechanism, the Commission is required to prepare an annual Alert Mechanism Report (AMR) containing a qualitative economic and financial assessment and identifying Member States that the Commission considers may be affected by, or may be at risk of being affected by, imbalances. |
(1) Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances1 (MIP) up an alert mechanism to facilitate the early identification and the monitoring of imbalances. Under this mechanism, the Commission is required to prepare an annual Alert Mechanism Report (AMR) containing a qualitative economic and financial assessment and identifying Member States that the Commission considers may be affected by, or may be at risk of being affected by, imbalances. |
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1 OJ L 306, 23.11.11, p.25. |
1 OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 25. |
Justification | |
Drafting point to clarify acronym. | |
Amendment 2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(3) Reliable statistical data are the basis for effective surveillance of macroeconomic imbalances. To guarantee sound and independent statistics, Member States should ensure the professional independence of national statistical authorities, consistent with the European statistics code of practice laid down in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on European statistics3. |
(3) Reliable, thorough, accurate and useful statistical data are essential for effective surveillance of macroeconomic imbalances. To guarantee sound and independent statistics, Member States should ensure the professional independence of national statistical authorities, consistent with the European statistics code of practice laid down in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on European statistics3. |
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__________________ |
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3 OJ L 87, 31.03.09, p. 164. |
3OJ L 61, 31.03.09, p. 164. |
Amendment 3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(3a) It is necessary that the Commission continues to address the need for reliable statistical information that enables Union policies to better respond to economic, social and territorial realities at regional level. |
Amendment 4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(5) A reliable procedure should be set up for the compilation, monitoring and release of the data relevant for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure (hereinafter referred to as “MIP relevant data”) as well as a continuous improvement of the underlying statistical information in line with the Commission’s quality management frameworks for European statistics4. The Group of Directors of Macroeconomic Statistics (DMES), established by the Commission, is an appropriate expert group to provide the Commission (Eurostat) with the required assistance for the application of a robust quality monitoring procedure for the MIP relevant data. |
(5) A reliable procedure should be set up for the collection, compilation, monitoring and release of the data relevant for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure (hereinafter referred to as “MIP relevant data”) as well as a continuous improvement of the underlying statistical information in line with the Commission’s quality management frameworks for European statistics4. The Group of Directors of Macroeconomic Statistics (DMES), established by the Commission and including in its ranks experts from the European Statistical System Committee and the European System of Central Banks, is an appropriate expert group to provide the Commission (Eurostat) with the required assistance for the application of a robust quality monitoring procedure for the MIP relevant data. |
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__________________ |
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4 COM(2005)217 final and COM(2011)211 final. |
4COM(2005)217 final and COM(2011)211 final. |
Amendment 5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(8) Close cooperation and on-going dialogue should be established between the Commission and Member States’ statistical authorities in order to ensure the quality of the MIP relevant data reported by Member States and the underlying statistical information. |
(8) Close cooperation and on-going dialogue should be established between the Commission and Member States’ statistical authorities in order to ensure the quality and accuracy of the MIP relevant data reported by Member States and the underlying statistical information. The scope of the data that will be linked to the MIP must be precisely defined. |
Amendment 6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(8a) The establishment of a legal framework for 'Commitments on Confidence in Statistics' should be encouraged. Compliance with the data confidentiality rule within the ESS (European Statistical System), as well as with the principle of subsidiarity, will help to increase trust in statistical agencies. |
Amendment 7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(12a) In order to ensure thorough, accurate and high‑quality data, a system for researching the socio‑economic processes taking place in cross‑border regions should be set up, and statistics should be drawn up for macro‑regions in order to obtain a reliable, full and accurate economic picture of regional and macro‑regional development in both urban and rural areas. |
Amendment 8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 b (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(12b) The implementation of European and Structural (ESI) Funds is, according to Regulation (EU) No 1303/20131a of the European Parliament and of the Council 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, linked to sound economic governance and to the Macroeconomic Imbalances Procedure among others. |
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1a OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320–469. |
Amendment 9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 c (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(12c) European Structural and Investments Funds together with Rural Development Fund and Fisheries Fund represent a significant amount for certain EU Members States public investments and play a role in increasing economic convergence and social cohesion. |
Amendment 10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 d (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(12d) In particular, Article 23(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 1a provides that the Commission may request a Member State to review and propose amendments to its Partnership Agreement and relevant programmes, where this is necessary to support the implementation of relevant Council Recommendations addressed to the Member State concerned and adopted in accordance with Articles 7(2) or 8(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 on the prevention and correction of macro-economic imbalances, provided that these amendments are deemed necessary to help correct the macroeconomic imbalances. |
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__________________ |
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1a OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320–469. |
Amendment 11 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 e (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(12e) Article 23(9) and Annex III of Regulation (EU) No 1303/20131a also provides that the Commission is to make a proposal to the Council to suspend part or all of the commitments or payments for the programmes of a Member State where the Council adopts two successive recommendations in the same imbalance procedure, in accordance with Article 8(3) or Article 10(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 on the prevention and correction of macro-economic imbalances. |
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__________________ |
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1a OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320–469. |
Amendment 12 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 f (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(12f) However, the suspension of funds due to be triggered by the macroeconomic imbalances procedure should be used as a last resort and take into account an in-depth analyses of the unemployment, poverty and GDP contraction indicators. |
Amendment 13 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 g (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(12g) For the purpose of effectiveness, this Regulation should cover all statistical data that are required within the scope of the macroeconomic imbalances procedure. |
Amendment 14 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 h (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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(12h) Highlights that the quality of statistics provided by the Member States is of highly importance in order to have a coherent application of macroeconomic imbalances procedure. |
Amendment 15 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new) | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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2a. MIP relevant data shall be the subject of a certificate issued by the higher audit institution of the Member State concerned regarding the quality of the information provided by it. |
Justification | |
It is proposed that higher national audit institutes, because of their independent status, be called on separately to issue a certificate regarding the quality of information provided by the Member States. | |
Amendment 16 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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3. The Commission shall adopt implementing acts with a view to defining the modalities, structure and periodicity of the quality reports. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 14(2). |
3. The Commission shall adopt delegated acts with a view to defining the modalities, structure and periodicity of the quality reports. Those delegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 12. |
Amendment 17 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 2 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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2. Member States shall establish the inventories and send them to the Commission (Eurostat) at the latest on […][nine months after the adoption of this Regulation– exact date to be inserted by OP upon publication]. The Commission shall adopt implementing acts with a view to defining the structure and the modalities for the updating of these inventories by […][within six months after the adoption of this Regulation– exact date to be inserted by OP upon publication]. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 14(2). |
2. Member States shall establish the inventories and send them to the Commission (Eurostat) at the latest on […][nine months after the adoption of this Regulation– exact date to be inserted by OP upon publication]. The Commission shall adopt delegated acts with a view to defining the structure and the modalities for the updating of these inventories by […][within six months after the adoption of this Regulation– exact date to be inserted by OP upon publication]. Those delegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 12. |
Amendment 18 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 3 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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3. The Commission (Eurostat) shall report to the Economic Policy Committee set up by Council Decision 74/122/EEC7 on the findings of these missions, including any comments on these findings made by the Member State concerned. After having been transmitted to the Economic Policy Committee, these reports, along with any comments made by the Member State concerned, shall be made public, without prejudice to the provisions concerning statistical confidentiality in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009. |
3. The Commission (Eurostat) shall report to the Economic Policy Committee set up by Council Decision 74/122/EEC7 and to the European Parliament on the findings of these missions, including any comments on these findings made by the Member State concerned. After having been transmitted to the Economic Policy Committee and European Parliament, these reports, along with any comments made by the Member State concerned, shall be made public, without prejudice to the provisions concerning statistical confidentiality in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009. |
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7 OJ L 63, 05.03.74, p. 21. |
7 OJ L 63, 05.03.74, p. 21. |
Amendment 19 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 5 | |
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Text proposed by the Commission |
Amendment |
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5. The Commission (Eurostat) shall lay down the rules and procedures related to the selection of the experts, taking into account an appropriate distribution of experts across Member States and an appropriate rotation of experts between Member States, their working arrangements and the financial details. The Commission (Eurostat) shall share with the Member States the full cost incurred by the Member States for the assistance from their national experts. |
5. The Commission (Eurostat) shall lay down the rules and procedures related to the selection of the experts needed to ensure an appropriate distribution of experts across Member States and an appropriate and timely rotation of experts between Member States, their working arrangements and the financial details. The Commission (Eurostat) shall share with the Member States the full cost incurred by the Member States for the assistance from their national experts. |
Justification | |
In order to ensure that the expert opinions provided are objective, it is necessary to ensure the right selection, distribution and timing in the rotation of those experts. | |
PROCEDURE
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Title |
Statistics for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure |
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References |
COM(2013)0342 – C7-0162/2013 – 2013/0181(COD) |
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Committee responsible Date announced in plenary |
ECON 13.6.2013 |
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Opinion by Date announced in plenary |
REGI 13.6.2013 |
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Rapporteur Date appointed |
Ivars Godmanis 20.6.2013 |
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Previous rapporteur |
Ramona Nicole Mănescu |
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Date adopted |
22.1.2014 |
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Result of final vote |
+: –: 0: |
39 1 1 |
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Members present for the final vote |
François Alfonsi, Luís Paulo Alves, Charalampos Angourakis, Francesca Barracciu, Catherine Bearder, Victor Boştinaru, Nikos Chrysogelos, Tamás Deutsch, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut, Danuta Maria Hübner, Filiz Hakaeva Hyusmenova, Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández, María Irigoyen Pérez, Seán Kelly, Constanze Angela Krehl, Vladimír Maňka, Iosif Matula, Erminia Mazzoni, Miroslav Mikolášik, Jens Nilsson, Jan Olbrycht, Younous Omarjee, Markus Pieper, Ovidiu Ioan Silaghi, Monika Smolková, Georgios Stavrakakis, Nuno Teixeira, Lambert van Nistelrooij, Justina Vitkauskaite Bernard, Oldřich Vlasák, Kerstin Westphal, Hermann Winkler, Joachim Zeller, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska |
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Substitute(s) present for the final vote |
Maurice Ponga, Vilja Savisaar-Toomast, Elisabeth Schroedter, Richard Seeber, Peter Simon, Evžen Tošenovský, Derek Vaughan |
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PROCEDURE
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Title |
Statistics for the macroeconomic imbalances procedure |
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References |
COM(2013)0342 – C7-0162/2013 – 2013/0181(COD) |
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Date submitted to Parliament |
7.6.2013 |
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Committee responsible Date announced in plenary |
ECON 13.6.2013 |
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Committee(s) asked for opinion(s) Date announced in plenary |
EMPL 13.6.2013 |
REGI 13.6.2013 |
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Rapporteur(s) Date appointed |
Derk Jan Eppink 18.6.2013 |
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Discussed in committee |
5.12.2013 |
30.1.2014 |
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Date adopted |
13.2.2014 |
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Result of final vote |
+: –: 0: |
38 1 0 |
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Members present for the final vote |
Marino Baldini, Burkhard Balz, Jean-Paul Besset, Sharon Bowles, Udo Bullmann, Rachida Dati, Leonardo Domenici, Derk Jan Eppink, Diogo Feio, Markus Ferber, Ildikó Gáll-Pelcz, Jean-Paul Gauzès, Sven Giegold, Sylvie Goulard, Liem Hoang Ngoc, Othmar Karas, Wolf Klinz, Jürgen Klute, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou, Werner Langen, Astrid Lulling, Sławomir Nitras, Ivari Padar, Anni Podimata, Antolín Sánchez Presedo, Olle Schmidt, Peter Simon, Theodor Dumitru Stolojan, Kay Swinburne, Marianne Thyssen, Ramon Tremosa i Balcells, Pablo Zalba Bidegain |
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Substitute(s) present for the final vote |
Zdravka Bušić, Herbert Dorfmann, Bas Eickhout, Saïd El Khadraoui, Ashley Fox, Emilie Turunen |
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Substitute(s) under Rule 187(2) present for the final vote |
Ana Gomes, Emma McClarkin |
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Date tabled |
24.2.2014 |
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