REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund and external financing instruments

17.12.2018 - (COM(2018)0374 – C8-0229/2018 – 2018/0199(COD)) - ***I

Committee on Regional Development
Rapporteur: Pascal Arimont
Rapporteurs for the opinion (*):
Fabio Massimo Castaldo, Committee on Foreign Affairs
Eleni Theocharous, Committee on Development
(*) Associated committees – Rule 54 of the Rules of Procedure

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund and external financing instruments

(COM(2018)0374 – C8-0229/2018 – 2018/0199(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2018)0374),

–  having regard to Article 294(2) and Articles 178, 209(1), 212(2) and 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C8-0229/2018),

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

–  having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of ... [1],

–  having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of ... [2],

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

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Regional Development and also the opinions of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Development, the Committee on Budgetary Control and the Committee on Culture and Education (A8-0470/2018),

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

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

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

Amendment    1 Proposal for a regulation Recital 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1)  Article 176 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ('TFEU') provides that the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF') is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union. Under that Article and the second and third paragraphs of Article 174 of the TFEU, the ERDF is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions, among which particular attention is to be paid to certain categories of regions, among which cross-border regions are explicitly listed.	(1)  Article 176 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ('TFEU') provides that the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF') is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union. Under that Article and the second and third paragraphs of Article 174 of the TFEU, the ERDF is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions, rural areas, areas affected by an industrial transition, areas with a low population density, islands and mountain regions.
Amendment    2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2)  Regulation (EU) [new CPR] of the European Parliament and of the Council21 sets out provisions common to the ERDF and certain other funds and Regulation (EU) [new ERDF] of the European Parliament and of the Council22 sets out provisions concerning the specific objectives and the scope of the ERDF support. It is now necessary to adopt specific provisions in relation to the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) where one or more Member States cooperate across borders with regard to effective programming including provisions on technical assistance, monitoring, evaluation, communication, eligibility, management and control, as well as financial management.	(2)  Regulation (EU) [new CPR] of the European Parliament and of the Council21 sets out provisions common to the ERDF and certain other funds and Regulation (EU) [new ERDF] of the European Parliament and of the Council22 sets out provisions concerning the specific objectives and the scope of the ERDF support. It is now necessary to adopt specific provisions in relation to the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) where one or more Member States and their regions cooperate across borders with regard to effective programming including provisions on technical assistance, monitoring, evaluation, communication, eligibility, management and control, as well as financial management.
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21 [Reference]	21 [Reference]
22 [Reference]	22 [Reference]
Amendment    3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3)  In order to support the harmonious development of the Union's territory at different levels, the ERDF should support cross-border cooperation, transnational cooperation, maritime cooperation, outermost regions’ cooperation and interregional cooperation under the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg).	(3)  In order to support a cooperative and harmonious development of the Union's territory at different levels and to reduce existing disparities, the ERDF should support cross-border cooperation, transnational cooperation, maritime cooperation, outermost regions’ cooperation and interregional cooperation under the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg). In the process, the principles of multi-level governance and partnership should be taken into account, and place-based approaches should be strengthened.
Amendment    4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(3 a)  The different components of Interreg should contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as described in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted in September 2015.
Amendment    5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(4)  The cross-border cooperation component should aim to tackle common challenges identified jointly in the border regions, and to exploit the untapped growth potential in border areas as evidenced in the Communication of the Commission 'Boosting Growth and Cohesion in EU Border Regions’23 ('Border Regions Communication'). Consequently, the cross-border component should be limited to cooperation on land borders and cross-border cooperation on maritime borders should be integrated into the transnational component.	(4)  The cross-border cooperation component should aim to tackle common challenges identified jointly in the border regions, and to exploit the untapped growth potential in border areas as evidenced in the Communication of the Commission 'Boosting Growth and Cohesion in EU Border Regions’23 ('Border Regions Communication'). Therefore, the cross-border component should include cooperation on both land or maritime borders, without prejudice to the new component for outermost regions cooperation.
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23 Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament 'Boosting growth and cohesion in EU border regions' - COM(2017) 534 final, 20.9.2017.	23 Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament 'Boosting growth and cohesion in EU border regions' - COM(2017) 534 final, 20.9.2017.
Amendment    6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(5)  The cross-border cooperation component should also involve cooperation between one or more Member States and one or more countries or other territories outside the Union. Covering internal and external cross-border cooperation under this Regulation should result in a major simplification and streamlining of applicable provisions for the programme authorities in the Member States and for the partner authorities and beneficiaries outside the Union compared to the programming period 2014-2020.	(5)  The cross-border cooperation component should also involve cooperation between one or more Member States or their regions, and one or more countries or regions, or other territories outside the Union. Covering internal and external cross-border cooperation under this Regulation should result in a major simplification and streamlining of applicable provisions for the programme authorities in the Member States and for the partner authorities and beneficiaries outside the Union compared to the programming period 2014-2020.
Amendment    7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(6)  The transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation component should aim to strengthen cooperation by means of actions conducive to integrated territorial development linked to the Union's cohesion policy priorities, and should also include maritime cross-border cooperation. Transnational cooperation should cover larger territories on the mainland of the Union, whereas maritime cooperation should cover territories around sea-basins and integrate cross-border cooperation on maritime borders during the programming period 2014-2020. Maximum flexibility should be given to continue implementing previous maritime cross-border cooperation within a larger maritime cooperation framework, in particular by defining the territory covered, the specific objectives for such cooperation, the requirements for a project partnership and the setting-up of sub-programmes and specific steering committees.	(6)  The transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation component should aim to strengthen cooperation by means of actions conducive to integrated territorial development linked to the Union's cohesion policy priorities, in full respect of subsidiarity. Transnational cooperation should cover larger transnational territories and, where appropriate, territories around sea-basins that extend geographically beyond those covered by cross-border programmes.
Amendment    8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 7
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(7)  Based on the experience with cross-border and transnational cooperation during the programming period 2014-2020 in outermost regions, where the combination of both components within a single programme per cooperation area has not brought about sufficient simplification for programme authorities and beneficiaries, a specific outermost regions’ component should be established in order to enable outermost regions to cooperate with their neighbouring countries and territories in the most effective and simple way.	(7)  Based on the experience with cross-border and transnational cooperation during the programming period 2014-2020 in outermost regions, where the combination of both components within a single programme per cooperation area has not brought about sufficient simplification for programme authorities and beneficiaries, a specific additional outermost regions’ component should be established in order to enable outermost regions to cooperate with third countries, overseas countries and territories(OCTs), or regional integration and cooperation organisations in the most effective and simple way that takes into account their individual characteristics.
Amendment    9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(8)  Based on the experience with the interregional cooperation programmes under Interreg and the lack of such cooperation within programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal during the programming period 2014-2020, the interregional cooperation component should focus more specifically on boosting the effectiveness of cohesion policy. That component should therefore be limited to two programmes, one to enable all kind of experience, innovative approaches and capacity building for programmes under both goals and to promote European groupings of territorial cooperation ('EGTCs') set up or to be set up pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council24 and one to improve the analysis of development trends. Project-based cooperation throughout the Union should be integrated into the new component on interregional innovation investments and closely linked to the implementation of the Communication from the Commission 'Strengthening Innovation in Europe's Regions: Strategies for resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth'25 , in particular to support thematic smart specialisation platforms on fields such as energy, industrial modernisation or agrifood. Finally, integrated territorial development focusing on functional urban areas or urban areas should be concentrated within programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal and in one accompanying instrument, the ‘European Urban Initiative”. The two programmes under the interregional cooperation component should cover the whole Union and should also be open for the participation of third countries.	(8)  Based on the positive experience with the interregional cooperation programmes under Interreg, on the one hand, and the lack of such cooperation within programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal during the programming period 2014-2020, on the other, interregional cooperation, through the exchange of experience, the development of capacities for programmes under both goals (European territorial cooperation and Investment for growth and jobs) among cities and regions is an important component with a view to finding common solutions in the cohesion policy field and building lasting partnerships. Existing programmes and, in particular, promotion of project-based cooperation, including promoting European groupings of territorial cooperation (‘EGTCs’), as well as macro-regional strategies should therefore be continued.
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24 Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on a European grouping of territorial cooperation (EGTC) (OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 19).
25 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions 'Strengthening Innovation in Europe's Regions: Strategies for resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth' - COM(2017) 376 final, 18.7.2017.
Amendment    10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(8a)  The new initiative on interregional innovation investments should be based on smart specialisation, and used to support thematic smart specialisation platforms on fields such as energy, industrial modernisation, circular economy, social innovation, the environment or agrifood, and to help those involved in smart specialisation strategies to cluster together, in order to scale up innovation and bring innovative products, processes and ecosystems to the European market. The evidence suggests that a persistent systemic failure remains at the testing and validation stage of demonstration of new technologies (e.g. Key Enabling Techologies), especially when innovation is the result of the integration of complementary regional specialisations creating innovative value chains. That failure is particularly critical in the phase between piloting and full market uptake. In some strategic technology and industrial areas, SMEs cannot currently count on excellent and open, connected pan-European demonstration infrastructure. The programmes under the interregional cooperation initiative should cover the whole European Union and should also be open for the participation of OCTs, third countries, their regions, and regional integration and cooperation organisations, including the outermost neighbouring regions. Synergies between interregional innovation investments and other relevant EU programmes such as those under the European Structural and Investment Funds, Horizon 2020, Digital Market Europe and the single market programme should be encouraged, as they will amplify the impact of investments and provide better value for citizens.
Amendment    11 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(9)  Objective criteria for designating eligible regions and areas should be established. To that end, the identification of eligible regions and areas at Union level should be based on the common system of classification of the regions established by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council26 .	(9)  Common objective criteria for designating eligible regions and areas should be established. To that end, the identification of eligible regions and areas at Union level should be based on the common system of classification of the regions established by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council26 .
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26 Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) (OJ L 154, 21.6.2003, p. 1).	26 Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) (OJ L 154, 21.6.2003, p. 1).
Amendment    12 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(10)  It is necessary to continue supporting or, as appropriate, to establish cooperation in all its dimensions with the Union's neighbouring third countries, as such cooperation is an important regional development policy tool and should benefit the regions of the Member States which border third countries. To that effect, the ERDF and the external financing instruments of the Union, IPA27 , NDICI28 and OCTP29 , should support programmes under cross-border cooperation, transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation, outermost regions’ cooperation and interregional cooperation. The support from the ERDF and from the external financing instruments of the Union should be based on reciprocity and proportionality. However, for IPA III CBC and NDICI CBC, the ERDF support should be complemented by at least equivalent amounts under IPA III CBC and NDICI CBC, subject to a maximum amount set out in the respective legal act, that is to say, up to 3 % of the financial envelope under IPA III and up to 4 % of the financial envelope of the Neighbourhood geographic programme under Article 4(2)(a) of the NDICI.	(10)  It is necessary to continue supporting or, as appropriate, to establish cooperation in all its dimensions with the Union's neighbouring third countries, as such cooperation is an important regional development policy tool and should benefit the regions of the Member States which border third countries. To that effect, the ERDF and the external financing instruments of the Union, IPA27 , NDICI28 and OCTP29 , should support programmes under cross-border cooperation, transnational cooperation, outermost regions’ cooperation and interregional cooperation. The support from the ERDF and from the external financing instruments of the Union should be based on reciprocity and proportionality. However, for IPA III CBC and NDICI CBC, the ERDF support should be complemented by at least equivalent amounts under IPA III CBC and NDICI CBC, subject to a maximum amount set out in the respective legal act.
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27 Regulation (EU) XXX establishing the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (OJ L xx, p. y).	27 Regulation (EU) XXX establishing the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (OJ L xx, p. y).
28 Regulation (EU) XXX establishing the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (OJ L xx, p. y).	28 Regulation (EU) XXX establishing the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (OJ L xx, p. y).
29 Council Decision (EU) XXX on the association of the Overseas Countries and Territories with the European Inion including relations between the European Union on the one hand and Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark on the other (OJ L xx, p. y).	29 Council Decision (EU) XXX on the association of the Overseas Countries and Territories with the European Inion including relations between the European Union on the one hand and Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark on the other (OJ L xx, p. y).
Amendment    13 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(10 a)  Particular attention should be paid to regions which become new external borders of the Union to ensure the adequate continuity of ongoing cooperation programmes.
Amendment    14 Proposal for a regulation Recital 11
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(11)  IPA III assistance should mainly focus on assisting the IPA beneficiaries to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law, reform the judiciary and public administration, respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality, tolerance, social inclusion and non-discrimination. IPA assistance should continue to support the efforts of the IPA beneficiaries to advance regional, macro-regional and cross-border cooperation as well as territorial development, including through the implementation of Union macro-regional strategies. In addition, IPA assistance should address security, migration and border management, ensuring access to international protection, sharing relevant information, enhancing border control and pursuing common efforts in the fight against irregular migration and migrant smuggling.	(11)  IPA III assistance should mainly focus on assisting the IPA beneficiaries to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law, reform the judiciary and public administration, respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality, tolerance, social inclusion and non-discrimination as well as regional and local development. IPA assistance should continue to support the efforts of the IPA beneficiaries to advance regional, macro-regional and cross-border cooperation as well as territorial development, including through the implementation of Union macro-regional strategies. In addition, IPA assistance should address security, migration and border management, ensuring access to international protection, sharing relevant information, enhancing border control and pursuing common efforts in the fight against irregular migration and migrant smuggling.
Amendment    15 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(12 a)  Developing synergies with Union external action and development programmes should also help to ensure maximum impact whilst fulfilling the principle of policy coherence for development as provided for by Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Achieving coherence across all Union policies is crucial for achieving the SDGs.
Amendment    16 Proposal for a regulation Recital 14
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(14)  In view of the specific situation of outmost regions of the Union, it is necessary to adopt measures concerning the conditions under which those regions may have access to structural funds. Consequently, certain provisions of this Regulation should be adapted to the specificities of the outermost regions in order to simplify and foster cooperation with their neighbors, while taking into account the Communication from the Commission 'A stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the EU's outermost regions'31.	(14)  In view of the specific situation of outmost regions of the Union, it is necessary to adopt measures concerning the improvement of conditions under which those regions may have access to structural funds. Consequently, certain provisions of this Regulation should be adapted to the specificities of the outermost regions in order to simplify and foster their cooperation with third countries and OCTs, while taking into account the Communication from the Commission 'A stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the EU's outermost regions'31.
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31 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank 'A stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the EU's outermost regions', - COM(2017) 623 final, 24.10.2017.	31 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank 'A stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the EU's outermost regions', - COM(2017) 623 final, 24.10.2017.
Amendment    17 Proposal for a regulation Recital 14 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(14 a)  This Regulation lays down the possibility of the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) to participate in Interreg programmes. The specificities and challenges of the OCTs should be taken into consideration in order to facilitate their effective access and participation.
Amendment    18 Proposal for a regulation Recital 15
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(15)  It is necessary to set out the resources allocated to each of the different components of Interreg, including each Member State's share of the global amounts for the cross-border cooperation, the transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation, the outermost regions’ cooperation and the interregional cooperation, the potential available to Member States concerning flexibility between those components. Compared to the programming period 2014-2020, the share for cross-border cooperation should be reduced, while the share for transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation should be increased because of the integration of maritime cooperation, and a new outermost regions’ cooperation component should be created.	(15)  It is necessary to set out the resources allocated to each of the different components of Interreg, including each Member State's share of the global amounts for the cross-border cooperation, the transnational cooperation, the outermost regions’ cooperation and the interregional cooperation, the potential available to Member States concerning flexibility between those components. Given globalisation, cooperation aimed to boost investments in more jobs and growth and joint investments with other regions should, however, also be determined by the regions common characteristics and ambitions and not necessarily by borders, therefore sufficient additional funds for the new initiative on interregional innovation investments should be made available to respond to the global market condition.
Amendment    19 Proposal for a regulation Recital 18
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(18)  Within the context of the unique and specific circumstances on the island of Ireland, and with a view to supporting North-South cooperation under the Good Friday Agreement, a new 'PEACE PLUS' cross-border programme should continue and build on the work of previous programmes between the border counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Taking into account its practical importance, it is necessary to ensure that, where the programme is acting in support of peace and reconciliation, the ERDF should also contribute to promoting social, economic and regional stability in the regions concerned, in particular through actions to promote cohesion between communities. Given the specificities of the programme it should be managed in an integrated manner with the United Kingdom contribution being integrated into the programme as external assigned revenue. Furthermore, certain rules on the selection of operations in this Regulation should not apply to that programme in relation to operations in support of peace and reconciliation.	(18)  Within the context of the unique and specific circumstances on the island of Ireland, and with a view to supporting North-South cooperation under the Good Friday Agreement, a new 'PEACE PLUS' cross-border programme is to continue and build on the work of previous programmes between the border counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Taking into account its practical importance, it is necessary to ensure that, where the programme is acting in support of peace and reconciliation, the ERDF should also contribute to promoting social, economic and regional stability and cooperation in the regions concerned, in particular through actions to promote cohesion between communities. Given the specificities of the programme it should be managed in an integrated manner with the United Kingdom contribution being integrated into the programme as external assigned revenue. Furthermore, certain rules on the selection of operations in this Regulation should not apply to that programme in relation to operations in support of peace and reconciliation.
Amendment    20 Proposal for a regulation Recital 20
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(20)  The major part of the Union support should be concentrated on a limited number of policy objectives in order to maximise the impact of Interreg.	(20)  The major part of the Union support should be concentrated on a limited number of policy objectives in order to maximise the impact of Interreg. Synergies and complementarities between the components of INTERREG should be strengthened.
Amendment    21 Proposal for a regulation Recital 21
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(21)  Provisions on the preparation, approval and amendment of Interreg programmes as well as on territorial development, on the selection of operations, on monitoring and evaluation, on the programme authorities, on audit of operations, and on transparency and communication should be adapted to the specificities of Interreg programmes compared to the provisions set out in Regulation (EU) [new CPR].	(21)  Provisions on the preparation, approval and amendment of Interreg programmes as well as on territorial development, on the selection of operations, on monitoring and evaluation, on the programme authorities, on audit of operations, and on transparency and communication should be adapted to the specificities of Interreg programmes compared to the provisions set out in Regulation (EU) [new CPR]. These specific provisions should be kept simple and clear in order to avoid gold-plating and additional administrative burdens for Member States and beneficiaries.
Amendment    22 Proposal for a regulation Recital 22
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(22)  The provisions on the criteria for operations to be considered as genuinely joint and cooperative, on the partnership within an Interreg operation and on the obligations of the lead partner as set out during the programme period 2014-2020 should on be continued. However, Interreg partners should cooperate in all four dimensions (development, implementation, staffing and financing) and, under outermost regions’ cooperation, in three out of four, as it should be simpler to combine support from the ERDF and external financing instruments from the Union both on the level of programmes and operations.	(22)  The provisions on the criteria for operations to be considered as genuinely joint and cooperative, on the partnership within an Interreg operation and on the obligations of the lead partner as set out during the programme period 2014-2020 should be continued. Interreg partners should cooperate in development and implementation as well as staffing or financing, or both, and, under outermost regions’ cooperation, in three out of four, as it should be simpler to combine support from the ERDF and external financing instruments from the Union both on the level of programmes and operations.
Amendment    23 Proposal for a regulation Recital 22 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(22 a)  Under cross-border cooperation programmes, people-to-people (P2P) and small-scale projects are an important and successful instrument for eliminating border and cross border obstacles, fostering contacts between people locally and, in so doing, bringing border regions and their citizens closer together. P2P projects and small-scale projects are carried out in many areas such as, inter alia, culture, sport, tourism, general education and vocational training, the economy, science, environmental protection and ecology, healthcare, transport and small-scale infrastructure projects, administrative cooperation and public-relations work. As also set forth in the opinion of the Committee of the Regions ‘People-to-people and small-scale projects in cross-border cooperation programmes’32, P2P projects and small-scale projects have high European added value and make a considerable contribution towards realising the overall objective of cross-border cooperation programmes.
	__________________ 32 Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions ‘People-to-people and small-scale projects in cross-border cooperation programmes’ of 12 July 2017 (OJ C 342, 12.10.2017, p. 38).
Amendment    24 Proposal for a regulation Recital 23
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(23)  It is necessary to clarify the rules governing small project funds which have been implemented since Interreg has existed, but have never been covered by specific provisions. As also set out in the Opinion of the Committee of the Regions ‘People-to-people and small-scale projects in cross-border cooperation programmes’32 , such small project funds play an important role in building up trust between citizens and institutions, offer great European added value and contribute considerably to the overall objective of cross-border cooperation programmes by overcoming border obstacles and integrating border areas and their citizens. In order to simplify the management of the financing of small projects by the final recipients, who are often not used to applying for Union funds, the use of simplified cost options and of lump sums should be made obligatory below a certain threshold.	(23)  Since Interreg has existed, P2P projects and small-scale projects have been supported via small-project funds or similar instruments that have never been covered by specific provisions, making it necessary to clarify the rules governing those funds. In order to maintain the added value and advantages of P2P and small-scale projects, also with regard to local and regional development, and to simplify the management of the financing of small projects by the final recipients, who are often not used to applying for Union funds, the use of simplified cost options and of lump sums should be made obligatory below a certain threshold.
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32 Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions ‘People-to-people and small-scale projects in cross-border cooperation programmes’ of 12 July 2017 (OJ C 342, 12.10.2017, p. 38).
Amendment    25 Proposal for a regulation Recital 24
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(24)  Due to the involvement of more than one Member State, and the resulting higher administrative costs, in particular in respect of controls and translation, the ceiling for technical assistance expenditure should be higher than that under the Investment for jobs and growth goal. In order to offset the higher administrative costs, Member States should be encouraged to reduce the administrative burden with regard to the implementation of joint projects wherever possible. In addition, Interreg programmes with limited Union support or external cross-border cooperation programmes should receive a certain minimum amount for technical assistance to ensure sufficient funding for effective technical assistance activities.	(24)  Due to the involvement of more than one Member State, and the resulting higher administrative costs, including for regional points of contact (or ‘antennae’), which are important points of contact for those proposing and implementing projects, and therefore function as a direct line to the joint secretariats or the relevant authorities, but in particular in respect of controls and translation, the ceiling for technical assistance expenditure should be higher than that under the Investment for jobs and growth goal. In order to offset the higher administrative costs, Member States should be encouraged to reduce the administrative burden with regard to the implementation of joint projects wherever possible. In addition, Interreg programmes with limited Union support or external cross-border cooperation programmes should receive a certain minimum amount for technical assistance to ensure sufficient funding for effective technical assistance activities.
Amendment    26 Proposal for a regulation Recital 25 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(25a)  In connection with reducing administrative burden, the Commission, Member States and regions should cooperate closely in order to be able to make use of the enhanced proportionate arrangements for the management and control system for an Interreg programme that are referred to in Article 77 of Regulation (EU) .../... [new CPR].
Amendment    27 Proposal for a regulation Recital 27
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(27)  Member States should be encouraged to assign the functions of the managing authority to an EGTC or to make such a grouping, like other cross-border legal bodies, responsible for managing a sub-programme, an integrated territorial investment or one or more small project funds, or to act as sole partner.	(27)  Member States should, where appropriate, delegate the functions of the managing authority to a new or, where applicable, an existing EGTC or to make such a grouping, like other cross-border legal bodies, responsible for managing a sub-programme, an integrated territorial investment, or to act as sole partner. Member States should enable regional and local authorities and other public bodies from different Member States to set up such cooperation groupings with a legal personality and should involve local and regional authorities in their functioning.
Amendment    28 Proposal for a regulation Recital 28
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(28)  In order to continue the payment chain established for the programming period 2014-2020, i.e. from the Commission to the lead partner via the certifying authority, that payment chain should be continued under the accounting function. The Union support should be paid to the lead partner, unless this would result in double fees for conversion into euro and back into another currency or vice versa between the lead partner and the other partners.	(28)  In order to continue the payment chain established for the programming period 2014-2020, i.e. from the Commission to the lead partner via the certifying authority, that payment chain should be continued under the accounting function. The Union support should be paid to the lead partner, unless this would result in double fees for conversion into euro and back into another currency or vice versa between the lead partner and the other partners. If not otherwise specified, the lead partner should ensure that the other partners receive the total amount of the contribution from the respective Union fund in full and within the timeframe agreed by all partners and following the same procedure applied in respect of the lead partner.
Amendment    29 Proposal for a regulation Recital 29
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(29)  Pursuant to Article [63(9)] of Regulation (EU, Euratom) [FR-Omnibus] sector-specific rules are to take account of the needs of European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg) programmes as regards, in particular the audit function. The provisions on the annual audit opinion, the annual control report and the audits of operations should therefore be simplified and adapted to those programmes involving more than one Member States.	(29)  Pursuant to Article [63(9)] of Regulation (EU, Euratom) [FR-Omnibus] sector-specific rules are to take account of the needs of European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg) programmes, as regards in particular the audit function. The provisions on the annual audit opinion, the annual control report and the audits of operations should therefore be simplified and adapted to those programmes involving more than one Member State.
Amendment    30 Proposal for a regulation Recital 30
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(30)  A clear chain of financial liability in respect of recovery for irregularities should be established from sole or other partners via the lead partner and the managing authority to the Commission. Provision should be made for liability of Member States, third countries, partner countries or Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), where obtaining recovery from the sole or other or lead partner is not successful, meaning that the Member State reimburses the managing authority. Consequently, under Interreg programmes there is no scope for irrecoverable amounts on the level of beneficiaries. It is, however, necessary to clarify the rules, should a Member State, third country, partner country or OCT not reimburse the managing authority. The obligations of the lead partner for recovery should also be clarified. In particular, the managing authority should not be allowed to oblige the lead partner to launch a judicial procedure in a different country.	(30)  A clear chain of financial liability in respect of recovery for irregularities should be established from sole or other partners via the lead partner and the managing authority to the Commission. Provision should be made for liability of Member States, third countries, partner countries or Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), where obtaining recovery from the sole or other or lead partner is not successful, meaning that the Member State reimburses the managing authority. Consequently, under Interreg programmes there is no scope for irrecoverable amounts on the level of beneficiaries. It is necessary, however, to clarify the rules, should a Member State, third country, partner country or OCT not reimburse the managing authority. The obligations of the lead partner for recovery should also be clarified. Moreover, the procedures related to recoveries should be established and agreed by the monitoring committee. However, the managing authority should not be allowed to oblige the lead partner to launch a judicial procedure in a different country.
Amendment    31 Proposal for a regulation Recital 30 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(30 a)  It is appropriate to encourage financial discipline. At the same time, arrangements for decommitment of budgetary commitments should take into account the complexity of Interreg programmes and their implementation.
Amendment    32 Proposal for a regulation Recital 32
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(32)  Although Interreg programmes with the participation of third countries, partner countries or OCTs should be implemented under shared management, outermost regions’ cooperation may be implemented under indirect management. Specific rules should be set out how to implement those programmes as a whole or partially under indirect management.	(32)  Although Interreg programmes with the participation of third countries, partner countries or OCTs should be implemented under shared management, outermost regions’ cooperation may be implemented under indirect management. Specific rules should be set out on how to implement those programmes as a whole or partially under indirect management.
Amendment    33 Proposal for a regulation Recital 35
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(35)  In order to ensure uniform conditions for the adoption or amendment of Interreg programmes, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. However, external cross-border cooperation programmes should respect, where applicable, Committee procedures established under Regulations (EU) [IPA III] and [NDICI] with regard to the first approval decision of those programmes.	(35)  In order to ensure uniform conditions for the adoption or amendment of Interreg programmes, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. However, where applicable, external cross-border cooperation programmes should respect Committee procedures established under Regulations (EU) [IPA III] and [NDICI] with regard to the first approval decision of those programmes.
Amendment    34 Proposal for a regulation Recital 36 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(36 a)  The promotion of European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) is a major priority of Union cohesion policy. Support for SMEs for costs incurred in ETC projects is already block-exempted under the Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/20141a (General block exemption Regulation (GBER)). Special provisions in relation to regional aid for investments by undertakings of all sizes are also included in the Guidelines on regional State aid for 2014-20202a and in the regional aid section of the GBER. In the light of experience gained, aid for European Territorial Cooperation projects should only have limited effects on competition and trade between Member States, and thus the Commission should be able to declare that such aid is compatible with the internal market and that financing provided in support of ETC projects is able to be block-exempted.
	_____________________
	1a Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 of 17 June 2014 declaring certain categories of aid compatible with the internal market in application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty (OJ L 187, 26.6.2014, p. 1). 2a Guidelines on regional State aid for 2014-2020 (OJ C 209, 23.07.2013, p. 1).
Amendment    35 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  This Regulation lays down rules for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) with a view to fostering cooperation between Member States inside the Union and between Member States and adjacent third countries, partner countries, other territories or overseas countries and territories ('OCTs') respectively.	1.  This Regulation lays down rules for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) with a view to fostering cooperation between Member States and their regions inside the Union and between Member States, their regions and third countries, partner countries, other territories or overseas countries and territories('OCTs'), or regional integration and cooperation organisations, or group of third countries forming part of a regional organisation, respectively.
Amendment    36 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(4)  'cross-border legal body' means a legal body established under the laws of one of the participating countries in an Interreg programme provided that it is set up by territorial authorities or other bodies from at least two participating countries.	(4)  'cross-border legal body' means a legal body including a euroregion, established under the laws of one of the participating countries in an Interreg programme provided that it is set up by territorial authorities or other bodies from at least two participating countries.
Amendment    37 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(4 a)  ’regional integration and cooperation organisation’ means a group of Member States or regions in the same geographical area that aim to cooperate closely on issues of common interest.
Amendment    38 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1)  cross-border cooperation between adjacent regions to promote integrated regional development (component 1):	(1)  cross-border cooperation between adjacent regions to promote integrated and harmonious regional development (component 1):
Amendment    39 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  internal cross-border cooperation between adjacent land border regions of two or more Member States or between adjacent land border regions of at least one Member State and one or more third countries listed in Article 4(3); or	(a)  internal cross-border cooperation between adjacent land or maritime border regions of two or more Member States or between adjacent land or maritime border regions of at least one Member State and one or more third countries listed in Article 4(3); or
Amendment    40 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  external cross-border cooperation, between adjacent land border regions of at least one Member State and of one or more of the following:	(b)  external cross-border cooperation, between adjacent land or maritime border regions of at least one Member State and of one or more of the following:
Amendment    41 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2)  transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation over larger transnational territories or around sea-basins, involving national, regional and local programme partners in Member States, third countries and partner countries and in Greenland, with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration ('component 2'; where referring only to transnational cooperation: 'component 2A'; where referring only to maritime cooperation: 'component 2B');	(2)  transnational cooperation over larger transnational territories or around sea-basins, involving national, regional and local programme partners in Member States, third countries and partner countries and OCTs, with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration ('component 2');
Amendment    42 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3)  outermost regions' cooperation among themselves and with their neighbouring third or partner countries or OCTs, or several thereof, to facilitate their regional integration in their neighbourhood ('component 3');	(3)  outermost regions' cooperation among themselves and with their neighbouring third or partner countries or OCTs, or regional integration and cooperation organisations, or several thereof, to facilitate their regional integration and harmonious development in their neighbourhood ('component 3');
Amendment    43 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – point i a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(i a)  the implementation of common interregional development projects;
Amendment    44 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – point i b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(i b)  the development of capacities between partners throughout the Union in connection with:
Amendment    45 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – point ii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ii a)  the identification and dissemination of good practices with a view to their transfer principally to operational programmes under the Investment for growth and jobs goal;
Amendment    46 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – point ii b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ii b)  the exchange of experiences concerning the identification, transfer and dissemination of best practice on sustainable urban development, including linkages between urban and rural areas;
Amendment    47 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – point iii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iii a)  the setting-up, functioning and use of the European Cross-Border Mechanism as referred to in Regulation (EU) .../... [new European Cross-Border Mechanism];
Amendment    48 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(5)  interregional innovation investments through the commercialisation and scaling up of interregional innovation projects having the potential to encourage the development of European value chains ('component 5').	deleted
Amendment    49 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  For cross-border cooperation, the regions to be supported by the ERDF shall be the NUTS level 3 regions of the Union along all internal and external land borders with third countries or partner countries.	1.  For cross-border cooperation, the regions to be supported by the ERDF shall be the NUTS level 3 regions of the Union along all internal and external land or maritime borders with third countries or partner countries, without prejudice to potential adjustments to ensure the coherence and continuity of cooperation programme areas established for the 2014-2020 programming planning period.
Amendment    50 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  Regions on maritime borders which are connected over the sea by a fixed link shall also be supported under cross-border cooperation.	deleted
Amendment    51 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  Internal cross-border cooperation Interreg programmes may cover regions in Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom which are equivalent to NUTS level 3 regions as well as Liechtenstein, Andorra and Monaco.	3.  Internal cross-border cooperation Interreg programmes may cover regions in Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom which are equivalent to NUTS level 3 regions as well as Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino.
Amendment    52 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4.  For external cross-border cooperation, the regions to be supported by IPA III or NDICI shall be NUTS level 3 regions of the respective partner country or, in the absence of NUTS classification, equivalent areas along all land borders between Member States and partner countries eligible under IPA III or NDICI.	4.  For external cross-border cooperation, the regions to be supported by IPA III or NDICI shall be NUTS level 3 regions of the respective partner country or, in the absence of NUTS classification, equivalent areas along all land or maritime borders between Member States and partner countries eligible under IPA III or NDICI.
Amendment    53 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – title
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5  Geographical coverage for transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation	Geographical coverage for transnational cooperation
Amendment    54 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  For transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation, the regions to be supported by the ERDF shall be the NUTS level 2 regions of the Union covering contiguous functional areas, taking into account, where applicable, macro-regional strategies or sea basin strategies.	1.  For transnational cooperation, the regions to be supported by the ERDF shall be the NUTS level 2 regions of the Union covering contiguous functional areas, without prejudice to potential adjustments to ensure the coherence and continuity of such cooperation in larger coherent areas based on the 2014-2020 programming planning period and taking into account, where applicable, macro-regional strategies or sea basin strategies.
Amendment    55 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation Interreg programmes may cover:	Transnational cooperation Interreg programmes may cover:
Amendment    56 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  Greenland;	(b)  OCTs benefit from the support provided by the OCT programme;
Amendment    57 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  The regions, third countries or partner countries listed in paragraph 2 shall be NUTS level 2 regions or, in the absence of NUTS classification, equivalent areas.	3.  The regions, third countries, partner countries, or OCTs listed in paragraph 2 shall be NUTS level 2 regions or, in the absence of NUTS classification, equivalent areas.
Amendment    58 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  The outermost regions' Interreg programmes may cover neighbouring partner countries supported by the NDICI or OCTs supported by the OCTP, or both.	2.  The outermost regions' Interreg programmes may cover partner countries supported by the NDICI, OCTs supported by the OCTP, regional cooperation organisations, or a combination of two or all three of these.
Amendment    59 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – title
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Geographical coverage for interregional cooperation and interregional innovation investments	Geographical coverage for interregional cooperation
Amendment    60 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  For any component 4 Interreg programme or for interregional innovation investments under component 5, the entire territory of the Union shall be supported by the ERDF.	1.  For any component 4 Interreg programme the entire territory of the Union shall be supported by the ERDF including the outermost regions.
Amendment    61 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  Component 4 Interreg programmes may cover the whole or part of the third countries, partner countries, other territories or OCTs referred to in Articles 4, 5 and 6, whether or not they are supported by the external financing instruments of the Union.	2.  Component 4 Interreg programmes may cover the whole or part of the third countries, partner countries, other territories or OCTs referred to in Articles 4, 5 and 6, whether or not they are supported by the external financing instruments of the Union. Third countries may participate in those programmes, provided that they make a funding contribution in the form of externally allocated revenue.
Amendment    62 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  The implementing act referred to in paragraph 1 shall also contain a list specifying those NUTS level 3 regions of the Union taken into account for the ERDF allocation for cross-border cooperation at all internal borders and those external borders covered by the external financing instruments of the Union as well as a list specifying those NUTS level 3 regions taken into account for allocation purposes under component 2B referred to in point (a) of Article 9(3).	2.  The implementing act referred to in paragraph 1 shall also contain a list specifying those NUTS level 3 regions of the Union taken into account for the ERDF allocation for cross-border cooperation at all internal borders and those external borders covered by the external financing instruments of the Union.
Amendment    63 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  Regions of third or partner countries or territories outside the Union which do not receive supported from the ERDF or an external financing instrument of the Union shall also be mentioned in the list referred to in paragraph 1.	3.  Regions of third or partner countries or territories outside the Union which do not receive support from the ERDF or an external financing instrument of the Union shall also be mentioned in the list referred to in paragraph 1.
Amendment    64 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The ERDF resources for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) shall amount to EUR 8 430 000 000 of the global resources available for budgetary commitment from the ERDF, ESF+ and the Cohesion Fund for the 2021-2027 programming period and set out in Article [102(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR].	1.  Resources for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) shall amount to EUR 11 165 910 000 (2018 prices) of out the global resources available for budgetary commitment from the ERDF, ESF+ and the Cohesion Fund for the 2021-2027 programming period and set out in Article [103(1)] of Regulation(EU) [new CPR].
Amendment    65 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  The resources referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated as follows:	2.  EUR 10 195 910 000 (91,31 %) of the resources referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated as follows:
Amendment    66 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  52.7 % (i.e., a total of EUR 4 440 000 000) for cross-border cooperation (component 1);	(a)  EUR 7 500 000 000 (67,16 %) for cross-border cooperation (component 1);
Amendment    67 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  31.4 % (i.e., a total of EUR 2 649 900 000) for transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation (component 2);	(b)  EUR 1 973 600 880 (17,68 %) for transnational cooperation (component 2);
Amendment    68 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  3.2 % (i.e., a total of EUR 270 100 000) for outermost regions' cooperation (component 3);	(c)  EUR 357 309 120 (3,2 %) for outermost regions' cooperation (component 3);
Amendment    69 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d)  1.2 % (i.e., a total of EUR 100 000 000) for interregional cooperation (component 4);	(d)  EUR 365 000 000 (3,27%) for interregional cooperation (component 4);
Amendment    70 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e)  11.5 % (i.e., a total of EUR 970 000 000) for interregional innovation investments (component 5).	deleted
Amendment    71 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  NUTS level 3 regions for component 1 and those NUTS level 3 regions for component 2B listed in the implementing act under Article 8(2);	(a)  NUTS level 3 regions for component 1 listed in the implementing act under Article 8(2);
Amendment    72 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  NUTS level 2 regions for components 2A and 3.	(b)  NUTS level 2 regions for component 2.
Amendment    73 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 – point b a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(b a)  NUTS level 2 and 3 regions for component 3.
Amendment    74 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	5 a.  EUR 970 000 000 (8,69 %) of the resources referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated to the new initiative on interregional innovation investments as referred to in Article 15 a (new).
	If by 31 December 2026, the Commission has not committed all of the available resources referred to in paragraph 1 on projects selected under that initiative, the remaining uncommitted balances shall be re-allocated prorata among components 1 to 4.
Amendment    75 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Support from the ERDF shall be granted to individual external cross-border Interreg programmes provided that equivalent amounts are provided by IPA III CBC and NDICI CBC under the relevant strategic programming document. That equivalence shall be subject to a maximum amount set out in the IPA III or NDICI legislative act.	Support from the ERDF shall be granted to individual external cross-border Interreg programmes provided that at least equivalent amounts are provided by IPA III CBC and NDICI CBC under the relevant strategic programming document. That contribution shall be subject to a maximum amount set out in the IPA III or NDICI legislative act.
Amendment    76 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  the Interreg programme cannot be implemented as planned due to problems in relations between the participating countries.	(b)  In duly justified cases, where the Interreg programme cannot be implemented as planned due to problems in relations between the participating countries.
Amendment    77 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
With regard to a component 2 Interreg programme already approved by the Commission, the participation of a partner country or of Greenland shall be discontinued, if one of the situations set out in points (a) and (b) of the first subparagraph of paragraph 3 is fulfilled.	With regard to a component 2 Interreg programme already approved by the Commission, the participation of a partner country or of an OCT shall be discontinued, if one of the situations set out in points(a) and (b) of the first subparagraph of paragraph 3 is fulfilled.
Amendment    78 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  that the Interreg programme be discontinued in total, in particular where the main joint development challenges thereof cannot be achieved without the participation of that partner country or of Greenland;	(a)  that the Interreg programme be discontinued in total, in particular where the main joint development challenges thereof cannot be achieved without the participation of that partner country or OCT;
Amendment    79 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  that the Interreg programme continue without the participation of that partner country or of Greenland.	(c)  that the Interreg programme continue without the participation of that partner country or of an OCT.
Amendment    80 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
6.  Where a third country or partner country contributing to an Interreg programme with national resources, which do not constitute the national cofinancing of support from the ERDF or from an external financing instrument of the Union, reduces that contribution during the implementation of the Interreg programme, either globally or with regard to joint operations already selected and having received the document provided for in Article 22(6), the participating Member State or Member States shall request one of the options set out in the second subparagraph of paragraph 4.	6.  Where a third country, partner country or OCTs contributing to an Interreg programme with national resources, which do not constitute the national cofinancing of support from the ERDF or from an external financing instrument of the Union, reduces that contribution during the implementation of the Interreg programme, either globally or with regard to joint operations already selected and having received the document provided for in Article22(6), the participating Member State or Member States shall request one of the options set out in the second subparagraph of paragraph 4 of this Article.
Amendment    81 Proposal for a regulation Article 13 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The co-financing rate at the level of each Interreg programme shall be not higher than 70 %, unless, with regard to external cross-border or component 3 Interreg programmes, a higher percentage is fixed in Regulations (EU) [IPA III], [NDICI] or Council Decision (EU) [OCTP] respectively or in any act adopted thereunder.	The co-financing rate at the level of each Interreg programme shall be not higher than 80 %, unless, with regard to external cross-border or component 3 Interreg programmes, a higher percentage is fixed in Regulations (EU) [IPA III], [NDICI] or Council Decision (EU) [OCTP] respectively or in any act adopted thereunder.
Amendment    82 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  In addition to the specific objectives for the ERDF as set out in Article [2] of Regulation (EU) [new ERDF], the ERDF and, where applicable, the external financing instruments of the Union may also contribute to the specific objectives under PO 4 as follows:	3.  In addition to the specific objectives for the ERDF as set out in Article [2] of Regulation (EU) [new ERDF], the ERDF and, where applicable, the external financing instruments of the Union shall also contribute to the specific objectives under PO 4 as follows:
Amendment    83 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 4 – point a – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  under component 1 and 2B Interreg programmes:	(a)  under component 1 and 2 Interreg programmes:
Amendment    84 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 4 – point a – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  enhance efficient public administration by promoting legal and administrative cooperation and cooperation between citizens and institutions, in particular, with a view to resolving legal and other obstacles in border regions;	(ii)  enhance efficient public administration by promoting legal and administrative cooperation and cooperation between citizens, including people-to-people projects, civil society actors and institutions, in particular, with a view to resolving legal and other obstacles in border regions;
Amendment    85 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5.  Under external cross-border and component 2 and 3 Interreg programmes the ERDF and, where applicable, the external financing instruments of the Union shall also contribute to the external Interreg-specific objective 'a safer and more secure Europe', in particular by actions in the fields of border crossing management and mobility and migration management, including the protection of migrants.	5.  Under component 1, 2 and 3 Interreg programmes the ERDF and, where applicable, the external financing instruments of the Union may also contribute to the Interreg-specific objective 'a safer and more secure Europe', in particular by actions in the fields of border crossing management and mobility and migration management, including the protection, economic and social integration of migrants and refugees under international protection.
Amendment    86 Proposal for a regulation Article 15 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  An additional 15% of the ERDF and, where applicable, of the external financing instruments of the Union allocations under priorities other than for technical assistance to each Interreg programme under components 1, 2 and 3, shall be allocated on the Interreg-specific objective of 'a better Interreg governance' or on the external Interreg-specific objective of 'a safer and more secure Europe'.	2.  Of the ERDF and, where applicable, of the external financing instruments of the Union allocations under priorities other than for technical assistance to each Interreg programme under components 1, 2 and 3, up to15 % shall be allocated on the Interreg-specific objective of 'a better Interreg governance' and up to 10 % may be allocated on the Interreg-specific objective of 'a safer and more secure Europe'.
Amendment    87 Proposal for a regulation Article 15 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  Where a component 2A Interreg programme supports a macro-regional strategy, the total ERDF and, where applicable, the total external financing instruments of the Union allocations under priorities other than for technical assistance shall be programmed on the objectives of that strategy.	3.  Where a component 1 or 2 Interreg programme supports a macro-regional strategy or a sea-basin strategy, at least 80 % the ERDF and, where applicable, part of the external financing instruments of the Union allocations under priorities other than for technical assistance shall contribute to the objectives of that strategy.
Amendment    88 Proposal for a regulation Article 15 – paragraph 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4.  Where a component 2B Interreg programme supports a macro-regional strategy or sea-basin strategy, at least 70% of the total ERDF and, where applicable, of the external financing instruments of the Union allocations under priorities other than for technical assistance shall be allocated on the objectives of that strategy.	deleted
Amendment    89 Proposal for a regulation Article 15 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Article 15 a
	Interregional innovation investments
	1. The resources referred to in Article 9 (5 a) (new) shall beallocated to a new initiative on interregional innovation investments that is earmarked for:
	(a) the commercialisation and scaling up of common innovation projects that are likely to encourage the development of European value chains;
	(b) the bringing together of researchers, businesses, civil society organisations, and public administrations involved in smart specialisation and social innovation strategies at national or regional level;
	(c) pilot projects aimed at identifying or testing new development solutions at regional and local level which are based on smart specialisation strategies; or
	(d) sharing innovation experiences with the aim of benefiting from the experience gained in regional or local development.
	2. To maintain the European territorial cohesion principle, with an approximate equal share of financial resources, those investments shall focus on creating linkages between less developed regions with those in lead regions by increasing the capacity of regional innovation eco-systems in less developed regions to integrate in and move up the existing or emerging EU value as well as the capacity to participate in partnerships with other regions.
	3. The Commission shall implement those investments under direct or indirect management. It shall be supported by an expert group in defining a long-term work programme and related calls.
	4. The entire territory of the Union shall be supported by the ERDF for interregional innovation investments. Third countries may participate in those investments, provided that they make a funding contribution in the form of externally allocated revenue.
Amendment    90 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) shall be implemented through Interreg programmes under shared management with the exception of component 3, which may be implemented as a whole or partially under indirect management, and of component 5 which shall be implemented under direct or indirect management.	1.  The European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) shall be implemented through Interreg programmes under shared management with the exception of component 3, which may be implemented as a whole or partially under indirect management after consulting stakeholders.
Amendment    91 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  The participating Member States and, where applicable, third countries, partner countries or OCTs, shall prepare an Interreg programme in accordance with the template set out in the Annex for the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2027.	2.  The participating Member States and, where applicable, third countries, partner countries, OCTs, or regional integration and cooperation organisations shall prepare an Interreg programme in accordance with the template set out in the Annex for the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2027.
Amendment    92 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The participating Member States shall prepare an Interreg programme in cooperation with the programme partners referred to in Article [6] of Regulation (EU) [the new CPR].	The participating Member States shall prepare an Interreg programme in cooperation with the programme partners referred to in Article [6] of Regulation (EU) [the new CPR]. In the preparation of the Interreg programmes, covering macro-regional or sea basin strategies, the Member States and the programme partners should take into account the thematic priorities of the relevant macro-regional and sea basins strategies and consult the relevant actors. An ex ante mechanism shall be set up by the Member States and the programme partners to ensure that all actors at macro-region and sea basin level, ETC programme authorities, regions and countries are brought together at the start of the programming period to decide jointly on the priorities for each programme. Those priorities shall be aligned with macro-regional or sea basin strategies’ Action Plans wherever relevant.
Amendment    93 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The Member State hosting the prospective managing authority, shall submit an Interreg programme to the Commission by [date of entry into force plus nine months;] on behalf of all participating Member States and, where applicable, third countries, partner countries or OCTs.	The Member State hosting the prospective managing authority, shall submit one or more Interreg programmes to the Commission by [date of entry into force plus twelvemonths;] on behalf of all participating Member States and, where applicable, third countries, partner countries, OCTs, or regional integration and cooperation organisations.
Amendment    94 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
However, an Interreg programme covering support from an external financing instrument of the Union shall be submitted by the Member State hosting the prospective managing authority no later than six months after the adoption by the Commission of the relevant strategic programming document under Article 10(1) or where required under the respective basic act of one or more of an external financing instrument of the Union.	However, an Interreg programme covering support from an external financing instrument of the Union shall be submitted by the Member State hosting the prospective managing authority no later than twelve months after the adoption by the Commission of the relevant strategic programming document under Article 10(1) or where required under the respective basic act of one or more of an external financing instrument of the Union.
Amendment    95 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  In duly justified cases and in agreement with the Commission, in order to increase the efficiency of programme implementation and to achieve larger-scale operations, the Member State concerned may decide to transfer to Interreg programmes up to [x]% of the amount of the ERDF allocated to the corresponding programme under the Investment for jobs and growth goal for the same region. The amount transferred shall constitute a separate priority or separate priorities.	3.  In order to increase the efficiency of programme implementation and to achieve larger-scale operations, the Member State concerned may decide to transfer to Interreg programmes up to 20 % of the amount of the ERDF allocated to the corresponding programme under the Investment for jobs and growth goal for the same region. Each Member State shall inform the Commission in advance that it intends to make use of the transfer option, and shall give the Commission reasons for its decision. The amount transferred shall constitute a separate priority or separate priorities.
Amendment    96 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point b – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  a summary of the main joint challenges, taking into account:	(b)  a summary of the main joint challenges, particularly taking into account:
Amendment    97 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point b – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  joint investment needs and complementarity with other forms of support;	(ii)  joint investment needs and complementarity with other forms of support and potential synergies to be achieved;
Amendment    98 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point b – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  lessons learnt from past experience;	(iii)  lessons learnt from past experience and how they have been taken into account into the programme;
Amendment    99 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  a justification for the selected policy objectives and Interreg-specific objectives, corresponding priorities, specific objectives and the forms of support, addressing, where appropriate, missing links in cross-border infrastructure;	(c)  a justification for the selected policy objectives and Interreg-specific objectives, corresponding priorities, and addressing, where appropriate, missing links in cross-border infrastructure;
Amendment    100 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point e – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  the related types of actions, including a list of planned operations of strategic importance, and their expected contribution to those specific objectives and to macro-regional strategies and sea-basin strategies, where appropriate;	(i)  the related types of actions, including a list of planned operations of strategic importance, and their expected contribution to those specific objectives and to macro-regional strategies and sea-basin strategies, where appropriate, respectively the set of criteria and the corresponding transparent selection criteria for such operation;
Amendment    101 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point e – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  the main target groups;	deleted
Amendment    102 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point e – point v
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(v)  the planned use of financial instruments;	deleted
Amendment    103 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 5 – point a – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  for component 2 Interreg programmes supported by OCTP concerning split per financing instrument ('ERDF' and 'OCTP Greenland');	(iii)  for component 2 Interreg programmes supported by OCTP concerning split per financing instrument ('ERDF' and 'OCTP');
Amendment    104 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 5 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  with regard to the table referred to in point (g)(ii) of paragraph 4, it shall include the amounts for the years 2021 to 2025 only.	deleted
Amendment    105 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 7 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  lay down the procedure for setting up the joint secretariat;	(b)  lay down the procedure for setting up the joint secretariat and, where applicable, supporting management structures in the Member States or third countries;
Amendment    106 Proposal for a regulation Article 18 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The Commission shall assess each Interreg programme and its compliance with Regulation (EU) [new CPR], Regulation (EU) [new ERDF] and this Regulation and, in the case of support from an external financing instrument of the Union and where relevant, its consistency with the multi-annual strategy document under Article 10(1) or the relevant strategic programming framework under the respective basic act of one or more of those instruments.	1.  The Commission shall assess with full transparency each Interreg programme and its compliance with Regulation (EU) [new CPR], Regulation (EU) [new ERDF] and this Regulation and, in the case of support from an external financing instrument of the Union and where relevant, its consistency with the multi-annual strategy document under Article 10(1) of this Regulation or the relevant strategic programming framework under the respective basic act of one or more of those instruments.
Amendment    107 Proposal for a regulation Article 18 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  The participating Member States and, where applicable, third or partner countries or OCTs shall review the Interreg programme taking into account the observations made by the Commission.	3.  The participating Member States and, where applicable, third or partner countries, OCTs, or regional integration and cooperation organisations shall review the Interreg programme taking into account the observations made by the Commission.
Amendment    108 Proposal for a regulation Article 18 – paragraph 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4.  The Commission shall adopt a decision by means of an implementing act approving each Interreg programme no later than six months after the date of submission of that programme by the Member State hosting the prospective managing authority.	4.  The Commission shall adopt a decision by means of an implementing act approving each Interreg programme no later than three months after the date of submission of the revised version of that programme by the Member State hosting the prospective managing authority.
Amendment    109 Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The Member State hosting the managing authority may submit a motivated request for an amendment of an Interreg programme together with the amended programme, setting out the expected impact of that amendment on the achievement of the objectives.	1.  Following consultation with the local and regional authorities and in compliance with Article 6 of Regulation (EU).../... [new CPR], the Member State hosting the managing authority may submit a motivated request for an amendment of an Interreg programme together with the amended programme, setting out the expected impact of that amendment on the achievement of the objectives.
Amendment    110 Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  The Commission shall assess the compliance of the amendment with Regulation (EU) [new CPR], Regulation (EU) [new ERDF] and this Regulation and may make observations within three months of the submission of the amended programme.	2.  The Commission shall assess the compliance of the amendment with Regulation (EU) [new CPR], Regulation (EU) [new ERDF] and this Regulation and may make observations within one month of the submission of the amended programme.
Amendment    111 Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  The participating Member States and, where applicable, third countries, partner countries or OCTs shall review the amended programme and take into account the observations made by the Commission.	3.  The participating Member States and, where applicable, third countries, partner countries, OCTs, or regional integration and cooperation organisations shall review the amended programme and take into account the observations made by the Commission.
Amendment    112 Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4.  The Commission shall approve the amendment of a Interreg programme no later than six months after its submission by the Member State.	4.  The Commission shall approve the amendment of a Interreg programme no later than three months after its submission by the Member State.
Amendment    113 Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The Member State may transfer during the programming period an amount of up to 5% of the initial allocation of a priority and no more than 3% of the programme budget to another priority of the same Interreg programme.	Following consultation with the local and regional authorities and in compliance with Article 6 of Regulation (EU).../... [new CPR], the Member State may transfer during the programming period an amount of up to 10 % of the initial allocation of a priority and no more than 5 % of the programme budget to another priority of the same Interreg programme.
Amendment    114 Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
That monitoring committee may set up one or, in particular in the case of sub-programmes, more steering committees which act under its responsibility for the selection of operations.	That monitoring committee may set up one or, in particular in the case of sub-programmes, more steering committees which act under its responsibility for the selection of operations. Steering committees shall apply the partnership principle as set out in Article 6 of Regulation (EU).../... [new CPR] and shall involve partners from all participating Member States.
Amendment    115 Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  The managing authority shall consult the Commission and take its comments into account prior to the initial submission of the selection criteria to the monitoring committee or, where applicable, the steering committee. The same shall apply for any subsequent changes to those criteria.	3.  The managing authority shall notify the Commission prior to the initial submission of the selection criteria to the monitoring committee or, where applicable, the steering committee. The same shall apply for any subsequent changes to those criteria.
Amendment    116 Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4.  In selecting operations, the monitoring committee or, where applicable, the steering committee shall:	4.  Before the monitoring committee or, where applicable, the steering committee selects operations, the managing authority shall:
Amendment    117 Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
That document shall also set out the lead partner's obligations with regard to recoveries pursuant to Article 50. Those obligations shall be defined by the monitoring committee. However, a lead partner located in a different Member State, third country, partner country or OCT from the partner shall not be obliged to recover through a judicial procedure.	That document shall also set out the lead partner's obligations with regard to recoveries pursuant to Article 50. Procedures related to recoveries shall be defined and agreed by the monitoring committee. However, a lead partner located in a different Member State, third country, partner country or OCT from the partner shall not be obliged to recover through a judicial procedure.
Amendment    118 Proposal for a regulation Article 23 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Operations selected under components 1, 2 and 3 shall involve actors from at least two participating countries, at least one of which shall be a beneficiary from a Member State.	Operations selected under components 1, 2 and 3 shall involve actors from at least two participating countries or OCTs, at least one of which shall be a beneficiary from a Member State.
Amendment    119 Proposal for a regulation Article 23 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  An Interreg operation may be implemented in a single country, provided that the impact on and the benefits for the programme area are identified in the operation application.	2.  An Interreg operation may be implemented in a single country or OCT, provided that the impact on and the benefits for the programme area are identified in the operation application.
Amendment    120 Proposal for a regulation Article 23 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Partners shall cooperate in the development, implementation, staffing and financing of Interreg operations.	Partners shall cooperate in the development and implementation of Interreg operations, as well as in the staffing and/or financing thereof. An effort shall be made to limit the number of partners for each Interreg operation to no more than ten.
Amendment    121 Proposal for a regulation Article 23 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
For Interreg operations under component 3 Interreg programmes, the partners from outermost regions and third countries, partner countries or OCTs shall be required to cooperate only in three of the four dimensions listed in the first subparagraph.	For Interreg operations under component 3 Interreg programmes, the partners from outermost regions and third countries, partner countries or OCTs shall be required to cooperate only in two of the four dimensions listed in the first subparagraph.
Amendment    122 Proposal for a regulation Article 23 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
A cross-border legal body or an EGTC may be the sole partner of an Interreg operation under component 1, 2 and 3 Interreg programmes, provided that the members thereof involve partners from at least two participating countries.	A cross-border legal body or an EGTC may be the sole partner of an Interreg operation under component 1, 2 and 3 Interreg programmes, provided that the members thereof involve partners from at least two participating countries or OCTs.
Amendment    123 Proposal for a regulation Article 23 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
However, a sole partner may be registered in a Member State not participating in that programme, provided the conditions set out in Article 23 are satisfied.	deleted
Amendment    124 Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The contribution from the ERDF or, where applicable, an external financing instrument of the Union, to a small project fund within an Interreg programme shall not exceed EUR 20 000 000 or 15% of the total allocation of the Interreg programme, whichever is lower.	The total contribution from the ERDF or, where applicable, an external financing instrument of the Union, to one or more small project funds within an Interreg programme shall not exceed 20 % of the total allocation of the Interreg programme and shall, in the case of an Interreg programme for cross-border cooperation, be at least 3 % of the total allocation.
Amendment    125 Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  The beneficiary of a small project fund shall be a cross-border legal body or an EGTC.	2.  The beneficiary of a small project fund shall be a public or private law body, an entity with or without legal personality or a natural person, that is responsible for initiating or both initiating and implementing operations.
Amendment    126 Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5.  Staff and indirect costs generated at the level of the beneficiary for the management of the small project fund shall not exceed 20% of the total eligible cost of the respective small project fund.	5.  Staff and other direct costs corresponding to the cost categories in Articles 39 to 42, as well as indirect costs generated at the level of the beneficiary for the management of the small project fund or funds, shall not exceed 20 % of the total eligible cost of the respective small project fund or funds.
Amendment    127 Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Where the public contribution to a small project does not exceed EUR 100 000, the contribution from the ERDF or, where applicable, an external financing instrument of the Union shall take the form of unit costs or lump sums or include flat rates, except for projects for which the support constitutes State aid.	Where the public contribution to a small project does not exceed EUR 100 000, the contribution from the ERDF or, where applicable, an external financing instrument of the Union shall take the form of unit costs or lump sums or include flat rates.
Amendment    128 Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Where the total costs of each operation do not exceed EUR 100 000, the amount of support for one or more small projects may be set out on the basis of a draft budget which is established on a case-by-case basis and agreed ex ante by the body selecting the operation.
Amendment    129 Proposal for a regulation Article 25 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  If not otherwise specified in the arrangements laid down pursuant to point (a) of paragraph 1 the lead partner shall ensure that the other partners receive the total amount of the contribution from the respective Union fund as quickly as possible and in full. No amount shall be deducted or withheld and no specific charge or other charge with equivalent effect shall be levied that would reduce that amount for the other partners.	2.  If not otherwise specified in the arrangements laid down pursuant to point (a) of paragraph 1 the lead partner shall ensure that the other partners receive the total amount of the contribution from the respective Union fund in full and within timeframe agreed by all partners and following the same procedure applied in respect of the lead partner. No amount shall be deducted or withheld and no specific charge or other charge with equivalent effect shall be levied that would reduce that amount for the other partners.
Amendment    130 Proposal for a regulation Article 25 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Any beneficiary in a Member State, third country, partner country or OCT participating in an Interreg programme may be designated as the lead partner.	Any beneficiary in a Member State participating in an Interreg programme may be designated as the lead partner.
Amendment    131 Proposal for a regulation Article 25 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
However, Member States, third countries, partner countries or OCTs participating in an Interreg programme may agree that a partner not receiving support from the ERDF or an external financing instrument of the Union may be designated as the lead partner.	deleted
Amendment    132 Proposal for a regulation Article 26 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  Technical assistance to each Interreg programme shall be reimbursed as a flat rate by applying the percentages set out in paragraph 2 to the eligible expenditure included in each payment application pursuant to [points (a) or (c) of Article 85(3)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] as appropriate.	1.  Technical assistance to each Interreg programme shall be reimbursed as a flat rate by applying the percentages set out in paragraph 2 for 2021 and 2022 to the yearly instalments of the pre-financing pursuant to points (a) and (b) of Article 49(2) of this Regulation and then to the eligible expenditure included in each payment application pursuant to [points (a) or (c) of Article 85(3)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] as appropriate for subsequent years.
Amendment    133 Proposal for a regulation Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  for internal cross-border cooperation Interreg programmes supported by the ERDF: 6%;	(a)  for internal cross-border cooperation Interreg programmes supported by the ERDF: 7%;
Amendment    134 Proposal for a regulation Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  for component 2, 3 and 4 Interreg programmes, both for the ERDF and, where applicable, for the external financing instruments of the Union: 7%.	(c)  for component 2, 3 and 4 Interreg programmes, both for the ERDF and, where applicable, for the external financing instruments of the Union: 8 %.
Amendment    135 Proposal for a regulation Article 27 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The Member States and, where applicable, the third countries, partner countries and OCTs participating in that programme shall set up, in agreement with the managing authority, a committee to monitor implementation of the respective Interreg programme ('monitoring committee') within three months of the date of notification to the Member States of the Commission decision adopting an Interreg programme,	1.  The Member States and, where applicable, the third countries, partner countries, OCTs or regional integration cooperation organisations participating in that programme shall set up, in agreement with the managing authority, a committee to monitor implementation of the respective Interreg programme ('monitoring committee') within three months of the date of notification to the Member States of the Commission decision adopting an Interreg programme,
Amendment    136 Proposal for a regulation Article 27 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  The monitoring committee shall be chaired by a representative of the Member State hosting the managing authority or of the managing authority.	deleted
Where the rules of procedure of the monitoring committee establish a rotating chair, the monitoring committee may be chaired by a representative of a third country, partner country or OCT, and co-chaired by a representative of the Member State or of the managing authority, and vice-versa.
Amendment    137 Proposal for a regulation Article 27 – paragraph 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
6.  The managing authority shall publish the rules of procedures of the monitoring committee and all the data and information shared with the monitoring committee on the website referred to in Article 35(2).	6.  The managing authority shall publish the rules of procedures of the monitoring committee, the summary of data and information as well as all the decisions shared with the monitoring committee on the website referred to in Article 35(2).
Amendment    138 Proposal for a regulation Article 28 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The composition of the monitoring committee of each Interreg programme shall be agreed by the Member States and, where applicable, by the third countries, partner countries and OCTs participating in that programme and shall ensure a balanced representation of the relevant authorities, intermediate bodies and representatives of the programme partners referred to in Article [6] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] from Member States, third countries, partner countries and OCTs.	The composition of the monitoring committee of each Interreg programme may be agreed by the Member States and, where applicable, by the third countries, partner countries and OCTs participating in that programme and shall aim for a balanced representation of the relevant authorities, intermediate bodies and representatives of the programme partners referred to in Article [6] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] from Member States, third countries, partner countries and OCTs.
Amendment    139 Proposal for a regulation Article 28 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The composition of the monitoring committee shall take into account the number of participating Member States, third countries, partner countries and OCTs in the Interreg programme concerned.	deleted
Amendment    140 Proposal for a regulation Article 28 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The monitoring committee shall also include representatives of bodies jointly set up in the whole programme area or covering a part thereof, including EGTCs.	The monitoring committee shall also include representatives of regions and local governments as well as other bodies jointly set up in the whole programme area or covering a part thereof, including EGTCs.
Amendment    141 Proposal for a regulation Article 28 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  The managing authority shall publish a list of the members of the monitoring committee on the website referred to in Article 35(2).	2.  The managing authority shall publish a list of authorities or bodies appointed as members of the monitoring committee on the website referred to in Article 35(2).
Amendment    142 Proposal for a regulation Article 28 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  Representatives of the Commission shall participate in the work of the monitoring committee in an advisory capacity.	3.  Representatives of the Commission may participate in the work of the monitoring committee in an advisory capacity.
Amendment    143 Proposal for a regulation Article 28 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	3 a.  Representatives of bodies established throughout the area of the programme or which cover a part of it, including EGTCs, may participate in the work of the monitoring committee in an advisory capacity.
Amendment    144 Proposal for a regulation Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point g
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(g)  the progress in administrative capacity building for public institutions and beneficiaries, where relevant.	(g)  the progress in administrative capacity building for public institutions and beneficiaries, where relevant and propose any further support measures if necessary.
Amendment    145 Proposal for a regulation Article 29 – paragraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  the methodology and criteria used for the selection of operations, including any changes thereto, after consultation with the Commission pursuant to Article 22(2), without prejudice to [points (b), (c) and (d) of Article 27(3)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR];	(a)  the methodology and criteria used for the selection of operations, including any changes thereto, after notifying the Commission pursuant to Article 22(2) of this Regulation, without prejudice to [points (b), (c) and (d)of Article 27(3)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR];
Amendment    146 Proposal for a regulation Article 30 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  At the request of the Commission, the managing authority shall, within one month, provide the Commission with the information on the elements listed in Article 29(1):	2.  At the request of the Commission, the managing authority shall, within three months, provide the Commission with the information on the elements listed in Article 29(1):
Amendment    147 Proposal for a regulation Article 31 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Each managing authority shall electronically transmit to the Commission cumulative data for the respective Interreg programme by 31 January, 31 March, 31 May, 31 July, 30 September and 30 November of each year in accordance with the template in Annex [VII] to Regulation (EU) [new CPR].	Each managing authority shall electronically transmit to the Commission data for the respective Interreg programme pursuant to point (a) of Article 31(2) of this Regulation by 31 January, 31 May and 30 September of each year as well as data pursuant to point (b) of Article 31(2) of this Regulation once a year in accordance with the template in Annex [VII] to Regulation (EU) [new CPR].
Amendment    148 Proposal for a regulation Article 31 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	The transmission of data shall be carried out using existing data-reporting systems insofar as those systems have proven to be reliable during the previous programming period.
Amendment    149 Proposal for a regulation Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  the values of output and result indicators for selected Interreg operations and values achieved by Interreg operations.	(b)  the values of output and result indicators for selected Interreg operations and values achieved by finalised Interreg operations.
Amendment    150 Proposal for a regulation Article 33 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  Common output and common result indicators, as set out in Annex [I] to Regulation (EU) [new ERDF], and, where necessary, programme-specific output and result indicators shall be used in accordance with Article [12(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], and point (d)(ii) of Article 17(3) and point (b) of Article 31(2) of this Regulation.	1.  Common output and common result indicators, asset out in Annex [I] to Regulation (EU) [new ERDF], which are found to be most suited to measure progress towards the goals of the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) programme, shall be used in accordance with Article[12(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], and point (e)(ii) of Article 17(4) and point (b) of Article 31(2) of this Regulation.
Amendment    151 Proposal for a regulation Article 33 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1 a.  Where necessary and in cases duly justified by the managing authority, programme-specific output and result indicators shall be used in addition to the indicators which were selected in accordance with the paragraph 1 .
Amendment    152 Proposal for a regulation Article 34 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The managing authority shall carry out evaluations of each Interreg programme. Each evaluation shall assess the programme’s effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added value with the aim to improve the quality of the design and implementation of the respective Interreg programme.	1.  The managing authority shall carry out evaluations of each Interreg programme, no more than once a year. Each evaluation shall assess the programme’s effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added value with the aim to improve the quality of the design and implementation of the respective Interreg programme.
Amendment    153 Proposal for a regulation Article 34 – paragraph 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4.  The managing authority shall ensure the necessary procedures to produce and collect the data necessary for evaluations.	4.  The managing authority aims to ensure the necessary procedures to produce and collect the data necessary for evaluations.
Amendment    154 Proposal for a regulation Article 35 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  Article [44(2) to (7)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] on the responsibilities of the managing authority shall apply.	3.  Article [44(2) to (6)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] on the responsibilities of the managing authority shall apply.
Amendment    155 Proposal for a regulation Article 35 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  publicly displaying public plaques or billboards as soon as the physical implementation of an Interreg operation involving physical investment or the purchase of equipment starts, the total cost of which exceeds EUR 100 000;	(c)  publicly displaying public plaques or billboards as soon as the physical implementation of an Interreg operation involving physical investment or the purchase of equipment starts, the total cost of which exceeds EUR 50 000;
Amendment    156 Proposal for a regulation Article 35 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d)  for Interreg operations not falling under point (c), publicly displaying at least one printed or electronic display of a minimum size A3 with information about the Interreg operation highlighting the support from an Interreg fund;	(d)  for Interreg operations not falling under point (c), publicly displaying at least one printed and, where applicable, electronic display of a minimum size A2 with information about the Interreg operation highlighting the support from an Interreg fund;
Amendment    157 Proposal for a regulation Article 35 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e)  for operations of strategic importance and operations whose total cost exceed EUR 10 000 000 organising a communication event and involving the Commission and the responsible managing authority in a timely manner.	(e)  for operations of strategic importance and operations whose total cost exceed EUR 5 000 000 organising a communication event and involving the Commission and the responsible managing authority in a timely manner.
Amendment    158 Proposal for a regulation Article 35 – paragraph 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
6.  Where the beneficiary does not comply with its obligations under Article [42] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] or paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article, the Member State shall apply a financial correction by cancelling up to 5% of the support from the Funds to the operation concerned.	6.  Where the beneficiary does not comply with its obligations under Article [42] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] or paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article, or does not remedy its omission in good time, the managing authority shall apply a financial correction by cancelling up to 5 % of the support from the Funds to the operation concerned.
Amendment    159 Proposal for a regulation Article 38 – paragraph 3 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  as a flat rate in accordance with Article [50(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR].	(c)  direct staff costs of an operation may be calculated at a flat rate of up to 20 % of the direct costs other than the direct staff costs of that operation, without there being a requirement for the Member State to perform a calculation to determine the applicable rate.
Amendment    160 Proposal for a regulation Article 38 – paragraph 5 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  dividing the monthly gross employment cost by the monthly working time fixed in the employment document expressed in hours; or	(a)  Dividing the latest documented monthly gross employment costs by the monthly working time of the person concerned in accordance with applicable law as referred to in the employment contract and paragraph 2 (b) of Article 50 of Regulation (EU) .../...[New CPR]; or
Amendment    161 Proposal for a regulation Article 38 – paragraph 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
6.  As regards staff costs related to individuals who, according to the employment document, work on an hourly basis, such costs shall be eligible applying the number of hours actually worked on the operation to the hourly rate agreed in the employment document based on a working time registration system.	6.  As regards staff costs related to individuals who, according to the employment document, work on an hourly basis, such costs shall be eligible applying the number of hours actually worked on the operation to the hourly rate agreed in the employment document based on a working time registration system. If not yet included in the agreed hourly rate, salary costs as referred to under point (b) of Article 38 (2) may be added to that hourly rate, in line with applicable national law.
Amendment    162 Proposal for a regulation Article 39 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Office and administrative costs shall be limited to the following elements:	Office and administrative costs shall be limited to 15 % of total direct costs of an operation and to the following elements:
Amendment    163 Proposal for a regulation Article 40 – paragraph 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4.  Direct payment of expenditure for costs under this Article by an employee of the beneficiary shall be supported by a proof of reimbursement by the beneficiary to that employee.	4.  Direct payment of expenditure for costs under this Article by an employee of the beneficiary shall be supported by a proof of reimbursement by the beneficiary to that employee. That cost category may be used for the travel expenses of operation staff and other stakeholders for the purpose of implementation and promotion of the Interreg operation and Programme.
Amendment    164 Proposal for a regulation Article 40 – paragraph 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5.  Travel and accommodation costs of an operation may be calculated at a flat rate of up to 15 % of the direct costs other than the direct staff costs of that operation.	5.  Travel and accommodation costs of an operation may be calculated at a flat rate of up to 15 % of the direct costs of that operation.
Amendment    165 Proposal for a regulation Article 41 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
External expertise and service costs shall be limited to the following services and expertise provided by a public or private law body or a natural person other than the beneficiary of the operation:	External expertise and service costs shall be composed but not limited to the following services and expertise provided by a public or private law body or a natural person other than the beneficiary, including all partners, of the operation:
Amendment    166 Proposal for a regulation Article 41 – paragraph 1 – point o
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(o)  travel and accommodation for external experts, speakers, chairpersons of meetings and service providers;	(o)  travel and accommodation for external experts;
Amendment    167 Proposal for a regulation Article 42 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  Costs for equipment purchased, rented or leased by the beneficiary of the operation other than those covered by Article 39 shall be limited to the following:	1.  Costs for equipment purchased, rented or leased by the beneficiary of the operation other than those covered by Article 39 shall be composed but not limited to the following:
Amendment    168 Proposal for a regulation Article 43 – paragraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  purchase of land in accordance with [point (c) of Article 58(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR];	(a)  purchase of land in accordance with [point (b) of Article 58(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR];
Amendment    169 Proposal for a regulation Article 44 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  Member States and, where applicable, third countries, partner countries and OCTs participating in an Interreg programme shall identify, for the purposes of Article [65] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], a single managing authority and a single audit authority.	1.  Member States and, where applicable, third countries, partner countries, OCTs, and regional integration cooperation organisations participating in an Interreg programme shall identify, for the purposes of Article [65] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], a single managing authority and a single audit authority.
Amendment    170 Proposal for a regulation Article 44 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  The managing authority and the audit authority shall be located in the same Member State.	2.  The managing authority and the audit authority may be located in the same Member State.
Amendment    171 Proposal for a regulation Article 44 – paragraph 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5.  With regard to an Interreg programme under component 2B or under component 1 where the latter covers long borders with heterogenous development challenges and needs, Member States and, where applicable, third countries, partner countries and OCTs participating in an Interreg programme may define sub-programme areas.	5.  With regard to an Interreg programme under component 1 where the latter covers long borders with heterogenous development challenges and needs, Member States and, where applicable, third countries, partner countries and OCTs participating in an Interreg programme may define sub-programme areas.
Amendment    172 Proposal for a regulation Article 44 – paragraph 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
6.  Where the managing authority identifies an intermediate body under an Interreg programme in accordance with Article [65(3)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], the intermediate body shall carry out those tasks in more than one participating Member State or, where applicable, third country, partner country or OCT.	6.  Where the managing authority identifies one or more intermediate bodies under an Interreg programme in accordance with Article [65(3)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], the intermediate body or bodies concerned shall carry out those tasks in more than one participating Member State, or in their respective Member States, or, where applicable, in more than one third country, partner country or OCT.
Amendment    173 Proposal for a regulation Article 45 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1 a.  By way of derogation from Article 87(2) of Regulation (EU) .../... [new CPR], the Commission shall reimburse as interim payments 100 % of the amounts included in the payment application which result from applying the cofinancing rate of the programme to the total eligible expenditure or to the public contribution, as appropriate.
Amendment    174 Proposal for a regulation Article 45 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1b.  Where the managing authority does not carry out verification under point (a) of Article 68(1) of Regulation (EU) .../... [new CPR] throughout the whole programme area, each Member State shall designate the body or person responsible for carrying out such verification in relation to beneficiaries on its territory.
Amendment    175 Proposal for a regulation Article 45 – paragraph 1 c (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1c.  By way of derogation from Article 92 of Regulation (EU) .../... [new CPR], Interreg programmes are not subject to the annual clearance of accounts. Accounts are cleared at the end of a programme, on the basis of the final performance report.
Amendment    176 Proposal for a regulation Article 48 – paragraph 7
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
7.  Where the global extrapolated error rate referred to in paragraph 6 is above 2% of the total expenditure declared for the Interreg programmes included in the population from which the common sample was selected, the Commission shall calculate a global residual error rate, taking account of financial corrections applied by the respective Interreg programme authorities for individual irregularities detected by the audits of operations selected pursuant to paragraph 1.	7.  Where the global extrapolated error rate referred to in paragraph 6 is above 3.5 % of the total expenditure declared for the Interreg programmes included in the population from which the common sample was selected, the Commission shall calculate a global residual error rate, taking account of financial corrections applied by the respective Interreg programme authorities for individual irregularities detected by the audits of operations selected pursuant to paragraph 1.
Amendment    177 Proposal for a regulation Article 48 – paragraph 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
8.  Where the global residual error rate referred to in paragraph 7 is above 2% of the expenditure declared for the Interreg programmes included in the population from which the common sample was selected, the Commission shall determine whether it is necessary to request the audit authority of a specific Interreg programme or a group of Interreg programmes most affected to carry out additional audit work in order to further evaluate the error rate and assess the required corrective measures for the Interreg programmes affected by the irregularities detected.	8.  Where the global residual error rate referred to in paragraph 7 is above 3.5 % of the expenditure declared for the Interreg programmes included in the population from which the common sample was selected, the Commission shall determine whether it is necessary to request the audit authority of a specific Interreg programme or a group of Interreg programmes most affected to carry out additional audit work in order to further evaluate the error rate and assess the required corrective measures for the Interreg programmes affected by the irregularities detected.
Amendment    178 Proposal for a regulation Article 49 – paragraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  2021: 1%;	(a)  2021: 3 %;
Amendment    179 Proposal for a regulation Article 49 – paragraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  2022: 1%;	(b)  2022: 2,25%;
Amendment    180 Proposal for a regulation Article 49 – paragraph 2 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  2023: 1%;	(c)  2023: 2,25%;
Amendment    181 Proposal for a regulation Article 49 – paragraph 2 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d)  2024: 1%;	(d)  2024: 2,25%;
Amendment    182 Proposal for a regulation Article 49 – paragraph 2 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e)  2025: 1%;	(e)  2025: 2,25%;
Amendment    183 Proposal for a regulation Article 49 – paragraph 2 – point f
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(f)  2026: 1%.	(f)  2026: 2,25%.
Amendment    184 Proposal for a regulation Article 49 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Where external cross-border Interreg programmes are supported by the ERDF and IPA III CBC or NDICI CBC, the pre-financing for all funds supporting such an Interreg programme shall be made in accordance with Regulation (EU) [IPA III] or [NDICI] or of any act adopted thereunder.	Where external Interreg programmes are supported by the ERDF and IPA III CBC or NDICI CBC, the pre-financing for all funds supporting such an Interreg programme shall be made in accordance with Regulation (EU) [IPA III] or [NDICI] or of any act adopted thereunder.
Amendment    185 Proposal for a regulation Article 49 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The total amount paid as pre-financing shall be reimbursed to the Commission if no payment application under the cross-border Interreg programme is sent within 24 months of the date on which the Commission pays the first instalment of the pre-financing amount. Such reimbursement shall constitute internal assigned revenue and shall not reduce the support from the ERDF, IPA III CBC or NDICI CBC to the programme.	The total amount paid as pre-financing shall be reimbursed to the Commission if no payment application under the cross-border Interreg programme is sent within 36 months of the date on which the Commission pays the first instalment of the pre-financing amount. Such reimbursement shall constitute internal assigned revenue and shall not reduce the support from the ERDF, IPA III CBC or NDICI CBC to the programme.
Amendment    186 Proposal for a regulation Chapter 8 – title
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Participation of third countries or partner countries or OCTs in Interreg programmes under shared management	Participation of third countries or partner countries, OCTs, or regional integration or cooperation organisations in Interreg programmes under shared management
Amendment    187 Proposal for a regulation Article 51 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Chapters I to VII and Chapter X shall apply to the participation of third countries, partner countries and OCTs in Interreg programmes subject to the specific provisions set out in this Chapter.	Chapters I to VII and Chapter X shall apply to the participation of third countries, partner countries, OCTs, or regional integration or cooperation organisations in Interreg programmes subject to the specific provisions set out in this Chapter.
Amendment    188 Proposal for a regulation Article 52 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  Third countries, partner countries and OCTs participating in an Interreg programme shall delegate staff to the joint secretariat of that programme or shall set up a branch office in its respective territory, or shall do both.	3.  Third countries, partner countries and OCTs participating in an Interreg programme may delegate staff to the joint secretariat programme or, in agreement with the managing authority, shall set up a branch office of the Joint Secretariat in its respective territory, or shall do both.
Amendment    189 Proposal for a regulation Article 52 – paragraph 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4.  The national authority or a body equivalent to the Interreg programme communication officer as provided for in Article 35(1), shall support the managing authority and partners in the respective third country, partner country or OCT with regard to the tasks provided for in Article 35(2) to (7).	4.  The national authority or a body equivalent to the Interreg programme communication officer as provided for in Article 35(1), may support the managing authority and partners in the respective third country, partner country or OCT with regard to the tasks provided for in Article 35(2) to (7).
Amendment    190 Proposal for a regulation Article 53 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  Component 2 and 4 Interreg programmes combining contributions from the ERDF and from one or more external financing instrument of the Union shall be implemented under shared management both in the Member States and in any participating third country or partner country or, with regard to component 3, in any OCT, whether or not that OCT receives support under one or more external financing instruments of the Union.	2.  Component 2 and 4 Interreg programmes combining contributions from the ERDF and from one or more external financing instrument of the Union shall be implemented under shared management both in the Member States and in any participating third country, partner country, participating OCT or, with regard to component 3, in any OCT, whether or not that OCT receives support under one or more external financing instruments of the Union.
Amendment    191 Proposal for a regulation Article 53 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
a)  under shared management both in the Member States and in any participating third country or OCT;	a)  under shared management both in the Member States and in any participating third country or OCT or group of third countries forming part of a regional organisation;
Amendment    192 Proposal for a regulation Article 53 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
b)  under shared management only in the Member States and in any participating third country or OCT with regard to ERDF expenditure outside the Union for one or more operations, whereas the contributions from one or more external financing instruments of the Union are managed under indirect management;	b)  under shared management only in the Member States and in any participating third country or OCT, or group of third countries forming part of a regional organisation, with regard to ERDF expenditure outside the Union for one or more operations, whereas the contributions from one or more external financing instruments of the Union are managed under indirect management;
Amendment    193 Proposal for a regulation Article 53 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
c)  under indirect management both in the Member States and in any participating third country or OCT.	c)  under indirect management both in the Member States and in any participating third country or OCT or group of third countries forming part of a regional organisation.
Amendment    194 Proposal for a regulation Article 53 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Where all or part of a component 3 Interreg programme is implemented under indirect management, Article 60 shall apply.	Where all or part of a component 3 Interreg programme is implemented under indirect management, a prior agreement between Member States and regions concerned is required and Article 60 shall apply.
Amendment    195 Proposal for a regulation Article 53 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	3 a.  Joint calls for proposals mobilising funding from bilateral or multi-country NDICI programmes and ETC programmes may be launched if the respective managing authorities agree to do so. The content of the call shall specify its geographical scope, and its expected contribution to the objectives of the respective programmes. Managing authorities shall decide whether NDICI or ETC rules are applicable to the call. They may decide to appoint a lead managing authority responsible for the tasks of management and control related to the call.
Amendment    196 Proposal for a regulation Article 55 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  Where the selection of one or more large infrastructure projects is on the agenda of a monitoring committee or, where applicable, steering committee meeting, the managing authority shall transmit a concept note for each such project to the Commission at the latest two months before the date of the meeting. The concept note shall be a maximum of three pages and shall indicate the name, the location, the budget, the lead partner and the partners as well as the main objectives and deliverables thereof. If the concept note concerning one or more large infrastructure projects is not transmitted to the Commission by that deadline, the Commission may request that the chair of the monitoring committee or steering committee remove the projects concerned from the agenda of the meeting.	3.  Where the selection of one or more large infrastructure projects is on the agenda of a monitoring committee or, where applicable, steering committee meeting, the managing authority shall transmit a concept note for each such project to the Commission at the latest two months before the date of the meeting. The concept note shall be a maximum of five pages and shall indicate the name, the location, the budget, the lead partner and the partners as well as the main objectives and deliverables thereof, as well as including a credible business plan which demonstrates that the project or projects’ continuation is secure even without the provision of Interreg funds. If the concept note concerning one or more large infrastructure projects is not transmitted to the Commission by that deadline, the Commission may request that the chair of the monitoring committee or steering committee remove the projects concerned from the agenda of the meeting.
Amendment    197 Proposal for a regulation Article 60 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  Where part or all of a component 3 Interreg programme is implemented under indirect management pursuant to point (b) or (c) respectively of Article 53(3), implementation tasks shall be entrusted to one of the bodies listed in point [(c) of the first subparagraph of Article 62(1)] of Regulation (EU, Euratom) [FR-Omnibus], in particular to such a body located in the participating Member State, including the managing authority of the Interreg programme concerned.	1.  Where, after consulting stakeholders, part or all of a component 3 Interreg programme is implemented under indirect management pursuant to point (b) or (c) respectively of Article 53(3) of this Regulation, implementation tasks shall be entrusted to one of the bodies listed in point [(c) of the first subparagraph of Article 62(1)] of Regulation (EU, Euratom) [FR-Omnibus], in particular to such a body located in the participating Member State, including the managing authority of the Interreg programme concerned.
Amendment    198 Proposal for a regulation Article 61
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Article 61	deleted
Interregional innovation investments
At the initiative of the Commission, the ERDF may support interregional innovation investments, as set out in point 5 of Article 3, bringing together researchers, businesses, civil society and public administrations involved in smart specialisation strategies established at national or regional levels.
Amendment    199 Proposal for a regulation Article -62 (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Article -62
	Exemption from reporting requirements under Article 108(3) TFEU
	The Commission may declare that aid in favour of projects supported by EU European territorial cooperation are compatible with the internal market and are not subject to the notification requirements of Article 108(3) TFEU.

• [1]  OJ C ... / Not yet published in the Official Journal.
• [2]  OJ C ... / Not yet published in the Official Journal.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

1. Introduction

In the 60 years since the Treaty of Rome was signed, the European Union (EU) has evolved from being the purely economic union it originally was to become a peace project for the whole of society. To keep that project going - and in the light of the European policy challenges represented by nationalist and isolationist tendencies and eurosceptic and occasionally anti-European stances - EU Member States must have, and must be seen to have, goodneighbourly relations.

European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) espouses that fundamental notion, in particular, and is playing a visibly instrumental role in ensuring that Europeans get to know each other across national boundaries, tackle challenges together, and take Europe forward, and mould it, in concert. In that way, border hindrances - including, above all, the stumbling blocks in people’s minds - are gradually removed and border regions become communal spaces in which Europe becomes a tangible reality in everyday life.

Over the last few decades, ETC has undeniably helped bring Europe closer together and, by removing borders and red tape, has made living side by side without regard for borders an everyday reality. The rapporteur therefore very much welcomes the fact that, by submitting a separate, new draft regulation for the post-2020 funding period, the Commission has confirmed the significant European added value provided by ETC.

In the rapporteur’s view, however, ETC’s potential is not being fully exploited - despite attractive rates of project funding - because administrative requirements to be met by potential beneficiaries, but also by implementing authorities, have assumed alarming proportions. Those requirements have indeed increased, from one funding period to the next, to such an extent that prospective beneficiaries are already being deterred from even making an application, whereas practised applicants are overrepresented in ETC programmes. If ETC is to reflect again what its job actually entails, and further the European idea in a targeted fashion, the groundwork for and implementation of programmes in the post-2020 funding period must again be made more straightforward for all stakeholders.

In this connection the rapporteur would point to the omnibus regulation already adopted, in connection with the EU’s Financial Regulation, which sought to simplify disbursements, the use of funds and settlement arrangements, albeit without neglecting checks on results-focused spending, will apply as from 1 January 2019. The rapporteur would highlight in particular the fact that the new provisions not only will make it easier to make use of lump sums, simplify cost options, make access for small-scale beneficiaries easier, and prevent multiple controls, but also will mean that more funding is spent, with a view to publicising successful projects and investment in the regions.

He furthermore welcomes the simplifications put forward by the Commission in the proposals for the new common provisions regulation, the new ERDF regulation and the new ETC regulation, and is confident that they will produce the desired effect.

2. Components of prospective ETC - scope

The rapporteur welcomes the fact that cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation programmes will be continued under ETC. Each of those programmes is justified on its own merits; and, in the rapporteur’s view, what have been successful programme areas should be maintained. The rapporteur takes the view, however, that the Commission’s draft does not sufficiently reflect the key role of border regions; he therefore proposes that funding allocations be shifted in favour of component 1 (cross-border cooperation). At the same time, the rapporteur firmly believes that, even if regions are not connected over the sea by a fixed link, maritime cooperation should continue to be possible under component 1.

He takes a critical view of the introduction of new component 5 - interregional innovation investments - since the cohesion policy relevance of those investments’ aims is limited. Furthermore, direct management for component 5, as proposed by the Commission, is at odds with the spirit of subsidiarity that underpins ETC.

3. Budget for ETC

The rapporteur criticises the projected cuts in what have been successful and effective cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation programmes. As regards the budget earmarked for ETC programmes under components 1 to 4 under the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework, he therefore advocates an increase to at least 3% of total funding for economic, social and territorial cohesion.

At this juncture, the rapporteur would again point to the key role of border areas and to the essential contribution for cross-border cooperation (component 1) and, accordingly, proposes that the largest allocation (73.8%) should go to that component.

As regards innovation investments, the rapporteur is of the opinion that the Commission’s large funding allocation for the relevant component should under no circumstances be made at the expense of the other ETC components. In the rapporteur’s view, there could conceivably an additional budget of 0.3% of total economic, social and territorial cohesion funding.

4. ETC programme content and concentration

The rapporteur regards the five ERDF-derived policy objectives plus the two Interreg-specific objectives - ‘Better Interreg governance’ and ‘A safer and more secure Europe’ - as essentially acceptable. He takes a critical view of the inflexible obligation to spend at least 15% of total funding on the two Interreg-specific objectives, since that might make programme planning and management more difficult in practice.

5. Small-project funds

Connecting people across borders and, in so doing, furthering European integration goes to the very heart of what ETC is. In particular small projects and people-to-people projects bring individuals together at local level and are hugely important for the development of border areas. Applicants are usually civil society actors. What sets such projects apart is that they are modest in scope and, accordingly, financial support is modest too. To ensure that small projects can be successfully continued, it is imperative that arrangements for them should be simplified, that the rules governing them should be clear, and that the projects should be directly incorporated into the regulation. The rapporteur expressly welcomes the option - in the Commission’s draft regulation - of setting up small-project funds under Interreg programmes; fund management should be flexible, however. Within each programme, in addition, it should be possible to set up a number of small-project funds.

The extent to which the provisions proposed by the Commission would directly simplify and lessen red tape for final beneficiaries of people-to-people and small projects will have to be looked into as discussions continue.

6. Level of cofinancing

The rapporteur regrets the fact that the Commission has proposed a reduction in the maximum cofinancing rate for Interreg programmes. He regards the proposed rate of 70% as inadequate and instead proposes that it be raised to 85%. Cofinancing rates should be applied flexibly; it should be possible to set them in line with requirements in the relevant programme area.

7. Prefinancing

The rapporteur is of the opinion that the reduced level of prefinancing, over the 2014-2020 period, is likely to pose financial difficulties for a number of programmes, since, in particular when programmes begin, there are increased set-up and start-up costs. Prefinancing rules should take appropriate account of the specific features of ETC, which is why the rapporteur has made provision in his draft report for higher levels of prefinancing, especially at the start of the funding period.

8. Indicators

The rapporteur essentially welcomes the introduction of Interreg-specific indicators to measure the results and European added value of cooperation programmes. However, the indicators proposed are possibly not suitable for recording what is the procedural added value of cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation and thus for providing positive impetus. In the course of discussions, it may prove necessary to adjust indicators accordingly or provide more leeway, within programmes, for specifying the indicator scheme.

9. n+2 rule / Multiple burden for regions

In the light of the experience gained during previous funding periods, the rapporteur would point out that as a result of moving back to the n+2 rule, as proposed by the Commission, from n+3, there might be a risk that appropriations would lapse across the EU, since it may not be possible to draw down funding quickly enough. With regard to ETC, the combined effect of that and possible cuts in total available funding, together with a possible reduction in EU cofinancing rates, would represent a multiple burden for regions.

10. State aid schemes

For many years, promoting ETC has been a major priority of EU cohesion policy. Under the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), support for SMEs in connection with the costs of ETC projects is exempted from reporting requirements. Special provisions for regional aid for investments by undertakings of all sizes are also included in the Guidelines on regional State aid for 2014-2020 and in the regional aid section of the GBER.

The rapporteur is of the opinion that aid for ETC projects would be compatible with the internal market and would have only a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. He therefore proposes that, as a matter of principle, ETC programmes be regarded as not involving State aid and that checks on compliance with aid rules, which are complicated, be forgone.

11. Mid-term review

The projected mid-term review and any adjustments to multilateral Interreg programmes will call for much more complex coordination. The rapporteur would point out that, during the second half of programmes, project funding should not be made more difficult or delayed as a result.

OPINION of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (21.11.2018)

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund and external financing instruments
(COM(2018)0374 – C8‑0229/2018 – 2018/0199(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion (*): Fabio Massimo Castaldo

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

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The Commission proposal for the Regulation on specific provisions for the European Territorial Cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund and external financing instruments (EFI), issued on 29 May 2018, contains substantial changes regarding the overall structure of territorial cooperation as well as future Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC) programmes.

The first significant change is the Commission’s proposal to reshape the cooperation strands by, inter alia, concentrating cross-border cooperation on land borders and integrate cross-border cooperation on maritime borders into an enlarged ‘transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation’ component. The rapporteur believes this would put into danger present and future maritime cross-border programmes, especially those in the Mediterranean. The objective of Interreg should be to create strong connections and reinforce partnerships between neighbouring countries which share either land or sea border. This is of particular importance for the programmes around the Mediterranean Sea where investing in partner countries and in their stability means also investing in the security and stability of the European Union. The rapporteur, therefore, suggests amendments to reintroduce cross-border maritime cooperation programmes, even if there is no fixed link over the sea and consequently reshapes the allocations in favour of component 1.

A second relevant change put forward by the draft Interreg Regulation is the proposal to apply a common set of rules for both the internal cooperation between Member States and the cooperation between EU Member States and non-EU countries. Therefore, the rules established by the Interreg Regulation will also affect CBC programmes co-financed by EU's external financing instruments, such as the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) and Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III).

This is a significant change compared to the current 2014-2020 period where external cross-border cooperation programmes are governed by specific implementing regulations. The rapporteur proposes that whenever the external financing instruments are used to co-finance Interreg programmes, their objectives and priorities, as stated in the respective regulations, are fully taken into account and explicitly mentioned in the Interreg Regulation.

The draft Interreg Regulation specifies already the shares of IPA III and NDICI financial envelopes to be provided for Interreg programmes. In order to allow for more flexibility, the rapporteur suggests removing the figures and adding references to the IPA III and NDICI Regulations instead, expecting that the margins would be set in those respective regulations.

While the efforts to simplify and maximise synergies between the various funds are welcome, the rapporteur thinks that the main purposes of EFI should not be disregarded. He therefore, proposes amendments in this regard, stating that the external cross-border cooperation under Interreg Regulation should complement cross-border cooperation programmes covered by the pre-accession and neighbourhood instruments. IPA assistance should continue to support the efforts of its beneficiaries to advance regional, macro-regional and cross-border cooperation as well as territorial development, including through the implementation of Union macro-regional strategies. With regard to NDICI assistance, the EU should continue to develop a special relationship with neighbouring countries, aiming to establish an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness, founded on the objectives and principles of the Union’s external action.

The rapporteur maintains also that more flexibility in submission of programme documents should be allowed for when partner countries are involved, as experience shows they need more time as their procedures are not equivalent to those of EU Member States.

AMENDMENTS

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

Amendment    1 Proposal for a regulation Recital 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1)  Article 176 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ('TFEU') provides that the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF') is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union. Under that Article and the second and third paragraphs of Article 174 of the TFEU, the ERDF is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions, among which particular attention is to be paid to certain categories of regions, among which cross-border regions are explicitly listed.	(1)  Article 176 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ('TFEU') provides that the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF') is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union. Under that Article and the second and third paragraphs of Article 174 TFEU, the ERDF is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions, among which particular attention is to be paid to certain categories of regions, among which rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and islands, cross-border and mountain regions are explicitly listed.
Amendment    2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2)  Regulation (EU) [new CPR] of the European Parliament and of the Council21 sets out provisions common to the ERDF and certain other funds and Regulation (EU) [new ERDF] of the European Parliament and of the Council22 sets out provisions concerning the specific objectives and the scope of the ERDF support. It is now necessary to adopt specific provisions in relation to the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) where one or more Member States cooperate across borders with regard to effective programming including provisions on technical assistance, monitoring, evaluation, communication, eligibility, management and control, as well as financial management.	(2)  Regulation (EU) [new CPR] of the European Parliament and of the Council21 sets out provisions common to the ERDF and certain other funds and Regulation (EU) [new ERDF] of the European Parliament and of the Council22 sets out provisions concerning the specific objectives and the scope of the ERDF support. It is now necessary to adopt specific provisions in relation to the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) where one or more Member States and one or more countries or other territories outside the Union cooperate across borders with regard to effective programming including provisions on technical assistance, monitoring, evaluation, communication, eligibility, management and control, as well as financial management.
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21 [Reference]	21 [Reference]
22 [Reference]	22 [Reference]
Amendment    3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3)  In order to support the harmonious development of the Union's territory at different levels, the ERDF should support cross-border cooperation, transnational cooperation, maritime cooperation, outermost regions’ cooperation and interregional cooperation under the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg).	(3)  In order to foster prosperity and support the harmonious development of the Union's territory at different levels, the ERDF should support cross-border cooperation, transnational cooperation, outermost regions’ cooperation and interregional cooperation under the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg).
Amendment    4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(4)  The cross-border cooperation component should aim to tackle common challenges identified jointly in the border regions, and to exploit the untapped growth potential in border areas as evidenced in the Communication of the Commission 'Boosting Growth and Cohesion in EU Border Regions’23 ('Border Regions Communication'). Consequently, the cross-border component should be limited to cooperation on land borders and cross-border cooperation on maritime borders should be integrated into the transnational component.	(4)  The cross-border cooperation component should aim to tackle common challenges identified jointly in the land or maritime border regions, and to exploit the untapped growth potential in border areas. Consequently, the cross-border component should include cooperation on land or maritime borders and cross-border cooperation should support regions located along land or maritime borders.
Amendment    5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(5)  The cross-border cooperation component should also involve cooperation between one or more Member States and one or more countries or other territories outside the Union. Covering internal and external cross-border cooperation under this Regulation should result in a major simplification and streamlining of applicable provisions for the programme authorities in the Member States and for the partner authorities and beneficiaries outside the Union compared to the programming period 2014-2020.	(5)  The cross-border cooperation component should also involve cooperation between one or more Member States and one or more third countries. Covering internal and external cross-border cooperation under this Regulation should result in a major simplification and streamlining of applicable provisions for the programme authorities in the Member States and for the partner authorities and beneficiaries outside the Union compared to the programming period 2014-2020.
Amendment    6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(5a)  The external cross-border cooperation under this Regulation should in no way substitute, but rather complement cross-border cooperation programmes covered by Regulation (EU) .../... [IPA III Regulation] and Regulation (EU) .../... [NDICI Regulation], in particular the efforts of their beneficiaries to advance regional, macro-regional and cross-border cooperation.
Amendment    7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(9)  Objective criteria for designating eligible regions and areas should be established. To that end, the identification of eligible regions and areas at Union level should be based on the common system of classification of the regions established by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council26 .	(9)  Objective criteria for designating eligible regions and areas should be established. To that end, the identification of eligible regions and areas at Union level should be based on the common system of classification of the regions established by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council26 . For Interreg programmes with the participation of third countries, in the absence of NUTS classification, equivalent areas eligible under Regulation (EU) .../... [IPA III Regulation] and Regulation (EU) .../... [NDICI Regulation] should apply.
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26 Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) (OJ L 154, 21.6.2003, p. 1).	26 Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) (OJ L 154, 21.6.2003, p. 1).
Amendment    8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(10)  It is necessary to continue supporting or, as appropriate, to establish cooperation in all its dimensions with the Union's neighbouring third countries, as such cooperation is an important regional development policy tool and should benefit the regions of the Member States which border third countries. To that effect, the ERDF and the external financing instruments of the Union, IPA27 , NDICI28 and OCTP29 , should support programmes under cross-border cooperation, transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation, outermost regions’ cooperation and interregional cooperation. The support from the ERDF and from the external financing instruments of the Union should be based on reciprocity and proportionality. However, for IPA III CBC and NDICI CBC, the ERDF support should be complemented by at least equivalent amounts under IPA III CBC and NDICI CBC, subject to a maximum amount set out in the respective legal act, that is to say, up to 3 % of the financial envelope under IPA III and up to 4 % of the financial envelope of the Neighbourhood geographic programme under Article 4(2)(a) of the NDICI.	(10)  It is necessary to continue supporting or, as appropriate, to establish cooperation in all its dimensions with the Union's neighbouring third countries, as such cooperation is an important regional development policy tool and should benefit the regions of the Member States which border third countries. To that effect, the ERDF and the external financing instruments of the Union, IPA27 , NDICI28 and OCTP29 , should support programmes under cross-border cooperation, transnational cooperation, outermost regions’ cooperation and interregional cooperation. The support from the ERDF and from the external financing instruments of the Union should be based on reciprocity and proportionality. However, for IPA III CBC and NDICI CBC, the ERDF support should be complemented by at least equivalent amounts under IPA III CBC and NDICI CBC, subject to provisions set out in the respective legal act, that is to say, in Article [9] of Regulation (EU) .../... of the European Parliament and of the Council [IPA III Regulation] and Article [18] of Regulation (EU) .../... of the European Parliament and of the Council [NDICI Regulation].
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27 Regulation (EU) XXX establishing the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (OJ L xx, p. y).	27 Regulation (EU).../... of the European Parliament and of the Council of...establishing the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (OJ L xx, p. y).
28 Regulation (EU) XXX establishing the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (OJ L xx, p. y).	28 Regulation (EU) .../... of the European Parliament and of the Council of...establishing the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (OJ L xx, p. y).
29 Council Decision (EU) XXX on the association of the Overseas Countries and Territories with the European Inion including relations between the European Union on the one hand and Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark on the other (OJ L xx, p. y).	29 Council Decision (EU) XXX on the association of the Overseas Countries and Territories with the European Inion including relations between the European Union on the one hand and Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark on the other (OJ L xx, p. y).
Amendment    9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 11
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(11)  IPA III assistance should mainly focus on assisting the IPA beneficiaries to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law, reform the judiciary and public administration, respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality, tolerance, social inclusion and non-discrimination. IPA assistance should continue to support the efforts of the IPA beneficiaries to advance regional, macro-regional and cross-border cooperation as well as territorial development, including through the implementation of Union macro-regional strategies. In addition, IPA assistance should address security, migration and border management, ensuring access to international protection, sharing relevant information, enhancing border control and pursuing common efforts in the fight against irregular migration and migrant smuggling.	(11)  IPA assistance should continue to support the efforts of the IPA beneficiaries to advance regional, macro-regional and cross-border cooperation as well as territorial development, including through the implementation of Union macro-regional strategies and address objectives and priorities as defined in Article [3] and Annexes II and III of IPA Regulation [IPA III].
Amendment    10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(12)  With regard to NDICI assistance, the Union should develop a special relationship with neighbouring countries, aiming to establish an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness, founded on the values of the Union and characterised by close and peaceful relations based on cooperation. This Regulation and the NDICI should therefore support the internal and external aspects of relevant macro-regional strategies. Those initiatives are strategically important and offer meaningful political frameworks for deepening relations with and among partner countries, based on the principles of mutual accountability, shared ownership and responsibility.	(12)  With regard to NDICI assistance, the Union should develop a special relationship with neighbouring countries, aiming to establish an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness, founded on the objectives and principles of the Union’s external action, as laid down in Article3(5), Article 8, Article 21 and Article 208 of the Treaty on European Union, in particular the principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms on which it is founded, through dialogue and cooperation with partner countries and regions. This Regulation and the NDICI should therefore support the internal and external aspects of relevant macro-regional strategies and address objectives and priorities as defined in Article [3] and Annexes II and III of NDICI Regulation.. Those initiatives are strategically important and offer meaningful political frameworks for deepening relations with and among partner countries, based on the principles of mutual accountability, shared ownership and responsibility.
Amendment    11 Proposal for a regulation Recital 15
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(15)  It is necessary to set out the resources allocated to each of the different components of Interreg, including each Member State's share of the global amounts for the cross-border cooperation, the transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation, the outermost regions’ cooperation and the interregional cooperation, the potential available to Member States concerning flexibility between those components. Compared to the programming period 2014-2020, the share for cross-border cooperation should be reduced, while the share for transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation should be increased because of the integration of maritime cooperation, and a new outermost regions’ cooperation component should be created.	(15)  It is necessary to set out the resources allocated to each of the different components of Interreg, including each Member State's share of the global amounts for the cross-border cooperation, the transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation, the outermost regions’ cooperation and the interregional cooperation, the potential available to Member States concerning flexibility between those components.
Amendment    12 Proposal for a regulation Recital 24
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(24)  Due to the involvement of more than one Member State, and the resulting higher administrative costs, in particular in respect of controls and translation, the ceiling for technical assistance expenditure should be higher than that under the Investment for jobs and growth goal. In order to offset the higher administrative costs, Member States should be encouraged to reduce the administrative burden with regard to the implementation of joint projects wherever possible. In addition, Interreg programmes with limited Union support or external cross-border cooperation programmes should receive a certain minimum amount for technical assistance to ensure sufficient funding for effective technical assistance activities.	(24)  Due to the involvement of more than one Member State and one or more third countries, and the resulting higher administrative costs, in particular in respect of controls and translation, the ceiling for technical assistance expenditure should be higher than that under the Investment for jobs and growth goal. In order to offset the higher administrative costs, Member States should be encouraged to reduce the administrative burden with regard to the implementation of joint projects wherever possible. In addition, Interreg programmes with limited Union support or external cross-border cooperation programmes should receive a certain minimum amount for technical assistance to ensure sufficient funding for effective technical assistance activities.
Amendment    13 Proposal for a regulation Recital 35
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(35)  In order to ensure uniform conditions for the adoption or amendment of Interreg programmes, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. However, external cross-border cooperation programmes should respect, where applicable, Committee procedures established under Regulations (EU) [IPA III] and [NDICI] with regard to the first approval decision of those programmes.	(35)   The power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission for the adoption or amendment of Interreg programmes by means of a multiannual strategy document. However, external cross-border cooperation programmes should respect, where applicable, procedures established under Regulations (EU) [IPA III] and [NDICI] with regard to the first approval decision of those programmes.
Amendment    14 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  internal cross-border cooperation between adjacent land border regions of two or more Member States or between adjacent land border regions of at least one Member State and one or more third countries listed in Article 4(3); or	(a)  internal cross-border cooperation between adjacent land or maritime border regions of two or more Member States or between adjacent land or maritime border regions of at least one Member State and one or more third countries listed in Article 4(3);or
Amendment    15 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  external cross-border cooperation, between adjacent land border regions of at least one Member State and of one or more of the following:	(b)  external cross-border cooperation, between adjacent land or maritime border regions of at least one Member State and of one or more of the following:
Amendment    16 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2)  transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation over larger transnational territories or around sea-basins, involving national, regional and local programme partners in Member States, third countries and partner countries and in Greenland, with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration ('component 2'; where referring only to transnational cooperation: 'component 2A'; where referring only to maritime cooperation: 'component 2B');	(2)  transnational cooperation over larger transnational territories or around sea-basins, involving national, regional and local programme partners in Member States, third countries and partner countries and in Greenland, with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration;
Amendment    17 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  For cross-border cooperation, the regions to be supported by the ERDF shall be the NUTS level 3 regions of the Union along all internal and external land borders with third countries or partner countries.	1.  For cross-border cooperation, the regions to be supported by the ERDF shall be the NUTS level 3 regions of the Union along all internal and external land or maritime borders with third countries or partner countries.
Amendment    18 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  Regions on maritime borders which are connected over the sea by a fixed link shall also be supported under cross-border cooperation.	2.  Regions on maritime borders which are connected over the sea by fixed links or other enduring cultural, historical and transportation links shall also be supported under cross-border cooperation.
Amendment    19 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  Internal cross-border cooperation Interreg programmes may cover regions in Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom which are equivalent to NUTS level 3 regions as well as Liechtenstein, Andorra and Monaco.	3.  Internal cross-border cooperation Interreg programmes may cover regions in Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom which are equivalent to NUTS level 3 regions as well as Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino.
Amendment    20 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4.  For external cross-border cooperation, the regions to be supported by IPA III or NDICI shall be NUTS level 3 regions of the respective partner country or, in the absence of NUTS classification, equivalent areas along all land borders between Member States and partner countries eligible under IPA III or NDICI.	4.  For external cross-border cooperation, the regions to be supported by IPA III or NDICI shall be NUTS level 3 regions of the respective partner country or, in the absence of NUTS classification, equivalent areas along all land or maritime borders between Member States and partner countries eligible under IPA III or NDICI.
Amendment    21 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  For transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation, the regions to be supported by the ERDF shall be the NUTS level 2 regions of the Union covering contiguous functional areas, taking into account, where applicable, macro-regional strategies or sea basin strategies.	1.  For transnational cooperation, the regions to be supported by the ERDF shall be the NUTS level 2 regions of the Union covering functional areas, taking into account, where applicable, macro-regional strategies or sea basin strategies.
Amendment    22 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation Interreg programmes may cover:	Transnational cooperation Interreg programmes may cover:
Amendment    23 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The ERDF resources for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) shall amount to EUR 8 430 000 000 of the global resources available for budgetary commitment from the ERDF, ESF+ and the Cohesion Fund for the 2021-2027 programming period and set out in Article [102(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR].	1.  The ERDF resources for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) shall amount to EUR xx xxx xxx xxx of the global resources available for budgetary commitment from the ERDF, ESF+ and the Cohesion Fund for the 2021-2027 programming period and set out in Article [102(1)] of Regulation (EU)[new CPR].
Amendment    24 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4.  Each Member State may transfer up to 15% of its financial allocation for each of components 1, 2 and 3 from one of those components to one or more of the others.	4.  Each Member State may transfer up to 20% of its financial allocation for each of components 1, 2 and 3 from one of those components to one or more of the others.
Amendment    25 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The Commission shall adopt an implementing act setting out the multi-annual strategy document with regard to external cross-border Interreg programmes supported by the ERDF and the NDICI or IPA III. That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 63(2).	The Commission shall adopt a delegated act setting out the multi-annual strategy document with regard to external cross-border Interreg programmes supported by the ERDF and the NDICI or IPA III.
Amendment    26 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
With regard to Interreg programmes supported by the ERDF and the NDICI, that implementing act shall set out the elements referred to in Article 12(2) of Regulation (EU) [NDICI].	With regard to Interreg programmes supported by the ERDF and the NDICI, that delegated act shall set out the elements referred to in Article 12(2) of Regulation (EU) [NDICI].
Amendment    27 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Support from the ERDF shall be granted to individual external cross-border Interreg programmes provided that equivalent amounts are provided by IPA III CBC and NDICI CBC under the relevant strategic programming document. That equivalence shall be subject to a maximum amount set out in the IPA III or NDICI legislative act.	Support from the ERDF shall be granted to individual external cross-border Interreg programmes provided that at least equivalent amounts are provided by IPA III CBC and NDICI CBC under the relevant strategic programming document. That contribution shall be subject to a maximum amount set out in the IPA III or NDICI legislative act.
Amendment    28 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  In 2022 and 2023, the annual contribution from the ERDF to external cross-border Interreg programmes, for which no programme has been submitted to the Commission by 31 March of the respective years, and which has not been re-allocated to another programme submitted under the same category of external cross-border Interreg programmes, shall be allocated to the internal cross-border Interreg programmes in which the Member State or Member States concerned participates or participate.	1.  In 2022 and 2023, the annual contribution from the ERDF to external cross-border Interreg programmes, for which no programme has been submitted to the Commission by 30 April of the respective years, and which has not been re-allocated to another programme submitted under the same category of external cross-border Interreg programmes, shall be allocated to the internal cross-border Interreg programmes in which the Member State or Member States concerned participates or participate.
Amendment    29 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  If by 31 March 2024, there are still external cross-border Interreg programmes which have not been submitted to the Commission, the entire contribution from the ERDF referred to in Article 9(5) to those programmes for the remaining years up to 2027, which has not been re-allocated to another external cross-border Interreg programme also supported by IPA III CBC or NDICI CBC respectively, shall be allocated to the internal cross-border Interreg programmes in which the Member State or Member States concerned participates or participate.	2.  If by 30 April 2024, there are still external cross-border Interreg programmes which have not been submitted to the Commission, the entire contribution from the ERDF referred to in Article 9(5) to those programmes for the remaining years up to 2027, which has not been re-allocated to another external cross-border Interreg programme also supported by IPA III CBC or NDICI CBC respectively, shall be allocated to the internal cross-border Interreg programmes in which the Member State or Member States concerned participates or participate.
Amendment    30 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
In such cases, the contribution from the ERDF referred to in paragraph 1 corresponding to annual instalments not yet committed, or annual instalments committed and de-committed totally or partially during the same budgetary year, which have not been re-allocated to another external cross-border Interreg programme also supported by IPA III CBC or NDICI CBC respectively, shall be allocated to the internal cross-border Interreg programmes in which the Member State or Member States concerned participates or participate.	In such cases, the contribution from the ERDF referred to in paragraph 1 corresponding to annual instalments not yet committed, or annual instalments committed and de-committed totally or partially during the same budgetary year, which have not been re-allocated to another external cross-border Interreg programme also supported by IPA III CBC or NDICI CBC respectively, shall be allocated to the internal cross-border Interreg programmes or transnational cooperation programmes in which the Member State or Member States concerned participates or participate.
Amendment    31 Proposal for a regulation Article 13 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The co-financing rate at the level of each Interreg programme shall be not higher than 70 %, unless, with regard to external cross-border or component 3 Interreg programmes, a higher percentage is fixed in Regulations (EU) [IPA III], [NDICI] or Council Decision (EU) [OCTP] respectively or in any act adopted thereunder.	1. The co-financing rate at the level of each Interreg programme shall be not higher than 75 %, unless, with regard to external cross-border or component 3 Interreg programmes, a higher percentage is fixed in Regulations (EU) [IPA III], [NDICI] or Council Decision (EU) [OCTP] respectively or in any act adopted thereunder.
Amendment    32 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point e a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(e a)  promoting inter-cultural cross border dialogue through cultural and educational cooperation projects, co-creation, people to people exchanges and social debate as well as supporting the preservation and management of common cultural and linguistic heritage;
Amendment    33 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 4 – point a – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  under component 1 and 2B Interreg programmes:	(a)  under component 1 and 2 Interreg programmes:
Amendment    34 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 4 – point a – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  enhance efficient public administration by promoting legal and administrative cooperation and cooperation between citizens and institutions, in particular, with a view to resolving legal and other obstacles in border regions;	(ii)  enhance efficient public administration by promoting legal and administrative cooperation and cooperation between citizens, civil society actors and institutions, in particular, with a view to resolving legal and other obstacles in border regions;
Amendment    35 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 4 – point a – point ii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iia)  enhance the security of the Union, including military mobility;
Amendment    36 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 4 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  under external cross-border and component 2 and 3 Interreg programmes supported by the Interreg funds, in addition to points (a) and (b): building up mutual trust, in particular by encouraging people-to-people actions, by enhancing sustainable democracy and by supporting civil society actors and their role in reforming processes and democratic transitions;	(c)  under external cross-border and component 2 and 3 Interreg programmes supported by the Interreg funds, in addition to points (a) and (b):building up mutual trust and fostering reconciliation, in particular by encouraging people-to-people actions, by enhancing sustainable democracy and by supporting independent media and civil society actors and their role in reforming processes and democratic transitions;
Amendment    37 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5.  Under external cross-border and component 2 and 3 Interreg programmes the ERDF and, where applicable, the external financing instruments of the Union shall also contribute to the external Interreg-specific objective 'a safer and more secure Europe', in particular by actions in the fields of border crossing management and mobility and migration management, including the protection of migrants.	5.  Under external cross-border and component 2 and 3 Interreg programmes the ERDF and, where applicable, the external financing instruments of the Union shall also contribute to the external Interreg-specific objective 'a safer and more secure Europe', in particular by actions in the fields of border crossing management and mobility and migration management, including the protection of migrants. Whenever funds from the external financing instruments are used to support Interreg programs, the objectives applicable to the relevant instruments, as specified in the respective [IPA], [NDICI] and [OCTP] Regulations shall also apply.
Amendment    38 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) shall be implemented through Interreg programmes under shared management with the exception of component 3, which may be implemented as a whole or partially under indirect management, and of component 5 which shall be implemented under direct or indirect management.	1.  The European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) shall be implemented through Interreg programmes under shared management with the exception of component 3, which may be implemented as a whole or partially under indirect management.
Amendment    39 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
However, an Interreg programme covering support from an external financing instrument of the Union shall be submitted by the Member State hosting the prospective managing authority no later than six months after the adoption by the Commission of the relevant strategic programming document under Article 10(1) or where required under the respective basic act of one or more of an external financing instrument of the Union.	However, an Interreg programme covering support from an external financing instrument of the Union shall be submitted by the Member State hosting the prospective managing authority no later than nine months after the adoption by the Commission of the relevant strategic programming document under Article10(1) or where required under the respective basic act of one or more of an external financing instrument of the Union.
Amendment    40 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Each priority shall correspond to a single policy objective or, where applicable, to one or both Interreg-specific objectives respectively or to technical assistance. A priority corresponding to a policy objective or, where applicable, to one or both Interreg-specific objectives respectively shall consist of one or more specific objectives. More than one priority may correspond to the same policy or Interreg-specific objective.	Each priority shall correspond to a single policy objective or, where applicable, to one or both Interreg-specific objectives respectively or to technical assistance. A priority corresponding to a policy objective or, where applicable, to one or both Interreg-specific objectives respectively shall consist of one or more specific objectives. More than one priority may correspond to the same policy or Interreg-specific objective. Whenever funds from the external financing instruments are used to support Interreg programs, the priorities set for the relevant instruments, as specified in the respective [IPA], [NDICI] and [OCTP] Regulations shall also apply.
Amendment    41 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 7 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  lay down the procedure for setting up the joint secretariat;	(b)  lay down the procedure for setting up the joint secretariat and, where applicable, supporting management structures in the Member States or third countries;
Amendment    42 Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
For the selection of operations, the monitoring committee or, where applicable, the steering committee shall establish and apply criteria and procedures which are non-discriminatory and transparent, ensure gender equality and take account of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the principle of sustainable development and of the Union policy on the environment in accordance with Article 11 and Article 191(1) of the TFEU.	For the selection of operations, the monitoring committee or, where applicable, the steering committee shall establish and apply criteria and procedures which are non-discriminatory and transparent, ensure gender equality and take account of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the European Convention of Human Rights and the principle of sustainable development and of the Union policy on the environment in accordance with Article 11 and Article191(1) TFEU.
Amendment    43 Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 4 – point j a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(j a)  Ensure that selected operations apply criteria and procedures which are non-discriminatory, ensure gender equality and take account of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the European Convention of Human Rights and the principle of sustainable development and of the Union policy on the environment in accordance with Article 11 and Article 191(1) TFEU.
Amendment    44 Proposal for a regulation Article 23 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  An Interreg operation may be implemented in a single country, provided that the impact on and the benefits for the programme area are identified in the operation application.	2.  An Interreg operation may be implemented in a single country, provided that cross border or transnational impacts and benefits for the programme are identified in the operation application.
Amendment    45 Proposal for a regulation Article 23 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
For Interreg operations under component 3 Interreg programmes, the partners from outermost regions and third countries, partner countries or OCTs shall be required to cooperate only in three of the four dimensions listed in the first subparagraph.	For Interreg operations under component 3 Interreg programmes and external cross-border programmes, the partners from outermost regions and third countries, partner countries or OCTs shall be required to cooperate only in three of the four dimensions listed in the first subparagraph.
Amendment    46 Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  The beneficiary of a small project fund shall be a cross-border legal body or an EGTC.	2.  The beneficiary of a small project fund shall be a cross-border legal body, a Euroregion, an EGTC or managing authority or existing institution in one country in accordance with agreement between countries or regions participating in the programme.
Amendment    47 Proposal for a regulation Article 29 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Project application and implementation rules of the programme;
Amendment    48 Proposal for a regulation Article 36 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Without prejudice to the eligibility rules laid down in Articles [57 to 62] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], Articles [4 and 6] of Regulation (EU) [new ERDF] or in this Chapter, including in acts adopted thereunder, the participating Member States and, where applicable, third countries, partner countries and OCTs shall, by a joint decision in the monitoring committee, only establish additional rules on eligibility of expenditure for the Interreg programme on categories of expenditure not covered by those provisions. Those additional rules shall cover the programme area as a whole.	Without prejudice to the eligibility rules laid down in Articles [57 to 62] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], Articles [4 and 6] of Regulation (EU) [new ERDF], Article [10] of Regulation (EU) [IPA], Article [27] of Regulation (EU) [NDICI] or in this Chapter, including in acts adopted thereunder, the participating Member States and, where applicable, third countries, partner countries and OCTs shall, by a joint decision in the monitoring committee, only establish additional rules on eligibility of expenditure for the Interreg programme on categories of expenditure not covered by those provisions. Those additional rules shall cover the programme area as a whole.
Amendment    49 Proposal for a regulation Article 36 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
However, where an Interreg programme selects operations based on calls for proposals, those additional rules shall be adopted before the first call for proposals is published. In all other cases, those additional rules shall be adopted before the first operations are selected.	However, where an Interreg programme selects operations based on calls for proposals, those additional rules shall be adopted before each call for proposals is published. In all other cases, those additional rules shall be adopted before the first operations are selected.
Amendment    50 Proposal for a regulation Article 44 – paragraph 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5.  With regard to an Interreg programme under component 2B or under component 1 where the latter covers long borders with heterogenous development challenges and needs, Member States and, where applicable, third countries, partner countries and OCTs participating in an Interreg programme may define sub-programme areas.	5.  With regard to an Interreg programme under component 1 where it covers borders with heterogenous development challenges and needs, Member States and, where applicable, third countries, partner countries and OCTs participating in an Interreg programme may define sub-programme areas.
Amendment    51 Proposal for a regulation Article 45 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1a.  Where the managing authority does not carry out verification under point (a) of Article 68 (1) of Regulation (EU) (new CPR) throughout the whole programme area, each Member State shall designate the body or person responsible for carrying out such verification in relation to beneficiaries on its territory.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	Specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund and external financing instruments
References	COM(2018)0374 – C8-0229/2018 – 2018/0199(COD)
Committee responsible        Date announced in plenary	REGI 11.6.2018
Opinion by        Date announced in plenary	AFET 11.6.2018
Associated committees - date announced in plenary	5.7.2018
Rapporteur        Date appointed	Fabio Massimo Castaldo 10.7.2018
Discussed in committee	8.10.2018
Date adopted	21.11.2018
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	47 4 5
Members present for the final vote	Michèle Alliot-Marie, Nikos Androulakis, Petras Auštrevičius, Bas Belder, Victor Boştinaru, Elmar Brok, Klaus Buchner, James Carver, Lorenzo Cesa, Georgios Epitideios, Eugen Freund, Michael Gahler, Iveta Grigule-Pēterse, Sandra Kalniete, Tunne Kelam, Wajid Khan, Andrey Kovatchev, Eduard Kukan, Arne Lietz, Sabine Lösing, Andrejs Mamikins, David McAllister, Francisco José Millán Mon, Javier Nart, Pier Antonio Panzeri, Demetris Papadakis, Ioan Mircea Paşcu, Alojz Peterle, Tonino Picula, Kati Piri, Julia Pitera, Cristian Dan Preda, Michel Reimon, Sofia Sakorafa, Jean-Luc Schaffhauser, Anders Sellström, Alyn Smith, Jordi Solé, Dobromir Sośnierz, Jaromír Štětina, Dubravka Šuica, Charles Tannock, László Tőkés, Miguel Urbán Crespo
Substitutes present for the final vote	Doru-Claudian Frunzulică, Takis Hadjigeorgiou, Marek Jurek, Antonio López-Istúriz White, David Martin, Gilles Pargneaux, José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra, Marietje Schaake, Helmut Scholz, Eleni Theocharous, Mirja Vehkaperä, Željana Zovko

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

47	+
ALDE	Petras Auštrevičius, Iveta Grigule-Pēterse, Javier Nart, Marietje Schaake, Mirja Vehkaperä
ECR	Bas Belder, Marek Jurek, Charles Tannock, Eleni Theocharous
PPE	Michèle Alliot-Marie, Elmar Brok, Lorenzo Cesa, Michael Gahler, Sandra Kalniete, Tunne Kelam, Andrey Kovatchev, Eduard Kukan, Antonio López-Istúriz White, David McAllister, Francisco José Millán Mon, Alojz Peterle, Julia Pitera, Cristian Dan Preda, José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra, Anders Sellström, Jaromír Štětina, Dubravka Šuica, László Tőkés, Željana Zovko
S&D	Nikos Androulakis, Victor Boştinaru, Eugen Freund, Doru-Claudian Frunzulică, Wajid Khan, Arne Lietz, Andrejs Mamikins, David Martin, Pier Antonio Panzeri, Demetris Papadakis, Gilles Pargneaux, Ioan Mircea Paşcu, Tonino Picula, Kati Piri
VERTS/ALE	Klaus Buchner, Michel Reimon, Alyn Smith, Jordi Solé

4	-
ENF	Jean-Luc Schaffhauser
NI	James Carver, Georgios Epitideios, Dobromir Sośnierz

5	0
GUE/NGL	Takis Hadjigeorgiou, Sabine Lösing, Sofia Sakorafa, Helmut Scholz, Miguel Urbán Crespo

Key to symbols:

+  :  in favour

-  :  against

0  :  abstention

OPINION of the Committee on Development (22.11.2018)

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund and external financing instruments
(COM(2018)0374 – C8‑0229/2018 – 2018/0199(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion (*): Eleni Theocharous

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

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The purpose of the European territorial cooperation initiative (Interreg) is to foster cooperation between Member States inside the Union and between the Members States and third countries, partner countries or overseas countries and territories. It is expected that the new proposed regulation for the period 2021-2027 will simplify cooperation beyond the borders of the Union. In parallel, the EU’s future external financing instruments (including NDICI and OCTP) aim to establish clear rules to transfer part of their resources to Interreg programmes.

The DEVE Rapporteur believes that the interest of the Committee on Development lies in ensuring that third countries and overseas countries and territories can effectively participate to Interreg programmes. The specific challenges and needs of the OCTs should be fully taken into account in the design of the programmes.

The Rapporteur would like to emphasise the contribution that Interreg can play in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and in the achievement of climate objectives. Policy coherence for development should also be fully respected as achieving coherence across all EU policies is crucial for achieving the SDGs.

AMENDMENTS

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

Amendment    1 Proposal for a regulation Citation 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Having regard to Articles 208 (1) of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU),
Amendment    2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3)  In order to support the harmonious development of the Union's territory at different levels, the ERDF should support cross-border cooperation, transnational cooperation, maritime cooperation, outermost regions’ cooperation and interregional cooperation under the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg).	(3)  In order to support the harmonious development of the Union's territory at different levels, the ERDF should support cross-border cooperation, transnational cooperation, maritime cooperation, outermost regions’ cooperation and interregional cooperation under the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg). The principles on multi-level governance and partnership should be taken into account, and place-based approaches should be strengthened as well as the principle of non-discrimination.
Amendment    3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(3 a)  The different components of Interreg should contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals as described in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted in September 2015.
Justification
The contribution of Interreg to the Sustainable Development Goals should be mentioned in the recitals.
Amendment    4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(3 b)  Interreg should also contribute to the achievement of other international commitments such as the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (COP 21). Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change, Interreg will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the Union’s budget expenditures supporting climate objectives.
Justification
The recitals should also include a reference to the Paris agreement as Interreg should contribute to the EU climate change objectives.
Amendment    5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(4)  The cross-border cooperation component should aim to tackle common challenges identified jointly in the border regions, and to exploit the untapped growth potential in border areas as evidenced in the Communication of the Commission 'Boosting Growth and Cohesion in EU Border Regions’23 ('Border Regions Communication'). Consequently, the cross-border component should be limited to cooperation on land borders and cross-border cooperation on maritime borders should be integrated into the transnational component.	(4)  The cross-border cooperation component should aim to tackle common challenges identified jointly in the border regions, and to exploit the untapped growth potential in border areas as evidenced in the Communication of the Commission 'Boosting Growth and Cohesion in EU Border Regions’23 ('Border Regions Communication'). Consequently, the cross-border component should support cooperation on land or maritime border regions.
_________________	_________________
23 Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament 'Boosting growth and cohesion in EU border regions' - COM(2017) 534 final, 20.9.2017.	23 Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament 'Boosting growth and cohesion in EU border regions' - COM(2017) 534 final, 20.9.2017.
Justification
Putting maritime borders' cooperation into a new interreg strand is not in the interest of simplification and increased user-friendliness.
Amendment    6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(6)  The transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation component should aim to strengthen cooperation by means of actions conducive to integrated territorial development linked to the Union's cohesion policy priorities, and should also include maritime cross-border cooperation. Transnational cooperation should cover larger territories on the mainland of the Union, whereas maritime cooperation should cover territories around sea-basins and integrate cross-border cooperation on maritime borders during the programming period 2014-2020. Maximum flexibility should be given to continue implementing previous maritime cross-border cooperation within a larger maritime cooperation framework, in particular by defining the territory covered, the specific objectives for such cooperation, the requirements for a project partnership and the setting-up of sub-programmes and specific steering committees.	(6)  The transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation component should aim to strengthen cooperation by means of actions conducive to integrated territorial development linked to the Union's cohesion policy priorities. Transnational cooperation should cover larger territories on the mainland of the Union, whereas maritime cooperation should cover territories around sea-basins. Maximum flexibility should be given to continue implementing previous maritime cross-border cooperation within a larger maritime cooperation framework, in particular by defining the territory covered, the specific objectives for such cooperation, the requirements for a project partnership and the setting-up of sub-programmes and specific steering committees.
Amendment    7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 7
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(7)  Based on the experience with cross-border and transnational cooperation during the programming period 2014-2020 in outermost regions, where the combination of both components within a single programme per cooperation area has not brought about sufficient simplification for programme authorities and beneficiaries, a specific outermost regions’ component should be established in order to enable outermost regions to cooperate with their neighbouring countries and territories in the most effective and simple way.	(7)  Based on the experience with cross-border and transnational cooperation during the programming period 2014-2020 in outermost regions, where the combination of both components within a single programme per cooperation area has not brought about sufficient simplification for programme authorities and beneficiaries, a specific outermost regions’ component should be established in order to enable outermost regions to cooperate with third countries and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) in the most effective and simple way given their particular needs and specificities.
Amendment    8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(8)  Based on the experience with the interregional cooperation programmes under Interreg and the lack of such cooperation within programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal during the programming period 2014-2020, the interregional cooperation component should focus more specifically on boosting the effectiveness of cohesion policy. That component should therefore be limited to two programmes, one to enable all kind of experience, innovative approaches and capacity building for programmes under both goals and to promote European groupings of territorial cooperation ('EGTCs') set up or to be set up pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council24 and one to improve the analysis of development trends. Project-based cooperation throughout the Union should be integrated into the new component on interregional innovation investments and closely linked to the implementation of the Communication from the Commission 'Strengthening Innovation in Europe's Regions: Strategies for resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth'25 , in particular to support thematic smart specialisation platforms on fields such as energy, industrial modernisation or agrifood. Finally, integrated territorial development focusing on functional urban areas or urban areas should be concentrated within programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal and in one accompanying instrument, the ‘European Urban Initiative”. The two programmes under the interregional cooperation component should cover the whole Union and should also be open for the participation of third countries.	(8)  Based on the experience with the interregional cooperation programmes under Interreg and the lack of such cooperation within programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal during the programming period 2014-2020, the interregional cooperation component should focus more specifically on boosting the effectiveness of cohesion policy. That component should therefore be limited to two programmes, one to enable all kind of experience, innovative approaches and capacity building for programmes under both goals and to promote European groupings of territorial cooperation ('EGTCs') set up or to be set up pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council24 and one to improve the analysis of development trends. Project-based cooperation throughout the Union should be integrated into the new component on interregional innovation investments and closely linked to the implementation of the Communication from the Commission 'Strengthening Innovation in Europe's Regions: Strategies for resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth'25 , in particular to support thematic smart specialisation platforms on fields such as renewable energy, circular economy, industrial modernisation, agro-ecological farming or agrifood. Finally, integrated territorial development focusing on functional urban areas or urban areas should be concentrated within programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal and in one accompanying instrument, the ‘European Urban Initiative”. The two programmes under the interregional cooperation component should cover the whole Union and should also be open for the participation of OCTs and third countries.
__________________	__________________
24 Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on a European grouping of territorial cooperation (EGTC) (OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 19).	24 Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on a European grouping of territorial cooperation (EGTC) (OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 19).
25 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions 'Strengthening Innovation in Europe's Regions: Strategies for resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth' - COM(2017) 376 final, 18.7.2017.	25 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions 'Strengthening Innovation in Europe's Regions: Strategies for resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth' - COM(2017) 376 final, 18.7.2017.
Amendment    9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 11
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(11)  IPA III assistance should mainly focus on assisting the IPA beneficiaries to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law, reform the judiciary and public administration, respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality, tolerance, social inclusion and non-discrimination. IPA assistance should continue to support the efforts of the IPA beneficiaries to advance regional, macro-regional and cross-border cooperation as well as territorial development, including through the implementation of Union macro-regional strategies. In addition, IPA assistance should address security, migration and border management, ensuring access to international protection, sharing relevant information, enhancing border control and pursuing common efforts in the fight against irregular migration and migrant smuggling.	(11)  IPA III assistance should mainly focus on assisting the IPA beneficiaries to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law, reform the judiciary and public administration, respect fundamental rights and promote equality between men and women, tolerance, social inclusion and non-discrimination. IPA assistance should continue to support the efforts of the IPA beneficiaries to advance regional, macro-regional and cross-border cooperation as well as territorial development, including through the implementation of Union macro-regional strategies. In addition, IPA assistance should address security, migration and border management, ensuring safe access to international protection, sharing relevant information, enhancing border control and pursuing common efforts in the fight against irregular migration, migrant smuggling and trafficking of human beings.
Amendment    10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(12) With regard to NDICI assistance, the Union should develop a special relationship with neighbouring countries, aiming to establish an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness, founded on the values of the Union and characterised by close and peaceful relations based on cooperation. This Regulation and the NDICI should therefore support the internal and external aspects of relevant macro-regional strategies. Those initiatives are strategically important and offer meaningful political frameworks for deepening relations with and among partner countries, based on the principles of mutual accountability, shared ownership and responsibility.	(12) With regard to NDICI assistance, the Union should develop a special relationship with neighbouring countries, aiming to establish an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness, founded on the values of the Union and characterised by close and peaceful relations based on cooperation. This Regulation and the NDICI should therefore support the internal and external aspects of relevant macro-regional strategies with the primary objective of eradicating poverty and contributing to sustainable development. Those initiatives are strategically important and offer meaningful political frameworks for deepening relations with and among partner countries, based on the principles of mutual accountability, shared ownership and responsibility.
Amendment    11 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(12 a)  Developing synergies with Union external action and development programmes should also help to ensure maximum impact whilst fulfilling the principle of policy coherence for development as provided for by Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Achieving coherence across all EU policies is crucial for achieving the SDGs.
Justification
Policy Coherence for Development is a Treaty obligation and it should be mentionned in the recitals.
Amendment    12 Proposal for a regulation Recital 14
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(14)  In view of the specific situation of outmost regions of the Union, it is necessary to adopt measures concerning the conditions under which those regions may have access to structural funds. Consequently, certain provisions of this Regulation should be adapted to the specificities of the outermost regions in order to simplify and foster cooperation with their neighbors, while taking into account the Communication from the Commission 'A stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the EU's outermost regions'31 .	(14)  In view of the specific situation of outmost regions of the Union, it is necessary to adopt measures concerning the conditions under which those regions may have access to structural funds. Consequently, certain provisions of this Regulation should be adapted to the specificities of the outermost regions in order to simplify and foster their cooperation with third countries and OCTs, while taking into account the Communication from the Commission 'A stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the EU's outermost regions'31 .
__________________	__________________
31 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank 'A stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the EU's outermost regions', - COM(2017) 623 final, 24.10.2017.	31 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank 'A stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the EU's outermost regions', - COM(2017) 623 final, 24.10.2017.
Amendment    13 Proposal for a regulation Recital 14 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(14 a)  The regulation foresees the possibility of the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) to participate in Interreg programmes. The specificities and challenges of the OCTs should be taken into consideration in order to facilitate their effective access and participation.
Amendment    14 Proposal for a regulation Recital 14 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(14 b)  Articles 198 to 204 of Part IV of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) on the association of the overseas countries and territories provide that the purpose of association shall be to promote the economic and social development of the countries and territories and to establish close economic relations between them and the Union as a whole. In accordance with the principles set out in the preamble to the TFEU, association are to serve primarily to further the interests and prosperity of the inhabitants of these countries and territories in order to lead them to the economic, social and cultural development to which they aspire.
Amendment    15 Proposal for a regulation Recital 14 c (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(14 c)  Activities funded under the different components should promote and ensure gender equality. The gender dimension should be integrated into the different components of Interreg.
Justification
The importance of the gender dimension should be strengthened throughout the regulation.
Amendment    16 Proposal for a regulation Recital 19
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(19)  This Regulation should add two Interreg-specific objectives, one to support an Interreg-specific objective strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing legal and administrative cooperation, in particular where linked to implementation of the Border Regions Communication, intensify cooperation between citizens and institutions and the development and coordination of macro-regional and sea-basin strategies, and one to address specific external cooperation issues such as safety, security, border crossing management and migration.	(19)  This Regulation should add two Interreg-specific objectives, one to support an Interreg-specific objective strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing legal and administrative cooperation, in particular where linked to implementation of the Border Regions Communication, intensify cooperation between citizens, civil society organizations, non-state actors and institutions and the development and coordination of macro-regional and sea-basin strategies, and one to address specific external cooperation issues such as safety, security, border crossing management and migration, access to international protection, eradication of poverty, climate change, disaster risk reduction and resilience.
Amendment    17 Proposal for a regulation Recital 30 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(30 a)  It is appropriate to encourage financial discipline. At the same time, arrangements for de-commitment of budgetary commitments should take into account of the complexity of Interreg programmes and their implementation.
Amendment    18 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  This Regulation lays down rules for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) with a view to fostering cooperation between Member States inside the Union and between Member States and adjacent third countries, partner countries, other territories or overseas countries and territories ('OCTs') respectively.	1.  This Regulation lays down rules for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) with a view to fostering cooperation between Member States inside the Union and between Member States and third countries, partner countries, overseas countries and territories ('OCTs') respectively. Interreg shall contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals as described in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Amendment    19 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  This Regulation also lays down the provisions necessary to ensure effective programming including on technical assistance, monitoring, evaluation, communication, eligibility, management and control, as well as financial management of programmes under the European territorial cooperation goal ('Interreg programmes') supported by the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF').	2.  This Regulation also lays down the provisions necessary to ensure effective programming including on technical assistance, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, communication, eligibility, management and control, as well as financial management of programmes under the European territorial cooperation goal ('Interreg programmes') supported by the European Regional Development Fund ('ERDF').
Amendment    20 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(4 a)  Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs): Overseas countries and territories attached to a Member State of the Union to which the provisions of Part Four of the TFEU apply and listed in Annex II thereto.
Amendment    21 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  internal cross-border cooperation between adjacent land border regions of two or more Member States or between adjacent land border regions of at least one Member State and one or more third countries listed in Article 4(3); or	(a)  internal cross-border cooperation between adjacent land or maritime border regions of two or more Member States or between adjacent land border regions of at least one Member State and one or more third countries listed in Article 4(3); or
Amendment    22 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  external cross-border cooperation, between adjacent land border regions of at least one Member State and of one or more of the following:	(b)  external cross-border cooperation, between adjacent land or maritime border regions of at least one Member State and of one or more of the following:
Amendment    23 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2)  transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation over larger transnational territories or around sea-basins, involving national, regional and local programme partners in Member States, third countries and partner countries and in Greenland, with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration ('component 2'; where referring only to transnational cooperation: 'component 2A'; where referring only to maritime cooperation: 'component 2B');	(2)  transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation over larger transnational territories or around sea-basins, involving national, regional and local programme partners in Member States, third countries and partner countries and OCTs, with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration ('component 2'; where referring only to transnational cooperation: 'component 2A'; where referring only to maritime cooperation: 'component 2B');
Amendment    24 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3)  outermost regions' cooperation among themselves and with their neighbouring third or partner countries or OCTs, or several thereof, to facilitate their regional integration in their neighbourhood ('component 3');	(3)  outermost regions' cooperation among themselves and with third or partner countries or OCTs or several thereof, to facilitate notably their regional integration ('component 3');
Amendment    25 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(4)  interregional cooperation to reinforce the effectiveness of cohesion policy ('component 4') by promoting:	(4)  interregional cooperation to reinforce the effectiveness of cohesion policy ('component 4') by promoting among other things:
Amendment    26 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  exchange of experiences, innovative approaches and capacity building in relation to:	(a)  exchange of experiences, innovative approaches, good practices and capacity building in relation to:
Amendment    27 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  Regions on maritime borders which are connected over the sea by a fixed link shall also be supported under cross-border cooperation.	deleted
Amendment    28 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4.  For external cross-border cooperation, the regions to be supported by IPA III or NDICI shall be NUTS level 3 regions of the respective partner country or, in the absence of NUTS classification, equivalent areas along all land borders between Member States and partner countries eligible under IPA III or NDICI.	4.  For external cross-border cooperation, the regions to be supported by IPA III or NDICI shall be NUTS level 3 regions of the respective partner country or, in the absence of NUTS classification, equivalent areas along all borders between Member States and partner countries eligible under IPA III or NDICI.
Amendment    29 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  Greenland;	(b)  OCTs;
Amendment    30 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  The regions, third countries or partner countries listed in paragraph 2 shall be NUTS level 2 regions or, in the absence of NUTS classification, equivalent areas.	3.  The regions, third countries, partner countries or OCTs listed in paragraph 2 shall be NUTS level 2 regions, NUTS 3 in the case of OCTs or, in the absence of NUTS classification, equivalent areas.
Amendment    31 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  3.2 % (i.e., a total of EUR 270 100 000) for outermost regions' cooperation (component 3);	(c)  5 % for outermost regions' cooperation (component 3);
Justification
Due to the specific needs and challenges of the outermost regions, the amount available for component 3 should be increased.
Amendment    32 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
With regard to a component 2 Interreg programme already approved by the Commission, the participation of a partner country or of Greenland shall be discontinued, if one of the situations set out in points (a) and (b) of the first subparagraph of paragraph 3 is fulfilled.	With regard to a component 2 Interreg programme already approved by the Commission, the participation of a partner country or OCTs shall be discontinued or the allocation reduced, if one of the situations set out in points (a) and (b) of the first subparagraph of paragraph 3 is fulfilled.
Amendment    33 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  that the Interreg programme be discontinued in total, in particular where the main joint development challenges thereof cannot be achieved without the participation of that partner country or of Greenland;	(a)  that the Interreg programme be discontinued in total, in particular where the main joint development challenges thereof cannot be achieved without the participation of that partner country or of the OCTs;
Amendment    34 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  that the Interreg programme continue without the participation of that partner country or of Greenland.	(c)  that the Interreg programme continue without the participation of that partner country or of the OCTs.
Amendment    35 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
6.  Where a third country or partner country contributing to an Interreg programme with national resources, which do not constitute the national cofinancing of support from the ERDF or from an external financing instrument of the Union, reduces that contribution during the implementation of the Interreg programme, either globally or with regard to joint operations already selected and having received the document provided for in Article 22(6), the participating Member State or Member States shall request one of the options set out in the second subparagraph of paragraph 4.	6.  Where a third country, partner country or OCTs contributing to an Interreg programme with national resources, which do not constitute the national cofinancing of support from the ERDF or from an external financing instrument of the Union, reduces that contribution during the implementation of the Interreg programme, either globally or with regard to joint operations already selected and having received the document provided for in Article22(6), the participating Member State or Member States shall request one of the options set out in the second subparagraph of paragraph 4.
Amendment    36 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  In addition to the specific objectives for the ERDF as set out in Article [2] of Regulation (EU) [new ERDF], the ERDF and, where applicable, the external financing instruments of the Union may also contribute to the specific objectives under PO 4 as follows:	3.  In addition to the specific objectives for the ERDF as set out in Article [2] of Regulation (EU) [new ERDF], the ERDF and, where applicable, the external financing instruments of the Union shall also contribute to the specific objectives under PO 4 as follows:
Amendment    37 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets and improving access to quality employment across borders;	(a)  enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets and improving access to quality employment across borders, especially for young people;
Amendment    38 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e)   promoting social inclusion and tackling poverty, including by enhancing equal opportunities and combating discrimination across borders.	(e)   promoting social inclusion, respect of the rights of minorities and tackling poverty, including by enhancing equal opportunities, promoting gender equality, combating every form of discrimination across borders, and support for marginalised communities.
Amendment    39 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 4 – point a – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  enhance efficient public administration by promoting legal and administrative cooperation and cooperation between citizens and institutions, in particular, with a view to resolving legal and other obstacles in border regions;	(ii)  enhance efficient public administration by promoting legal and administrative cooperation and cooperation between citizens, civil society actors and institutions, in particular, with a view to resolving legal and other obstacles in border regions;
Amendment    40 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 4 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  under component 1, 2 and 3 Interreg programmes: enhance institutional capacity of public authorities and stakeholders to implement macro-regional strategies and sea-basin strategies;	(b)  under component 1, 2 and 3 Interreg programmes: enhance institutional capacity of public authorities and stakeholders to effectively implement macro-regional strategies and sea-basin strategies;
Amendment    41 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 4 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  under external cross-border and component 2 and 3 Interreg programmes supported by the Interreg funds, in addition to points (a) and (b): building up mutual trust, in particular by encouraging people-to-people actions, by enhancing sustainable democracy and by supporting civil society actors and their role in reforming processes and democratic transitions;	(c)  under external cross-border and component 2 and 3 Interreg programmes supported by the Interreg funds, in addition to points (a) and (b): building up mutual trust, in particular by encouraging people-to-people actions, by enhancing sustainable democracy and promoting fundamental rights and freedoms in line with and as recognized by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and by supporting civil society organisations and non-state actors, including NGOs, Churches and religious communities and associations, think-tanks and other social groups, and their role in resilience, peacebuilding, reconciliation, reforming processes and democratic transitions and by promoting good governance including the fight against corruption
Amendment    42 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5.  Under external cross-border and component 2 and 3 Interreg programmes the ERDF and, where applicable, the external financing instruments of the Union shall also contribute to the external Interreg-specific objective 'a safer and more secure Europe', in particular by actions in the fields of border crossing management and mobility and migration management, including the protection of migrants.	5.  Under external cross-border and component 2 and 3 Interreg programmes the ERDF and, where applicable, the external financing instruments of the Union shall also contribute to the external Interreg-specific objective 'a safer and more secure Europe', in particular by actions in the fields of border crossing management and mobility and migration management in full respect of the principle of the rule of law and, including the protection of and respect for human rights of migrants.
Amendment    43 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) shall be implemented through Interreg programmes under shared management with the exception of component 3, which may be implemented as a whole or partially under indirect management, and of component 5 which shall be implemented under direct or indirect management.	1.  The European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) shall be implemented through Interreg programmes under shared management with the exception of component 3, which may be implemented as a whole or partially under indirect management, after having consulted the relevant stakeholders and of component 5 which shall be implemented under direct or indirect management.
Amendment    44 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  Each Interreg programme shall set out a joint strategy for the programme's contribution to the policy objectives set out in Article [4(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] and to the Interreg-specific objectives set out in Article 14(4) and (5) of this Regulation and the communication of its results.	1.  Each Interreg programme shall set out a joint strategy for the programme's contribution to the policy objectives set out in Article [4(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] and to the Interreg-specific objectives set out in Article 14(4) and (5) of this Regulation and the communication of its results. The strategy shall also explicitly demonstrate how the programme will contribute to the attainment of the SDGs.
Amendment    45 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point b – point i a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(i a)  divergences in the institutional, policy and legal framework;
Amendment    46 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point b – point i b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(i b)  environmental challenges;
Amendment    47 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point b – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  joint investment needs and complementarity with other forms of support;	(ii)  joint investment needs and complementarity with other forms of support and potential synergies to be achieved;
Amendment    48 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point b – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  lessons learnt from past experience;	(iii)  lessons learnt from past experience and how they have been taken into account into the programme;
Amendment    49 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point e – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii)  output indicators and result indicators with the corresponding milestones and targets;	(ii)  smart indicators and result indicators disaggregated by gender with the corresponding baselines, milestones and targets;
Amendment    50 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point e – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  the main target groups;	(iii)  the main target groups and final beneficiaries of the programme, including the most vulnerable groups;
Amendment    51 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point f a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(f a)  a methodology explaining how the programme will contribute to the attainment of the SDGs;
Amendment    52 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  the envisaged approach to communication and visibility for the Interreg programme through defining its objectives, target audiences, communication channels, social media outreach, planned budget and relevant indicators for monitoring and evaluation.	(i)  the envisaged approach to communication and visibility for the Interreg programme through defining its objectives, target audiences, communication channels, social media outreach, planned budget and relevant indicators for monitoring and evaluation. Whenever the Interreg programme is co-financed by other external financing instruments, the visibility strategy shall respect the visibility requirements provided for in those instruments.
Amendment    53 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point i a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(i a)  A risk management framework, which shall include the potential risks that could negatively impact the implementation of the programme and the achievement of the results as well as the appropriate mitigation measures.
Amendment    54 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 5 – point a – point iii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii)  for component 2 Interreg programmes supported by OCTP concerning split per financing instrument ('ERDF' and 'OCTP Greenland');	(iii)  for component 2 Interreg programmes supported by OCTP concerning split per financing instrument ('ERDF' and 'OCTP');
Amendment    55 Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
For the selection of operations, the monitoring committee or, where applicable, the steering committee shall establish and apply criteria and procedures which are non-discriminatory and transparent, ensure gender equality and take account of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the principle of sustainable development and of the Union policy on the environment in accordance with Article 11 and Article 191(1) of the TFEU.	For the selection of operations, the monitoring committee or, where applicable, the steering committee shall establish and apply criteria and procedures which are public, objective, non-discriminatory and transparent, ensure equality between men and women and take account of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the principle of sustainable development and of the Union policy and legislation on the environment in accordance with Article 11 and Article 191(1) of the TFEU.
Amendment    56 Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The criteria and procedures shall ensure the prioritisation of operations to be selected with a view to maximise the contribution of Union funding to the achievement of the objectives of the Interreg programme and to implementing the cooperation dimension of operations under Interreg programmes, as set out in Article 23(1) and (4).	The criteria and procedures shall ensure the prioritisation of operations to be selected with a view to maximise the contribution of Union funding to the achievement of the objectives of the Interreg programme, to implementing the cooperation dimension of operations under Interreg programmes, as set out in Article 23(1) and (4) and to the attainment of the SDGs.
Amendment    57 Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 4 – point a a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(a a)  ensure that selected operations provide an effective contribution to the achievement of the Agenda 2030 Goals and targets;
Amendment    58 Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 4 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  ensure that selected operations do not conflict with the corresponding strategies established under Article 10(1) or established for one or more of the external financing instruments of the Union;	(b)  ensure that selected operations do not only conflict with the corresponding strategies established under Article 10(1) or established for one or more of the external financing instruments of the Union, but also that they are complementarity to those strategies with which they create positive synergies;
Amendment    59 Proposal for a regulation Article 23 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
For Interreg operations under component 3 Interreg programmes, the partners from outermost regions and third countries, partner countries or OCTs shall be required to cooperate only in three of the four dimensions listed in the first subparagraph.	For Interreg operations under component 3 Interreg programmes, the partners from outermost regions and third countries, partner countries or OCTs shall be required to cooperate only in two of the four dimensions listed in the first subparagraph.
Amendment    60 Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The contribution from the ERDF or, where applicable, an external financing instrument of the Union, to a small project fund within an Interreg programme shall not exceed EUR 20 000 000 or 15% of the total allocation of the Interreg programme, whichever is lower.	The contribution from the ERDF or, where applicable, an external financing instrument of the Union, to a small project fund within an Interreg programme shall not exceed 20 % of the total allocation of the Interreg programme.
Amendment    61 Proposal for a regulation Article 27 – paragraph 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5.  The monitoring committee shall meet at least once a year and shall review all issues that affect the programme’s progress towards achieving its objectives.	5.  The monitoring committee shall meet at least twice a year and shall review all issues that affect the programme’s progress towards achieving its objectives.
Amendment    62 Proposal for a regulation Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  the progress in programme implementation and in achieving the milestones and targets of the Interreg programme;	(a)  the progress in programme implementation and in achieving the milestones and targets of the Interreg programme, including the contribution to the achievement of the Agenda 2030 Goals;
Amendment    63 Proposal for a regulation Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point g
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(g)  the progress in administrative capacity building for public institutions and beneficiaries, where relevant.	(g)  the progress in administrative capacity building for public institutions and beneficiaries, where relevant. and propose any further support measures if necessary.
Amendment    64 Proposal for a regulation Article 34 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The managing authority shall carry out evaluations of each Interreg programme. Each evaluation shall assess the programme’s effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added value with the aim to improve the quality of the design and implementation of the respective Interreg programme.	1.  The managing authority shall carry out evaluations of each Interreg programme. Each evaluation shall assess the programme’s effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, Coherence, sustainability of the results and EU added value with the aim to improve the quality of the design and implementation of the respective Interreg programme.
Amendment    65 Proposal for a regulation Article 34 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	7 a.  Whenever the Interreg programme is co-financed by other external financing instruments, the programme shall ensure the visibility of those funds in line with the relevant instruments.
Amendment    66 Proposal for a regulation Article 49 – paragraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  2021: 1%;	(a)  2021: 2%;
Amendment    67 Proposal for a regulation Article 49 – paragraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  2022: 1%;	(b)  2022: 2%;
Amendment    68 Proposal for a regulation Article 49 – paragraph 2 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  2023: 1%;	(c)  2023: 2%;
Amendment    69 Proposal for a regulation Article 49 – paragraph 2 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d)  2024: 1%;	(d)  2024: 1,5%;
Amendment    70 Proposal for a regulation Article 50 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Article 50 a
	Decommitments
	By way of derogation from Article 99.1 of Regulation (EU) .../... [new CPR], the Commission shall decommit any amount in an Interreg programme which has not been used for pre-financing in accordance with Article 49 or for which a payment application has not been submitted by 26 December of the third calendar year following the year of the budget commitments of the years 2021 to 2026.
Amendment    71 Proposal for a regulation Article 53 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  Component 2 and 4 Interreg programmes combining contributions from the ERDF and from one or more external financing instrument of the Union shall be implemented under shared management both in the Member States and in any participating third country or partner country or, with regard to component 3, in any OCT, whether or not that OCT receives support under one or more external financing instruments of the Union.	2.  Component 2 and 4 Interreg programmes combining contributions from the ERDF and from one or more external financing instrument of the Union shall be implemented under shared management both in the Member States and in any participating third country, partner country or OCTs, or with regard to component 3, in any OCT, whether or not that OCT receives support under one or more external financing instruments of the Union.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	Specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund and external financing instruments
References	COM(2018)0374 – C8-0229/2018 – 2018/0199(COD)
Committee responsible        Date announced in plenary	REGI 11.6.2018
Opinion by        Date announced in plenary	DEVE 11.6.2018
Associated committees - date announced in plenary	5.7.2018
Rapporteur        Date appointed	Eleni Theocharous 10.8.2018
Discussed in committee	8.10.2018
Date adopted	20.11.2018
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	19 0 0
Members present for the final vote	Mireille D’Ornano, Enrique Guerrero Salom, Teresa Jiménez-Becerril Barrio, Stelios Kouloglou, Arne Lietz, Linda McAvan, Maurice Ponga, Cristian Dan Preda, Lola Sánchez Caldentey, Elly Schlein, Eleni Theocharous, Mirja Vehkaperä, Joachim Zeller, Željana Zovko
Substitutes present for the final vote	Thierry Cornillet, Stefan Gehrold, Bernd Lucke, Adam Szejnfeld
Substitutes under Rule 200(2) present for the final vote	Ana Miranda

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

19	+
ALDE	Thierry Cornillet, Mirja Vehkaperä
ECR	Bernd Lucke, Eleni Theocharous
EFDD	Mireille D'Ornano
GUE/NGL	Stelios Kouloglou, Lola Sánchez Caldentey
PPE	Stefan Gehrold, Teresa Jiménez-Becerril Barrio, Maurice Ponga, Cristian Dan Preda, Adam Szejnfeld, Joachim Zeller, Željana Zovko
S&D	Enrique Guerrero Salom, Arne Lietz, Linda McAvan, Elly Schlein
VERTS/ALE	Ana Miranda

0	-

0	0

Key to symbols:

+  :  in favour

-  :  against

0  :  abstention

OPINION of the Committee on Budgetary Control (21.11.2018)

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund and external financing instruments
(COM(2018)0374 – C8‑0229/2018 – 2018/0199(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Arndt Kohn

AMENDMENTS

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

Amendment    1 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(9)  Objective criteria for designating eligible regions and areas should be established. To that end, the identification of eligible regions and areas at Union level should be based on the common system of classification of the regions established by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council26 .	(9)  Objective and transparent criteria for designating eligible regions and areas should be established. To that end, the identification of eligible regions and areas at Union level should be based on the common system of classification of the regions established by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council26 .
_________________	_________________
26 Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) (OJ L 154, 21.6.2003, p. 1).	26 Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) (OJ L 154, 21.6.2003, p. 1).
Amendment    2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 17 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(17 a)  The future European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) should sufficiently take into account and where necessary provide financial support to the regions which will be most affected by the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union, in particular those which will become border regions (through maritime and land borders);
Amendment    3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 19
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(19)  This Regulation should add two Interreg-specific objectives, one to support an Interreg-specific objective strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing legal and administrative cooperation, in particular where linked to implementation of the Border Regions Communication, intensify cooperation between citizens and institutions and the development and coordination of macro-regional and sea-basin strategies, and one to address specific external cooperation issues such as safety, security, border crossing management and migration.	(19)  This Regulation should add one Interreg-specific objectives, one to support an Interreg-specific objective strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing legal and administrative cooperation, in particular where linked to implementation of the Border Regions Communication, intensify cooperation between citizens and institutions and the development and coordination of macro-regional and sea-basin strategies.
Justification
Although this goal is important, it is difficult to bring it in line with the cohesion policy objectives on which the Interreg programme is based and should be deleted for the sake of a coherent policy. This additional objective could create a wrong impression of expectations from Interreg in this field. Besides this, other funds and budget lines in the MFF already address the broad range of issues listed under this objective.
Amendment    4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 21
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(21)  Provisions on the preparation, approval and amendment of Interreg programmes as well as on territorial development, on the selection of operations, on monitoring and evaluation, on the programme authorities, on audit of operations, and on transparency and communication should be adapted to the specificities of Interreg programmes compared to the provisions set out in Regulation (EU) [new CPR].	(21)  Provisions on the preparation, approval and amendment of Interreg programmes as well as on territorial development, on the selection of operations, on monitoring and evaluation, on the programme authorities, on audit of operations, and on transparency and communication should be adapted to the specificities of Interreg programmes compared to the provisions set out in Regulation (EU) [new CPR]. These specific provisions shall be kept simple and clear in order to avoid gold-plating and additional administrative burden for Member States and beneficiaries.
Amendment    5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 25
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(25)  Pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the Inter-institutional agreement for Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016, there is a need to evaluate the Funds on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements, while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens, in particular on Member States. These requirements, where appropriate, can include measurable indicators, as a basis for evaluating the effects of the Funds on the ground.	(25)  Pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the Inter-institutional agreement for Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016, there is a need to evaluate the Funds on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements, while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens, in particular on Member States and beneficiaries. These requirements, where appropriate, can include measurable indicators which are found to be most suited to measure progress towards the goals of the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) programme as a basis for evaluating the effects of the Funds used in this programme on the ground.
Amendment    6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 26
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(26)  Based on experience during the programming period 2014-2020, the system introducing a clear hierarchy of rules on eligibility of expenditure should be continued while maintaining the principle of rules on eligibility of expenditure to be established at Union level or for Interreg programme as a whole to avoid any possible contradictions or inconsistencies between different Regulations and between Regulations and national rules. Additional rules adopted by one Member State which would only apply to the beneficiaries in that Member State should be limited to the strict minimum. In particular, provisions of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 481/201433 adopted for the programming period 2014-2020 should be integrated into this Regulation.	(26)  Based on experience during the programming period 2014-2020, the system introducing a clear hierarchy of rules on eligibility of expenditure should be continued while maintaining the principle of rules on eligibility of expenditure to be established at Union level or for Interreg programme as a whole to avoid any possible contradictions or inconsistencies between different Regulations and between Regulations and national rules. Additional rules adopted by one Member State which would only apply to the beneficiaries in that Member State should be avoided. In particular, provisions of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 481/201433 adopted for the programming period 2014-2020 should be integrated into this Regulation.
_________________	_________________
33 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 481/2014 of 4 March 2014 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1299/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to specific rules on eligibility of expenditure for cooperation programmes (OJ L 138, 13.5.2014, p. 45).	33 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 481/2014 of 4 March 2014 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1299/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to specific rules on eligibility of expenditure for cooperation programmes (OJ L 138, 13.5.2014, p. 45).
Amendment    7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 29
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(29)  Pursuant to Article [63(9)] of Regulation (EU, Euratom) [FR-Omnibus] sector-specific rules are to take account of the needs of European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg) programmes as regards, in particular the audit function. The provisions on the annual audit opinion, the annual control report and the audits of operations should therefore be simplified and adapted to those programmes involving more than one Member States.	(29)  Pursuant to Article [63(9)] of Regulation (EU, Euratom) [FR-Omnibus] sector-specific rules are to take account of the needs of European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg) programmes, as regards in particular the audit function. The provisions on the annual audit opinion, the annual control report and the audits of operations should therefore be simplified and adapted to those programmes involving more than one Member State.
Amendment    8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 30
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(30)  A clear chain of financial liability in respect of recovery for irregularities should be established from sole or other partners via the lead partner and the managing authority to the Commission. Provision should be made for liability of Member States, third countries, partner countries or Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), where obtaining recovery from the sole or other or lead partner is not successful, meaning that the Member State reimburses the managing authority. Consequently, under Interreg programmes there is no scope for irrecoverable amounts on the level of beneficiaries. It is, however, necessary to clarify the rules, should a Member State, third country, partner country or OCT not reimburse the managing authority. The obligations of the lead partner for recovery should also be clarified. In particular, the managing authority should not be allowed to oblige the lead partner to launch a judicial procedure in a different country.	(30)  A clear chain of financial liability in respect of recovery for irregularities should be established from sole or other partners via the lead partner and the managing authority to the Commission. Provision should be made for liability of Member States, third countries, partner countries or Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), where obtaining recovery from the sole or other or lead partner is not successful, meaning that the Member State reimburses the managing authority. Consequently, under Interreg programmes there is no scope for irrecoverable amounts on the level of beneficiaries. It is necessary, however, to clarify the rules should a Member State, third country, partner country or OCT not reimburse the managing authority. The obligations of the lead partner for recovery should also be clarified. In particular, the managing authority should not be allowed to oblige the lead partner to launch a judicial procedure in a different country.
Amendment    9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 32
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(32)  Although Interreg programmes with the participation of third countries, partner countries or OCTs should be implemented under shared management, outermost regions’ cooperation may be implemented under indirect management. Specific rules should be set out how to implement those programmes as a whole or partially under indirect management.	(32)  Although Interreg programmes with the participation of third countries, partner countries or OCTs should be implemented under shared management, outermost regions’ cooperation may be implemented under indirect management. Specific rules should be set out on how to implement those programmes as a whole or partially under indirect management.
Amendment    10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 35
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(35)  In order to ensure uniform conditions for the adoption or amendment of Interreg programmes, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. However, external cross-border cooperation programmes should respect, where applicable, Committee procedures established under Regulations (EU) [IPA III] and [NDICI] with regard to the first approval decision of those programmes.	(35)  In order to ensure uniform conditions for the adoption or amendment of Interreg programmes, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. However, where applicable, external cross-border cooperation programmes should respect Committee procedures established under Regulations (EU) [IPA III] and [NDICI] with regard to the first approval decision of those programmes.
Amendment    11 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
6.  Where a third country or partner country contributing to an Interreg programme with national resources, which do not constitute the national cofinancing of support from the ERDF or from an external financing instrument of the Union, reduces that contribution during the implementation of the Interreg programme, either globally or with regard to joint operations already selected and having received the document provided for in Article 22(6), the participating Member State or Member States shall request one of the options set out in the second subparagraph of paragraph 4.	6.  Where a third country or partner country contributing to an Interreg programme with national resources, which does not constitute the national cofinancing of support from the ERDF or from an external financing instrument of the Union, reduces that contribution during the implementation of the Interreg programme, either globally or with regard to joint operations already selected and having received the document provided for in Article 22(6), the participating Member State or Member States shall request one of the options set out in the second subparagraph of paragraph 4.
Amendment    12 Proposal for a regulation Article 18 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The Commission shall assess each Interreg programme and its compliance with Regulation (EU) [new CPR], Regulation (EU) [new ERDF] and this Regulation and, in the case of support from an external financing instrument of the Union and where relevant, its consistency with the multi-annual strategy document under Article 10(1) or the relevant strategic programming framework under the respective basic act of one or more of those instruments.	1.  The Commission shall assess each Interreg programme and its compliance with Regulation (EU) [new CPR], Regulation (EU) [new ERDF] and this Regulation; in the case of support from an external financing instrument of the Union and where relevant, its consistency with the multi-annual strategy document under Article 10(1) or the relevant strategic programming framework, the Commission shall assess its compliance under the respective basic act of one or more of those instruments.
Amendment    13 Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The Member State may transfer during the programming period an amount of up to 5% of the initial allocation of a priority and no more than 3% of the programme budget to another priority of the same Interreg programme.	The Member State may transfer during the programming period an amount of up to 10% of the initial allocation of a priority and no more than 6% of the programme budget to another priority of the same Interreg programme.
Amendment    14 Proposal for a regulation Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  for internal cross-border cooperation Interreg programmes supported by the ERDF: 6%;	(a)  for internal cross-border cooperation Interreg programmes supported by the ERDF: 7%;
Amendment    15 Proposal for a regulation Article 27 – paragraph 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5.  The monitoring committee shall meet at least once a year and shall review all issues that affect the programme’s progress towards achieving its objectives.	5.  The monitoring committee shall meet at least once a year and shall review all issues that affect the programme’s progress towards achieving its objectives and draw recommendations where necessary.
Amendment    16 Proposal for a regulation Article 28 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The composition of the monitoring committee of each Interreg programme shall be agreed by the Member States and, where applicable, by the third countries, partner countries and OCTs participating in that programme and shall ensure a balanced representation of the relevant authorities, intermediate bodies and representatives of the programme partners referred to in Article [6] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] from Member States, third countries, partner countries and OCTs.	The composition of the monitoring committee of each Interreg programme shall be agreed in an open and transparent manner by the Member States and, where applicable, by the third countries, partner countries and OCTs participating in that programme and shall ensure a balanced representation of the relevant authorities, intermediate bodies and representatives of the programme partners referred to in Article [6] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] from Member States, third countries, partner countries and OCTs.
Amendment    17 Proposal for a regulation Article 30 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
A review may be organised by the Commission to examine the performance of Interreg programmes.	A review shall be organised by the Commission to examine the performance of Interreg programmes.
Amendment    18 Proposal for a regulation Article 30 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3.  The outcome of the review shall be recorded in agreed minutes.	3.  The results of the review shall be recorded in agreed minutes and published on the website of the reviewed programme. The Commission shall assess the results of the review in writing, publish a performance assessment and communicate this assessment to the European Parliament and Council.
Amendment    19 Proposal for a regulation Article 31 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Each managing authority shall electronically transmit to the Commission cumulative data for the respective Interreg programme by 31 January, 31 March, 31 May, 31 July, 30 September and 30 November of each year in accordance with the template in Annex [VII] to Regulation (EU) [new CPR].	Each managing authority shall electronically transmit to the Commission cumulative data for the respective Interreg programme by 31 January, 31 May, and 30 September of each year in accordance with the template in Annex [VII] to Regulation (EU) [new CPR].
Amendment    20 Proposal for a regulation Article 31 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	The transmission of data shall be carried out using existing data-reporting systems insofar as they have proven to be reliable during the previous programming period.
Justification
The installation of new data-reporting systems during the ongoing programming period was difficult due to a lack of instructions and guidelines in the beginning and made repeated adaptations necessary.
Amendment    21 Proposal for a regulation Article 33 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  Common output and common result indicators, as set out in Annex [I] to Regulation (EU) [new ERDF], and, where necessary, programme-specific output and result indicators shall be used in accordance with Article [12(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], and point (d)(ii) of Article 17(3) and point (b) of Article 31(2) of this Regulation.	1.  Common output and common result indicators, as set out in Annex [I] to Regulation (EU) [new ERDF], which are found to be most suited to measure progress towards the goals of the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) programme, shall be used in accordance with Article [12(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], and point (d)(ii) of Article 17(3) and point (b) of Article 31(2) of this Regulation.
Amendment    22 Proposal for a regulation Article 33 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1 a.  Where necessary and in cases duly justified by the managing authority, programme-specific output and result indicators shall be used in addition to the indicators which were selected in line with the first subparagraph of this article.
Amendment    23 Proposal for a regulation Article 33 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	2a.  In compliance with its reporting requirement pursuant to Article [38(3)(e)(i)] of the Financial Regulation, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament and the Council information on performance and results in accordance with the indicators, by reporting on both progress and shortfalls and by ensuring a clear link between spending and performance;
Amendment    24 Proposal for a regulation Article 34 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  The managing authority shall carry out evaluations of each Interreg programme. Each evaluation shall assess the programme’s effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added value with the aim to improve the quality of the design and implementation of the respective Interreg programme.	1.  The managing authority shall carry out evaluations of each Interreg programme. Each evaluation shall assess the programme’s effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added value with the aim to improve the quality of the design and implementation of the respective Interreg programme. The frequency of evaluations to be determined in the evaluation plan mentioned in paragraph 5 below shall not be higher than once per year.
Amendment    25 Proposal for a regulation Article 35 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  publicly displaying public plaques or billboards as soon as the physical implementation of an Interreg operation involving physical investment or the purchase of equipment starts, the total cost of which exceeds EUR 100 000;	(c)  publicly displaying public plaques or billboards as soon as the physical implementation of an Interreg operation involving physical investment or the purchase of equipment starts, the total cost of which exceeds EUR 25 000;
Amendment    26 Proposal for a regulation Article 35 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d)  for Interreg operations not falling under point (c), publicly displaying at least one printed or electronic display of a minimum size A3 with information about the Interreg operation highlighting the support from an Interreg fund;	(d)  for Interreg operations not falling under point (c), publicly displaying at least one printed or electronic display of a minimum size A2 with information about the Interreg operation highlighting the support from an Interreg fund;
Amendment    27 Proposal for a regulation Article 35 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e)  for operations of strategic importance and operations whose total cost exceed EUR 10 000 000 organising a communication event and involving the Commission and the responsible managing authority in a timely manner.	(e)  for operations of strategic importance and operations whose total cost exceed EUR 5 000 000 organising a communication event and involving the Commission and the responsible managing authority in a timely manner.
Amendment    28 Proposal for a regulation Article 35 – paragraph 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5.  For small project funds and financial instruments, the beneficiary shall ensure that final recipients comply with the requirements set out in point (c) of paragraph 4.	5.  For small project funds and financial instruments, the beneficiary shall ensure that final recipients comply with the requirements set out in point (c) and (d) of paragraph 4.
Amendment    29 Proposal for a regulation Article 38 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  Staff costs shall consist of gross employment costs of staff employed by the Interreg partner in one of the following ways:	1.  Subject to complying with all Union Labour laws and rights, staff costs shall consist of gross employment costs of staff employed by the Interreg partner in one of the following ways:
Amendment    30 Proposal for a regulation Article 48 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	The Commission shall set out the type of data and the criteria based on which the samples for its audit operations are formed as well as the methodology for the extrapolation of the error rate in an Annex to be adopted by delegated act in accordance with Article 62 of this Regulation.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	Specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund and external financing instruments
References	COM(2018)0374 – C8-0229/2018 – 2018/0199(COD)
Committee responsible        Date announced in plenary	REGI 11.6.2018
Opinion by        Date announced in plenary	CONT 5.7.2018
Rapporteur        Date appointed	Arndt Kohn 10.7.2018
Date adopted	15.11.2018
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	19 0 2
Members present for the final vote	Nedzhmi Ali, Inés Ayala Sender, Zigmantas Balčytis, Dennis de Jong, Tamás Deutsch, Martina Dlabajová, Luke Ming Flanagan, Ingeborg Gräßle, Arndt Kohn, Gilles Pargneaux, Georgi Pirinski, Petri Sarvamaa, Bart Staes, Indrek Tarand, Derek Vaughan, Tomáš Zdechovský, Joachim Zeller
Substitutes present for the final vote	Caterina Chinnici, Marian-Jean Marinescu, Julia Pitera, Richard Sulík

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

19	+
ALDE	Nedzhmi Ali, Martina Dlabajová
ECR	Richard Sulík
GUE/NGL	Luke Ming Flanagan
PPE	Ingeborg Gräßle, Marian-Jean Marinescu, Julia Pitera, Petri Sarvamaa, Tomáš Zdechovský, Joachim Zeller
S&D	Inés Ayala Sender, Zigmantas Balčytis, Caterina Chinnici, Arndt Kohn, Gilles Pargneaux, Georgi Pirinski, Derek Vaughan
VERTS/ALE	Bart Staes, Indrek Tarand

0	-

2	0
GUE/NGL	Dennis de Jong
PPE	Tamás Deutsch

Key to symbols:

+  :  in favour

-  :  against

0  :  abstention

OPINION of the Committee on Culture and Education (16.10.2018)

for the Committee on Regional Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund and external financing instruments
(COM(2018)0374 – C8‑0229/2018 – 2018/0199(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Marlene Mizzi

AMENDMENTS

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

Amendment    1 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3)  In order to support the harmonious development of the Union's territory at different levels, the ERDF should support cross-border cooperation, transnational cooperation, maritime cooperation, outermost regions’ cooperation and interregional cooperation under the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg).	(3)  In order to support the harmonious development of the Union's territory at different levels, the ERDF should support cross-border cooperation, transnational cooperation, maritime cooperation, outermost regions’ cooperation and interregional cooperation under the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg), also in the fields of culture and creativity with a particular focus on strengthening human skills and capabilities as key enablers of economic and social development, whilst also giving due regard to training programmes that may require added funding;
Amendment    2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(4)  The cross-border cooperation component should aim to tackle common challenges identified jointly in the border regions, and to exploit the untapped growth potential in border areas as evidenced in the Communication of the Commission 'Boosting Growth and Cohesion in EU Border Regions’23 ('Border Regions Communication'). Consequently, the cross-border component should be limited to cooperation on land borders and cross-border cooperation on maritime borders should be integrated into the transnational component.	(4)  The cross-border cooperation component should aim to tackle common challenges, including cultural differences and language barriers, identified jointly in the border regions, as these may hinder integration, restrict interaction and scale down opportunities for people and businesses on both sides of the border, and to exploit the untapped growth potential in border areas as evidenced in the Communication of the Commission 'Boosting Growth and Cohesion in EU Border Regions’23 ('Border Regions Communication'). Consequently, the cross-border component should be limited to cooperation on land borders and cross-border cooperation on maritime borders should be integrated into the transnational component.
__________________	__________________
23 Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament 'Boosting growth and cohesion in EU border regions' - COM(2017) 534 final, 20.9.2017.	23 Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament 'Boosting growth and cohesion in EU border regions' - COM(2017) 534 final, 20.9.2017.
Amendment    3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 7
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(7)  Based on the experience with cross-border and transnational cooperation during the programming period 2014-2020 in outermost regions, where the combination of both components within a single programme per cooperation area has not brought about sufficient simplification for programme authorities and beneficiaries, a specific outermost regions’ component should be established in order to enable outermost regions to cooperate with their neighbouring countries and territories in the most effective and simple way.	(7)  Based on the experience with cross-border and transnational cooperation during the programming period 2014-2020 in outermost regions, where the combination of both components within a single programme per cooperation area has not brought about sufficient simplification for programme authorities and beneficiaries, a specific outermost regions’ component should be established in order to enable outermost regions to cooperate with their neighbouring countries and territories in the most effective and simple way so as to establish strong and sustainable bonds based on cooperation and mutual understanding;
Amendment    4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(8)  Based on the experience with the interregional cooperation programmes under Interreg and the lack of such cooperation within programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal during the programming period 2014-2020, the interregional cooperation component should focus more specifically on boosting the effectiveness of cohesion policy. That component should therefore be limited to two programmes, one to enable all kind of experience, innovative approaches and capacity building for programmes under both goals and to promote European groupings of territorial cooperation ('EGTCs') set up or to be set up pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council24 and one to improve the analysis of development trends. Project-based cooperation throughout the Union should be integrated into the new component on interregional innovation investments and closely linked to the implementation of the Communication from the Commission 'Strengthening Innovation in Europe's Regions: Strategies for resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth'25 , in particular to support thematic smart specialisation platforms on fields such as energy, industrial modernisation or agrifood. Finally, integrated territorial development focusing on functional urban areas or urban areas should be concentrated within programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal and in one accompanying instrument, the ‘European Urban Initiative”. The two programmes under the interregional cooperation component should cover the whole Union and should also be open for the participation of third countries.	(8)  Based on the experience with the interregional cooperation programmes under Interreg and the lack of such cooperation within programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal during the programming period 2014-2020, the interregional cooperation component should focus more specifically on boosting the effectiveness of cohesion policy. That component should therefore be limited to two programmes, one to enable all kind of experience, innovative approaches and capacity building for programmes under both goals and to promote European groupings of territorial cooperation ('EGTCs') set up or to be set up pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council24 and one to improve the analysis of development trends. Project-based cooperation throughout the Union should be integrated into the new component on interregional innovation investments and closely linked to the implementation of the Communication from the Commission 'Strengthening Innovation in Europe's Regions: Strategies for resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth'25 , in particular to support thematic smart specialisation platforms on fields such as energy, industrial modernisation, culture, cultural heritage,  cultural and creative sectors, agrifood, the strengthening of human skills and capabilities, and the preservation and dissemination of common cultural heritage. Finally, integrated territorial development focusing on functional urban areas or urban areas should be concentrated within programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal and in one accompanying instrument, the ‘European Urban Initiative”. The two programmes under the interregional cooperation component should cover the whole Union and should also be open for the participation of third countries.
_________________	_________________
24 Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on a European grouping of territorial cooperation (EGTC) (OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 19).	24 Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on a European grouping of territorial cooperation (EGTC) (OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 19).
25 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions 'Strengthening Innovation in Europe's Regions: Strategies for resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth' - COM(2017) 376 final, 18.7.2017.	25 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions 'Strengthening Innovation in Europe's Regions: Strategies for resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth' - COM(2017) 376 final, 18.7.2017.
Amendment    5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 11
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(11)  IPA III assistance should mainly focus on assisting the IPA beneficiaries to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law, reform the judiciary and public administration, respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality, tolerance, social inclusion and non-discrimination. IPA assistance should continue to support the efforts of the IPA beneficiaries to advance regional, macro-regional and cross-border cooperation as well as territorial development, including through the implementation of Union macro-regional strategies. In addition, IPA assistance should address security, migration and border management, ensuring access to international protection, sharing relevant information, enhancing border control and pursuing common efforts in the fight against irregular migration and migrant smuggling.	(11)  IPA III assistance should mainly focus on assisting the IPA beneficiaries to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law, reform the judiciary and public administration, respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality, tolerance, social inclusion and non-discrimination, develop inclusive and sustainable education systems with the aim to provide more opportunities of a better quality for young people, through horizontal youth policies. IPA assistance should continue to support the efforts of the IPA beneficiaries to advance regional, macro-regional and cross-border cooperation as well as territorial development, including through the implementation of Union macro-regional strategies. In addition, IPA assistance should address security, migration and border management, ensuring access to international protection, sharing relevant information, enhancing border control and pursuing common efforts in the fight against irregular migration and migrant smuggling.
Amendment    6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 17
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(17)  The ERDF should contribute, under Interreg, to the specific objectives under the cohesion policy objectives. However, the list of the specific objectives under the different thematic objectives should be adapted to the specific needs of Interreg, by providing for additional specific objectives under the policy objective 'a more social Europe by implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights' in order to allow for ESF-type interventions.	(17)  The ERDF should contribute, under Interreg, to the specific objectives under the cohesion policy objectives. However, the list of the specific objectives under the different thematic objectives should be adapted to the specific needs of Interreg, by providing for additional specific objectives under the policy objective 'a more social Europe by implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights' in order to allow for ESF-type interventions, with a particular focus on the access to education, creation of more opportunities of a better quality for young people and cultural integration.
Amendment    7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 19
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(19)  This Regulation should add two Interreg-specific objectives, one to support an Interreg-specific objective strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing legal and administrative cooperation, in particular where linked to implementation of the Border Regions Communication, intensify cooperation between citizens and institutions and the development and coordination of macro-regional and sea-basin strategies, and one to address specific external cooperation issues such as safety, security, border crossing management and migration.	(19)  This Regulation should add two Interreg-specific objectives, one to support an Interreg-specific objective strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing legal and administrative cooperation, in particular where linked to implementation of the Border Regions Communication, intensify cooperation between citizens, civil society organisations and institutions and the development and coordination of macro-regional and sea-basin strategies, and one to address specific external cooperation issues such as safety, security, border crossing management and migration.
Amendment    8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 23
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(23)  It is necessary to clarify the rules governing small project funds which have been implemented since Interreg has existed, but have never been covered by specific provisions. As also set out in the Opinion of the Committee of the Regions ‘People-to-people and small-scale projects in cross-border cooperation programmes’32 , such small project funds play an important role in building up trust between citizens and institutions, offer great European added value and contribute considerably to the overall objective of cross-border cooperation programmes by overcoming border obstacles and integrating border areas and their citizens. In order to simplify the management of the financing of small projects by the final recipients, who are often not used to applying for Union funds, the use of simplified cost options and of lump sums should be made obligatory below a certain threshold.	(23)  It is necessary to clarify the rules governing small project funds which have been implemented since Interreg has existed, but have never been covered by specific provisions. As also set out in the Opinion of the Committee of the Regions ‘People-to-people and small-scale projects in cross-border cooperation programmes’32 , such small project funds play an important role in building up trust between citizens and institutions, offer great European added value and contribute considerably to the overall objective of cross-border cooperation programmes by overcoming border obstacles and integrating border areas and their citizens. They should favour in particular cultural, artistic and citizen-orientated cross-border initiatives. In order to simplify the management of the financing of small projects by the final recipients, who are often not used to applying for Union funds, the use of simplified cost options and of lump sums should be made obligatory below a certain threshold.
_________________	_________________
32 Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions ‘People-to-people and small-scale projects in cross-border cooperation programmes’ of 12 July 2017 (OJ C 342, 12.10.2017, p. 38).	32 Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions ‘People-to-people and small-scale projects in cross-border cooperation programmes’ of 12 July 2017 (OJ C 342, 12.10.2017, p. 38).
Amendment    9 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b)  improving access to and the quality of education, training and lifelong learning across borders with a view to increasing the educational attainment and skills levels thereof as to be recognised across borders;	(b)  improving access to quality education, training and lifelong learning across borders with a view to increasing the educational attainment, youth and researchers mobility and strengthening linguistic skills and other human skills and competencies;
Amendment    10 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ba)  promoting and supporting the creation of cross-border partnerships between educational, cultural, artistic, creative, audiovisual and research institutions in order to promote mutual understanding and dialogue in border regions, enhancing linguistic diversity and the role of educational and cultural policies and polices and the cultural, creative, artistic and audiovisual sectors as the driving force behind social innovation.
Amendment    11 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point b b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(bb)  improving access to culture and cultural services across borders;
Amendment    12 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point b c (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(bc)  promoting mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates, skills and competences in order to increase opportunities for education, training and employment across borders;
Amendment    13 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e)  promoting social inclusion and tackling poverty, including by enhancing equal opportunities and combating discrimination across borders.	(e)  promoting social inclusion, also of migrants, and tackling poverty, including by enhancing equal opportunities and combating discrimination across borders.
Amendment    14 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point e a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(e a)  improving access to cultural services and sport infrastructures, promoting artist mobility and cultural exchanges, which contribute to preservation and dissemination of common cultural heritage and to combating different, usually persistent prejudices and stereotypes, increase social integration and tackle social and language barriers;
Amendment    15 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 4 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c)  under external cross-border and component 2 and 3 Interreg programmes supported by the Interreg funds, in addition to points (a) and (b): building up mutual trust, in particular by encouraging people-to-people actions, by enhancing sustainable democracy and by supporting civil society actors and their role in reforming processes and democratic transitions;	(c)  under external cross-border and component 2 and 3 Interreg programmes supported by the Interreg funds, in addition to points (a) and (b): building up mutual trust, in particular by encouraging people-to-people actions and youth mobility experiences, by enhancing sustainable democracy and by supporting civil society actors and their role in reforming processes and democratic transitions;
Amendment    16 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5.  Under external cross-border and component 2 and 3 Interreg programmes the ERDF and, where applicable, the external financing instruments of the Union shall also contribute to the external Interreg-specific objective 'a safer and more secure Europe', in particular by actions in the fields of border crossing management and mobility and migration management, including the protection of migrants.	5.  Under external cross-border and component 2 and 3 Interreg programmes the ERDF and, where applicable, the external financing instruments of the Union shall also contribute to the external Interreg-specific objective 'a safer and more secure Europe', in particular by actions in the fields of border crossing management and mobility and migration management, including the protection of migrants, intercultural mediation and linguistic facilitation;
Amendment    17 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point b – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i)  economic, social and territorial disparities;	(i)  economic, social, demographic and territorial disparities;
Amendment    18 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point b – point i a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(i a)  new cultural, educational and linguistic specificities and barriers;
Amendment    19 Proposal for a regulation Article 18 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1 a.  When assessing each Interreg programme the Commission shall take into account the overall positive effect of the programme on the society and local communities, with a particular focus on social and economic development and inclusiveness and intercultural dialogue mutual understanding.
Amendment    20 Proposal for a regulation Article 21 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Community-led local development ('CLLD') under point (b) of Article [22] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] may be implemented in Interreg programmes, provided that the relevant local action groups are composed of representatives of public and private local socio-economic interests, in which no single interest group controls the decision-making, and of at least two participating countries, of which at least one is a Member State.	Community-led local development ('CLLD') under point (b) of Article [22] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] may be implemented in Interreg programmes, provided that the relevant local action groups are composed of representatives of public and private local socio-economic interests, including civil society organisations, in which no single interest group controls the decision-making, and of at least two participating countries, of which at least one is a Member State. Local action groups shall be representative of all socio-economic and age groups including minorities, people with disabilities and with fewer opportunities.
Amendment    21 Proposal for a regulation Article 26 – paragraph 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4.  For Interreg programmes with a total allocation below EUR 30 000 000, the amount needed for technical assistance expressed in EUR and the resulting percentage shall be fixed in the Commission decision approving the Interreg programme concerned.	4.  For Interreg programmes with a total allocation below EUR 30 000 000, the amount needed for technical assistance shall be expressed in euro and the resulting percentage shall be fixed in the Commission decision approving the Interreg programme concerned.
Amendment    22 Proposal for a regulation Article 34 – paragraph 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
6.  The managing authority shall submit the evaluation plan to the monitoring committee no later than one year after the approval of the Interreg programme.	6.  The managing authority shall submit the evaluation plan to the monitoring committee no later than 12 months after the date of approval of the Interreg programme.
Amendment    23 Proposal for a regulation Article 35 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.  The managing authority shall ensure that, within six months of the Interreg programme's approval, there is a website where information on each Interreg programme under its responsibility is available, covering the programme’s objectives, activities, available funding opportunities and achievements.	2.  The managing authority shall ensure that, within six months of the Interreg programme's approval, there is a website where information on each Interreg programme under its responsibility is available. The information provided on that website shall cover programme’s objectives, activities, available funding opportunities and achievements.
Amendment    24 Proposal for a regulation Article 56 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1.  Where the implementation of an operation requires procurement of service, supply or works contracts by a beneficiary, the following rules shall apply:	1.  Where the implementation of an operation requires procurement of service, contracts of supply or contract of works or both by a beneficiary, the following rules shall apply:
Amendment    25 Proposal for a regulation Article 56 – paragraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a)  where the beneficiary is a contracting authority or a contracting entity within the meaning of the Union law applicable to public procurement procedures, it shall apply national laws, regulations and administrative provisions adopted in connection with Union laws;	(a)  where the beneficiary is a contracting authority within the meaning of Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council1a, it shall apply national laws, regulations and administrative provisions adopted in connection with Union laws;
	__________________
	1a Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC. (OJ L94, 28.3.2014, P.96)

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	Specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund and external financing instruments
References	COM(2018)0374 – C8-0229/2018 – 2018/0199(COD)
Committee responsible        Date announced in plenary	REGI 11.6.2018
Opinion by        Date announced in plenary	CULT 11.6.2018
Rapporteur        Date appointed	Marlene Mizzi 3.7.2018
Discussed in committee	3.9.2018
Date adopted	10.10.2018
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	23 1 3
Members present for the final vote	Isabella Adinolfi, Dominique Bilde, Nikolaos Chountis, Silvia Costa, Mircea Diaconu, Damian Drăghici, Jill Evans, María Teresa Giménez Barbat, Giorgos Grammatikakis, Petra Kammerevert, Krystyna Łybacka, Svetoslav Hristov Malinov, Rupert Matthews, Stefano Maullu, Morten Messerschmidt, Luigi Morgano, Michaela Šojdrová, Helga Trüpel, Sabine Verheyen, Julie Ward, Bogdan Brunon Wenta, Theodoros Zagorakis, Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski, Milan Zver
Substitutes present for the final vote	Norbert Erdős, Martina Michels, Marlene Mizzi

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

23	+
ALDE	Mircea Diaconu, María Teresa Giménez Barbat
GUE/NGL	Nikolaos Chountis, Martina Michels
PPE	Norbert Erdős, Svetoslav Hristov Malinov, Stefano Maullu, Michaela Šojdrová, Sabine Verheyen, Bogdan Brunon Wenta, Theodoros Zagorakis, Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski, Milan Zver
S&D	Silvia Costa, Damian Drăghici, Giorgos Grammatikakis, Petra Kammerevert, Krystyna Łybacka, Marlene Mizzi, Luigi Morgano, Julie Ward
Verts/ALE	Jill Evans, Helga Trüpel

1	-
ENF	Dominique Bilde

3	0
ECR	Rupert Matthews, Morten Messerschmidt
EFDD	Isabella Adinolfi

Key to symbols:

+  :  in favour

-  :  against

0  :  abstention

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Title	Specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund and external financing instruments
References	COM(2018)0374 – C8-0229/2018 – 2018/0199(COD)
Date submitted to Parliament	30.5.2018
Committee responsible        Date announced in plenary	REGI 11.6.2018
Committees asked for opinions        Date announced in plenary	AFET 11.6.2018	DEVE 11.6.2018	BUDG 11.6.2018	CONT 5.7.2018
	EMPL 11.6.2018	ENVI 11.6.2018	ITRE 11.6.2018	TRAN 11.6.2018
	PECH 5.7.2018	CULT 11.6.2018
Not delivering opinions        Date of decision	BUDG 28.6.2018	EMPL 14.6.2018	ENVI 21.6.2018	ITRE 19.6.2018
	TRAN 20.6.2018	PECH 11.7.2018
Associated committees        Date announced in plenary	DEVE 5.7.2018	AFET 5.7.2018
Rapporteurs        Date appointed	Pascal Arimont 20.6.2018
Discussed in committee	20.6.2018	3.9.2018
Date adopted	3.12.2018
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	23 0 0
Members present for the final vote	Pascal Arimont, Mercedes Bresso, Andrea Cozzolino, Rosa D’Amato, Aleksander Gabelic, Krzysztof Hetman, Sławomir Kłosowski, Constanze Krehl, Iskra Mihaylova, Andrey Novakov, Mirosław Piotrowski, Stanislav Polčák, Liliana Rodrigues, Matthijs van Miltenburg, Lambert van Nistelrooij
Substitutes present for the final vote	Daniel Buda, Raffaele Fitto, John Howarth, Tonino Picula, Maurice Ponga, Bronis Ropė, Davor Škrlec
Substitutes under Rule 200(2) present for the final vote	Georgios Kyrtsos
Date tabled	18.12.2018

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

23	+
ALDE	Iskra Mihaylova, Matthijs van Miltenburg
ECR	Raffaele Fitto, Sławomir Kłosowski, Mirosław Piotrowski
EFDD	Rosa D'Amato
PPE	Pascal Arimont, Daniel Buda, Krzysztof Hetman, Georgios Kyrtsos, Lambert van Nistelrooij, Andrey Novakov, Stanislav Polčák, Maurice Ponga
S&D	Mercedes Bresso, Andrea Cozzolino, Aleksander Gabelic, John Howarth, Constanze Krehl, Tonino Picula, Liliana Rodrigues
VERTS/ALE	Bronis Ropė, Davor Škrlec

0	-

0	0

Key to symbols:

+  :  in favour

-  :  against

0  :  abstention