REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Programme for single market, competitiveness of enterprises, including small and medium-sized enterprises, and European statistics and repealing Regulations (EU) No 99/2013, (EU) No 1287/2013, (EU) No 254/2014, (EU) No 258/2014, (EU) No 652/2014 and (EU) 2017/826

30.1.2019 - (COM(2018)0441 – C8‑0254/2018 – 2018/0231(COD)) - ***I

Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection
Rapporteur: Nicola Danti
Rapporteurs for the opinion (*):
Ralph Packet, Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
Lukas Mandl, Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
Patrizia Toia, Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
Sofia Ribeiro, Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
(*) Associated committees – Rule 54 of the Rules of Procedure

Procedure : 2018/0231(COD)

Document stages in plenary

Document selected :

A8-0052/2019

Texts tabled :

A8-0052/2019

Debates :

Votes :

PV 12/02/2019 - 9.12
CRE 12/02/2019 - 9.12

Texts adopted :

P8_TA(2019)0073

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
OPINION of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
OPINION of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
OPINION of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
OPINION of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
OPINION of the Committee on Budgets
PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE
FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Programme for single market, competitiveness of enterprises, including small and medium-sized enterprises, and European statistics and repealing Regulations (EU) No 99/2013, (EU) No 1287/2013, (EU) No 254/2014, (EU) No 258/2014, (EU) No 652/2014 and (EU) 2017/826

(COM(2018)0441 – C8‑0254/2018 – 2018/0231(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2018)0441),

– having regard to Article 294(2), Article 43(2), Article 168(4)(b) and Articles 114, 173 and 338 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C8‑0254/2018),

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

– having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 17 October 2018[1],

– having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of 5 December 2018[2],

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

– having regard to the report of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and also the opinions of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and the Committee on Budgets (A8-0052/2019),

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

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

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

Amendment 1 Proposal for a regulation Recital 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1) The internal market is a cornerstone of the Union. Since its inception, it has proved a major contributor to growth, competitiveness and employment. It has generated new opportunities and economies of scale for European businesses, notably micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and strengthened their industrial competitiveness. The internal market contributed to the creation of jobs and offered greater choice at lower prices for consumers. It continues to be an engine for building a stronger, more balanced and fairer economy. It is one of the Union's major achievements and its best asset in an increasingly global world.	(1) The internal market is a cornerstone of the Union. Since its inception, it has proved a major contributor to growth, competitiveness and employment. It has generated new opportunities and economies of scale for European businesses, notably micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and strengthened their industrial competitiveness, and it should continue benefitting all citizens equally. The internal market contributed to the creation of jobs and offered greater choice at lower prices for consumers while guaranteeing high quality of products and services offered. It continues to be an engine for building a more integrated market and a stronger, more balanced and fairer economy. It is one of the Union's major achievements and its best asset in an increasingly global world, as well as being core element in achieving the transformation into a resource- and energy-efficient sustainable economy to respond to the increasing pressure of climate change.
Amendment 2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2) The internal market has to continuously adapt to a rapidly changing environment of digital revolution and globalisation. A new era of digital innovation continues to provide opportunities for businesses and individuals, creates new products and business models but equally constitutes a challenge to regulation and enforcement.	(2) The internal market has to continuously adapt to a rapidly changing environment of digital revolution and globalisation. A new era of digital innovation continues to provide opportunities and benefits to the economy and to daily lives, especially for businesses and individuals, creates new products and business models but equally constitutes a challenge to regulation and enforcement, and to consumer protection and safety.
Amendment 3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3) The substantial body of Union legislation underpins the functioning of the internal market. This concerns, in particular, competitiveness, standardisation, consumer protection, market surveillance and food chain regulation but also rules concerning business, trade and financial transactions and the promotion of fair competition providing for a level playing field essential for the functioning of the internal market.	(3) The substantial body of Union legislation underpins the functioning of the internal market. This concerns, in particular, competitiveness, standardisation, mutual recognition, consumer protection, market surveillance and food chain regulation but also rules concerning business, trade and financial transactions and the promotion of fair competition providing for a level playing field essential for the functioning of the internal market for the benefit of consumers and businesses.
Amendment 4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(4) Still, barriers to the proper functioning of the internal market remain and the new obstacles emerge. Adopting rules is only a first step, but making them work is as important. This is ultimately a matter of citizens' trust in the Union, in its capacity to deliver, and ability to create jobs and growth while protecting the public interest.	(4) Still, unjustified, discriminatory and disproportionate barriers to the proper functioning of the internal market, remain and the new obstacles emerge. Adopting rules is only a first step, but making them work is as important. Inadequate enforcement of existing rules, barriers to free movement of goods and services, and low levels of cross-border public procurement limit the opportunities for businesses and consumers. Addressing such obstacles is ultimately a matter of citizens' trust in the Union, in its capacity to deliver, and its ability to create quality jobs and growth while protecting the public interest.
Amendment 5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(5) Several programmes for Union action exist currently in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises including SMEs, consumer protection, customers and end-users in financial services, policy making in financial services and food chain. Some additional activities are financed directly under the internal market budget lines. It is necessary to streamline and exploit synergies between various actions and provide for a more flexible and agile framework to finance activities aiming to achieve a well-functioning internal market in the most cost-efficient manner. It is therefore necessary to establish a new programme bringing together activities financed previously under those other programmes and other relevant budget lines. The programme should also include new initiatives which aim to improve the functioning of the internal market.	(5) Several programmes for Union action exist currently in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, consumer protection, customers and end-users in financial services, policy making in financial services and food chain. Some additional activities are financed directly under the internal market budget lines. It is necessary to streamline and exploit synergies between various actions and provide for a more flexible, transparent, simplified and agile framework to finance activities aiming to achieve a well-functioning and sustainable internal market. It is therefore necessary to establish a new programme bringing together activities financed previously under those other programmes and other relevant budget lines that draws the lessons to be learned from existing programmes. The programme should also include new initiatives which aim to improve the functioning of the internal market, avoiding duplication with related Union programmes and actions.
Amendment 6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(6) The development, production and dissemination of European statistics are subject to a separate European Statistical Programme established by Regulation (EU) No 99/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴⁷ . In order to provide continuity of producing and disseminating European statistics, the new programme should also include activities covered by the European Statistical Programme by providing a framework for the development, production and dissemination of European statistics. The new programme should establish the financial framework for European statistics to provide high-quality, comparable and reliable statistics on Europe in order to underpin the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all Union policies.	(6) The development, production and dissemination of European statistics are subject to a separate European Statistical Programme established by Regulation (EU) No 99/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴⁷. In order to provide continuity of producing and disseminating European statistics, the new programme should also include activities covered by the existing European Statistical Programme by providing a framework for the collection of data, as well as for the development, production, the correct use, application and dissemination of European statistics. The new programme should establish the financial framework for European statistics to provide high-quality, comparable and reliable European statistics, also on matters such trade and migration, in order to underpin the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all Union policies in accordance with Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union.
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⁴⁷ Regulation (EU) No 99/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2013 on the European statistical programme 2013-17 (OJ L 39, 9.2.2013, p 12).	⁴⁷ Regulation (EU) No 99/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2013 on the European statistical programme 2013-17 (OJ L 39, 9.2.2013, p 12).
Amendment 7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 7
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(7) It is therefore appropriate to establish a Programme for the internal market, competitiveness of enterprises, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and European statistics (the 'Programme'). The Programme should be established for the duration of seven years from 2021 to 2027.	(7) It is therefore appropriate to establish the Single Market Programme for strengthening the internal market and improving its functioning in the fields of competitiveness and sustainability of enterprises, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, standardisation, market surveillance, consumer protection, food supply chain and European statistics (the 'Programme'). The Programme should be established for the duration of seven years from 2021 to 2027.
Amendment 8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(8) The Programme should support the design, implementation and enforcement of Union legislation underpinning the proper functioning of the internal market. The Programme should support the creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market: businesses, citizens including consumers, civil society and public authorities. To that end, the Programme should aim to ensure the competitiveness of businesses, notably SMEs, but also supporting the enforcement of consumer protection and safety rules and by raising the awareness of businesses and individuals by providing them with the right tools, knowledge and competence to make informed decisions and strengthen their participation in Union’s policy-making. Furthermore, the Programme should aim to enhance regulatory and administrative cooperation, notably through exchange of best practices, building of knowledge and competence bases, including the use of strategic public procurement. The Programme should also aim to support the development of high-quality international standards that underpin the implementation of Union legislation. This also includes standard setting in the field of financial reporting and audit, thereby contributing to the transparency and well-functioning of the Union’s capital markets and to enhancing investor protection. The Programme should support rulemaking and standard setting also by ensuring the broadest possible stakeholder involvement. The objective of the Programme should also be to support the implementation and enforcement of Union legislation providing for a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain and the improvement of the welfare of animals.	(8) The Programme should support the design, implementation and enforcement of Union legislation underpinning the proper functioning of the internal market. The Programme should support the creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market: businesses, citizens including consumers, and employees, civil society and public authorities. To that end, the Programme should aim to ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of businesses, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including those in the tourism sector, but also supporting the enforcement of consumer protection and safety rules as well as environmental and social standards, and by raising the awareness of businesses and individuals by providing them with the right tools, appropriate information and assistance, knowledge and competence to make informed decisions and strengthen their participation in Union’s policy-making. Furthermore, the Programme should aim to enhance regulatory and administrative cooperation, notably through training programmes, exchange of best practices, building of knowledge and competence bases, including the use of strategic public procurement. The Programme should also aim to support the development of high-quality international standards that underpin the implementation of Union legislation. This also includes standard setting in the field of financial reporting and audit, thereby contributing to the transparency and well-functioning of the Union’s capital markets and to enhancing investor protection. The Programme should support rulemaking and standard setting also by ensuring the broadest possible stakeholder involvement. The objective of the Programme should also be to support the implementation and enforcement of Union legislation providing for a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain and the improvement of the welfare of animals.
Amendment 9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(9) A modern internal market promotes competition and benefits consumers, businesses and employees. Making better use of the ever evolving internal market in services should help European businesses create jobs and grow across borders, offer wider choice of services at better prices, and maintain high standards for consumers and workers. To achieve this, the Programme should contribute to the removal of remaining barriers, and to ensure a regulatory framework that can accommodate new innovative business models.	(9) A modern internal market that is based on principles of fairness, transparency and mutual trust, promotes competition and benefits consumers, businesses and employees. Making better use of the ever evolving internal market in services should help European businesses create jobs and grow across borders, offer wider choice of services at better prices, and maintain high standards for consumers and workers. To achieve this, the Programme should contribute to better monitoring of internal market developments, including of the impact of new technological development, the identification and the removal of remaining unjustified, discriminatory and disproportionate barriers, and ensure that the regulatory framework can accommodate new innovative business models, including collaborative economy models and social entrepreneurship, while ensuring a high-level of social protection, including for entrepreneurs.
Amendment 10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(10) Regulatory obstacles in the internal market have been removed for many industrial products through prevention mechanisms, the adoption of common rules and, where no such Union rules exist, through the principle of mutual recognition. In areas where no Union legislation exists, the principle of mutual recognition means that goods that are lawfully marketed in one Member State enjoy the right to free movement and can be sold in another Member State. However, inadequate application of mutual recognition makes it harder for companies to access markets in other Member States. Despite the high degree of market integration in the area of goods, this leads to lost opportunities for the economy at large. The Programme should therefore aim to improve the application of mutual recognition in the area of goods and to reduce the number of illegal and non-compliant goods entering the market.	(10) Regulatory obstacles in the internal market have been removed for many industrial products through prevention mechanisms, the adoption of common rules and standards, and, where no such Union rules exist, through the principle of mutual recognition. In areas where no Union legislation exists, the principle of mutual recognition means that goods that are lawfully marketed in one Member State enjoy the right to free movement and can be sold in another Member State, unless the Member State concerned has grounds to oppose the marketing of the goods, provided that such a restriction is non-discriminatory, justified by legitimate public interest objectives, as set out in Article 36 of the Treaty or recognised by the case-law of the Court of Justice, and proportionate to the aim pursued. However, inadequate application of mutual recognition such as unjustified or disproportionate restrictions makes it harder for companies to access markets in other Member States Despite the high degree of market integration in the area of goods, this leads to lost opportunities for the economy at large. The revision ofRegulation (EU) No xxx/ 2018 on Mutual Recognition will help to boost the economic benefits in this area. The Programme should therefore aim to improve the application of mutual recognition in the area of goods, realising its full potential and to reduce the number of illegal and non-compliant goods entering the market, through targeted awareness raising and training, support for Product Contact Points and better cooperation among competent authorities for mutual recognition and by strengthening market surveillance.
Amendment 11 Proposal for a regulation Recital 11
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(11) New regulatory and enforcement challenges relate to a rapidly changing environment of the digital revolution, concerning issues such as cybersecurity, internet of things or artificial intelligence. Should damage occur, stringent rules on product safety and liability are essential to ensure a policy response that allows European citizens, including consumers and businesses, to benefit from such rules. The Programme should therefore contribute to the rapid adaptation and enforcement of a Union product liability regime which fosters innovation.	(11) New regulatory and enforcement challenges relate to a rapidly changing environment of the digital revolution, concerning issues such as cybersecurity, data protection and privacy, internet of things or artificial intelligence and related ethical standards. Should damage occur, stringent rules on product safety and clarity with regard to liability, as well as strict enforcement of rules are essential to ensure a policy response that allows European citizens, including consumers and businesses, to benefit from such rules. The Programme should therefore contribute to the rapid adaptation and better enforcement of a Union product liability regime which fosters innovation whilst ensuring the safety and security of users.
Amendment 12 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(12) Placing on the market of products that are not compliant with Union law puts those who comply at disadvantage and may endanger consumers. Many entrepreneurs disregard the rules either through lack of knowledge or intentionally to gain a competitive advantage. Market surveillance authorities are often underfunded and constrained by national boundaries, while entrepreneurs trade at Union or even global level. In particular, in the case of e-commerce, market surveillance authorities have great difficulties in tracing non-compliant products imported from third countries and identifying the responsible entity within their jurisdiction. The Programme should therefore seek to strengthen product compliance by providing the right incentives to entrepreneurs, intensifying compliance checks and promoting closer cross-border cooperation among enforcement authorities. The Programme should also contribute to the consolidation of the existing framework for market surveillance activities, encourage joint actions of market surveillance authorities from different Member States, improve the exchange of information and promote convergence and closer integration of market surveillance activities.	(12) Placing on the market of products that are not compliant with Union law regardless of whether such products are placed on the market by traditional or electronic means and regardless of whether they are produced in the Union or enter it from third countries, puts Union citizens and consumers at risk. Economic operators selling compliant products face distorted competition from those who do not comply with the rules either due to lack of knowledge or intentionally to gain a competitive advantage. Market surveillance authorities are often underfunded and constrained by national boundaries, while entrepreneurs trade at Union or even global level. In particular, in the case of e-commerce, market surveillance authorities have great difficulties in tracing non-compliant products imported from third countries and identifying the responsible entity within their jurisdiction or conducting risk-assessments or safety tests due to the lack of physical access to products. The Programme should therefore seek to strengthen product compliance by strengthening market surveillance, providing clear, transparent and comprehensive rules to economic operators, raising awareness of applicable Union product safety rules, intensifying compliance checks, including through systematic use of checks on samples of products representing significant percentages of each type of products placed on the market and mystery shopping carried out by market surveillance authorities as well as by promoting closer cross-border cooperation among enforcement authorities. The Programme should also contribute to the consolidation of the existing framework for market surveillance activities, encourage joint actions of market surveillance authorities from different Member States, improve the exchange of information and promote convergence and closer integration of market surveillance activities, in particular by ensuring that the new requirements introduced by the Regulation (EU) 2018/ 858 of the European Parliament and of the Council^1a are strictly enforced so as to avoid the sale of non-compliant products to European citizens. The Programme should thus strengthen the capacity of the market surveillance authorities across the Union and contribute to a greater homogeneity between Member States, equally benefitting from the Internal Market in terms of economic prosperity and sustainable growth, while addressing their specific needs in a tailored manner.
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	^1a Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, amending Regulations (EC) No 715/2007 and (EC) No 595/2009 and repealing Directive 2007/46/EC (OJ L 151, 14.6.2018, p. 1).
Amendment 13 Proposal for a regulation Recital 13
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(13) Product safety is a common concern. The conformity assessment bodies verify whether products meet the safety requirements before they are placed on the market. It is therefore of paramount importance that the conformity assessment bodies are reliable and competent. The Union has put in place a system of accreditation of the conformity assessment bodies, verifying their competence, impartiality and independence. The main challenge is now to keep the accreditation system in line with the latest state of the art and to ensure that it is applied with the same stringency across the Union. The Programme should therefore support measures to ensure that conformity assessment bodies continue fulfilling the regulatory requirements and to enhance the European accreditation system, in particular in new policy areas, by supporting the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA) referred to in Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴⁸ .	(13) Product safety is a common concern. The conformity assessment bodies verify whether products meet the safety requirements before they are placed on the market. It is therefore of paramount importance that the conformity assessment bodies are reliable and competent. The Union has put in place a system of accreditation of the conformity assessment bodies, verifying their competence, impartiality and independence. However, Regulation (EC) No 765/2008⁴⁸ of the European Parliament and of the Council has been implemented in many different ways at national level. Those differences concern the distribution of competences between market surveillance authorities and the internal coordination mechanisms at national level, the level of deployed financial resources dedicated to market surveillance and the market surveillance strategies and approaches, as well as the powers with regard to non-compliant products and the level of penalties for infringements, resulting in the fragmented enforcement of Union harmonisation legislation. This fragmentation has lead to market surveillance being more rigorous in some Member States than in others, potentially undermining the deterrent effect of the legislation, creating an unequal playing field among businesses in some Member States and resulting in imbalances in the level of product safety in the Union. The main challenge is now to keep the accreditation system in line with the latest state of the art and to ensure that it is applied with the same stringency across the Union. The Programme should therefore support measures to ensure that conformity assessment bodies continue fulfilling the regulatory requirements, especially through the use of third-party assessment in order to improve impartial and independent procedures, and to enhance the European accreditation system, in particular in new policy areas, by supporting the uniformity of checks and penalties, as well as the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA) referred to in Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
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⁴⁸ Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 July 2008 setting out the requirements for accreditation and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 339/93 (OJ L 218, 13.8.2008, p. 30).	⁴⁸ Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 July 2008 setting out the requirements for accreditation and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 339/93 (OJ L 218, 13.8.2008, p. 30).
Amendment 14 Proposal for a regulation Recital 14
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(14) As consumer markets know no borders with the development of online trade and travel services, it is important to ensure that consumers residing in the Union can benefit from adequate protection when importing goods and services from economic operators based in third countries. The Programme should therefore allow supporting cooperation with relevant bodies located in key trading third country partners of the Union where necessary.	(14) The development of e-commerce could raise certain issues regarding the protection of health and safety of end users from non- compliant products. As consumer markets know no borders with the development of online trade and travel services, it is important to ensure that consumers residing in the Union can benefit from equivalent protection when importing goods and services from economic operators based in third countries. The Programme should therefore allow supporting cooperation with relevant bodies located in key trading third country partners of the Union where necessary with regard to the exchange of information on non-compliant products, on recent scientific developments and new technologies, on emerging risks and on other aspects related to control activities.
Amendment 15 Proposal for a regulation Recital 15
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(15) Public procurement is used by public authorities to ensure value for public money spent and to contribute to a more innovative, sustainable, inclusive and competitive internal market. Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴⁹ , Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵⁰ and Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵¹ provide the legal framework for the integration and effective functioning of the public procurement markets representing 14% of Union’s gross domestic product, to the benefit of public authorities, businesses as well as citizens, including consumers. The Programme should therefore support measures to ensure a wider uptake of strategic public procurement, the professionalisation of public buyers, improved access to procurement markets for SMEs, increase of transparency, integrity and better data, boosting the digital transformation of procurement and promotion of joint procurement, through strengthening a partnership approach with the Member States, improving data gathering and data analysis including through development of dedicated IT tools, supporting exchange of experiences and good practices, providing guidance, pursuing beneficial trade agreements, strengthening cooperation among national authorities and launching pilot projects.	(15) Public procurement is used by public authorities to ensure value for public money spent and to contribute to a more innovative, sustainable, inclusive and competitive internal market, including, where this is in accordance with applicable Union law, by applying criteria other than simply the lowest price or cost effectiveness, taking into account, among others, qualitative, environmental, fair trade and social aspects and by facilitating the division of tenders into lots for large infrastructure. Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴⁹, Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵⁰ and Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵¹ provide the legal framework for the integration and effective functioning of the public procurement markets representing 14% of Union’s gross domestic product, to the benefit of public authorities, businesses as well as citizens, including consumers. Correctly implemented public procurement rules are a crucial tool for strengthening the single market and for boosting the growth of Union companies and Union jobs. The Programme should therefore support measures to ensure a wider uptake of strategic public procurement, the professionalisation of public buyers, to facilitate and improve access to procurement markets for SMEs and micro enterprises, in particular through advisory services and training, increase of transparency, integrity and better data, boosting the digital transformation of procurement and promotion of joint procurement, through strengthening a partnership approach with the Member States, improving data gathering and data analysis including through development of dedicated IT tools, supporting exchange of experiences and good practices, referencing European and international standards, providing guidance, pursuing beneficial trade agreements, strengthening cooperation among national authorities and launching pilot projects.
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⁴⁹ Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the award of concession contracts (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 1).	⁴⁹ Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the award of concession contracts (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 1).
⁵⁰ 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 L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65).	⁵⁰ 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 L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65).
⁵¹ Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors and repealing Directive 2004/17/EC (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 243).	⁵¹ Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors and repealing Directive 2004/17/EC (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 243).
Amendment 16 Proposal for a regulation Recital 16
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(16) In order to meet the objectives of the Programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses, high-quality user-centric public services need to be put in place. This implies that public administrations will need to start working in new ways, bring down silos between the different parts of their administrations, and to engage in the co-creation of these public services with citizens and businesses. Moreover, the continuous and steady increase of cross-border activities in the internal market requires provision of up-to-date information on the rights of businesses and citizens, but also information explaining the administrative formalities. In addition, provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross national level becomes essential. Furthermore, connecting national administrations in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary. The Programme should therefore support the following existing internal market governance tools: the Your Europe Portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming Single Digital Gateway, Your Europe Advice, SOLVIT, the Internal Market Information system and the Single Market Scoreboard in order to improve citizens' daily lives and businesses' ability to trade across borders.	(16) In order to meet the objectives of the Programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses, high-quality user-centric public services, increasingly digitally oriented and fully accessible, need to be put in place and e-administration and e-government efforts further boosted while ensuring appropriate data protection and privacy. This implies that public administrations will need to start working in new, more innovative ways, in order to bring down silos between the different parts of their administrations, and to engage in the co-creation of these public services with citizens and businesses. Moreover, the continuous and steady increase of cross-border activities in the internal market requires the availability of up-to-date, accurate and easy to understand information on the rights of businesses and citizens, but also information explaining the administrative formalities, as well as simplifying them. In addition, provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross national level becomes essential. Furthermore, connecting national administrations in a simple and efficient manner, supporting public authorities in achieving those objectives, as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary. The existing internal market governance tools already play an important role in facilitating the achievement of those objectives. To this end, and in order to keep up with technology and market developments, as well as with new regulatory and enforcement challenges, the Programme should support the enhancement of quality, visibility and transparency and of the reliability of the internal market governance tools. The Programme should therefore support, amongst others the following existing internal market governance tools: the Your Europe Portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming Single Digital Gateway, Your Europe Advice, SOLVIT, the Internal Market Information system and the Single Market Scoreboard in order to improve citizens' daily lives and businesses' ability to trade across borders.
Amendment 17 Proposal for a regulation Recital 17
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(17) The Programme should support the development of the Union regulatory framework in the area of company law and corporate governance, as well as contract law, with a view to make business more efficient and competitive while providing protection for stakeholders affected by company operations, and to react to emerging policy challenges. It should also ensure appropriate evaluation, implementation and enforcement of the relevant acquis, inform and assist stakeholders and promote information exchange in the area. The Programme should further support the Commission’s initiatives in favour of a clear and adapted legal framework for the data economy and innovation. Those initiatives are necessary to enhance legal certainty with regard to contractual and extra contractual law, in particular with regard to liability and ethics in the context of emerging technologies, such as internet of things, artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D Printing. The Programme should aim at stimulating the development of data-driven business, as it will be decisive for the position of the Union economy in a global competition.	(17) The Programme should support the development of the Union regulatory framework in the area of company law and corporate governance, as well as contract law, with a view to make business, especially SMEs, more efficient and competitive while providing protection for stakeholders affected by company operations, and to react to emerging policy challenges. It should also ensure appropriate evaluation, implementation and enforcement of the relevant acquis, inform and assist stakeholders and promote information exchange in the area. The Programme should further support the Commission’s initiatives in favour of a clear and adapted legal framework for the data economy and innovation. Those initiatives are necessary to enhance legal certainty with regard to contractual and extra contractual law, in particular with regard to liability and ethics in the context of emerging technologies, such as internet of things, artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D Printing. The Programme should aim at stimulating the development of data-driven business whilst ensuring a high level of privacy protection, as it will be decisive for the position of the Union economy in a global competition.
Amendment 18 Proposal for a regulation Recital 20
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(20) Considering that the internal market as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union includes a system ensuring that competition is not distorted, the Programme should support the Union’s competition policy, networks and cooperation with national authorities and courts, as well as outreach to a wider group of stakeholders in communicating and explaining the rights, benefits and obligations of Union competition policy.	(20) Considering that the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union includes a system of rules ensuring that competition is not distorted in the internal market, the Programme should contribute to support the Union’s competition policy, by improving and reinforcing the cooperation with the European Competition Network and with national authorities and courts, including by way of strengthening international cooperation as well as communicating and explaining the rights, benefits and obligations of Union competition policy. The Programme should in particular help the Commission to enhance its analysis and assessment of market developments, also through extensive use of sector inquiries and by systematic sharing of results and best practices within the European Competition Network. This should contribute to ensuring fair competition and a level playing field, also at international level, and empowering businesses, in particular SMEs, and consumers in order to reap the benefits of the Single Market.
Amendment 19 Proposal for a regulation Recital 21
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(21) The Programme in particular needs to tackle the radical implications for competition and the functioning of the internal market resulting from the ongoing transformation of the economy and business environment, in particular through the exponential growth and use of data, taking account of the increasing recourse to artificial intelligence and other IT tools and expertise by companies and their advisors. It is also essential that the Programme supports networks and cooperation with Member State authorities and courts, considering that undistorted competition and the functioning of the internal market depend critically on action by those entities. In view of the particular role of competition policy in preventing harm to the internal market resulting from anticompetitive conduct beyond the Union’s border, the Programme should also support cooperation with third country authorities, as appropriate. Finally, widening outreach activities is necessary in order to allow more citizens and businesses to reap the full benefits of fair competition in the internal market. Given that a number of initiatives in the Programme are new and that the competition part of the Programme is particularly affected by dynamic developments in the conditions of competition in the internal market, notably relating to Artificial Intelligence, algorithms, big data, cybersecurity and forensic technology, the pace and magnitude of which are difficult to estimate, it is anticipated that flexibility will be required to face the evolving needs under this part of the Programme.	(21) The Programme in particular needs to tackle the radical implications for competition and the functioning of the internal market resulting from the ongoing transformation of the economy and business environment, in particular through the exponential growth and use of data, taking account of the increasing recourse to artificial intelligence, big data and algorithms and other IT tools and expertise by companies and their advisors. It is also essential that the Programme supports networks and a wider and deeper engagement with Member State authorities and courts, considering that undistorted competition and the functioning of the internal market depend critically on action by those entities. In view of the particular role of competition policy in preventing harm to the internal market resulting from anticompetitive conduct beyond the Union’s border, the Programme should also support cooperation with third country authorities, as appropriate. Finally, widening outreach activities is necessary in order to allow more citizens and businesses to reap the full benefits of fair competition in the internal market. In particular, it is necessary to demonstrate the tangible benefits of the Union`s competition policy to the European citizens through engagement with civil society groups and relevant directly impacted stakeholders. Given that a number of initiatives in the Programme are new and that the competition part of the Programme is particularly affected by dynamic and rapid developments in the conditions of competition in the internal market, notably relating to digital developments, Artificial Intelligence, algorithms, big data, cybersecurity and forensic technology, the pace and magnitude of which are difficult to estimate, it is anticipated that flexibility will be required to face the evolving needs under this part of the Programme.
Amendment 20 Proposal for a regulation Recital 22
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(22) Strengthening the competitiveness of European enterprises while reassuring an effective level playing field and an open and competitive internal market is of outmost importance. SMEs are the engine of the European economy making up 99% of all businesses in Europe, providing two thirds of jobs, and contributing substantially to the creation of new jobs with a regional and local dimension.	(22) Strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of European enterprises while reassuring an effective level playing field and an open and competitive internal market is of outmost importance. SMEs are the engine of the European economy making up 99% of all businesses in Europe, providing two thirds of jobs, and contributing substantially to the creation of new quality jobs in all sectors with a regional and local dimension, and hence social cohesion. SMEs are instrumental in pursuing the energy transition and contributing to the achievement of the Union's climate objectives deriving from the Paris Agreement. The Programme should therefore enhance their capacity to develop environmentally-friendly high quality products and services and support their efforts to increase resource-efficiency, in line with the 'energy efficiency first' principle. In doing so, the Programme also contributes to improve Union SMEs competitiveness on the global market.
Amendment 21 Proposal for a regulation Recital 23
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(23) SMEs share common challenges that do not affect larger firms to the same extent to obtain finance, to find skilled work force, to alleviate administrative burden, to take-up creativity and innovation, to access markets and foster internationalisation activities. The Programme should address such market failures proportionally, while not unduly distorting competition in the internal market.	(23) SMEs share common challenges that do not affect larger firms to the same extent to obtain finance, to find skilled work force, to alleviate administrative burden, to take-up creativity and innovation, to access markets, and foster internationalisation activities. The Programme should address such market failures proportionally, while not unduly distorting competition in the internal market. The Programme should in particular create appropriate conditions to introduce technological and organisational innovation in the production processes, paying attention to specific forms of SMEs such as micro enterprises, enterprises engaged in craft activities, the self-employed, the liberal professions and social economy enterprises. Attention should also be paid to potential, new, young and female entrepreneurs, as well as to other specific target groups, such as older people, migrants and entrepreneurs belonging to socially disadvantaged or vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities.
Amendment 22 Proposal for a regulation Recital 23 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(23a) The programme should support and promote a culture of innovation, developing an ecosystem capable of encouraging business start-ups and nurturing their growth, focusing on micro-enterprises and innovative SMEs able to meet the challenges of an increasingly competitive and fast-moving environment. Radically new innovation processes require the development of an open innovation model with an increase in collaborative research and the sharing of knowledge and intellectual property between different organisations. The Programme should accordingly seek to support the innovation process by incorporating new collaborative business models, focusing on networking and the sharing of knowledge and resources within inter-organisational communities.
Justification
It is important to develop an ecosystem of innovation which could be an economic catalyser.Development of innovation ecosystems acting as economic catalysers.
Amendment 23 Proposal for a regulation Recital 23 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(23b) The Programme should address such market failures proportionally, paying special attention to actions that benefit directly SMEs and enterprise networks, and while not unduly distorting competition in the internal market.
Justification
The Programme should take into account SMEs and enterprise networks in all its activities.
Amendment 24 Proposal for a regulation Recital 24
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(24) Many of the Union's competitiveness problems involve SMEs' difficulties in obtaining access to finance because they struggle to demonstrate their credit-worthiness and have insufficient collateral. Additional financing challenges arise from SMEs' need to stay competitive by engaging e.g. in digitization, internationalization and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce. Limited access to finance has a negative effect on businesses creation, growth and survival rates, as well as on the readiness of new entrepreneurs to take over viable companies in the context of a business succession.	(24) Many of the Union's competitiveness problems involve SMEs' difficulties in obtaining access to finance because they lack information, struggle to demonstrate their credit-worthiness and have insufficient collateral or simply due to low awareness of existing mechanism to support their activities at Union, national or local level. Additional financing challenges arise from the smaller size of micro-enterprises and SMEs' need to stay competitive by engaging e.g. in digitization, internationalization and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce. Limited access to finance has a negative effect on businesses creation, growth and survival rates, as well as on the readiness of new entrepreneurs to take over viable companies in the context of a business succession.
Amendment 25 Proposal for a regulation Recital 25
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(25) To overcome these market failures and to ensure that SMEs continue to play their role as the foundation for the Union economy´s competitiveness, small and medium sized enterprises need extra support through debt and equity instruments to be established under the SME window of the InvestEU Fund established by Regulation […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵² . The loan guarantee facility put in place under Regulation (EU) No 1287/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵³ has a proven added value and is expected to bring a positive contribution to at least 500 000 SMEs; a successor will be established under the SME window of the InvestEU Fund.	(25) To overcome these market failures and to ensure that SMEs continue to play their role as the foundation for the Union economy´s competitiveness, and as a driver for a sustainable economy, small and medium sized enterprises need extra support through debt and equity instruments to be established under the SME window of the InvestEU Fund established by Regulation […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵² . The loan guarantee facility put in place under former COSME programme established by Regulation (EU) No 1287/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵³ has a proven added value and is expected to bring a positive contribution to at least 500 000 SMEs; a successor will be established under the SME window of the InvestEU Fund. More attention should be paid to better communication and public campaigns in order to increase awareness to potential beneficiaries of the availability of the Programme for SMEs. To raise the awareness of Union’s actions supporting SMEs, actions that are wholly or partially funded by this Programme, including intermediaries, should incorporate the European emblem (flag) associated to a sentence acknowledging the support received by this Programme.
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⁵² COM(2018) 439 final	⁵² COM(2018) 439 final
⁵³ Regulation (EU) No 1287/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing a Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (COSME) (2014 - 2020) and repealing Decision No 1639/2006/EC (OJ L 347 of 20.12.2013, p. 33).	⁵³ Regulation (EU) No 1287/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing a Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (COSME) (2014 - 2020) and repealing Decision No 1639/2006/EC (OJ L 347 of 20.12.2013, p. 33).
Amendment 26 Proposal for a regulation Recital 26
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(26) The policy objectives of this Programme will be also addressed through financial instruments and budgetary guarantee under the SME window of the InvestEU Fund. Financial support should be used to address market failures or sub-optimal investment situations, in a proportionate manner and actions should not duplicate or crowd out private financing or distort competition in the internal market. Actions should have a clear European added value.	(26) The policy objectives of this Programme will be also addressed through financial instruments and budgetary guarantee under the SME window of the InvestEU Fund. The SME window of the InvestEU Fund should have a central overarching point providing information about the Programme in each Member State, in order to increase the accessibility and awareness of the funds for SMEs. Financial support should be used to address market failures or sub-optimal investment situations, in a proportionate manner and actions should not duplicate or crowd out private financing or distort competition in the internal market, and should clearly offer additionality and enhancing synergies with other European programmes. Actions should have a clear European added value.
Amendment 27 Proposal for a regulation Recital 26 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(26a) The actions supported by the InvestEU Fund through the EU compartment or the Member States compartment should not duplicate or replace private funding, or distort competition in the internal market, but, with reference to the local public and private guarantee schemes already operating, should facilitate their integration with such schemes, the overriding objective being to enhance and extend the actual benefits to final recipients, who are SMEs within the meaning of Recommendation 2003/361/EC) in order to achieve genuine additionality of the measures.
Amendment 28 Proposal for a regulation Recital 26 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(26b) Besides access to finance also access to skills is crucial, including managerial skills and knowledge are critical factors for SMEs to access existing funds, innovate, compete and grow. The delivery of financial instruments as envisaged under EUInvest Fund should therefore be accompanied by the development of appropriate mentoring, coaching schemes and by the delivery of knowledge-based business services.
Amendment 29 Proposal for a regulation Recital 27
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(27) The Programme should provide effective support for SMEs throughout their life-cycle. It should build on the unique knowledge and expertise developed with regard to SMEs and industrial sectors and on a long experience in working with European, national and regional stakeholders. This support should build on the successful experience of the Enterprise Europe Network as a one-stop-shop to improve SMEs competitiveness and develop their business in the Single Market and beyond. The Network plans to continue delivering services on behalf of other Union programmes, notably for the Horizon2020 programme, using the financial resources of these programmes. Also the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs should remain the tool to enable new or aspiring entrepreneurs to gain business experience by matching with an experienced entrepreneur from another country and thus allow strengthening entrepreneurial talents. The Programme should further strive to grow and extend its geographical coverage and thus offer wider range of matching possibilities to entrepreneurs in complementarity with other Union initiatives where relevant.	(27) The Programme should provide effective support for SMEs throughout their life-cycle, providing assistance ranging from project preparation through to commercialisation and access to the market, and encouraging the creation of business enterprise networks. It should build on the unique knowledge and expertise developed with regard to SMEs and economic and entrepreneurial sectors and on a long experience in working with European, national and regional stakeholders. This support should build on the experience of the Enterprise Europe Network as a one-stop-shop to improve SMEs competitiveness and develop their business in the Single Market and beyond. The Network plans to continue delivering services on behalf of other Union programmes, notably for the Horizon2020 programme, using the financial resources of these programmes. It should also support enhanced participation of SMEs representatives’ organisation in the development of Single Market Policy initiative, such as public procurement, standardisation processes and intellectual property regimes. The Network should also increase the number of actions, providing more targeted advice to SMEs, in drafting projects and supporting networking and technological and organisational transition. The Network should also improve cooperation and liaison with other Advisory hubs established in the Digital programme and InvestEU Fund as regards access to finance. The actions for SMEs in the Network should also aim to provide high quality services across Europe, paying particular attention to areas of activities and geographical parts of the Union where the Networks and intermediary stakeholders do not meet expected results. Also the successful mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs - Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs - should remain the tool to enable new or aspiring entrepreneurs to gain business and managerial experience by matching with an experienced entrepreneur from another country and thus allow strengthening entrepreneurial talents. The Programme should grow and extend its geographical coverage and thus offer wider range of matching possibilities to entrepreneurs in complementarity with other Union initiatives where relevant. In order to increase the value added by the promotion of entrepreneurship initiatives, special attention should be paid to micro-enterprises and to those that have benefited the least from the existing programme, and where the culture of entrepreneurship remains at a very basic level, and faces more barriers. Every effort should be made to achieve reasonably geographically balanced distribution of the funds.
Amendment 30 Proposal for a regulation Recital 27 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(27a) More effort should be made to reduce the administrative burden and to increase the accessibility of the programmes in order to reduce costs of SMEs and microenterprises due to a complicated application process and participation requirements. Member States should also consider establishing a single information point for undertakings interested in using Union´s funds functioning as a one-stop-shop. Evaluation procedure should be as simple and fast as possible in order to allow for timely use of the benefits the Programme offers.
Amendment 31 Proposal for a regulation Recital 28
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(28) Clusters are a strategic tool for supporting the competitiveness and scaling-up of SMEs as they offer favourable business environments. Joint Cluster Initiatives should achieve critical mass to accelerate the growth of SMEs. By connecting specialised eco-systems, clusters create new business opportunities for SMEs and integrate them better in European and global strategic value chains. Support should be provided for the development of transnational partnership strategies and the implementation of joint activities, supported by the European Cluster Collaboration Platform. Sustainable partnering should be encouraged with continuation funding if performance and participation milestones are reached. Direct support to SMEs should be channelled through cluster organisations for the following: uptake of advanced technologies, new business models, low-carbon and resource-efficient solutions, creativity and design, skills upgrading, talent attraction, entrepreneurship acceleration, and internationalisation. Other specialised SME support actors should be associated to facilitate industrial transformation and implementations of smart specialisation strategies. The Programme should thus contribute to growth and build linkages with the Union's (digital) innovation hubs and investments made under Cohesion Policy and Horizon Europe. Synergies with the Erasmus programme can also be explored.	(28) Clusters are a strategic tool for supporting the competitiveness and scaling-up of SMEs as they offer favourable business environments, increase sustainable development of industry and services and strengthen the economic development of the regions through the creation of quality jobs. Joint Cluster Initiatives should achieve critical mass to accelerate the growth of SMEs. By connecting specialised eco-systems, clusters create new business opportunities for SMEs and integrate them better in European and global strategic value chains. Support should be provided for the development of transnational partnership strategies and the implementation of joint activities, supported by the European Cluster Collaboration Platform. Sustainable partnering should be encouraged with continuation funding if performance and participation milestones are reached. Direct support to SMEs should be channelled through cluster organisations for the following: uptake of advanced technologies, new business models, solutions, creativity and design, skills upgrading, talent attraction, entrepreneurship acceleration, and internationalisation. Other specialised SME support actors should be associated to facilitate industrial transformation and implementations of smart specialisation strategies. The Programme should thus contribute to sustainable economic development and build linkages with the Union’s (digital) innovation hubs and investments made under Cohesion Policy and Horizon Europe. Synergies with the Erasmus programme can also be explored.
Amendment 32 Proposal for a regulation Recital 28 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(28a) The Programme could help build up and/or improve the relationship between micro-enterprises and SMEs and universities, research centres and other institutions involved in knowledge creation and dissemination. This relationship could help improve firms’ abilities to tackle the strategic challenges posed by the new international context.
Amendment 33 Proposal for a regulation Recital 28 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(28b) SMEs, owing to their smaller size, face specific obstacles to growth and have mayor difficulties in growing and scaling up some of their business activities. The Union has been providing support to scale up activities focusing on innovation on research mainly through the SME Instrument and the recently European Innovation Council pilot within the Horizon 2020 programme. Based on the working methods and experiences of the SME Instrument, the Single Market Programme should also provide support for scale-up activities by SMEs complimentary to the new EIC with its specific focus on break-through innovation under Horizon Europe. Scale up actions for SMEs under this programme should focus for instance in helping SMEs to scale up through commercialisation, internationalisation and on market driven-opportunities.
Amendment 34 Proposal for a regulation Recital 29
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(29) Creativity and innovation are crucial for the competitiveness of the Union's industrial value chains. They represent catalysts for industrial modernisation and contribute to smart, inclusive sustainable growth. However, uptake by SMEs is still lagging behind. The Programme should therefore support targeted actions, networks and partnerships for creativity-driven innovation throughout the industrial value chain.	(29) Creativity and innovation, technological and organisational transformation, enhanced sustainability in terms of production processes, in particular resource and energy efficiency, are crucial for the competitiveness of the Union's industrial value chains. They represent catalysts for the modernisation of the business and industry sectors and contribute to smart, inclusive sustainable growth. However, uptake by SMEs is still lagging behind. The Programme should therefore support targeted actions, networks and partnerships for creativity-driven innovation throughout the industrial value chain.
Amendment 35 Proposal for a regulation Recital 29 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29a) Recognising that the SME Instrument under Horizon 2020 has been extremely successful for entrepreneurs through both phase1 and phase2 grants in advancing and their new business idea and testing and developing a prototype. While the selection process is already very rigorous, still many very good projects cannot be financed because of limited financial resources. The implementation in the frame of the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME) has been working very efficiently. While the focus of that programme is on high-tech projects, this Program should extend the methodology to any type of scale-up SMEs.
Amendment 36 Proposal for a regulation Recital 29 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29b) The actions for SMEs should also focus in sectors characterised by a significant growth and social potential and with a high proportion of SMEs. Tourism is a singular sector of the Union Economy which contributes substantially to the Union’s GDP and is run mainly by SMEs. The Union should continue and increase actions supporting the specificities of this sector.
Justification
The Programme should focus on the tourism sector, given its importance in the European context.
Amendment 37 Proposal for a regulation Recital 30
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(30) European standards play an important role in the internal market. They are of vital interest for the competitiveness of undertakings, and especially SMEs. They are also a crucial tool to support Union legislation and policies in a number of key areas such as energy, climate change, information and communication technology, sustainable use of resources, innovation, product safety, consumer protection, worker's safety and working conditions and ageing population, thus positively contributing to the society as a whole.	(30) European standards play an important role in the internal market. They are of vital interest for the competitiveness of undertakings, and especially SMEs. They are also a crucial tool to support Union legislation and policies in a number of key areas such as energy transition, climate change and environmental protection, information and communication technology, sustainable use and recycling of resources, innovation, product safety, consumer protection, worker's safety and working conditions and ageing population, thus positively contributing to the society as a whole. However, experience has shown that the speed and timeliness of the elaboration of standards needs to be improved and more efforts need to be made to better involve all relevant stakeholders, including those representing consumers.
Amendment 38 Proposal for a regulation Recital 32
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(32) A well-functioning common financial reporting framework is essential for the internal market, for the effective functioning of the capital markets and for the realisation of the integrated market for financial services in the context of the Capital Markets Union.	(32) A well-functioning common financial reporting framework is essential for the internal market, for the effective functioning of the financial markets and for the realisation of the integrated market for financial services in the context of the Banking Union and the Capital Markets Union.
Amendment 39 Proposal for a regulation Recital 36
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(36) The Union contributes to ensuring a high level of consumer protection, empowering consumers and putting them at the heart of the internal market by supporting and complementing Member States’ policies in seeking to ensure that citizens when acting as consumers can fully reap the benefits of the internal market and that, in so doing, their safety and legal and economic interests are properly protected by means of concrete actions. The Union has also to ensure that consumer and product safety laws are properly and equally enforced on the ground and that businesses enjoy a level playing field with fair competition in the internal market. Moreover, it is necessary to empower, encourage and assist consumers in making sustainable choices, thus contributing to a sustainable, energy and resource efficient and circular economy.	(36) The Union contributes to ensuring a high level of consumer protection, empowering consumers and putting them at the heart of the internal market by supporting and complementing Member States’ policies in seeking to ensure that citizens when acting as consumers can fully reap the benefits of the internal market and that, in so doing, their safety and legal and economic interests are properly protected by means of concrete actions. The Union has also to ensure that consumer and product safety laws are properly and equally enforced on the ground and that businesses enjoy a level playing field with fair competition in the internal market. Moreover, it is necessary to empower, encourage and assist consumers in making sustainable and informed choices, thus contributing to a sustainable, energy and resource efficient and circular economy.
Amendment 40 Proposal for a regulation Recital 37
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(37) The Programme should aim to raise the awareness of consumers, businesses, civil society and authorities on Union consumer and safety laws and to empower consumers and their representative organisations at national level and at the Union level notably by supporting the Bureau Européen des Unions de Consommateurs (BEUC) which is the long established and recognised NGO representing consumer interests in relation to all relevant Union policies, and the European Association for the Co-ordination of Consumer Representation in Standardisation (ANEC) which represents consumers interest in relation to standardisation issues. In doing so, particular attention should be given to new market needs regarding the promotion of sustainable consumption and the prevention of vulnerabilities as well as challenges created by the digitisation of the economy or the development of new consumption patterns and business models. The Programme should support the development of relevant information on markets, policy challenges, emerging issues and behaviours, and the publication of the Union consumer scoreboards.	(37) The Programme should aim to raise the awareness of consumers, businesses, civil society and authorities on Union consumer and safety laws and to empower consumers and their representative organisations at national level and at the Union level notably by supporting the Bureau Européen des Unions de Consommateurs (BEUC) which is the long established and recognised NGO representing consumer interests in relation to all relevant Union policies, and the European Association for the Co-ordination of Consumer Representation in Standardisation (ANEC) which represents consumers interest in relation to standardisation issues. In doing so, particular attention should be given to new market needs regarding the promotion of sustainable consumption and in particular to actions to tackle the issue of planned obsolescence of products and to prevent of vulnerabilities as well as challenges created by the digitisation of the economy, connected products, internet of things, artificial intelligence and use of algorithms or the development of new consumption patterns and business models, such as the collaborative economy and social entrepreneurship. The Programme should support the development of relevant information on markets, including actions aiming at improving product traceability along the supply chain, quality standards across the Union, and addressing the issue of the dual quality of products, policy challenges, emerging issues and behaviours, and the publication of the Union consumer scoreboards.
Amendment 41 Proposal for a regulation Recital 38
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(38) The Programme should support national competent authorities, including those responsible for monitoring product safety, who cooperate notably via the Union’s rapid alert system for dangerous products. It should also support the enforcement of Directive 2001/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵⁸ and Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 regarding consumer protection and product safety, and the Consumer Protection Cooperation network and international cooperation between the relevant authorities in third countries and in the Union. The Programme should also aim to ensure access for all consumers and traders to quality out of court dispute resolution and online dispute resolution and information on redress possibilities.	(38) The Programme should support national competent authorities, including those responsible for monitoring product safety, who cooperate notably via the Union’s rapid alert system for dangerous products. It should also support the enforcement of Directive 2001/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵⁸ and Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 regarding consumer protection and product safety, and the Consumer Protection Cooperation network and international cooperation between the relevant authorities in third countries and in the Union. The Programme should also aim to ensure access for all consumers and traders to quality out of court dispute resolution and online dispute resolution and information on the process for participating in actions seeking redress, at the lowest cost.
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⁵⁸ Directive 2001/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 December 2001 on general product safety (OJ L 11, 15.1.2002, p. 4).	⁵⁸ Directive 2001/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 December 2001 on general product safety (OJ L 11, 15.1.2002, p. 4).
Amendment 42 Proposal for a regulation Recital 39
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(39) The European Consumer Centres Network is assisting consumers to obtain the benefit of their Union consumer rights when they purchase goods and services cross border in the Internal Market and EEA, either on-line or when travelling. The 30 centres strong network, jointly funded by the Union consumer programmes since more than 10 years has proven its added value to strengthen consumers and traders trust in the Internal Market. It deals with more than 100 000 consumers’ requests per year and reaches millions of citizens via its press and online information activities. It is one of the most valued citizens’ assistance network of the Union and most of its centres host contact points for internal market law, such as the Directive 2006/123/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵⁹ and its evaluation stresses the importance to continue its operation. The network also intends to develop reciprocity arrangements with similar bodies in third countries.	(39) The Programme should also support a European Consumer Centres Network which assists consumers to obtain the benefit of their Union consumer rights when they purchase goods and services cross border in the Internal Market and EEA, either on-line or when travelling. The 30 centres strong network, jointly funded by the Union consumer programmes since more than 10 years has proven its added value to strengthen consumers and traders trust in the Internal Market. It deals with more than 100 000 consumers’ requests per year and reaches millions of citizens via its press and online information activities. It is one of the most valued citizens’ assistance network of the Union and most of its centres host contact points for internal market law, such as the Directive 2006/123/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵⁹ and its evaluation stresses the importance to continue its operation. European Consumer Centres Network can be also an important source of information about challenges and problems that consumers encounter at local level, which are relevant for Union policy-making and for the protection of the interests of consumers. Therefore, the Programme should allow for the building and enhancing of synergies between consumer representation at local and Union level in order to strengthen consumer advocacy. The network also intends to develop reciprocity arrangements with similar bodies in third countries.
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⁵⁹ Directive 2006/123/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on services in the internal market (OJ L 376, 27.12.2006, p. 36).	⁵⁹ Directive 2006/123/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on services in the internal market (OJ L 376, 27.12.2006, p. 36).
Amendment 43 Proposal for a regulation Recital 40
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(40) The fitness check of Union consumer and marketing law carried out by the Commission in May 2017 exposed the need to better enforce rules and facilitate redress when consumers have been harmed by breaches to consumer laws. As a result the Commission adopted a "New Deal for Consumers" in April 2018 to ensure, inter alia, the equal treatment of consumers across the internal market in relation to dual quality standards, stronger enforcement capacities of Member States, enhanced product safety, increased international cooperation and new possibilities for redress notably through representative actions by qualified entities. The Programme should aim to support consumer policy with awareness raising and knowledge building, capacity building and exchange of best practices of the consumer organisations and consumer protection authorities, networking and development of market intelligence, strengthening the evidence base on the functioning of the internal market for consumers, IT systems and communication tools, inter alia.	(40) The fitness check of Union consumer and marketing law carried out by the Commission in May 2017 exposed the need to better enforce rules and facilitate redress when consumers have been harmed by breaches to consumer laws. As a result the Commission adopted a "New Deal for Consumers" in April 2018 to ensure, inter alia, the equal treatment of consumers across the internal market in relation to cross-border cases, such as selling of non-compliant products in the motor vehicles sector, dual quality standards of products or the problems of passengers stranded as a result of the cancellation of a large number of flights, stronger enforcement capacities of Member States, enhanced product safety, increased international cooperation and new possibilities for redress notably through representative actions by qualified entities. The Programme should aim to support consumer policy with awareness raising and knowledge building, capacity building and exchange of best practices of the consumer organisations and consumer protection authorities, networking and development of market intelligence, strengthening the evidence base on the functioning of the internal market for consumers, IT systems and communication tools, inter alia.
Amendment 44 Proposal for a regulation Recital 41
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(41) Citizens are particularly affected by the functioning of financial services markets. These are a key component of the internal market and require a solid framework for regulation and supervision which ensures not only financial stability and a sustainable economy, but also provides a high level of protection to consumers and other financial services end users, including retail investors, savers, insurance policyholders, pension fund members and beneficiaries, individual shareholders, borrowers and SMEs. It is important to enhance their capacity to participate in policy making for the financial sector.	(41) Citizens are particularly affected by the functioning of financial markets and should, therefore, be further informed on pertinent rights, risks and benefits. These are a key component of the internal market and require a solid framework for regulation and supervision which ensures not only financial stability and a sustainable economy, but also provides a high level of protection to consumers and other financial services end users, including retail investors, savers, insurance policyholders, pension fund members and beneficiaries, individual shareholders, borrowers and SMEs. The Programme should contribute to enhance their capacity to participate in policy making, also through production and dissemination of clear, complete and user-friendly information about products commercialised in the financial markets.
Amendment 45 Proposal for a regulation Recital 42
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(42) The Programme should therefore continue to support the specific activities covered by the 2017-2020 Capacity-Building Programme enhancing the involvement of consumers and other financial services end-users in Union policy-making, as set out in Regulation (EU) 2017/826 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶⁰ which continued the pilot programme and preparatory action of the years 2012-2017. This is necessary in order to provide policy makers with views from stakeholders other than financial sector professionals and ensure a better representation of the interests of consumers and other financial services end-users. This should result in better financial services policies, notably thanks to a better public understanding of the issues at stake in financial regulation and enhanced financial literacy.	(42) The Programme should therefore continue to support the specific activities covered by the 2017-2020 Capacity-Building Programme enhancing the involvement of consumers and other financial services end-users in Union policy-making, as set out in Regulation (EU) 2017/826 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶⁰ which continued the pilot programme and preparatory action of the years 2012-2017. This is necessary in order to provide policy makers with views from stakeholders other than financial sector professionals and ensure a better representation of the interests of consumers and other financial services end-users. The Programme should continuously develop its methodology and best practices on how to increase the engagement of consumers and financial-services end-users in order to identify issues relevant for Union policy-making and ensuring the interests of consumers in the area of financial services. This should improve financial services policies, notably thanks to a better public understanding of the issues at stake in financial regulation and enhanced financial literacy. The public resources of this Programme should focus on what is essential for the final users and avoid any form of direct or indirect financial support to commercial activities proposed by private financial operators.
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⁶⁰ Regulation (EU) 2017/826 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 on establishing a Union programme to support specific activities enhancing the involvement of consumers and other financial services end-users in Union policy-making in the area of financial services for the period 2017-2020 (OJ L 129, 19.5.2017, p.17).	⁶⁰ Regulation (EU) 2017/826 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 on establishing a Union programme to support specific activities enhancing the involvement of consumers and other financial services end-users in Union policy-making in the area of financial services for the period 2017-2020 (OJ L 129, 19.5.2017, p.17).
Amendment 46 Proposal for a regulation Recital 43
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(43) In the context of a pilot project, between 2012 and 2013, and of a preparatory action, between 2014 and 2016, the Commission awarded grants to two organisations following an annual open call for proposals. The two organisations are Finance Watch, set up with Union grants in 2011 as an international non-profit association under Belgian law, and Better Finance, which is the product of successive re-organisations and rebranding of pre-existing European federations and shareholders since 2009. The Capacity-Building Programme established under Regulation (EU) 2017/826, identifies these same two organisations as sole beneficiaries. It is therefore necessary to continue to co-finance these organisations in the context of the Programme. However, this financing should be subject to review.	(43) In the context of a pilot project, between 2012 and 2013, and of a preparatory action, between 2014 and 2016, the Commission awarded grants to two organisations following an annual open call for proposals. The two organisations are Finance Watch, set up with Union grants in 2011 as an international non-profit association under Belgian law, and Better Finance, which is the product of successive re-organisations and rebranding of pre-existing European federations and shareholders since 2009. The Capacity-Building Programme established under Regulation (EU) 2017/826, identifies these same two organisations as sole beneficiaries. It is therefore necessary to continue to co-finance these organisations in the context of the Programme. However, this financing should be subject to review. In this respect, it should be recalled that in the event that the Capacity-Building Programme and corresponding funding are extended beyond 2020 and other potential beneficiaries emerge, the call for applicants should be open to any other organisations that fulfil the criteria, and contribute to the objectives, of the Programme and this in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/826.
Amendment 47 Proposal for a regulation Recital 44
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(44) A high level of health protection through the food supply chain is necessary to allow the internal market to operate efficiently. A safe and sustainable food supply chain is a prerequisite for society and for the internal market. Cross border health crises and food scares disrupt the functioning of the internal market by limiting the movements of persons and goods and disrupting production.	(44) A high level of health protection through the food and feed supply chain is necessary to protect consumers as well as to allow the internal market to operate efficiently and smoothly. A safe and sustainable agricultural and food supply chain is a prerequisite for society and for the internal market. As demonstrated by recent incidents such as the fipronil egg contamination in 2017 and the horse meat scandal in 2013, cross border health crises, such as avian influenza or African swine fever and food scares disrupt the functioning of the internal market by limiting the movements of persons and goods and disrupting production. Preventing cross border health crises and food scares is of utmost importance. Therefore, the Programme should support concrete actions, such as establishing emergency measures in the event of crisis situations and unforeseeable events affecting animal and plant health, creating a mechanism for direct access to the emergency aid reserve in order to deal with these emergency situations more promptly, effectively and efficiently.
Amendment 48 Proposal for a regulation Recital 45
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(45) The general objective of Union law in the food chain area is to contribute to a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain, to support the improvement of the welfare of animals, to contribute to a high level of protection and information for consumers and a high level of protection of the environment, including the preservation of biodiversity, while improving the sustainability of European food and feed productions, increasing quality standards across the Union, enhancing the competitiveness of the Union food and feed industry and favouring the creation of jobs.	(45) The general objective of Union law in the food chain area is to guarantee a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain, to support the improvement of the welfare of animals, to contribute to a high level of protection and information for consumers and a high level of protection of the environment, including the preservation of biodiversity, while improving the sustainability of European food and feed productions, cutting food waste, increasing the quality standards of products across the Union, enhancing the competitiveness of the Union food and feed industry and favouring the creation of jobs.
Amendment 49 Proposal for a regulation Recital 46
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(46) Considering the specific nature of the actions concerning a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain special eligibility criteria concerning provision of grants and use of public procurement need to be provided in this Regulation. In particular, by way of derogation from Regulation (EU, Euratom) of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶¹ (the ‘Financial Regulation’), as an exception to the principle of non-retroactivity, the costs for the emergency measures, due to their urgent and unforeseeable nature, should be eligible and include also costs incurred as a result of a suspected occurrence of a disease or pest provided that that occurrence is subsequently confirmed and notified to the Commission. The corresponding budgetary commitments and the payment of eligible expenditure should be made by the Commission, after signature of the legal commitments and after assessment of the payment applications submitted by the Member States. Costs should also be eligible for protection measures taken in the case of a direct threat to the status of health in the Union as a result of the occurrence or development, in the territory of a third country, a Member State or overseas countries and territories, of certain animal diseases and zoonoses as well as in respect of protection measures, or other relevant activities, taken in support of the health status of plants in the Union.	(46) Considering the specific nature of the actions concerning a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain special eligibility criteria concerning provision of grants and use of public procurement need to be provided in this Regulation. In particular, by way of derogation from Regulation (EU, Euratom) of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶¹ (the ‘Financial Regulation’), as an exception to the principle of non-retroactivity, the costs for the emergency measures, due to their urgent and unforeseeable nature, should be eligible and include also costs incurred as a result of a suspected occurrence of a disease or pest provided that that occurrence is subsequently confirmed and notified to the Commission. The corresponding budgetary commitments and the payment of eligible expenditure should be made by the Commission, after signature of the legal commitments and after assessment of the payment applications submitted by the Member States. Costs should also be eligible for protection measures taken in the case of a direct threat to the status of health in the Union as a result of the occurrence or development, in the territory of a third country, a Member State or overseas countries and territories, of certain animal diseases and zoonoses as well as in respect of protection measures, or other relevant activities, taken in support of the health status of plants in the Union.
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⁶¹ [to add]	⁶¹ Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) No 283/2014, and Decision No 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012
Amendment 50 Proposal for a regulation Recital 47
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(47) Official controls carried out by the Member States are an essential tool for verifying and monitoring that relevant Union requirements are being implemented, complied with and enforced. The effectiveness and efficiency of official control systems is vital for maintaining a high level of safety for humans, animals and plants along the food chain whilst ensuring a high level of protection of the environment and of animal welfare. Union financial support should be made available for such control measures. In particular, a financial contribution should be available to Union reference laboratories in order to help them bear the costs arising from the implementation of work programmes approved by the Commission. Moreover, since the effectiveness of official controls also depends on the availability to the control authorities of well trained staff with an appropriate knowledge of Union law, the Union should be able to contribute to their training and relevant exchange programmes organised by competent authorities.	(47) In view of the fact the food chain is increasingly globalised, official controls carried out by the Member States are an essential tool for verifying and monitoring that relevant Union requirements are being implemented, complied with and enforced, especially as regards products imported from third countries. The effectiveness and efficiency of official control systems is vital for maintaining a high level of safety for humans, animals and plants along the food chain, as well as consumer confidence, whilst ensuring a high level of protection of the environment and of animal welfare. Union financial support should be made available for such control measures. In particular, a financial contribution should be available to Union reference laboratories in order to help them bear the costs arising from the implementation of work programmes approved by the Commission. Moreover, since the effectiveness of official controls also depends on the availability to the control authorities of well trained staff with an appropriate knowledge of Union law, the Union should be able to contribute to their training and relevant exchange programmes organised by competent authorities.
Amendment 51 Proposal for a regulation Recital 51
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(51) The Programme has been submitted for prior examination to the European Statistical System Committee in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 223/2009.	(51) The Programme has been submitted for prior examination to the European Statistical System Committee, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 223/2009, and should be implemented by ensuring effective parliamentary scrutiny.
Amendment 52 Proposal for a regulation Recital 52
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(52) The Union and Member States are committed to the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, the Union and Member States will foster a stronger, more sustainable, inclusive, secure and prosperous Europe. The Programme should contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, including by balancing the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.	(52) The Union and Member States are committed to deliver on in being a frontrunner in implementing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, the Union and Member States will foster a stronger, more sustainable, inclusive, secure and prosperous Europe. The Programme should contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, including by balancing the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, providing to that end clear and visible commitment in its MFF regulation, and mainstreaming the Sustainable Development Goals, as requested by the European Parliament resolutions of the 14 March and 30 May 2018 on the 2021-2027 MFF.
Amendment 53 Proposal for a regulation Recital 58
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(58) The actions implemented under the predecessor programmes and budget lines have proven to be adequate and should be retained. The new actions introduced under the Programme aim to reinforce in particular the well-functioning internal market. In order to provide more simplicity and flexibility in the execution of the Programme and thereby to better deliver on its objectives, the actions should be defined only in terms of overall, generic categories. Lists of indicative activities concerning specific objectives in the area of competitiveness, or specific activities stemming from regulatory requirements, like in the area of standardisation, food chain regulation and European statistics should also be included in the Programme.	(58) The actions implemented under the predecessor programmes and budget lines have proven to be adequate and should be retained. The new actions introduced under the Programme aim to reinforce in particular the well-functioning internal market. In order to provide more simplicity and flexibility in the execution of the Programme and thereby to better deliver on its objectives, the actions should be defined only in terms of overall, generic categories. Lists of indicative activities concerning specific objectives in the area of competitiveness, consumer protection, or specific activities stemming from regulatory requirements, like in the area of standardisation, market surveillance, food chain regulation and European statistics should also be included in the Programme.
Amendment 54 Proposal for a regulation Recital 60
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(60) Considering the increasing interconnectivity of the world economy, the Programme should continue to provide the possibility of involving external experts, such as officials of third countries, representatives of international organisations or economic operators in certain activities.	(60) Considering the increasing interconnectivity of the world economy, including the digital economy, the Programme should continue to provide the possibility of involving external experts, such as officials of third countries, representatives of international organisations or economic operators in certain activities.
Amendment 55 Proposal for a regulation Recital 64
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(64) The Programme should promote synergies, while avoiding duplication with related Union programmes and actions. The actions under this Programme should be complementary to those of the Customs and Fiscalis Programmes established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶⁷ and Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶⁸ which also aim at supporting and improving the functioning of the internal market.	(64) The actions under this Programme should be complementary to those of the Customs and Fiscalis Programmes established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶⁷ and Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶⁸ which also aim at supporting and improving the functioning of the internal market.
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⁶⁷ COM(2018) 442 final	⁶⁷ COM(2018) 442 final
⁶⁸ COM(2018) 443 final	⁶⁸ COM(2018) 443 final
Justification
The deleted part is moved to Recital 5, where it seems more appropriate, as Recital 64 concerns two specific programmes in particular, and eliminating duplication of funding for identical objectives should be the general principle of the whole programme.
Amendment 56 Proposal for a regulation Recital 65
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(65) The Programme should promote synergies and complementarities with respect to the SMEs and entrepreneurship support under the European Regional Development Fund established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶⁹ . Moreover, the SME window of InvestEU Fund established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁷⁰ will guarantee debt and equity support to enhance access and availability of finance for SMEs. The Programme should also seek synergies with the Space Programme established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁷¹ in respect of encouragement of SMEs to benefit from breakthrough innovation and other solutions developed under those programmes.	(65) The Programme should promote synergies, complementarities and additionality with respect to the SMEs and entrepreneurship support under the European Regional Development Fund established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶⁹ . Moreover, the SME window of InvestEU Fund established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁷⁰ will guarantee debt and equity support to enhance access and availability of finance for SMEs and micro enterprises. The Programme should also seek synergies with the Space Programme established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁷¹ in respect of encouragement of SMEs to benefit from breakthrough innovation and other solutions developed under those programmes.
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⁶⁹ COM(2018) 372 final	⁶⁹ COM(2018) 372 final
⁷⁰ COM(2018) 439 final	⁷⁰ COM(2018) 439 final
⁷¹ COM(2018) 447 final	⁷¹ COM(2018) 447 final
Justification
Added reference to additionality and micro enterprises.
Amendment 57 Proposal for a regulation Recital 67
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(67) The Programme should promote synergies and complementarities with respect to the Digital Europe Programme established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁷³ which aims to promote the digitalisation of the Union economy and the public sector.	(67) The Programme should promote synergies and complementarities with respect to the Digital Europe Programme established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁷³ which aims to promote the digitalisation of the Union economy and the public sector and increased cybersecurity.
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⁷³ COM(2018) 434 final	⁷³ COM(2018) 434 final
Amendment 58 Proposal for a regulation Recital 71
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(71) Where relevant the Programme's actions should be used to address market failures or sub-optimal investment situations, in a proportionate manner, without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear European added value.	(71) The Programme's actions should have a clear European added value and address market failures or sub-optimal investment situations, in a proportionate manner, without duplicating or crowding out private financing.
Amendment 59 Proposal for a regulation Recital 72
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(72) The implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission in respect of the adoption of work programmes implementing the actions contributing to a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁷⁹.	deleted
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⁷⁹ Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by the Member States of the Commission's exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13).
Amendment 60 Proposal for a regulation Recital 73
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(73) The types of financing and the methods of implementation under this Regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results, taking into account, in particular, the costs of controls, the administrative burden, and the expected risk of non-compliance. This should include consideration of the use of lump sums, flat rates and unit costs, as well as financing not linked to costs as referred to in Article 125(1) of the Financial Regulation.	(73) The types of financing and the methods of implementation under this Regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results, taking into account, in particular, the Union added value, the costs of controls, the administrative burden, and the expected risk of non-compliance. This should include consideration of the use of lump sums, flat rates and unit costs, as well as financing not linked to costs as referred to in Article 125(1) of the Financial Regulation.
Amendment 61 Proposal for a regulation Recital 74
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(74) To ensure regular monitoring and reporting, a proper framework for monitoring the actions and results of the Programme should be put in place from the very beginning. Such monitoring and reporting should be based on indicators, measuring the effects of the actions under the Programme against pre-defined baselines.	(74) To ensure regular monitoring and reporting on the progress achieved and on the effectiveness and efficiency of the Programme, a proper framework for monitoring the actions and results of the Programme should be put in place from the very beginning. Such monitoring and reporting should be based on indicators, measuring the effects of the actions under the Programme against pre-defined baselines.
Amendment 62 Proposal for a regulation Recital 75
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(75) Pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the Inter-institutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making⁸⁰ , there is a need to evaluate this Programme 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, should include measurable indicators, as a basis for evaluating the effects of the Programme on the ground.	(75) Pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the Inter-institutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making⁸⁰, there is a need to evaluate this Programme 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, should include measurable indicators, as a basis for evaluating the effects of the Programme on the ground. The Commission should draw up an interim evaluation report on the achievement of the objectives of the actions supported under the Programme, on the results and impacts, on the efficiency of the use of resources and on its Union added value, as well as a final evaluation report on the longer impact, the results and the sustainability of the actions, and the synergies with other Programmes.
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⁸⁰ OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 1.	⁸⁰ OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 1.
Amendment 63 Proposal for a regulation Recital 75 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(75a) In order to supplement certain non-essential elements of this Regulation, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the adoption of work programme(s).
Amendment 64 Proposal for a regulation Recital 76
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(76) The list of animal diseases and zoonosis which qualify for funding under emergency measures and for funding under the eradication, control and surveillance programmes should be established on the basis of animal diseases referred to in Chapter 2 of Part I of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁸¹, Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁸²and Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁸³.	(76) An open list of animal diseases and zoonosis which qualify for funding under emergency measures and for funding under the eradication, control and surveillance programmes should be established on the basis of animal diseases referred to in Chapter 2 of Part I of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁸¹ , Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁸² and Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁸³ .
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⁸¹ Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (‘Animal Health Law’) (OJ L 84, 31.03.2016, p. 1).	⁸¹ Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (‘Animal Health Law’) (OJ L 84, 31.03.2016, p. 1).
⁸² Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 November 2003 on the control of Salmonella and other specified food-borne zoonotic agents (OJ L 325, 12.12.2003, p. 1).	⁸² Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 November 2003 on the control of Salmonella and other specified food-borne zoonotic agents (OJ L 325, 12.12.2003, p. 1).
⁸³ Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001 laying down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (OJ L 147, 31.05.2001, p. 1).	⁸³ Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001 laying down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (OJ L 147, 31.05.2001, p. 1).
Amendment 65 Proposal for a regulation Recital 77
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(77) In order to take account of situations that are provoked by animal diseases that have a significant impact on livestock production or trade, the development of zoonoses which pose a threat to humans, or new scientific or epidemiological developments, as well as animal diseases, which are likely to constitute a new threat for the Union, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission, in respect of amending the list of animal diseases and zoonoses. In order to ensure effective assessment of progress of the Programme towards the achievement of its objectives the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of reviewing or complementing the indicators to measure the achievement of the specific objectives where considered necessary and to supplement this Regulation with provisions on the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation framework. It is of particular importance that the Commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.	(77) In order to take account of situations that are provoked by animal diseases that have a significant impact on livestock production or trade, the development of zoonoses which pose a threat to humans, or new scientific or epidemiological developments, as well as animal diseases, which are likely to constitute a new threat for the Union, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission, in respect of amending the list of animal diseases and zoonoses. In order to ensure effective assessment of progress of the Programme towards the achievement of its objectives the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of reviewing or complementing the indicators to measure the achievement of the specific objectives where considered necessary and to supplement this Regulation with provisions on the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation framework. It is of particular importance that the Commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making. Stakeholders and consumer associations should be consulted as well. To ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.
Amendment 66 Proposal for a regulation Recital 80
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(80) Horizontal financial rules adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on the basis of Article 322 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union apply to this Regulation. These rules are laid down in the Financial Regulation and determine in particular the procedure for establishing and implementing the budget through grants, procurement, prizes, indirect implementation, and provide for checks on the responsibility of financial actors. Rules adopted on the basis of Article 322 TFEU also concern the protection of the Union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States, as the respect for the rule of law is an essential precondition for sound financial management and effective Union funding.	(80) Horizontal financial rules adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on the basis of Article 322 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and in particular the Financial Regulation which lays down the procedure for establishing and implementing the budget through grants, procurement, prizes, indirect implementation, and provides for checks on the responsibility of financial actors should apply to the actions under this Programme, subject to specific derogations, provided for in this Regulation. Rules adopted on the basis of Article 322 TFEU also concern the protection of the Union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States, as the respect for the rule of law is an essential precondition for sound financial management and effective Union funding.
Amendment 67 Proposal for a regulation Recital 81
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(81) Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁹⁰ governs the processing of personal data carried out in the Member States in the context of this Regulation and under the supervision of the Member States competent authorities. Regulation (EC) 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁹¹ governs the processing of personal data carried out by the Commission within the framework of this Regulation and under the supervision of the European Data Protection Supervisor. Any exchange or transmission of information by competent authorities is to comply with the rules on the transfer of personal data as laid down in Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and any exchange or transmission of information by the Commission is to comply with the rules on the transfer of personal data as laid down in Regulation (EC) No 45/2001.	(81) Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁹⁰ governs the processing of personal data carried out in the Member States in the context of this Regulation and under the supervision of the Member States competent authorities. Regulation (EC) 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁹¹ governs the processing of personal data carried out by the Commission within the framework of this Regulation and under the supervision of the European Data Protection Supervisor. Any exchange or transmission of information by competent authorities is to comply with the rules on the transfer of personal data as laid down in Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and in Regulation XXX [Regulation on privacy and electronic communications] and any exchange or transmission of information by the Commission is to comply with the rules on the transfer of personal data as laid down in Regulation (EC) No 45/2001.
Justification
The GDPR only addresses personal data and does not adequately cover other types of data, such as metadata, flow data and data stored by apps. Accordingly, compliance with the e-Privacy Regulation relating to Commission proposal 2017/0003(COD), currently under discussion, will also need to be taken into account.
Amendment 68 Proposal for a regulation Recital 83
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(83) The Programme should also be to ensure greater visibility and coherence of the Union’s internal market, competitiveness of enterprises including SMEs and European statistics actions towards European citizens, businesses and administrations.	(83) The Programme should also ensure greater visibility and coherence of the Union’s internal market, competitiveness and sustainability of enterprises especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and European statistics actions towards European citizens, businesses and administrations.
Amendment 69 Proposal for a regulation Recital 85
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(85) It is appropriate to ensure a smooth transition without interruption between the programmes in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises and SMEs, consumer protection, customers and end-users in financial services, policy making in financial services, food chain and European statistics, established by Regulation (EU) No 1287/2013, Regulation (EU) No 254/2014, Regulation (EU) 2017/826, Regulation (EU) No 258/2014, Regulation (EU) No 652/2014, Regulation (EU) No 99/2013 and this Programme, in particular regarding the continuation of multiannual measures and the evaluation of the previous programmes successes,	(85) It is appropriate to ensure a smooth transition without interruption between the programmes in the fields of competitiveness and sustainability of enterprises, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, consumer protection, customers and end-users in financial services, policy making in financial services, food chain and European statistics, established by Regulation (EU) No 1287/2013, Regulation (EU) No 254/2014, Regulation (EU) 2017/826, Regulation (EU) No 258/2014, Regulation (EU) No 652/2014, Regulation (EU) No 99/2013 and this Programme, in particular regarding the continuation of multiannual measures, and the evaluation of the previous programmes successes.
Amendment 70 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
This Regulation establishes the programme for improving the functioning of the internal market and the competitiveness of enterprises, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and the framework for financing of development, production and dissemination of European statistics within the meaning of Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 (the 'Programme').	This Regulation establishes the Single Market programme for strenghtening the internal market and improving its functioning in the fields of competitiveness and sustainability of enterprises, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, standardisation, consumer protection, market surveillance, food supply chain and the framework for financing of development, production and dissemination of European statistics within the meaning of Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 (the 'Programme').
Amendment 71 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2) 'European statistics' means statistics developed, produced and disseminated in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 223/2009;	(2) 'European statistics' means statistics, developed, produced and disseminated at the Union level and in the Member States in accordance with Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union and Regulation (EC) No 223/2009;
Amendment 72 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3. 'legal entity' means any natural or legal person created and recognised as such under national law, Union law or international law, which has legal personality and which may, acting in its own name, exercise rights and be subject to obligations, or an entity without a legal personality in accordance with Article 197(2)(c) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) of the European Parliament and of the Council (the 'Financial Regulation');	3. 'legal entity' means any natural or legal person created and recognised as such under national law, Union law or international law, which has legal personality and which may, acting in its own name, exercise rights and be subject to obligations, or an entity without a legal personality in accordance with Article 197(2)(c) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council (the 'Financial Regulation');
Amendment 73 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(4a) 'Social economy enterprise' means an enterprise whose main objective is to have a social impact rather than make a profit for their owners or shareholders, which operates by providing goods and services for the market and which is managed in an open and responsible manner involving employees, consumers and stakeholders;
Amendment 74 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(4b) 'Local Public Enterprise' means a small local public service enterprise that meets the SME criteria and fulfils important tasks for local communities;
Justification
Local Public Enterprises are a kind of the entrepreneurial activity with specific characteristics to be duly considered in COSME programme.
Amendment 75 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 c (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(4c) 'Enterprise networks' means the coming together of entrepreneurs in order to carry out a shared project and in which two or more SMEs jointly exercise one or more economic activities in order to increase their competitiveness in the market.
Justification
Enterprises networks are crucial actors in the internal market.
Amendment 76 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) to improve the functioning of the internal market, and especially to protect and empower citizens, consumers and businesses, in particular micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by enforcement of Union law, facilitation of market access, standard setting, and by promoting human, animal and plant health and animal welfare; as well as to enhance cooperation between the competent authorities of Member States and between the competent authorities of Member States and the Commission and the decentralised Union agencies;	(a) to improve the functioning of the internal market, and especially to protect and empower citizens, consumers and businesses, in particular micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by enforcement of Union legal, social and environmental framework; to facilitate market access and access to finance, to promote fair competition between companies, and standard setting, to ensure a uniform and high level of consumer protection, to strengthen the market surveillance across the Union, to improve mutual recognition and to promote human, animal and plant health and animal welfare; as well as to enhance cooperation between the competent authorities of Member States and between the competent authorities of Member States and the Commission and the decentralised Union agencies;
Amendment 77 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) to provide high-quality, comparable and reliable statistics on Europe which underpin the design, monitoring and evaluation of all the Union policies and help policy makers, businesses, academia, citizens and media to make informed decisions and actively participate in the democratic process.	(b) to develop, produce and disseminate high-quality, comparable and reliable European statistics which underpin the design, monitoring and evaluation of all the Union policies, including trade and migration, and help citizens, policy makers and regulators, supervisory authorities, businesses, academia, civil society and media to make informed decisions and actively participate in the democratic process.
Amendment 78 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) making the internal market more effective, facilitating the prevention and removal of obstacles, supporting the development, implementation and enforcement of the Union law in the areas of the internal market for goods and services, public procurement, market surveillance as well as in the areas of company law and contract and extra-contractual law, anti-money laundering, free movement of capital, financial services and competition, including the development of governance tools;	(a) making the internal market more effective by:
	(i) facilitating the prevention and removal of obstacles and supporting the development, implementation and enforcement of the Union law, in the areas of the internal market for goods and services, and public procurement, as well as in the areas of company law and contract and extra-contractual law, anti-money laundering, free movement of capital, financial services and competition, including the development of governance tools;
	(ii) supporting effective market surveillance and product safety throughout the Union, and contributing to the fight against the counterfeiting of products, with a view to ensuring that only safe and compliant products that offer a high level of consumer protection are made available on the Union market, including those sold online, as well as to greater homogeneity and capacity of the market surveillance authorities across the Union.
Amendment 79 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) improving the competitiveness of enterprises with special emphasis on SMEs and achieving additionality through the provision of measures that provide various forms of support to SMEs, access to markets including the internationalisation of SMEs, favourable business environment for SMEs, the competitiveness of sectors, the modernisation of industry and the promotion of entrepreneurship;	(b) strengthening both the competitiveness and sustainability of enterprises with special emphasis on SMEs and achieving additionality through the provision of measures ( objectives for SMEs), paying particular attention to their specific needs, by:
	(i) providing various forms of support to SMEs, fostering the growth, promotion and creation of SMEs, including enterprise networks, development of managerial skills and fostering measures to scale-up that will allow them to better access to markets and internationalisation processes, as well as marketing of their products and services;
	(ii) fostering a favourable business environment and framework for SMEs, reducing administrative burden, enhancing the competitiveness of sectors, ensuring , the modernisation of industry including their digital transformation contributing to a resilient, energy and resource efficient economy;
	(iii) promoting entrepreneurial culture and contributing to the high-quality training of SMEs’ staff;
	(iv) promoting new business opportunities for SMEs overcoming structural changes through targeted measures , and other innovative forms of actions such as workers buy-outs facilitating job creation and the continuity of businesses, in territories affected by these changes.
Amendment 80 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i) enable the financing of European standardisation and stakeholder participation in setting up European standards;	(i) enable the financing of European standardisation bodies and the participation of all relevant stakeholders in setting up European standards;
Amendment 81 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii) support the development of high-quality international financial reporting and auditing standards, facilitate their integration into the Union law and promote the innovation and development of best practices in corporate reporting;	(ii) support the development of high-quality international financial reporting and auditing standards, facilitate their integration into the Union law and/or promote the innovation and development of best practices in corporate reporting for both small and big companies;
Amendment 82 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) promoting the interests of consumers and ensuring a high level of consumer protection and product safety by:	(d) promoting the interests of consumers and ensuring a uniform and high level of consumer protection by:
Amendment 83 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i) empowering, assisting and educating consumers, businesses and civil society; ensuring a high level of consumer protection, sustainable consumption and product safety notably by supporting competent enforcement authorities and consumer representative organisations and cooperation actions; ensuring that all consumers have access to redress and; provision of adequate information on markets and consumers;	(i) empowering, assisting and educating consumers, businesses and civil society; ensuring a high level of consumer protection, in particular for the most vulnerable consumers in order to enhance fairness, transparency and trust in the single market; supporting competent enforcement authorities and consumer representative organisations and cooperation actions, by addressing, among others, issues raised by existing and emerging technologies, including actions aiming at improving product traceability along the supply chain; quality standards across the Union, and addressing the issue of the dual quality of products; raising awareness about consumer´s rights under Union law and ensuring that all consumers have access to efficient redress mechanisms and provision of adequate information on markets and consumers, as well as promoting sustainable consumption through enhanced information to consumers on specific characteristics and environmental impact of goods and services;
Amendment 84 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii) enhancing the participation of consumers, other financial services end-users and civil society in financial services policy-making; promoting a better understanding of the financial sector;	(ii) enhancing the participation of consumers, other financial services end-users and civil society in financial services policy-making; promoting a better understanding of the financial sector and of the different categories of commecialised financial products and ensuring the interests of consumers in the area of retail financial services;
Amendment 85 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) contributing to a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain and in related areas, including by preventing and eradicating diseases and pests, and to support the improvement of the welfare of animals as well as a sustainable food production and consumption;	(e) contributing to a high level of health and safety for humans, animals and plants along the food and feed supply chain and in related areas, including by preventing and eradicating diseases and pests, including, by means of emergency measures in the event of large-scale crisis situations and unforeseeable events affecting animal or plant health, as well as supporting improvements in animal welfare and developing the sustainable food production and consumption at affordable prices, as well as by stimulating research, innovation and the exchange of best practices between stakeholders in those fields.
Amendment 86 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point f
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(f) producing and communicating high quality statistics on Europe in a timely, impartial and cost-efficient manner, through enhanced partnerships within the European Statistical System referred to in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 and with all relevant external parties, using multiple data sources, advanced data analytics methods, smart systems and digital technologies.	(f) developping, producing, disseminating and communicating high quality European statistics in a timely, impartial and cost-efficient manner, through enhanced partnerships within the European Statistical System referred to in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 and with all relevant external parties, using multiple data sources, advanced data analytics methods, smart systems and digital technologies, and providing a national and, where possible, regional breakdown.
Amendment 87 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021 to 2027 shall be EUR 4 088 580 000 in current prices.	1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021 to 2027 shall be EUR 6 563 000 000 in current prices.
Amendment 88 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point -a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(-a) EUR 394 590 000 to the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(a)(i);
Amendment 89 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point -a a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(-aa) EUR 396 200 000 to the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(a)(ii);
Amendment 90 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) EUR 1 000 000 000 to the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(b);	(a) EUR 3 122 000 000 to the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(b);
Amendment 91 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(aa) EUR 220 510 000 to the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(c);
Amendment 92 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) EUR 188 000 000 to the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(d)(i);	(b) EUR 198 000 000 to the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(d);
Amendment 93 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3. The amount referred to in paragraph 1 may be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the Programme, concerning in particular preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities as well as use of information technology networks focusing on information processing and exchange, and use and development of corporate information technology tools.	3. The amount referred to in paragraph 1 may be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the Programme, concerning in particular preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities as well as use of information technology networks focusing on information processing and exchange, and use and development of corporate information technology tools. In order to ensure maximum availability of the Programme to finance actions covered by the objectives of the Programme, the total costs of administrative and technical support shall not exceed 5 % of the value of the financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1.
Amendment 94 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	5a. A specific mechanism should be introduced for direct food chain access to the Commission’s crisis reserve in case of large-scale emergencies, in order to guarantee financing for the measures set out in Article 3(2)(e) .
Amendment 95 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market, including businesses, citizens and consumers, civil society and public authorities through transparent information and awareness raising campaigns, best practice exchange, promotion of good practices, exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge and organization of trainings;	(a) creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market, including businesses, citizens, consumers, civil society and public authorities through transparent information exchange and awareness raising campaigns, particularly as regards to applicable Union rules and the rights of consumers and businesses, best practice exchange, promotion of good practices and innovative solutions, exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge and organization of trainings for the promotion of digital literacy of citizens and businesses;
Amendment 96 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) provision of mechanisms for citizens, consumers, end-users, civil society and businesses representatives from the Union to contribute to political discussions, policies and decision making process, notably by supporting the functioning of representative organisations at national and the Union level;	(b) provision of mechanisms for citizens, consumers, end-users, civil society, trade unions and businesses representatives from the Union, in particular those representing SMEs to contribute to political discussions, policies and decision making process, notably by supporting the functioning of representative organisations at national and the Union level;
Amendment 97 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) capacity building, facilitation and coordination of joint actions between Member States and between the competent authorities of Member States and between the competent authorities of Member States and the Commission, the decentralised Union agencies and third country authorities;	(c) capacity building, facilitation and coordination of joint actions between Member States and between the competent authorities of Member States and between the competent authorities of Member States and the Commission, the decentralised Union agencies and third country authorities, and more particularly joint actions aimed at strengthening product safety, enforcement of consumer protection rules in the Union and product traceability;
Amendment 98 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) support for the effective enforcement and modernisation of the Union legal framework and its rapid adaptation to the ever-changing environment, including through data gathering and analyses; studies, evaluations and policy recommendations; organization of demonstration activities and pilot projects; communication activities; development of dedicated IT tools ensuring transparent and efficient functioning of the internal market.	(d) support for the effective enforcement by Member States and the modernisation of the Union legal framework and its rapid adaptation to the ever-changing environment as well as support for dealing with issues raised by digitalisation, including through data gathering and analyses; studies, evaluations and policy recommendations; organization of demonstration activities and pilot projects; communication activities; development of dedicated IT tools ensuring transparent, fair and efficient functioning of the internal market.
Amendment 99 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	2a. The following actions implementing the specific objectives referred to in Article 3(2)(a)(ii) shall be eligible for funding:
	(a) coordination and cooperation between market surveillance authorities and other relevant authorities of Member States, in particular through the Union Product Compliance Network
	(b) development and maintenance of IT tools to exchange information on market surveillance and controls at the external borders;
	(c) support for the development of joint actions and testing in the field of product safety and compliance including in relation to connected products and products sold online;
	(d) cooperation, exchange of best practices and joint projects between market surveillance authorities and relevant bodies from third countries;
	(e) support for market surveillance strategies, knowledge and intelligence gathering, testing capabilities and facilities, peer reviews, training programmes, technical assistance and capacity building for market surveillance authorities;
	(f) assessment of type approval procedures and compliance verification of motor vehicles by the Commission.
Amendment 100 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) to provide various forms of support to SMEs;	deleted
Amendment 101 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) facilitating SMEs' access to markets, supporting them in addressing global and societal challenges and business internationalisation, and strengthening Union industrial leadership in global value chains, including the Enterprise Europe Network;	(b) facilitating micro- enterprises , SMEs and enterprise networks’ access to markets,including markets outside the Union, supporting them in addressing global, environmental, economic and societal challenges and business internationalisation, facilitating support for them during their life-cycle and strengthening Union entrepreneurial and industrial leadership in global value chains;
Amendment 102 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) addressing market barriers, administrative burden and creating a favourable business environment to empower SMEs to benefit from the internal market;	(c) addressing market barriers, reducing administrative burden, including reducing obstacles for setting -up enterprises and the starting of businesses and creating a favourable business environment to allow micro- enterprises and SMEs to benefit from the internal market, including access to finance, and by providing appropriate guidance, mentoring and coaching schemes delivery of knowledge -based business services;
Amendment 103 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) facilitating the growth of businesses, including skills development, and industrial transformation across manufacturing and service sectors;	(d) facilitating the development and growth of sustainable businesses, raising micro enterprises and SME’s awareness of Unions’ legislation, including environmental and energy Union law, upgrading their skills and qualifications development, and facilitating new business models and ressource- efficient value- chains fostering sustainable industrial, technological and organisational transformation across manufacturing and service sectors;
Amendment 104 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) supporting the competiveness of enterprises and whole sectors of economy, and supporting SMEs' uptake of innovation and value chain collaboration through strategically connecting ecosystems and clusters, including the joint cluster initiative;	(e) strengthening the competiveness and sustainability of enterprises and whole sectors of economy, and supporting micro-enterprises and SMEs' uptake of technological, organisational and social innovation, enhancing corporate social responsibility and value chain collaboration through strategically connecting ecosystems and clusters, including the joint cluster initiative;
Amendment 105 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point f
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(f) fostering an entrepreneurial business environment and entrepreneurial culture, including the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs and supporting start-ups, business sustainability and scale-ups.	(f) fostering an entrepreneurial business environment and entrepreneurial culture, enlarging the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs and supporting start-ups, business sustainability and scale-ups, paying particular attention to new potential entrepreneurs (i.e. youth, women), as well as other specific target groups, such as socially disadvantaged or vulnerable groups.
Amendment 106 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	3a. When implementing the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(b), the Commission may, in addition to the actions referred to in points (a) to (f) of paragraph 3 of this Article, support the following specific actions:
	(a) accelerating, supporting and expanding advisory services through the Enterprise Europe Network in order to provide integrated business with a one-stop-shop support service to Union SMEs that seek to explore opportunities in the internal market and in the third countries, and to monitor in order to ensure that a comparable level of quality of service is provided by the latter throughout all the Member States;
	(b) supporting the creation of enterprise networks;
	(c) supporting and expanding mobility programmes for new entrepreneurs (“Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs”) to improve their ability to develop their entrepreneurial know-how, skill and attitude and to improve their technological capacity and enterprise management;
	(d) supporting the scale-up of SMEs through significant business extension projects based on market-driven opportunities (SME Scale-up instrument);
	(e) supporting sector-specific actions in areas characterised by a high proportion of micro-enterprises and SMEs and a high contribution to the Union's GDP, such as the tourism sector.
Amendment 107 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	3b. Actions undertaken through the Enterprise Europe Network referred to in point (a) of paragraph (3a) of this Article may include, inter alia:
	(a) facilitating internationalisation of SMEs and identification of business partners in the internal market, cross border business cooperation on R&D, technology, knowledge and innovation transfer partnership;
	(b) providing information, guidance and personalised advice on Union law, Union’s financing and funding opportunities as well as on Union’s initiatives that have an impact on business, including taxation, property rights, environment and energy-related obligations, labour and social security aspects;
	(c) facilitating SMEs’ access to environmental, climate,energy efficiency and performance expertise;
	(d) enhancing the network with other information and advisory networks of the Union and Member States, in particular, EURES the Union innovation Hubs and the InvestEu advisory Hub.
	Services delivered by the Network on behalf of other Union programmes shall be funded by those programmes.
	The Commission shall prioritise actions in the Network to improve parts or elements of it that do not comply with minimum standard in order to provide homogenous support to micro enterprises and SMEs throughout the Union.
	The Commission shall adopt implementing acts establishing indicators and minimum standards for the purpose of measuring the impact of the Network vis-à-vis the specific objectives and the effectiveness of the actions for SMEs.
	Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 21(2).
	The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 20 to establish additional forms of support to the SMEs not provided for in this paragraph.

Amendment 108 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	5a. The following actions implementing the specific objectives referred to in Article 3(2)(d)(i) shall be eligible for funding:
	(a) improving consumer awareness and education on consumer rights through life-long education on EU consumer rules, and empowering consumers to face new issues raised by technological development and digitalisation, including the specific needs of vulnerable consumers;
	(b) ensuring and facilitating access for all consumers and traders to quality out of court dispute resolution and online dispute resolution and information on redress possibilities;
	(c) supporting stronger enforcement of consumer laws, with a particular attention for cross-border cases or cases involving third parties, effective coordination and cooperation between national enforcement bodies and enforcement cooperation with third countries.
	(d) fostering sustainable consumption by raising consumer awareness on product’s durability and environmental impact, eco-design features, promotion of consumers rights in this respect and possibility for redress in case of early-failing products;
Amendment 109 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Legal entities established in a third country which is not associated to the Programme may participate in the following actions:	The Commission may allow legal entities established in a third country which is not associated to the Programme to participate in the following actions:
Amendment 110 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The entities participating in the actions referred to in points a) and b) shall not be entitled to receive Union financial contributions, except where it is essential for the Programme, in particular in terms of competitiveness and access to markets for Union enterprises or in terms of protection of the consumers residing in the Union. That exception shall not apply to profit-making entities.	The entities participating in the actions referred to in points (a) and (b) shall not be entitled to receive Union financial contributions, especially when there is a risk of transfer of innovative technology, except where it is essential for the Programme, in particular in terms of competitiveness and access to markets for Union enterprises or in terms of protection of the consumers residing in the Union. That exception shall not apply to profit-making entities.
Amendment 111 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) for actions in the area of market surveillance implementing the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(a) of this Regulation, the market surveillance authorities of the Member States as referred to in Article 17 of Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 and Article 11 of [Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down rules and procedures for compliance with and enforcement of Union harmonisation legislation on products]⁹⁷ ;	(a) for actions in the area of market surveillance implementing the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(a)(ii) of this Regulation, the market surveillance authorities of the Member States as referred to in Article 17 of Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 and Article 11 of [Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down rules and procedures for compliance with and enforcement of Union harmonisation legislation on products]⁹⁷;
__________________	__________________
⁹⁷ COM(2017) 795 final	⁹⁷ COM(2017) 795 final
Amendment 112 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) for actions in the area accreditation and market surveillance implementing the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(a) of this Regulation, the body recognised under Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 to carry out the activities referred to in Article 32 of Regulation (EC) No 765/2008;	(b) for actions in the area accreditation implementing the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(a)(i) of this Regulation, the body recognised under Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 to carry out the activities referred to in Article 32 of Regulation (EC) No 765/2008;
Amendment 113 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	With regard to point (e) of the first paragraph of this Article, the Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 20 to adapt the list of entities which may be awarded a grant under the Programme, for actions implementing the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(d)(i).
Amendment 114 Proposal for a regulation Article 11 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The evaluation committee(s) for actions implementing the specific objective(s) referred to in Article 3(2) may be composed fully or partially of external experts.	The evaluation committee(s) for actions implementing the specific objective(s) referred to in Article 3(2) may be composed fully or partially of external experts. The work of the evaluation committee(s) shall be based on the principles of transparency, equal treatment and non-discrimination.
Amendment 115 Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. For actions implementing the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(a) of this Regulation with reference to market surveillance authorities of the Member States and of the third countries associated to the Programme and with reference to Union testing facilities as referred to in Article 20 of [Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down rules and procedures for compliance with and enforcement of Union harmonisation legislation on products], the Programme may finance up to 100% of eligible costs of an action, provided that the co-financing principle as defined in the Financial Regulation is not infringed.	1. For actions implementing the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(a)(ii) of this Regulation with reference to market surveillance authorities of the Member States and of the third countries associated to the Programme and with reference to Union testing facilities as referred to in Article 20 of [Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down rules and procedures for compliance with and enforcement of Union harmonisation legislation on products], the Programme may finance up to 100% of eligible costs of an action, provided that the co-financing principle as defined in the Financial Regulation is not infringed.
Amendment 116 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
may receive support from the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Social Fund Plus or the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, in accordance with paragraph 5 of Article [67] of Regulation (EU) XX [Common Provisions Regulation] and Article [8] or Regulation (EU) XX [Financing, management and monitoring of the Common Agricultural Policy], provided that such actions are consistent with the objectives of the programme concerned. The rules of the Fund providing support shall apply.	may receive support from the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Social Fund Plus or the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, in accordance with paragraph 5 of Article [67] of Regulation (EU) XX [Common Provisions Regulation] and Article [8] or Regulation (EU) XX [Financing, management and monitoring of the Common Agricultural Policy], or Regulation (EU) XX [establishing the Digital Europe Programme] in particular the objective on Advanced Digital Skills, provided that such actions are consistent with the objectives of the programme concerned. The rules of the Fund providing support shall apply.
Justification
The coordination with the Digital Europe programme has to be ensured to provide a EU comprehensive strategy for the SMEs.
Amendment 117 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The Programme shall be implemented by work programme(s) referred to in Article 110 of the Financial Regulation. Work programmes shall set out, where applicable, the overall amount reserved for blending operations.	1. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts pursuant to Article 20, supplementing this Regulation, in order to adopt work programme(s) in accordance with Article 110 of the Financial Regulation. The work programmes shall be annual or multiannual and shall in particular set out the objectives to be pursued, the expected results, the method of implementation and the total amount of the financing plan. They shall also set out in detail a description of the actions to be financed, an indication of the amount allocated to each action and an indicative implementation timetable. Work programmes shall set out, where applicable, the overall amount reserved for blending operations.
Amendment 118 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. Work programmes implementing the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e) as set out in Annex I shall be adopted by the Commission by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 21(2).	2. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts pursuant to Article 20, supplementing this Regulation by adopting work programmes in accordance with the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e) as set out in Annex I.
Amendment 119 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. Indicators to report on progress of the Programme towards the achievement of the specific objectives set out in Article 3(2) are set in Annex IV.	1. Indicators to report on progress of the effectiveness and efficiency of the Programme towards the achievement of the specific objectives set out in Article 3(2) are set in Annex IV.
Amendment 120 Proposal for a regulation Article 18 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. The interim evaluation of the Programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the Programme, but no later than four years after the start of the Programme implementation.	2. By ... [four years after the start of the implementation of the Programme] at the latest, the Commission shall draw up an interim evaluation report of the Programme on the achievement of the objectives of the actions supported under it, on the results and impacts, on the efficiency of the use of resources and on its Union added value.
Amendment 121 Proposal for a regulation Article 18 – paragraph 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5. At the end of the implementation of the Programme, but no later than four years after the end of the period specified in Article 1, a final evaluation of the Programme shall be carried out by the Commission.	5. By ... [three years after the end of the implementation of the Programme] at the latest, the Commission shall draw up a final evaluation report on the longer term impact of the Programme, on the results and sustainability of the actions and on the synergies between the different work programmes.
Amendment 122 Proposal for a regulation Article 18 – paragraph 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
6. The Commission shall communicate the conclusions of the evaluations accompanied by its observations, to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.	6. The Commission shall submit the evaluation reports referred to in paragraphs 2 and 5, accompanied by its conclusions to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions and make them publicly available. Where appropriate, the reports shall be accompanied by proposals for modifications of the Programme.
Amendment 123 Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Articles 9 and 17 shall be conferred on the Commission until 31 December 2028.	2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Articles 8(3b), 9, 10, 16 and 17, shall be conferred on the Commission until 31 December 2028.
Amendment 124 Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3. The delegation of power referred to in Articles 9 and 17 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.	3. The delegation of power referred to in Articles 8(3b), 9, 10, 16 and 17 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.
Amendment 125 Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
6. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Articles 9 and 17 shall enter into force if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.	6. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Articles 8(3b), 9, 10, 16 and 17 shall enter into force if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.
Amendment 126 Proposal for a regulation Article 21 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health established by Article 58 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁹⁹ . That committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.	1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.
__________________	__________________
⁹⁹ Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety (OJ L 031, 01.02.2002, p. 1).	⁹⁹ Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety (OJ L 031, 01.02.2002, p. 1).
Amendment 127 Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The recipients of Union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the Union funding (in particular when promoting the actions and their results), by providing coherent, effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple audiences, including the media and the public.	1. The recipients of Union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the transparency and visibility of the Union funding (in particular when promoting the actions and their results), by providing coherent, effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple audiences, including the media and the public.
Amendment 128 Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. The Commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the Programme, and its actions and results. Financial resources allocated to the Programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union, as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in Article 3.	2. The Commission shall implement information and communication actions in a user-friendly manner, in order to raise awareness among consumers, citizens, businesses, especially SMEs and public administrations about the resources provided through the financial instruments of this Regulation, as well as about its actions and results. Financial resources allocated to the Programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union, as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in Article 3.
Amendment 129 Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3. The Commission (EUROSTAT) shall implement information and communication activities relating to implementation of the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(f), its actions and results when they pertain to the development, production and dissemination of European statistics, in compliance with the statistical principles laid down in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009.	3. The Commission (EUROSTAT) shall implement information and communication activities relating to implementation of the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(f), its actions and results when they pertain to collection of data, development, production and dissemination of European statistics, in compliance with the statistical principles laid down in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009.
Amendment 130 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 1.2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) measures to eradicate a Union quarantine pest, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council¹⁰⁵or pursuant to the Union measures adopted in accordance with Article 28(1) of that Regulation;	(a) measures to prevent, contain and/or eradicate a Union quarantine pest, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council¹⁰⁵ or pursuant to the Union measures adopted in accordance with Article 28(1) of that Regulation;
_________________	_________________
¹⁰⁵ Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2016 on protective measures against pests of plants, amending Regulations (EU) No 228/2013, (EU) No 652/2014 and (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directives 69/464/EEC, 74/647/EEC, 93/85/EEC, 98/57/EC, 2000/29/EC, 2006/91/EC and 2007/33/EC (OJ L 317, 23.11.2016, p. 4).	¹⁰⁵ Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2016 on protective measures against pests of plants, amending Regulations (EU) No 228/2013, (EU) No 652/2014 and (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directives 69/464/EEC, 74/647/EEC, 93/85/EEC, 98/57/EC, 2000/29/EC, 2006/91/EC and 2007/33/EC (OJ L 317, 23.11.2016, p. 4).
Justification
It is vital to ensure that prevention and containment measures are eligible in the same way that eradication measures are.
Amendment 131 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 1.2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) measures to eradicate a pest, not listed as Union quarantine pests, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 and which may qualify as Union quarantine pests in accordance with the criteria referred to in that Article or Article 30(1) of that Regulation;	(b) measures to prevent, contain and/or eradicate a pest, not listed as Union quarantine pests, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 and which may qualify as Union quarantine pests in accordance with the criteria referred to in that Article or Article 30(1) of that Regulation;
Justification
It is vital to ensure that prevention and containment measures are eligible in the same way that eradication measures are.
Amendment 132 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 1.2 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) additional protective measures taken against the spread of a pest, against which Union measures have been adopted pursuant to Article 28(1) and Article 30(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, other than the eradication measures referred to in point (a) of this point and the containment measures referred to in point (b) of this point, where those measures are essential to protect the Union against further spread of that pest.	(c) additional protective measures taken against the spread of a pest, against which Union measures have been adopted pursuant to Article 28(1) and Article 30(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, other than the measures referred to in points (a) and (b) of this point, where those measures are essential to protect the Union against further spread of that pest, restricting where necessary the free movement of carriers in the surrounding Member States.
Amendment 133 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 1.2 – point c a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ca) measures to eradicate a pest that has suddenly appeared, even if it is not considered a Union quarantine pest but the result of extreme climatic events or climate change in a Member State;
Amendment 134 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 1.3 – point 1.3.4 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1.3.4a. In the event of a suspected outbreak of an animal disease and/or the appearance of harmful organisms, checks and monitoring will need to be greatly intensified throughout the EU within the Union and at its external borders;
Amendment 135 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 1.3 – point 1.3.4 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1.3.4b. Measures to monitor the appearance of known as well as currently unknown pests and diseases.
Amendment 136 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point 2.1 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.1. Annual and multiannual veterinary and phytosanitary programmes for the eradication, control and surveillance of animal diseases and zoonoses listed in Annex III and of plant pests have to be implemented in compliance with the provisions laid down in the relevant Union law.	2.1. Annual and multiannual veterinary and phytosanitary programmes for the prevention, eradication, control and surveillance of animal diseases and zoonoses listed in Annex III and of plant pests have to be implemented in compliance with the provisions laid down in the relevant Union law.
Amendment 137 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point 2.1 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	These programmes should reflect the new realities caused by climate change and the diversity thereof at European level; they should also help prevent the erosion of European biodiversity.
Amendment 138 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point 2.3 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) measures to eradicate a Union quarantine pest, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 or pursuant to the Union measures adopted in accordance with Article 28(1) of that Regulation;	(c) measures to prevent, contain or eradicate a Union quarantine pest, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 or pursuant to the Union measures adopted in accordance with Article 28(1) of that Regulation;
Justification
It is vital to ensure that prevention and containment measures are eligible in the same way that eradication measures are.
Amendment 139 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point 2.3 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) measures to eradicate a pest, not listed as Union quarantine pests, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 and which may qualify as Union quarantine pests in accordance with the criteria referred to in that Article or Article 30(1) of that Regulation;	(d) measures to prevent, contain or eradicate a pest, not listed as Union quarantine pests, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 and which may qualify as Union quarantine pests in accordance with the criteria referred to in that Article or Article 30(1) of that Regulation;
Justification
It is vital to ensure that prevention and containment measures are eligible in the same way that eradication measures are.
Amendment 140 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point 2.3 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) additional protective measures taken against the spread of a pest, against which Union measures have been adopted pursuant to Articles 28(1) and 30(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, other than the eradication measures referred to in point (c) of this point and the containment measures referred to in point (d) of this point, where those measures are essential to protect the Union against further spread of that pest;	(e) additional protective measures taken against the spread of a pest, against which Union measures have been adopted pursuant to Articles 28(1) and 30(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, other than the measures referred to in points (c) and (d) of this point, where those measures are essential to protect the Union against further spread of that pest;
Justification
This is a technical amendment, the purpose of which is to bring the text into line in the light of the amendments calling for prevention and containment measures to be eligible in the same way that eradication measures are.
Amendment 141 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3. Activities to support the improvement of the welfare of animals.	3. Activities to support the improvement of the welfare of animals, including measures to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards and traceability including during animal transport.
Amendment 142 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
7. Activities supporting a sustainable food production and consumption.	7. Activities supporting agroecological production, sustainable food consumption, which does not cause harm to the environment and biodiversity, and promotion of direct sales and short supply chains.
Amendment 143 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
8. Data-bases and computerised information management systems necessary for the effective and efficient implementation of the legislation related to the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e) and having a proven added value for the Union as a whole.	8. Data-bases and computerised information management systems necessary for the effective and efficient implementation of the legislation related to the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e) and having a proven added value for the Union as a whole; implementation of new technologies to improve traceability of products such as QR codes on product packaging.
Amendment 144 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 11
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
11. Technical and scientific work, including studies and coordination activities, necessary to ensure the correct implementation of the legislation in the area related to the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e) and the adaptation of that legislation to scientific, technological and societal developments.	11. Technical and scientific work, including studies and coordination activities, necessary to safeguard prevention of the appearance of new as well as unknown pests and diseases and to ensure the correct implementation of the legislation in the area related to the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e) and the adaptation of that legislation to scientific, technological and societal developments.
Amendment 145 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 14
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
14. Support to information and awareness raising initiatives by the Union and Member States aimed at ensuring improved, compliant and sustainable food production and consumption, including food waste and food fraud prevention activities, within the implementation of the rules in the area of the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e).	14. Support to information and awareness raising initiatives by the Union and Member States aimed at ensuring improved, compliant and sustainable food production and consumption, including food waste prevention contributing to the circular economy, and food fraud prevention activities, within the implementation of the rules in the area of the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e).
Amendment 146 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – indent 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
– better measuring of trade in services, foreign direct investment, global value chains and the impact of globalisation on the Union economies.	– better measuring of trade in goods and services, foreign direct investment, global value chains and the impact of globalisation on the Union economies.
Amendment 147 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – indent 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
– providing high quality, timely and reliable statistics to support the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Union Skills Policy, including statistics on the labour market, employment, education and training, income, living conditions, poverty, inequality, social protection, undeclared work and satellite accounts on skills;	– providing high quality, timely and reliable statistics to support the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Union Skills Policy, including, but not exclusive to, statistics on the labour market, employment, education and training, income, living conditions, poverty, inequality, social protection, undeclared work and satellite accounts on skills;
Amendment 148 Proposal for a regulation Annex III
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment

List of animal diseases and zoonoses	List of animal diseases and zoonoses
(1) African horse sickness	The list of animal diseases and zoonoses covers:
(2) African swine fever	(a) the list of diseases drawn up pursuant to Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Regulation 2016/429;
(3) Anthrax	(b) salmonella, zoonoses and zoonotic agents covered by Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 and Directive 2003/99/EC;
(4) Avian influenza (highly pathogenic),	(c) transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.
(5) Avian influenza (low pathogenic)
(6) Campylobacteriosis
(7) Classical swine fever
(8) Foot-and-mouth disease
(9) Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia
(10) Glanders
(11) Infection with bluetongue virus (serotypes 1-24),
(12) Infection with Brucella abortus, B. melitensis and B. suis
(13) Infection with epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus
(14) Infection with lumpy skin disease virus
(15) Infection with Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC (Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia),
(16) Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (M. bovis, M. caprae and M. tuberculosis)
(17) Infection with Newcastle disease virus
(18) Infection with peste des petits ruminants virus
(19) Infection with rabies virus
(20) Infection with Rift Valley fever virus
(21) Infection with rinderpest virus
(22) Infection with zoonotic Salmonella serovars
(23) Infestation with Echinococcus spp
(24) Listeriosis
(25) Sheep pox and goat pox
(26) Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
(27) Trichinellosis
(28) Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis
(29) Verotoxigenic E. coli
Justification
This amendment seeks to ensure that account is taken of the review of the list of diseases drawn up under Regulation 2016/429 which may be updated by the Commission, and be extended to cover salmonella, zoonoses and zoonotic agents.
Amendment 149 Proposal for a regulation Annex IV – Indicators – table
Text proposed by the Commission
Objective	Indicator

	1 - Number of new complaints and cases of non-compliance in the area of free movement of goods and services, as well as Union legislation on public procurement.
Objectives laid down in Article 3(2)(a)	2 - Services Trade Restrictiveness Index.
	3 - Number of visits to the Your Europe portal.
	4 – Number of Joint market surveillance campaigns.
Objectives laid down in Article 3(2)(b)	1 - Number of SMEs receiving support
	2 - Number of companies supported having concluded business partnerships.
Objectives laid down in Article 3(2)(c)
(i)	1 - Share of implementation of European standards as national standards by Member States in total amount of active European standards.
(ii)	2 - Percentage of international financial reporting and auditing standards endorsed by the Union.
Objectives laid down in Article 3(2)(d)
(i)	1 - Consumer condition index.
(ii)	2 - Number of position papers and responses to public consultations in the field of financial services from beneficiaries.
Objectives laid down in Article 3(2)(e)	1 - Number of successfully implemented national veterinary and phytosanitary programmes.
Objectives laid down in Article 3(2)(f)	1 - Impact of statistics published on the internet: number of web mentions and positive/negative opinions.


Amendment
Objective	Indicator

	1 - Union legislation on public procurement.
Objectives laid down in Article 3(2)(a)(i)	2 - Services Trade Restrictiveness Index.
	3 - Number of visits to the Your Europe portal.

	1 - Number of new complaints and cases of non-compliance in the area of free movement of goods and services and online sales.
Objectives laid down in Article 3(2)(a)(ii)	2 - Number of Joint market surveillance and products safety campaigns.

Objectives laid down in Article 3(2)(b)	1 - Number of SMEs receiving support from the programme and the Network.
	2 - Number of companies supported having concluded business partnerships.
	2a - Number of entrepreneurs benefitting from mentoring and mobility schemes
	2b - Time and cost reduction in setting up an SME.
	2c - Number of enterprise networks created compared to baseline
	2d - Number of Member States using SME test.
	2e - Marked increase in the number of Member States with a one-stop shop for business start-ups.
	2f - Increase in the proportion of SMEs exporting and increase in the proportion of SMEs exporting outside the Union compared to baseline.
	2g - Marked increase in number of Member States implementing entrepreneurship solutions targeting potential, young, new and female entrepreneurs, as well as other specific target groups compared to baseline
	2h - Increase in the proportion of Union citizens that would like to be self-employed compared to baseline.
	2i - Performance of SMEs as regards sustainability to be measured inter alia by the increase in the proportion of Union SMEs developing sustainable blue economy and green products1a and services and by their improvement in resource-efficiency (which may include energy, materials or water, recycling, etc) compared to baseline.
Objectives laid down in Article 3(2)(c)
(i)	1 - Share of implementation of European standards as national standards by Member States in total amount of active European standards.
(ii)	2 - Percentage of international financial reporting and auditing standards endorsed by the Union.
Objectives laid down in Article 3(2)(d)
(i)	1 - Consumer condition index.
(ii)	2 - Number of position papers and responses to public consultations in the field of financial services from beneficiaries.
Objectives laid down in Article 3(2)(e)	1 - Number of successfully implemented national veterinary and phytosanitary programmes.
	2 - Number of emergencies caused by pests successfully resolved;
	3 - Number of emergencies caused by diseases successfully resolved;
Objectives laid down in Article 3(2)(f)	1 - Impact of statistics published on the internet: number of web mentions and positive/negative opinions.

[1] Not yet published in the Official Journal
[2] Not yet published in the Official Journal

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

The single market has been, and remains, the cornerstone at the heart of the European project.

In its 25 years of existence, the single market has contributed to achieving a high level of integration among Member States, bringing tangible benefits to businesses, citizens and consumers in many ways, such as providing greater choice and lower prices in a more competitive market, opportunities for travelling and working across the EU, access to an enormous market for businesses and better consumer protection. Despite the adoption and implementation of over 3 500 measures, the single market project is far from completed. Many barriers, such as gaps in legislation, administrative burdens, ineffective implementation and weak enforcement of EU law, as well as changing circumstances and emerging challenges and obstacles, continue to hinder the accomplishment of the single market.

The European Parliament called on numerous occasions for improvement of the governance and the efficiency of the single market, and the Commission made market integration one of its main priorities.

For the next 2021-2027 period, the Commission is proposing a new Single Market Programme, that will bring six programmes and numerous actions, previously separate, under one coherent framework. The main aim is to implement and enforce various activities supporting delivery of the single market in the wider sense, improving synergies and flexibility as well as eliminating overlaps in existing EU Programmes.

Overall, the Rapporteur welcomes the new “Single Market Programme” and shares Commission’s view on a need for a strategic and integrated approach towards the attainment of a well-functioning internal market.

However, the Rapporteur proposes several improvements in the following areas:

The financial envelope

The Commission is proposing a financial envelope to be allocated among four different objectives: COSME, consumers, food chain and sustainable consumption and statistics. The Rapporteur believes that the total financial envelope is not sufficient to answer all challenges of the Single Market and especially to adapt to a rapidly changing environment of digital revolution and globalisation.

However, the Rapporteur proposes to adjust the general financial envelope and all different budgetary lines, once the exact figures will be defined in the European Parliament Draft Interim Report on ‘the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework and own resources’.

Moreover, the Rapporteur suggests the addition of a new budget line dedicated to market surveillance, product safety and type-approval, in line with the Impact Assessment of the Single Market Programme and the Impact Assessment of the enforcement and compliance Regulation. The Rapporteur also believes important to mention explicitly the objectives to which the remaining amount shall be dedicated, as well as to put a ceiling for technical and administrative assistance.

Focus on market surveillance and product safety

Concerning the programme’s objectives, the Rapporteur strongly believes that the improvement of the functioning of the single market depends on the strengthening of market surveillance activities and product safety, with a special attention to products sold online. The Rapporteur, in fact, recognizes that an effective market surveillance could be essential to safeguard public interests such as health and safety in the workplace, the protection of consumers, the protection of environment and the public security as well as ensuring a level playing field among economic operators. Many recent scandals such as the “Dieselgate” show that unsafe and non-compliant products are still a reality in the EU market, highlighting the need of a more effective and coordinated market surveillance in the EU. The recently approved “Type-approval” Regulation, as well as the “Enforcement and compliance” Regulation that is currently under negotiation provide for a framework for fostering better cooperation between market surveillance authorities, the European institutions and the economic operators. Based on that, the Rapporteur is introducing a new specific objective related to market surveillance, product safety and type-approval and related actions, dedicating a specific budget line to these actions.

Consumers

The Rapporteur believes that the Single Market Programme shall contribute to creating the conditions for EU citizens to benefit fully from the single market. Therefore, the Rapporteur proposes to incorporate references to specific actions aimed at strengthening consumer protection, empowering consumers and promoting their interests, with a particular focus on new opportunities and challenges brought by digitalisation, in line with Consumer Programme 2014-2020.

Digital developments

Throughout the entire text of the Regulation, the Rapporteur adds references to digital developments in all fields touched by the Programme. A seven years programme needs to be flexible and sufficiently forward looking to adapt to an ever-changing environment, where new technologies have a strong impact on business models, such as the social and the collaborative economy, consumers and EU economy as a whole.

Implementation, evaluation and publicity of the Programme

The Commission’s proposal does not provide sufficient information on how the new Programme will be implemented. The adoption of annual or multiannual work programmes is of utmost importance, since the work programmes are laying down the actions to be financed and the allocation of financial resources, among others.

Regarding the evaluation, the Rapporteur is proposing a mandatory final evaluation of the Programme by 2030 with a specific focus on the longer-term impact of the Programme, the sustainability of the actions and the synergies achieved among the different work programmes.

When it comes to transparency and publicity, the Rapporteur proposes that Commission shall implement information and communication actions to raise awareness among consumers, businesses, notably SMEs, and public administrations about the opportunities offered under the Programme.

OPINION of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (13.12.2018)

for the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

Rapporteur for opinion (*): Ralph Packet

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

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs calls on the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, 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) The substantial body of Union legislation underpins the functioning of the internal market. This concerns, in particular, competitiveness, standardisation, consumer protection, market surveillance and food chain regulation but also rules concerning business, trade and financial transactions and the promotion of fair competition providing for a level playing field essential for the functioning of the internal market.	(3) The substantial body of Union legislation underpins the functioning of the internal market. This concerns, in particular, competitiveness, standardisation, consumer protection, market surveillance and food chain regulation but also rules concerning business, trade and financial transactions and the promotion of fair competition providing for a level playing field essential for the functioning of the internal market. with the aim of benefiting all EU citizens. Compliance with Union rules on the competition is not only a legal requirement in Member States but essential for the very functioning of the internal market.
Amendment 2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(5) Several programmes for Union action exist currently in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises including SMEs, consumer protection, customers and end-users in financial services, policy making in financial services and food chain. Some additional activities are financed directly under the internal market budget lines. It is necessary to streamline and exploit synergies between various actions and provide for a more flexible and agile framework to finance activities aiming to achieve a well-functioning internal market in the most cost-efficient manner. It is therefore necessary to establish a new programme bringing together activities financed previously under those other programmes and other relevant budget lines. The programme should also include new initiatives which aim to improve the functioning of the internal market.	(5) Several programmes for Union action exist currently in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises including SMEs, consumer protection, customers and end-users in financial services, policy making in financial services and food chain. Some additional activities are financed directly under the internal market budget lines. Without prejudice to the existing level of transparency and democratic scrutiny by the co-legislators, it is necessary to streamline and exploit synergies between various actions and provide for a more flexible and agile framework to finance activities aiming to achieve a well-functioning internal market in the most cost-efficient manner. It is therefore necessary to establish a new programme bringing together activities financed previously under those other programmes and other relevant budget lines. The programme should also include new initiatives which aim to improve the functioning of the internal market and its development.
Amendment 3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(6) The development, production and dissemination of European statistics are subject to a separate European Statistical Programme established by Regulation (EU) No 99/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴⁷ . In order to provide continuity of producing and disseminating European statistics, the new programme should also include activities covered by the European Statistical Programme by providing a framework for the development, production and dissemination of European statistics. The new programme should establish the financial framework for European statistics to provide high-quality, comparable and reliable statistics on Europe in order to underpin the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all Union policies.	(6) The development, production and dissemination of European statistics are subject to a separate European Statistical Programme established by Regulation (EU) No 99/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴⁷. In order to provide continuity of producing and disseminating European statistics, the new programme should also include activities covered by the existing European Statistical Programme by providing a framework for the collection of data, as well as for the development, production, the correct use, application and dissemination of European statistics. The new programme should establish the financial framework for European statistics to provide high-quality, comparable and reliable European statistics, also on matters such trade and migration, in order to underpin the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all Union policies in accordance with Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union.
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⁴⁷ Regulation (EU) No 99/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2013 on the European statistical programme 2013-17 (OJ L 39, 9.2.2013, p 12).	⁴⁷ Regulation (EU) No 99/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2013 on the European statistical programme 2013-17 (OJ L 39, 9.2.2013, p 12).
Amendment 4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(8) The Programme should support the design, implementation and enforcement of Union legislation underpinning the proper functioning of the internal market. The Programme should support the creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market: businesses, citizens including consumers, civil society and public authorities. To that end, the Programme should aim to ensure the competitiveness of businesses, notably SMEs, but also supporting the enforcement of consumer protection and safety rules and by raising the awareness of businesses and individuals by providing them with the right tools, knowledge and competence to make informed decisions and strengthen their participation in Union’s policy-making. Furthermore, the Programme should aim to enhance regulatory and administrative cooperation, notably through exchange of best practices, building of knowledge and competence bases, including the use of strategic public procurement. The Programme should also aim to support the development of high-quality international standards that underpin the implementation of Union legislation. This also includes standard setting in the field of financial reporting and audit, thereby contributing to the transparency and well-functioning of the Union’s capital markets and to enhancing investor protection. The Programme should support rulemaking and standard setting also by ensuring the broadest possible stakeholder involvement. The objective of the Programme should also be to support the implementation and enforcement of Union legislation providing for a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain and the improvement of the welfare of animals.	(8) The Programme should support the design, implementation and enforcement of Union legislation underpinning the proper functioning of the internal market. The Programme should support the creation of the right conditions to empower all existing and potential actors of the internal market: businesses, including start-ups, savers and investors, citizens including consumers, civil society and public authorities. To that end, the Programme should aim to ensure the competitiveness of businesses, notably SMEs, but also supporting the enforcement of consumer protection and safety rules and by raising the awareness of businesses and individuals by providing them with the right tools, knowledge and competence to make informed decisions and strengthen their participation in Union’s policy-making. Furthermore, the Programme should aim to enhance regulatory and administrative cooperation, notably through exchange of best practices, building of knowledge and competence bases, including the use of strategic public procurement. The Programme should also aim to support the development of high-quality international standards that underpin the implementation of Union legislation. This also includes standard setting in the field of financial reporting and audit, thereby contributing to the transparency and well-functioning of the Union’s capital markets and to enhancing investor protection. The Programme should support rulemaking and standard setting also by ensuring the broadest possible stakeholder involvement. The objective of the Programme should also be to support the implementation and enforcement of Union legislation providing for a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain and the improvement of the welfare of animals.
Amendment 5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 14
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(14) As consumer markets know no borders with the development of online trade and travel services, it is important to ensure that consumers residing in the Union can benefit from adequate protection when importing goods and services from economic operators based in third countries. The Programme should therefore allow supporting cooperation with relevant bodies located in key trading third country partners of the Union where necessary.	(14) As consumer markets know no borders with the development of online trade and travel services and with the development of the digital market, it is important to ensure that consumers residing in the Union can benefit from adequate protection when importing goods and services from economic operators based in third countries. The Programme should therefore allow supporting cooperation with relevant bodies located in key trading third country partners of the Union where necessary.
Amendment 6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 16
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(16) In order to meet the objectives of the Programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses, high-quality user-centric public services need to be put in place. This implies that public administrations will need to start working in new ways, bring down silos between the different parts of their administrations, and to engage in the co-creation of these public services with citizens and businesses. Moreover, the continuous and steady increase of cross-border activities in the internal market requires provision of up-to-date information on the rights of businesses and citizens, but also information explaining the administrative formalities. In addition, provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross national level becomes essential. Furthermore, connecting national administrations in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary. The Programme should therefore support the following existing internal market governance tools: the Your Europe Portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming Single Digital Gateway, Your Europe Advice, SOLVIT, the Internal Market Information system and the Single Market Scoreboard in order to improve citizens' daily lives and businesses' ability to trade across borders.	(16) In order to meet the objectives of the Programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses, high-quality user-centric public services need to be put in place. This implies that public administrations will need to start working in new ways, bring down silos between the different parts of their administrations, and to engage in the co-creation of these public services with citizens and businesses. Moreover, the continuous and steady increase of cross-border activities in the internal market requires provision of up-to-date information on the rights of citizens and businesses, but also information explaining the administrative formalities. In addition, provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross national level becomes essential. Furthermore, connecting national administrations in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary. The Programme should therefore support the following existing internal market governance tools: the Your Europe Portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming Single Digital Gateway, Your Europe Advice, SOLVIT, the Internal Market Information system and the Single Market Scoreboard in order to improve citizens' daily lives and businesses' ability to trade across borders.
Amendment 7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 20
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(20) Considering that the internal market as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union includes a system ensuring that competition is not distorted, the Programme should support the Union’s competition policy, networks and cooperation with national authorities and courts, as well as outreach to a wider group of stakeholders in communicating and explaining the rights, benefits and obligations of Union competition policy.	(20) Considering that the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union includes a system of rules ensuring that competition is not distorted in the internal market, the Programme should contribute to support the Union’s competition policy, by improving and reinforcing the cooperation with the European Competition Network and with national authorities and courts, including by way of strengthening international cooperation as well as communicating and explaining the rights, benefits and obligations of Union competition policy. The Programme should in particular help the Commission to enhance its analysis and assessment of market developments, also through extensive use of sector inquiries and by systematic sharing of results and best practices within the European Competition Network. This should contribute to ensuring fair competition and a level playing field, also at international level, and empowering businesses, in particular SMEs, and consumers in order to reap the benefits of the Single Market.
Amendment 8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 21
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(21) The Programme in particular needs to tackle the radical implications for competition and the functioning of the internal market resulting from the ongoing transformation of the economy and business environment, in particular through the exponential growth and use of data, taking account of the increasing recourse to artificial intelligence and other IT tools and expertise by companies and their advisors. It is also essential that the Programme supports networks and cooperation with Member State authorities and courts, considering that undistorted competition and the functioning of the internal market depend critically on action by those entities. In view of the particular role of competition policy in preventing harm to the internal market resulting from anticompetitive conduct beyond the Union’s border, the Programme should also support cooperation with third country authorities, as appropriate. Finally, widening outreach activities is necessary in order to allow more citizens and businesses to reap the full benefits of fair competition in the internal market. Given that a number of initiatives in the Programme are new and that the competition part of the Programme is particularly affected by dynamic developments in the conditions of competition in the internal market, notably relating to Artificial Intelligence, algorithms, big data, cybersecurity and forensic technology, the pace and magnitude of which are difficult to estimate, it is anticipated that flexibility will be required to face the evolving needs under this part of the Programme.	(21) The Programme in particular needs to tackle the implications for competition and the functioning of the internal market resulting from the ongoing radical transformation of the economy and business environment and the digital economy, in particular through the exponential growth and use of data, taking account of the increasing recourse to artificial intelligence and other IT tools and expertise by companies and their advisors. It is also essential that the Programme supports networks and cooperation with Member State authorities and courts, considering that undistorted competition and the functioning of the internal market depend critically on action by those entities. In view of the particular role of competition policy in preventing harm to the internal market resulting from anticompetitive conduct beyond the Union’s border, the Programme should also support cooperation with third country authorities, as appropriate. Finally, widening outreach activities is necessary in order to allow more citizens and businesses to reap the full benefits of fair competition in the internal market. Given that a number of initiatives in the Programme are new and that competition enforcement is particularly affected by dynamic developments and challenges in the conditions of competition in the internal market, including relating to Artificial Intelligence, algorithms, big data, digital monopolies, broadband deployment, geoblocking, the use of patents as a means to prevent access to technology, gatekeeper positions of Internet Service Providers, spectrum auctions, cybersecurity and forensic technology, the pace and magnitude of which are difficult to estimate, it is anticipated that flexibility will be required to face the evolving needs under this part of the Programme. The Commission will regularly inform the Parliament and the Council on the actions financed by the Programme in the area of competition policy.
Amendment 9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 25
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(25) To overcome these market failures and to ensure that SMEs continue to play their role as the foundation for the Union economy´s competitiveness, small and medium sized enterprises need extra support through debt and equity instruments to be established under the SME window of the InvestEU Fund established by Regulation […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵² . The loan guarantee facility put in place under Regulation (EU) No 1287/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵³ has a proven added value and is expected to bring a positive contribution to at least 500 000 SMEs; a successor will be established under the SME window of the InvestEU Fund.	(25) To overcome these market failures and to ensure that SMEs continue to play their role as the foundation for the Union economy´s competitiveness, small and medium sized enterprises need extra support also through debt and equity instruments to be established under the SME window of the InvestEU Fund established by Regulation […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵² . The loan guarantee facility put in place under Regulation (EU) No 1287/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵³ has a proven added value and is expected to bring a positive contribution to at least 500 000 SMEs; a successor will be established under the SME window of the InvestEU Fund.
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⁵² COM(2018) 439 final	⁵² COM(2018) 439 final
⁵³ Regulation (EU) No 1287/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing a Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (COSME) (2014 - 2020) and repealing Decision No 1639/2006/EC (OJ L 347 of 20.12.2013, p. 33).	⁵³ Regulation (EU) No 1287/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing a Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (COSME) (2014 - 2020) and repealing Decision No 1639/2006/EC (OJ L 347 of 20.12.2013, p. 33).
Amendment 10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 27
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(27) The Programme should provide effective support for SMEs throughout their life-cycle. It should build on the unique knowledge and expertise developed with regard to SMEs and industrial sectors and on a long experience in working with European, national and regional stakeholders. This support should build on the successful experience of the Enterprise Europe Network as a one-stop-shop to improve SMEs competitiveness and develop their business in the Single Market and beyond. The Network plans to continue delivering services on behalf of other Union programmes, notably for the Horizon2020 programme, using the financial resources of these programmes. Also the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs should remain the tool to enable new or aspiring entrepreneurs to gain business experience by matching with an experienced entrepreneur from another country and thus allow strengthening entrepreneurial talents. The Programme should further strive to grow and extend its geographical coverage and thus offer wider range of matching possibilities to entrepreneurs in complementarity with other Union initiatives where relevant.	(27) The Programme should provide effective support for SMEs throughout their life-cycle. It should build on the unique knowledge and expertise developed with regard to SMEs and industrial sectors and on a long experience in working with European, national and regional stakeholders. This support should build on the successful experience of the Enterprise Europe Network as a one-stop-shop to improve SMEs competitiveness and knowledge and develop their business in the Single Market and beyond. The Network plans to continue delivering services on behalf of other Union programmes, notably for the Horizon2020 programme, using the financial resources of these programmes. Also the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs should remain the tool to enable new or aspiring entrepreneurs to gain business experience by matching with an experienced entrepreneur from another country and thus allow strengthening entrepreneurial talents. The Programme should further strive to grow and extend its geographical coverage and thus offer wider range of matching possibilities to entrepreneurs in complementarity with other Union initiatives where relevant.
Amendment 11 Proposal for a regulation Recital 32
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(32) A well-functioning common financial reporting framework is essential for the internal market, for the effective functioning of the capital markets and for the realisation of the integrated market for financial services in the context of the Capital Markets Union.	(32) A well-functioning common financial reporting framework is essential for the internal market, for the effective functioning of the financial markets and for the realisation of the integrated market for financial services in the context of the Banking Union and the Capital Markets Union.
Amendment 12 Proposal for a regulation Recital 36
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(36) The Union contributes to ensuring a high level of consumer protection, empowering consumers and putting them at the heart of the internal market by supporting and complementing Member States’ policies in seeking to ensure that citizens when acting as consumers can fully reap the benefits of the internal market and that, in so doing, their safety and legal and economic interests are properly protected by means of concrete actions. The Union has also to ensure that consumer and product safety laws are properly and equally enforced on the ground and that businesses enjoy a level playing field with fair competition in the internal market. Moreover, it is necessary to empower, encourage and assist consumers in making sustainable choices, thus contributing to a sustainable, energy and resource efficient and circular economy.	(36) The Union contributes to ensuring a high level of consumer protection, empowering consumers and putting them at the heart of the internal market by supporting and complementing Member States’ policies in seeking to ensure that citizens when acting as consumers can fully reap the benefits of the internal market and that, in so doing, their safety and legal and economic interests are properly protected by means of concrete actions. The Union has also to ensure that consumer and product safety laws are properly and equally enforced on the ground and that businesses enjoy a level playing field with fair competition in the internal market. Moreover, it is necessary to empower, encourage and assist consumers in making sustainable choices, thus contributing to a sustainable, energy and resource efficient and circular economy which follows the goals set under the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Amendment 13 Proposal for a regulation Recital 41
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(41) Citizens are particularly affected by the functioning of financial services markets. These are a key component of the internal market and require a solid framework for regulation and supervision which ensures not only financial stability and a sustainable economy, but also provides a high level of protection to consumers and other financial services end users, including retail investors, savers, insurance policyholders, pension fund members and beneficiaries, individual shareholders, borrowers and SMEs. It is important to enhance their capacity to participate in policy making for the financial sector.	(41) Citizens are particularly affected by the functioning of financial markets and should, therefore, be further informed on pertinent rights, risks and benefits. These are a key component of the internal market and require a solid framework for regulation and supervision which ensures not only financial stability and a sustainable economy, but also provides a high level of protection to consumers and other financial services end users, including retail investors, savers, insurance policyholders, pension fund members and beneficiaries, individual shareholders, borrowers and SMEs. The Programme should contribute to enhance their capacity to participate in policy making, also through production and dissemination of clear, complete and user-friendly information about products commercialised in the financial markets.
Amendment 14 Proposal for a regulation Recital 42
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(42) The Programme should therefore continue to support the specific activities covered by the 2017-2020 Capacity-Building Programme enhancing the involvement of consumers and other financial services end-users in Union policy-making, as set out in Regulation (EU) 2017/826 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶⁰ which continued the pilot programme and preparatory action of the years 2012-2017. This is necessary in order to provide policy makers with views from stakeholders other than financial sector professionals and ensure a better representation of the interests of consumers and other financial services end-users. This should result in better financial services policies, notably thanks to a better public understanding of the issues at stake in financial regulation and enhanced financial literacy.	(42) The Programme should therefore continue to support the specific activities covered by the 2017-2020 Capacity-Building Programme enhancing the involvement of consumers and other financial services end-users in Union policy-making, as set out in Regulation (EU) 2017/826 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶⁰ which continued the pilot programme and preparatory action of the years 2012-2017. This is necessary in order to provide policy makers with views from stakeholders other than financial sector professionals and ensure a better representation of the interests of consumers and other financial services end-users. The programme shall continuously develop its methodology and best practices on how to increase the engagement of consumers and financial-services end-users in order to identify issues relevant for Union policy-making and ensuring the interests of consumers in the area of financial services. This should improve financial services policies, notably thanks to a better public understanding of the issues at stake in financial regulation and enhanced financial literacy. The public resources of this Programme should focus on what is essential for the final users and avoid any form of direct or indirect financial support to commercial activities proposed by private financial operators.
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⁶⁰ Regulation (EU) 2017/826 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 on establishing a Union programme to support specific activities enhancing the involvement of consumers and other financial services end-users in Union policy-making in the area of financial services for the period 2017-2020 (OJ L 129, 19.5.2017, p.17).	⁶⁰ Regulation (EU) 2017/826 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 on establishing a Union programme to support specific activities enhancing the involvement of consumers and other financial services end-users in Union policy-making in the area of financial services for the period 2017-2020 (OJ L 129, 19.5.2017, p.17).
Amendment 15 Proposal for a regulation Recital 43
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(43) In the context of a pilot project, between 2012 and 2013, and of a preparatory action, between 2014 and 2016, the Commission awarded grants to two organisations following an annual open call for proposals. The two organisations are Finance Watch, set up with Union grants in 2011 as an international non-profit association under Belgian law, and Better Finance, which is the product of successive re-organisations and rebranding of pre-existing European federations and shareholders since 2009. The Capacity-Building Programme established under Regulation (EU) 2017/826, identifies these same two organisations as sole beneficiaries. It is therefore necessary to continue to co-finance these organisations in the context of the Programme. However, this financing should be subject to review.	(43) In the context of a pilot project, between 2012 and 2013, and of a preparatory action, between 2014 and 2016, the Commission awarded grants to two organisations following an annual open call for proposals. The two organisations are Finance Watch, set up with Union grants in 2011 as an international non-profit association under Belgian law, and Better Finance, which is the product of successive re-organisations and rebranding of pre-existing European federations and shareholders since 2009. The Capacity-Building Programme established under Regulation (EU) 2017/826, identifies these same two organisations as sole beneficiaries. It is therefore necessary to continue to co-finance these organisations in the context of the Programme. However, this financing should be subject to review. In this respect, it should be recalled that in the event that the Capacity-Building Programme and corresponding funding are extended beyond 2020 and other potential beneficiaries emerge, the call for applicants should be open to any other organisations that fulfil the criteria, and contribute to the objectives, of the Programme and this in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/826.
Amendment 16 Proposal for a regulation Recital 48
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(48) High-quality European statistics developed, produced and disseminated under the European Statistical Programme are essential for evidence-based decision making European statistics should be available in a timely manner and should contribute to the implementation of Union policies as reflected in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, notably strengthened and integrated economic governance, social, economic and territorial cohesion, sustainable development, agricultural policy, the social dimension of Europe and globalisation.	(48) High-quality European statistics produced, shared, disseminated and consistently applied at the Union level and in the Member States should be available in a timely manner and should contribute to the implementation of Union policies as reflected in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union, as well as in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, notably strengthened and integrated economic governance, social, economic and territorial cohesion, sustainable development, agricultural policy, the social dimension of Europe and globalisation.
Amendment 17 Proposal for a regulation Recital 49
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(49) European statistics are indispensable for Union decision-making and for the measurement of the performance and impact of Union initiatives. Therefore, the continued provision and development of European statistics, taking a Union-wide approach and going beyond an internal market perspective should be ensured in order to cover all Union activities and policy areas, including empowering businesses and citizens to take informed decisions.	(49) European statistics are indispensable for Union decision-making and for the measurement of the performance and impact of a number of Union initiatives. Their continued provision and development beyond an internal market perspective and with a national and, where possible, regional breakdown should be ensured in order to cover all existing and potential activities and policy areas, including empowering European citizens, businesses and administrations to take informed decisions.
Amendment 18 Proposal for a regulation Recital 51
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(51) The Programme has been submitted for prior examination to the European Statistical System Committee in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 223/2009.	(51) The Programme has been submitted for prior examination to the European Statistical System Committee, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 223/2009, and should be implemented by ensuring effective parliamentary scrutiny.
Amendment 19 Proposal for a regulation Recital 60
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(60) Considering the increasing interconnectivity of the world economy, the Programme should continue to provide the possibility of involving external experts, such as officials of third countries, representatives of international organisations or economic operators in certain activities.	(60) Considering the increasing interconnectivity of the world economy, including the digital economy, the Programme should continue to provide the possibility of involving external experts, such as officials of third countries, representatives of international organisations or economic operators in certain activities.
Amendment 20 Proposal for a regulation Recital 71
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(71) Where relevant the Programme's actions should be used to address market failures or sub-optimal investment situations, in a proportionate manner, without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear European added value.	(71) The Programme's actions should have a clear European added value and address market failures or sub-optimal investment situations, in a proportionate manner, without duplicating or crowding out private financing.
Amendment 21 Proposal for a regulation Recital 81
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(81) Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁹⁰ governs the processing of personal data carried out in the Member States in the context of this Regulation and under the supervision of the Member States competent authorities. Regulation (EC) 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁹¹ governs the processing of personal data carried out by the Commission within the framework of this Regulation and under the supervision of the European Data Protection Supervisor. Any exchange or transmission of information by competent authorities is to comply with the rules on the transfer of personal data as laid down in Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and any exchange or transmission of information by the Commission is to comply with the rules on the transfer of personal data as laid down in Regulation (EC) No 45/2001.	(81) Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁹⁰ governs the processing of personal data carried out in the Member States in the context of this Regulation and under the supervision of the Member States competent authorities. Regulation (EC) 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁹¹ governs the processing of personal data carried out by the Commission within the framework of this Regulation and under the supervision of the European Data Protection Supervisor. Any exchange or transmission of information by competent authorities, including in the process of developing and disseminating statistics where the principle of statistical confidentiality is also recognised through Regulation (EC) No223/2009, is to comply with the rules on the transfer of personal data as laid down in Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and any exchange or transmission of information by the Commission is to comply with the rules on the transfer of personal data as laid down in Regulation (EC) No 45/2001.
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⁹⁰ Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1).	⁹⁰ Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1).
⁹¹ Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data (OJ L 8, 12.1.2001, p. 1).	⁹¹ Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data (OJ L 8, 12.1.2001, p. 1).
Amendment 22 Proposal for a regulation Recital 83
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(83) The Programme should also be to ensure greater visibility and coherence of the Union’s internal market, competitiveness of enterprises including SMEs and European statistics actions towards European citizens, businesses and administrations.	(83) The Programme should also ensure greater visibility and coherence of the Union’s internal market, competitiveness of enterprises including SMEs and European statistics actions towards European citizens, businesses and administrations.
Amendment 23 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
This Regulation establishes the programme for improving the functioning of the internal market and the competitiveness of enterprises, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and the framework for financing of development, production and dissemination of European statistics within the meaning of Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 (the 'Programme').	This Regulation establishes the programme for improving the functioning of the internal market to the benefit of all EU citizens and, in this respect, the competitiveness of enterprises, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, financial services and the framework for financing the collection of data, the development, production, and dissemination of European statistics covering all Union policies in accordance with Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union and within the meaning of Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 (the 'Programme').
Amendment 24 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2) 'European statistics' means statistics developed, produced and disseminated in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 223/2009;	(2) 'European statistics' means statistics, developed, produced and disseminated at the Union level and in the Member States in accordance with Article 1 of the Treaty on European Union and by Regulation (EC) No 223/2009;
Amendment 25 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) to provide high-quality, comparable and reliable statistics on Europe which underpin the design, monitoring and evaluation of all the Union policies and help policy makers, businesses, academia, citizens and media to make informed decisions and actively participate in the democratic process.	(b) to develop, produce and disseminate high-quality, comparable and reliable European statistics which underpin the design, monitoring and evaluation of all the Union policies, including trade and migration, and help citizens, policy makers and regulators, supervisory authorities, businesses, academia, civil society and media to make informed decisions and actively participate in the democratic process.
Amendment 26 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii) support the development of high-quality international financial reporting and auditing standards, facilitate their integration into the Union law and promote the innovation and development of best practices in corporate reporting;	(ii) support the development of high-quality international financial reporting and auditing standards, facilitate their integration into the Union law and/or promote the innovation and development of best practices in corporate reporting for both small and big companies;
Amendment 27 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i) empowering, assisting and educating consumers, businesses and civil society; ensuring a high level of consumer protection, sustainable consumption and product safety notably by supporting competent enforcement authorities and consumer representative organisations and cooperation actions; ensuring that all consumers have access to redress and; provision of adequate information on markets and consumers;	(i) empowering, assisting and educating consumers, businesses and civil society; ensuring a high level of consumer protection, by promoting sustainable consumption and product safety notably by supporting competent enforcement authorities and consumer representative organisations and cooperation actions; ensuring that all consumers have access to redress and; provision of adequate, clear and user-friendly information on markets and the different categories of financial products;
Amendment 28 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii) enhancing the participation of consumers, other financial services end-users and civil society in financial services policy-making; promoting a better understanding of the financial sector;	(ii) enhancing the participation of consumers, other financial services end-users and civil society in financial services policy-making; promoting a better understanding of the financial sector and of the different categories of commercialised financial products and ensuring the interests of consumers in the area of retail financial services.
Amendment 29 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point f
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(f) producing and communicating high quality statistics on Europe in a timely, impartial and cost-efficient manner, through enhanced partnerships within the European Statistical System referred to in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 and with all relevant external parties, using multiple data sources, advanced data analytics methods, smart systems and digital technologies.	(f) developing, producing, disseminating and communicating high quality European statistics in a timely, impartial and cost-efficient manner, through enhanced partnerships within the European Statistical System referred to in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 and with all relevant external parties, using multiple data sources, advanced data analytics methods, smart systems and digital technologies, and providing a national and, where possible, regional breakdown,
Amendment 30 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market, including businesses, citizens and consumers, civil society and public authorities through transparent information and awareness raising campaigns, best practice exchange, promotion of good practices, exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge and organization of trainings;	(a) creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market, including citizens and consumers, businesses, civil society and public authorities through transparent information and awareness raising campaigns, best practice exchange, promotion of good practices, exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge and organization of trainings;
Amendment 31 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) support for the effective enforcement and modernisation of the Union legal framework and its rapid adaptation to the ever-changing environment, including through data gathering and analyses; studies, evaluations and policy recommendations; organization of demonstration activities and pilot projects; communication activities; development of dedicated IT tools ensuring transparent and efficient functioning of the internal market.	(d) support for the effective enforcement and modernisation of the Union legal framework and its rapid adaptation to the ever-changing environment, particularly in the digital context, including through data gathering and analyses; studies, evaluations and policy recommendations; organization of demonstration activities and pilot projects; communication activities; development of dedicated IT tools ensuring transparent and efficient functioning of the internal market.
Amendment 32 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) facilitating SMEs' access to markets, supporting them in addressing global and societal challenges and business internationalisation, and strengthening Union industrial leadership in global value chains, including the Enterprise Europe Network;	(b) facilitating SMEs' access to EU and global markets, supporting them in addressing global and societal challenges and business internationalisation, and strengthening Union industrial leadership in global value chains, including the Enterprise Europe Network;
Amendment 33 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) addressing market barriers, administrative burden and creating a favourable business environment to empower SMEs to benefit from the internal market;	(c) addressing market barriers, including geographical barriers, administrative burden and creating a favourable business environment to empower SMEs from all EU regions to be able to equally benefit from the internal market;
Amendment 34 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) facilitating the growth of businesses, including skills development, and industrial transformation across manufacturing and service sectors;	(d) facilitating the growth of businesses in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including skills development, digital and industrial transformation across manufacturing and service sectors;
Amendment 35 Proposal for a regulation Article 18 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	3a. In relation to expenditure in support of competition policy, and in particular to activities covered by the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council to empower the competition authorities of the Member States to be more effective enforcers and to ensure the proper functioning of the internal market, the Commission shall include in its annual report an overview of implemented actions under this Programme to be transmitted to the European Parliament and to the Council.
Amendment 36 Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3. The Commission (EUROSTAT) shall implement information and communication activities relating to implementation of the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(f), its actions and results when they pertain to the development, production and dissemination of European statistics, in compliance with the statistical principles laid down in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009.	3. The Commission (EUROSTAT) shall implement information and communication activities relating to implementation of the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(f), its actions and results when they pertain to collection of data, development, production and dissemination of European statistics, in compliance with the statistical principles laid down in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009.
Amendment 37 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – indent 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
– better measuring of trade in services, foreign direct investment, global value chains and the impact of globalisation on the Union economies.	– better measuring of trade in goods and services, foreign direct investment, global value chains and the impact of globalisation on the Union economies.
Amendment 38 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – indent 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
– providing high quality, timely and reliable statistics to support the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Union Skills Policy, including statistics on the labour market, employment, education and training, income, living conditions, poverty, inequality, social protection, undeclared work and satellite accounts on skills;	– providing high quality, timely and reliable statistics to support the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Union Skills Policy, including, but not exclusive to, statistics on the labour market, employment, education and training, income, living conditions, poverty, inequality, social protection, undeclared work and satellite accounts on skills;

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	Establishing the Programme for single market, competitiveness of enterprises, including small and medium-sized enterprises, and European statistics
References	COM(2018)0441 – C8-0254/2018 – 2018/0231(COD)
Committee responsible Date announced in plenary	IMCO 14.6.2018
Opinion by Date announced in plenary	ECON 14.6.2018
Associated committees - date announced in plenary	5.7.2018
Rapporteur Date appointed	Ralph Packet 22.11.2018
Previous rapporteur	Sander Loones
Discussed in committee	22.10.2018	27.11.2018
Date adopted	10.12.2018
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	41 4 2
Members present for the final vote	Hugues Bayet, Pervenche Berès, Jonás Fernández, Giuseppe Ferrandino, Stefan Gehrold, Sven Giegold, Neena Gill, Roberto Gualtieri, Brian Hayes, Gunnar Hökmark, Danuta Maria Hübner, Barbara Kappel, Othmar Karas, Wolf Klinz, Georgios Kyrtsos, Philippe Lamberts, Werner Langen, Olle Ludvigsson, Gabriel Mato, Bernard Monot, Caroline Nagtegaal, Luděk Niedermayer, Ralph Packet, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Dariusz Rosati, Martin Schirdewan, Molly Scott Cato, Pedro Silva Pereira, Peter Simon, Theodor Dumitru Stolojan, Kay Swinburne, Paul Tang, Ramon Tremosa i Balcells, Marco Valli, Tom Vandenkendelaere, Miguel Viegas, Jakob von Weizsäcker
Substitutes present for the final vote	Matt Carthy, Ashley Fox, Sophia in ‘t Veld, Ramón Jáuregui Atondo, Syed Kamall, Paloma López Bermejo, Thomas Mann, Romana Tomc, Lieve Wierinck, Roberts Zīle

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

41	+
ALDE	Sophia in 't Veld, Wolf Klinz, Caroline Nagtegaal, Ramon Tremosa i Balcells, Lieve Wierinck
ECR	Ashley Fox, Syed Kamall, Ralph Packet, Kay Swinburne, Roberts Zīle
ENF	Barbara Kappel
PPE	Stefan Gehrold, Brian Hayes, Gunnar Hökmark, Danuta Maria Hübner, Othmar Karas, Georgios Kyrtsos, Werner Langen, Thomas Mann, Gabriel Mato, Luděk Niedermayer, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Dariusz Rosati, Theodor Dumitru Stolojan, Romana Tomc, Tom Vandenkendelaere
S&D	Hugues Bayet, Pervenche Berès, Jonás Fernández, Giuseppe Ferrandino, Neena Gill, Roberto Gualtieri, Ramón Jáuregui Atondo, Olle Ludvigsson, Pedro Silva Pereira, Peter Simon, Paul Tang, Jakob von Weizsäcker
VERTS/ALE	Sven Giegold, Philippe Lamberts, Molly Scott Cato

4	-
GUE/NGL	Matt Carthy, Paloma López Bermejo, Martin Schirdewan, Miguel Viegas

2	0
EFDD	Bernard Monot, Marco Valli

Key to symbols:

+ : in favour

- : against

0 : abstention

OPINION of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (10.12.2018)

for the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

Rapporteur for opinion (*):Lukas Mandl

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

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

In the context of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) programme for 2021-2027, on 7 June 2018, the Commission published a proposal for the Single Market Programme. The proposed Programme brings together activities financed under five predecessor programmes, including food chain actions. The Commission is proposing a budget of €4 billion (for 2021-2027) for the Single Market Programme, of which 41% would be earmarked for food chain actions with the objective of "contributing to a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain and in related areas, including by preventing and eradicating diseases and pests, and to support the improvement of the welfare of animals as well as a sustainable food production and consumption".

Our nutritional habits are not only a daily necessity of our life, they are as much part of our European identity, our culture, our understanding of the relationship between humans, animals and nature as well as of course essential for our health and overall wellbeing.

The rapporteur considers that it is of outmost importance to strengthen the competitiveness of European enterprises while ensuring an effective level playing field and an open and competitive internal market. SMEs are the engine of the European economy providing two thirds of jobs, representing 99% of all businesses in Europe and contributing substantially to the creation of new jobs with a regional and local dimension.

Under the 2021-2027 MFF, a total of EUR 1 680 000 000 has been earmarked for expenditure for food chain actions, whereas for the period 2014 to 2020, the ceiling for this expenditure for the Food Chain Programme was set at EUR 1 891 936 000 in Regulation (EU) No 652/2014. The proposed figure for the 2021-2027 period therefore represent a decrease in budget of 11%.

The Food Chain Programme covers both veterinary (animal) and phytosanitary (plant) measures, through either annual or multiannual programmes pre-approved by the Commission, and through emergency measures implemented in the event of crisis situations and unforeseeable events affecting animal or plant health.

This package of measures ensures that the EU has a credible framework of legislation and controls to promote high levels of safety along the entire food supply chain, creating in turn the conditions for a stable internal market where food, animals and plants can circulate freely.

The rapporteur emphasises that it is necessary to empower, encourage and assist consumers in making sustainable choices, thus contributing to a sustainable, energy and resource-efficient circular economy.

The rapporteur acknowledges the success of the current financing programme in avoiding a major crisis, but would like to stress that it should not mask the vulnerability of the system, as outbreaks from animal diseases and plant pests tend to cyclically occur and reoccur in the EU territory. The need to establish a direct mechanism to react to large scale emergencies affecting food, animals and plants should be further considered.

Overall, the recently conducted mid-term evaluation revealed that Regulation (EU) No 652/2014 is functioning well within its policy context. All activities receiving EU financial support in this area have proven to serve the Food Chain Programme objectives as well as the Commission’s overall priorities, including the functioning of an effective internal market and the support to trade with non-EU countries.

The rapporteur believes that the programme provides effective support for SMEs throughout their life-cycle and contributes to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations, including by balancing the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.

In view of the next MFF, animal health measures are expected to continue representing the largest share of the food chain budget. Plant health measures are becoming growingly important due to increased globalisation and trade, being accompanied by new plant health threats. Official controls related activities should also continue to provide support to Members States as they are an essential tool for verifying and monitoring that relevant Union requirements are being implemented, complied with and enforced and funding these activities should therefore be a priority for the Union.

The rapporteur believes that a key challenge for the next programming period, includes the increasing complexity of food supply chains, with the globalisation of trade meaning more opportunities, but also increased risk due to global vectors and global diseases. In this context, increased emphasis needs to be put on prevention, particularly as concerns trans-boundary exotic diseases from neighbouring third countries.

The performance of the post-2020 Food Chain Programme will be monitored through a comprehensive set of indicators, focused on both activities (output indicators) and results (outcome indicators), complemented by a number of economic indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of the relevant spending measures (cost-effectiveness indicators) implemented under the different policy areas covered.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety calls on the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, 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) The substantial body of Union legislation underpins the functioning of the internal market. This concerns, in particular, competitiveness, standardisation, consumer protection, market surveillance and food chain regulation but also rules concerning business, trade and financial transactions and the promotion of fair competition providing for a level playing field essential for the functioning of the internal market.	(3) The substantial body of Union legislation underpins the functioning of the internal market. This concerns, in particular, competitiveness, standardisation, consumer protection, environmental protection, animal welfare protection, market surveillance, food chain regulation and economic sustainability, but also rules concerning business, trade and financial transactions and the promotion of fair competition providing for a level playing field essential for the functioning of the internal market.
Amendment 2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(5) Several programmes for Union action exist currently in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises including SMEs, consumer protection, customers and end-users in financial services, policy making in financial services and food chain. Some additional activities are financed directly under the internal market budget lines. It is necessary to streamline and exploit synergies between various actions and provide for a more flexible and agile framework to finance activities aiming to achieve a well-functioning internal market in the most cost-efficient manner. It is therefore necessary to establish a new programme bringing together activities financed previously under those other programmes and other relevant budget lines. The programme should also include new initiatives which aim to improve the functioning of the internal market.	(5) Several programmes for Union action exist currently in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises including SMEs, consumer protection, customers and end-users in financial services, policy making in financial services and food chain. Some additional activities are financed directly under the internal market budget lines. It is necessary to streamline and exploit synergies between various actions and provide for a more flexible and agile framework to finance activities aiming to achieve a well-functioning internal market in the most cost-efficient manner while preserving the public interest, without harming the environment, and without attempting to go against Union rules in the fields of food waste and food fraud, animal welfare, official controls and the fight against human and animal diseases. It is therefore necessary to establish a new programme bringing together activities financed previously under those other programmes and other relevant budget lines. The programme should also include new initiatives which aim to improve the functioning of the internal market and increase the level of protection of human and animal health, animals' dignity as sentient beings and the environment.

Amendment 3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(6) The development, production and dissemination of European statistics are subject to a separate European Statistical Programme established by Regulation (EU) No 99/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴⁷. In order to provide continuity of producing and disseminating European statistics, the new programme should also include activities covered by the European Statistical Programme by providing a framework for the development, production and dissemination of European statistics. The new programme should establish the financial framework for European statistics to provide high-quality, comparable and reliable statistics on Europe in order to underpin the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all Union policies.	(6) The development, production and dissemination of European statistics are subject to a separate European Statistical Programme established by Regulation (EU) No 99/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴⁷. The development of European statistics is essential for the monitoring process of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). In order to provide continuity of producing and disseminating European statistics, the new programme should also include activities covered by the European Statistical Programme by providing a framework for the development, production and dissemination of European statistics. The new programme should establish the financial framework for European statistics to provide high-quality, comparable and reliable statistics on Europe in order to underpin the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all Union policies. Nevertheless, it is crucial that the development of European statistics does not lead to a disproportionate increase in administrative burden neither for enterprises nor for public entities.
__________________	__________________
⁴⁷ Regulation (EU) No 99/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2013 on the European statistical programme 2013-17 (OJ L 39, 9.2.2013, p 12).	⁴⁷ Regulation (EU) No 99/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2013 on the European statistical programme 2013-17 (OJ L 39, 9.2.2013, p 12).
Amendment 4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(12) Placing on the market of products that are not compliant with Union law puts those who comply at disadvantage and may endanger consumers. Many entrepreneurs disregard the rules either through lack of knowledge or intentionally to gain a competitive advantage. Market surveillance authorities are often underfunded and constrained by national boundaries, while entrepreneurs trade at Union or even global level. In particular, in the case of e-commerce, market surveillance authorities have great difficulties in tracing non-compliant products imported from third countries and identifying the responsible entity within their jurisdiction. The Programme should therefore seek to strengthen product compliance by providing the right incentives to entrepreneurs, intensifying compliance checks and promoting closer cross-border cooperation among enforcement authorities. The Programme should also contribute to the consolidation of the existing framework for market surveillance activities, encourage joint actions of market surveillance authorities from different Member States, improve the exchange of information and promote convergence and closer integration of market surveillance activities.	(12) Placing on the market of products that are not compliant with Union law puts those who comply at disadvantage, and may endanger consumers and harm the environment. Many entrepreneurs disregard the rules either through lack of knowledge or intentionally to gain a competitive advantage. Market surveillance authorities are often underfunded and constrained by national boundaries, while entrepreneurs trade at Union or even global level. In particular, in the case of e-commerce, market surveillance authorities have great difficulties in tracing non-compliant products imported from third countries and identifying the responsible entity within their jurisdiction. The Programme should therefore seek to strengthen product compliance by providing the right incentives to entrepreneurs, intensifying compliance checks and promoting closer cross-border cooperation among enforcement authorities within the Union and with third countries. The Programme should also contribute to the consolidation of the existing framework for market surveillance activities, encourage joint actions of market surveillance authorities from different Member States, improve the exchange of information and promote convergence and closer integration of market surveillance activities.
Amendment 5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 16
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(16) In order to meet the objectives of the Programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses, high-quality user-centric public services need to be put in place. This implies that public administrations will need to start working in new ways, bring down silos between the different parts of their administrations, and to engage in the co-creation of these public services with citizens and businesses. Moreover, the continuous and steady increase of cross-border activities in the internal market requires provision of up-to-date information on the rights of businesses and citizens, but also information explaining the administrative formalities. In addition, provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross national level becomes essential. Furthermore, connecting national administrations in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary. The Programme should therefore support the following existing internal market governance tools: the Your Europe Portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming Single Digital Gateway, Your Europe Advice, SOLVIT, the Internal Market Information system and the Single Market Scoreboard in order to improve citizens' daily lives and businesses' ability to trade across borders.	(16) In order to meet the objectives of the Programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses, high-quality user-centric public services need to be put in place. This implies that public administrations will need to start working in new ways, increase cooperation between the different parts of their administrations, and engage in the co-creation of these public services with citizens and businesses. Moreover, the continuous and steady increase of cross-border activities in the internal market requires provision of up-to-date information on the rights of businesses and citizens, but also information explaining the administrative formalities. In addition, provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross-national level becomes essential. Furthermore, connecting national administrations in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary. To improve citizens' daily lives and businesses' ability to trade across borders, the Programme should therefore support the following existing internal market governance tools:
	* The Your Europe Portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming Single Digital Gateway;
	* Your Europe Advice;
	* SOLVIT;
	* The Internal Market Information system;
	* The Single Market Scoreboard.
Amendment 6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 19
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(19) The implementation and development of the internal market in the area of financial services, financial stability and the Capital Markets Union including sustainable finance, highly depends on the evidence based policy measures taken by the Union. In order to achieve this objective, the Commission should have an active role in constantly monitoring financial markets and financial stability, assessing the implementation of Union legislation by Member States, evaluating whether the existing legislation is fit for purpose and identifying potential areas of action where new risks emerge, with a continuous involvement of stakeholders throughout the policy cycle. Such activities rely on the production of analyses, studies, training materials, surveys, conformity assessments, evaluations and statistics and are supported by IT systems and communication tools.	(19) The implementation and development of the internal market in the area of financial services, financial stability and the Capital Markets Union including sustainable finance, highly depends on the evidence based policy measures taken by the Union. In order to achieve this objective, the Commission should have an active role in constantly monitoring financial markets and financial stability, assessing the implementation of Union legislation by Member States, evaluating whether the existing legislation is fit for purpose and identifying potential areas of action where new risks emerge, with a continuous involvement of stakeholders, citizens' groups, NGOs and the public in general throughout the policy cycle. Such activities rely on the production of analyses, studies, training materials, surveys, conformity assessments, evaluations and statistics and are supported by IT systems and communication tools.
Amendment 7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 33
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(33) In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵⁵ , International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board and related interpretations from the IFRS Interpretations Committee are to be incorporated into Union law in order to be applied by companies with securities listed on a regulated market in the Union, only if IFRS meet the criteria set out in that Regulation, including the requirement that accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ as laid down in Article 4(3) of Directive 2013/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵⁶ and that they are conducive to the European public good. Such international accounting standards need to be developed under a transparent and democratically accountable process. IFRS therefore plays a major role in the functioning of the internal market and thus the Union has a direct interest in ensuring that the process through which IFRS are developed and approved delivers standards that are consistent with the requirements of the legal framework of the internal market. It is therefore important to establish appropriate funding arrangements for the IFRS Foundation.	(33) In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵⁵ , International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board and related interpretations from the IFRS Interpretations Committee are to be incorporated into Union law in order to be applied by companies with securities listed on a regulated market in the Union, only if IFRS meet the criteria set out in that Regulation, including the requirement that accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ as laid down in Article 4(3) of Directive 2013/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵⁶ and that they are conducive to the European public good. In this context it is important to note that where there is a clash between an accounting 'Standard' and the law, the law always takes precedence. Such international accounting standards need to be developed under a transparent and democratically accountable process. IFRS therefore plays a major role in the functioning of the internal market and thus the Union has a direct interest in ensuring that the process through which IFRS are developed and approved delivers standards that are consistent with the requirements of the legal framework of the internal market. It is therefore important to establish appropriate funding arrangements for the IFRS Foundation.
_________________	_________________
⁵⁵ Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 July 2002 on the application of international accounting standards (OJ L 243, 11.9.2002, p. 1).	⁵⁵ Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 July 2002 on the application of international accounting standards (OJ L 243, 11.9.2002, p. 1).
⁵⁶ Directive 2013/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on the annual financial statements, consolidated financial statements and related reports of certain types of undertakings, amending Directive 2006/43/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directives 78/660/EEC and 83/349/EEC (OJ L 182, 29.6.2013, p. 19).	⁵⁶ Directive 2013/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on the annual financial statements, consolidated financial statements and related reports of certain types of undertakings, amending Directive 2006/43/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directives 78/660/EEC and 83/349/EEC (OJ L 182, 29.6.2013, p. 19).
Amendment 8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 40
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(40) The fitness check of Union consumer and marketing law carried out by the Commission in May 2017 exposed the need to better enforce rules and facilitate redress when consumers have been harmed by breaches to consumer laws. As a result the Commission adopted a "New Deal for Consumers" in April 2018 to ensure, inter alia, the equal treatment of consumers across the internal market in relation to dual quality standards, stronger enforcement capacities of Member States, enhanced product safety, increased international cooperation and new possibilities for redress notably through representative actions by qualified entities. The Programme should aim to support consumer policy with awareness raising and knowledge building, capacity building and exchange of best practices of the consumer organisations and consumer protection authorities, networking and development of market intelligence, strengthening the evidence base on the functioning of the internal market for consumers, IT systems and communication tools, inter alia.	(40) The fitness check of Union consumer and marketing law carried out by the Commission in May 2017 exposed the need to better enforce rules and facilitate redress when consumers have been harmed by breaches to consumer laws. The Commission adopted a "New Deal for Consumers" to ensure, inter alia, the equal treatment of consumers across the internal market in relation to dual quality standards among the Member States, stronger enforcement capacities of Member States, enhanced product safety, increased international cooperation and new possibilities for redress notably through representative actions by qualified entities. The Programme should aim to support consumer policy with awareness raising and knowledge building, capacity building and exchange of best practices of the consumer organisations and consumer protection authorities, networking and development of market intelligence, strengthening the evidence base on the functioning of the internal market for consumers, IT systems and communication tools, inter alia.

Amendment 9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 44
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(44) A high level of health protection through the food supply chain is necessary to allow the internal market to operate efficiently. A safe and sustainable food supply chain is a prerequisite for society and for the internal market. Cross border health crises and food scares disrupt the functioning of the internal market by limiting the movements of persons and goods and disrupting production.	(44) A high level of health protection through the food supply chain is necessary to protect consumers and the environment as well as to allow the internal market to operate efficiently. A safe and sustainable food supply chain is a prerequisite for society and for the internal market. As demonstrated by recent incidents such as the fipronil egg contamination in 2017 and the horse meat scandal in 2013, cross border health crises, i.e. avian influenza or African swine fever, and food scares disrupt the functioning of the internal market by limiting the movements of persons and goods and disrupting production. Therefore, ensuring high sanitary standards, animal welfare and health protection through the food chain, and the prevention of new and unknown pests and diseases should be key priorities.
Amendment 10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 46
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(46) Considering the specific nature of the actions concerning a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain special eligibility criteria concerning provision of grants and use of public procurement need to be provided in this Regulation. In particular, by way of derogation from Regulation (EU, Euratom) of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶¹(the 'Financial Regulation'), as an exception to the principle of non-retroactivity, the costs for the emergency measures, due to their urgent and unforeseeable nature, should be eligible and include also costs incurred as a result of a suspected occurrence of a disease or pest provided that that occurrence is subsequently confirmed and notified to the Commission. The corresponding budgetary commitments and the payment of eligible expenditure should be made by the Commission, after signature of the legal commitments and after assessment of the payment applications submitted by the Member States. Costs should also be eligible for protection measures taken in the case of a direct threat to the status of health in the Union as a result of the occurrence or development, in the territory of a third country, a Member State or overseas countries and territories, of certain animal diseases and zoonoses as well as in respect of protection measures, or other relevant activities, taken in support of the health status of plants in the Union.	(46) Considering the specific nature of the actions concerning a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain special eligibility criteria concerning provision of grants and use of public procurement need to be provided in this Regulation. In particular, by way of derogation from Regulation (EU, Euratom) of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶¹ (the 'Financial Regulation'), as an exception to the principle of non-retroactivity, the costs for the emergency measures, due to their urgent and unforeseeable nature, should be eligible and include also costs incurred as a result of a suspected occurrence of a disease or pest provided that that occurrence is subsequently confirmed and notified to the Commission. The corresponding budgetary commitments and the payment of eligible expenditure should be made by the Commission, after signature of the legal commitments and after assessment of the payment applications submitted by the Member States. Costs should also be eligible for prevention and protection measures taken in the case of a direct threat to the status of health in the Union as a result of the occurrence or development, in the territory of a third country, a Member State or overseas countries and territories, of certain animal diseases and zoonoses as well as in respect of protection measures, or other relevant activities, taken in support of the health status of plants in the Union.
_________________	_________________
⁶¹ [to add]	⁶¹ [to add]
Amendment 11 Proposal for a regulation Recital 47
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(47) Official controls carried out by the Member States are an essential tool for verifying and monitoring that relevant Union requirements are being implemented, complied with and enforced. The effectiveness and efficiency of official control systems is vital for maintaining a high level of safety for humans, animals and plants along the food chain whilst ensuring a high level of protection of the environment and of animal welfare. Union financial support should be made available for such control measures. In particular, a financial contribution should be available to Union reference laboratories in order to help them bear the costs arising from the implementation of work programmes approved by the Commission. Moreover, since the effectiveness of official controls also depends on the availability to the control authorities of well trained staff with an appropriate knowledge of Union law, the Union should be able to contribute to their training and relevant exchange programmes organised by competent authorities.	(47) In view of an increasingly globalised food chain, official controls carried out by the Member States are now more than ever an essential tool for verifying and monitoring that relevant Union requirements are being implemented, complied with and enforced, especially as regards imported food products. The effectiveness and efficiency of official control systems is vital for maintaining a high level of safety for humans, animals and plants along the food chain, as well as consumer confidence, whilst ensuring a high level of protection of the environment and of animal welfare. Union financial support should be made available for such control measures. In particular, a financial contribution should be available to Union reference laboratories in order to help them bear the costs arising from the implementation of work programmes approved by the Commission. Financial contribution should also be available to increase the level of controls on imports, in order to tackle phenomena such as illegal imports of bush meat which can put human health at risk and causes biodiversity loss. Since the effectiveness of official controls also depends on the availability to the control authorities of well trained staff with an appropriate knowledge of Union law, the Union should be able to contribute to their training and relevant exchange programmes organised by competent authorities.
Amendment 12 Proposal for a regulation Recital 55
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(55) The Agreement on the European Economic Area provides for cooperation in the fields subject to the Programme between the Union and its Member States, on the one hand, and the countries of the European Free Trade Association participating in the European Economic Area, on the other. Provision should also be made to open the Programme to participation by other countries, including the neighbouring countries of the Union and countries which are applying for, are candidates for or are acceding to, membership of the Union. In addition, in the field of European statistics, the Programme should be open to Switzerland in accordance with the Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on cooperation in the field of statistics⁶⁴ .	(55) The Agreement on the European Economic Area provides for cooperation in the fields subject to the Programme between the Union and its Member States, on the one hand, and the countries of the European Free Trade Association participating in the European Economic Area, on the other. Subject to them complying with all its rules and regulations, provision should also be made to open the Programme to participation by other countries, including the neighbouring countries of the Union and countries which are applying for, are candidates for or are acceding to, membership of the Union. In addition, in the field of European statistics, the Programme should be open to Switzerland in accordance with the Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on cooperation in the field of statistics⁶⁴.
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⁶⁴ OJ L 90, 28.3.2006, p. 2.	⁶⁴ OJ L 90, 28.3.2006, p. 2.
Amendment 13 Proposal for a regulation Recital 56
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(56) Third countries which are members of the European Economic Area (EEA) may participate in Union programmes in the framework of the cooperation established under the EEA agreement, which provides for the implementation of the programmes by a decision under that agreement. Third countries may also participate on the basis of other legal instruments. A specific provision should be introduced in this Regulation to grant the necessary rights for and access to the authorising officer responsible, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) as well as the European Court of Auditors to comprehensively exert their respective competences.	(56) Subject to them complying with all its rules and regulations, third countries which are members of the European Economic Area (EEA) may participate in Union programmes in the framework of the cooperation established under the EEA agreement, which provides for the implementation of the programmes by a decision under that agreement. Third countries may also participate on the basis of other legal instruments. A specific provision should be introduced in this Regulation to grant the necessary rights for and access to the authorising officer responsible, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) as well as the European Court of Auditors to comprehensively exert their respective competences.
Amendment 14 Proposal for a regulation Recital 65
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(65) The Programme should promote synergies and complementarities with respect to the SMEs and entrepreneurship support under the European Regional Development Fund established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶⁹. Moreover, the SME window of InvestEU Fund established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁷⁰will guarantee debt and equity support to enhance access and availability of finance for SMEs. The Programme should also seek synergies with the Space Programme established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁷¹in respect of encouragement of SMEs to benefit from breakthrough innovation and other solutions developed under those programmes.	(65) The Programme should promote synergies and complementarities with respect to the SMEs and entrepreneurship support under the European Regional Development Fund established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶⁹. Moreover, the SME window of InvestEU Fund established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁷⁰ will guarantee debt and equity support to enhance access and availability of finance for SMEs and micro enterprises. The Programme should also seek synergies with the Space Programme established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁷¹ in respect of encouragement of SMEs to benefit from breakthrough innovation and other solutions developed under those programmes.
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⁶⁹ COM(2018) 372 final	⁶⁹ COM(2018) 372 final.
⁷⁰ COM(2018) 439 final	⁷⁰ COM(2018) 439 final
⁷¹ COM(2018) 447 final	⁷¹ COM(2018) 447 final
Amendment 15 Proposal for a regulation Recital 77
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(77) In order to take account of situations that are provoked by animal diseases that have a significant impact on livestock production or trade, the development of zoonoses which pose a threat to humans, or new scientific or epidemiological developments, as well as animal diseases, which are likely to constitute a new threat for the Union, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission, in respect of amending the list of animal diseases and zoonoses. In order to ensure effective assessment of progress of the Programme towards the achievement of its objectives the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of reviewing or complementing the indicators to measure the achievement of the specific objectives where considered necessary and to supplement this Regulation with provisions on the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation framework. It is of particular importance that the Commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.	(77) In order to take account of situations that are provoked by animal diseases that have a significant impact on livestock production or trade, the development of zoonoses which pose a threat to humans, or new scientific or epidemiological developments, as well as animal diseases, which are likely to constitute a new threat for the Union, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission, in respect of amending the list of animal diseases and zoonoses. In order to ensure effective assessment of progress of the Programme towards the achievement of its objectives the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of reviewing or complementing the indicators to measure the achievement of the specific objectives where considered necessary and to supplement this Regulation with provisions on the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation framework. It is of particular importance that the Commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making. Stakeholders and consumer associations should be consulted as well. To ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.
Amendment 16 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point -a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(-a) to protect human, animal and plant health and to empower citizens; be it by taking necessary measures to improve traceability of products and the implementation of controls regarding the manufacturing or growing process of products, also ensuring animal welfare;
Amendment 17 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) to improve the functioning of the internal market, and especially to protect and empower citizens, consumers and businesses, in particular micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by enforcement of Union law, facilitation of market access, standard setting, and by promoting human, animal and plant health and animal welfare; as well as to enhance cooperation between the competent authorities of Member States and between the competent authorities of Member States and the Commission and the decentralised Union agencies;	(a) to improve the functioning of the internal market, and especially to protect and empower citizens, consumers and businesses, in particular micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by enforcement of Union law, facilitation of market access, standard setting, as well as to enhance cooperation between the competent authorities of Member States and between the competent authorities of Member States and the Commission and the decentralised Union agencies;
Amendment 18 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) making the internal market more effective, facilitating the prevention and removal of obstacles, supporting the development, implementation and enforcement of the Union law in the areas of the internal market for goods and services, public procurement, market surveillance as well as in the areas of company law and contract and extra-contractual law, anti-money laundering, free movement of capital, financial services and competition, including the development of governance tools;	(a) making the internal market more effective, promoting local economic development, facilitating the prevention and removal of obstacles, supporting the development, implementation and enforcement of the Union law in the areas of the internal market for goods and services, , public procurement, market surveillance as well as in the areas of company law and contract and extra-contractual law, anti-money laundering, free movement of capital, financial services and competition, including the development of governance tools;
Amendment 19 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i) empowering, assisting and educating consumers, businesses and civil society; ensuring a high level of consumer protection, sustainable consumption and product safety notably by supporting competent enforcement authorities and consumer representative organisations and cooperation actions; ensuring that all consumers have access to redress and; provision of adequate information on markets and consumers;	(i) empowering, assisting and educating consumers, producers, businesses and civil society in particular towards sustainable consumption habits and sustainable production processes; increasing consumer information regarding products; ensuring a high level of consumer protection, sustainable consumption and product safety notably by supporting competent enforcement authorities and consumer representative organisations and cooperation actions; ensuring that all consumers have access to redress and; provision of adequate information on markets and consumers;
Amendment 20 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d – point ii a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iia) ensuring the improvement of the traceability system of products, such as through the use of QR codes, to facilitate the detection of non-compliant products through the food chain;
Amendment 21 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) contributing to a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain and in related areas, including by preventing and eradicating diseases and pests, and to support the improvement of the welfare of animals as well as a sustainable food production and consumption;	(e) contributing to a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain and in related areas, including by preventing and eradicating diseases and pests in accordance with the sustainable framework for the use of antibiotics and pesticides, and to support the improvement of the welfare of animals as well as a sustainable food production and consumption; thereby focusing on stimulating research, innovation and the exchange of best practices between stakeholders in these fields;
Amendment 22 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e – point i a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ia) as regards the specific objectives in the food chain area, amongst others:
	- preventing and eradicating diseases and pests;
	- supporting sustainable food production and consumption by reducing food waste and informing consumers in view of ensuring high quality standards across the Union;
	- improving the effectiveness, efficiency and reliability of official controls along the food chain with the view to ensuring the proper implementation and enforcement of Union rules in this area;
	- supporting policies to improve measures against antimicrobial resistance;
Amendment 23 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point f
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(f) producing and communicating high quality statistics on Europe in a timely, impartial and cost-efficient manner, through enhanced partnerships within the European Statistical System referred to in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 and with all relevant external parties, using multiple data sources, advanced data analytics methods, smart systems and digital technologies.	(f) producing and communicating high quality statistics on Europe in a timely, impartial and cost-efficient manner and without giving rise to a disproportionate increase in administrative burden, through enhanced partnerships within the European Statistical System referred to in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 and with all relevant external parties, using multiple data sources, advanced data analytics methods, smart systems and digital technologies.
Amendment 24 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(fa) producing and communicating high quality statistics, as referred to in point (f), proportionate to a modest level of administrative obligations for enterprises.
Amendment 25 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The Programme shall be open to the following third countries:	Subject to them complying with all its rules and regulations, the Programme shall be open to the following third countries:
Amendment 26 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market, including businesses, citizens and consumers, civil society and public authorities through transparent information and awareness raising campaigns, best practice exchange, promotion of good practices, exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge and organization of trainings;	(a) creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market, including businesses, and in particular micro enterprises, SMEs, citizens and consumers, civil society and public authorities through transparent information and awareness raising campaigns, best practice exchange, promotion of good practices, exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge and organization of trainings;
Amendment 27 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) provision of mechanisms for citizens, consumers, end-users, civil society and businesses representatives from the Union to contribute to political discussions, policies and decision making process, notably by supporting the functioning of representative organisations at national and the Union level;	(b) provision of mechanisms for citizens, consumers, consumer associations, end-users, civil society and businesses representatives from the Union to contribute to political discussions, policies and decision making process, notably by supporting the functioning of representative organisations at national and the Union level;
Amendment 28 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) supporting the competiveness of enterprises and whole sectors of economy, and supporting SMEs' uptake of innovation and value chain collaboration through strategically connecting ecosystems and clusters, including the joint cluster initiative;	(e) supporting the competiveness of enterprises and whole sectors of economy, and supporting micro enterprises' and SMEs' uptake of innovation and value chain collaboration through strategically connecting ecosystems and clusters, including the joint cluster initiative;
Amendment 29 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 20 to amend Annex III where it is necessary to take account of the situations that are provoked by those animal diseases that have a significant impact on livestock production or trade, the development of zoonoses which pose a threat to humans, or new scientific or epidemiological developments, as well as of the animal diseases which are likely to constitute a new threat for the Union.	The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 20 to amend Annex III where it is necessary to take account of the situations that are provoked by those animal diseases that have a significant impact on livestock production or trade, the development of zoonoses which pose a threat to humans, or new scientific or epidemiological developments, as well as of the animal diseases which are likely to constitute a new threat for the Union. Illegal imports of food shall also be taken into account when amending Annex III given the health risks they can pose.
Amendment 30 Proposal for a regulation Article 18 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. The interim evaluation of the Programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the Programme, but no later than four years after the start of the Programme implementation.	2. By ... [three years after the start of the implementation of the Programme], the Commission shall establish an interim evaluation report of the Programme on the achievement of the objectives of the actions supported under it, on the results and impacts, on the efficiency of the use of resources and on its Union added value.
Amendment 31 Proposal for a regulation Article 18 – paragraph 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
6. The Commission shall communicate the conclusions of the evaluations accompanied by its observations, to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.	6. The Commission shall submit the reports referred to in paragraphs 2 and 5 accompanied by its observations, to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions and make them publicly available. The results of those evaluations shall be accompanied, where appropriate, by legislative proposals for revision of the Programme.
Amendment 32 Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3. If necessary, appropriations may be entered in the budget beyond 2027 to cover the expenses provided for in Article 4(3), to enable the management of actions not completed by 31 December 2027.	3. In exceptional cases, appropriations may be entered in the budget beyond 2027 to cover the expenses provided for in Article 4(3), to enable the management of actions not completed by 31 December 2027.
Amendment 33 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 1.2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) measures to eradicate a Union quarantine pest, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council¹⁰⁵or pursuant to the Union measures adopted in accordance with Article 28(1) of that Regulation;	(a) measures to prevent, contain and/or eradicate a Union quarantine pest, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council¹⁰⁵ or pursuant to the Union measures adopted in accordance with Article 28(1) of that Regulation;
_________________	_________________
¹⁰⁵ Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2016 on protective measures against pests of plants, amending Regulations (EU) No 228/2013, (EU) No 652/2014 and (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directives 69/464/EEC, 74/647/EEC, 93/85/EEC, 98/57/EC, 2000/29/EC, 2006/91/EC and 2007/33/EC (OJ L 317, 23.11.2016, p. 4).	¹⁰⁵ Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2016 on protective measures against pests of plants, amending Regulations (EU) No 228/2013, (EU) No 652/2014 and (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directives 69/464/EEC, 74/647/EEC, 93/85/EEC, 98/57/EC, 2000/29/EC, 2006/91/EC and 2007/33/EC (OJ L 317, 23.11.2016, p. 4).
Amendment 34 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 1.2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) measures to eradicate a pest, not listed as Union quarantine pests, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 and which may qualify as Union quarantine pests in accordance with the criteria referred to in that Article or Article 30(1) of that Regulation;	(b) measures to prevent, contain and/or eradicate a pest, not listed as Union quarantine pests, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 and which may qualify as Union quarantine pests in accordance with the criteria referred to in that Article or Article 30(1) of that Regulation;
Amendment 35 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 1.2 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) additional protective measures taken against the spread of a pest, against which Union measures have been adopted pursuant to Article 28(1) and Article 30(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, other than the eradication measures referred to in point (a) of this point and the containment measures referred to in point (b) of this point, where those measures are essential to protect the Union against further spread of that pest.	(c) additional protective measures taken against the spread of a pest, against which Union measures have been adopted pursuant to Article 28(1) and Article 30(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, other than the measures referred to in points (a) and (b) of this point, where those measures are essential to protect the Union against further spread of that pest.
Amendment 36 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 1.3 – point 1.3.4 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1.3.4a. Measures to monitor the appearance of known as well as currently unknown pests and diseases.
Amendment 37 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3. Activities to support the improvement of the welfare of animals.	3. Activities and controls to ensure the welfare of animals.
Amendment 38 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
7. Activities supporting a sustainable food production and consumption.	7. Activities supporting low carbon sustainable food production practices and consumption which protect the environment and biodiversity, minimise food waste and which ensure high animal welfare standards, and activities raising consumer awareness about such practices.
Amendment 39 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
8. Data-bases and computerised information management systems necessary for the effective and efficient implementation of the legislation related to the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e) and having a proven added value for the Union as a whole.	8. Data-bases and computerised information management systems necessary for the effective and efficient implementation of the legislation related to the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e) and having a proven added value for the Union as a whole; implementation of new technologies to improve traceability of products such as QR codes on product packaging.
Amendment 40 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 11
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
11. Technical and scientific work, including studies and coordination activities, necessary to ensure the correct implementation of the legislation in the area related to the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e) and the adaptation of that legislation to scientific, technological and societal developments.	11. Technical and scientific work, including studies and coordination activities, necessary to safeguard prevention of the appearance of new as well as unknown pests and diseases and to ensure the correct implementation of the legislation in the area related to the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e) and the adaptation of that legislation to scientific, technological and societal developments.
Amendment 41 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 12
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
12. Activities carried out by the Member States or international organisations operating with the aim of achieving the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e) in support of the development and implementation of the rules related to that objective.	12. Activities carried out by the Member States or international organisations pursuing the aim of achieving the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e) in support of the development and implementation of the rules related to that objective.
Amendment 42 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 15
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
15. Measures carried out to protect human, animal and plant health and animal welfare, implemented on animals, animal products, plant and plant products arriving from third countries at a Union border.	15. Measures carried out to protect human, animal and plant health and animal welfare, implemented on animals, animal products, plant and plant products arriving from third countries at a Union border, including measures to increase consumer information regarding products through proper labelling of nutritional value and ingredients, and when appropriate, the farming method, the name and volume of pesticides used;
Amendment 43 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – indent 13
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
– monitoring the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);	– monitoring the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement;
Amendment 44 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – indent 14
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
– further developing statistics in support of the Energy Strategy, circular economy and plastics strategy;	– improving statistics in support of the Energy Strategy, circular economy and plastics strategy;

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	Establishing the Programme for single market, competitiveness of enterprises, including small and medium-sized enterprises, and European statistics
References	COM(2018)0441 – C8-0254/2018 – 2018/0231(COD)
Committee responsible Date announced in plenary	IMCO 14.6.2018
Opinion by Date announced in plenary	ENVI 14.6.2018
Associated committees - date announced in plenary	5.7.2018
Rapporteur Date appointed	Lukas Mandl 4.9.2018
Discussed in committee	25.10.2018
Date adopted	6.12.2018
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	49 0 5
Members present for the final vote	Marco Affronte, Pilar Ayuso, Zoltán Balczó, Ivo Belet, Simona Bonafè, Paul Brannen, Soledad Cabezón Ruiz, Nessa Childers, Miriam Dalli, Angélique Delahaye, Mark Demesmaeker, Stefan Eck, Bas Eickhout, José Inácio Faria, Karl-Heinz Florenz, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Sylvie Goddyn, Françoise Grossetête, Jytte Guteland, Anneli Jäätteenmäki, Benedek Jávor, Karin Kadenbach, Urszula Krupa, Jo Leinen, Susanne Melior, Miroslav Mikolášik, Gilles Pargneaux, Pavel Poc, Julia Reid, Frédérique Ries, Annie Schreijer-Pierik, Davor Škrlec, Renate Sommer, Adina-Ioana Vălean, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Damiano Zoffoli
Substitutes present for the final vote	Caterina Chinnici, Albert Deß, Eleonora Evi, Christophe Hansen, Martin Häusling, Anja Hazekamp, Jan Huitema, Norbert Lins, Ulrike Müller, James Nicholson, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Gabriele Preuß, Christel Schaldemose, Keith Taylor

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

57	+
ALDE	Gerben‑Jan Gerbrandy, Jan Huitema, Anneli Jäätteenmäki, Ulrike Müller, Frédérique Ries
EFDD	Eleonora Evi, Sylvie Goddyn
GUE/NGL	Stefan Eck, Anja Hazekamp
NI	Zoltán Balczó
PPE	Pilar Ayuso, Ivo Belet, Angélique Delahaye, Albert Deß, José Inácio Faria, Karl‑Heinz Florenz, Francesc Gambús, Elisabetta Gardini, Julie Girling , Françoise Grossetête, Christophe Hansen, Giovanni La Via, Norbert Lins, Miroslav Mikolášik, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Annie Schreijer‑Pierik, Renate Sommer, Adina‑Ioana Vălean
S&D	Simona Bonafè, Paul Brannen, Soledad Cabezón Ruiz, Nessa Childers, Caterina Chinnici, Miriam Dalli, Jytte Guteland, Karin Kadenbach, Jo Leinen, Susanne Melior, Gilles Pargneaux, Pavel Poc, Gabriele Preuß, Christel Schaldemose, Damiano Zoffoli
VERTS/ALE	Marco Affronte, Bas Eickhout, Martin Häusling, Benedek Jávor, Davor Škrlec, Keith Taylor

0	-

5	0
ECR	Mark Demesmaeker, Urszula Krupa, James Nicholson, Jadwiga Wiśniewska
EFDD	Julia Reid

Key to symbols:

+ : in favour

- : against

0 : abstention

OPINION of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (4.12.2018)

for the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

Rapporteur for opinion (*): Patrizia Toia

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

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

In recent years, globalisation, the financial crisis and digitisation have taken a heavy toll on European industries and businesses, especially SMEs. Business challenges and opportunities have increased in complexity and the need for innovation has grown far more pressing. This in turn has necessitated EU support for business enterprise, measures to promote technological and organisational transition, access to credit and the provision of funding. It is becoming increasingly urgent create an environment conducive to forward-looking initiatives that can cope with new economic realities and rise to the challenge of an increasingly global market. This can only be achieved if institutions are willing to adopt a collaborative philosophy, pooling their know-how and resources and helping to create a specialised network of support for independent entrepreneurs.

It is also important to select sound business ideas and draw up roadmaps in collaboration with future entrepreneurs seeking a foothold on the new markets. A network of support for business start-ups should be created at regional level in the form of customised training courses and advisory services backed up by highly effective technical assistance strategies.

The rapporteur is therefore pleased to note that the current COSME programme will be continued within the next multiannual financial framework. The European Parliament and in particular its ITRE Committee fully support measures to assist SMEs in the EU, seeking to boost competitiveness by removing market obstacles and facilitating access to finance. To this end, the COSME programme has turned out to be a successful European Union initiative greatly appreciated by SMEs (as confirmed by the Commission’s impact assessment). While the rapporteur can understand the need to merge programmes, he is disappointed at the Commission’s decision to lump together under a single heading those that are highly disparate in nature, since this significantly reduces the visibility of the COSME initiative and detracts from the substance of the measures to be funded in line with existing legislation.

Consequently, a number of amendments to the Regulation are being put forward in a bid to fill the gaps between the existing and the proposed provisions and to make COSME bigger and better. These include measures to:

• raise the profile of the COSME programme as and where appropriate;

• develop the SME initiatives eligible for funding;

• reintroduce the sustainability concept for SMEs;

• promote the development of business networks, one of the aims being to enable micro-enterprises to compete in the market;

• focus on certain groups such as young entrepreneurs and women that they are in need of additional support to develop a culture of business enterprise;

• support initiatives in sectors such as tourism that have a high proportion of SMEs and make a significant contribution to the Union’s GDP.

• increase the programme’s budget in line with the European Parliament resolution of 30 May 2018 on ‘the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework and own resources’ and impose budget caps on administrative expenditure;

• develop the role of the Enterprise Europe Network as a one-stop shop for support services, while introducing certain minimum network indicators and standards.

The rapporteur wishes to stress the unprecedented pluralism of the modern business world, ranging from unmistakably market-oriented companies to non-profit organisations. The rapporteur therefore wishes for the programme to encompass a number of social economy undertakings that, by their very nature, specifically qualify as SMEs, while being able to reinvent new and original economic and business models. They have proven to be more resilient than traditional businesses thanks to their local roots and the priority given to employment. It is therefore essential to support new business models such as worker buyout schemes (acquisition of a company by its employees), bearing in mind that social economy enterprises are placing the network economy in an entirely new perspective.

It is also important for the programme to include small local public service enterprises that meet SME criteria and at the same time make an important contribution to the community.

The rapporteur considers it necessary to make the legislation regarding SMEs clearer and easier to understand. Several amendments have accordingly been tabled to clarify the procedures followed by the European Commission for the award of grants under the Financial Regulation.

While the proposal examines the conditions of eligibility for third country SMEs, the rapporteur wishes to stress that the programme should focus principally on EU companies, as well as assisting EU-based SMEs seeking a foothold on third-country markets.

The list of proposed programme assessment indicators is too vague and would shed very little light on the effectiveness of COSME. The rapporteur is accordingly seeking the introduction of new indicators that yield valuable information without creating too much red tape.

Finally, it is essential for the programme to dovetail with other SME support measures currently built into the industrial and innovation pillar, especially the InvestEU programme, which encompasses financial instruments for SMEs now included in the COSME programme and the SME Instrument forming part of the Horizon Research Programme.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy calls on the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, as the committee responsible, to take into account the following amendments:

Amendment 1 Proposal for a regulation Recital 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1) The internal market is a cornerstone of the Union. Since its inception, it has proved a major contributor to growth, competitiveness and employment. It has generated new opportunities and economies of scale for European businesses, notably micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and strengthened their industrial competitiveness. The internal market contributed to the creation of jobs and offered greater choice at lower prices for consumers. It continues to be an engine for building a stronger, more balanced and fairer economy. It is one of the Union's major achievements and its best asset in an increasingly global world.	(1) The internal market is a cornerstone of the Union. Since its inception, it has proved a major contributor to growth, economic development, prosperity, competitiveness and employment. It has generated new opportunities and economies of scale for European businesses, notably micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), clusters and enterprise networks and consortium of companies, and strengthened their industrial competitiveness, and has also aimed to create and to reinforce the value chain where businesses are involved in all aspects of the process. The internal market contributed to the creation of jobs and offered greater choice at lower prices for consumers. It continues to be an engine for ensuring economic growth and for building a sustainable, stronger, more balanced and transparent, inclusive and fairer economy. It is one of the Union's major achievements and its best asset in an increasingly global world and a core element in succeeding in the transformation into a resource- and energy efficient sustainable economy.
Amendment 2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2) The internal market has to continuously adapt to a rapidly changing environment of digital revolution and globalisation. A new era of digital innovation continues to provide opportunities for businesses and individuals, creates new products and business models but equally constitutes a challenge to regulation and enforcement.	(2) The internal market has to continuously adapt to a rapidly changing environment of digital revolution, mitigation of climate change and globalisation. A new era of digital innovation and new collaborative business models continue to provide opportunities for businesses, employees and individuals, create new sustainable, more resource and energy efficient products, services and business models but equally constitutes an opportunity and a challenge for the work force, for business competitiveness and for regulation and enforcement.
Amendment 3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(4) Still, barriers to the proper functioning of the internal market remain and the new obstacles emerge. Adopting rules is only a first step, but making them work is as important. This is ultimately a matter of citizens' trust in the Union, in its capacity to deliver, and ability to create jobs and growth while protecting the public interest.	(4) Still, barriers to the proper functioning of the internal market remain and the new obstacles emerge. Adopting rules is only a first step, but making them work is as important. This means ultimately to create a useful conditions to achieve citizens' trust in the Union, in its capacity to deliver, and its ability to create quality jobs and sustainable growth while protecting the public interest.
Amendment 4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(5) Several programmes for Union action exist currently in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises including SMEs, consumer protection, customers and end-users in financial services, policy making in financial services and food chain. Some additional activities are financed directly under the internal market budget lines. It is necessary to streamline and exploit synergies between various actions and provide for a more flexible and agile framework to finance activities aiming to achieve a well-functioning internal market in the most cost-efficient manner. It is therefore necessary to establish a new programme bringing together activities financed previously under those other programmes and other relevant budget lines. The programme should also include new initiatives which aim to improve the functioning of the internal market.	(5) Several programmes for Union action exist currently in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises including SMEs, consumer protection, customers and end-users in financial services, policy making in financial services and food chain. Some additional activities are financed directly under the internal market budget lines. It is necessary to streamline and exploit synergies and complementarities between various actions, creating added value through the improvement of additionality and to provide for a more flexible and agile framework to finance activities aiming to achieve a well-functioning internal market that is efficient, , consumers friendly and take into consideration environmental and social aspects. It is therefore necessary to establish a new programme bringing together activities financed previously under those other programmes and other relevant budget lines. The programme should also include new initiatives which aim to improve the functioning of the internal market.
Amendment 5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(5a) The programme should also consider the Union added value of the various interventions, their efficacy and results, and good practices should be preserved and improved. It should also include new initiatives that aim to improve the functioning of the internal market, enhancing local economic development and intervening where the risk of market failure is very high.
Justification
New initiatives in the field of economic development should be considered in the context of the Programme.
Amendment 6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 7
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(7) It is therefore appropriate to establish a Programme for the internal market, competitiveness of enterprises, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and European statistics (the 'Programme'). The Programme should be established for the duration of seven years from 2021 to 2027.	(7) It is therefore appropriate to establish a Programme for the internal market, competitiveness and sustainability of enterprises, with particular attention to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, clusters, enterprise networks, consortium of companies and European statistics (the 'Programme'). The Programme should be established for the duration of seven years from 2021 to 2027.
Amendment 7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(8) The Programme should support the design, implementation and enforcement of Union legislation underpinning the proper functioning of the internal market. The Programme should support the creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market: businesses, citizens including consumers, civil society and public authorities. To that end, the Programme should aim to ensure the competitiveness of businesses, notably SMEs, but also supporting the enforcement of consumer protection and safety rules and by raising the awareness of businesses and individuals by providing them with the right tools, knowledge and competence to make informed decisions and strengthen their participation in Union’s policy-making. Furthermore, the Programme should aim to enhance regulatory and administrative cooperation, notably through exchange of best practices, building of knowledge and competence bases, including the use of strategic public procurement. The Programme should also aim to support the development of high-quality international standards that underpin the implementation of Union legislation. This also includes standard setting in the field of financial reporting and audit, thereby contributing to the transparency and well-functioning of the Union’s capital markets and to enhancing investor protection. The Programme should support rulemaking and standard setting also by ensuring the broadest possible stakeholder involvement. The objective of the Programme should also be to support the implementation and enforcement of Union legislation providing for a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain and the improvement of the welfare of animals.	(8) The Programme should support the design, implementation and enforcement of Union legislation underpinning the proper functioning and improvement of the internal market. The Programme should support the creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market: businesses, employees, citizens including consumers, civil society and public authorities building on the success of the current programme for competitiveness for Small and Medium Enterprises (COSME). To that end, the Programme should aim to ensure the competitiveness of businesses, notably SMEs, but also by supporting the conditions for quality job creation, local economic development, the enforcement of a high level of consumer protection, safety rules as well as environmental standards and by raising the awareness of businesses and individuals by providing them with the right information, tools, training, knowledge and competence to make informed decisions and strengthen their participation in Union’s policy-making. Furthermore, the Programme should aim to enhance regulatory and administrative cooperation, notably through exchange of best practices, building of knowledge and competence bases, including the use of strategic public procurement and the support to the Digital Knowledge Centres. The Programme should also aim to support the development of high-quality international standards that underpin the implementation of Union legislation. This also includes standard setting in the field of financial reporting and audit, thereby contributing to the transparency and well-functioning of the Union’s capital markets and to enhancing investor protection. The Programme should support rulemaking and standard setting also by ensuring the broadest possible stakeholder involvement. The objective of the Programme should also be to support the implementation and enforcement of Union legislation providing for a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain and the improvement of the welfare of animals.
Amendment 8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(8a) Merge of the existing programmes should not lead to a lower clarity and transparency. The European Commission together with Member States should seek to provide accurate and timely information about the programmes and raise awareness among the potential beneficiaries.
Amendment 9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(9) A modern internal market promotes competition and benefits consumers, businesses and employees. Making better use of the ever evolving internal market in services should help European businesses create jobs and grow across borders, offer wider choice of services at better prices, and maintain high standards for consumers and workers. To achieve this, the Programme should contribute to the removal of remaining barriers, and to ensure a regulatory framework that can accommodate new innovative business models.	(9) A modern internal market promotes competition, high quality services for the benefit of consumers and businesses and working conditions of employees .It creates a favourable environment for job creation as well as it ensures a better functioning of high-quality services of general economic interest. Making better use of the ever evolving internal market in services should help European businesses create quality jobs and grow across borders, offer wider choice of services at better prices, and maintain high standards for consumers and workers. To achieve this, the Programme should contribute to the removal of remaining barriers, and to ensure a regulatory framework that can accommodate new innovative business models consistent with a high level of social protection including for entrepreneurs.
Amendment 10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 11
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(11) New regulatory and enforcement challenges relate to a rapidly changing environment of the digital revolution, concerning issues such as cybersecurity, internet of things or artificial intelligence. Should damage occur, stringent rules on product safety and liability are essential to ensure a policy response that allows European citizens, including consumers and businesses, to benefit from such rules. The Programme should therefore contribute to the rapid adaptation and enforcement of a Union product liability regime which fosters innovation.	(11) New regulatory and enforcement challenges relate to a rapidly changing environment of the digital revolution, concerning issues such as cybersecurity, privacy policy and data protection internet of things or artificial intelligence and related ethical standards. This complex challenge, which is technological, cultural, organisational and social, should be adressed with the support of all sectors and actors concerned. Should damage occur, stringent rules on product safety and liability are essential to ensure a policy response that allows European citizens, including consumers and businesses to access and to benefit from such rules. The Programme should therefore contribute to the rapid adaptation and enforcement of a Union product liability regime which fosters innovation.
Amendment 11 Proposal for a regulation Recital 15
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(15) Public procurement is used by public authorities to ensure value for public money spent and to contribute to a more innovative, sustainable, inclusive and competitive internal market. Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴⁹ , Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵⁰ and Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵¹ provide the legal framework for the integration and effective functioning of the public procurement markets representing 14% of Union’s gross domestic product, to the benefit of public authorities, businesses as well as citizens, including consumers. The Programme should therefore support measures to ensure a wider uptake of strategic public procurement, the professionalisation of public buyers, improved access to procurement markets for SMEs, increase of transparency, integrity and better data, boosting the digital transformation of procurement and promotion of joint procurement, through strengthening a partnership approach with the Member States, improving data gathering and data analysis including through development of dedicated IT tools, supporting exchange of experiences and good practices, providing guidance, pursuing beneficial trade agreements, strengthening cooperation among national authorities and launching pilot projects.	(15) Public procurement is used by public authorities to ensure value for public money spent and to contribute to a more innovative, sustainable, inclusive and competitive internal market. Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴⁹ , Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵⁰ and Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵¹ provide the legal framework for the integration and effective functioning of the public procurement markets representing 14% of Union’s gross domestic product, to the benefit of public authorities, businesses as well as citizens, including consumers. Public authorities, through their procurement policy, can establish and support markets for innovative goods and services. The Programme should therefore support measures to ensure a wider uptake of strategic public procurement, a more systematic use of environmental , social and fair-trade criteria in awarding contracts the professionalisation of public buyers, improved access to procurement markets for SMEs, social economy enterprises and business organisations networks, increase of transparency, integrity and better data, boosting the digital transformation of procurement and promotion of joint procurement, through strengthening a partnership approach with the Member States, improving data gathering and data analysis including through development of dedicated IT tools, supporting exchange of experiences and good practices, providing guidance, pursuing beneficial trade agreements, strengthening cooperation among national authorities and launching pilot projects.
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⁴⁹ Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the award of concession contracts (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 1).	⁴⁹ Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the award of concession contracts (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 1).
⁵⁰ 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 L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65).	⁵⁰ 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 L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65).
⁵¹ Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors and repealing Directive 2004/17/EC (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 243).	⁵¹ Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors and repealing Directive 2004/17/EC (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 243).
Amendment 12 Proposal for a regulation Recital 17
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(17) The Programme should support the development of the Union regulatory framework in the area of company law and corporate governance, as well as contract law, with a view to make business more efficient and competitive while providing protection for stakeholders affected by company operations, and to react to emerging policy challenges. It should also ensure appropriate evaluation, implementation and enforcement of the relevant acquis, inform and assist stakeholders and promote information exchange in the area. The Programme should further support the Commission’s initiatives in favour of a clear and adapted legal framework for the data economy and innovation. Those initiatives are necessary to enhance legal certainty with regard to contractual and extra contractual law, in particular with regard to liability and ethics in the context of emerging technologies, such as internet of things, artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D Printing. The Programme should aim at stimulating the development of data-driven business, as it will be decisive for the position of the Union economy in a global competition.	(17) The Programme should support the development of the Union regulatory framework in the area of company law and corporate governance, as well as contract law, with a view to make business more efficient and competitive while providing protection for stakeholders affected by company operations, and to react to emerging policy challenges. It should also ensure appropriate evaluation, implementation and enforcement of the relevant acquis, inform and assist stakeholders and promote information exchange in the area. The Programme should further support the Commission’s initiatives in favour of a clear and adapted legal framework for the data economy and innovation. Those initiatives are necessary to enhance legal certainty with regard to contractual and extra contractual law, in particular with regard to liability and ethics in the context of emerging technologies, such as internet of things, artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D Printing. The Programme should aim at stimulating the development of data-driven business whilst ensuring a high level of privacy protection, as it will be decisive for the position of the Union economy in a global competition.
Amendment 13 Proposal for a regulation Recital 22
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(22) Strengthening the competitiveness of European enterprises while reassuring an effective level playing field and an open and competitive internal market is of outmost importance. SMEs are the engine of the European economy making up 99% of all businesses in Europe, providing two thirds of jobs, and contributing substantially to the creation of new jobs with a regional and local dimension.	(22) Strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of European enterprises while reassuring an effective level playing field and an open and competitive internal market is of outmost importance. SMEs are the engine of the European economy making up 99% of all businesses in Europe, providing two thirds of jobs, and contributing substantially to the creation of new quality jobs in all sectors with a regional and local dimension, and hence social cohesion.
	SMEs are instrumental in pursuing the energy transition and contributing to the achievement of the Union's climate objectives deriving from the Paris Agreement. The Programme should therefore enhance their capacity to develop environmentally-friendly high quality products and services and support their efforts to increase resource-efficiency, in line with the 'energy efficiency first' principle. In doing so, the Programme also contributes to improve Union SMEs competitiveness on the global market.
Amendment 14 Proposal for a regulation Recital 23
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(23) SMEs share common challenges that do not affect larger firms to the same extent to obtain finance, to find skilled work force, to alleviate administrative burden, to take-up creativity and innovation, to access markets and foster internationalisation activities. The Programme should address such market failures proportionally, while not unduly distorting competition in the internal market.	(23) SMEs share common challenges that do not affect larger firms to the same extent to obtain finance, to find skilled work force, to alleviate administrative burden, to take-up creativity and innovation, to access markets, and foster internationalisation activities. The Programme should address such market failures proportionally, while not unduly distorting competition in the internal market. The programme should in particular create appropriate conditions to introduce technological and organisational innovation in the production processes, paying attention to specific forms of SMEs such as micro enterprises, enterprises engaged in craft activities, the self-employed, the liberal professions and social economy enterprises. Attention should also be paid to potential, new, young and female entrepreneurs, as well as to other specific target groups, such as older people, migrants and entrepreneurs belonging to socially disadvantaged or vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities.
Amendment 15 Proposal for a regulation Recital 23 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(23a) The programme should support and promote a culture of innovation, developing an ecosystem capable of encouraging business start-ups and nurturing their growth, focusing on micro-enterprises and innovative SMEs able to meet the challenges of an increasingly competitive and fast-moving environment. Radically new innovation processes require the development of an open innovation model with an increase in collaborative research and the sharing of knowledge and intellectual property between different organisations. The programme should accordingly seek to support the innovation process by incorporating new collaborative business models, focusing on networking and the sharing of knowledge and resources within inter-organisational communities.
Justification
It is important to develop an ecosystem of innovation which could be an economic catalyser.Development of innovation ecosystems acting as economic catalysers.
Amendment 16 Proposal for a regulation Recital 23 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(23b) The Programme should address such market failures proportionally, paying special attention to actions that benefit directly SMEs and enterprise networks, and while not unduly distorting competition in the internal market.
Justification
The Programme should take into account SMEs and enterprise networks in all its activities.
Amendment 17 Proposal for a regulation Recital 24
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(24) Many of the Union's competitiveness problems involve SMEs' difficulties in obtaining access to finance because they struggle to demonstrate their credit-worthiness and have insufficient collateral. Additional financing challenges arise from SMEs' need to stay competitive by engaging e.g. in digitization, internationalization and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce. Limited access to finance has a negative effect on businesses creation, growth and survival rates, as well as on the readiness of new entrepreneurs to take over viable companies in the context of a business succession.	(24) Many of the Union's competitiveness problems involve SMEs' difficulties in obtaining access to finance because they lack information, struggle to demonstrate their credit-worthiness and have insufficient collateral or simply due to low awareness of existing mechanism to support their activities at EU, national or local level. Additional financing challenges arise from the smaller size of micro-enterprises and SMEs' need to stay competitive by engaging e.g. in digitization, internationalization and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce. Limited access to finance has a negative effect on businesses creation, growth and survival rates, as well as on the readiness of new entrepreneurs to take over viable companies in the context of a business succession.
Amendment 18 Proposal for a regulation Recital 25
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(25) To overcome these market failures and to ensure that SMEs continue to play their role as the foundation for the Union economy´s competitiveness, small and medium sized enterprises need extra support through debt and equity instruments to be established under the SME window of the InvestEU Fund established by Regulation […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵² . The loan guarantee facility put in place under Regulation (EU) No 1287/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵³ has a proven added value and is expected to bring a positive contribution to at least 500 000 SMEs; a successor will be established under the SME window of the InvestEU Fund.	(25) To overcome these market failures and to ensure that SMEs continue to play their role as the foundation for the Union economy´s competitiveness, and driver for a sustainable economy, small and medium sized enterprises need extra support through debt and equity instruments to be established under the SME window of the InvestEU Fund established by Regulation […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵² . The loan guarantee facility put in place under Regulation (EU) No 1287/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁵³ has a proven added value and is expected to bring a positive contribution to at least 500 000 SMEs; a successor will be established under the SME window of the InvestEU Fund. More attention should be paid to better communication and public campaigns in order to increase awareness to potential beneficiaries of the availability of the programme for SME. To raise the awareness of Union’s actions supporting SMEs, actions that are wholly or partially funded by this programme, including intermediaries, should incorporate the European emblem (flag) associated to a sentence acknowledging the support received by the COSME programme.
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⁵² COM(2018) 439 final	⁵² COM(2018) 439 final
⁵³ Regulation (EU) No 1287/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing a Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (COSME) (2014 - 2020) and repealing Decision No 1639/2006/EC (OJ L 347 of 20.12.2013, p. 33).	⁵³ Regulation (EU) No 1287/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing a Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (COSME) (2014 - 2020) and repealing Decision No 1639/2006/EC (OJ L 347 of 20.12.2013, p. 33).
Amendment 19 Proposal for a regulation Recital 26
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(26) The policy objectives of this Programme will be also addressed through financial instruments and budgetary guarantee under the SME window of the InvestEU Fund. Financial support should be used to address market failures or sub-optimal investment situations, in a proportionate manner and actions should not duplicate or crowd out private financing or distort competition in the internal market. Actions should have a clear European added value.	(26) The policy objectives of this Programme will be also addressed through financial instruments and budgetary guarantee under the SME window of the InvestEU Fund. The SME window of the InvestEU Fund should have a central overarching point providing information about the programme in each Member State, in order to increase the accessibility and awareness of the funds for SMEs. Financial support should be used to address market failures or sub-optimal investment situations, in a proportionate manner and actions should not duplicate or crowd out private financing or distort competition in the internal market, and should clearly offer additionality and enhancing synergies with other European programmes. Actions should have a clear European added value.
Amendment 20 Proposal for a regulation Recital 26 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(26a) The actions supported by the InvestEU Fund through the EU compartment or the Member States compartment should not duplicate or replace private funding, or distort competition in the internal market, but, with reference to the local public and private guarantee schemes already operating, should facilitate their integration with such schemes, the overriding objective being to enhance and extend the actual benefits to final recipients (the SMEs identified by the definition set out in Recommendation 2003/361/EC) in order to achieve genuine additionality of the measures.
Amendment 21 Proposal for a regulation Recital 26b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(26b) Besides access to finance also access to skills is crucial, including managerial skills and knowledge are critical factors for SMEs to access existing funds, innovate, compete and grow. The delivery of financial instruments as envisaged under EUInvest should therefore be accompanied by the development of appropriate mentoring, coaching schemes and delivery of knowledge-based business services.
Amendment 22 Proposal for a regulation Recital 27
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(27) The Programme should provide effective support for SMEs throughout their life-cycle. It should build on the unique knowledge and expertise developed with regard to SMEs and industrial sectors and on a long experience in working with European, national and regional stakeholders. This support should build on the successful experience of the Enterprise Europe Network as a one-stop-shop to improve SMEs competitiveness and develop their business in the Single Market and beyond. The Network plans to continue delivering services on behalf of other Union programmes, notably for the Horizon2020 programme, using the financial resources of these programmes. Also the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs should remain the tool to enable new or aspiring entrepreneurs to gain business experience by matching with an experienced entrepreneur from another country and thus allow strengthening entrepreneurial talents. The Programme should further strive to grow and extend its geographical coverage and thus offer wider range of matching possibilities to entrepreneurs in complementarity with other Union initiatives where relevant.	(27) The Programme should provide effective support for SMEs throughout their life-cycle, providing assistance ranging from project preparation through to commercialisation and access to the market, and encouraging the creation of business enterprise networks. It should build on the unique knowledge and expertise developed with regard to SMEs and economic and entrepreneurial sectors and on a long experience in working with European, national and regional stakeholders. This support should build on the experience of the Enterprise Europe Network as a one-stop-shop to improve SMEs competitiveness and develop their business in the Single Market and beyond. The Network plans to continue delivering services on behalf of other Union programmes, notably for the Horizon2020 programme, using the financial resources of these programmes. It should also support enhanced participation of SMEs representatives’ organisation in the development of Single Market Policy initiative, such as public procurement, standardisation processes and intellectual property regimes. The Network should also increase the number of actions, providing more targeted advice to SME, in drafting projects and supporting networking and technological and organisational transition. The Network should also improve cooperation and liaison with other Advisory hubs established in the Digital programme and InvestEU as regards access to finance. The COSME actions in the Network should also aim to provide high quality services across Europe, paying particular attention to areas of activities and geographical parts of the Union where the Networks and intermediary stakeholders do not meet expected results. Also the successful mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs - Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs - should remain the tool to enable new or aspiring entrepreneurs to gain business and managerial experience by matching with an experienced entrepreneur from another country and thus allow strengthening entrepreneurial talents. The Programme should grow and extend its geographical coverage and thus offer wider range of matching possibilities to entrepreneurs in complementarity with other Union initiatives where relevant. In order to increase the value added by the promotion of entrepreneurship initiatives, special attention should be paid to micro-enterprises and to those that have benefited the least from the existing programme, and where the culture of entrepreneurship remains at a very basic level, and faces more barriers. Every effort should be made to achieve reasonably geographically balanced distribution of the funds.
Amendment 23 Proposal for a regulation Recital 27 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(27a) More effort should be made to reduce the administrative burden and to increase the accessibility of the programmes in order to reduce costs SMEs and microenterprises face due to a complicated application process and participation requirements. Member States should also consider establishing a single information point for undertakings interested in using Union´s funds functioning as a one-stop-shop. Evaluation procedure should be as simple and fast as possible in order to allow for timely use of the benefits the programme offers.
Amendment 24 Proposal for a regulation Recital 28
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(28) Clusters are a strategic tool for supporting the competitiveness and scaling-up of SMEs as they offer favourable business environments. Joint Cluster Initiatives should achieve critical mass to accelerate the growth of SMEs. By connecting specialised eco-systems, clusters create new business opportunities for SMEs and integrate them better in European and global strategic value chains. Support should be provided for the development of transnational partnership strategies and the implementation of joint activities, supported by the European Cluster Collaboration Platform. Sustainable partnering should be encouraged with continuation funding if performance and participation milestones are reached. Direct support to SMEs should be channelled through cluster organisations for the following: uptake of advanced technologies, new business models, low-carbon and resource-efficient solutions, creativity and design, skills upgrading, talent attraction, entrepreneurship acceleration, and internationalisation. Other specialised SME support actors should be associated to facilitate industrial transformation and implementations of smart specialisation strategies. The Programme should thus contribute to growth and build linkages with the Union's (digital) innovation hubs and investments made under Cohesion Policy and Horizon Europe. Synergies with the Erasmus programme can also be explored.	(28) Clusters are a strategic tool for supporting the competitiveness and scaling-up of SMEs as they offer favourable business environments, increase sustainable development of industry and services and strengthen the economic development of the regions through the creation of quality jobs. Joint Cluster Initiatives should achieve critical mass to accelerate the growth of SMEs. By connecting specialised eco-systems, clusters create new business opportunities for SMEs and integrate them better in European and global strategic value chains. Support should be provided for the development of transnational partnership strategies and the implementation of joint activities, supported by the European Cluster Collaboration Platform. Sustainable partnering should be encouraged with continuation funding if performance and participation milestones are reached. Direct support to SMEs should be channelled through cluster organisations for the following: uptake of advanced technologies, new business models, solutions, creativity and design, skills upgrading, talent attraction, entrepreneurship acceleration, and internationalisation. Other specialised SME support actors should be associated to facilitate industrial transformation and implementations of smart specialisation strategies. The Programme should thus contribute to sustainable economic development and build linkages with the Union’s (digital) innovation hubs and investments made under Cohesion Policy and Horizon Europe. Synergies with the Erasmus programme can also be explored.
Amendment 25 Proposal for a regulation Recital 28 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(28a) The programme can help build up and/or improve the relationship between micro-enterprises and SMEs and universities, research centres and other institutions involved in knowledge creation and dissemination. This relationship can help improve firms’ abilities to tackle the strategic challenges posed by the new international context.
Amendment 26 Proposal for a regulation Recital 28 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(28b) SMEs, owing to their smaller size, face specific obstacles to growth and have mayor difficulties in growing and scaling up some of their business activities. The Union has been providing support to scale up activities focusing on innovation on research mainly through the SME Instrument and the recently European Innovation Council pilot within the Horizon 2020 programme. Based on the working methods and experiences of the SME Instrument, the Single Market Programme should also provide support for scale-up activities by SMEs complimentary to the new EIC with its specific focus on break-through innovation under Horizon Europe. Scale up actions for SMEs under this programme should focus for instance in helping SMEs to scale up through commercialisation, internationalisation and on market driven-opportunities.
Amendment 27 Proposal for a regulation Recital 29
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(29) Creativity and innovation are crucial for the competitiveness of the Union's industrial value chains. They represent catalysts for industrial modernisation and contribute to smart, inclusive sustainable growth. However, uptake by SMEs is still lagging behind. The Programme should therefore support targeted actions, networks and partnerships for creativity-driven innovation throughout the industrial value chain.	(29) Creativity and innovation, technological and organisational transformation, enhanced sustainability in terms of production processes, in particular resource and energy efficiency, are crucial for the competitiveness of the Union's industrial value chains. They represent catalysts for the modernisation of the business and industry sectors and contribute to smart, inclusive sustainable growth. However, uptake by SMEs is still lagging behind. The Programme should therefore support targeted actions, networks and partnerships for creativity-driven innovation throughout the industrial value chain.
Amendment 28 Proposal for a regulation Recital 29 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29a) Recognising that the SME Instrument of Horizon 2020 has been extremely successful for entrepreneurs through both phase1 and phase2 grants in advancing and their new business idea and testing and developing a prototype. While the selection process is already very rigorous, still many very good projects cannot be financed because of limited financial resources. The implementation in the frame of the SME Agency EASME has been working very efficiently. While the focus of that program is on high-tech projects, this program should extend the methodology to any type of scale-up SMEs.
Amendment 29 Proposal for a regulation Recital 29 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29b) The COSME actions should also focus in sectors characterised by a significant growth and social potential and with a high proportion of SMES. Tourism is a singular sector of the Union Economy which contributes substantially to the Union’s GDP and is run mainly by SMEs. The Union should continue and increase actions supporting the specificities of this sector.
Justification
The Programme should focus on the tourism sector, given its importance in the European context.
Amendment 30 Proposal for a regulation Recital 30
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(30) European standards play an important role in the internal market. They are of vital interest for the competitiveness of undertakings, and especially SMEs. They are also a crucial tool to support Union legislation and policies in a number of key areas such as energy, climate change, information and communication technology, sustainable use of resources, innovation, product safety, consumer protection, worker's safety and working conditions and ageing population, thus positively contributing to the society as a whole.	(30) European standards play an important role in the internal market. They are of vital interest for the competitiveness of undertakings, and especially SMEs. They are also a crucial tool to support Union legislation and policy goals in a number of key areas such as accelerating the energy transition, tackling climate change, environmental protection, improved air and water quality, information and communication technology, sustainable use and recycling of resources, technological and social innovation, product safety, consumer protection, worker's safety and working conditions and ageing population, thus positively contributing to the society as a whole.
Amendment 31 Proposal for a regulation Recital 30 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(30a) The principles of transparency and equal gender opportunity should be taken into account in all relevant initiatives and actions covered by the programme. Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all citizens should be also considered in those initiatives and actions.
Amendment 32 Proposal for a regulation Recital 65
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(65) The Programme should promote synergies and complementarities with respect to the SMEs and entrepreneurship support under the European Regional Development Fund established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶⁹ . Moreover, the SME window of InvestEU Fund established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁷⁰ will guarantee debt and equity support to enhance access and availability of finance for SMEs. The Programme should also seek synergies with the Space Programme established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁷¹ in respect of encouragement of SMEs to benefit from breakthrough innovation and other solutions developed under those programmes.	(65) The Programme should promote synergies, complementarities and additionality with respect to the SMEs and entrepreneurship support under the European Regional Development Fund established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶⁹ . Moreover, the SME window of InvestEU Fund established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁷⁰ will guarantee debt and equity support to enhance access and availability of finance for SMEs and micro enterprises. The Programme should also seek synergies with the Space Programme established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁷¹ in respect of encouragement of SMEs to benefit from breakthrough innovation and other solutions developed under those programmes.
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⁶⁹ COM(2018) 372 final	⁶⁹ COM(2018) 372 final
⁷⁰ COM(2018) 439 final	⁷⁰ COM(2018) 439 final
⁷¹ COM(2018) 447 final	⁷¹ COM(2018) 447 final
Justification
Added reference to additionality and micro enterprises.
Amendment 33 Proposal for a regulation Recital 67
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(67) The Programme should promote synergies and complementarities with respect to the Digital Europe Programme established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁷³ which aims to promote the digitalisation of the Union economy and the public sector.	(67) The Programme should promote synergies and complementarities with respect to the Digital Europe Programme established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁷³ which aims to promote the digitalisation of the Union economy and the public sector and increased cybersecurity.
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⁷³ COM(2018) 434 final	⁷³ COM(2018) 434 final
Amendment 34 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
This Regulation establishes the programme for improving the functioning of the internal market and the competitiveness of enterprises, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and the framework for financing of development, production and dissemination of European statistics within the meaning of Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 (the 'Programme').	This Regulation establishes the programme for improving the functioning of the internal market and the competitiveness and sustainability of enterprises, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, social economy enterprises and enterprises networks, and the framework for financing of development, production and dissemination of European statistics within the meaning of Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 (the 'Programme').
Amendment 35 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(4 a) "Social economy enterprise" means an enterprise whose main objective is to have a social impact rather than make a profit for their owners or shareholders and which operates by providing goods and services for the market. and is managed in an open and responsible manner involving employees, consumers and stakeholders;
Amendment 36 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(4b) "Local Public Enterprise" means a small local public service enterprise that meets the SME criteria and fulfils important tasks for local communities;
Justification
Local Public Enterprises are a kind of the entrepreneurial activity with specific characteristics to be duly considered in COSME programme.
Amendment 37 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 c (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(4c) "Enterprise networks" means the coming together of entrepreneurs in order to carry out a shared project and in which two or more SMEs jointly exercise one or more economic activities in order to increase their competitiveness in the market.
Justification
Enterprises networks are crucial actors in the internal market.
Amendment 38 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) to improve the functioning of the internal market, and especially to protect and empower citizens, consumers and businesses, in particular micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by enforcement of Union law, facilitation of market access, standard setting, and by promoting human, animal and plant health and animal welfare; as well as to enhance cooperation between the competent authorities of Member States and between the competent authorities of Member States and the Commission and the decentralised Union agencies;	(a) Improve the competitiveness and functioning of the internal market enhancing it with local economies, tackle market inefficiencies and facilitating the enforcement of the Union’s legal framework, , protect and empower citizens, consumers and business, including its workforce, in particular micro, small and medium sized enterprises contributing to climate goals and sustainable industrial growth as well as to create the conditions for stable and quality employment, facilitation of market access, standard setting, and by promoting human, animal and plant health and animal welfare; as well as to enhance cooperation and sharing of best practices between the competent authorities of Member States and between the competent authorities of Member States and the Commission and the decentralised Union agencies;
Amendment 39 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) making the internal market more effective, facilitating the prevention and removal of obstacles, supporting the development, implementation and enforcement of the Union law in the areas of the internal market for goods and services, public procurement, market surveillance as well as in the areas of company law and contract and extra-contractual law, anti-money laundering, free movement of capital, financial services and competition, including the development of governance tools;	(a) making the internal market more effective, promoting local economic development, facilitating the prevention and removal of obstacles, supporting the development, implementation and enforcement of the Union law in the areas of the internal market for goods and services, social economy and social entrepreneurship, public procurement, market surveillance as well as in the areas of company law and contract and extra-contractual law, anti-money laundering, free movement of capital, financial services and competition, including the development of governance tools;
Amendment 40 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) improving the competitiveness of enterprises with special emphasis on SMEs and achieving additionality through the provision of measures that provide various forms of support to SMEs, access to markets including the internationalisation of SMEs, favourable business environment for SMEs, the competitiveness of sectors, the modernisation of industry and the promotion of entrepreneurship;	(b) strengthening both the competitiveness and sustainability of enterprises with special emphasis on SMEs and achieving additionality through the provision of measures(COSME objectives), paying particular attention to their specific needs, by
Amendment 41 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b – point i (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	i) providing various forms of support to SMEs, fostering the growth, promotion and creation of SMEs, including enterprise networks, development of managerial skills and fostering measures to scale-up that will allow them to better access to markets and internationalisation processes, as well as marketing of their products and services;
Amendment 42 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b – point ii (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	ii) fostering a favourable business environment and framework for SMEs, reducing administrative burden, enhancing the competitiveness of sectors, ensuring , the modernisation of industry including their digital transformation contributing to a resilient, energy and resource efficient economy;
Amendment 43 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b – point iii (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	iii) promoting entrepreneurial culture and contributing to the high-quality training of SMEs’ staff;
Amendment 44 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b – point iv (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	iv) promoting new business opportunities for SMEs overcoming structural changes through targeted measures , and other innovative forms of actions such as workers buy-outs facilitating job creation and the continuity of businesses, in territories affected by these changes.
Amendment 45 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021 to 2027 shall be EUR 4 088 580 000 in current prices.	1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021 to 2027 shall be EUR 5 514 000 000 in 2018 prices (EUR6 211 000 000 in current prices).
Amendment 46 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) EUR 1 000 000 000 to the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(b);	(a) EUR 2 772 000 000 in 2018 prices (EUR 3 122000000 in current prices) to the objective referred to in Article3(2)(b);
Amendment 47 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3. The amount referred to in paragraph 1 may be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the Programme, concerning in particular preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities as well as use of information technology networks focusing on information processing and exchange, and use and development of corporate information technology tools.	3. The amount referred to in paragraph 1 may be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the Programme, concerning in particular preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities as well as use of information technology networks focusing on information processing and exchange, and use and development of corporate information technology tools. .The total costs of administrative and technical support will be limited in order to allow the maximum availability of the programme to finance actions covered by the objectives of the programme and shall not exceed in any case a limit of 5% of the overall budget referred to in Article 4 (1).
Amendment 48 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
6. Resources allocated to Member States under shared management may, at their request, be transferred to the Programme. The Commission shall implement those resources directly in accordance with point (a) of Article 62(1) of the Financial Regulation or indirectly in accordance with point (c) of that Article. Where possible those resources shall be used for the benefit of the Member State concerned.	6. Resources allocated to Member States under shared management may, at their voluntary request and be transferred to the Programme. The Commission shall implement those resources directly in accordance with point (a) of Article 62(1) of the Financial Regulation or indirectly in accordance with point (c) of that Article. Where possible those resources shall be used for the benefit of the Member State concerned.
Amendment 49 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Grants under the Programme shall be awarded and managed in accordance with Title VIII of the Financial Regulation.	Grants under the Programme shall be awarded and managed in accordance with Title VIII of the Financial Regulation. The Commission shall publish work programmes adopted for each of the specific objectives referred in Article 2 (2) specifying the amount of grants to be allocated.
Justification
This is a consolidated practice in the management of the EU programmes
Amendment 50 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market, including businesses, citizens and consumers, civil society and public authorities through transparent information and awareness raising campaigns, best practice exchange, promotion of good practices, exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge and organization of trainings;	(a) creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market, including businesses, and in particular micro-enterprises, SMEs, citizens and consumers, civil society and public authorities through transparent information and awareness raising campaigns, best practice exchange, promotion of good practices, exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge and organization of trainings;
Amendment 51 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) provision of mechanisms for citizens, consumers, end-users, civil society and businesses representatives from the Union to contribute to political discussions, policies and decision making process, notably by supporting the functioning of representative organisations at national and the Union level;	(b) provision of mechanisms for citizens, consumers, end-users, civil society businesses and employees representatives from the Union to contribute to political discussions, policies and decision making process, notably by supporting the functioning of representative organisations at national and the Union level;
Amendment 52 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) to provide various forms of support to SMEs;	deleted
Amendment 53 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) facilitating SMEs' access to markets, supporting them in addressing global and societal challenges and business internationalisation, and strengthening Union industrial leadership in global value chains, including the Enterprise Europe Network;	(b) facilitating micro-enterprises, SMEs and enterprises networks' access to markets, including markets outside of the Union, supporting them in addressing global, environmental, economic and societal challenges and business internationalisation, facilitating support for them during their life-cycle and strengthening Union entrepreneurial and industrial leadership in global value chains;
Amendment 54 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) addressing market barriers, administrative burden and creating a favourable business environment to empower SMEs to benefit from the internal market;	(c) addressing market barriers, reducing administrative burden, including reducing obstacles for setting-up enterprises and the starting of businesses and creating a favourable business environment to allow micro-enterprises and SMEs to benefit from the internal market, including access to finance; and by providing appropriate guidance, mentoring and coaching schemes delivery of knowledge-based business services;
Amendment 55 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) facilitating the growth of businesses, including skills development, and industrial transformation across manufacturing and service sectors;	(d) facilitating the development and growth of sustainable businesses, raising micro and SME’s awareness of Union’s legislation, including environmental and energy EU law, , upgrading their skills and qualifications development, and facilitating new business models and resource-efficient value-chains fostering sustainable industrial, technological and organisational transformation across manufacturing and service sectors;
Amendment 56 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) supporting the competiveness of enterprises and whole sectors of economy, and supporting SMEs' uptake of innovation and value chain collaboration through strategically connecting ecosystems and clusters, including the joint cluster initiative;	(e) strengthening the competiveness and sustainability of enterprises and whole sectors of economy, and supporting micro-enterprises and SMEs' uptake of technological, organisational and social innovation, enhancing corporate social responsibility and value chain collaboration through strategically connecting ecosystems and clusters, including the joint cluster initiative;
Amendment 57 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point f
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(f) fostering an entrepreneurial business environment and entrepreneurial culture, including the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs and supporting start-ups, business sustainability and scale-ups.	(f) fostering an entrepreneurial business environment and entrepreneurial culture, enlarging the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs and supporting start-ups, business sustainability and scale-ups with particular attention to new potential entrepreneurs (i.e. young , women), as well as other specific target groups, such as socially disadvantaged or vulnerable groups.
Amendment 58 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	3 a. The Commission may support the following specific actions supporting paragraphs (a)to( f) to
	i. accelerate, support and expand advisory services through the Enterprise Europe Network to provide integrated business with a One-Stop-Shop support service to Union SMEs that seek to explore opportunities in the internal market and in third countries, and by monitoring that a comparable level of quality of service is provided by the latter throughout all the Member States;
	ii. support the creation of enterprise networks;
	iii. support and expand mobility programmes for new entrepreneurs (“Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs”) to improve their ability to develop their entrepreneurial know-how, skill and attitude and to improve their technological capacity and enterprise management;
	iv. support the scale-up of SMEs through significant business extension projects based on market-driven opportunities (SME Scale-up instrument);
	v. Support sector-specific actions in areas characterised by a high proportion of micro enterprises and SMEs and a high contribution to the Union's GDP, such as the tourism sector.
Amendment 59 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	3 b. Actions undertaken through the Enterprise Europe Network referred to in point 3 a new may include, inter alia:
	(i) Facilitating internationalisation of SMEs and identification of business partners in the internal market, cross border business cooperation on R&D, technology, knowledge and innovation transfer partnership;
	(ii) providing information, guidance and personalised advice on EU law, Union’s financing and funding opportunities as well as on Union’s initiatives that have an impact on business, including taxation, property rights, environment and energy-related obligations, labour and social security aspects;
	(iii) facilitate SMEs’ access to environmental, climate ,energy efficiency and performance expertise;
	(iv) Enhancing the network with other information and advisory networks of the Union and Member States, in particular, EURES the EU innovation Hubs and the InvestEu advisory Hub.
	Services delivered by the Network on behalf of other Union programmes shall be funded by those programmes.
	The Commission shall prioritise actions in the Network to improve parts or elements of it that do not comply with minimum standard in order to provide homogenous support to micro enterprises and SMEs throughout the EU.
	The Commission shall adopt implementing acts establishing indicators and minimum standards for the purpose of measuring the impact of the Network vis-à-vis the specific objectives and the effectiveness of the COSME actions.
	Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 21(2).
	The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 20 to complement additional forms of support to the SMEs not foreseen in this paragraph.
	Those delegated acts shall respect the objectives lay down in this Regulation, in particular the COSME objectives established in Article 3(2).
Amendment 60 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Legal entities established in a third country which is not associated to the Programme may participate in the following actions:	The Commission may allow legal entities established in a third country which is not associated to the Programme to participate in the following actions:
Justification
This instrument should be focused in providing support mainly to European beneficiaries. Some exceptions to entities established in third countries might be allowed in order to benefit European SMEs and consumer organisation, but this should be decided on a case by case scenario.
Amendment 61 Proposal for a regulation Article 11 – title
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Evaluation and award criteria	Evaluation
Justification
The article actually refers only to the evaluation.
Amendment 62 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
may receive support from the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Social Fund Plus or the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, in accordance with paragraph 5 of Article [67] of Regulation (EU) XX [Common Provisions Regulation] and Article [8] or Regulation (EU) XX [Financing, management and monitoring of the Common Agricultural Policy], provided that such actions are consistent with the objectives of the programme concerned. The rules of the Fund providing support shall apply.	may receive support from the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Social Fund Plus or the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, in accordance with paragraph 5 of Article [67] of Regulation (EU) XX [Common Provisions Regulation] and Article [8] or Regulation (EU) XX [Financing, management and monitoring of the Common Agricultural Policy], or Regulation (EU) XX [establishing the Digital Europe Programme] in particular the objective on Advanced Digital Skills, provided that such actions are consistent with the objectives of the programme concerned. The rules of the Fund providing support shall apply.
Justification
The coordination with the Digital Europe programme has to be ensured to provide a EU comprehensive strategy for the SMEs.
Amendment 63 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1 a. The Commission shall adopt implementing acts establishing the work programmes covering the COSME actions and giving effect to the specific objective referred to in Article3(2)(b). Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 21(2). In addition to the elements of paragraph 1, the work programme shall include:
	(i) an indication of the amount allocated to each action to be financed;
	(ii) an indicative implementation timetable;
	(iii) references to other actions at Union level that are being implemented and that could be of interest to SME and the network in the framework of other Union programmes or actions.
	The work programme and the actions shall also be published, on the websites of each of the contact points of the Network, where such websites are available. This is particularly important for actions addressed to SMEs.
Amendment 64 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1 b. The Commission shall prepare by the end of January 2021 a Framework implementing the COSME action that will include the time table of the work programmes and calls, their topics and allocated financing and other necessary details necessary to provide transparency and predictability for all period of the Programme and to enhance the quality of the projects.
Amendment 65 Proposal for a regulation Article 18 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. Evaluations shall be carried out in a timely manner to feed into the decision-making process.	1. Evaluations shall be carried out in a timely manner, but at least every two years, to feed into the decision-making process.
Amendment 66 Proposal for a regulation Article 18 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. The interim evaluation of the Programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the Programme, but no later than four years after the start of the Programme implementation.	2. The interim evaluation of the Programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the Programme, on the basis of the monitoring conducted in accordance with Article 20, but no later than four years after the start of the Programme implementation. It shall also include a comprehensive evaluation of the procedures, objectives and eligibility criteria for the priorities of the ongoing funding period. Based on the results of this interim evaluation, recommendations for a review of the Programme shall be proposed.
Amendment 67 Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The recipients of Union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the Union funding (in particular when promoting the actions and their results), by providing coherent, effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple audiences, including the media and the public.	1. The recipients of Union funding shall operate with transparency and acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the Union funding (in particular when promoting the actions and their results), by providing coherent, effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple audiences, including the media and the public at local level..
Justification
Visibility of the results of the programme has to be granted within the local communities in order to improve the awareness of the EU´s contribution to the wellbeing of the European society.
Amendment 68 Proposal for a regulation Annex IV – column 2 – row 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1 - Number of SMEs receiving support	1 - Number of SMEs receiving support from the programme and the Network.
2 - Number of companies supported having concluded business partnerships.	2 - Number of companies supported having concluded business partnerships.
	2a - Number of entrepreneurs benefitting from mentoring and mobility schemes
	2b - Time and cost reduction in setting up an SME.
	2c - Number of enterprise networks created compared to baseline
	2d - Number of Member States using SME test.
	2e - Marked increase in the number of Member States with a one-stop shop for business start-ups.
	2f - Increase in the proportion of SMEs exporting and increase in the proportion of SMEs exporting outside the Union compared to baseline.
	2g - Marked increase in number of Member States implementing entrepreneurship solutions targeting potential, young, new and female entrepreneurs, as well as other specific target groups compared to baseline
	2h - Increase in the proportion of Union citizens that would like to be self-employed compared to baseline.
	2i - Performance of SMEs as regards sustainability to be measured inter alia by the increase in the proportion of Union SMEs developing sustainable blue economy and green products^1a and services and by their improvement in resource-efficiency (which may include energy, materials or water, recycling, etc) compared to baseline.
	*all indicators to be compared with the current situation on 2018.
	__________________
	^1a Green products and services are those with a predominant function of reducing environmental risk and minimising pollution and resources. Products with environmental features (eco-designed, eco-labelled, organically produced, and with an important recycled content) are also included. Source: Flash Eurobarometer 342, "SMEs, Resource Efficiency and Green Markets".

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	Establishing the Programme for single market, competitiveness of enterprises, including small and medium-sized enterprises, and European statistics
References	COM(2018)0441 – C8-0254/2018 – 2018/0231(COD)
Committee responsible Date announced in plenary	IMCO 14.6.2018
Opinion by Date announced in plenary	ITRE 14.6.2018
Associated committees - date announced in plenary	5.7.2018
Rapporteur Date appointed	Patrizia Toia 13.6.2018
Discussed in committee	9.10.2018	5.11.2018
Date adopted	3.12.2018
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	39 1 1
Members present for the final vote	Zigmantas Balčytis, José Blanco López, Jonathan Bullock, Jerzy Buzek, Angelo Ciocca, Jakop Dalunde, Theresa Griffin, Hans-Olaf Henkel, Eva Kaili, Seán Kelly, Peter Kouroumbashev, Zdzisław Krasnodębski, Miapetra Kumpula-Natri, Janusz Lewandowski, Edouard Martin, Tilly Metz, Csaba Molnár, Angelika Niebler, Morten Helveg Petersen, Carolina Punset, Julia Reda, Paul Rübig, Massimiliano Salini, Sven Schulze, Neoklis Sylikiotis, Patrizia Toia, Vladimir Urutchev, Henna Virkkunen, Martina Werner, Lieve Wierinck, Anna Záborská, Flavio Zanonato
Substitutes present for the final vote	Pilar Ayuso, Michał Boni, Françoise Grossetête, Werner Langen, Marisa Matias, Luděk Niedermayer, Răzvan Popa, Giancarlo Scottà
Substitutes under Rule 200(2) present for the final vote	Renate Sommer

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

39	+
ALDE	Morten Helveg Petersen, Carolina Punset, Lieve Wierinck
ECR	Hans-Olaf Henkel
ENF	Angelo Ciocca, Giancarlo Scottà
GUE/NGL	Marisa Matias, Neoklis Sylikiotis
PPE	Pilar Ayuso, Michał Boni, Jerzy Buzek, Françoise Grossetête, Seán Kelly, Werner Langen, Janusz Lewandowski, Angelika Niebler, Luděk Niedermayer, Paul Rübig, Massimiliano Salini, Sven Schulze, Renate Sommer, Vladimir Urutchev, Hermann Winkler, Anna Záborská
S&D	Zigmantas Balčytis, José Blanco López, Theresa Griffin, Eva Kaili, Peter Kouroumbashev, Miapetra Kumpula-Natri, Edouard Martin, Csaba Molnár, Răzvan Popa, Patrizia Toia, Martina Werner, Flavio Zanonato
VERTS/ALE	Jakop Dalunde, Tilly Metz, Julia Reda

1	-
EFDD	Jonathan Bullock

1	0
ECR	Zdzisław Krasnodębski

Key to symbols:

+ : in favour

- : against

0 : abstention

OPINION of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (15.1.2019)

for the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

Rapporteur for opinion (*): Sofia Ribeiro

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

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development calls on the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, as the committee responsible, to take into account the following amendments:

Amendment 1 Proposal for a regulation Recital 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2) The internal market has to continuously adapt to a rapidly changing environment of digital revolution and globalisation. A new era of digital innovation continues to provide opportunities for businesses and individuals, creates new products and business models but equally constitutes a challenge to regulation and enforcement.	(2) The internal market has to continuously adapt to a rapidly changing environment of digital revolution and globalisation. A new era of digital innovation continues to provide opportunities for businesses and individuals, by ensuring access to finance for the latest generation of technologies creates new products and business models but equally constitutes a challenge to regulation and enforcement. On the other hand, all market players require more transparency in the supply chain.
Amendment 2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3) The substantial body of Union legislation underpins the functioning of the internal market. This concerns, in particular, competitiveness, standardisation, consumer protection, market surveillance and food chain regulation but also rules concerning business, trade and financial transactions and the promotion of fair competition providing for a level playing field essential for the functioning of the internal market.	(3) The substantial body of Union legislation underpins the functioning of the internal market. This concerns, in particular, competitiveness, standardisation, consumer protection, market surveillance and food chain regulation but also rules concerning business, trade and financial transactions and the promotion of fair competition providing for a level playing field by combating unfair practices, which is essential for the functioning of the internal market.
Amendment 3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(6) The development, production and dissemination of European statistics are subject to a separate European Statistical Programme established by Regulation (EU) No 99/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴⁷. In order to provide continuity of producing and disseminating European statistics, the new programme should also include activities covered by the European Statistical Programme by providing a framework for the development, production and dissemination of European statistics. The new programme should establish the financial framework for European statistics to provide high-quality, comparable and reliable statistics on Europe in order to underpin the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all Union policies.	(6) The development, production and dissemination of European statistics are subject to a separate European Statistical Programme established by Regulation (EU) No 99/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴⁷ . In order to provide continuity of producing and disseminating European statistics, the new programme should also include activities covered by the European Statistical Programme by providing a framework for the development, production and dissemination of European statistics. The new programme should establish the financial framework for European statistics to provide the latest high-quality, comparable and reliable statistics on Europe, in a format easily accessible by users, in order to underpin the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all Union policies.
_________________	_________________
⁴⁷ Regulation (EU) No 99/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2013 on the European statistical programme 2013-17 (OJ L 39, 9.2.2013, p 12).	⁴⁷ Regulation (EU) No 99/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2013 on the European statistical programme 2013-17 (OJ L 39, 9.2.2013, p 12).
Amendment 4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 7
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(7) It is therefore appropriate to establish a Programme for the internal market, competitiveness of enterprises, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and European statistics (the 'Programme'). The Programme should be established for the duration of seven years from 2021 to 2027.	(7) It is therefore appropriate to establish a Programme for the internal market, competitiveness of enterprises, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and European statistics (the 'Programme'). The Programme should be established for the duration of seven years from 2021 to 2027, coinciding with the duration of the MFF.
Amendment 5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(9) A modern internal market promotes competition and benefits consumers, businesses and employees. Making better use of the ever evolving internal market in services should help European businesses create jobs and grow across borders, offer wider choice of services at better prices, and maintain high standards for consumers and workers. To achieve this, the Programme should contribute to the removal of remaining barriers, and to ensure a regulatory framework that can accommodate new innovative business models.	(9) A modern internal market promotes competition and benefits consumers, businesses and employees. Making better use of the ever evolving internal market in services should help European businesses, irrespective of their size, create new jobs and grow across borders, offer a wider choice of services at better prices, and maintain high standards for consumers and workers. To achieve this, the Programme should contribute to the removal of remaining barriers, and to ensure a regulatory framework that can accommodate new innovative business models and start-up type initiatives.
Amendment 6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(10) Regulatory obstacles in the internal market have been removed for many industrial products through prevention mechanisms, the adoption of common rules and, where no such Union rules exist, through the principle of mutual recognition. In areas where no Union legislation exists, the principle of mutual recognition means that goods that are lawfully marketed in one Member State enjoy the right to free movement and can be sold in another Member State. However, inadequate application of mutual recognition makes it harder for companies to access markets in other Member States. Despite the high degree of market integration in the area of goods, this leads to lost opportunities for the economy at large. The Programme should therefore aim to improve the application of mutual recognition in the area of goods and to reduce the number of illegal and non-compliant goods entering the market.	(10) Regulatory obstacles in the internal market have been removed for many industrial products through prevention mechanisms, the adoption of common rules and, where no such Union rules exist, through the principle of mutual recognition. In areas where no Union legislation exists, the principle of mutual recognition means that goods that are lawfully marketed in one Member State enjoy the right to free movement and can be sold in another Member State. However, inadequate application of mutual recognition makes it harder for companies to access markets in other Member States, especially in the case of companies operating across borders. Despite the high degree of market integration in the area of goods, this leads to lost opportunities for the economy at large. The Programme should therefore aim to improve the application of mutual recognition in the area of goods and to reduce the number of illegal and non-compliant goods entering the market or of ones that may impact on consumer health.
Amendment 7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 11
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(11) New regulatory and enforcement challenges relate to a rapidly changing environment of the digital revolution, concerning issues such as cybersecurity, internet of things or artificial intelligence. Should damage occur, stringent rules on product safety and liability are essential to ensure a policy response that allows European citizens, including consumers and businesses, to benefit from such rules. The Programme should therefore contribute to the rapid adaptation and enforcement of a Union product liability regime which fosters innovation.	(11) New regulatory and enforcement challenges relate to a rapidly changing environment of the digital revolution, concerning issues such as cybersecurity, internet of things or artificial intelligence. Should damage occur, stringent rules on product safety and liability that are clearly and comprehensibly formulated are essential to ensure a policy response that allows European citizens, including consumers and businesses, to benefit from such rules. The Programme should therefore contribute to the rapid adaptation and enforcement of a Union product liability regime which fosters innovation.
Amendment 8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(12) Placing on the market of products that are not compliant with Union law puts those who comply at disadvantage and may endanger consumers. Many entrepreneurs disregard the rules either through lack of knowledge or intentionally to gain a competitive advantage. Market surveillance authorities are often underfunded and constrained by national boundaries, while entrepreneurs trade at Union or even global level. In particular, in the case of e-commerce, market surveillance authorities have great difficulties in tracing non-compliant products imported from third countries and identifying the responsible entity within their jurisdiction. The Programme should therefore seek to strengthen product compliance by providing the right incentives to entrepreneurs, intensifying compliance checks and promoting closer cross-border cooperation among enforcement authorities. The Programme should also contribute to the consolidation of the existing framework for market surveillance activities, encourage joint actions of market surveillance authorities from different Member States, improve the exchange of information and promote convergence and closer integration of market surveillance activities.	(12) Placing on the market of products that are not compliant with Union law or type-approved puts those who comply at a disadvantage and may endanger consumers. Many entrepreneurs disregard the rules either through lack of knowledge or intentionally to gain a competitive advantage. Market surveillance authorities are often underfunded and constrained by national boundaries, while entrepreneurs trade at Union level, at a cross-border level, or even at a global level. In particular, in the case of e-commerce, market surveillance authorities have great difficulties in tracing non-compliant products imported from third countries and identifying the responsible entity within their jurisdiction. The Programme should therefore seek to strengthen product compliance by providing the right incentives to entrepreneurs, intensifying compliance checks and promoting closer cross-border cooperation among enforcement authorities. The Programme should also contribute to the consolidation of the existing framework for market surveillance activities, encourage joint actions of market surveillance authorities from different Member States, improve the exchange of information and promote convergence and closer integration of market surveillance activities.
Amendment 9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 14
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(14) As consumer markets know no borders with the development of online trade and travel services, it is important to ensure that consumers residing in the Union can benefit from adequate protection when importing goods and services from economic operators based in third countries. The Programme should therefore allow supporting cooperation with relevant bodies located in key trading third country partners of the Union where necessary.	(14) As consumer markets know no borders with the constant rapid development of online trade and travel services, it is important to ensure that consumers residing in the Union can benefit from adequate protection when importing goods and services from economic operators based in third countries. The Programme should therefore allow supporting cooperation with relevant bodies located in key trading third country partners of the Union.
Amendment 10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 16
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(16) In order to meet the objectives of the Programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses, high-quality user-centric public services need to be put in place. This implies that public administrations will need to start working in new ways, bring down silos between the different parts of their administrations, and to engage in the co-creation of these public services with citizens and businesses. Moreover, the continuous and steady increase of cross-border activities in the internal market requires provision of up-to-date information on the rights of businesses and citizens, but also information explaining the administrative formalities. In addition, provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross national level becomes essential. Furthermore, connecting national administrations in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary. The Programme should therefore support the following existing internal market governance tools: the Your Europe Portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming Single Digital Gateway, Your Europe Advice, SOLVIT, the Internal Market Information system and the Single Market Scoreboard in order to improve citizens' daily lives and businesses' ability to trade across borders.	(16) In order to meet the objectives of the Programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses, high-quality user-centric public services need to be put in place in all fields. This implies that public administrations will need to start working in new ways, bring down silos between the different parts of their administrations, and to engage in the co-creation of these public services with citizens and businesses at local, regional, cross-border and national level and ensuring more accessible government websites where essential information can be more easily found (AM61, ECR). Moreover, the continuous and steady increase of cross-border activities in the internal market requires the regular provision of up-to-date information on the rights and obligations of businesses and citizens, but also information explaining the administrative formalities and taxes inherent in the respective activities. In addition, provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross national level becomes essential. Furthermore, connecting regional and national administrations, where appropriate, in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary. The Programme should therefore support the following existing internal market governance tools: the Your Europe Portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming Single Digital Gateway, Your Europe Advice, SOLVIT, the Internal Market Information system and the Single Market Scoreboard in order to improve citizens' daily lives and businesses' ability to trade across borders.
Amendment 11 Proposal for a regulation Recital 18
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(18) The Programme should also promote the correct and full implementation and application of the Union legal framework for anti-money laundering and countering terrorism financing by the Member States and the development of future policies to address new challenges in the field. It should also support the relevant activities of the international organisations of European interest, such as the Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism of the Council of Europe.	(18) The Programme should also promote the correct and full implementation and application of the Union legal framework for anti-money laundering and countering terrorism financing by the Member States and the development of future policies to address new challenges in the field, in order to pinpoint and implement the means of preventing and combating these phenomena. It should also support the relevant activities of the international organisations of European interest, such as the Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism of the Council of Europe.
Amendment 12 Proposal for a regulation Recital 20
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(20) Considering that the internal market as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union includes a system ensuring that competition is not distorted, the Programme should support the Union’s competition policy, networks and cooperation with national authorities and courts, as well as outreach to a wider group of stakeholders in communicating and explaining the rights, benefits and obligations of Union competition policy.	(20) Considering that the internal market as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union includes a system ensuring that competition is not distorted, the Programme should support the Union’s competition policy, networks and cooperation with national and international authorities and courts, as well as outreach to a wider group of stakeholders in communicating and explaining the rights, benefits and obligations of Union competition policy.
Amendment 13 Proposal for a regulation Recital 23
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(23) SMEs share common challenges that do not affect larger firms to the same extent to obtain finance, to find skilled work force, to alleviate administrative burden, to take-up creativity and innovation, to access markets and foster internationalisation activities. The Programme should address such market failures proportionally, while not unduly distorting competition in the internal market.	(23) SMEs share common challenges that do not affect larger firms to the same extent to obtain finance, to find skilled work force, to alleviate administrative burden, to take-up creativity and innovation, to access markets and foster internationalisation activities. Special attention should be paid to SMEs in regions with constraints, such as mountain areas and the outermost regions, where SMEs are the only source of economic activity and employment. The Programme should address such market failures proportionally, while not unduly distorting competition in the internal market.
Amendment 14 Proposal for a regulation Recital 24
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(24) Many of the Union's competitiveness problems involve SMEs' difficulties in obtaining access to finance because they struggle to demonstrate their credit-worthiness and have insufficient collateral. Additional financing challenges arise from SMEs' need to stay competitive by engaging e.g. in digitization, internationalization and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce. Limited access to finance has a negative effect on businesses creation, growth and survival rates, as well as on the readiness of new entrepreneurs to take over viable companies in the context of a business succession.	(24) Many of the Union's competitiveness problems involve SMEs' difficulties in obtaining access to finance because they struggle to demonstrate their credit-worthiness and have insufficient collateral. Additional financing challenges arise from SMEs' need to stay competitive by engaging e.g. in digitization, internationalization and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce. Limited access to finance has a negative effect on businesses creation, growth, the local economy and survival rates, as well as on the readiness of new entrepreneurs to take over viable companies in the context of a business succession.
Amendment 15 Proposal for a regulation Recital 27
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(27) The Programme should provide effective support for SMEs throughout their life-cycle. It should build on the unique knowledge and expertise developed with regard to SMEs and industrial sectors and on a long experience in working with European, national and regional stakeholders. This support should build on the successful experience of the Enterprise Europe Network as a one-stop-shop to improve SMEs competitiveness and develop their business in the Single Market and beyond. The Network plans to continue delivering services on behalf of other Union programmes, notably for the Horizon2020 programme, using the financial resources of these programmes. Also the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs should remain the tool to enable new or aspiring entrepreneurs to gain business experience by matching with an experienced entrepreneur from another country and thus allow strengthening entrepreneurial talents. The Programme should further strive to grow and extend its geographical coverage and thus offer wider range of matching possibilities to entrepreneurs in complementarity with other Union initiatives where relevant.	(27) The Programme should provide effective support for SMEs throughout their life-cycle, without any gender discrimination and with a focus on encouraging young people from rural areas to pursue entrepreneurial activities and hence prevent rural depopulation. It should build on the unique knowledge and expertise developed with regard to SMEs and industrial sectors and on a long experience in working with European, national and regional stakeholders. This support should build on the successful experience of the Enterprise Europe Network as a one-stop-shop to improve SMEs competitiveness and develop their business in the Single Market and beyond. The Network plans to continue delivering services on behalf of other Union programmes, notably for the Horizon2020 programme, using the financial resources of these programmes. Also the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs should remain the tool to enable new or aspiring entrepreneurs to gain business experience by matching with an experienced entrepreneur from another country and thus allow strengthening entrepreneurial talents. The Programme should further strive to grow and extend its geographical coverage and thus offer wider range of matching possibilities to entrepreneurs in complementarity with other Union initiatives where relevant.
Amendment 16 Proposal for a regulation Recital 28
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(28) Clusters are a strategic tool for supporting the competitiveness and scaling-up of SMEs as they offer favourable business environments. Joint Cluster Initiatives should achieve critical mass to accelerate the growth of SMEs. By connecting specialised eco-systems, clusters create new business opportunities for SMEs and integrate them better in European and global strategic value chains. Support should be provided for the development of transnational partnership strategies and the implementation of joint activities, supported by the European Cluster Collaboration Platform. Sustainable partnering should be encouraged with continuation funding if performance and participation milestones are reached. Direct support to SMEs should be channelled through cluster organisations for the following: uptake of advanced technologies, new business models, low-carbon and resource-efficient solutions, creativity and design, skills upgrading, talent attraction, entrepreneurship acceleration, and internationalisation. Other specialised SME support actors should be associated to facilitate industrial transformation and implementations of smart specialisation strategies. The Programme should thus contribute to growth and build linkages with the Union's (digital) innovation hubs and investments made under Cohesion Policy and Horizon Europe. Synergies with the Erasmus programme can also be explored.	(28) Clusters are a strategic tool for supporting the competitiveness and scaling-up of SMEs as they offer favourable business environments. Joint Cluster Initiatives should achieve critical mass to accelerate the growth of SMEs. By connecting specialised eco-systems, clusters create new business opportunities for SMEs and integrate them better in European and global strategic value chains. Support should be provided for the development of transnational partnership strategies and the implementation of joint activities, supported by the European Cluster Collaboration Platform. Sustainable partnering should be encouraged with continuation funding if performance and participation milestones are reached. Direct support to SMEs should be channelled through cluster organisations for the following: uptake of advanced technologies, new business models, low-carbon and resource-efficient solutions, creativity and design, skills upgrading, talent attraction, entrepreneurship acceleration, and internationalisation. Other specialised SME support actors should be associated to facilitate industrial transformation and implementations of smart specialisation strategies. The Programme should thus contribute to growth and build linkages with the Union's (digital) innovation hubs and investments made under Cohesion Policy, Erasmus and Horizon Europe. Synergies with the Erasmus programme can also be explored.
Amendment 17 Proposal for a regulation Recital 44
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(44) A high level of health protection through the food supply chain is necessary to allow the internal market to operate efficiently. A safe and sustainable food supply chain is a prerequisite for society and for the internal market. Cross border health crises and food scares disrupt the functioning of the internal market by limiting the movements of persons and goods and disrupting production.	(44) A high level of health protection through the agricultural and food supply chain is necessary to allow the internal market to operate efficiently. A safe and sustainable agricultural and food supply chain is a prerequisite for society and for the internal market. Cross border health crises and food scares disrupt the functioning of the internal market by limiting the movements of persons and goods and disrupting production. In order to prevent cross border health crises and food scares, the Programme should support concrete actions, such as establishing emergency measures in the event of crises and unforeseeable events affecting animal and plant health, creating a mechanism for direct access to the Union crisis reserve in order to deal with these emergency situations more promptly, effectively and efficiently. Therefore prevention of new and unknown pests and diseases should be a key priority.
Amendment 18 Proposal for a regulation Recital 45
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(45) The general objective of Union law in the food chain area is to contribute to a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain, to support the improvement of the welfare of animals, to contribute to a high level of protection and information for consumers and a high level of protection of the environment, including the preservation of biodiversity, while improving the sustainability of European food and feed productions, increasing quality standards across the Union, enhancing the competitiveness of the Union food and feed industry and favouring the creation of jobs.	(45) The general objective of Union law in the food chain area is to contribute to a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain, ensure the supply of food products at reasonable prices, to support the improvement of the welfare of animals, to ensure a fair income for the agricultural community, to stabilise the markets and to contribute to a high level of protection and information for consumers and a high level of protection of the environment, including the preservation of biodiversity, while improving the sustainability of European food and feed productions, cutting food waste, increasing quality standards across the Union, enhancing the competitiveness of the Union food and feed industry and favouring the creation of jobs.
Amendment 19 Proposal for a regulation Recital 46
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(46) Considering the specific nature of the actions concerning a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain special eligibility criteria concerning provision of grants and use of public procurement need to be provided in this Regulation. In particular, by way of derogation from Regulation (EU, Euratom) of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶¹ (the 'Financial Regulation'), as an exception to the principle of non-retroactivity, the costs for the emergency measures, due to their urgent and unforeseeable nature, should be eligible and include also costs incurred as a result of a suspected occurrence of a disease or pest provided that that occurrence is subsequently confirmed and notified to the Commission. The corresponding budgetary commitments and the payment of eligible expenditure should be made by the Commission, after signature of the legal commitments and after assessment of the payment applications submitted by the Member States. Costs should also be eligible for protection measures taken in the case of a direct threat to the status of health in the Union as a result of the occurrence or development, in the territory of a third country, a Member State or overseas countries and territories, of certain animal diseases and zoonoses as well as in respect of protection measures, or other relevant activities, taken in support of the health status of plants in the Union.	(46) Considering the specific nature of the actions concerning a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain special eligibility criteria concerning provision of grants and use of public procurement need to be provided in this Regulation. In particular, by way of derogation from Regulation (EU, Euratom) of the European Parliament and of the Council⁶¹ (the 'Financial Regulation'), as an exception to the principle of non-retroactivity, the costs for the emergency measures, due to their urgent and unforeseeable nature, should be eligible and include also costs incurred as a result of a suspected occurrence of a disease or pest provided that that occurrence is subsequently confirmed and notified to the Commission. The corresponding budgetary commitments and the payment of eligible expenditure should be made by the Commission, after signature of the legal commitments and after assessment of the payment applications submitted by the Member States. Where emergencies in the area of human, animal and plant health in the food chain can be traced back to specific Union practices, measures should be taken to rectify these practices. Costs should also be eligible for prevention and protection measures taken in the case of a direct threat to the status of health in the Union as a result of the occurrence or development, in the territory of a third country, a Member State or overseas countries and territories, of certain animal diseases and zoonoses as well as in respect of protection measures, or other relevant activities, taken in support of the health status of plants in the Union.
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⁶¹ [to add]	⁶¹ [to add]
Amendment 20 Proposal for a regulation Recital 47
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(47) Official controls carried out by the Member States are an essential tool for verifying and monitoring that relevant Union requirements are being implemented, complied with and enforced. The effectiveness and efficiency of official control systems is vital for maintaining a high level of safety for humans, animals and plants along the food chain whilst ensuring a high level of protection of the environment and of animal welfare. Union financial support should be made available for such control measures. In particular, a financial contribution should be available to Union reference laboratories in order to help them bear the costs arising from the implementation of work programmes approved by the Commission. Moreover, since the effectiveness of official controls also depends on the availability to the control authorities of well trained staff with an appropriate knowledge of Union law, the Union should be able to contribute to their training and relevant exchange programmes organised by competent authorities.	(47) In view of an increasingly globalised agricultural and food supply chain, official controls carried out by the Member States are an essential tool for verifying and monitoring that relevant Union requirements are being implemented, complied with and enforced, in particular with regard to imported agricultural and food products. The effectiveness and efficiency of official control systems is vital for maintaining a high level of safety for humans, animals and plants along the food chain whilst ensuring a high level of protection of the environment and of animal welfare. Union financial support should be made available for such control measures. In particular, a financial contribution should be available to Union reference laboratories in order to help them bear the costs arising from the implementation of work programmes approved by the Commission. Moreover, since the effectiveness of official controls also depends on the availability to the control authorities of well trained staff with an appropriate knowledge of Union law, the Union should be able to contribute to their training and relevant exchange programmes organised by competent authorities.
Amendment 21 Proposal for a regulation Recital 70
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(70) Finally, food chain actions such as veterinary and phytosanitary measures in case of animal and plant health crises could be complemented by market based interventions from the Union’s Common Agriculture Policy programming established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁷⁸.	(70) Finally, food chain actions such as veterinary and phytosanitary measures in case of animal and plant health crises could be complemented by market based interventions from the Union’s Common Agriculture Policy programming established by Regulation (EU) […] of the European Parliament and of the Council only where strictly necessary and in the higher interest of the sector.
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⁷⁸ COM(2018) 393 final.	⁷⁸ COM(2018) 393 final.
Amendment 22 Proposal for a regulation Recital 76
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(76) The list of animal diseases and zoonosis which qualify for funding under emergency measures and for funding under the eradication, control and surveillance programmes should be established on the basis of animal diseases referred to in Chapter 2 of Part I of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁸¹, Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁸²and Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁸³.	(76) An open list of animal diseases and zoonosis which qualify for funding under emergency measures and for funding under the eradication, control and surveillance programmes should be established on the basis of animal diseases referred to in Chapter 2 of Part I of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁸¹ , Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁸² and Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁸³ .
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⁸¹ Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (‘Animal Health Law’) (OJ L 84, 31.03.2016, p. 1).	⁸¹ Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (‘Animal Health Law’) (OJ L 84, 31.03.2016, p. 1).
⁸² Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 November 2003 on the control of Salmonella and other specified food-borne zoonotic agents (OJ L 325, 12.12.2003, p. 1).	⁸² Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 November 2003 on the control of Salmonella and other specified food-borne zoonotic agents (OJ L 325, 12.12.2003, p. 1).
⁸³ Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001 laying down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (OJ L 147, 31.05.2001, p. 1).	⁸³ Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001 laying down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (OJ L 147, 31.05.2001, p. 1).
Amendment 23 Proposal for a regulation Recital 77 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(77 a) It is important to be aware of the effect of extreme climatic events in the various Member States regarding the spread of pests and animal diseases and impact of climate change in the Member States, leading to an increasingly wide range of potential threats that must not be treated as a derogation from the norm but be accepted as the reality at European level.
Amendment 24 Proposal for a regulation Recital 85 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(85a) Care must be taken to avoid submitting proposals requiring new, unnecessary bureaucratic measures in order to assess common objectives. We must avoid, for example, requiring the Member States to count the successfully-implemented national veterinary and phytosanitary programmes or to develop an index for this purpose. Such numbers do not accurately reflect the success of a Member State's disease prevention strategy or its compliance with EU-level strategies and thus would provide false data.
Amendment 25 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
This Regulation establishes the programme for improving the functioning of the internal market and the competitiveness of enterprises, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and the framework for financing of development, production and dissemination of European statistics within the meaning of Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 (the 'Programme').	This Regulation establishes the Single Market programme for strengthening the internal market and improving its functioning in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, agricultural and food supply chain and the framework for financing of development, production and dissemination of European statistics (the 'Programme').
Amendment 26 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) to improve the functioning of the internal market, and especially to protect and empower citizens, consumers and businesses, in particular micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by enforcement of Union law, facilitation of market access, standard setting, and by promoting human, animal and plant health and animal welfare; as well as to enhance cooperation between the competent authorities of Member States and between the competent authorities of Member States and the Commission and the decentralised Union agencies;	(a) to improve the functioning of the internal market, promoting the territorial cohesion and especially to protect and empower citizens, consumers and businesses, in particular micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by supporting their sustainability, enforcement of Union law, guaranteeing a level playing field, facilitation of market access, standard setting, and by protecting and strengthening human, animal and plant health and animal welfare and respect for the environment; as well as to enhance cooperation between the competent authorities of Member States and between the competent authorities of Member States and the Commission and the decentralised Union agencies;
Amendment 27 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) to provide high-quality, comparable and reliable statistics on Europe which underpin the design, monitoring and evaluation of all the Union policies and help policy makers, businesses, academia, citizens and media to make informed decisions and actively participate in the democratic process.	(b) to provide the latest high-quality, comparable and reliable statistics on Europe that are harmonised between all Member States and their respective national and regional statistics bodies, which underpin the design, monitoring and evaluation of all the Union policies and help policy makers, businesses, academia, unions, citizens and media to make informed decisions and actively participate in the democratic process.
Amendment 28 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) making the internal market more effective, facilitating the prevention and removal of obstacles, supporting the development, implementation and enforcement of the Union law in the areas of the internal market for goods and services, public procurement, market surveillance as well as in the areas of company law and contract and extra-contractual law, anti-money laundering, free movement of capital, financial services and competition, including the development of governance tools;	(a) making the internal market more effective, facilitating the prevention and removal of obstacles, including geographical barriers in the outermost regions, supporting the development, implementation and enforcement of the Union law in the areas of the internal market for goods and services, public procurement, market surveillance as well as in the areas of company law and contract and extra-contractual law, anti-money laundering, measure to prevent fraud and tax evasion free movement of capital, financial services and competition, including the development of governance tools;
Amendment 29 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) improving the competitiveness of enterprises with special emphasis on SMEs and achieving additionality through the provision of measures that provide various forms of support to SMEs, access to markets including the internationalisation of SMEs, favourable business environment for SMEs, the competitiveness of sectors, the modernisation of industry and the promotion of entrepreneurship;	(b) improving the competitiveness of enterprises with special emphasis on SMEs and achieving additionality through the provision of measures that provide various forms of support to SMEs, access to markets including the internationalisation of SMEs, favourable business environment for SMEs, the competitiveness of sectors, the modernisation of industry and the promotion of market transparency and entrepreneurship, with the focus on entrepreneurship among women and young people from rural areas, so as to enable them to stay in such areas and prevent rural depopulation;
Amendment 30 Proposal for a regulation Article 3. – paragraph 2 – point c – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii) support the development of high-quality international financial reporting and auditing standards, facilitate their integration into the Union law and promote the innovation and development of best practices in corporate reporting;	(ii) support the development of high-quality international financial reporting and auditing standards, facilitate their integration into the Union law and promote the innovation and development of best practices and transparency in corporate reporting;
Amendment 31 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i) empowering, assisting and educating consumers, businesses and civil society; ensuring a high level of consumer protection, sustainable consumption and product safety notably by supporting competent enforcement authorities and consumer representative organisations and cooperation actions; ensuring that all consumers have access to redress and; provision of adequate information on markets and consumers;	(i) empowering, assisting, informing and educating consumers, businesses, unions and civil society, through accessible government websites, for example; ensuring a high level of consumer protection, sustainable consumption and product safety notably by supporting competent enforcement authorities and consumer representative organisations and cooperation actions between Member States and at international level, as well as exchanges of good practice and information to shield European products on the internal market against all unfair competition from outside, ensuring that all consumers have access to arbitration and redress and; provision of adequate information on markets, consumers and conflict resolution methods;
Amendment 32 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d – point ii
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii) enhancing the participation of consumers, other financial services end-users and civil society in financial services policy-making; promoting a better understanding of the financial sector;	(ii) enhancing the participation of consumers, other financial services end-users, trade unions and civil society in financial services policy-making; promoting a better understanding of the financial sector;
Amendment 33 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) contributing to a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the food chain and in related areas, including by preventing and eradicating diseases and pests, and to support the improvement of the welfare of animals as well as a sustainable food production and consumption;	(e) contributing to a high level of health for humans, animals and plants along the agricultural and food supply chain and in related areas, including by preventing and eradicating diseases and pests, also by means of emergency measures in the event of large-scale crisis situations and unforeseeable events affecting animal or plant health, and to support the improvement of the welfare of animals as well as a sustainable agri-food production and consumption at affordable prices, reducing food waste, raising consumer awareness and capitalising on the benefits of the circular economy; thereby focusing on stimulating research, innovation and the exchange of best practices between stakeholders in all the above mentioned fields;
Amendment 34 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ea) to help create a propitious environment for the launching of new SMEs in disadvantaged regions such as mountainous areas and the outermost regions by ensuring that 10% оf all available financial resources are allocated to such regions.
Amendment 35 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point f
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(f) producing and communicating high quality statistics on Europe in a timely, impartial and cost-efficient manner, through enhanced partnerships within the European Statistical System referred to in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 and with all relevant external parties, using multiple data sources, advanced data analytics methods, smart systems and digital technologies.	(f) producing and communicating high quality statistics on Europe in a timely, impartial and cost-efficient manner, through enhanced partnerships within the European Statistical System referred to in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 and with all relevant external parties, involving effective collaboration with statistics bodies in the Member States using multiple data sources, advanced data analytics methods, smart systems and digital technologies and pooling resources in order to obtain information that is reliable and as up to date as possible.
Amendment 36 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021 to 2027 shall be EUR 4 088 580 000 in current prices.	1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021 to 2027 shall be EUR 4 608 580 000 in current prices.
Amendment 37 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) EUR 1 680 000 000 to the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e);	(c) EUR 2 200 000 000 to the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e);
Amendment 38 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	5 a. A specific mechanism should be introduced for direct food chain access to the Commission’s crisis reserve in case of large-scale emergencies, in order to guarantee financing for the measures set out in Article 3(2)(e).
Amendment 39 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
6. Resources allocated to Member States under shared management may, at their request, be transferred to the Programme. The Commission shall implement those resources directly in accordance with point (a) of Article 62(1) of the Financial Regulation or indirectly in accordance with point (c) of that Article. Where possible those resources shall be used for the benefit of the Member State concerned.	6. Resources allocated to Member States under shared management may, at their request, be transferred to the Programme only in cases where commitments made are not implemented. At no time should the remaining jointly managed programmes be undermined by cuts to their budget. The Commission shall implement those resources directly in accordance with point (a) of Article 62(1) of the Financial Regulation or indirectly in accordance with point (c) of that Article. Where possible those resources shall be used for the benefit of the Member State concerned.
Amendment 40 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d – point i a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ia) seeks to ensure the harmonisation of European legislation and compliance with it;
Amendment 41 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. The Programme may provide funding in any of the forms laid down in the Financial Regulation, in particular grants, prizes and procurement. It may also provide financing in the form of financial instruments within blending operations.	2. The Programme may provide funding in any of the forms laid down in the Financial Regulation, in particular grants, prizes and procurement. It may also provide financing in the form of financial instruments within blending operations by providing access to multiple financing programmes.
Amendment 42 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Grants under the Programme shall be awarded and managed in accordance with Title VIII of the Financial Regulation.	Grants under the Programme shall be awarded and managed in accordance with Title VIII of the Financial Regulation. The Commission shall publish work programmes adopted for each of the specific objectives referred in Article 2 (2)specifying the amount of grants to be allocated.
Justification
This is a consolidated practice in the management of the EU programmes.
Amendment 43 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market, including businesses, citizens and consumers, civil society and public authorities through transparent information and awareness raising campaigns, best practice exchange, promotion of good practices, exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge and organization of trainings;	(a) creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market, including businesses, trade unions, citizens and consumers, civil society and public authorities through transparent information and awareness raising campaigns, best practice exchange, promotion of good practices, exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge and organization of trainings;
Amendment 44 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) provision of mechanisms for citizens, consumers, end-users, civil society and businesses representatives from the Union to contribute to political discussions, policies and decision making process, notably by supporting the functioning of representative organisations at national and the Union level;	(b) provision of mechanisms for citizens, workers, consumers, end-users, civil society and businesses representatives from the Union to contribute to political discussions, policies and decision making process, notably by supporting the functioning of representative organisations at national and the Union level;
Amendment 45 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ca) eliminating market barriers, administrative burdens and the costs of insularity and remoteness from the European market in the outermost regions and creating a favourable business environment for SMEs to benefit from the internal market;
Amendment 46 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point f
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(f) fostering an entrepreneurial business environment and entrepreneurial culture, including the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs and supporting start-ups, business sustainability and scale-ups.	(f) fostering an entrepreneurial business environment and entrepreneurial culture, especially among women and young people, with the focus on young people in rural areas, including the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs and supporting start-ups, business sustainability and scale-ups and the creation of new services; focusing on the development of business initiatives such as ‘Junior Enterprises’ in a university environment and recognition of this concept at European level.
Amendment 47 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(i) a Member State or an overseas country or territory linked to it;	(i) a Member State, an overseas country or territory linked to it or an outermost region;
Amendment 48 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 7 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) national statistical institutes and other national authorities as referred to in Article 5(2) of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009;	(a) national statistical institutes and their regional counterparts where they exist and other national authorities as referred to in Article 5(2) of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009;
Amendment 49 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point h
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(h) for actions implementing the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(f) of this Regulation, the national statistical institutes and other national authorities referred to in Article 5(2) of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009.	(h) for actions implementing the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(f) of this Regulation, the national and regional statistical institutes and other national authorities referred to in Article 5(2) of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009.
Amendment 50 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. Work programmes implementing the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e) as set out in Annex I shall be adopted by the Commission by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 21(2).	2. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts pursuant to Article 20, supplementing this Regulation by adopting work programmes in accordance with the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e) as set out in Annex.
Amendment 51 Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. The Commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the Programme, and its actions and results. Financial resources allocated to the Programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union, as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in Article 3.	2. The Commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the Programme, in order to raise awareness among consumers, citizens, businesses, especially in the agricultural and food supply chain, about the resources provided through the financial instruments of this Regulation, as well as about its actions and results. Financial resources allocated to the Programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union, as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in Article 3.
Amendment 52 Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3. The Commission (EUROSTAT) shall implement information and communication activities relating to implementation of the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(f), its actions and results when they pertain to the development, production and dissemination of European statistics, in compliance with the statistical principles laid down in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009.	3. The Commission (EUROSTAT) shall implement information and communication activities relating to implementation of the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(f), its actions and results when they pertain to harmonisation of the matters being studied, the development, production and dissemination of European statistics, in compliance with the statistical principles laid down in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009.
Amendment 53 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 1.2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) measures to eradicate a Union quarantine pest, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council¹⁰⁵or pursuant to the Union measures adopted in accordance with Article 28(1) of that Regulation;	(a) measures to prevent, contain and/or eradicate a Union quarantine pest, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council¹⁰⁵ or pursuant to the Union measures adopted in accordance with Article 28(1) of that Regulation;
_________________	_________________
¹⁰⁵ Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2016 on protective measures against pests of plants, amending Regulations (EU) No 228/2013, (EU) No 652/2014 and (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directives 69/464/EEC, 74/647/EEC, 93/85/EEC, 98/57/EC, 2000/29/EC, 2006/91/EC and 2007/33/EC (OJ L 317, 23.11.2016, p. 4).	¹⁰⁵ Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2016 on protective measures against pests of plants, amending Regulations (EU) No 228/2013, (EU) No 652/2014 and (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directives 69/464/EEC, 74/647/EEC, 93/85/EEC, 98/57/EC, 2000/29/EC, 2006/91/EC and 2007/33/EC (OJ L 317, 23.11.2016, p. 4).
Justification
It is vital to ensure that prevention and containment measures are eligible in the same way that eradication measures are.
Amendment 54 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 1.2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) measures to eradicate a pest, not listed as Union quarantine pests, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 and which may qualify as Union quarantine pests in accordance with the criteria referred to in that Article or Article 30(1) of that Regulation;	(b) measures to prevent, contain and/or eradicate a pest, not listed as Union quarantine pests, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 and which may qualify as Union quarantine pests in accordance with the criteria referred to in that Article or Article 30(1) of that Regulation;
Justification
It is vital to ensure that prevention and containment measures are eligible in the same way that eradication measures are.
Amendment 55 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 1.2 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) additional protective measures taken against the spread of a pest, against which Union measures have been adopted pursuant to Article 28(1) and Article 30(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, other than the eradication measures referred to in point (a) of this point and the containment measures referred to in point (b) of this point, where those measures are essential to protect the Union against further spread of that pest.	(c) additional protective measures taken against the spread of a pest, against which Union measures have been adopted pursuant to Article 28(1) and Article 30(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, other than the measures referred to in points (a) and (b) of this point, where those measures are essential to protect the Union against further spread of that pest, restricting where necessary the free movement of carriers in the surrounding Member States.
Amendment 56 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 1.2 – point c a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ca) measures to eradicate a pest that has suddenly appeared, even if it is not considered a Union quarantine pest but the result of extreme climatic events or climate change in a Member State;
Amendment 57 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 1.3 – point 1.3.4 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1.3.4 a. In the event of a suspected outbreak of an animal disease and/or the appearance of harmful organisms, checks and monitoring will need to be greatly intensified throughout the EU within the Union or/and at its external borders;
Amendment 58 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 1.3 – point 1.3.4 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1.3.4 b. Measures to monitor the appearance of known as well as currently unknown pests and diseases.
Amendment 59 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point 2.1 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2.1. Annual and multiannual veterinary and phytosanitary programmes for the eradication, control and surveillance of animal diseases and zoonoses listed in Annex III and of plant pests have to be implemented in compliance with the provisions laid down in the relevant Union law.	2.1. Annual and multiannual veterinary and phytosanitary programmes for the prevention, eradication, control and surveillance of animal diseases and zoonoses listed in Annex III and of plant pests have to be implemented in compliance with the provisions laid down in the relevant Union law.
Amendment 60 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point 2.1 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	These programmes should reflect the new realities caused by climate change and the diversity thereof at European level; they should also help prevent the erosion of European biodiversity.
Amendment 61 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point 2.3 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) measures to eradicate a Union quarantine pest, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 or pursuant to the Union measures adopted in accordance with Article 28(1) of that Regulation;	(c) measures to prevent, contain and/or eradicate a Union quarantine pest, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 or pursuant to the Union measures adopted in accordance with Article 28(1) of that Regulation;
Justification
It is vital to ensure that prevention and containment measures are eligible in the same way that eradication measures are.
Amendment 62 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point 2.3 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) measures to eradicate a pest, not listed as Union quarantine pests, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 and which may qualify as Union quarantine pests in accordance with the criteria referred to in that Article or Article 30(1) of that Regulation;	(d) measures to prevent, contain and/or eradicate a pest, not listed as Union quarantine pests, taken by the competent authority of a Member State pursuant to Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 and which may qualify as Union quarantine pests in accordance with the criteria referred to in that Article or Article 30(1) of that Regulation;
Justification
It is vital to ensure that prevention and containment measures are eligible in the same way that eradication measures are.
Amendment 63 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point 2.3 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) additional protective measures taken against the spread of a pest, against which Union measures have been adopted pursuant to Articles 28(1) and 30(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, other than the eradication measures referred to in point (c) of this point and the containment measures referred to in point (d) of this point, where those measures are essential to protect the Union against further spread of that pest;	(e) additional protective measures taken against the spread of a pest, against which Union measures have been adopted pursuant to Articles 28(1) and 30(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, other than the measures referred to in points (c) and (d) of this point, where those measures are essential to protect the Union against further spread of that pest;
Justification
This is a technical amendment, the purpose of which is to bring the text into line in the light of the amendments calling for prevention and containment measures to be eligible in the same way that eradication measures are.
Amendment 64 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3. Activities to support the improvement of the welfare of animals.	3. Activities to support the improvement of the welfare of animals, including measures to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards and traceability including during animal transport.
Amendment 65 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
7. Activities supporting a sustainable food production and consumption.	7. Activities supporting agroecological production, sustainable food consumption, which does not cause harm to the environment and biodiversity, and promotion of direct sales and short supply chains.
Amendment 66 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 11
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
11. Technical and scientific work, including studies and coordination activities, necessary to ensure the correct implementation of the legislation in the area related to the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e) and the adaptation of that legislation to scientific, technological and societal developments.	11. Technical and scientific work, including studies and coordination activities, necessary to safeguard prevention of the appearance of new as well as unknown pests and diseases and to ensure the correct implementation of the legislation in the area related to the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e) and the adaptation of that legislation to scientific, technological and societal developments.
Amendment 67 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 14
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
14. Support to information and awareness raising initiatives by the Union and Member States aimed at ensuring improved, compliant and sustainable food production and consumption, including food waste and food fraud prevention activities, within the implementation of the rules in the area of the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e).	14. Support to information and awareness raising initiatives by the Union and Member States aimed at ensuring improved, compliant and sustainable food production and consumption, including food waste prevention contributing to the circular economy, and food fraud prevention activities, within the implementation of the rules in the area of the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e).
Amendment 68 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – paragraph 1 – subparagraph -1 (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	Interaction between the various European programmes and funds and the Single Market Programme must be ensured to an ever-increasing extent.
Amendment 69 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The implementation of Union policies requires high-quality, comparable and reliable statistical information about the economic, social, territorial and environmental situation in the Union. Additionally, European statistics allow European citizens to understand and to participate in the democratic process and debate about the present state and future of the Union.	The implementation of Union policies requires high-quality, updated comparable and reliable statistical information about the economic, social, territorial and environmental situation in the Union. Additionally, European statistics allow European citizens to understand and to participate in the democratic process and debate about the present state and future of the Union.
Amendment 70 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – indent 13
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
– monitoring the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);	– monitoring the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement;
Amendment 71 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – indent 18
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
– providing timely and relevant data for the needs of the Common Agricultural Policy, Common Fisheries policy and policies related to the environment, food security and animal welfare.	– providing timely and relevant data for the needs of the Common Agricultural Policy (including information from the Milk Market Observatory, which is needed more promptly) , Common Fisheries policy and policies related to the environment, food security and animal welfare.
Amendment 72 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – indent 19
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
– providing timely and comprehensive statistical indicators on regions, including the Union outermost regions, cities and rural areas to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of territorial development policies, and to evaluate the territorial impacts of sectoral policies;	– providing timely and comprehensive statistical indicators on regions, the Union outermost regions, cities and rural areas to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of territorial development policies, and to evaluate the territorial impacts of sectoral policies;
Amendment 73 Proposal for a regulation Annex III
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
List of animal diseases and zoonoses	deleted
(1) African horse sickness
(2) African swine fever
(3) Anthrax
(4) Avian influenza (highly pathogenic),
(5) Avian influenza (low pathogenic)
(6) Campylobacteriosis
(7) Classical swine fever
(8) Foot-and-mouth disease
(9) Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia
(10) Glanders
(11) Infection with bluetongue virus (serotypes 1-24),
(12) Infection with Brucella abortus, B. melitensis and B. suis
(13) Infection with epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus
(14) Infection with lumpy skin disease virus
(15) Infection with Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC (Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia),
(16) Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (M. bovis, M. caprae and M. tuberculosis)
(17) Infection with Newcastle disease virus
(18) Infection with peste des petits ruminants virus
(19) Infection with rabies virus
(20) Infection with Rift Valley fever virus
(21) Infection with rinderpest virus
(22) Infection with zoonotic Salmonella serovars
(23) Infestation with Echinococcus spp
(24) Listeriosis
(25) Sheep pox and goat pox
(26) Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
(27) Trichinellosis
(28) Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis
(29) Verotoxigenic E. coli
Amendment 74 Proposal for a regulation Annex III a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	ANNEX IIIa
	List of animal diseases and zoonoses
	The list of animal diseases and zoonoses covers:
	(a) the list of diseases drawn up pursuant to Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Regulation 2016/429;
	(b) salmonella, zoonoses and zoonotic agents covered by Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 and Directive 2003/99/EC;
	(c) transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.
Justification
This amendment seeks to ensure that account is taken of the review of the list of diseases drawn up under Regulation 2016/429 which may be updated by the Commission, and be extended to cover salmonella, zoonoses and zoonotic agents.
Amendment 75 Proposal for a regulation Annex IV a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	ANNEX IVa
	Objectives laid down in Article 3(2)(e)
	1) Number of successfully implemented national veterinary and phytosanitary programmes.
	2) Number of emergencies caused by pests successfully resolved;
	3) Number of emergencies caused by diseases successfully resolved;
Amendment 76 Proposal for a regulation Annex IV b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	ANNEX IVa
	Objectives laid down in Article 3(2)(d)(i)(ii)
	1. Consumer condition index.
	2. Reducing the number of alerts in the Rapid Alert System;
	3. Number of position papers and responses to public consultations in the field of financial services from beneficiaries.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	Establishing the Programme for single market, competitiveness of enterprises, including small and medium-sized enterprises, and European statistics
References	COM(2018)0441 – C8-0254/2018 – 2018/0231(COD)
Committee responsible Date announced in plenary	IMCO 14.6.2018
Opinion by Date announced in plenary	AGRI 14.6.2018
Associated committees - date announced in plenary	5.7.2018
Rapporteur Date appointed	Sofia Ribeiro 4.7.2018
Date adopted	14.1.2019
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	31 5 2
Members present for the final vote	John Stuart Agnew, Clara Eugenia Aguilera García, Eric Andrieu, Nicola Caputo, Matt Carthy, Jacques Colombier, Paolo De Castro, Albert Deß, Herbert Dorfmann, Norbert Erdős, Luke Ming Flanagan, Martin Häusling, Esther Herranz García, Jan Huitema, Peter Jahr, Jarosław Kalinowski, Norbert Lins, Philippe Loiseau, Mairead McGuinness, Giulia Moi, Ulrike Müller, James Nicholson, Maria Noichl, Marijana Petir, Maria Lidia Senra Rodríguez, Ricardo Serrão Santos, Czesław Adam Siekierski, Marc Tarabella, Maria Gabriela Zoană, Marco Zullo
Substitutes present for the final vote	Franc Bogovič, Angélique Delahaye, Anthea McIntyre, Momchil Nekov, Sofia Ribeiro, Hilde Vautmans, Thomas Waitz
Substitutes under Rule 200(2) present for the final vote	Tilly Metz

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

31	+
ALDE	Ulrike Müller, Hilde Vautmans
ECR	Anthea McIntyre, James Nicholson
EFDD	Marco Zullo
GUE/NGL	Luke Ming Flanagan
PPE	Franc Bogovič, Angélique Delahaye, Albert Deß, Herbert Dorfmann, Norbert Erdős, Esther Herranz García, Peter Jahr, Jarosław Kalinowski, Norbert Lins, Mairead McGuinness, Marijana Petir, Sofia Ribeiro, Czesław Adam Siekierski
S&D	Clara Eugenia Aguilera García, Eric Andrieu, Nicola Caputo, Paolo De Castro, Momchil Nekov, Maria Noichl, Ricardo Serrão Santos, Marc Tarabella, Maria Gabriela Zoană
VERTS/ALE	Martin Häusling, Tilly Metz, Thomas Waitz

5	-
EFDD	John Stuart Agnew
ENF	Jacques Colombier, Philippe Loiseau
GUE/NGL	Matt Carthy, Maria Lidia Senra Rodríguez

2	0
ALDE	Jan Huitema
EFDD	Giulia Moi

Key to symbols:

+ : in favour

- : against

0 : abstention

OPINION of the Committee on Budgets (06.11.2018)

for the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council Establishing the Programme for single market, competitiveness of enterprises, including small and medium-sized enterprises, and European statistics and repealing Regulations (EU) No 99/2013, (EU) No 1287/2013, (EU) No 254/2014, (EU) No 258/2014, (EU) No 652/2014 and (EU) 2017/826
(COM(2018)0441 – C8‑0254/2018 – 2018/0231(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Paul Rübig

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Budgets calls on the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, as the committee responsible, to take into account the following amendments:

Amendment 1 Proposal for a regulation Recital 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1) The internal market is a cornerstone of the Union. Since its inception, it has proved a major contributor to growth, competitiveness and employment. It has generated new opportunities and economies of scale for European businesses, notably micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and strengthened their industrial competitiveness. The internal market contributed to the creation of jobs and offered greater choice at lower prices for consumers. It continues to be an engine for building a stronger, more balanced and fairer economy. It is one of the Union's major achievements and its best asset in an increasingly global world.	(1) The internal market is a cornerstone of the Union. Since its inception, it has proved a major contributor to growth, competitiveness and employment. It has generated new opportunities and economies of scale for European businesses, notably micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and strengthened their industrial competitiveness. The internal market contributed to the creation of jobs and offered greater choice at lower prices for consumers. It continues to be an engine for economic growth and for building a stronger, more balanced and fairer economy. It is one of the Union's major achievements and its best asset in an increasingly global world.
Amendment 2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 24
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(24) Many of the Union's competitiveness problems involve SMEs' difficulties in obtaining access to finance because they struggle to demonstrate their credit-worthiness and have insufficient collateral. Additional financing challenges arise from SMEs' need to stay competitive by engaging e.g. in digitization, internationalization and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce. Limited access to finance has a negative effect on businesses creation, growth and survival rates, as well as on the readiness of new entrepreneurs to take over viable companies in the context of a business succession.	(24) Many of the Union's competitiveness problems involve SMEs' difficulties in obtaining access to finance because they struggle to demonstrate their credit-worthiness and have insufficient collateral. Additional financing challenges arise from the smaller size of micro-enterprises and SMEs' need to stay competitive by engaging e.g. in digitization, internationalization and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce. Limited access to finance has a negative effect on businesses creation, growth and survival rates, as well as on the readiness of new entrepreneurs to take over viable companies in the context of a business succession.
Amendment 3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 52
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(52) The Union and Member States are committed to the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, the Union and Member States will foster a stronger, more sustainable, inclusive, secure and prosperous Europe. The Programme should contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, including by balancing the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.	(52) The Union and Member States are committed to deliver on in being a frontrunner in implementing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, the Union and Member States will foster a stronger, more sustainable, inclusive, secure and prosperous Europe. The Programme should contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, including by balancing the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, providing to that end clear and visible commitment in its MFF regulation, and mainstreaming the Sustainable Development Goals, as requested by the European Parliament resolutions of the 14 March and 30 May2018 on the 2021-2027 MFF.
Amendment 4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 53
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(53) Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this Programme should contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the Union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives. Relevant actions will be identified during the Programme's preparation and implementation, and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes.	(53) Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this Programme should contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of at least 25 % of the Union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives over the MFF 2021-2027 period and 30 % as soon as possible and at the latest by 2027. Relevant actions will be identified during the Programme's preparation and implementation, and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes.
Amendment 5 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) improving the competitiveness of enterprises with special emphasis on SMEs and achieving additionally through the provision of measures that provide various forms of support to SMEs, access to markets including the internationalisation of SMEs, favourable business environment for SMEs, the competitiveness of sectors, the modernisation of industry and the promotion of entrepreneurship;	(b) improving the competitiveness of enterprises with special emphasis on SMEs and achieving additionally through the provision of measures that provide various forms of support to SMEs, access to markets including the internationalisation of SMEs, favourable business environment for SMEs, the competitiveness of sectors, the modernisation of industry and the promotion of entrepreneurship, notably:
	i. by supporting and expanding advisory services (the Enterprise Europe Network) to provide integrated business support services to Union SMEs that seek to explore opportunities in the internal market and in third countries, and by monitoring that a comparable level of quality of service is provided by the latter throughout all the Member States;
	ii. by supporting and expanding mobility programmes for new entrepreneurs (“Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs”) to improve their ability to develop their entrepreneurial know-how, skills and attitudes and to improve their technological capacity and enterprise management
Amendment 6 Proposal for a regulation Article 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Aricle 4	Article 4
Budget	Budget
1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021 to 2027 shall be EUR 4 088 580 000 in current prices.	1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021 to 2027 shall be EUR 5 823 000 000 in 2018 prices (EUR 6 563 000 000 in current prices).
2. Within the amount referred to in paragraph 1 the following indicative amounts shall be allocated to the following objectives:	2. Within the amount referred to in paragraph 1 the following indicative amounts shall be allocated to the following objectives:
(a) EUR 1 000 000 000 to the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(b);	(a) EUR 2 772 000 000 in 2018 prices (EUR 3 124 000 000 in current prices) to the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(b);
(b) EUR 188 000 000 to the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(d)(i);	(b) EUR 182 000 000 in 2018 prices (EUR 206 000 000 in current prices) to the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(d)(i);
(c) EUR 1 680 000 000 to the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e);	(c) EUR 1 585 000 000 in 2018 prices (EUR 1 787 000 000 in current prices) to the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e);
(d) EUR 552 000 000 to the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(f).	(d) EUR 490 000 000 in 2018 prices (EUR 552 000 000 in current prices) to the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(f).
3. The amount referred to in paragraph 1 may be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the Programme, concerning in particular preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities as well as use of information technology networks focusing on information processing and exchange, and use and development of corporate information technology tools.	3. The amount referred to in paragraph 1 may be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the Programme, concerning in particular preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities as well as use of information technology networks focusing on information processing and exchange, and use and development of corporate information technology tools.
4. For the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e), budgetary commitments extending over more than one financial year, may be broken down over several years into annual instalments.	4. For the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e), budgetary commitments extending over more than one financial year, may be broken down over several years into annual instalments.
5. By derogation from Article 111(2) of the Financial Regulation, the Commission shall make the budgetary commitment for the grant awarded for veterinary and phytosanitary emergency measures under the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e) of this Regulation after assessment of the payment applications submitted by Member States.	5. By derogation from Article 111(2) of the Financial Regulation, the Commission shall make the budgetary commitment for the grant awarded for veterinary and phytosanitary emergency measures under the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2)(e) of this Regulation after assessment of the payment applications submitted by Member States.
6. Resources allocated to Member States under shared management may, at their request, be transferred to the Programme. The Commission shall implement those resources directly in accordance with point (a) of Article 62(1) of the Financial Regulation or indirectly in accordance with point (c) of that Article. Where possible those resources shall be used for the benefit of the Member State concerned.	6. Resources allocated to Member States under shared management may, at their request, be transferred to the Programme. The Commission shall implement those resources directly in accordance with point (a) of Article 62(1) of the Financial Regulation or indirectly in accordance with point (c) of that Article. Where possible those resources shall be used for the benefit of the Member State concerned.
Justification
In line with the decision of the Conference of Presidents of 13 September 2018, the compromise amendment reflects the latest breakdown of the MFF per programme as contained in the draft interim report on the proposal for a Council regulation on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 – Parliament’s position with a view to an agreement.
Amendment 7 Proposal for a regulation Annex IV – table – column 2 – row 2 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	2a - Number of entrepreneurs benefitting from mentoring and mobility schemes

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	Establishing the Programme for single market, competitiveness of enterprises, including small and medium-sized enterprises, and European statistics
References	COM(2018)0441 – C8-0254/2018 – 2018/0231(COD)
Committee responsible Date announced in plenary	IMCO 14.6.2018
Opinion by Date announced in plenary	BUDG 14.6.2018
Rapporteur Date appointed	Paul Rübig 12.7.2018
Discussed in committee	26.9.2018
Date adopted	5.11.2018
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	27 3 0
Members present for the final vote	Jean Arthuis, Reimer Böge, Lefteris Christoforou, Gérard Deprez, Manuel dos Santos, André Elissen, José Manuel Fernandes, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, Jens Geier, Ingeborg Gräßle, Monika Hohlmeier, John Howarth, Bernd Kölmel, Zbigniew Kuźmiuk, Vladimír Maňka, Siegfried Mureşan, Jan Olbrycht, Paul Rübig, Eleftherios Synadinos, Indrek Tarand, Isabelle Thomas, Inese Vaidere, Daniele Viotti, Tiemo Wölken, Marco Zanni
Substitutes present for the final vote	Karine Gloanec Maurin, Alain Lamassoure, Janusz Lewandowski, Andrey Novakov
Substitutes under Rule 200(2) present for the final vote	Michael Detjen

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

27	+
ALDE	Jean Arthuis, Gérard Deprez
ECR	Bernd Kölmel, Zbigniew Kuźmiuk
PPE	Reimer Böge, Lefteris Christoforou, José Manuel Fernandes, Ingeborg Gräßle, Monika Hohlmeier, Alain Lamassoure, Janusz Lewandowski, Siegfried Mureşan, Andrey Novakov, Jan Olbrycht, Paul Rübig, Inese Vaidere
S&D	Michael Detjen, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, Jens Geier, Karine Gloanec Maurin, John Howarth, Vladimír Maňka, Manuel dos Santos, Isabelle Thomas, Daniele Viotti, Tiemo Wölken
VERTS/ALE	Indrek Tarand

3	-
ENF	André Elissen, Marco Zanni
NI	Eleftherios Synadinos

0	0

Key to symbols:

+ : in favour

- : against

0 : abstention

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Title	Establishing the Programme for single market, competitiveness of enterprises, including small and medium-sized enterprises, and European statistics
References	COM(2018)0441 – C8-0254/2018 – 2018/0231(COD)
Date submitted to Parliament	7.6.2018
Committee responsible Date announced in plenary	IMCO 14.6.2018
Committees asked for opinions Date announced in plenary	BUDG 14.6.2018	ECON 14.6.2018	EMPL 14.6.2018	ENVI 14.6.2018
	ITRE 14.6.2018	TRAN 5.7.2018	AGRI 14.6.2018	JURI 14.6.2018
Not delivering opinions Date of decision	EMPL 12.7.2018	TRAN 6.9.2018	JURI 9.7.2018
Associated committees Date announced in plenary	AGRI 5.7.2018	ENVI 5.7.2018	ITRE 5.7.2018	ECON 5.7.2018
Rapporteurs Date appointed	Nicola Danti 19.6.2018
Discussed in committee	5.11.2018	21.11.2018	6.12.2018
Date adopted	22.1.2019
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	30 8 0
Members present for the final vote	John Stuart Agnew, Pascal Arimont, Dita Charanzová, Carlos Coelho, Lara Comi, Anna Maria Corazza Bildt, Daniel Dalton, Nicola Danti, Dennis de Jong, Pascal Durand, Evelyne Gebhardt, Maria Grapini, Robert Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz, Liisa Jaakonsaari, Philippe Juvin, Morten Løkkegaard, Eva Maydell, Marlene Mizzi, Nosheena Mobarik, Jiří Pospíšil, Virginie Rozière, Christel Schaldemose, Andreas Schwab, Olga Sehnalová, Jasenko Selimovic, Igor Šoltes, Ivan Štefanec, Catherine Stihler, Róża Gräfin von Thun und Hohenstein, Mylène Troszczynski, Mihai Ţurcanu, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, Marco Zullo
Substitutes present for the final vote	Biljana Borzan, Edward Czesak, Martin Schirdewan, Adam Szejnfeld, Josef Weidenholzer
Date tabled	30.1.2019

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

30	+
ALDE	Dita Charanzová, Morten Løkkegaard, Jasenko Selimovic
ECR	Edward Czesak
EFDD	Marco Zullo
PPE	Pascal Arimont, Carlos Coelho, Lara Comi, Anna Maria Corazza Bildt, Philippe Juvin, Eva Maydell, Jiří Pospíšil, Andreas Schwab, Ivan Štefanec, Adam Szejnfeld, Róża Gräfin von Thun und Hohenstein, Mihai Ţurcanu
S&D	Biljana Borzan, Nicola Danti, Evelyne Gebhardt, Maria Grapini, Liisa Jaakonsaari, Marlene Mizzi, Virginie Rozière, Christel Schaldemose, Olga Sehnalová, Catherine Stihler, Josef Weidenholzer
VERTS/ALE	Pascal Durand, Igor Šoltes

8	-
ECR	Daniel Dalton, Nosheena Mobarik, Anneleen Van Bossuyt
EFDD	Robert Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz
ENF	John Stuart Agnew, Mylène Troszczynski
GUE/NGL	Dennis de Jong, Martin Schirdewan

0	0

Key to symbols:

+ : in favour

- : against

0 : abstention

Last updated: 31 January 2019

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