REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 and Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 as regards additional flexibility to address the consequences of the military aggression of the Russian Federation FAST (Flexible Assistance for Territories) - CARE
21.9.2022 - (COM(2022)0325 – C9‑0218/2022 – 2022/0208(COD)) - ***I
Committee on Regional Development
Rapporteur: Niklas Nienaß
(Simplified procedure – Rule 52(1) of the Rules of Procedure)
DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION
on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 and Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 as regards additional flexibility to address the consequences of the military aggression of the Russian Federation FAST (Flexible Assistance for Territories) - CARE
(COM(2022)0325 – C9‑0218/2022 – 2022/0208(COD))
(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)
The European Parliament,
– having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2022)0325),
– having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 177 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C9 0218/2022),
– having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,– having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure,
– having regard to the report of the Committee on Regional Development (A9-0232/2022],
1. Adopts its position at first reading, taking over the Commission proposal;
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.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
A. Legal background
Article 177 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) stipulates that the tasks, priority objectives and the organisation of the Structural Funds is to be defined by the European Parliament and the Council, acting by means of regulations, in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure. Commission legislative proposal, adopted on 29 June 2022, is based on this Treaty Article, and aims at amending Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 and Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, laying down common provisions for Funds for 2014-2021 period and 2021-2027 period, respectively.
B. Objective and content of the present proposal
In view of the growing scope and expanding impact of the Russian military aggression, the proposal aims at providing a series of flexibilities in order to address them. They concern several key aspects covered by the two Regulations, such as:
• derogation from the location requirements for operations addressing the migratory challenges as a result of the military aggression by Russia,
• pre-financing rate for the ERDF, ESF+ and Cohesion Fund in 2022 and 2023 increased by an additional 0,5% (up to the level of 1%) of the total support,
• a co-financing rate of up to 100% for the priority axis dedicated to the integration of third-country nationals; at the same time, at least 30% of the support under such priority will need to be granted to local authorities and civil society organisations operating in local communities,
• flexibilities between the funds - allowing for the use of the Cohesion Fund for operations addressing the migratory challenges resulting from the Russian aggression, and between thematic objectives - allowing transfers within programmes,
• possibility to declare expenditure for already completed operations related to migratory challenges,
• additional flexibilities concerning operations phased between 14-20 and 21-27 periods.
D. Procedure in REGI
The legislative proposal was announced in plenary on 4 July 2022, and referred to REGI as the lead committee. It was presented in the committee on 12 July by Commissioner Elisa Ferreira, and subsequently carefully examined by the committee, both at political and technical level.
In the extraordinary meeting on 15 September, REGI committee decided to use, for this legislative proposal, the simplified procedure without amendments (Rule 52(1)). No objections to this decision were raised.
E. Assessment of the rapporteur
Your rapporteur considers that the legislative proposal is justified and necessary in order to support Member States and its citizens facing the consequences of the military aggression of Russia against Ukraine. It is vital that the proposed measures enter into force without unnecessary delay. He therefore suggests that the legislative proposal be approved by Parliament without amendment, under the simplified procedure set out in Rule 52(1) of the Rules of Procedure.
PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE
Title |
Amending Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 and Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 as regards additional flexibility to address the consequences of the military aggression of the Russian Federation FAST (Flexible Assistance for Territories) - CARE |
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References |
COM(2022)0325 – C9-0218/2022 – 2022/0208(COD) |
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Date submitted to Parliament |
30.6.2022 |
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Committee responsible Date announced in plenary |
REGI 4.7.2022 |
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Committees asked for opinions Date announced in plenary |
BUDG 4.7.2022 |
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Not delivering opinions Date of decision |
BUDG 12.7.2022 |
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Rapporteurs Date appointed |
Niklas Nienaß 12.7.2022 |
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Simplified procedure - date of decision |
15.9.2022 |
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Discussed in committee |
12.7.2022 |
1.9.2022 |
15.9.2022 |
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Date adopted |
15.9.2022 |
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Date tabled |
21.9.2022 |
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