Questions focused on explanations for delays to national recovery plans, capacity of own resources to pay for recovery, and situation in Hungary and Poland.
At the third recovery and resilience dialogue with Commissioners Dombrovskis and Gentiloni on Monday evening, MEPs from the Budget and Economic and Monetary Affairs committees asked about delays to the national plans’ submissions of Bulgaria and Netherlands as well as the situation in Hungary and Poland, where submission deadlines have been postponed.
The commissioners linked the delay the first two member states with political processes and assured a prompt completion of both the Bulgarian and Dutch plans. Criteria for national plans are the same for all member states, including Hungary and Poland, the commissioners said. They further explained that elements of the plans of both countries relating to corruption prevention, accountability and predictability need to be strengthen. Additionally, the commissioners added that the Polish authorities are aware that there is an issue of the primacy of the EU law.
Referring to the recent postponement of a decision on EU own resources to the second half of 2021, MEPs voiced their concerns about the financing of national plans and available resources to cover recovery plans. The commissioners replied that they do not expect any problems and the Commission is able to fully cover any necessary pre-financing costs.
Additionally, the commissioners focused on the implementation phase of the recovery plan, including milestones, targets and safeguards – including the resources allotted to prevent fraud and the misuse of funds. They reminded MEPs that national plans must contribute to long-term growth and meet criteria set out in the regulation including those linked to the digital and green transitions. On the details of recovery plans, MEPs asked about projects benefiting smaller companies, gender policies, and the “do no significant harm” principle.
Referring to the recent floods and wildfires in the EU, MEPs sought assurance that national recovery plans could be adjusted to address events like these in the future, including through funding for climate change mitigation and reconstruction.
You can watch the full debate here.
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Dorota KOLINSKA
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