AMENDMENTS EN United in diversity EN. European Parliament 2016/2148(INI) Draft report Lambert van Nistelrooij (PE587.

Transcription

1 European Parliament Committee on Regional Development 2016/2148(INI) AMDMTS Draft report Lambert van Nistelrooij (PE v01-00) Investing in jobs and growth - Maximising the contribution of European Structural and Investment Funds: an evaluation of the report under Article 16(3) of the CPR (2016/2148(INI)) AM\ docx PE v01-00 United in diversity

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3 1 Marc Joulaud Citation 12 a (new) - having regard to its resolution of 26 November 2015 entitled Towards simplification and performance orientation in cohesion policy , Or. fr 2 Bronis Ropė Citation 13 a (new) - having regard to the Council conclusions of 12 November 2015 on the shift towards a low-carbon economy: the contribution of Cohesion Policy and more generally of the European Structural and Investment Funds, 3 Matthijs van Miltenburg, Ivan Jakovčić, Petras Auštrevičius Citation 17 a (new) - having regard to the study by its Directorate-General for Internal Policies (Department B: Structural and Cohesion Policies) of September 2016 entitled AM\ docx 3/113 PE v01-00

4 "Evaluation of the Report under Article 16(3) of the CPR", 4 Martina Michels Recital A A. whereas cohesion policy represents a significant part of the European Union (EU) budget, amounting to approximately one third of its entire expenditure; A. whereas cohesion policy is the most visible expression of solidarity between Member States and regions in the EU and represents a significant part of the European Union (EU) budget, amounting to approximately one third of its entire expenditure; Or. de 5 Notis Marias Recital Β Β. whereas, with a budget of EUR 454 billion for the period , the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds) are the EU s main investment policy tool; Β. whereas, with a budget of EUR 454 billion for the period , the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds) should be the EU s main investment policy tool, focusing on aid for southern European Member States such as Greece that have particularly high unemployment; Or. el PE v /113 AM\ docx

5 6 Martina Michels Recital B B. whereas, with a budget of EUR 454 billion for the period , the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds) are the EU s main investment policy tool; B. whereas, with a budget of EUR 454 billion for the period , the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds) are the EU s main investment policy tool and a vital source of public investment in many Member States; Or. de 7 Lambert van Nistelrooij Recital B B. whereas, with a budget of EUR 454 billion for the period , the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds) are the EU s main investment policy tool; B. whereas, with a budget of EUR 454 billion for the period , the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds) are the EU s main investment policy tool, targeting more jobs, growth and investment across the EU; 8 Steeve Briois Recital D D. whereas the negotiations for PAs and Operational Programmes (OPs) for the period have been a D. whereas the negotiations for PAs and Operational Programmes (OPs) for the period have established a new AM\ docx 5/113 PE v01-00

6 modernised, strongly adjusted and intensive exercise with a new framework for performance-based budgeting, ex-ante conditionalities and thematic concentration, resulting inadvertently in serious delays in the actual commencement of cohesion policy implementation; framework for performance-based budgeting, ex-ante conditionalities and thematic concentration, resulting in serious delays in the actual commencement of cohesion policy implementation; Or. fr 9 Notis Marias Recital D D. whereas the negotiations for PAs and Operational Programmes (OPs) for the period have been a modernised, strongly adjusted and intensive exercise with a new framework for performance-based budgeting, ex-ante conditionalities and thematic concentration, resulting inadvertently in serious delays in the actual commencement of cohesion policy implementation; D. whereas the negotiations for PAs and Operational Programmes (OPs) for the period had a new framework for performance-based budgeting, ex-ante conditionalities and thematic concentration, resulting inadvertently in serious delays in the actual commencement of cohesion policy implementation; Or. el 10 Martina Michels Recital D D. whereas the negotiations for PAs and Operational Programmes (OPs) for the period have been a modernised, strongly adjusted and intensive exercise with a new framework for performancebased budgeting, ex-ante conditionalities D. whereas the negotiations for PAs and Operational Programmes (OPs) for the period have been a modernised, strongly adjusted and intensive exercise with a new framework for performancebased budgeting, ex-ante conditionalities PE v /113 AM\ docx

7 and thematic concentration, resulting inadvertently in serious delays in the actual commencement of cohesion policy implementation; and thematic concentration, resulting in serious delays in the actual commencement of cohesion policy implementation; Or. de 11 Rosa D'Amato, Isabella Adinolfi, Marco Zullo Recital D D. whereas the negotiations for PAs and Operational Programmes (OPs) for the period have been a modernised, strongly adjusted and intensive exercise with a new framework for performancebased budgeting, ex-ante conditionalities and thematic concentration, resulting inadvertently in serious delays in the actual commencement of cohesion policy implementation; D. whereas the negotiations for PAs and Operational Programmes (OPs) for the period have been a modernised, strongly adjusted and intensive exercise with a new framework for performancebased budgeting, ex-ante conditionalities and thematic concentration, resulting inadvertently, also because of clear shortcomings in the administrative capacity of several regions and Member States, in serious delays in the actual commencement of cohesion policy implementation; Or. it 12 Tamás Deutsch Recital D D. whereas the negotiations for PAs and Operational Programmes (OPs) for the period have been a modernised, strongly adjusted and intensive exercise with a new framework for performancebased budgeting, ex-ante conditionalities D. whereas the negotiations for PAs and Operational Programmes (OPs) for the period have been a modernised, strongly adjusted and intensive exercise with a new framework for performancebased budgeting, ex-ante conditionalities AM\ docx 7/113 PE v01-00

8 and thematic concentration, resulting inadvertently in serious delays in the actual commencement of cohesion policy implementation; and thematic concentration, resulting inadvertently in serious delays in the actual commencement of cohesion policy implementation, which was further slowed down by the designation procedure; 13 Lambert van Nistelrooij Recital D a (new) Da. whereas it is undisputed that due to the late adoption of the regulatory framework at the end of 2013 as a consequence of the long negotiations and late agreement on the MFF, operational programmes could not be adopted on time; whereas consequently the implementation of operational programmes had a slow start, thereby impacting the take up of the policy on the ground; 14 Steeve Briois Recital D a (new) Da. whereas setting ex-ante criteria is a means of making the allocation of EU structural fund resources in Member States contingent on their implementing the structural reforms recommended by the European Commission; PE v /113 AM\ docx

9 Or. fr 15 Steeve Briois Recital D b (new) Db. whereas in moving away from local projects towards large-scale projects located in major cities, the thematic concentration fails to reduce regional disparities within the EU; Or. fr 16 Steeve Briois Recital E E. whereas common provisions were established for all five ESI Funds, thereby strengthening the relation between them; E. whereas common provisions were established for all five ESI Funds; Or. fr 17 Steeve Briois Recital F F. whereas cohesion policy is confronted in the current period with many challenges, deriving from the F. whereas in Member States that have implemented the budgetary austerity policies imposed by the Commission, AM\ docx 9/113 PE v01-00

10 financial crisis, leading to a decrease in public investment in many Member States, leaving the ESI funds and cofinancing by the Member States as the main tool for public investment in many Member States, and from the migration crisis; cohesion policy aims to create an artificial dependence on EU funds; Or. fr 18 Notis Marias Recital F F. whereas cohesion policy is confronted in the current period with many challenges, deriving from the financial crisis, leading to a decrease in public investment in many Member States, leaving the ESI funds and co-financing by the Member States as the main tool for public investment in many Member States, and from the migration crisis; F. whereas cohesion policy is confronted in the current period with many challenges, deriving from the financial crisis, leading to very high unemployment, social inequality and a decrease in public investment in many Member States, including Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain, leaving the ESI funds and cofinancing by the Member States as what must be the main tool for public investment in many Member States, and from the migration crisis; Or. el 19 Rosa D'Amato, Isabella Adinolfi, Marco Zullo Recital F F. whereas cohesion policy is confronted in the current period with many challenges, deriving from the financial crisis, leading to a decrease in public F. whereas cohesion policy is confronted in the current period with many challenges, deriving from the financial crisis, austerity policies and the PE v /113 AM\ docx

11 investment in many Member States, leaving the ESI funds and co-financing by the Member States as the main tool for public investment in many Member States, and from the migration crisis; management of the migration issue, leading to a decrease in public investment in many Member States, leaving the ESI funds and co-financing by the Member States as the main tool for public investment in many Member States; Or. it 20 Andrew Lewer, Ruža Tomašić, Tomasz Piotr Poręba Recital F F. whereas cohesion policy is confronted in the current period with many challenges, deriving from the financial crisis, leading to a decrease in public investment in many Member States, leaving the ESI funds and co-financing by the Member States as the main tool for public investment in many Member States, and from the migration crisis; F. whereas cohesion policy is confronted in the current period with many challenges, deriving from the financial crisis, leading to a decrease in public investment in many Member States, leaving the ESI funds and co-financing by the Member States as the main tool for public investment in many Member States; 21 Ivan Jakovčić, Jozo Radoš Recital F F. whereas cohesion policy is confronted in the current period with many challenges, deriving from the financial crisis, leading to a decrease in public investment in many Member States, leaving the ESI funds and co-financing by the Member States as the main tool for public investment in many Member States, F. whereas cohesion policy is confronted in the current period with many political and economic challenges, deriving both from the financial crisis, leading to a decrease in public investment in many Member States, leaving the ESI funds and co-financing by the Member States as the main tool for public AM\ docx 11/113 PE v01-00

12 and from the migration crisis; investment in many Member States, and from the migration crisis; Or. hr 22 Kerstin Westphal Recital F a (new) Fa. whereas unemployment - in particular youth unemployment - remains very high in many Member States, despite all efforts, and cohesion policy must provide answers to this too; Or. de 23 Notis Marias Recital Ζ G. whereas cohesion policy in the programming period has gained a more focused policy approach through thematic concentration, supporting the priorities of the Juncker Commission; deleted Or. el 24 Martina Michels Recital G PE v /113 AM\ docx

13 G. whereas cohesion policy in the programming period has gained a more focused policy approach through thematic concentration, supporting the priorities of the Juncker Commission; deleted Or. de 25 Bronis Ropė Recital G G. whereas cohesion policy in the programming period has gained a more focused policy approach through thematic concentration, supporting the priorities of the Juncker Commission; G. whereas cohesion policy in the programming period has gained a more focused policy approach through thematic concentration, supporting the priorities and objectives of the Union through reaching a critical mass; 26 Kerstin Westphal Recital G G. whereas cohesion policy in the programming period has gained a more focused policy approach through thematic concentration, supporting the priorities of the Juncker Commission; G. whereas cohesion policy in the programming period has gained a more focused policy approach through thematic concentration; Or. de AM\ docx 13/113 PE v01-00

14 27 Matthijs van Miltenburg, Ivan Jakovčić, Petras Auštrevičius Recital G G. whereas cohesion policy in the programming period has gained a more focused policy approach through thematic concentration, supporting the priorities of the Juncker Commission; G. whereas cohesion policy in the programming period has gained a more focused policy approach through thematic concentration; 28 Kerstin Westphal Recital H H. whereas the ESI Funds in this period are more strongly results-oriented; H. whereas the ESI Funds in the current funding period are more strongly results-oriented; Or. de 29 Bronis Ropė Recital H H. whereas the ESI Funds in this period are more strongly results-oriented; H. whereas the ESI Funds in this period are more strongly results-oriented and built on an investment environment allowing for more effectiveness and better prevention of misuse or misallocation; PE v /113 AM\ docx

15 30 Notis Marias Recital Η Η. whereas the ESI Funds in this period are more strongly results-oriented; Η. whereas the ESI Funds in this period must be more strongly resultsoriented; Or. el 31 Bronis Ropė Recital I I. whereas there is a stronger alignment of investment under cohesion policy with the priorities of the EU 2020 strategy and the European Semester; I. whereas there is a stronger alignment of investment under cohesion policy with the priorities of the EU 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and increased synergies and complementarities with other EU policies and instruments; 32 Notis Marias Recital I I. whereas there is a stronger I. whereas there must be a stronger AM\ docx 15/113 PE v01-00

16 alignment of investment under cohesion policy with the priorities of the EU 2020 strategy and the European Semester; alignment of investment under cohesion policy with the priorities of the EU 2020 strategy and the European Semester; Or. el 33 Hugues Bayet Recital I a (new) Ia. whereas the purpose of assistance must be to improve social well-being by helping to increase employment rates, combating exclusion and poverty and promoting high levels of social protection and high-quality health and education services. Or. fr 34 Daniel Buda Recital I a (new) Ia. whereas the Task Force for Better Implementation has helped to ease bottlenecks and backlogs in the allocation of funds; Or. ro 35 Matthijs van Miltenburg, Ivan Jakovčić, Petras Auštrevičius PE v /113 AM\ docx

17 Paragraph 1 1. Notes that Europe has been going through a difficult phase in both economic and political terms, so that a decent investment policy that is close to citizens is needed more than ever; 1. Notes that Europe has been going through a difficult phase in economic terms, so that an effective investment policy that is close to citizens is needed more than ever; 36 Martina Michels Paragraph 1 1. Notes that Europe has been going through a difficult phase in both economic and political terms, so that a decent investment policy that is close to citizens is needed more than ever; 1. Notes that Europe is going through a difficult phase in both economic and social and political terms, so that a decent investment policy that is close to citizens is needed more than ever; Or. de 37 Ivan Jakovčić, Jozo Radoš Paragraph 1 1. Notes that Europe has been going through a difficult phase in both economic and political terms, so that a decent investment policy that is close to citizens is needed more than ever; 1. Notes that Europe has been going through a difficult phase in both economic and political terms, so that a fully fledged investment policy that is oriented towards economic growth and employment, and close to citizens, is needed more than ever; Or. hr AM\ docx 17/113 PE v01-00

18 38 Notis Marias Paragraph 1 1. Notes that Europe has been going through a difficult phase in both economic and political terms, so that a decent investment policy that is close to citizens is needed more than ever; 1. Notes that Europe has been going through a difficult phase in both economic and political terms, so that a decent investment policy that is close to citizens is needed more than ever, seeking to tackle unemployment and social inequalities within the Union; Or. el 39 Rosa D'Amato, Isabella Adinolfi, Marco Zullo Paragraph 1 1. Notes that Europe has been going through a difficult phase in both economic and political terms, so that a decent investment policy that is close to citizens is needed more than ever; 1. Notes that Europe has been going through a difficult phase in both economic and political terms, so that a decent investment policy that is close to citizens and more commensurate with the real needs and vocations of local areas is needed now more than ever; Or. it 40 Hugues Bayet Paragraph 1 PE v /113 AM\ docx

19 1. Notes that Europe has been going through a difficult phase in both economic and political terms, so that a decent investment policy that is close to citizens is needed more than ever; 1. Notes that Europe has been going through a difficult phase in both economic and political terms, so that a decent investment policy that is close to citizens is needed more than ever; to regain the trust of its citizens, the EU must initiate adjustment processes whilst meeting the requirements laid down in Article 9 TFEU. In particular, that should involve a proactive public investment policy. Or. fr 41 Notis Marias Paragraph 2 2. Notes that cohesion policy has been thoroughly reworked, requiring a change in mentality and working methods at all levels of governance, but that it is often perceived as a traditional expenditure policy rather than an investment policy; 2. Notes that cohesion policy has so far failed to achieve the desired results, leaving countries such as Greece still in the grip of massive unemployment, poverty and social deprivation; Or. el 42 Tamás Deutsch Paragraph 2 2. Notes that cohesion policy has been thoroughly reworked, requiring a change in mentality and 2. Notes that cohesion policy has been thoroughly reworked, requiring a change in mentality and AM\ docx 19/113 PE v01-00

20 working methods at all levels of governance, but that it is often perceived as a traditional expenditure policy rather than an investment policy; working methods at all levels of governance, but the recent forwardlooking and exemplary reforms are often ignored and cohesion policy is still often perceived as a traditional expenditure policy rather than an investment policy with tangible results; 43 Bronis Ropė Paragraph 2 2. Notes that cohesion policy has been thoroughly reworked, requiring a change in mentality and working methods at all levels of governance, but that it is often perceived as a traditional expenditure policy rather than an investment policy; 2. Notes that cohesion policy has been thoroughly reworked, requiring a change in mentality and working methods at all levels of governance including horizontal coordination and involvement of stakeholders, but that it is often perceived as a traditional expenditure policy rather than an investment policy; 44 Ivan Jakovčić, Jozo Radoš Paragraph 2 2. Notes that cohesion policy has been thoroughly reworked, requiring a change in mentality and working methods at all levels of governance, but that it is often perceived as a traditional expenditure policy rather than an investment policy; 2. Notes that cohesion policy has been thoroughly reworked, requiring a change in mentality and working methods at all levels of governance, but that it is often perceived as a traditional expenditure policy rather than a development and investment policy; PE v /113 AM\ docx

21 Or. hr 45 Steeve Briois Paragraph 3 3. Observes that the key communication on cohesion policy projects should focus on European added value and the visibility of success stories; insists that communication on the subject of the ESI Funds should be modernised and intensified; 3. Observes that updating the communication on supposed European added value will do nothing to remedy the distrust of Europe s peoples in this supranational institution; Or. fr 46 Martina Michels Paragraph 3 3. Observes that the key communication on cohesion policy projects should focus on European added value and the visibility of success stories; insists that communication on the subject of the ESI Funds should be modernised and intensified; 3. Observes that the key communication on cohesion policy projects should focus on solidarity, European added value and the visibility of success stories; insists that communication on the subject of the ESI Funds should be modernised and intensified; Or. de 47 Andrew Lewer, Ruža Tomašić, Tomasz Piotr Poręba Paragraph 3 AM\ docx 21/113 PE v01-00

22 3. Observes that the key communication on cohesion policy projects should focus on European added value and the visibility of success stories; insists that communication on the subject of the ESI Funds should be modernised and intensified; 3. Observes that the key communication on cohesion policy projects should focus on European added value and the visibility of success stories, whilst underlining the importance of learning from projects that fail to achieve their objectives; insists that communication on the subject of the ESI Funds should be modernised and intensified; 48 Rosa D'Amato, Isabella Adinolfi, Marco Zullo Paragraph 3 3. Observes that the key communication on cohesion policy projects should focus on European added value and the visibility of success stories; insists that communication on the subject of the ESI Funds should be modernised and intensified; 3. Observes that the key communication on cohesion policy projects should focus on European added value and the visibility of success stories; insists that communication on the subject of the ESI Funds should be modernised and intensified; considers it necessary, in order to make cohesion policy genuinely more credible again, to highlight sufficiently both 'good' and 'bad' practices, through databases that go beyond providing a scant description of the project and the expenditure incurred, thus enabling citizens to check effectively both the added value and value of most of the projects implemented and, in certain cases, their lack of usefulness in relation to a given local area; Or. it PE v /113 AM\ docx

23 49 Daniel Buda Paragraph 3 3. Observes that the key communication on cohesion policy projects should focus on European added value and the visibility of success stories; insists that communication on the subject of the ESI Funds should be modernised and intensified; 3. Observes that the key communication on cohesion policy projects should focus on European added value and the visibility of success stories; insists that communication on the subject of the ESI Funds should be modernised and intensified; stresses the need to identify and implement new tools for communicating the results of cohesion policy; Or. ro 50 Martina Michels Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the fact that in order to improve communication on, and the visibility of ESI Funds, greater focus could be placed on participation by stakeholders and recipients, and on involving citizens in cohesion policy; additionally, urges the Commission to communicate more about the achievements of cohesion policy; 4. Highlights the fact that in order to improve communication on, and the visibility of ESI Funds, greater focus must be placed on participation by stakeholders and recipients, and on involving citizens in cohesion policy; additionally, urges the Member States and regions to communicate more about the achievements of cohesion policy; Or. de 51 Bronis Ropė AM\ docx 23/113 PE v01-00

24 Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the fact that in order to improve communication on, and the visibility of ESI Funds, greater focus could be placed on participation by stakeholders and recipients, and on involving citizens in cohesion policy; additionally, urges the Commission to communicate more about the achievements of cohesion policy; 4. Highlights the fact that in order to improve communication on, and the visibility of ESI Funds, greater focus could be placed on participation by stakeholders and recipients, and on involving citizens in the design and implementation of cohesion policy in a meaningful way, which should be reflected in the composition of the monitoring committees; additionally, urges the Commission to communicate more about the achievements of cohesion policy; 52 Lambert van Nistelrooij Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the fact that in order to improve communication on, and the visibility of ESI Funds, greater focus could be placed on participation by stakeholders and recipients, and on involving citizens in cohesion policy; additionally, urges the Commission to communicate more about the achievements of cohesion policy; 4. Highlights the fact that in order to improve communication on, and the visibility of ESI Funds, greater focus could be placed on participation by stakeholders and recipients, and on involving citizens in cohesion policy; additionally, urges the Commission, Member States, regions and cities to communicate more about the achievements of cohesion policy and to come forward with a targeted action plan; 53 Andrew Lewer, Ruža Tomašić, Tomasz Piotr Poręba PE v /113 AM\ docx

25 Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the fact that in order to improve communication on, and the visibility of ESI Funds, greater focus could be placed on participation by stakeholders and recipients, and on involving citizens in cohesion policy; additionally, urges the Commission to communicate more about the achievements of cohesion policy; 4. Highlights the fact that in order to improve communication on, and the visibility of ESI Funds, greater focus could be placed on participation by stakeholders and recipients, and on involving citizens in cohesion policy; additionally, urges the Commission to communicate more about both the achievements of cohesion policy and where lessons can be learned; 54 Steeve Briois Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes thematic concentration, as it has turned out to be a good tool for creating a focused policy and resulting effectiveness for the EU priorities and the EU 2020 strategy; 5. Remains sceptical as to the effectiveness of this thematic concentration, which overlooks many local projects in favour of large metropolitan areas, thus aggravating regional disparities; Or. fr 55 Andrew Lewer, Ruža Tomašić Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes thematic concentration, as it has turned out to be a good tool for creating a focused policy and resulting 5. Welcomes thematic concentration, as it has proved a helpful tool for promoting focused and effective policy AM\ docx 25/113 PE v01-00

26 effectiveness for the EU priorities and the EU 2020 strategy; results in line with EU priorities and the EU 2020 strategy; 56 Notis Marias Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes thematic concentration, as it has turned out to be a good tool for creating a focused policy and resulting effectiveness for the EU priorities and the EU 2020 strategy; 5. Points out that thematic concentration, should be a good tool for creating a focused policy and resulting effectiveness for the EU priorities and the EU 2020 strategy; Or. el 57 Lambert van Nistelrooij Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes thematic concentration, as it has turned out to be a good tool for creating a focused policy and resulting effectiveness for the EU priorities and the EU 2020 strategy; 5. Welcomes thematic concentration, as it has turned out to be a good tool for creating a focused policy and resulting effectiveness for the EU priorities and the EU 2020 strategy, enhancing the process of converting knowledge into innovation, jobs and growth; 58 Ivan Jakovčić, Jozo Radoš PE v /113 AM\ docx

27 Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes thematic concentration, as it has turned out to be a good tool for creating a focused policy and resulting effectiveness for the EU priorities and the EU 2020 strategy; 5. Welcomes thematic concentration, as it has turned out to be a good tool for creating a focused policy and the resulting greater effectiveness for the EU priorities and the EU 2020 strategy; Or. hr 59 Matthijs van Miltenburg, Ivan Jakovčić, Petras Auštrevičius Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Notes that an analysis of thematic concentration should point out how the strategic choices of Member States and allocation of resources across TOs meet the specific needs of the territories; regrets that this aspect is less apparent in the Commission's Article 16 report; 60 Ivan Jakovčić, Jozo Radoš Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Considers that the results and benefits of cohesion policy need to be put across more effectively, not least in order to restore confidence in the European project; AM\ docx 27/113 PE v01-00

28 Or. hr 61 Martina Michels Paragraph 6 6. Insists that cohesion policy should continue to have thematic focus, while allowing for some degree of flexibility in order to take on board the specific needs of each region; 6. Insists that cohesion policy should allow for adequate flexibility in order to take on board the specific needs of each region; Or. de 62 Matthijs van Miltenburg, Ivan Jakovčić, Petras Auštrevičius Paragraph 6 6. Insists that cohesion policy should continue to have thematic focus, while allowing for some degree of flexibility in order to take on board the specific needs of each region; 6. Insists that cohesion policy should continue to have thematic focus; notes that the thematic objectives cover a very large scope which provides some degree of flexibility to take on board the specific needs of each region; 63 Notis Marias Paragraph 6 PE v /113 AM\ docx

29 6. Insists that cohesion policy should continue to have thematic focus, while allowing for some degree of flexibility in order to take on board the specific needs of each region; 6. Insists that cohesion policy needs improved thematic focus, while allowing for some degree of flexibility in order to take on board the specific needs of each region; Or. el 64 Mercedes Bresso, Andrea Cozzolino, Michela Giuffrida Paragraph 6 6. Insists that cohesion policy should continue to have thematic focus, while allowing for some degree of flexibility in order to take on board the specific needs of each region; 6. Insists that cohesion policy should continue to have thematic focus, while allowing for the degree of flexibility that is sufficient in order to take on board the specific needs of each region; Or. it 65 Ivan Jakovčić, Jozo Radoš Paragraph 6 6. Insists that cohesion policy should continue to have thematic focus, while allowing for some degree of flexibility in order to take on board the specific needs of each region; 6. Insists that cohesion policy should continue to have thematic focus, while allowing for some degree of flexibility in order to take on board the specific needs of each region, as well as the specific needs of the least developed regions in less developed Member States; Or. hr AM\ docx 29/113 PE v01-00

30 66 Hugues Bayet Paragraph 6 6. Insists that cohesion policy should continue to have thematic focus, while allowing for some degree of flexibility in order to take on board the specific needs of each region; 6. Insists that cohesion policy should continue to have thematic focus, while allowing for some degree of flexibility in order to take on board the specific needs of each region; calls for continued structural fund investment in transition regions so as not to undermine what has been achieved by the resources and efforts already deployed; Or. fr 67 Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso Paragraph 7 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps; recalls that it is important to support new policy challenges; PE v /113 AM\ docx

31 Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; 68 Matthijs van Miltenburg, Petras Auštrevičius Paragraph 7 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; 7. Underlines that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; 69 Steeve Briois Paragraph 7 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the AM\ docx 31/113 PE v01-00

32 circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); recalls in this context that it is important to support the digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT); Or. fr 70 Notis Marias Paragraph 7 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the needs of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions, rural regions suffering from the austerity policies imposed by the Troika on EU Member States such as Greece and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union PE v /113 AM\ docx

33 important role to play in its delivery; Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; Or. el 71 Tamás Deutsch Paragraph 7 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges (while keeping in mind the original and still relevant goals of cohesion policy and the specific needs of regions) as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; 72 Martina Michels Paragraph 7 AM\ docx 33/113 PE v01-00

34 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions, transition regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the EU s commitments under the Paris climate change agreement, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in their delivery; Or. de 73 Kerstin Westphal Paragraph 7 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and PE v /113 AM\ docx

35 of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; Or. de 74 Mercedes Bresso, Michela Giuffrida Paragraph 7 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions) and appropriate specific support policies should be drawn up for the development of these areas; recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; Or. it 75 Ivan Jakovčić, Jozo Radoš AM\ docx 35/113 PE v01-00

36 Paragraph 7 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions), which without cohesion policy would hardly be able to catch up with developed countries; recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; Or. hr 76 Andrew Lewer, Ruža Tomašić, Tomasz Piotr Poręba Paragraph 7 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); recalls in this context that it is 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called 'lagging regions' and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); recalls in this context that it is important to allow sufficient PE v /113 AM\ docx

37 important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; flexibility for Member States and regions to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; 77 Bronis Ropė Paragraph 7 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); considers that more attention should be given to sub-regional areas with considerable accumulation of challenges often found in pockets of poverty, segregated communities and deprived neighbourhoods with an overrepresentation of marginalised groups such as Roma; recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an AM\ docx 37/113 PE v01-00

38 important role to play in its delivery; 78 Joachim Zeller Paragraph 7 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; 7. Underlines, in particular, that consideration should be given to the circumstances of the distinctively urban or rural regions, the so-called lagging regions and regions with permanent natural or geographical handicaps (northernmost regions with very low population density, and cross-border, insular, mountainous or outermost regions); calls on the Commission to pursue and expand strategies to implement an urban agenda together with local authorities and metropolitan regions as EU growth centres; recalls in this context that it is important to support new policy challenges, such as immigration, as well as the broadly understood digital dimension of cohesion policy (including ICT and broadband access issues, which are linked to the completion of the Digital Single Market); points to the Energy Union Strategy, as the ESI Funds have an important role to play in its delivery; Or. de 79 Matthijs van Miltenburg, Ivan Jakovčić, Petras Auštrevičius Paragraph 8 PE v /113 AM\ docx