13 Amendments of Theodoros ZAGORAKIS related to 2018/2054(INI)
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Points out the complexities of the current framework on cross-border cooperation programmes as well as the structural difficulties and administrative burdens that potential beneficiaries encounter during the preparation of these projects; welcomes, in this regard, the simplification measures put forward for the post-2020 period and considers them as an important step to simplify and improve the implementation and accessibility of cross-border cooperation programmes;
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Emphasizes the importance of sport for the economic and social development of cross-border regions, as demonstrated by the numerous territorial cooperation projects that used sport as a tool for social and cultural integration;
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Stresses the need of a more substantial economic commitment to the promotion of cross-border sports activities and in particular for the construction of small-scale infrastructures for grass-roots sports;
Amendment 22 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines the fact that language barriers are still an important obstacle to cross-border cooperation, especially in border areas without a longstanding tradition of cooperation; believes that a more targeted use of ESI funds can support the systematic promotion, also through the organization of sporting and cultural events, of multilingualism in education and training in border regions, from early childhood education onwards;
Amendment 32 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Member States to facilitate cross-border partnerships between education and training institutions in border regions in order to promote the mobility of students, teachers, trainers and administrative staff, as well as doctoral candidates and researchers; underlines that the use of multilingualism within such cross-border partnerships can prepare graduates to enter the employment market on both sides of the border; urges the Member States to facilitate and encourage the mutual recognition and better understanding of diplomas and professional qualifications between neighbouring regions;
Amendment 37 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Urges the Member States to facilitate and encourage the mutual recognition and better understanding of certificates, diplomas, vocational training and professional qualifications between neighbouring regions; encourages therefore the inclusion of specific skills in the curriculum with the objective of increasing the chances for employment across the border;
Amendment 52 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Highlights the excessive barriers for cultural and creative industries in accessing financing due to their nature and size (CCIs are predominantly micro- businesses and SMEs), as well as the difficulties arising due to oftentimes poorer economic performance of some border regions; reiterates its view that it is of outmost importance to develop cultural, creative and entrepreneurial skills in order to overcome these structural deficiencies;
Amendment 53 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Underlines that regions have a proved capacity in developing cross- border cooperation in the sector of the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) and notes the positive effects of smart specialisation; asks the Commission and the Member States to maintain and strengthen the policies in this field and to use effectively the funding available under EU programmes and the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIFs);
Amendment 64 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Strongly believes that media and communication have the potential to strengthen EU border regions through the creative sector. Digital platforms have the ability to promote inclusion and protect the cultural diversity of these border regions. Cinema, television, creative documentaries as well as other digital content, are platforms which can be used to support the heritage and unique traits of EU border regions;
Amendment 66 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Underlines the need to address specific challenges related to artistic and cultural mobility – social security, taxation (avoiding double taxation of artists and cultural professionals), provision of information on mobility opportunities (mobility grants, residency programmes, etc.)
Amendment 67 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Underlines that sports tourism is an increasingly important sector of the European economy; therefore calls for the allocation of financial resources to the construction of sports infrastructures with a view to promoting tourism through sport;
Amendment 70 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Notes the serious migration challenges that some border regions face; to that end, encourages the effective use of the funding available for EU cross- border programmes, as well as the exchange of good practices between local and regional authorities in the border areas, in the framework of the integration of refugees under international protection; underlines the need for national governments to support local and regional authorities in addressing these challenges;