42 Amendments of Maria Gabriela ZOANĂ related to 2018/0228(COD)
Amendment 10 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) In order to achieve smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and to stimulate new job creation, the Union needs an up-to-date, high-performance infrastructure tohat must help connect and integrate the Union and all its regions, in the transport, telecommunications and energy sectors. Those connections shouldmust help to improve the free movement of persons, goods, capital and services. The trans-European networks shouldmust facilitate cross-border connections, taking account of economic developments and trends in the services sector, foster greater economic, social and territorial cohesion and contribute to a more competitive social market economy and to combating climate change.
Amendment 13 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The Programme shouldmust aim at supporting climate change, environmentally and socially sustainable projects and, where appropriate,focusing on programmes to prevent and combat the medium and long- term impact, seeking to achieve climate change mitigation and adopt suitable adaptation actions. In particular, the contribution of the Programme to achieving the goals and objectives of the Paris Agreement as well as the proposed 2030 climate and energy targets and long- term decarbonisation objective should be reinforced.
Amendment 19 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) An important objective of this Programme is to deliver increased synergies between the transport, energy and digital sector, bearing in mind the rapid development of new technologies in these areas. For that purpose, the Programme should provide for the adoption of cross-sectoral work programmes that could address specific intervention areas, for instance as regards connected and automated mobility or alternative fuels. In addition, the Programme should allow, within each sector, the possibility to consider eligible some ancillary components pertaining to another sector, where such an approach improves the socio-economic benefit of the investment. Synergies between sectors should be incentivized through the award criteria for the selection of actions.
Amendment 24 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The trans-European transport network (TEN-T) guidelines as laid down in Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council19 (hereafter ‘TEN-T guidelines) identify the infrastructure of the TEN-T, specify the requirements to be fulfilled by it and provide for measures for their implementation. Those guidelines envisage, in particular, the completion of the core network by 2030 through the creation of new infrastructure and new cross-border connections, as well as the substantial upgrading and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure. _________________ 19 Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network and repealing Decision No 661/2010/EU (OJ L 348, 20.12.2013, p. 1).
Amendment 38 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In order to improve the completion of transport projects in less developed parts of the network, a Cohesion Fund allocation should be transferred to the Programme to finance transport projects in the Member States eligible for financing from the Cohesion Fund. In an initial phase and within a limit of 70% of the transferred envelope, the selection of projects eligible for financing should respect the national allocations under the Cohesion Fund. The remaining 30 % of the transferred envelope should be allocated on a competitive basis to projects located in the Member States eligible for financing from the Cohesion Fund with priority to the improvement of existing cross-border links and the creation of missing links. The Commission should support Member States eligible for financing from the Cohesion Fund in their efforts to develop an appropriate pipeline of projects, in particular by strengthening the institutional capacity of the public administrations concerned.
Amendment 44 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Directive [recast Renewables Directive] stresses the need to set up an enabling framework comprising the enhanced use of Union funds, with explicit reference to enabling actions to support the implementation of cross-border cooperation projects in the field of renewable energy.
Amendment 51 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) The achievement of the digital single market relies on the underlying digital connectivity infrastructure. The digitalisation of European industry and the modernisation of sectors like transport, energy, healthcare and public administration depend on universal access to reliable, affordable, high and very high capacity networks. Digital connectivity has become one of the decisive factors to close economic, social and territorial divides, supporting the modernisation of local economies and underpinning the diversification of economic activities. The scope of intervention of the Programme in the area of digital connectivity infrastructure should be adjusted to reflect its increasing importance for the economy and the society at large. Therefore, it is necessary to set out the cross-border and other digital connectivity infrastructure projects of common interest needed to meet Union's digital single market objectives, and to repeal Regulation (EU) No 283/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council29. _________________ 29 Regulation (EU) No 283/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 on guidelines for trans- European networks in the area of telecommunications infrastructure and repealing Decision No 1336/97/EC (OJ L 86, 21.3.2014, p. 14).
Amendment 54 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) Schools, universities, libraries, local, regional or national administrations, main providers of public services, hospitals and medical centres, transport hubs and digitally intensive enterprises are entities and places that can influence important socio-economic developments in the area where they are located. Such socio- economic drivers need to be at the cutting edge of Gigabit connectivity in order to provide access to the best services and applications for European citizens, business and local communities, while allowing the development of new services and applications, taking account of the rapid and ongoing emergence of new technologies. The Programme should support easy access to Gigabit connectivity for these socio- economic drivers with a view to maximising their positive spill- over effects on the wider economy and society, including by generating wider demand for connectivity and services.
Amendment 55 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) The viability of the anticipated next generation digital services, such as Internet of Things services and applications which are expected to bring significant benefits across various sectors and for society as a whole, will require uninterrupted cross- border coverage with 5G networks, in particular in view of allowing users and objects to remain connected while on the move. However, the cost sharing scenarios for 5G deployment across these sectors remain unclear and the perceived risks of commercial deployment in some key areas are very high in areas such as user data security and protection. Road corridors and train connections are expected to be key areas for the first phase of new applications in the area of connected mobility and therefore constitute vital cross-border projects for funding under this Programme.
Amendment 57 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) Unconnected territories in all areas of the Union, including in central ones, represent bottlenecks and unexploited potential to the digital single market. In most rural and remote areas, high quality Internet connectivity can play an essential role in preventing digital divide, and isolation and, developing new services and reducing the risk of depopulation by reducing the costs of delivery of both goods and services and partially compensating for remoteness. High quality Internet connectivity is necessary for new economic opportunities such as precision farming or the development of a bio- economy in rural areas. The Programme should contribute to providing all European households, rural or urban, with very high capacity fixed or wireless connectivity, focusing on those deployments for which a degree of market failure is observed and which can be addressed using low intensity grants. In doing so, the Programme should aim at achieving a comprehensive coverage of households and territories, as gaps in an already covered area are uneconomic to address at a later stage.
Amendment 60 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) The deployment of backbone electronic communications networks, including with submarine cables connecting European territories to third countries on other continents or connecting European islands or overseas territories to the mainland, is needed in order to provide necessary redundancy for such vital infrastructure, and to increase the capacity and resilience of the Union's digital networks. However, such projects are often commercially non-viable without public supportcan become viable and can be implemented more quickly for the benefit of the entire community by developing public-private partnerships.
Amendment 72 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 45
Recital 45
(45) Adequate joint monitoring and reporting measures includon the basis of joingt indicators should be implemented in order to report the progress of the Programme towards the achievement of the general and specific objectives set out in this Regulation. This performance reporting system should ensure that the same set of data for monitoring implementation of the Programme and its results are collected efficiently, effectively and in a timely manner in all countries taking part in the programme, including third countries. It is necessary to impose proportionate reporting requirements on recipients of Union funds in order to collect relevant data for the Programme.
Amendment 76 #
1. The Programme has the general objective to develop and modernise the trans-European networks in the fields of transport, energy and digital and, to facilitate cross-border cooperation and create cross border links in the field of renewable energy, taking into account the long-term decarbonisation commitments and with emphasis on synergies among sectors.
Amendment 83 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i
(i) to contribute to the development of projects of common and cross border interest relating to efficient and interconnected networks and infrastructure for smart, sustainable, inclusive, safe and secure mobility;
Amendment 94 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
(ii) EUR 11,285,4930,000,000,000 transferred from the Cohesion Fund to be spent in line with this Regulation exclusively in Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund;
Amendment 101 #
4. The amount referred to in paragraph 1 may be also used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the Programme and the sector-specific guidelines, such as preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities including corporate information and technology systems. This amount may also be used to finance accompanying measures to support the preparation of projects.
Amendment 102 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
4. The amount referred to in paragraph 1 may also be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the Programme and the sector-specific guidelines, such as preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities including corporate information and technology systems. This amount may also be used to finance accompanying measures to support the preparation of projects.
Amendment 104 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 7
Article 4 – paragraph 7
7. The amount transferred from the Cohesion Fund shall be implemented in accordance with this Regulation, subject to paragraph 8 and without prejudice to Article 14(2)(b). While the EU contribution granted in accordance with the national allocations under the Cohesion Fund may exceed the total national allocations, the total reimbursement shall not exceed the amount transferred from the Cohesion Fund to the CEF. Any savings resulting from the implementation of the actions shall be made available to the Member State concerned to finance the eligible actions referred to in Article 9.
Amendment 106 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 8
Article 4 – paragraph 8
8. As regards the amounts transferred from the Cohesion Fund, 30 % of these amounts shall be made available immediately to all Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund to finance transport infrastructure projects in accordance with this Regulation, with priority to cross-border and missing links. Until 31 December 2023, the selection of projects eligible for financing shall respect the national allocations under the Cohesion Fund with regard to 70% of the resources transferred. As of 1 January 2024, resources transferred to the Programme which have not been committed to a transport infrastructure project shall be made available to all Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund to finance transport infrastructure projects in accordance with this Regulation.
Amendment 108 #
8. As regards the amounts transferred from the Cohesion Fund, 3100% of these amounts shall be made available immediately to all Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund to finance transport infrastructure projects in accordance with this Regulation, with priority to cross-border and missing links. Until 31 December 2023, the selection of projects eligible for financing shall respect the national allocations under the Cohesion Fund with regard to 70% of the resources transferred. As of 1 January 2024, resources transferred to the Programme which have not been committed to a transport infrastructure project shall be made available to all Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund to finance transport infrastructure projects in accordance with this Regulation.
Amendment 116 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 9
Article 4 – paragraph 9
9. 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. WThere possible transfer of those resources shall be usedvoluntary and shall take place only for the benefit of the Member State concerned.
Amendment 118 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 9
Article 4 – paragraph 9
9. 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. WThere possible transfer of those resources shall be used for the benefit ofhave a voluntary basis and shall exclusively be used in the Member State concerned.
Amendment 120 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d – indent 4
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d – indent 4
– guarantees the rights of the Union to ensure sound financial management, to monitor the programme and to protect its financial interests.
Amendment 125 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Amendment 129 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – point b
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – point b
Amendment 130 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) with regard to actions contributing to the deployment of 5G systems, priority shall be given to deployment of 5G corridors along major terrestrial transport paths, including the trans-European transport networks. The extent to which the action contributes to ensuring corresponding coverage along major transport paths enabling the uninterrupted provision of synergy digital services, while maximising potential positive spill-overs for territories and population in the vicinity of the project deployment area shall also be taken into account. An indicative list of projects that could benefit from support is included in Part V of the Annex;
Amendment 138 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point b – point iv
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point b – point iv
(iv) actions supporting new technologies and innovation, including automation, enhanced transport services, modal integration and alternative fuels infrastructure, in accordance with Article 33 of Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013, for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from traffic;
Amendment 139 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point b – point viii
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point b – point viii
(viii) actions improving transport infrastructure accessibility for all users (persons with disabilities or reduced mobility) in accordance with Article 37 of Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013;
Amendment 174 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) expenditure related to the purchase of land shall not be an eligible cost; with the exception of funds transferred in the transport sector from the Cohesion Fund under the Regulation laying down common provisions.
Amendment 175 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) expenditure related to the purchase of land shall not be an eligible cost; with the exception of the resources transferred from the Cohesion Fund.
Amendment 177 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) eligible costs shall not include value added tax ("VAT") according with art 126.3.C of EU, Euratom Regulation No 996/2012 for the cost categories when the relevant national authority declares them as eligible within the project application and when the VAT is not eligible according to the national VAT legislation or when it is paid by another beneficiary than the relevant entity according to the definition of directive2006/112/CE of 26 November 2006 art 13.1.
Amendment 178 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) (D) eligible costs shall not include value added tax ("VAT") in accordance with Article 126 (3)(c) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.
Amendment 179 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d – point i (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d – point i (new)
(i) (e) For amounts transferred from the Cohesion Fund, expenditure shall be eligible for funding if incurred by a beneficiary or private partner and paid in connection with operations implemented between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2029.
Amendment 180 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) For the amount transferred from the Cohesion Fund, projects initiated and not finalised within the period 2014-2020 and not paid within that period are considered eligible expenditures;
Amendment 181 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 a (new)
Article 15 a (new)
Article 15a Conditions for actions which are implemented in two implementation periods. (1) EU Contribution from the Cohesion Fund can be allocated to an action which is implemented over two periods and initiated according to the Regulation EC No. 1316/2013 if the following conditions are fulfilled: (a) the action which has been selected within Regulation CE no 1316/2013 has two phases which can be clearly identified. (b) The expenditures declared in a payment claimed are not included in another claim within the second implementation phase. (c) In the second phase the actions is eligible according to this regulation. (d) The current Regulation is applicable to the second phase.
Amendment 182 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point 1 (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point 1 (new)
Amendment 183 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) (c) If the action has not been finalised by 31 December 2029 and is scheduled to be finalised in the next financial year (phasing), the grant reduction shall be proportionate to the activities already carried out to achieve the objectives of the action. This will result in two financially identifiable stages with separate audit trails;
Amendment 185 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 2
2. The grant agreement may be terminated on the basis of the grounds specified in paragraph 1, except in duly justified cases.
Amendment 189 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1
Article 25 – paragraph 1
1. The recipients of Union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the Union funding in line with EU provisions (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 190 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 2
Article 25 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall implement periodic information and communication actions relating to the Programme, and ito its objectives 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 191 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – part II – paragraph 1 – indent 1
Annex I – part II – paragraph 1 – indent 1
Amendment 192 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – part II – paragraph 1 – indent 2
Annex I – part II – paragraph 1 – indent 2