124 Amendments of Adrian-Dragoş BENEA
Amendment 93 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Acknowledges that SMRsExplore the potential role of SMRs to play a significant role in decarbonising the European industry, haveing the potential to play a significant role in replacing fossil fuels17 ; _________________ 17 https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/Europ eanSMRPrePartnership.rovide a firm baseload of clean electricity, heat and steam for the industry and households, as well as replacing fossil fuels as the baseload technology in Europe
Amendment 102 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Encourages the use of SMRs for low-carbon hydrogen production; Reminds that vast amounts of new electricity capacity is needed to ensure the required scale of hydrogen production to decarbonize EU.
Amendment 107 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recognises the potential role of SMRs for industrial heat and steam production;
Amendment 109 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Acknowledges the potential of SMRs for district heating;Explore the potential role of SMRs for district heating for heating and cooling supply need where other clean energy sources are not available. Reminds that heating and cooling constitute approximately half of all EU energy consumption, and majority of this is still covered by fossil fuels; Acknowledges that SMRs can provide decarbonized, low temperature heat to the district heating systems; Notes that SMRs can be designed to produce only heat and therefore operated at lower temperature and pressure.
Amendment 149 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4 a (new)
Subheading 4 a (new)
Reminds that SMRs can support the integration of intermittent energy production to the system with flexible production.
Amendment 165 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recognises that the implementation of appropriate and long-term contractual and financial mechanisms is needed to provide long-term predictability;
Amendment 170 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission to launch a specific industrial strategy for SMRs that includes a focus on efficient permitting procedures, access to finance and stable supply chains;
Amendment 172 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 16 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Recognizes the necessity to protect the vulnerability of IT systems needed for functioning of SMR due to the risk of cyber-attacks; emphasizes that cybersecurity need to be considered as a fundamental part of overall nuclear security
Amendment 182 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Emphasises that clear support from public authorities to guarantee the competitiveness of the SMR supply chain will be essential in enabling service providers to take a long-term view and accelerate their projects to meet the market window of opportunity;the importance of proactive anticipation, innovation and adaptation to effectively to meet SMR developers’ expectations in terms of fuel cycle and waste management; This includes recognizing the necessity for preparatory work to ensure the operational readiness of specific front-end fuel cycle requirements prior to the deployment of SMRs.
Amendment 192 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. RecognEmphasises that the business model of SMR producers will rely on the series effect of building a large number of similar SMRs in different countries; notes that design standardisation is key to unlocking the competitive advantages of mass productionkey success factor of SMRs is serial production, which would allow manufacturers to improve their processes and reduce costs;
Amendment 200 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Emphasises the need to identify the elements for establishing a European pre-licensing processCalls for the acceleration of the cooperation of national nuclear safety regulators to harmonize a pre-licensing process and standardization of SMR based on commonly accepted safety assessments in the licensing of the same SMR design;.
Amendment 207 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Emphasises that regulatory bodies and national authorities should create the conditions to ease the licensing process of SMRs;
Amendment 216 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Recognises the need to sufficiently explore and identify all possible options for financing European SMR production and scale up;
Amendment 249 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Emphasises that a robust, capable and reliable supply chain is critical for the success of mass-produceding SMRs;
Amendment 253 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Recognises the importance of identifying the main challenges in adapting the value chain to the specific characteristics of SMRs compared with high-powerlarge reactors and the need for consultations both with vendors and a large number of supply chain suppliers;
Amendment 278 #
Amendment 279 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 31 – point 1 (new)
(1) Recognises the importance of refining existing training in key nuclear construction skills to align them with the unique requirements of SMRs, while also ensuring the prevention of skill shortages in areas under high demand;
Amendment 280 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 – point 2 (new)
Paragraph 31 – point 2 (new)
(2) Underlines the importance of strategic workforce planning.
Amendment 281 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 – point 3 (new)
Paragraph 31 – point 3 (new)
(3) Emphasises that such planning should be forward-looking and adaptable, taking into account the potential shifts in skill requirements for the deployment of SMRs, especially within the supply chain and for SMRs.
Amendment 290 #
2023/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Recognises the need to provide uniform rules regarding the responsibility of SMR owners for the safe handling and storage of radioactive waste, as well as for the recycling of spent nuclear fuel;
Amendment 8 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas cross-border cooperation with neighbouring countries, whether at land or sea borders, is a key part of the EU policy;
Amendment 9 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas cross-border cooperation contributes to sustainable development along the EU’s external borders, support economic and social development of the border areas, including in environment protection, public health services, safety and security measures, and addresses common challenges;
Amendment 14 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the current geopolitical situation shows the importance of stability in the regioncountries at the EU’s external borders;
Amendment 31 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the allocation of €1.1 billion for the period of 2021-2027 for 260 million people is far from optimal and consequently underlines the importance of financial strengthening of the European Union; welcomesse programmes; approves of the greater accountability of third countries for recoveries from private sector beneficiaries;
Amendment 34 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the possibility for managing authorities to transmit data electronically to the Commission, but at the same time points out that more frequent data transmission cshould not lead to an increase of bureaucratisation;
Amendment 35 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Points out that the programmes' strategies are defined in such a way as to reach the EU objectives for smarter, greener, more connected, more social EU and Neighbourhood, ae well as at addressing the regional needs regarding good cooperation governance and more secure borders;
Amendment 38 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Expresses its concern that large infrastructure projects will no longer be subject to approvalscrutiny by the Commission;
Amendment 54 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recognises the importance of promoting local and regional culture and of heritage conservation; calls, however, for more infrastructure projects that contribute to the connectivity of the regions to be encouraged;
Amendment 62 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Deplores the human losses, destruction of homes and infrastructure in Ukraine; stresses the active role that cross- border cooperation programmes and the New European Bauhaus should play in sustainable post- war reconstruction;
Amendment 66 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Deplores the use ofat Russia uses its energy sources as a means of exerting political pressure; calls for more fundingfurther action to bolster energy efficiency and reduce dependence on Russia;
Amendment 67 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the proceduresinitiative for including Ukraine in the URBACT European Territorial Cooperation programme and the accession of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova as observer members in the European Observation Network for Territorial Development and Cohesion (ESPON);
Amendment 70 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses the importance of increased financial support being granted to the programme, given the security challenges in the Black Sea;
Amendment 72 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Highlights the potential of Black Sea energy sources, which are capable of contributing to a sustainable energy future also in the European Union;
Amendment 75 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls for Black Sea ports and related infrastructure to be upgraded, expanded and connected to existing transport hubs, and calls in particular for their connection to TEN-T corridors;
Amendment 76 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls forInsists on a cohesive strategy to be adopted for the Black Sea area and for synergies with the Danube Programme 2021-2027;
Amendment 79 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the fact that the number of countries participating in Interreg MED programmes is expected to increaon the rise;
Amendment 84 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. ProposesAsks for a more coordinated and efficient use of existing funds in order to increase the competitiveness of the Mediterranean basin, while respecting current environmental rules;
Amendment 91 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses that, despite their potential, renewable energy resources remain largely untapped and this potential should be stimulated, also by involving SMEs and midcaps;
Amendment 98 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Notes that the existence of different legal and institutional frameworks creates additional obstacles to project implementation and makes therefore the implementation of projects a challenge;
Amendment 101 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Notes that language barriers, which deem to increase the administrative burden, should be overcome through adequate measures;
Amendment 104 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
Amendment 108 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. NoStates that adapting the programme to the individual needs and specifics of each participating state maycountry/region calls for further efforts to be made;
Amendment 109 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Points out that the lack of adequate transport infrastructure and networks, particularly when it comes to maritime and island cross-border cooperation, hampers trade and mobility and complicates cooperation;
Amendment 111 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Stresses that, in view of multiple crisis and conflicts, cross-border cooperation with neighbouring countries underscores the need to invest in the resilience of statcountries and societies;
Amendment 114 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Considers that thise CBC contributes significantly to strengthening local and regional democracy and the administrative capacities of partner countries;
Amendment 118 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Highlights the fact that the programmes offer opportunities for an in- depth dialogue with a range of stakeholders: civil society, local, regional authorities, academia and the private sector;
Amendment 122 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Notes that CBC contributes to reducing regional disparities andwhile promoting economic and social development and territorial cohesion, as well aslso through to mobility and connectivity;
Amendment 127 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Stresses the importance of allowing emergency services (ambulance, fire brigade) to provide services across borders;
Amendment 128 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)
Paragraph 30 b (new)
30b. Stresses that the EU and the Member States should guarantee the access to basic healthcare with neighbouring countries and enhance SMEs and mid-caps’ capacity to operate across borders;
Amendment 129 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 c (new)
Paragraph 30 c (new)
30c. Considers that problems with cross-border cooperation persist in many areas, such as in transport sector, but also in economic areas such as employment and trade, and social policies like culture, languages and social inclusion;
Amendment 130 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 d (new)
Paragraph 30 d (new)
30d. Highlights the necessity of cross- border cultural cooperation between citizens in order to strengthen mutual understanding of the neighbours’ customs, and creating important motivations for multilingual education;
Amendment 131 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 e (new)
Paragraph 30 e (new)
30e. States that public educational and cultural services should be open, accessible and affordable to citizens from both sides of the borders;
Amendment 132 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 f (new)
Paragraph 30 f (new)
30f. Stresses the importance of the cross-border cooperation on digitalisation, especially the digitalisation of public services, in order to provide a coherent and efficient public sector focused on the needs of all;
Amendment 133 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 g (new)
Paragraph 30 g (new)
30g. Emphasizes the importance of developing local and regional plans for climate change adaptation measures across borders;
Amendment 134 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 h (new)
Paragraph 30 h (new)
30h. Calls on the Commission to continue integrating the SDGs into the future cross-border cooperation action’s plans, so that no place and no one is left behind;
Amendment 135 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 i (new)
Paragraph 30 i (new)
30i. Stresses that on climate change and the environment, all entities should undertake possible measures in cross- border planning related to environment, biodiversity and food security that have an economic and social benefit;
Amendment 136 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 j (new)
Paragraph 30 j (new)
30j. Stresses the importance of networking and benchmarking in eliminating obstacles to cross-border cooperation; that should enable better use of tools, such as European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs), the Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI) tool, or the Community-Led Local Development strategy (CLLD);
Amendment 137 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Highlights both the intangible benefits, such as institutional capacity building, and the tangible benefitthe ones linked to infrastructure development;
Amendment 138 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Notes that cross-border cooperation is an essential step in the EU pre-accession through mutual learning and good neighbouring relations; this helps to bring EU initiatives and objectives closer to candidate countries, share experiences and begin the economic and social convergence process;
Amendment 139 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 b (new)
Paragraph 31 b (new)
31b. Notes that local and regional players need to be helped to grasp the current cooperation opportunities in order to be able to navigate and understand its complexity;
Amendment 140 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 c (new)
Paragraph 31 c (new)
31c. Considers that the creation of joint cross-border local government councils, such as the one established between Romania and Moldova to help develop joint projects of mutual interest, could be an example to be followed;
Amendment 144 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Emphasises the necessity for the targeted programmes, during the programming period 2021- 2027, to clearly identify the requirements and priorities that are common to the regions along the EU’s external borders and complement other EU funded initiatives, not overlap them;
Amendment 145 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 b (new)
Paragraph 32 b (new)
32b. Recommends that representatives of civil society are involved in the programmes from the outset, as such involvement would be useful for fostering local/regional ownership of programmes and ensuring their relevance and consistency with the regions’ development strategies;
Amendment 146 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 c (new)
Paragraph 32 c (new)
32c. Recommends, in the area of cross- border governance, the need to develop a fully integrated infrastructure strategy (road, rail, water), taking into account the cross-border region as a whole;
Amendment 148 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Recommends to promoting European Unione EU financial instruments with added social value, in order to raise the level of awareness of the benefits of the European Union;
Amendment 153 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Calls on the Commission to considerably simplify procedures considerably and stresses that these should be flexible enoughenable to meet the real needs of cross- border areas;
Amendment 157 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Recommends to setting up sustainable functional structures for the regional and local cross-border cooperation and networks;
Amendment 159 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 b (new)
Paragraph 34 b (new)
34b. Emphasises the role of funds for small projects, like people-to-people projects in establishing ties across national borders;
Amendment 161 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Stresses that the regional and local authorities should be involved in the preparation and implementation of projects from the start; calls also for guidelines to be drawn up in this regard;
Amendment 165 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Underlines that exchange of good practices among regions and countries and learning from each other through a platform like INTERREG Europe, is very useful;
Amendment 167 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Calls on the Commission to improve the capacity of partner state authorinformation towards counterpart authorities in partner countries concerning the procedures and conditieons to access Europeanto EU funding;
Amendment 169 #
2023/2076(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. As Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has fundamentally changed the European security architecture, emphasizes cooperation on security policy aiming at reaching common goals of a reliable collective deterrence and defence in the framework of cross border cooperation;
Amendment 4 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) Whereas STEP, in order to reach its goal of structural investments in high technology industry and to avoid overlaps has to be closely coordinated with the existing EU initiatives to support the industry;
Amendment 5 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The uptake and scaling up in the Union of deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies will be essential to seize the opportunities and meet the objectives of the green and digital transitions, thus promoting the competitiveness of the European industry and its sustainability and in the same time to further preserve economic, social, and territorial cohesion and solidarity among member states and their regions. Therefore, immediate action is required to support the development or manufacturing in the Union of such technologies, safeguarding and strengthening their value chains thereby reducing the Union’s strategic dependencies, and addressing existing labour and skills shortages in those sectors through trainings and apprenticeships and the creation of attractive, quality jobs accessible to all., as well as to reduce disparities in development of the various regions;
Amendment 7 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) TWhereas dependence on the global market has exposed EU industry to shortages which has led to chain disruptions and even stoppages of industrial processes, there is a need to support critical technologies in the following fields: deep and digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies (including the respective critical raw materials value chains) in all of them, in particular projects, companies and sectors with a critical role for EU’s competitiveness and resilience and its value chains. By way of example, deep technologies and digital technologies should include microelectronicpharmaceuticals, photonics, advanced materials technologies, microelectronics, semiconductors, semiconductor equipment, communication technologies, high-performance computing, quantum technologies (i.e., computing, communication and sensing technologies), cloud computing, edge computing, secure data infrastructures and ecosystems, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G and advanced connectivity and virtual realities, including actions related to deep and digital technologies for the development of defence and aerospace applications as well as applications to deliver healthcare such as digital medical devices. Clean technologies should include, among others, renewable energy; electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; electricity grid; geothermal energy, renewable fuels of non- biological origin; all sustainable alternative fuels– fuels technologies, including biofuels for road transport; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; energy efficiency; biolubricants; hydrogen and its related infrastructure; smart energy solutions cutting-edge solutions implemented for leak detection and repair inspections carried out along renewable gases and water transport and distribution networks; technologies vital to sustainability such as water efficiency, purification and desalination technologies; circular economy, such as high-quality recycling, resource- and material efficiency; advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites and future clean construction materials, and technologies for the sustainable extraction and processing of critical raw materials, technologies supporting construction of roads with negative carbon footprint and development of new green road stabilisation solutions. Biotechnology should be considered to include technologies such as biomolecules and its applications, pharmaceuticals and, medical technologies and medical devices vital for health security, crop biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, and biomanufacturing. The Commission may issue guidance to further specify the scope of the technologies in these three fields considered to be critical in accordance with this Regulation, in order to promote a common interpretation of the projects, companies and sectors to be supported under the respective programmes in light of the common strategic objective. Moreover, technologies in any of these three fields which are subjects of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be deemed to be critical, and individual projects within the scope of such an IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in accordance with the respective programme rules, to the extent that the identified funding gap and the eligible costs have not yet been completely covered.
Amendment 20 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Strengthening the development and manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through the creation of jobs and apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 _________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.
Amendment 22 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The scale of investments needed for the transition require a fulln intelligent mobilisation of funding available under existing EU programmes and funds, inclusive those granting a budgetary guarantee for financing and investment operations and implementation of financial instruments and blending operations. Such funding should be deployed in a more flexible manner, to provide timely and targeted support for critical technologies in strategic sectors. Therefore, a Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) should give a structural answercontribute to respond to the Union investment needs by helping to better channel the existing EU funds towards critical investments aimed at supporting the development or manufacturing of critical technologies, while preserving a level playing field in the Single Market, thereby preserving cohesion and aiming at a geographically balanced distributiondistribution of projects financed under STEP in a geographically balanced way amongst all regions of the EU of projects financed under the STEP in accordance with the respective programme mandates.
Amendment 42 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In order to extend support possibilities for investments aimed at strengthening industrial development and reinforcement of value chains in strategic sectors, the scope of support from the ERDF should be extended by providing for new specific objectives under the ERDF, without prejudice to the rules on eligibility of expenditure and climate spending as set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic sectors, it should also be possible to support productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, and mid-caps which remain the focus and which can make a significant contribution to the development of less developed and transition regions, territories defined in the Just Transition Plans, as well as in more developed regions of Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU average. Managing authorities are encouraged to promote the collaboration between large enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and technology ecosystems. This would allow reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its position in those sectors through providing access to all Member States for such investments, thus counteracting the risk of increasing disparities. _________________ 55 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 56 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, 24.6.2021, p. 31).
Amendment 55 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) The regulatory framework for the implementation of the 2014-2020 programmes has been adapted over the past years to provide Member States and regions with additional with additional flexibility in terms of implementation rules and more liquidity to tackle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war or aggression against Ukraine. These measures, introduced at the end of the programming period, require sufficient time and administrative resources to be fully exploited and implemented; also at a time where Member States will focus resources on revising the 2021-2027 operational programmes linked to the STEP objectives. With a view to alleviate the administrative burden on programme authorities and to prevent possible loss of funds at closure for purely administrative reasons, the deadlines for the administrative closure of the programmes under the 2014-2020 period should be extended in Regulation (EU) No 1303/201361 and Regulation (EU) No 223/201462 . More specifically, the deadline for the submission of that final payment application should be extended by 12 months. Furthermore, the deadline for the submission of the closure documents should also be extended by 12 months. The last accounting year of the period should accordingly be extended until June 30, 2025 in order to give Member States sufficient time to finalise the processes linked to the closure of projects. In the context of this amendment, it is appropriate to clarify that distribution of food and material bought until the end of the eligibility period (end-2023) may continue after that date. In order to ensure a sound implementation of the EU budget and respect for the payment ceilings, payments to be made in 2025 should be capped at 1 % of the financial appropriations from resources under the Multiannual Financial Framework per programme. Amounts due exceeding the ceiling of 1% of programme appropriations per fund for 2025 would not be paid in 2025 nor in subsequent years but only used for the clearance of pre- financing. Unused amounts shall be decommitted in accordance with the general rules for decommitment at closure. _________________ 61 Regulation (EU) 1303/2013 laying down common provisions (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320). 62 Regulation (EU) 223/2014 on the Fund for European Aid on the Most Deprived (OJ L 72, 12.3.2014, p. 1).
Amendment 65 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. To strengthen European sovereignty and security, accelerate the Union’s green and digital transitions and enhance its competitiveness, reduce its strategic dependencies, favoensure a level playing field in the Single Market for investments throughout the Union, and promote inclusive access to attractive, quality jobs, the Platform shall pursue the following objectives:
Amendment 67 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
(a) supporting the development or manufacturing throughout the Union, including through establishment of new production facilities, or safeguarding and strengthening the respective European value chains, of critical technologies in the following fields:
Amendment 73 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) preserving and strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion and solidarity among member states and regions.
Amendment 74 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) bring an innovative, cutting-edge element with significant economic potential to the Single Market or to the region in which investment occurs;
Amendment 78 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) contribute to reduce or prevent strategic dependencies of the Union, its Member States and its regions.
Amendment 91 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall monitor the implementation of the Platform and measure the achievement of the Platform objectives set out in Article 2. The monitoring of implementation shall be targeted and proportionate to the activities carried out under the Platform, mainly using existing reporting channels and data, the monitoring shall be further rationalised.
Amendment 97 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2
2. The annual report shall include consolidated information on the progress made in implementing the Platform objectives under each of the programmes and funds. It shall include qualitative and quantitative information on how Europe's economic, social and territorial cohesion is being reinforced.
Amendment 126 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e (new) – subparagraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e (new) – subparagraph 1
when they contribute to the specificSTEP objective under PO 1 set out in Article 3(1), first subparagraph, point (a)(vi) or to the specific objective under PO 2 set out in point (b)(ix) of that subparagraphs referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation] under specific objective under PO 1, or to the specific objective under PO 2, in less developed and transition regions, as well as more developed regions in Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU average of the EU-27 measured in purchasing power standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017.
Amendment 155 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Regulation (EU) 1303/2013
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)
(1a) In Article 24 the following paragraph is inserted: "1a. By way of derogation from Article 60(1) and the first and fourth subparagraphs of Article 120(3), a co- financing rate of 100 % may be applied to expenditure declared in the final accounting year for one or more priority axes in a programme supported by the ERDF, the ESF or the Cohesion Fund. By way of derogation from Article 30(1) and (2) and Article 96(10), the application of the co-financing rate of 100 % shall not require a Commission decision approving a programme amendment. The Member State shall notify the revised financial tables to the Commission following approval by the monitoring committee. The co-financing rate of 100 % shall apply only if the financial tables are notified to the Commission before the submission of the final application for an interim payment for the final accounting year in accordance with Article 135(2)."
Amendment 11 #
2021/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Regrets the lack of a comprehensive EU monitoring framework for methane emissions, especially in the agriculture sector, where the sources of methane emissions are often diffuse and make measurement, reporting and verification challenging; welcomes the European Commission's initiative to develop, in cooperation with international partners, an international emissions observatory; calls on the Commission, therefore, to improve the measurement, reporting and verification of methane emissions in the agricultural sector;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Recalls that agriculture plays an important role in addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation; highlights that European agriculture is the only major system in the world that significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) since 1990 and that the emissions from EU agriculture are among the lowest worldwide; underlines that reducing European production to fight climate change runs the risk of exporting GHG emissions (“carbon leakage”) and accepting lower animal health and welfare standards, leading to a shift in production towards other parts of the world and to an abandonment of certain land upon which grazing is the only means of valorisation and which constitutes a rich source of biodiversity with environmental, social and economic repercussions on EU rural regions and landscapes;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Amendment 34 #
2021/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Calls on the European Commission to clarify the share contribution of EU agriculture to the EU's anthropogenic methane emissions, to differentiate this share to the world’s agriculture one and to estimate the contribution of the imported agri-food products to the EU anthropogenic methane emissions, through the EDGAR- FOOD database;
Amendment 39 #
2021/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1 d. Emphasises that a significant share of global methane emissions in the agri-food sector originates outside of the EU; emphasizes the need for the EU to take the lead in exchanges of best practices with its third countries' trading partners with the aim to reduce methane emissions from agriculture, including, for example, through forestry-based initiatives;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1 e. Calls for the definition of policies and measures to encourage and support improved climatic performance of agricultural and livestock production through reductions in methane emissions, in line with the principle of ensuring access for all population groups in Europe to healthy, safe and sufficient food;
Amendment 47 #
2021/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 f (new)
Paragraph 1 f (new)
1 f. Calls for regulatory measures based on national and regional specificities and production systems for emissions from agriculture and related land use as part of the “Fit for 55” package to ensure ambitious reductions in all GHG emissions in these sectors in the EU and also to address embedded land use emissions from imported feed and food; calls for harmonized calculation methods for methane and then a regulatory framework that incentivizes progressive reductions in methane emissions to deliver on climate objectives; reiterates that especially the methane reduction calculation should consider innovative feed additives and nutrition management plans, as well as innovative husbandry practices;
Amendment 53 #
2021/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges the Commission to ensure positive synergies between climate regulation and the Industrial Emissions Directive in order to avoid double regulation; welcomes the announcement of the European Commission to revise the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) in order to reflect the increased carbon reduction target through increased incentives to reduce methane emissions, for example through specific dedicated eco-schemes and carbon farming initiatives under the new CAP;
Amendment 63 #
2021/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. HStresses the importance of recognizing the progress made by the agri-food sector to offset emissions and restore soil fertility; highlights that further research and investment in mitigation measures and technologies is of paramount importance; considers that there is great potential in adapting diet of and developing feed additives for ruminant and bovine species, which could reduce methane emissions without having negative effects on the livestock sectoralls, in this regard, on the European Commission to develop and constantly update, in line with the latest state-of-the-art technologies, an inventory of best practices for the farming sector and in cooperation with farmers, stakeholders, Member States and local, regional and national authorities; supports the stimulating uptake of regenerative agriculture practices, improving also the access to technologies, data, training and information, and diversifying farmers’ income through payments for ecosystem services, thereby increasing their resilience; considers that there is great potential in adapting diet of and developing feed additives for ruminant and bovine species, which could reduce methane emissions without having negative effects on the livestock sector, while decreasing the dependence of imported plant proteins; underlines, in this regard, that the livestock sector not only has a great potential to help the EU successfully achieve its methane emissions' reduction targets, but also has a key role in preserving unique biodiversity functions;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 90 #
2021/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Highlights that economic viability is critical in maintaining sustainable livestock farms and ensuring the development and implementation of future mitigation practices, as well as a secure and stable supply of food; stresses the need that future policy decisions have to ensure that the livestock activity can deliver and at the same time continue to be able to project itself; underlines that the sector must continue to constitute a real source of employment and the profession must remain attractive for the young generations;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3 c. Emphasizes the importance of new animal feed strategies able, inter alia, through the supplementary feeding of red algae (Asparagopsis), to reduce methane emissions in the livestock sector; underlines the need for new scientific research and innovation in anaerobic digestion and composting as an effective solution to recycle organic waste materials (production of biomass and organic fertilizers) and prevent methane emissions;
Amendment 105 #
2021/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that value-added utilisation of agricultural residues and other by-products is an important driver of the circular economy and bio-economy, only if it's done in a sustainable way; recalls, in this regard, that in order to meet new environmental targets, a balance of plant and animal production should be maintained, which will ensure sufficient amount of nutrients and organic matter in the soils in the EU, positively influencing the biodiversity and contributing to more healthy and balanced dietary habits of the Europeans; encourages farming models able to be sustainable socially, environmentally and economically; calls for the acceleration of European biogas production from agriculture waste in a sustainable way, as an important tool for reducing methane emissions;
Amendment 120 #
2021/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Highlights the active engagement of the agricultural sector in climate action and recognizes the full potential of woodlands and grasslands; calls for the development of nutrient management systems and innovative dietary solutions to reduce methane emissions in the livestock sector and for methods to calculate the true impact of methane on the environment to be developed in light of more recent research on the lifecycle of methane;
Amendment 140 #
2021/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. CWelcomes the announcement of the European Commission to set up an expert group with the aim of analysing the life-cycle methane emissions matrix; considers that farm level certification schemes for climate effective farming, including common measurement and verification data for methane reductions, will be an important tool for monitoring and incentivising methane reductions at farm level; highlights the need to assess not just the impact on methane emissions of specific livestock management and animal welfare choices, imported or domestic feeds and intensive or pastoral farming choices, but also of the impact of supplementing the animal diet with feed additives on animal health, pest resilience, food safety(toxicity), productivity, product quality, environmental impact;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Acknowledges that animal production is the only possible activity on permanent grassland, allowing the survival, economic stability and existence of rural farms in hill and mountain regions, thus preventing the overgrowth of such areas and the excessive reproduction of large carnivores (bears, wolves), the promotion of animal production therefore being essential in such areas; underlines that carbon storage by grasslands compensates up to 45% of GHG emissions (almost all of the enteric fermentation produced by ruminants); stresses the need to integrate the carbon stored by grasslands and their capacity not to release carbon in order to better assess the mitigation potential of agriculture;
Amendment 167 #
2021/2006(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls on the Commission to include in its forthcoming Long Term Vision for Rural Areas cross-sector cooperative approaches with and amongst farmers and local communities in order to develop and promote circularity also in the field of sustainable biogas production, aiming at reducing methane emissions;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. Whereas the degradation of habitats and disruption of migration corridors by, for example, river modifications and dams, overexploitation for their caviar and meat, as well as pollution have driven sturgeons to the brink of extinction; whereas the drastic decrease of the number of spawners, associated with the population decline, trigger the failure of the natural reproduction, reducing the chance of the few remaining males and females to meet and spawn;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. Whereas the data held by the research institutes indicate that the populations of sturgeon species are fragmented, missing certain generations, and the species of sturgeon natural reproduction is deficient, the number of adults migrating to the Danube for reproduction is extremely low and the species sturgeon is on the verge of extinction;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Amendment 85 #
2020/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on the Commission to urgently and temporarily transfer the sturgeons from Annex V to Annex II or even Annex I to Habitats Directive 92/43 / EEC, until scientifically determined that wild stock of sturgeons are no longer red listed under the IUCN list;
Amendment 88 #
2020/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Subheading 2 a (new)
Subheading 2 a (new)
Stresses the emergency to establish “fish stock recovery areas” (or “no take zones”) in the Black Sea, to allow the recovery of the wild populations of sturgeons, as such areas were proven beneficial both for biodiversity conservation and for fishery management;
Amendment 114 #
2020/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Amendment 180 #
2020/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Welcomes the high level of ambition when setting targets; strongly recommends, however, that such targets should not be legally binding, and that they should be set on a case-by-case basis, adapted to local specificities and to the level required to protect nature; recommends that such targets should also take into account socio-economic considerations, should be backed by reconversion programs and alternative livelihood to fishing communities and the need to ensure a long-term resilience of the fisheries and aquaculture value chain, be proportionate with the objective pursued and have a solid scientific basis;
Amendment 208 #
2020/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Welcomes the restoration of free flowing of rivers in a sustainable way, taking into account the environmental, social and economic aspects, investing in technology and innovation for the creation of fishing migrating routes, without hindering the right of Member States to decide on their energy mix, the economic activity of hydropower plants, the energy security and the environmental benefits of hydropower;
Amendment 4 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Regrets that, in the proposed revised ceiling for the new heading 3 of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027, the major categories of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) spending are likely to be cut in 2021, namely direct payments, market measures and rural development; recalls Parliament’s previous resolutions asking for the CAP funding to be maintained, in real terms, at least at current levels;
Amendment 11 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Takes note of the EUR 55 182 million in commitments and EUR 54 879,9 million in payments for agriculture; is concerned over the severe decrease of -7,4 % in European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) appropriations (EUR -3 231 million in commitments and EUR -3 215 million in payments ) compared to the budget for the financial year 2020; notes that the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) appropriations are increased to EUR 15 002,9 million in commitments (+2,1 %) and EUR 14 715 million (+12,2 %) in payments compared to the budget for the financial year 2020; takes note of the net transfer of EUR -753,9 million from the EAGF to the EAFRD;
Amendment 12 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Points out that the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has emphasised the strategic role that agriculture plays in avoiding a food crisis, by providing safe and high-quality food at affordable prices; insists that food chain security, sustainability and resilience requires further investments to farmers, cooperatives and small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas;
Amendment 14 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Recalls also that the Commission evaluation deemed the CAP to be the appropriate framework for developing the targets in the European Green Deal; notes, therefore, that increased sustainability requirements demand adequate funding;
Amendment 18 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Urges, therefore, the Council to allow the Union to meet its commitments in providing sufficient funding for a safe, high-quality food supply, climate action, environmental protection and for the Just Transition Mechanism and the Just Transition Fund, which the agriculture sector needs to benefit significantly from in order to reach the targets of the European Green Deal; notstresses that increased sustainability requirements demand adequate funding; draws attention to the fact that the COVID-19 crisis highlighted the importance of Union food production and supply; recalls that food security and food chain sustainability require investments and support to farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in rural areasthe support from Next Generation EU to meet those targets in the scope of rural development needs to be made available as soon as possible, from 2021;
Amendment 34 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. AsksStresses that the Commission to commit, when revising the draft budget via the amending letter, needs to adjusting its figures upwards in order to address the market crisis in certain key sectors negatively impacted by the COVID-19 crisis;
Amendment 41 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls the importance of the Union budget, through rural development and Horizon Europe programmes in supporting research, development and innovation in the agri- food sector and bioeconomy, which is essential in the transition to a zero-carbon economy by replacing fossil-based products.;
Amendment 38 #
2019/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas, on March 2019, the European Commission, as a response to a Parliament’s request, declared it would continue to apply strict conditionality to its financial assistance to Moldova, and together with the EEAS, will monitor and assess Moldova's progress in implementation of DCFTA/AA with the EU in all sectoral areas, through both bilateral and Eastern Partnership regional channels;
Amendment 96 #
2019/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Underlines that the situation in Moldova should be closely monitored in the long term, including during the pre- electoral period, in accordance with the normal OSCE/ODIHR practices and standards, particularly in the current period of crisis, as the forthcoming presidential elections will be a test for democracy and the rule of law in the country;
Amendment 138 #
2019/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Amendment 33 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Regrets the decrease in Cohesion Fund appropriations compared to the previous programming period and notes the risks of widening development gaps in terms of basic infrastructure, in particular the transport infrastructure; calls for more flexible budgetary mechanisms to facilitate the reallocation of funding to additional investments in basic infrastructure, especially TEN-T infrastructure, as the driving force behind economic, social and territorial inclusion at EU level in those Member States whose development is clearly lagging behind;