13 Amendments of Sunčana GLAVAK related to 2023/0397(COD)
Amendment 156 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) To reduce this disparity, the European Commission adopted a Communication on a Growth Plan for the Western Balkans based on four pillars: (a) increasing integration with the EU’s Single Market; (b) boosting regional economic integration, based on EU rules and standards, by fully implementing the existing Common Regional Market Action Plan; (c) deepening reforms aiming at accelerating growth in the region, promoting economic growth based on green and digital transition, economic convergence and strengthening regional stability; and (d) establishing a new Financing Instrument: the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans.
Amendment 158 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The implementation of that Growth Plan requires increased funding under a dedicated new Financing Instrument, the Reform and Growth Facility, to assist the region in implementing the growth- promoting reforms, regional integration and Common Regional Market, supported through a comprehensive efficiency evaluation to ensure investments truly contribute to regional growth.
Amendment 173 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The Facility should support investment and reforms that promote the beneficiaries’ path to the digital transformation of the economy and society in line with the EU vision for 2030 presented in the Commission communication ‘2030 Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade’2 . It should strive to facilitate their achievement of the general objectives and digital targets with regard to the Union. As outlined by the Commission in its communication of 15 JunThe Facility should prioritize investments and reforms that not only advance the digital transformation but also ensure these efforts are rooted in the principles of security, resilience, and integrity. It is essential that all investments align with the '20233 , the 5G cybersecurity Toolbox should be the reference for EU funding to ensure security, resilience and protection of integrity30 Digital Compass' objectives, fostering an inclusive digital economy that benefits all citizens and adheres to the highest standards of cybersecurity, including the implementation of the 5G cybersecurity Toolbox as a foundational element of digital infrastructure in the region. projects. _________________ 2 COM(2021)118 final. 3 ‘Implementation of the 5G cybersecurity Toolbox’, COM(2023)4049 final.
Amendment 174 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Union support under the Facility should not replace the bilateral and regional support provided under Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 of the European Parliament and of the Council4 , focussing on preparing the Beneficiaries for Union membership, but complement it and add to it, while using already existing mechanisms and structures where possible. Theis approach should build on the existing enlargement methodology, notably the 2020 Revised Methodology5 , and the Economic and Investment Plan6 from the same year. underline the importance of economic reforms, democratic institutions strengthening, rule of law, and respect for fundamental rights, ensuring a holistic and sustainable path towards EU integration. _________________ 4 Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 September 2021 establishing the Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance (IPA III) (OJ L 330, 20.9.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1529/oj). 5 COM (2022) 57 final. 6 COM(2020) 641 final.
Amendment 224 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States and the Beneficiaries, should contribute to increased transparency and accountability in the delivery of assistance, including by implementing appropriate internal control systems and anti-fraud policies. The support under the Facility should be made available under the preconditions that each of the Beneficiaries continues to respect and uphold effective democratic mechanisms and institutions, including a multi-party parliamentary system, and the rule of law, and to guarantee respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Another pre-condition should be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relations. Furthermore, it is imperative that the delivery of assistance through the Facility emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to democratic values. Support should be contingent upon the beneficiaries' commitment to maintaining and enhancing democratic institutions, the rule of law, and human rights protection. This includes ensuring minority rights and advancing the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo, in line with European values and commitments. Strengthening internal control systems and anti-fraud measures will be crucial to safeguarding the integrity of the assistance provided.
Amendment 230 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) This Regulation lays down a financial envelope for the entire duration of this Instrument, whe establishment of a financial envelope as outlined in this Regulation underscores the Union's strategich is to constitute the prime reference amount, within the meaning of point 18 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 16 December 2020 betwenvestment in the future of the Western Balkans. It is a testament to our commitment the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources, for the European Parliament and the Council during the annual budgetary procedureo fostering stability, prosperity, and closer integration with the EU. The annual budgetary procedure, guided by the Interinstitutional Agreement, will ensure that these investments are aligned with the Union's broader financial discipline and objectives, including the exploration of new own resources to support such vital initiatives..
Amendment 240 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Disbursement of Union support should be conditional on compliance with the payment conditions and on measurable progress in the implementation of reforms set out in the Reform Agendas assessed and formally approved by the Commission. The release of funds should be structured accordingly, reflecting the objectives ofto ensure that the disbursement of Union support not only hinges on adherence to payment conditions but also on verifiable and substantial progress in reform implementation, as assessed by the Commission. The financial release must be meticulously aligned with the Facility's goals, facilitating a performance-based approach that directly links funding to the Facilityhievement of specific, agreed-upon reform milestones.
Amendment 250 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) The Reform Agendas should include an explanation of the Beneficiary’s system to effectively prevent, detect and correct irregularities, corruption, fraud and conflicts of interests, when using the funds provided under the Facility, and the arrangements that aim to avoid double funding from the Facility and other Union programmes as well as other donor. It is crucial to outline effective measures that prevent double funding occurrences with other Union initiatives or external donor contributions, ensuring the integrity and optimal use of allocated resources.
Amendment 324 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point h
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point h
(h) boost quality education, training, reskilling and upskilling, and employment policies; launch a Regional Skills Partnership by 2025 to reduce youth unemployment to below 15% and double the number of STEM graduates by 2030;
Amendment 450 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. The Reform Agendas shall set out the reforms to be undertaken by the Beneficiary, as well as investment areas, towards the achievement of the general and specific objectives set out in Article 3must clearly delineate both the short-term and long- term reforms and investment priorities that directly contribute to achieving the Facility's objectives. This should include specific legislative, regulatory, and policy measures across key sectors such as economic development, environmental sustainability, digital transformation, and social inclusion. The Reform Agendas shall comprise measures for the implementation of reforms through a comprehensive and coherent package. In the areas of fundamentals, including the rule of law, the fight against corruption, fundamental rights and the freedom of expression, the Reform Agendas shall reflect the assessments in the most recent Enlargement Package.
Amendment 451 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 3
Article 11 – paragraph 3
3. The Reform Agenda shall define specific targets and milestones within the Reform Agendas for each priority area, such as energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, digital infrastructure development, judicial reforms, and anti- corruption measures. These targets should be measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), facilitating effective monitoring and evaluation of progress and be consistent with the latest macroeconomic and fiscal policy framework submitted to the Commission in the context of the Economic and Financial Dialogue with the EU.
Amendment 510 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission iImplementing dDecision shall set out thewill precisely outline the necessary reforms to be implemented by the Beneficiary, theidentify the specific investment areas tohat will be supported, and the paymentdetail the conditions stemming from the Reform Agenda, including the indicative timetableunder which payments will be made. This Decision will serve as a critical instrument in guiding the Beneficiary's actions towards the fulfilment of the agreed-upon objectives and ensuring accountability and progress in the reform process.
Amendment 519 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1