Activities of Andrzej GRZYB related to 2013/2038(INI)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on the implementation and impact of the energy efficiency measures under Cohesion Policy
Amendments (7)
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Recalls that the Parliament already adopted the report on the role of EU cohesion policy and its actors in implementing the new European energy policy, and that this report also covers energy efficiency issues;
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the primary objective of cohesion policy remains the reduction of the economic and social disparities between regions and considers that energy efficiency policies should not interfere with this objective; stresses that some of the EU's poorest regions may have different priorities and require investment in other areas first; underlines that the strength of cohesion policy lies in its flexibility and the decentralised administration of funds at local level;
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Points out that investment in energy efficiency has the potential to contribute to economic growth, employment, innovation and a reduction in energy poverty in households, and can therefore make a positive contribution to economic, social and territorial cohesion; emphasises that the allocation of funds must be based on principles of proportionality, cost- effectiveness and economic effectiveness and that it must not increase administrative burdens;
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Emphasises that bureaucracy and lack of procedural clarity have made access to the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund difficult and discouraged those actors most in need of such funding from applying; supports, therefore, the simplification of rules and procedures, the removal of red tape, and increased flexibility in allocating these funds at both EU and national level; believes that simplification will contribute to the efficient allocation of funds, higher absorption rates, fewer errors and reduced payment periods and allow the poorest Member States and regions to take full advantage of the financial instruments intended to reduce regional and inter-state disparities; considers that a balance needs to be struck between simplification and the stability of rules and procedures;
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Underlines the potential benefits available under the JESSICA and ELENA initiatives for sustainable energy investment at local level, with a view to helping cities and regions embark on viable investment projects in the fields of energy efficiency and calls for the promotion of these initiatives;
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Considers it to be of paramount importance to be able to use the Structural Funds, the Cohesion Fund and other financial and leverage instruments to finance energy efficiency in particular in the housing sector; calls on the Commission and the Member States to disseminate clear, easily accessible information on the financial instruments, incentives, grants and loans available to support energy efficiency service projects;
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Stresses the importance of integrating energy efficiency dimension into the research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation that Member States and regions will have to design in order to access innovation funding under the future cohesion policy;