115 Amendments of Francesca BALZANI
Amendment 39 #
2012/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that recurrent difficulties in accessing capital are one of the key reasons preventing SMEs' internationalisation; calls on the national governments to support SMEs by means of export insurance and making credit available to them from Member States' ECAs, without distorting intra-EU competition, and also to earmark sufficient funding for SMEs (e.g. special loans, cofinancing and venture capital), so as to help overcome disinvestment and deleveraging by banks; stresses that such funding should be provided to SMEs that are already exporting and which can present a viable business plan for improving or consolidating their existing market share and creating jobs, especially for young people; considers that support for start-ups offering innovative goods and services and for SMEs in need of initial investment should not be overlooked;
Amendment 44 #
2012/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Considers that the effective protection of SMEs against unfair trading practices by EU partner states is just as important as helping SMEs wishing to internationalize; considers internationalisation and protection as two sides of the same coin of the globalisation process
Amendment 67 #
2012/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to involve SMEs in the establishment of international standards (e.g. ISO), since changes in regulatory regimes directly impact on their profitability; insists that tackling unjustified NTBs must be regarded as a top priority on the Commission's agenda, in particular through the harmonisation of technical rules based on relevant global standards;
Amendment 74 #
2012/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Requests that the EU develops an ambitious common industrial policy based on fostering research and innovation that benefits from innovative finance arrangements, such as project bonds and supports the development of SME's, via access to public procurement, in order to maintain its competitiveness vis-à-vis major players in industry and research
Amendment 1 #
2011/2267(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas those needs have already been addressed in part through the global transfer in payment appropriations (DEC 34/2011) for a total amount of EUR 719,2 million was supposed to cover all the possibilities of redeployments in payments in 2011, without addressing new needs, and whereas the Commission will soon have to present a new global transfer to address all needs not covered by the agreement on Draft amending budget No 6/2011, i.e. EUR 1 242 million as of 18 November 2011, in order to fulfil the legal obligations of the Union with regard to payment appropriations;
Amendment 2 #
2011/2267(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Deeply regrets the climate of mistrust prevailing during the negotiations between the Commission and the Member States as to the level of extra payment appropriations needed in 2011 for the Commission to be able to fulfil the legal obligations of the Union; requests the Commission to communicate to the two arms of the budgetary authority and to the public in general, in a clear manner, what are the consequences of this agreement on the implementation of ongoing programmes; is particularly concerned about the effects of this decision on the running of structural and cohesion funds in the Member States, along with key programmes under the heading "Sustainable growth";
Amendment 3 #
2011/2267(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Underlines that the Council's approach is at odds with the processes of the European Semester and a strengthened European economic governance whereby synergies and complementarities between the Union and the national budgets should be sought; is all the more concerned by the stance of the Council since, if the Union is to recover from the current economic and social crisis, forward-looking investments need to be supported;
Amendment 4 #
2011/2267(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Expresses its willingness to take part, together with the Council and the Commission, in a stocktaking exercise in order to address potential shortcomings and shortfalls in the implementation of the current multiannual programmes, particularly those under headings 1a and 1b.
Amendment 17 #
2011/0394(COD)
Draft Legislative resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls its resolution of 8 June 2011 on Investing in the future: a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for a competitive, sustainable and inclusive Europe1; reiterates that sufficient additional resources are needed in the next MFF in order to enable the Union to fulfil its existing policy priorities and the new tasks provided for in the Treaty of Lisbon, as well as to respond to unforeseen events; challenges the Council, if it does not share this approach, to clearly identify which of its political priorities or projects could be dropped altogether, despite their proven European added value; points out that even with an increase in the level of resources for the next MFF of at least 5% compared to the 2013 level only a limited contribution can be made to the achievement of the Union's agreed objectives and commitments and the principle of Union solidarity. _______________ 1 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2011)0266.
Amendment 19 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Many of the Union's competitiveness problems involve SMEs' difficulties in getting access to finance because they struggle to demonstrate their credit- worthiness and have difficulties in gaining access to risk capital. This has a negative effect on the level and quality of the new enterprises created and on the growth of enterprises. TheEU Financial instruments put in place in 2007-2013, in particular SMEG, have a proven added value and have brought a positive contribution to at least 120 000 SMEs, contributing to maintaining 851 000 jobs since the eruption of the financial crisis in 2008. The enhanced added value for the Union of the proposed financial instruments lies inter alia in strengthening the Single Market for venture capital and in developing a pan-European SME finance market. The Union's actions should be complementary to the Member States' use of financial instruments for SMEs and Member States should do their utmost to increase the visibility and accessibility of such instruments on their territory. The entities entrusted with the implementation of the actions should ensure additionality and avoid double financing through EU resources.
Amendment 20 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1
Article 1
A programme for Union actions to improve the competitiveness of enterprises, with special emphasis on smallelf-employed, micro, small, craft and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) (hereinafter ‘the Programme’), is established for the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020.
Amendment 22 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. The financial envelope for implementing the Programme shall be EUR 2.522 billionWithin the meaning of point [17] of the Interinstitutional Agreement of .../.... between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, the financial envelope for implementing the Programme for its entire duration, shall be 0,5% of the total 2014-2020 MFF ceilings, of which approximately EUR 1.4 billion60% shall be allocated to financial instruments. That amount shall constitute the prime reference for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure.
Amendment 23 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The amount allocated to financial instruments as referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article is an indicative amount without prejudice to the powers of the budgetary authority. It may be adapted upwards or downwards in the frame of the annual budgetary procedure depending on the results achieved in the implementation of the different financial instruments set out in Annex II.
Amendment 24 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. The annual appropriations for implementing the Programme shall be authorised by the budgetary authority without prejudice to the provisions of the Regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014- 2020 and the Interinstitutional Agreement of xxx/201z between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on cooperation in budgetary matters and sound financial management.
Amendment 25 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 4
Article 14 – paragraph 4
4. In accordance with Article 18(43)(h) of Regulation (EU) No XXXX/2012 [New Financial Regulation], revenues and repayments generated by one financial instrument shall be assigned to that financial instrument. For financial instruments already set up in the multiannual financial framework for the 2007-2013 period, revenues and repayments generated by operations started in that period shall be assigned to the financial instrument in the period 2014- 2020.
Amendment 26 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 2 – section 3 – point 3
Annex 2 – section 3 – point 3
3. The LGF shall, except for loans in the securitised portfolio, cover loans up to EUR 150.0 000 and with a minimum maturity of 12 months. The LGF shall be designed in such way that it will be possible to report on the innovative SMEs supported, both in terms of number and volume of loans.
Amendment 126 #
2011/0367(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. All national programmes shall be approved by 31 December 2014.
Amendment 161 #
2011/0367(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1
Article 33 – paragraph 1
1. Following the Commission decision approving the national programme, an initial pre-financing amount for the whole programming period shall be paid by the Commission. This shall represent 46% of the contribution from the Union budget to the national programme concerned. It may be split into two instalments depending on budget availability.
Amendment 170 #
2011/0367(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 45 – paragraph 1
Article 45 – paragraph 1
1. National programmes shall be submitted to a decommitment procedure established on the basis that amounts linked to a commitment which is not covered by the initial pre-financing referred to in Article 33 or a request for payment in accordance with Article 39 by 31 December of the seconthird year following that of the budget commitment shall be decommitted.
Amendment 171 #
2011/0367(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 46 – paragraph 3
Article 46 – paragraph 3
3. The part of the budget commitments for which a payment request has been made but payment of which has been reduced or suspended by the Commission at 31 December of year N + 23 shall be disregarded in calculating the automatic decommitment.
Amendment 1588 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 107 – paragraph 4
Part 3 – article 107 – paragraph 4
4. Union networks comprising the members designated by the Member States and the managing authorities shall be set up by the Commission to ensure exchange on the results of the implementation of the communication strategies, the exchange of experience in implementing the information and communication measures, and the exchange of good practices. Each management authority will use the EU information network’s Europe Direct Centres effectively in the implementation of information and communication activities at a local and regional level.
Amendment 3 #
2010/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Points out that internationalisation and innovation are key drivers of external competitiveness and growth and are crucial to the EU 2020 strategic goals;
Amendment 6 #
2010/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses the need to transform the EU's trade and innovation policy into a true vehicle for job creation, the eradication of poverty and sustainable development worldwide; firmly believes that consistency between the internal and external aspects of EU policies is indispensable and that the shaping of a new trade policy must be consistent with a strong, job-creating industrial and innovation policy in order to ensure economic growth and in turn create more and better jobs;
Amendment 7 #
2010/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Believes that, in order to develop a competitive trade policy, it is essential to attain the objective of investing 3% of the EU’s GDP in R&D activities by 2020;
Amendment 14 #
2010/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that, in the EU’s innovation policies, particular attention must be paid to supporting eco-compatible, energy- saving and low-carbon production and technologies, protecting IPR, improving SMEs’ access to funding, making SMEs internationally active, liberalising protected markets, stabilising exchange rates, fostering the legal protection of EU companies abroad and combating unfair competition and counterfeiting;
Amendment 17 #
2010/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Believes that an efficient innovation and growth policy must inevitably invest in research programmes which facilitate mobility and exchanges between researchers at international level and strengthen cooperation between the worlds of science and business (Marie Curie Actions);
Amendment 1 #
2010/2048(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas, in substance, the Parliament is ready, in conciliation, to negotiate with the other branch of the budgetary authority, on the exact breakdown between redeployment and mobilisation of the flexibility instrument,
Amendment 3 #
2010/2048(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
Amendment 6 #
2010/2048(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to present a new proposal for the mobilisation of the flexibility instrument for the remaining part of EUR 56 774 124 470,
Amendment 2 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that, in addition to considerations regarding the MFF ceilings for the remaining years (2011-2013), the budgetary authority has been obliged to revise the MFF several times because it did not allow the EU to react properly and satisfactorily to various challenges that have arisen in recent years; reiterates its conviction that an in-depth review and revision of the MFF is an absolute necessity; asks the Commission to publish its report on the functioning of the current IIA on the basis of Declaration 1 of the 17 May 2006 IIA by May 2010, accompanied by concrete proposals to revise the current MFF for the period 2007 -2013;
Amendment 4 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that the 2011 budget is the fourth of seven under the current MFF, and emphasises that point 37 of the IIA on the use of the 5% margin of legislative flexibility now makes full sense, since the two arms of the budgetary authority have a clearer view of the shortfalls of, and positive developments in, existing programmes; recalls that, irrespective of the provisions of the IIA, ensuring an appropriate level of flexibility in the EU budget is a prerequisite for its effective implementation in a useful manner; expects the MFF regulation to be adopted on the basis of Article 312 of the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union and the forthcoming IIA to allow for greater flexibility;
Amendment 6 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that the strengthening of a number of policies at EU level following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty wshould logically imply additional financial capacity for the EU;
Amendment 9 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that the EU was able to react collectively to the financial and economic, within the constraints of the MFF, was able to find some European added value to the national efforts made in Member States to combat the economical and financial crisis, by adopting an ambitiousthe European Economic Recovery Pplan (EERP), but notes that the overall economic situation in the EU is still deteriorating and is far from satisfactory in comparison to the world’s other leading economies;
Amendment 12 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10 Stresses that youth is tremendously important both now and for the future of the EU, and that it should be given particular attention in the course of defining our mid-and long-term priorities; points out that youth, in all its policies, with all their related aspects, arepresent the basis of social and inclusive strategies and that the innovation capacity of youth is a key resource for EU and should be sedevelopment as a cross-policynd growth for theme EU;
Amendment 38 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Is of the opinion that support for entrepreneurship and SMEs is a cornerstoneuseful tool of EU policy on youth and innovation; recalls that it has put forward several pilot projects and preparatory actions in recent years with the aim of supporting young entrepreneurs, promoting interconnections between SMEs and enhancing worker mobility, and underlines that it will closely monitor the legislative proposals to be presented following the completion of these projects and actions;
Amendment 40 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recalls that 2011 has been designated as the European Year of Voluntary Activities Promoting Active Citizenship; and 2010 the European Year for combating poverty and social exclusion; points out that volunteering plays a crucial role in many sectors as varied and diverse as, inter alia, education, health, social care and development policy, and that it can provide people with new skills and competences, thereby improving their employability and contributing to social inclusion;
Amendment 43 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. WelcomesTakes Note of the Commission working document on the future ‘EU 2020’ strategy1, which identifies three key drivers for the EU’s future (creating value by basing growth on knowledge, empowering people in inclusive societies, and creating a competitive, connected and greener economy) and addresses the real challenges that the EU needs to fas the basis of a broad discussion of the EU economic strategy; believes that this strategy should put more emphasis on the fight against unemployment and strengthen the EU's economic governance; underlines, however, in conjunction with the priorities set for the 2011 budget, that clear, proactive measures have to be taken to endow EU 2020 with substance and resources, and firmly asserts that this strategy should not turn into another vague and purely indicative scoreboard for the Member States; refuses to duplicate the frustrating experience of the Lisbon Strategy, with the Council making systematic cuts to the lines supporting efforts consistent with the agreed strategy;
Amendment 45 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses that it intends to use all the means provided for in the IIA of 17 May 2006 to mobilise funds for these priorities, and underlines that this financial effort may necessitate the shifting of funds from other instruments or programmes; considers that the EU could transfer funds from badly implemented programmes, or those with a comparatively large level of appropriations, to these priorities,is exercise should be based not only on a quantitative monitoring of the existing programs but also on close and thorough qualitative monitoring; believes that the Committee on Budgets should rely on the work undertaken by EP specialised committees in that respect; thereby improving the quality of its spending, and thereby increasing European added value which is essential in a context of constrained public finances;
Amendment 48 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Takes the view that a clear and comprehensive presentation of the EU’s budget is necessary, and intends pay close attention to the financial programming and the modifications made by recent major budgetary agreements; welcomes the Commission’s improved presentation of its financial programming documents and calls for further clarification of the breakdown between operational and administrative expenditure; while recognising that this distinction might be difficult to make in some cases; recalls that adequate administrative expenditure is necessary for running the programmes;
Amendment 50 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Recalls that the financing of these priorities through tha possible reallocation of funds must not be detrimental to traditional EU policies such as the cohesion or, structural or agriculture policies; points out that these policies fulfil the founding principle of the EU, namely social inclusion and solidarity amongst Member States and regions;
Amendment 52 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls that a number of policies and measures constituting the EERP are covered under this heading, together with a great number of multiannual programmes (CIP, FP7, TENs, etc.) which will have reached maturity in 2011; calls on the Commission to present a follow-up report on the implementation of the EERP including on measures entrusted to the EIB;
Amendment 85 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Asks the Commission to report on the implementation of the ‘Dairy Fund’measures against dairy crisis introduced in the 2010 budget in order to mitigate the consequences of price fluctuations in the dairy sector, and to present a permanentn approach in this field for the future;
Amendment 91 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Will be particularly attentive to the implementation of changes such as the bringing of EUROPOL fully within the Community sphere and the establishment of the European Asylum Support Office as well as scrutinising the financial needs of FRONTEX;
Amendment 92 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Recalls that this heading covers a wide range of actions in favour of youth through multiannual programmes such as Youth in Action, the Culture Programme, Europe for Citizens, annual events; intends, therefore, to support those EU programmes relating to this issue that are directly relevant to the priorities for the 2011 budget, and to monitor their implementation closely in both qualitative and quantitative terms; regrets, however, that the ceiling of this heading for 2011 is only EUR 15 million above the budget adopted in 2010;
Amendment 99 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Points out that, following an amending budget for 2010, 2011 will be the first fully operational year for the European External Action Service (EEAS); intends to provide the EEAS with the necessary means to fulfil its mission, but recalls that, under the treaty and in full accordance with the common intention to increase the EP’s involvement in the shaping and management of the EU’s external relations, it will fully exercise its scrutiny over the budget and budgetary control of EEAS; underlines the likely "sui generis" nature of the EEAS, which will probably entail the creation of a new section entitled "EEAS" in the EU budget;
Amendment 103 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Expresses its concerns over the scarcity of information regarding the financing of the EU’s commitments to support developing countries in their fight against climate change, and recalls that this commitment was not foreseen in the MFF; strongly emphasises that the funding for these measures should be additional to the existing ODA funds;
Amendment 104 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Reaffirms its firm commitment to assist the Haitian people to the largest possible extent in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that has struck their country; asks the Commission to present, on the basis of an extensive needs assessment, the most ambitious assistance plan possible for Haiti; recalls that such a plan should not jeopardise existing cooperation with other developing and less advanced countries, and should consist mainly of new funding sources; in that context, calls once more the Commission to make some concrete proposals on the strengthening of the European Civil Protection mechanism along the lines put forward in the 2006 Barnier report;
Amendment 109 #
2010/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Emphasises that the Eastern Partnership, as a component of its neighbourhood policy, is of great significance for the EU, and reiterates its support for the proposed framework; considers it equally important to ensure an adequate financial envelope reflecting the EU's commitment vis-à-vis its southern neighbours;
Amendment 7 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. RWelcomes the publication by the Commission of the Report on the functioning of IIA (COM 2010/185) and recalls, in thatis respect, that a proposal for a substantial budget reviewrevision is awaited, and that the difficulties encountered in the previous budgetary procedures into reacting properly and satisfactorily to various challenges that have arisen render athe revision of the current MFF unavoidable; recalls that it expects the Commission to make some concrete proposals for a revision of the MFF before the end the 1st semester 2010;
Amendment 8 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5a new
Paragraph 5a new
5a. Underlines the importance of a strong European reaction to the crisis and to the instability of financial market that should logically imply additional financial capacity and flexibility for EU Budget;
Amendment 14 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7a new
Paragraph 7a new
7a. deplores the impossibility to clearly identify, from a budgetary point of view, the financial implication in the Draft Budget 2011 of the EU 2020 Strategy flagship initiatives , such as "innovation Union", "Youth on the Move", "Resource efficient Europe", "New skills and jobs", "Industrial policy for the globalisation era" and expresses its strong doubts regarding the capacity to ensure, in the context of the present financial framework, an adequate funding for these key initiatives;
Amendment 16 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls that, as stated in its resolution of 25 March 2010 on priorities for the 2011 budget, youth is one of the key priorities for the 2011 budget, which should be promoted as an EU cross-cutting theme, developing synergies between different policy areas relating to youth, notably education, employment, entrepreneurship and health, while facilitating and encouraging young people's social inclusion, empowerment, mobility and skills development; points out that 'youth' should be seen as a broad concept encompassing the ability of individuals to change positions and status several times throughout their lives, switching without restriction between settings such as apprenticeships, academic or professional environments and vocational training, and that, to this end, one of the objectives wshould be transition from the education system to the labour market also taking into account the economic needs related to this process;
Amendment 21 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11a new
Paragraph 11a new
11a. Underlines the fact that the EU budget is very limited compared to national budgets; recalls therefore, in order to implement common EU strategies, the need for creating synergies between the EU budget and national budgets; stresses that coherence creates a greater impact for European policies, achieving a true European added value, while supporting long term policy objectives; is convinced that the EU budget can play an instrumental role in key areas to support long tem investments and jobs; expects the Council to take that duly into consideration when deciding on the EU budget and to refrain from "across the board cuts" even if the context for national public finances is extremely difficult;
Amendment 22 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13a new
Paragraph 13a new
13a. Is very concerned about the decrease regarding CIP - Entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly given the key role that the SMEs have in driving the economic recovery; has taken note of the problems described by the Commission in keeping payments at a high level in times of crisis, but is not convinced that the payments need to be drastically reduced to the very low level that has been proposed; urges the Commission to look further into this issue;
Amendment 55 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Recalls that one of the main changes introduced by the TFEU is the abolition of the distinction between compulsory and non-compulsory expenditure in the budget procedure, allowing, at last, the two branches of the budgetary authority to negotiate on a equal footing on all annual appropriations and multiannual financial programming for an heading which, recalls that compulsory expenditures accountsed for almost 342% of the overall draft budget for 2011most of which were under heading 2;
Amendment 59 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Notes that, despite the claim that appropriations remain stable, assigned revenue is down by more than 25 % in 2011, and expresses its concern that market support is down by almost 22% (to EUR 3 491 million), and that appropriations for veterinary and plant protection measures show a fall of 7.8%, considering increased market volatility as well as vulnerability of agricultural activity to sanitary hazards;
Amendment 64 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Welcomes the increase of appropriations for decoupled direct aid (9,7%), school fruit and vegetables scheme (50%, to 90 million), and school milk (5,3%), ands well as the appropriations foreseen for the program "aid for deprived persons" for which it expects the Council to eventually reach an agreement on the Commission's proposal to change the legal basis; notes with satisfaction the constant decrease of export refunds since 2007 (to 166 million in DB 2011);
Amendment 81 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Recalls that the "Milk Fund" adopted in 2010 Budget to mitigate the consequences of the dairy crisis was supposed to be a one-off action; asks the Commission to forward its evaluation of this measure and its proposals for a permanent approach and concrete proposals for dealing with price volatility in this sector; including measures to correct the unfair competition currently existing in the dairy sector, where farmers receive less for their products, whilst the price for consumers stays at the same level;
Amendment 97 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Takes note, in this respect, of the Commission's communication on an Action Plan to implement the Stockholm Programme, and welcomes, in the field of immigration and support for the integration of immigrants, the proposed increase in CA for the External Borders Fund (254 million, +22 %) and the European Return Fund (114 million, + 29 %); this requires the Commission to equally reinforce all financial instruments aimed at strengthening the political, economic and development partnership with countries of origin and transit, including best practices in the use of labour remittances for development projects;
Amendment 100 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Takes note, in this respect, of the Commission's communication on an Action Plan to implement the Stockholm Programme, and welcomes, in the field of immigration and support for the integration of immigrants, the proposed increase in CA for the External Borders Fund (254 million, +22 %) and the European Return Fund (114 million, + 29 %); regrets the small increase of the appropriations on the European Refugee Fund (94 million, +1.3 %);
Amendment 112 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Recalls that encouraging and promoting cooperation in the field of youth and sports is a priority for the 2011 budget and stresses that financial support for special annual events is an important tool to this end; deplores the fact that no CA have been included in the draft budget for 2011 (p.m. in CA and only EUR 2.9 million in PA), as against EUR 9.8 million and EUR 10.25 million respectively in the 2010 budget; furthermore underlines that sport is a new competence under the Lisbon Treaty which should be adequately funded in the 2011 budget;
Amendment 113 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Welcomes the launch of the European Year on Volunteering in 2011, building on the preparatory action introduced under the 2010 budget 2010, and recalls Parliament's and Council's decision to increase the overall allocation provided for in the relevant legislative act to EUR 8 million;
Amendment 115 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 a new
Paragraph 45 a new
45a. Takes the view that the resources currently given over to citizenship, i.e. 0.5% of the Community budget, are nowhere near enough to genuinely realise our objective of bringing Europe closer to citizens;
Amendment 118 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 a new
Paragraph 45 a new
45a. Deplores the cuts of nearly 4 million in commitments for the programme 'Europe for Citizens' and recalls the importance of this programme in the development of European citizenship through support for concrete actions such as town-twinning;
Amendment 120 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46 a new
Paragraph 46 a new
Amendment 125 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50 a new
Paragraph 50 a new
50a. Stresses the need to increase the Community budget for funding measures designed to address migration phenomena, with a view to improving the management of legal migration, slowing down illegal migration and optimising the impact of migration on development;
Amendment 156 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63
Paragraph 63
Amendment 157 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 65
Paragraph 65
65. Stresses the importance of pilot projects and preparatory actions as key tools for the formulation of political priorities and for paving the way for new initiatives that might turn into EU activities and programmes improving the lives of the citizen; confirms, therefore, already at this stage in the procedure, that it is determined to use all the means at its disposal to ensure the adoption of its proposals regarding pilot projects and preparatory actions for the 2011 budget;
Amendment 158 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 67
Paragraph 67
67. Intends to forward to the Commission, as provided for in Annex II, part D of the IIA, a first provisional list of potential pilot projects and preparatory actions for the 2011 budget 2011, in order for the Commission to contribute to Parliament's definition of a global and balanced final package on this issue, expects the Commission to provide a well reasoned analysis of EP's indicative proposals; stresses that this first provisional list does not preclude the formal tabling and adoption of amendments concerning pilot projects and preparatory actions during Parliament's reading of the budget;
Amendment 174 #
2010/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 72
Paragraph 72
72. Recalls, as far as procedural aspects of the conciliation committee are concerned, that the institutions involved are supposed to reach agreement at the trilogue scheduled for July; insist that the up- coming Presidency of the European Union, meant to adopt the budget, takes part in this trialogue; considers, as far as the mandate regarding the 2011 draft budget is concerned, all aspects and points raised in this resolution to be of importance for this trilogue;
Amendment 21 #
2009/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes Turkey’s potential for further economic development, given its young and dynamic population; encourages both the EU and Turkey to pay due attention to their interlinked economies and infrastructure, with particular reference to green-economy principles, to pursue further openness, to refrain from hidden protectionism and to capitalise more on Turkey’s geo-political position when setting trade targets;
Amendment 30 #
2009/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights that the CU covers manufactured goods and processed agricultural products; looks forward to the inclusion of agricultural products in the CU, with the adoption ofa requirement to comply with the agri-environmental and animal welfare standards laid down by the CAP; considers that other areas such as services and public procurement should fall within its scope;
Amendment 54 #
2009/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Acknowledges the difficulties faced by Turkey in concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with third countries, due to the unwillingness of certain countries to strike trade deals in the absence of binding mechanisms, and the detrimental effects of this on the Turkish economy; asks the Commission to take Turkey into account in its international negotiations, including in the context of third countries’ obligations;
Amendment 75 #
2009/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Notes that Turkey and the EU face similar challenges in energy supply; stresses the need to define a common external energy strategy; urges Turkey to ratify the Energy Charter Treaty Trade Amendment; hopes that negotiations on Chapter 15(Energy) can start as soon as possible in the interests of closer cooperation in this highly strategic area;
Amendment 80 #
2009/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Regrets that the recurrent visa problems under GATS Mode 4 substantially limit the movement of Turkish businessmen and lorry drivers into the EU, constituting a non-tariff-barrier which is contrary to the spirit of the CU; underlines the successive ECJ rulings on this matter; welcomes the decision of the Turkish Government to resume formal negotiations on an EU- Turkey readmission agreement, and the spirit of cooperation this shows; calls in consequence on the Commission and the Council to re-examine visa procedures with a view to eliminating obstacles to trade;
Amendment 90 #
2009/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses that counterfeit products represent a major problem in EU-Turkey trade relations and reduce the attractiveness of Turkey for FDI; welcomes the adoption of new IPR legislation in Turkey, withhich it hopes to see effectively enforcementd;
Amendment 2 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the overall agreement on Budget 2010, reached in the last traditional budgetary conciliation meeting with Council on 18 November 2009 before the entry into force of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, especially with regard to the financing of the European Economic Recovery Plan; regretemphasises that, as a consequence, very tightsmall margins aremain available under the ceilings in all the headings of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the budget 2010, which might cause difficulties if any unforeseen events requiring a budget input occur in the course of 2010;
Amendment 2 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that the key objective of the 2010 budget must be to give special attention to the recent economic crisis, in this context the Parliament will put European citizens first, proving that the European Union is not the problem, but a part of the solution; therefore has amended accordingly the Draft Budget of the Council, with the aim of using the EU budget as a tool to help overcome the current crises, by giving impetus to economic growth, competitiveness, cohesion and job protection;
Amendment 3 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates that that third revision of the current MFF is the consequence of the tight margins foreseen in the IIA of 17 May 2006, which demonstrates that a thorough examination should bcalls that for the fourth time since 2007 the budget authority has been obliged to revise the MFF 2007-13 and the IIA of 17 May 2006 in order to provide made and substantial proposals presented by Commission to address these deficits in the mid-term review of the IIA, as provided for in Declaration 3 thereof, if possible through more flexibility and by all means foreseen by the IIA; calls on the European Commission to immediately initiate the review process as soon as it is in officequate budgetary means for the financing of polices not sufficiently funded under the financial framework agreed in 2006;
Amendment 4 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses that margins available according to the financial programming published by the Commission in May 2009 for the budget years 2011 -2013 are very tight; emphasises that this will prevent the institutions from taking any new, meaningful political initiative in areas set as priorities by the newly appointed President of the Commission such as, for example and to name only a few, addressing climate change or the "EU 2020" strategy; emphasises, moreover, that, following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, a number of policies will be strengthened at EU level, which will require additional EU funding; therefore calls on the new Commission to publish, as soon as it is in office, a report on the functioning of the IIA of 17 May 2006, as provided for in Declaration 1 thereof, together with a revision of the MFF 2007-13 for the budget years 2011- 13;
Amendment 4 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Is committed to do its utmost to secure adequate financing for all activities and policies under heading 1 a which foster sustainable growth and job creation and delivers solutions to European citizens namely by providing greater energy security, increasing support for research and innovation, promoting small and medium sized enterprises and fostering growth and job creation, supporting social dialogue and life long learning policies;
Amendment 5 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Recalls that the Commission should also initiate the mid-term review process, as provided for in Declaration 3 of the IIA of 17 May 2006, in order to launch a proper public and open debate on the post-2013 Multiannual Financial Framework;
Amendment 7 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Advocates the revision of the European Globalisation Fund, for the benefit of wRecalls that the legislative authority has agreed on the revision of Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 on establishing the European Globalisation Fund1 with Regulation (EC) No 546/20092 of 18 June 2009 in orkders who suffer from the consequences of major structural change to widen its application and to take into account the effects of the current economic crisis in world trade patterns, to assist themder to assist redundant workers with their reintegration into the labour market; stresses that depending on the implementation of these new rules, raising the maximum allocation of EUR 500 million foreseen for this fund in Point 28 of the IIA of 17 May 2006 should be considered; 1 OJ L 406, 30.12.2006, p. 1. 2 OJ L 167, 29.6.2009, p. 26.
Amendment 10 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the agreement with the Council on the European Economic Recovery Plan as a key objective of the 2010 budget, particularly that it enabled completing the second step of its financing in 2010, confirming that the EU budget is a tool helping to overcome the recent economic crisis; underlines the fact that the Parliament's action was aimed at putting European citizens first, proving that the European Union is not at the origin of the problem, but can be instrumental in the solution; welcomes the use of the tools provided for in the IIA in order to guarantee its financing, especially point 23 and the use of the flexibility instrument according to point 27 of the IIA but hoped for further possibilities to be explored by the Commission; recalls, in this context, that the Council did not present its proposal on this issue in its 1st reading;
Amendment 10 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Points out that the current weak implementation of structural and cohesion policy is mainly due to the low flexibility in the system of complicated rules and requirements imposed by the Commission and/or Member States;
Amendment 11 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Insists that Member States use all the existing tools to accelerate or even revise their operational programmes in order to tackle the consequences of the recent economic and financial crisis more efficiently; calls on the Commission to endorse these modifications in the shortest possible period of time so as not to delay their implementation;
Amendment 12 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses the need to provide the EU with the appropriate financial means to effectively develop measures to meet the existing and new needs for the implementation of new Lisbon Treaty- related EU policies; requests the Commission to take into account the undertaken budgetary commitments and their multiannual budgetary implications when presenting the proposals for the mid-term review andof the financing of new Lisbon Treaty-related policies; calls, accordingly, on the new Commission to make a clear commitment to complying with this requestpresent, as soon as it is in office, a proposal for a revision of the MFF 2007- 13;
Amendment 12 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10c. Urges Member States to find an agreement on the proposal made by the Commission in July for amending the general provisions of the ERDF, ESF and Cohesion Funds as regards simplification of provision relating to financial management;
Amendment 13 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines that this sub-heading finances numerous important policies and activities aimed at fighting climate change and supporting growth for jobs and that more should be done to focus the efforts in order to effectively address those priorities;
Amendment 14 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Is of the opinion that the EU budget in its present format cannot address effectively and realistically the goals that the EU has set for climate change; considers that European citizens need a tangible European initiative to fight climate change, face theits consequences of climate changeand finance the necessary policies;
Amendment 16 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Urges the Commission and the Council immediately after the Copenhagen summit to start forming a strategy for the financing of global climate change policies, including a strategic role for the EU budget;
Amendment 17 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the financing of the decommissioning of the Kozloduy nuclear power plant for 2010; believes though that this issue deserves an appropriate multiannual funding solution, which should be provided in the context of the forthcoming budgetary proposalsa revision of the MFF 2007-13, to be presented by the new Commission as soon as it is in office;
Amendment 18 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Acknowledges European citizens' wish for a safe and secure Europe and welcomesthat all countries in the European Union are facing many challenges in relation to policies covered by this heading; urges Member States to take advantage of the increases in this sub- heading relative to the 2009 budget to tackle these challenges together;
Amendment 20 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Stresses the importance of further funding being made available via the EU budget to manage legal immigration and integration of third country nationals while, in parallel, tackling illegal immigration and strengthening border protection, includingin full respect of human fundamental rights; welcomes the strengthening of the European Refugee Fund to facilitate solidarity between the Member States;
Amendment 21 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Recalls that the low turnout in the European elections has shown once again that information and communication policy has to be expanded and improved in the 2010 budget; and cknowledges that this represents a common challenge for the Commission, the Member States and Parliament as a necessary part of the democratic process; has therefore tabled several amendments putting in reserve a part of appropriations foreseen for the information and communication policy; calls on the Commission to present to the Parliament its plans on how to implement the outcome of the findings of the Interinstitutional Group of Information (IGI);
Amendment 23 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Has decided to put the increase onappropriations on the budget line climate change in developing countries into reserve, waiting for theas a sign of the firm commitment of the Union to achieve an ambitious and balanced outcome ofat the Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen; is however of the view that the current MFF does not equip the EU with sufficient funding to tackle the issue of climate change in developing countries;
Amendment 25 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Recalls that the fight against climate change will remain one of the top priorities for the European Union, as the Copenhagen conference in December 2009 has shown; considers, however, that this priority is not sufficiently reflected in the EU budget and intends, consequently, to put stronger emphasis on this key policy; calls on the new Commission to submit a financing proposal in the aftermath of the climate change conference in the context of a revision of the MFF 2007-13 to be presented by the new Commission as soon as it is in office;
Amendment 28 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
Amendment 29 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
Amendment 29 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Continues to count on support for the peace process in Palestine; increased support for the Palestinian Authority regarding institution building in view of the future Palestinian State as well as meeting the humanitarian and the reconstruction needs in the Gaza Strip; calls on the Commission to continue to communicate which measures it has taken to minimise the risks that projects and programmes financed under this budget line are used or diverted to terrorist organisations or acts of terrorisensure that this funding is not diverted from its original aim;
Amendment 30 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28. Emphasises the importance of the EU in supporting developing countries in their struggle to fight climate change; notes the Commission's estimates that EU funding in the range of EUR 500 000 000 to 2 100 000 000 per year is needed for climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries between 2010 and 2012; underlines that climate finance needs to come from additional funding and not from cuts in existing development aid, in order for the EU to honour its commitment to achieve the Millennium Development Goals;
Amendment 32 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Calls on the new Commission to take into account the abovementioned points in addressing problems under heading 4 when proposing a revision of the MFF 2007-13 as soon as it is in office;
Amendment 32 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Has reinstated the appropriations for staff expenditure however; points out that the total amount of all types of administrative expenditure financed outside heading 5 has substantially increased in recent years; requests that in future, proposals from Commission to transfer administrative expenditure to the operational headings is fully justifiedacknowledges that operational programmes can not function without the necessary administrative support; is, however, greatly concerned that under the current MFF part of the overall envelope for multi-annual programmes under headings other than heading 5 is being used for administrative expenditure;
Amendment 33 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
Amendment 33 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
Amendment 34 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Considers these projects an indispensable tool for Parliament to initiate new policies for European citizens; regretnotes that, for the majority of ongoingall but four pilot projects and preparatory actions, the Commission has entered payment appropriations only, which means thahas enabled the Parliament nto follow-up will be given;ully scrutinize whether a follow-up was needed or not and whether or not new commitments should be voted; moreover has analysed a series of new interesting proposals, only some of which could be entered into the 2010 budget due to the constraints of IIA and MFF ceilings;
Amendment 36 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
Amendment 39 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Notes that the adoption of Letter of Amendment No. 3/2010 concerning section II (Council) was agreed for an amount of EUR 23,5 million without us, leaving thea margin under heading 5 for 2010, then standing at of EUR 72 million; regrets that Council presented this proposal without considering and before having a comprehensive overview on all institutions' administrative requirements;
Amendment 7 #
2009/0072(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 15 a (new)
Recital 15 a (new)
15a. The European Year of Volunteering should serve to reaffirm the fundamental role of voluntary work and remind Member States that it is not the purpose of such activities to meet the basic needs of the social services sector, nor to act as a substitute for action by public bodies.
Amendment 8 #
2009/0072(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 3
Article 2 – paragraph 3
3. Reward and recognise volunteering activities - To encourage appropriate incentives for individuals, companies and volunteer-development organisations (in particular: adequate health, accident and civil-liability insurance cover for volunteers during their volunteering activities; effective recognition of skills acquired, through the validation of experience and equivalence within a training and labour market integration course for volunteers; introduction of VAT exemptions for volunteer organisations registered in the Member States, in respect of purchases required for the achievement of their goals) and gain more systematic recognition for volunteering by policy makers, civil society organisations and employers for skills and competences developed through volunteering.
Amendment 9 #
2009/0072(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 4
Article 2 – paragraph 4
4. Raise awareness of the value and importance of volunteering - To raise general awareness of the importance of volunteering as an expression of civic participation which contributes to issues which are of common concern of all Member States, such as a harmonious societal development and economic and social cohesion.
Amendment 10 #
2009/0072(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. The budget for implementing this Decision for the period from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011 is EUR 610 000 000.
Amendment 11 #
2009/0072(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – point A – introductory section – paragraph -1 (new)
Annex – point A – introductory section – paragraph -1 (new)
So as to ensure that the bulk of the available resources is set aside for initiatives put forward by individual Member States, no more than 10% of the overall resources allocated to the Year of Volunteering may be used for direct Community initiatives.
Amendment 12 #
2009/0072(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – point A – point 1 – point 6 a (new)
Annex – point A – point 1 – point 6 a (new)
- action to make voluntary activity's contribution to national revenue and its impact on society more visible through the inclusion of volunteering as a specific category in Eurostat's statistical accounts and the production of 'satellite accounts' on non-profit institutions, in which voluntary unpaid work would be included, as well as through the celebration on 5 December each year of International Volunteer Day, as recognised by the UN since 1985.
Amendment 13 #
2009/0072(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – point C – paragraph 2
Annex – point C – paragraph 2
The Commission shall determineset the final deadline for submission of the applications and the indicative amounts available for grants to each National coordinator and the final deadline for submission of the applications. The criteria should take into account. The criteria should take into account the proposed initiatives or working programme, the population, and the cost of living and a fixed amount per Member State to guarantee a minimum level of activiti, but should also ensure that all Member States expressing an interest are allocated appropriate resources.