Procedure completed
2011/2195(INI) Role of Cohesion Policy in the outermost regions of the European Union in the context of EU 2020
Lead committee dossier: REGI/7/06912
Legal Basis RoP 052
| Role | Committee | Rapporteur | Shadows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opinion | BUDG | GODMANIS Ivars (ALDE) | |
| Opinion | ITRE | TZAVELA Niki (EFD) | |
| Lead | REGI | TEIXEIRA Nuno (PPE) | TIROLIEN Patrice (S&D), SAVISAAR-TOOMAST Vilja (ALDE), GRÈZE Catherine (Verts/ALE), VLASÁK Oldřich (ECR), OMARJEE Younous (GUE/NGL) |
Legal Basis RoP 052
Subjects
Activites
-
2012/04/18
Results of vote in Parliament
- Results of vote in Parliament
-
T7-0125/2012
summary
The European Parliament adopted by 565 votes to 74, with 21 abstentions, a resolution on the role of Cohesion Policy in the outermost regions of the European Union in the context of EU 2020. Members consider that Cohesion Policy must remain one of the main instruments of European action to reduce disparities in the European regions in general, and in the ORs in particular, with a view to enabling them to integrate into the internal market and assert themselves in their respective geographical areas, promoting the economic development and convergence of these regions with the EU mainland and pursuing the EU 2020 targets. (1) Differentiated and holistic treatment for the outermost regions: the resolution stresses that, under the terms of the TFEU, the ORs are entitled to differentiated and holistic treatment, enabling them to benefit from the maximum level of support, irrespective of their level of development, so that their specific features are sufficiently considered and protected. Parliament supports the advisability of ORs pursuing the main objectives defined in the Europe 2020 strategy, but emphasises the need to modulate these in accordance with their own situations, taking into account their regional diversity, their structural conditions and the potential benefits. It states that Article 349 of the TFEU, which stipulates the adoption of specific measures aimed at lessening the impact of OR characteristics, should be used more often than it is, and should be given the legal, institutional and political effect needed to ensure fair integration and economic and social development for the ORs within the internal market and, on a wider scale, within the European Union. Members believe that some flexibility needs to be shown for the ORs as regards concentration on the three main thematic objectives laid down in the new proposals for regulations from 2014. They consider that other criteria should be used to determine the eligibility of ORs for the allocation of structural funds and calls for the implementation of a specific criterion whereby ORs are classified among the least developed regions regardless of their GDP. They stress, moreover, that the co-financing rates in respect of the ORs should be 85 % for all instruments providing aid for those regions. The resolution welcomes the Commission’s plan to include a budget line for ‘Outermost regions and regions with a very low population density’ in MFF 2014-2020, as this will create a clearer link between the funds allocated for those regions and their objectives. Parliament deplores, however, the proposal, within the additional ERDF funding, to reduce drastically the amounts to be allocated to the ORs and regions with a low population density for the financial period from 2014 to 2020 and are concerned that this allocation, initially designed to compensate for the effects of the structural disadvantages of the outermost regions and regions with a low population density, has been reduced to 50 % by earmarking for different objectives. It draws attention to the fact that in the proposal for a Regulation on the next ESF, the situation of ORs will not be referred to, considering not only the structural characteristics but also their specific economic situation which puts them among the regions with the highest unemployment rates in the EU. The resolution emphasises that European taxation and customs policies should be adjusted in order to enhance the competitiveness of the outermost regions’ economies and that the existence of appropriate tax and customs frameworks is of paramount importance to the diversification of economic activity and the creation of sustainable jobs in the ORs. It also calls for the possibility of developing a specific framework on state aid to ORs to be examined, and favours retaining the current levels of aid for investment in large, medium and small enterprises and the possibility of granting operational aid which is not degressive or limited in time, within a flexible regulatory framework. Members consider that EU intervention should aim to play a key role and boost initiative by developing, in the ORs, centres of excellence based on sectors which exploit their advantages and their know-how, such as waste management, renewable energy, energy self-sufficiency, biodiversity, student mobility, climate research and crisis management. (2) A specific framework for European policies in the outermost regions: Parliament advocates the need for prior assessment of the impact of European regulation projects on the economies of the Outermost Regions. It regrets that the proposal for the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy does not take sufficient account of the situation of the ORs. It draws attention to the marine dimension of the ORs and the importance of the fishing sector in regional development policy and jobs for local populations. Members highlight the need to maintain measures for the sustainable management and protection of marine resources to gradually restrict access to marine areas identified as biogeographically sensitive so that eventually only local fleets are allowed there, to use environmentally friendly fishing equipment, to promote aquaculture. They also call for an increase in the compensation for additional costs in the POSEI fisheries programme. They draw attention to the importance of the tourism sector and call on the Commission to speed up the implementation of the European Action Plan. Parliament argues for the creation of technological infrastructures and Europe-wide innovation hubs, the development of projects and partnerships with Scientific and Technological System organisations and the exchange of ideas and good practices through European innovation support networks and smart specialisation such as the S3 platform, and long-term investments in the ORs, in the framework of Cohesion Funding and to ensure active participation in the flagship projects of the EU 2020 strategy. Members emphasise the need to facilitate synergy between Cohesion Policy funds and the Framework Programme for Research and Development in order to increase the development of the outermost regions and curb the under-utilisation of research funds. They note that a single European transport area should contribute towards ensuring the inclusive growth of the ORs, reduce their access gap and combat climate change. Pointing out that the ORs’ dependence on imported fossil fuels results in substantial additional costs, the resolution proposes strengthening the renewable energy sector and energy efficiency through initiatives such as the ‘Pact of Islands’, aimed at developing local action plans for renewable energy and projects suitable for financing, in order to achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions of at least 20 % by 2020. Members stress the need to improve access to funding for businesses in ORs in particular by setting up a dialogue with the EIB Group and by supporting the creation of local investment funds in each OR, as well as the development of regional capital investment markets. (3) Better governance and integration of the outermost regions in the EU and in their geographical environments: Parliament advocates greater involvement of the regional authorities of the ORs in preparing and implementing European programmes and policies, respecting the principles of flexibility, adaptability and modulation, within a framework of subsidiarity and a multi-level and partnership-based form of governance, in partnership with the private sector and civil society, in order to ensure that their specific needs are taken into account at all levels of the decision-making process and to ensure greater visibility of these regions in the EU institutions. Members stress the importance of regional cooperation for ORs and of the continuation of territorial cooperation programmes in the ORs. They point to the role of the ORs as EU borders with the rest of the world and advocate an approach, particularly through pursuing the debate the Commission has said it will hold in partnership with the ORs, that recognises their closeness to EU third countries, including the countries with which they have special cultural and historical ties. In this context, they advocate more relaxed regulations aimed at using more effectively the available funding and completing cooperation projects as well as raising the ERDF co-financing rates to 85 %, giving greater priority to transnational cooperation and removing, in the case of the ORs, the 150km criterion for sea borders in cross-border cooperation.
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2012/03/29
Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
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A7-0084/2012
summary
The Committee on Regional Development adopted the report drafted by Nuno TEIXEIRA (PPE, PT) on the role of Cohesion Policy in the outermost regions of the European Union in the context of EU 2020. Members recall that the Cohesion Policy should be aligned with, and incorporate the features of, the Europe 2020 Strategy, which is aimed at organising policy initiatives around smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, promoting an economy with a high level of employment that is socially and territorially cohesive, and should take due account of the situation of the outermost regions (ORs). Differentiated and holistic treatment for the outermost regions: the report stresses that, under the terms of the TFEU, the ORs are entitled to differentiated and holistic treatment, enabling them to benefit from the maximum level of support, irrespective of their level of development, so that their specific features are sufficiently considered and protected. The committee supports the advisability of ORs pursuing the main objectives defined in the Europe 2020 strategy, but emphasises the need to modulate these in accordance with their own situations, taking into account their regional diversity, their structural conditions and the potential benefits. Members believe that some flexibility needs to be shown for the ORs as regards concentration on the three main thematic objectives laid down in the new proposals for regulations from 2014. They consider that other criteria should be used to determine the eligibility of ORs for the allocation of structural funds and calls for the implementation of a specific criterion whereby ORs are classified among the least developed regions regardless of their GDP. They stress, moreover, that the co-financing rates in respect of the ORs should be 85 % for all instruments providing aid for those regions. The report welcomes the Commission’s plan to include a budget line for ‘Outermost regions and regions with a very low population density’ in MFF 2014-2020, as this will create a clearer link between the funds allocated for those regions and their objectives. Members deplore, however, the proposal, within the additional ERDF funding, to reduce drastically the amounts to be allocated to the ORs and regions with a low population density for the financial period from 2014 to 2020 and are concerned that this allocation, initially designed to compensate for the effects of the structural disadvantages of the outermost regions and regions with a low population density, has been reduced to 50 % by earmarking for different objectives. They draw attention to the fact that in the proposal for a Regulation on the next ESF, the situation of ORs will not be referred to, considering not only the structural characteristics but also their specific economic situation which puts them among the regions with the highest unemployment rates in the EU. The report emphasises that European taxation and customs policies should be adjusted in order to enhance the competitiveness of the outermost regions’ economies and that the existence of appropriate tax and customs frameworks is of paramount importance to the diversification of economic activity and the creation of sustainable jobs in the ORs. It also calls for the possibility of developing a specific framework on state aid to ORs to be examined, and favours retaining the current levels of aid for investment in large, medium and small enterprises and the possibility of granting operational aid which is not degressive or limited in time, within a flexible regulatory framework. A specific framework for European policies in the outermost regions: the committee advocates the need for prior assessment of the impact of European regulation projects on the economies of the Outermost Regions. It regrets that the proposal for the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy does not take sufficient account of the situation of the ORs. It draws attention to the marine dimension of the ORs and the importance of the fishing sector in regional development policy and jobs for local populations. Members highlight the need to maintain measures for the sustainable management and protection of marine resources and call for an increase in the compensation for additional costs in the POSEI fisheries programme. They draw attention to the importance of the tourism sector and call on the Commission to speed up the implementation of the European Action Plan. The report argues for the creation of technological infrastructures and Europe-wide innovation hubs, the development of projects and partnerships with Scientific and Technological System organisations and the exchange of ideas and good practices through European innovation support networks and smart specialisation such as the S3 platform, and long-term investments in the ORs, in the framework of Cohesion Funding and to ensure active participation in the flagship projects of the EU 2020 strategy. Members emphasise the need to facilitate synergy between Cohesion Policy funds and the Framework Programme for Research and Development in order to increase the development of the outermost regions and curb the under-utilisation of research funds. They note that a single European transport area should contribute towards ensuring the inclusive growth of the ORs, reduce their access gap and combat climate change. Pointing out that the ORs’ dependence on imported fossil fuels results in substantial additional costs, the report proposes strengthening the renewable energy sector and energy efficiency through initiatives such as the ‘Pact of Islands’, aimed at developing local action plans for renewable energy and projects suitable for financing, in order to achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions of at least 20 % by 2020. Members stress the need to improve access to funding for businesses in ORs in particular by setting up a dialogue with the EIB Group and by supporting the creation of local investment funds in each OR, as well as the development of regional capital investment markets. Better governance and integration of the outermost regions in the EU and in their geographical environments: the report advocates greater involvement of the regional authorities of the ORs in preparing and implementing European programmes and policies, respecting the principles of flexibility, adaptability and modulation, within a framework of subsidiarity and a multi-level and partnership-based form of governance, in partnership with the private sector and civil society, in order to ensure that their specific needs are taken into account at all levels of the decision-making process and to ensure greater visibility of these regions in the EU institutions. Members stress the importance of regional cooperation for ORs and of the continuation of territorial cooperation programmes in the ORs. In this context, they advocate more relaxed regulations aimed at using more effectively the available funding and completing cooperation projects as well as raising the ERDF co-financing rates to 85 %, giving greater priority to transnational cooperation and removing, in the case of the ORs, the 150km criterion for sea borders in cross-border cooperation.
-
A7-0084/2012
summary
-
2012/03/20
Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
-
2011/09/29
Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
Documents
- Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading: A7-0084/2012
- Results of vote in Parliament: Results of vote in Parliament
- Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading: T7-0125/2012
| Amendments | Dossier |
| 212 |
2011/2195(INI)
2012/02/01
ITRE
20 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1.
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Underlines that the use of cohesion policy instruments should be adapted to their economies, with due regard for the importance of their small and medium- sized enterprises and for the need for competitiveness and employment;
Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Stresses the importance of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through the allocation of Union funds, aimed at developing the productive fabric of the outermost regions and as a means of promoting workers’ rights, so enhancing region-specific products and the local economy;
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Notes with concern the effects of climate change in the ORs, most notably rising water levels; calls on the EU to address these issues in its climate change strategy; recommends the appropriate use of energy resources and the development of the potential of renewable energies;
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Notes with concern the effects of climate change in the ORs, most notably rising
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6.
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Recalls that particular attention should be paid to the integration of the ORs into the digital single market; considers that wireless technologies, including satellite, could provide the citizens of the ORs with immediate ubiquitous access to broadband internet; requests the Commission and Member States to ensure that all citizens of the ORs will have access to broadband internet by 2013.
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. recalls that particular attention should be paid to the integration of the ORs into the digital single market; considers that wireless technologies, including satellite, could provide the citizens of the ORs with immediate ubiquitous access to broadband internet
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Recalls that particular attention should be paid to the integration of the ORs into the digital single market; considers that
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. In view of the fact that the digital economy is without doubt a driver of economic development in the EU, recognises at the same time the effects of the growing problem of digital exclusion, which can become a serious barrier to development;
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 A (new) 6a. Stresses the importance of enhancing public services for the economic and social cohesion of the outermost regions, specifically air and marine transport, energy, communication and research;
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Calls for smart specialisation strategies and longterm investments in the ORs in the framework of the EU 2020 strategy and the Cohesion funding and to ensure an active participation in the flagship projects;
Amendment 20 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. considers that the development of cross-border eGovernment services will contribute to the integration of the ORs into the internal market of the EU.
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Insists on the need to analyse the growth factors in these regions that suffer from structural difficulties, identifying strategies that offer scope for improving their competitiveness as well as other strategies aimed at reducing their dependency. Considers it fundamental to identify strategic projects by means of thorough ex-ante analyses and ex-post evaluations, which are essential in determining the socio-economic impact of such projects; in addition, favours including in such analyses the various regional, local and civil society actors, who have real knowledge of the strength as well as the weaknesses of these regions;
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Considering that the main weaknesses of the outermost regions include their resource management, considers that it is necessary to equip them with sufficient rudiments to allow them to manage their investments, especially in regard to infrastructure as it relates not only to transportation, but also to water, energy and waste management;
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 c (new) 1c. Underscores the need to establish a clear link between targets and funds, and observes with concern that, in the new Commission proposal on the future Multiannual Financial Framework beginning in 2014, the Cohesion Policy is one of the policies most affected by cuts and that, consequently, the resources allocated to development of the Outermost Regions fall by 7.5 %, to 70 million less than the resources allocated during the preceding period;
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Calls for a better integration of the ORs into the Union and into their geographical areas; highlights in this context the potential of the ORs to act as bridges of
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Expresses its concern that in some regions, notably the outermost regions, Union financial resources have not been sufficient to counteract the negative effects of the single market, EMU and the liberalisation of international trade;
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Calls on the Commission and on the Member States to make use of the geographical and territorial characteristics of the ORs so as to allow these areas to help in achieving the targets set in the 2020 strategy, by adapting even the European programmes according to their specificities;
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Recognises the need to unlock the innovative potential and spirit of enterprise of the ORs, in particular through exchange networks; notes with concern the low participation of the ORs in the Research Framework Programme; calls for an adaption of cohesion policy and research and innovation policies to the specific needs of the ORs; calls for the development of synergies between the Research Framework Programme – Horizon 2020 – and the structural funds to encourage the participation of fledgling units of excellence and increase investment in training;
source: PE-480.768
2012/02/02
BUDG
18 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Recalls that the Europe 2020 Strategy has been conceived as the main instrument for driving the European economies out of the economic crisis and that regional and cohesion policies are recognised as central instruments for the achievement of its targets, due to their budgetary dimension and multi-level governance approach; considers therefore that the outermost regions,
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 bis (new) 2 bis. Emphasises the need, in accordance with the conclusions of the fifth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion, to increase the flexibility of Cohesion Policy instruments, in such a way so as to allow investments capable of ensuring a level of growth and development in line with EU 2020 Strategy objectives, even when there are particular geographic and demographic conditions;
Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 ter (new) 2 ter. Emphasises the need to facilitate synergy between Cohesion Policy Funds and the framework programme for research and development in order to increase the development of the outermost resgions and curb the under-utilisation of research funds;
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3.
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Stresses, however, that
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a bis (new) 1 bis Draws attention to the need for the proposal for the future Multiannual Financial Framework to consider the change of some European territories to the status of 'outermost regions' from 2014 - 2020; Calls for the European Commission to adapt its budgetary projections accordingly.
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4 a. Calls on the Commission to allocate cohesion policy sufficient funds from the Community budget when contributions from national and local authorities are being reduced due to national budgetary policieson expenditure restraint;
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 b (new) 4 b. Welcomes the European Commission proposal set out in its Communication “A Budget for Europe 2020” to introduce a new category of “transition regions”; calls for regions whose GDP per capita has exceeded 75 %. of the EU27 average in the current financial perspective to have the opportunity to use resources for infrastructure investment, to enable these regions to consolidate the added value gained during the current programming period.
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Recalls that the Europe 2020 Strategy has been conceived as the main instrument for driving the European economies out of the economic crisis and that regional and cohesion policies are recognised as central instruments for the achievement of its targets, due to their budgetary dimension
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Recalls that the Europe 2020 Strategy has been conceived as the main instrument for driving the European economies out of the economic crisis and that regional and cohesion policies are recognised as central instruments for the achievement of its targets, due to their budgetary dimension and multi-
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1a bis (new) 1a. Recalls that Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union emphasises the need to consider the specific nature of the outermost regions for which development is restricted by their remoteness, insularity, small size, difficult topography and climate, economic dependence on a few products; recalls that these specific measures relate in particular to conditions of access to Structural Funds;
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2.
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Notes that in the Commission's proposal for a multiannual financial framework for the period 2014-2020 cuts have been proposed to the entire spectrum of Cohesion Policy measures and objectives
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2a bis (new) 2a. Deplores the fact that the budget restrictions proposed by the European Commission for the next Multiannual Financial Framework do not take into account the particular constraints of the outermost regions and the need to maintain financial support for these regions; particularly regrets that additional financial allocation has been reduced from EUR 35 to EUR 20 per resident and per year; also regrets that the Commission's proposal relating to the specific measures for agriculture in the outermost regions does not take into consideration the Commission’s position as expressed in ‘Agriculture and Rural Development’ of the European Parliament on 26 September 2011;
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2 a. Draws attention to Article 2 of Protocol No 6 to the Treaty of Accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden and the specific situation of northernmost regions with very low population density; believes that resources and capacities found within these regions can have a significant role in the future competitiveness of the European Union; stresses, accordingly, that these areas facing challenges should continue to receive the same support also in the future MFF;
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2 a. Recalls that the outermost regions should benefit from specific measures and additional funding to offset the handicaps resulting from the factors referred to in Article 349 of the Treaty; considers that capping co-financing rates at 85 % for outermost regions is a positive step to this direction and calls on the Commission to determine other ways of assisting these regions, especially if the funding allocated to them is reduced for the next programming period;
source: PE-480.780
2012/03/06
REGI
174 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 8 Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 22 Amendment 100 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5.
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Is in favour of maintaining the special treatment of the ORs as regards state aid
Amendment 102 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Is in favour of maintaining the special treatment of the ORs as regards state aid
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Is in favour of maintaining the special treatment of the ORs as regards state aid
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Opposes the possibility that funds or investment capacity for the regions or programmes might be withdrawn if a Member State fails to comply with the specified macroeconomic or financial obligations;
Amendment 105 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Stresses the need to improve access to funding for businesses in ORs in particular by setting up a dialogue with the EIB Group and by supporting the creation of local investment funds in each OR as well as the development of regional capital investment markets.
Amendment 106 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Considers that EU intervention should set an objective of playing a key role and boosting initiative by developing, in the ORs, centres of excellence through sectors which exploit their advantages and their know-how, such as waste management, renewable energy, energy self-sufficiency, biodiversity, student mobility, climate research or even crisis management.
Amendment 107 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Considers that if the measures taken at the level and on the basis of general European characteristics are not always effective in the outermost regions, experimental schemes approved under Article 349 of the Treaty which have had real success can be extended to the rest of the EU; encourages the Commission to maximise these schemes within these regions with a view to achieving innovative, solidarity-based and sustainable growth.
Amendment 108 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Is in favour of the need for OR citizens to benefit from the advantages of the internal market on an equal footing with other EU citizens and calls for the adoption of measures in accordance with the recommendations of the Solbes report; calls for the possibility of developing a specific framework on state aid to ORs to be examined;
Amendment 109 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Notes that regional policy investments in ORs to combat climate change are relatively weak; specifies that these regional policy investments in ORs which are allocated to activities that increase the negative effects on climate change are higher than those granted to repair the damages caused by climate change; therefore to meet the objectives of the EU 2020 strategy as best as possible, supports the proposal made in the study of July 2011 by the Regional Development Committee, to include a category related to climate change for each project funded by cohesion policy with the aim of assessing the effects of the project on the climate.
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 23 Amendment 110 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 b (new) 5 b. Stresses the importance of public services for economic, social and territorial cohesion in ORs, particularly in transport, aviation and maritime sectors, postal services, energy and communications.
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Calls for agricultural support measures in the POSEI arrangements to be strengthened in order to compete with producers who benefit from lower production costs and calls for the exemptions granted to the ORs within the CAP to be maintained; recalls therefore that the conclusion of trade agreements between the EU and third countries must take into account the impact of these on the local production of ORs; emphasises the fact that EU policies should favour food production in the ORs for products to be exported.
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6.
Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6 a. Advocates the need for prior assessment of the impact on the economies of the Outermost Regions, on European regulation projects and on agreements the European Union is to make;
Amendment 115 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Highlights the need to maintain measures for the sustainable management and protection of marine resources,
Amendment 116 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Highlights the need to maintain measures for the management and protection of marine resources, the promotion of aquaculture, and the reintroduction of the possibility of granting fleet renewal aid, and calls for an increase in the compensation for additional costs in the POSEI fisheries programme; emphasises the need to create a specific scheme for the fisheries sector, based on the POSEI programme, to support the development of each region, on the basis of development models to which local authorities are assigned.
Amendment 117 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Highlights the need to maintain measures for the management and protection of marine resources, the promotion of aquaculture, and the reintroduction of the possibility of granting fleet renewal and modernisation aid, and calls for an increase in the compensation for additional costs in
Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8.
Amendment 119 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Draws attention to the marine dimension of the ORs and the importance of the fishing sector in view of their Exclusive Economic Zone, the potential of which should be reflected in concrete measures for a genuine marine economy and duly taken into account in the integrated European maritime policy; emphasises the need to take into account the interests of the ORs concerned when negotiating international fisheries agreements and to establish compensatory measures to mitigate possible damages resulting from the signing of such agreements;
Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 24 Amendment 120 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Draws attention to the marine dimension of the ORs and the importance of the fishing sector in regional development policy and jobs for local populations in view of their Exclusive Economic Zone, the potential of which should be reflected in concrete measures for a genuine marine economy and duly taken into account in the integrated European maritime policy;
Amendment 121 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8 a. Recalls the growing economic interest in the immense riches of the ocean depths and the enormous biogenetic, mineral and biotechnology potential of the outermost regions, which must be included in the ‘Renewed Strategy for the ORs’ with the aim of developing a knowledge economy based on the sea and the creation of value-added economic activities in areas such as medicine, pharmaceuticals and energy, among others;
Amendment 122 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8 a. Recalls that the Atlantic ORs have a duty to take part in the Atlantic Strategy currently being developed, basing their participation on issues of accessibility and the marine economy.
Amendment 123 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8 a. Considers that the ORs must have a place in and be seen as being at the heart of EU maritime policy; emphasises the role they could play in the sustainable use of seas, oceans and coastal regions as well as in international maritime governance.
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Draws attention to the importance of the tourism sector and calls on the Commission to speed up the implementation of the European Action Plan and ensure more effective coordination of the existing funding lines, giving speci
Amendment 125 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Emphasises that the ORs wish to invest in a research and innovation strategy and in the growth of their business structure; particularly by promoting an entrepreneurial spirit amoung young people, prioritising the development of SMEs and avoiding unemployment amoung young people; argues for the creation of technological infrastructures and innovation hubs, the development of projects and partnerships with Scientific and Technological System organisations and the exchange of ideas
Amendment 126 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Emphasises that the ORs wish to invest in a research and innovation strategy and in the growth of their business structure; argues for the creation of technological infrastructures and innovation hubs, the development of projects and partnerships with Scientific and Technological System organisations and the exchange of ideas and good practices through European innovation support networks and smart specialisation such as the S3 platform;
Amendment 127 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Emphasises that the ORs wish to invest in a research and innovation strategy and in
Amendment 128 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Emphasises that the ORs wish to invest in a research and innovation strategy and in the growth of their business structure; argues for the creation of technological infrastructures and Europe-wide innovation hubs, the development of projects and partnerships with Scientific and Technological System organisations and the exchange of ideas and good practices through European innovation support networks;
Amendment 129 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10 a. Calls for Smart Specialisation Strategies and longterm investments in the ORs in the framework of the Cohesion Funding and to ensure an active participation in the flagship projects of the EU 2020 strategy;
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 25 Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Notes that a single European transport area should contribute towards the inclusive growth of the ORs and reduce their access gap; calls for the establishment of a specific framework to provide transport subsidies in the ORs, the establishment of logistical platforms and supports the implementation of projects such as Motorways of the Sea including ORs; calls for ORs to be fully integrated into priority projects for future trans- European transport networks (TEN-T); highlights the possibilities of the Marco Polo programme for the ORs, calls on the Commission to increase the programme
Amendment 131 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Notes that a single European transport
Amendment 132 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Notes that a single European transport area should contribute towards the inclusive growth of the ORs and reduce their access gap; calls for the establishment of a specific framework to provide transport subsidies in the ORs, the establishment of logistical platforms and supports the implementation of projects such as Motorways of the Sea; highlights the possibilities of the Marco Polo programme for the ORs, calls on the Commission to increase the programme
Amendment 133 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Notes that a single European transport area should contribute towards the inclusive growth of the ORs and reduce their access gap; calls for the establishment of a specific framework to provide sea and air transport subsidies
Amendment 134 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Points out that the ORs
Amendment 135 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Points out that the ORs
Amendment 136 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Points out that the O
Amendment 137 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Points out that the ORs
Amendment 138 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13.
Amendment 139 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Urges the Commission to establish a specific programme in the field of energy, transport and information and communications technology,
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 26 Amendment 140 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Urges the Commission to establish a specific programme in the field of energy, land and sea transport and information and communications technology, similar to the POSEI arrangements, which will need to be in keeping with other European funds in these fields;
Amendment 141 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Urges the Commission to establish a specific programme in the field of energy
Amendment 142 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13 a. Calls for the creation of a high level Committee within the Commission to increase the visibility of ORs within the EU Institutions, to establish political perspectives, to develop and promote a forward-looking analysis for ORs in Horizon 2020.
Amendment 143 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13 a. Calls for measures to be adopted urgently aimed at combating unemployment and youth unemployment and the persistence of poverty and inequalities in income distribution in the ORs, which, on all counts, are among the highest rates in the EU.
Amendment 144 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13 a. Considers that the innovative financing methods of cohesion policy could partially solve the lack of accumulated investment in very small enterprises/SMEs in the ORs but that a maximum simplification of procedures, while maintaining a sufficient level of security, should be a prerequisite; draws attention to the proposal in the Pedro Solbes report on the creation of regional investment funds, supported by the EIB, to develop regional capital investment markets; calls on the Commission to make a legislative proposal to the European Parliament and to the Council to this end.
Amendment 145 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13 a. Calls for specific measures to be actively applied to encourage SMEs in the outermost regions to invest externally so that these regions could be better integrated into their geographical surroundings;
Amendment 146 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 b (new) 13 b. Calls for the work in the ORs carried out to date to continue in order to increase, on the one hand, the implementation of local research schemes that are equal to their potential and, on the other hand, to help the development of universities which are appealing, high- performing, have real resources and which are among the top universities in other parts of the EU territory.
Amendment 147 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 b (new) 13 b. Calls for experimental schemes in restricted sectors to be implemented in these regions with regard to public procurement, in order to assess the award procedure by taking into account the location of the bidders.
Amendment 148 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14.
Amendment 149 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Advocates greater involvement of the regional authorities of the ORs in preparing and implementing European programmes,
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 27 Amendment 150 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Advocates greater involvement of the regional authorities of the ORs in preparing and implementing European programmes, within a multi-level and partnership-based form of governance, and greater visibility of these regions in the EU institutions;
Amendment 151 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Advocates greater involvement of the regional authorities of the ORs in preparing and implementing European programmes, within a multi-level and partnership-based form of governance, and greater visibility of these regions in the EU institutions;
Amendment 152 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14 a. Calls for the Commission to carry out an in-depth study on pricing in the ORs in order to determine the correct instruments to make the common market more efficient in these regions.
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15.
Amendment 154 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Points to the role of the ORs as EU borders with the rest of the world and advocates an approach, particularly through pursuing the reflections of the Commission in partnership with the ORs, that recognises their closeness to EU third countries
Amendment 155 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Points to the role of the ORs as EU
Amendment 156 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Points to the role of the ORs as EU borders with the rest of the world and advocates an approach that recognises their closeness to third countries and to the countries with which they have special cultural and historical links; draws attention to their integration problems in their respective geographical areas, the impact of international trade agreements and the impact of the external aspects of some EU policies; considers that the best strategy for ensuring the endogenous and sustainable development of the outermost regions is to make the most of their particular attributes.
Amendment 157 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Points to the role of the ORs as EU borders EU with the rest of the world and advocates for the need to use an approach that recognises
Amendment 158 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 a (new) 15 a. Regrets the initial reluctance shown by DG Trade to take into account the specific characteristics of the outermost regions when negotiating Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and urges the Commission to continue to seek compromises that respect the interests of the ORs concerned, when it comes to reaching final agreements with the ACP countries.
Amendment 159 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 a (new) 15 a. Recalls again the need for better synergy between cohesion policy funds and European Development Funds in order to improve and the regional integration of ORs; recalls the position reiterated by the European Parliament on the inclusion in the budget of the EDF.
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 28 Amendment 160 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 a (new) 15 a. Stresses the importance of regional cooperation for ORs, and believes that an individual development strategy should be designed for each of them, tailored to their own local context and to that of their neighbours; underlines the advisability of analysing the possibility of ORs being able to carry out joint projects with third countries;
Amendment 161 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 b (new) 15 b. Calls on the Commission to provide evidence that it genuinely intends to promote the regional integration of the ORs
Amendment 162 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Calls for the continuation of the territorial cooperation program
Amendment 163 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Calls for the continuation of territorial cooperation programmes in the ORs and advocates
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Calls for the continuation of territorial cooperation programmes in the ORs and advocates increased funding for programmes, greater investment in transnational cooperation and the removal, in the case of the ORs, of the 150km criterion in cross-border cooperation; welcomes the European Commission’s proposal in its legislative proposal on ‘European Territorial Cooperation’ to make this area safer for ORs but deplores the regulations on the adoption of operational programmes which do not take into account the legal, administrative, geopolitical and regional situation.
Amendment 165 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Calls for the continuation of territorial cooperation programmes in the ORs and advocates increased funding for programmes, greater investment in transnational cooperation and the removal
Amendment 166 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16 a. Stresses that the privileged geographical areas where the ORs are located represent enormous added value to the European Union due to their connections with African and Central American countries and the United States of America; considers that the potential for cross-border cooperation should be further developed at this time to better exploit the opportunities for business and job creation;
Amendment 167 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16 a. Recalls the key role the ORs could play in development cooperation in key cooperation platforms with their third country neighbours as well as regions which could carry out important work in fostering development in their geographical environment.
Amendment 168 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 b (new) 16 b. Believes that the ORs must be favoured in the ‘Transatlantic Dialogues’ Programme managed by the European Commission so as to strengthen and take advantage of their important geostrategic role for the European Union.
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Points out that
Amendment 17 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 29 Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Points out that other EU regions can choose to become ORs, if they meet the eligibility criteria for ORs laid down by Article 349 of the TFEU, opting for whichever status is most appropriate to their situation, and draws the attention of the current ORs to the decisive role they can play in promoting and consolidating their status;
Amendment 171 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Points out that other EU regions can cho
Amendment 172 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 a (new) 17 a. Points out in this respect the available budget for the Preparatory action for supporting Mayotte, or any other territory potentially affected, with the switchover to outermost region status, to support territories with the transformation process to become an OR;
Amendment 173 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 a (new) 17 a. Draws attention to the imminent entry of Mayotte to the ORs and calls for the Commission to increase support, particularly the essential administrative and technical support for the proper absorption of funds; considers that it will be necessary to provide specific schemes for this region in implementing cohesion funds in the next multi-annual financial framework.
Amendment 174 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 a (new) 17 a. considers that owing to the unique nature of the outermost regions, priority assistance granted under the structural policy for economic and social cohesion should be maintained for these regions.
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 30 Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 31 Amendment 2 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 10 Amendment 20 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 32 Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 33 Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 34 Amendment 23 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 35 Amendment 24 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 36 Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 37 Amendment 26 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 38 Amendment 27 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 39 Amendment 28 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 42 Amendment 29 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 43 Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 11 Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 44 Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 45 Amendment 32 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 46 Amendment 33 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 47 Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 48 Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 49 Amendment 36 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 50 Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 51 Amendment 38 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 52 Amendment 39 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 53 Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 12 a (new) - having regard to the Nagoya protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity signed on 23 June 2011 by the EU,
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 56 Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 58 Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 59 Amendment 43 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 60 Amendment 44 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 61 Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 65 – having regard to the
Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A.
Amendment 47 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A.
Amendment 48 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) A a. whereas the deteriorating economic situation resulting from the economic and financial crisis is even more serious in ORs than in other European regions, highlighting the structural weaknesses of their economies;
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 13 Amendment 50 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A b (new) A b. whereas the aim of the Programmes of Options Specific to the Remote and Insular Nature of the Outermost Regions (POSEI), which came into force between 1989 and 1991 in all the outermost regions, is to enable those regions to play an active part in the dynamic of the internal market by means of a combination of multisectoral measures, including the adjustment of Community policies to the specific situation of the regions concerned, the introduction of specific measures designed to reduce the costs linked to their geographical situation, support for local products on regional markets and measures to improve the productivity of traditional export industries,
Amendment 51 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas the
Amendment 52 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) B a. whereas the need to direct smart, sustainable, inclusive growth in the ORs towards exploiting their potential and the growth of sectors of excellence does not mean that the structural obstacles facing these regions and the basic development role played by traditional sectors can be ignored;
Amendment 53 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas, despite the fact that Cohesion Policy has an important role to play in these regions in reducing disparities, enabling them to integrate into the internal market and assert themselves in their respective geographical areas and in pursuing the E
Amendment 54 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas Cohesion Policy has an important role to play in these regions in reducing disparities, enabling them to integrate into the internal market and assert themselves in their respective geographical areas, promoting the economic development and convergence of these regions with the EU mainland and in pursuing the EU 2020 targets, and whereas European Funds are key instruments;
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) C a. whereas the autonomy of action of cohesion policy and its objectives of reducing regional disparities, with special attention to the most disadvantaged territories, is to be unambiguously maintained;
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas the major challenge for the economies of the ORs is t
Amendment 57 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas the major challenge for the economies of the ORs is to transform their constraints into growth potential and opportunities, and whereas new
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas the major challenge for the economies of the ORs is to transform their constraints into growth potential and opportunities, with instruments that reduce disparities with regard to the free movement of people, goods, capital and services and whereas new global challenges, such as globalisation, climate change, energy supply and the development of renewable energy, and demographic pressures, require coordination of EU policies and instruments;
Amendment 59 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) D a. whereas the ORs, considering the fragility of their productive fabric and their dependence on the outside world, are particularly affected by the current economic, social and financial crisis;
Amendment 6 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 16 Amendment 60 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) D a. whereas by reducing the budget line for the outermost regions and regions with low population density by 46 % in its proposal for the next 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework, the European Commission will carry out an unprecedented frontal attack against these regions by making them the only European regions having a real decrease to their allocation in between the two programming periods, without any change of category;
Amendment 61 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) D a. whereas Cohesion Policy must remain one of the main instruments of European action to reduce development disparities in the European regions in general, and in the ORs in particular;
Amendment 62 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D b (new) D b. whereas European investments in the ORs not only involve a policy of making up delays and compensating disadvantages, but are also investments carried out for the benefit and to the advantage of the whole of the European Union;
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D b (new) D b. whereas the inadequacy of the banking sector for the ORs’ economies which are characterised by extreme risk or even the failure of financial services providers resulting in particularly significant difficulties in access to funding for innovating very small enterprises and SMEs;
Amendment 64 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D c (new) D c. whereas the inappropriate nature of the 150 km criterion in cross-border cooperation for the insular situation of the majority of ORs, maintaining very exclusive economic relations, of insufficient trade with other EU countries and neighbouring countries within their regional basin;
Amendment 65 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D d (new) D d. whereas the exceptional contribution made by the outermost regions to EU biodiversity and the under-used potentials in pharmacopeia, tourism, or future use which has not been determined constitute a priceless legacy for future generations;
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D e (new) D e. whereas the maladjustment of the specific natural characteristics of the fisheries sector in the ORs, the inadequate analysis of fisheries resources and the diversity of fisheries fleets in the ORs as well as the significance of the marine and maritime sector to life in these regions and for the whole of the European Union;
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D f (new) D f. whereas particularly high living costs in the ORs have particularly serious social and societal consequences such as the various riots in the French overseas departments in 2009, 2011 and 2012;
Amendment 68 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Stresses that, under the terms of the Treaty, the ORs are entitled to differentiated and holistic treatment,
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Stresses that, under the terms of the Treaty, the ORs are entitled to differentiated and holistic treatment, which should mean access to the maximum level of support, irrespective of their level of development, and that their specificity should be duly taken into account and protected, given that these regions
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 17 Amendment 70 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Stresses that, under the terms of the Treaty, the ORs are entitled to differentiated and holistic treatment, which should mean access to the maximum level of support,
Amendment 71 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Stresses that, under the terms of
Amendment 72 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Draws attention to Article 2 of Protocol No 6 to the Treaty of Accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden1 and the specific situation of the northernmost regions with very low population density, that correlates with the situation of outermost regions; believes that there is potential within these regions which can have a significant role in the future competitiveness and in achieving the goals set out in the EU2020; stresses, accordingly, that these areas facing challenges should continue to receive the same support; __________________ OJ L 1, 1.1.1995, p.1.
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1 a. Recalls that if the status of the outermost regions recognises the fact that the ORs have considerable differences to the rest of the European Union (insularity, remoteness, small size, economic dependence on a few products) it also recognises the fact that the ORs are individually different and that solutions adapted to each OR must be found.
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1 a. Supports the advisability of ORs pursuing the main objectives defined in the Europe 2020 strategy, but emphasises the need to modulate these in accordance with their own situations, taking into account their regional diversity, their structural conditions and the potential benefits;
Amendment 75 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 b (new) 1 b. Emphasises the fact that Article 349 of the TFEU should be used more often than it is by the European Commission to facilitate the fair integration and economic and social development for the ORs within their internal market and on a wider scale, within the European Union; calls urgently for Article 349 of the TFEU, which is the basis of EU policy on ORs, to be included on the agenda for debates, in order for it to have the legal, institutional and political effect it requires.
Amendment 76 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 c (new) 1 c. Believes that ORs will find it almost impossible to reach the objectives set by the EU 2020 strategy if Article 349 of the TFEU is not applied by the European Commission in more policy areas (fisheries, environment, internal market, transport); calls also for the reinforcement of OR unity within DG REGIO so that it can assume the horizontal role it must play to ensure the coherence of all EU policies on the ORs.
Amendment 77 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 Amendment 78 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Considers that
Amendment 79 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Considers that
Amendment 8 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 18 Amendment 80 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Considers that other criteria should be used to determine the eligibility of ORs for the allocation of structural funds, such as unemployment levels, population density and R&D investment levels, given that the per capita GDP criterion does not provide an accurate reflection of their specific situations and is contrary to the spirit on which ‘outermost region status’ is based and the Treaty itself; stresses, therefore, that the co-financing rates in respect of the ORs should be 85 % for all instruments providing aid for those regions; calls for an extension of the period of implementation of these funds in the ORs with a view to more effective implementation;
Amendment 81 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Considers that other criteria should be used to determine the eligibility of ORs for the allocation of structural funds, given that the per capita GDP criterion does not provide an accurate reflection of their specific situation and is contrary to the spirit on which ‘outermost region status’ is based and the Treaty itself; calls therefore for the implementation of specific criteria, listing ORs among the least developed regions, regardless of their GDP giving an approach best adapted to their specific situation; stresses, therefore, that the co- financing rates in respect of the ORs should be 85 % for all instruments providing aid for those regions; calls for an extension of the period
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Considers that other criteria should be used to determine the eligibility of ORs for the allocation of structural funds, such as GDP growth (GDP per inhabitant and Gini coefficient) and the demographic vulnerability index as defined in Regions 2020, given that the per capita GDP criterion does not provide an accurate reflection of their specific situation and is contrary to the spirit on which ‘outermost region status’ is based and the Treaty itself; stresses, therefore, that the co-financing rates in respect of the ORs should be 85 % for all instruments providing aid for those regions; calls for an extension of the period of implementation of these funds in the ORs with a view to more effective implementation;
Amendment 83 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Considers that other criteria connected to and weighted with the GDP criterion should be used to determine the eligibility of ORs for the allocation of structural funds, given that the per capita GDP criterion does not provide an accurate reflection of their specific situation and is contrary to the spirit on which ‘outermost region status’ is based and the Treaty itself; stresses, therefore, that the co-financing rates in respect of the ORs should be 85 % for all instruments providing aid for those regions; calls for an extension of the period of implementation of these funds in the ORs with a view to more effective implementation;
Amendment 84 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2 a. Considers therefore, that ORs no longer qualifying for Objective 1 status must, in future, be categorised separately in order to effectively and adequately ensure Community funding from the EU strategy on ORs and the compensation of the disadvantages relating to the outermost regions, in accordance with Article 349 of the TFEU.
Amendment 85 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2 a. Believes that concentration on the first three thematic objectives laid down in the new proposals for Regulations from 2014, should be relaxed for ORs, which would avoid significantly restricting the possibility of diversifying and developing existing potential, as well as making use of their comparative and competitive advantages;
Amendment 86 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 Amendment 87 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. C
Amendment 88 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Criticises the fact that
Amendment 89 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Criticises the fact that, within the additional ERDF funding, the amounts to be allocated to the ORs have been reduced in the proposals for the financial period from 2014 to 2020 and
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 21 Amendment 90 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. C
Amendment 91 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Criticises the fact that, within the additional ERDF funding, the amounts to be allocated to the ORs have been drastically reduced in the proposals for the financial period from 2014 to 2020, which could decisively compromise not only the ORs meeting the EU 2020 strategy targets but also, because of their disproportionate nature, the effective implementation of the cohesion policy, and considers that the financial arrangements for the implementation of EU 2020 should provide for access to EU funding that is at least equal to that available for the current financial framework; proposes that other criteria be used for the allocation of funding with a view to a more equitable distribution between these regions, as a fixed component to be uniformly allocated
Amendment 92 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Criticises the fact that, within the additional ERDF funding, the amounts to be allocated to the ORs have been reduced in the proposals for the financial period from 2014 to 2020 and considers that the financial arrangements for the implementation of EU 2020 should provide for access to EU funding that is at least equal to that available for the current financial framework; proposes that other criteria be used for the allocation of funding with a view to a more equitable distribution between these regions, as a fixed component to be uniformly allocated amongst them;
Amendment 93 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3 a. Recalls that the recent report by the Former Minister of Spain, Mr Pedro Solbes Mera, on Europe’s outermost regions in the single market revealed that the economies of the ORs are constrained in every aspect by additional costs; draws the attention of the European Commission to the monopolies, abuse of dominant positions and cartel offences which are particularly rife in French ORs and which result unfairly in the escalation of high living costs.
Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3 a. Draws attention to the fact that in the proposal for a Regulation of the next ESF, the situation of ORs will not be referred to, considering not only the structural characteristics listed in Article 349 of the TFEU but also their specific economic situation which puts them among the regions with the highest unemployment rates in the EU;
Amendment 95 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3 a. Calls for the ERDF’s specific additional allocation to ORs to be maintained, and considers that the minimum allocation, in terms of aid per inhabitant, should be at least that granted in the current period; also stresses the importance of linking this additional specific allocation to the difficulties mentioned in Article 349 of the Treaty and to the specific objectives of the European strategy in favour of ORs, and of permitting it to be applied to both investment and operating costs;
Amendment 96 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4.
Amendment 97 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Emphasises that European taxation and customs policies should be adjusted in order to enhance the competitiveness of the outermost regions and that the existence of free zones is of paramount importance to the diversification of economic activity and the creation of skilled jobs in the ORs; to that end, recalls the importance of specific provisions such as dock dues for funding local authorities and the competitiveness of businesses and asks for it to be extended to 2014; also calls for the specific derogatory provisions relating to certain traditional products to be consolidated such as rum;
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4.
Amendment 99 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4 a. Considers it necessary to adapt the initial regulations on trade to be carried out as part of EU trade agreements concluded with the ORs’ neighbouring countries in order to take better account of their specific nature in the context of the agreements concluded for an EU economic unit dominated by socio- economic, geographic and climate conditions which are significantly different to those of the ORs.
source: PE-483.761
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History
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2015-01-08Show (1) Changes | Timetravel
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4.70.02 Cohesion, Cohesion FundNew
4.70.02 Cohesion policy, Cohesion Fund |
2014-11-09Show (5) Changes
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