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2014/2946(RSP) Resolution on delays in the start-up of cohesion policy for 2014-2020

Progress: Procedure completed

RoleCommitteeRapporteurShadows
Lead REGI MIHAYLOVA Iskra (icon: ALDE ALDE)
Lead committee dossier:

Events

2015/03/10
   EC - Commission response to text adopted in plenary
Documents
SP(2015)64
2014/11/27
   EP - Results of vote in Parliament
Documents
Results of vote in Parliament
2014/11/27
   EP - Decision by Parliament
Details

The European Parliament adopted by 608 votes to 31, with 27 abstentions, a resolution on delays in the start-up of cohesion policy for 2014-2020.

The resolution adopted in plenary was tabled on behalf of the EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, GUE/NGL, Greens/EFA and EFDD groups.

Parliament recalled that cohesion policy represents the main EU-wide investment policy in the real economy and is an established catalyst for growth and jobs in the EU, with a budget of over EUR 350 billion until 2020 , targeted at a limited number of strategic goals with growth-enhancing potential, such as innovation and research, the digital agenda, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the low-carbon economy, training, education and infrastructure.

In accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 , Partnership Agreements should have been adopted by the end of August 2014 and Operational Programmes by the end of January 2015 at the latest.

However, there is a clear delay in the programming process , with only a limited number of Operational Programmes (just over 100) expected to be adopted by the end of 2014.

Two scenarios are envisaged for the adoption of Operational Programmes, both implying further delays as regards the start of implementation, namely:

(i) the carry-over procedure for those programmes considered ‘ready for adoption’ by 31 December 2014, and

(ii) the rebudgeting of the unused 2014 allocation for the European Structural and Investment Funds – entailing a technical revision of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) – for those considered ’not ready for adoption’ by the end of 2014.

According to the timeline presented by the Commission, Operational Programmes could be adopted between 15 February and 31 March 2015 under the carry-over procedure, and after 1 May 2015 under the rebudgeting procedure.

In this context, Parliament expressed its serious concern as regards the significant delay in the implementation of cohesion policy for the 2014-2020 period, while stressing that the current delays are challenging national, regional and local authorities’ capacity to plan effectively and implement the European Structural and Investment Funds for the 2014-2020 period.

Implementation of the 2014-2020 programming period : Parliament urged the Commission and the Member States to show responsibility and do their utmost to speed up the adoption of a maximum number of Operational Programmes in 2014 , and to ensure that as many programmes as possible are ‘ready for adoption’ by 31 December 2014 so that they can benefit from the carry-over procedure.

As regards the second scenario, applicable to those Operational Programmes not ready for adoption by the end of 2014, Parliament invited the Commission to engage as soon as possible in discussions with Parliament and the Council in order to lay out a credible roadmap that ensures the adoption of the MFF revision as early as possible in 2015.

The Commission is asked to present to Parliament the measures it envisages taking to facilitate, as soon as possible, the implementation of the Operational Programmes, together with the timeline it envisages.

Backlog in payments : in addition to the delay in implementation for the 2014-2020 programming period, cohesion policy also faces a backlog in payments amounting to some EUR 23 billion for the 2007-2013 programming period .

Parliament stresses the importance and the urgency of reaching an agreement on the subject, on the basis of new proposals from the Commission, by the end of 2014.

The Commission is called upon to explain the impact of this delay in payments on the start of implementation of the new Operational Programmes, and to put forward solutions for limiting the damage as far as possible.

Lastly, Parliament requested that the EUR 315 billion investment package to be announced by the Commission be fully complementary with the 2014-2020 cohesion policy.

Documents
T8-0068/2014
2014/11/27
   EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2014/11/24
   EP - Motion for a resolution
Documents
B8-0278/2014
2014/11/24
   EP - Motion for a resolution
Documents
B8-0279/2014
2014/11/24
   EP - Motion for a resolution
Documents
B8-0280/2014
2014/11/24
   EP - Motion for a resolution
Documents
B8-0281/2014
2014/11/24
   EP - Motion for a resolution
Documents
B8-0282/2014
2014/11/24
   EP - Motion for a resolution
Documents
B8-0283/2014
2014/11/24
   EP - Motion for a resolution
Documents
B8-0284/2014
2014/11/24
   Joint motion for resolution
Documents
RC-B8-0278/2014
2014/11/24
   EP - Debate in Parliament
Documents
Debate in Parliament
2014/11/20
   EP - Oral question/interpellation by Parliament
Documents
B8-0042/2014
2014/11/19
   CSL - Resolution/conclusions adopted by Council
Details

The Council adopted the conclusions welcoming the Commission’s sixth report on cohesion, in which it noted that cohesion policy is the main investment policy at EU level for pursuing economic, social and territorial cohesion at a time when Europe is facing challenges in terms of competitiveness, high and persistent unemployment, poverty and social exclusion.

Recalling that in the current programming period cohesion policy continues to play a key role for the re-launch of growth and jobs across the EU, the Council welcomed the commitment to support growth and jobs. It noted that it supports the incoming Commission's intention to launch an initiative mobilising EUR 300 billion of additional investment from public and private sources over the period 2015-2017.

The Council called on the Commission and the Member States to accelerate the negotiation and the procedures leading to adoption of all the Partnership Agreements and all the 2014-2020 Programmes. It stressed the negative impacts that could derive from a late adoption of the programmes.

The Council stressed the importance of ensuring the availability of the allocated resources , as agreed within the Multi-annual Financial Framework 2014-2020. It urged the Commission and the Member States to cooperate and explore all the possibilities in order to facilitate the prompt and timely implementation of the programmes 2014-2020 and to speed up all procedural steps needed to preserve the availability of the financial resources within the EU budget.

The conclusions also focused on:

the importance of continuing efforts to simplify the implementation of cohesion policy, in order to enhance the result orientation of the policy and to reduce administrative burdens at all levels; the need to take account of the cohesion policy’s role in the context of the Europe 2020 strategy review and its potential contribution to prepare EU economy for the future; the need to explore by the Member States opportunities linked to sound and transparent financial instruments and to involvement of private resources, while minimising the risks and ensuring that no additional burdens are put in the long-term on public budgets; the Commission to implement measures to link the effectiveness of ESI Funds to sound economic governance in dialogue with Member States; reprogramming which should be used only in cases where it could indeed have a direct impact on the correction of the challenges identified in the relevant country-specific recommendations under the economic governance mechanisms; reinforcing the institutional and administrative capacity to ensure the efficiency and the effectiveness of the investments by facilitating the exchange of good practice and knowledge in that respect; further analysing and developing the territorial dimension of cohesion policy.

Lastly, the Council recommended that a regular debate in the General Affairs Council takes place among relevant ministers to discuss on the implementation and results of the European structural and investment funds.

2014/11/19
   CSL - Council Meeting
2014/11/04
   EP - MIHAYLOVA Iskra (ALDE) appointed as rapporteur in REGI

Documents

Activities

Votes

RC-B8-0278/2014 - Résolution #

2014/11/27 Outcome: +: 608, -: 31, 0: 27
DE IT ES FR PL RO GB PT HU CZ BE BG SE NL EL SK DK HR AT FI IE LT SI LV EE MT LU CY
Total
89
63
47
66
48
26
65
20
20
20
17
15
18
22
14
13
12
11
17
10
9
8
8
7
6
6
5
3
icon: PPE PPE
203

Germany PPE

33

Italy PPE

13

Spain PPE

15

France PPE

20

Poland PPE

22

Romania PPE

12

Portugal PPE

6

Hungary PPE

12

Czechia PPE

7

Belgium PPE

4

Bulgaria PPE

6

Sweden PPE

3

Netherlands PPE

4

Greece PPE

3

Slovakia PPE

6

Denmark PPE

For (1)

Bendt BENDTSEN
1

Croatia PPE

5

Austria PPE

5

Finland PPE

3

Ireland PPE

4

Lithuania PPE

2

Slovenia PPE

5

Latvia PPE

4

Estonia PPE

For (1)

Tunne KELAM
1

Malta PPE

3

Luxembourg PPE

3

Cyprus PPE

1
icon: S&D S&D
171

Germany S&D

24

Italy S&D

26

Spain S&D

12

France S&D

13

Poland S&D

5

Romania S&D

11

United Kingdom S&D

20

Portugal S&D

8

Hungary S&D

3

Czechia S&D

4

Belgium S&D

4

Bulgaria S&D

4

Sweden S&D

5

Netherlands S&D

3

Greece S&D

2

Slovakia S&D

4

Denmark S&D

3

Croatia S&D

2

Austria S&D

5

Finland S&D

2

Ireland S&D

For (1)

Nessa CHILDERS
1

Lithuania S&D

2

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

Tanja FAJON
1

Latvia S&D

1

Estonia S&D

For (1)

Marju LAURISTIN
1

Malta S&D

3

Luxembourg S&D

For (1)

Mady DELVAUX
1

Cyprus S&D

1
icon: ECR ECR
62

Germany ECR

7

Poland ECR

18

United Kingdom ECR

17

Czechia ECR

2

Belgium ECR

3

Bulgaria ECR

1

Netherlands ECR

2

Greece ECR

For (1)

Notis MARIAS
1

Slovakia ECR

3

Denmark ECR

4

Croatia ECR

For (1)

Ruža TOMAŠIĆ
1

Finland ECR

2

Latvia ECR

For (1)

Roberts ZĪLE
1
icon: ALDE ALDE
58

Germany ALDE

4

Spain ALDE

6

France ALDE

7

Romania ALDE

3

United Kingdom ALDE

1

Portugal ALDE

2

Czechia ALDE

4

Belgium ALDE

4

Bulgaria ALDE

4

Sweden ALDE

3

Netherlands ALDE

6

Denmark ALDE

2

Croatia ALDE

2

Austria ALDE

For (1)

Angelika MLINAR
1

Finland ALDE

1

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

Marian HARKIN
1

Lithuania ALDE

2

Slovenia ALDE

For (1)

Ivo VAJGL
1

Estonia ALDE

3

Luxembourg ALDE

For (1)

Charles GOERENS
1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
44

Germany Verts/ALE

12

Spain Verts/ALE

4

France Verts/ALE

4

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

6

Hungary Verts/ALE

2

Belgium Verts/ALE

For (1)

Bart STAES
1

Sweden Verts/ALE

4

Netherlands Verts/ALE

For (1)

Bas EICKHOUT
1

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

Margrete AUKEN
1

Croatia Verts/ALE

For (1)

Davor ŠKRLEC
1

Austria Verts/ALE

3

Finland Verts/ALE

For (1)

Heidi HAUTALA
1

Lithuania Verts/ALE

For (1)

Bronis ROPĖ
1

Slovenia Verts/ALE

For (1)

Igor ŠOLTES
1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Estonia Verts/ALE

For (1)

Indrek TARAND
1
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
44

Germany GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

Gabriele ZIMMER
7

Italy GUE/NGL

3

Spain GUE/NGL

10

France GUE/NGL

3

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1

Portugal GUE/NGL

4

Czechia GUE/NGL

2

Sweden GUE/NGL

For (1)

Malin BJÖRK
1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

For (1)

Anja HAZEKAMP
3

Greece GUE/NGL

4

Denmark GUE/NGL

For (1)

Rina Ronja KARI
1

Finland GUE/NGL

For (1)

Merja KYLLÖNEN
1

Ireland GUE/NGL

3

Cyprus GUE/NGL

1
icon: NI NI
41

Germany NI

Against (1)

Martin SONNEBORN

Abstain (1)

Udo VOIGT
2

Italy NI

5

France NI

18

Poland NI

2

Hungary NI

3

Belgium NI

Abstain (1)

Gerolf ANNEMANS
1

Netherlands NI

3

Greece NI

4

Austria NI

3
icon: EFDD EFDD
42

Italy EFDD

16

France EFDD

Against (1)

Joëlle BERGERON
1

Poland EFDD

1

United Kingdom EFDD

20

Czechia EFDD

Against (1)

Petr MACH
1

Sweden EFDD

2

Lithuania EFDD

1

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)

2021-12-18Show (13) Changes | Timetravel
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2020-01-19Show (12) Changes | Timetravel
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2019-07-12Show (2) Changes | Timetravel
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2019-07-06Show (10) Changes | Timetravel
activities
  • body: CSL meeting_id: 3347 council: General Affairs date: 2014-11-19T00:00:00 type: Council Meeting
  • date: 2014-11-24T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20141124&type=CRE type: Debate in Parliament title: Debate in Parliament body: EP type: Debate in Parliament
  • date: 2014-11-27T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=25010&l=en type: Results of vote in Parliament title: Results of vote in Parliament url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2014-0068 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T8-0068/2014 body: EP type: Results of vote in Parliament
council
  • body: CSL type: Council Meeting council: General Affairs meeting_id: 3347 url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=SMPL&ROWSPP=25&RESULTSET=1&NRROWS=500&DOC_LANCD=EN&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC&CONTENTS=3347*&MEET_DATE=19/11/2014 date: 2014-11-19T00:00:00
docs
  • date: 2014-11-20T00:00:00 docs: title: B8-0042/2014 type: Oral question/interpellation by Parliament body: EP
  • date: 2014-11-24T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=B8-2014-0278&language=EN title: B8-0278/2014 type: Motion for a resolution body: EP
  • date: 2014-11-24T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=B8-2014-0279&language=EN title: B8-0279/2014 type: Motion for a resolution body: EP
  • date: 2014-11-24T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=B8-2014-0280&language=EN title: B8-0280/2014 type: Motion for a resolution body: EP
  • date: 2014-11-24T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=B8-2014-0281&language=EN title: B8-0281/2014 type: Motion for a resolution body: EP
  • date: 2014-11-24T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=B8-2014-0282&language=EN title: B8-0282/2014 type: Motion for a resolution body: EP
  • date: 2014-11-24T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=B8-2014-0283&language=EN title: B8-0283/2014 type: Motion for a resolution body: EP
  • date: 2014-11-24T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=B8-2014-0284&language=EN title: B8-0284/2014 type: Motion for a resolution body: EP
  • date: 2014-11-24T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=P8-RC-2014-0278&language=EN title: RC-B8-0278/2014 type: Joint motion for resolution
  • date: 2015-03-10T00:00:00 docs: url: /oeil/spdoc.do?i=25010&j=0&l=en title: SP(2015)64 type: Commission response to text adopted in plenary
events
  • date: 2014-11-19T00:00:00 type: Resolution/conclusions adopted by Council body: CSL summary: The Council adopted the conclusions welcoming the Commission’s sixth report on cohesion, in which it noted that cohesion policy is the main investment policy at EU level for pursuing economic, social and territorial cohesion at a time when Europe is facing challenges in terms of competitiveness, high and persistent unemployment, poverty and social exclusion. Recalling that in the current programming period cohesion policy continues to play a key role for the re-launch of growth and jobs across the EU, the Council welcomed the commitment to support growth and jobs. It noted that it supports the incoming Commission's intention to launch an initiative mobilising EUR 300 billion of additional investment from public and private sources over the period 2015-2017. The Council called on the Commission and the Member States to accelerate the negotiation and the procedures leading to adoption of all the Partnership Agreements and all the 2014-2020 Programmes. It stressed the negative impacts that could derive from a late adoption of the programmes. The Council stressed the importance of ensuring the availability of the allocated resources , as agreed within the Multi-annual Financial Framework 2014-2020. It urged the Commission and the Member States to cooperate and explore all the possibilities in order to facilitate the prompt and timely implementation of the programmes 2014-2020 and to speed up all procedural steps needed to preserve the availability of the financial resources within the EU budget. The conclusions also focused on: the importance of continuing efforts to simplify the implementation of cohesion policy, in order to enhance the result orientation of the policy and to reduce administrative burdens at all levels; the need to take account of the cohesion policy’s role in the context of the Europe 2020 strategy review and its potential contribution to prepare EU economy for the future; the need to explore by the Member States opportunities linked to sound and transparent financial instruments and to involvement of private resources, while minimising the risks and ensuring that no additional burdens are put in the long-term on public budgets; the Commission to implement measures to link the effectiveness of ESI Funds to sound economic governance in dialogue with Member States; reprogramming which should be used only in cases where it could indeed have a direct impact on the correction of the challenges identified in the relevant country-specific recommendations under the economic governance mechanisms; reinforcing the institutional and administrative capacity to ensure the efficiency and the effectiveness of the investments by facilitating the exchange of good practice and knowledge in that respect; further analysing and developing the territorial dimension of cohesion policy. Lastly, the Council recommended that a regular debate in the General Affairs Council takes place among relevant ministers to discuss on the implementation and results of the European structural and investment funds.
  • date: 2014-11-24T00:00:00 type: Debate in Parliament body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20141124&type=CRE title: Debate in Parliament
  • date: 2014-11-27T00:00:00 type: Results of vote in Parliament body: EP docs: url: https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=25010&l=en title: Results of vote in Parliament
  • date: 2014-11-27T00:00:00 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2014-0068 title: T8-0068/2014 summary: The European Parliament adopted by 608 votes to 31, with 27 abstentions, a resolution on delays in the start-up of cohesion policy for 2014-2020. The resolution adopted in plenary was tabled on behalf of the EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, GUE/NGL, Greens/EFA and EFDD groups. Parliament recalled that cohesion policy represents the main EU-wide investment policy in the real economy and is an established catalyst for growth and jobs in the EU, with a budget of over EUR 350 billion until 2020 , targeted at a limited number of strategic goals with growth-enhancing potential, such as innovation and research, the digital agenda, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the low-carbon economy, training, education and infrastructure. In accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 , Partnership Agreements should have been adopted by the end of August 2014 and Operational Programmes by the end of January 2015 at the latest. However, there is a clear delay in the programming process , with only a limited number of Operational Programmes (just over 100) expected to be adopted by the end of 2014. Two scenarios are envisaged for the adoption of Operational Programmes, both implying further delays as regards the start of implementation, namely: (i) the carry-over procedure for those programmes considered ‘ready for adoption’ by 31 December 2014, and (ii) the rebudgeting of the unused 2014 allocation for the European Structural and Investment Funds – entailing a technical revision of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) – for those considered ’not ready for adoption’ by the end of 2014. According to the timeline presented by the Commission, Operational Programmes could be adopted between 15 February and 31 March 2015 under the carry-over procedure, and after 1 May 2015 under the rebudgeting procedure. In this context, Parliament expressed its serious concern as regards the significant delay in the implementation of cohesion policy for the 2014-2020 period, while stressing that the current delays are challenging national, regional and local authorities’ capacity to plan effectively and implement the European Structural and Investment Funds for the 2014-2020 period. Implementation of the 2014-2020 programming period : Parliament urged the Commission and the Member States to show responsibility and do their utmost to speed up the adoption of a maximum number of Operational Programmes in 2014 , and to ensure that as many programmes as possible are ‘ready for adoption’ by 31 December 2014 so that they can benefit from the carry-over procedure. As regards the second scenario, applicable to those Operational Programmes not ready for adoption by the end of 2014, Parliament invited the Commission to engage as soon as possible in discussions with Parliament and the Council in order to lay out a credible roadmap that ensures the adoption of the MFF revision as early as possible in 2015. The Commission is asked to present to Parliament the measures it envisages taking to facilitate, as soon as possible, the implementation of the Operational Programmes, together with the timeline it envisages. Backlog in payments : in addition to the delay in implementation for the 2014-2020 programming period, cohesion policy also faces a backlog in payments amounting to some EUR 23 billion for the 2007-2013 programming period . Parliament stresses the importance and the urgency of reaching an agreement on the subject, on the basis of new proposals from the Commission, by the end of 2014. The Commission is called upon to explain the impact of this delay in payments on the start of implementation of the new Operational Programmes, and to put forward solutions for limiting the damage as far as possible. Lastly, Parliament requested that the EUR 315 billion investment package to be announced by the Commission be fully complementary with the 2014-2020 cohesion policy.
  • date: 2014-11-27T00:00:00 type: End of procedure in Parliament body: EP
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    • The Council adopted the conclusions welcoming the Commission’s sixth report on cohesion, in which it noted that cohesion policy is the main investment policy at EU level for pursuing economic, social and territorial cohesion at a time when Europe is facing challenges in terms of competitiveness, high and persistent unemployment, poverty and social exclusion.

      Recalling that in the current programming period cohesion policy continues to play a key role for the re-launch of growth and jobs across the EU, the Council welcomed the commitment to support growth and jobs. It noted that it supports the incoming Commission's intention to launch an initiative mobilising EUR 300 billion of additional investment from public and private sources over the period 2015-2017.

      The Council called on the Commission and the Member States to accelerate the negotiation and the procedures leading to adoption of all the Partnership Agreements and all the 2014-2020 Programmes. It stressed the negative impacts that could derive from a late adoption of the programmes.

      The Council stressed the importance of ensuring the availability of the allocated resources, as agreed within the Multi-annual Financial Framework 2014-2020. It urged the Commission and the Member States to cooperate and explore all the possibilities in order to facilitate the prompt and timely implementation of the programmes 2014-2020 and to speed up all procedural steps needed to preserve the availability of the financial resources within the EU budget.

      The conclusions also focused on:

      • the importance of continuing efforts to simplify the implementation of cohesion policy, in order to enhance the result orientation of the policy and to reduce administrative burdens at all levels;
      • the need to take account of the cohesion policy’s role in the context of the Europe 2020 strategy review and its potential contribution to prepare EU economy for the future;
      • the need to explore by the Member States opportunities linked to sound and transparent financial instruments and to involvement of private resources, while minimising the risks and
      • ensuring that no additional burdens are put in the long-term on public budgets;
      • the Commission to implement measures to link the effectiveness of ESI Funds to sound economic governance in dialogue with Member States;
      • reprogramming which should be used only in cases where it could indeed have a direct impact on the correction of the challenges identified in the relevant country-specific recommendations under the economic governance mechanisms;
      • reinforcing the institutional and administrative capacity to ensure the efficiency and the effectiveness of the investments by facilitating the exchange of good practice and knowledge in that respect;
      • further analysing and developing the territorial dimension of cohesion policy.

      Lastly, the Council recommended that a regular debate in the General Affairs Council takes place among relevant ministers to discuss on the implementation and results of the European structural and investment funds.
    activities/2/docs/0/text

    • The European Parliament adopted by 608 votes to 31, with 27 abstentions, a resolution on delays in the start-up of cohesion policy for 2014-2020.

      The resolution adopted in plenary was tabled on behalf of the EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, GUE/NGL, Greens/EFA and EFDD groups.

      Parliament recalled that cohesion policy represents the main EU-wide investment policy in the real economy and is an established catalyst for growth and jobs in the EU, with a budget of over EUR 350 billion until 2020, targeted at a limited number of strategic goals with growth-enhancing potential, such as innovation and research, the digital agenda, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the low-carbon economy, training, education and infrastructure.

      In accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, Partnership Agreements should have been adopted by the end of August 2014 and Operational Programmes by the end of January 2015 at the latest.

      However, there is a clear delay in the programming process, with only a limited number of Operational Programmes (just over 100) expected to be adopted by the end of 2014.

      Two scenarios are envisaged for the adoption of Operational Programmes, both implying further delays as regards the start of implementation, namely:

      (i) the carry-over procedure for those programmes considered ‘ready for adoption’ by 31 December 2014, and

      (ii) the rebudgeting of the unused 2014 allocation for the European Structural and Investment Funds – entailing a technical revision of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) – for those considered ’not ready for adoption’ by the end of 2014.

      According to the timeline presented by the Commission, Operational Programmes could be adopted between 15 February and 31 March 2015 under the carry-over procedure, and after 1 May 2015 under the rebudgeting procedure.

      In this context, Parliament expressed its serious concern as regards the significant delay in the implementation of cohesion policy for the 2014-2020 period, while stressing that the current delays are challenging national, regional and local authorities’ capacity to plan effectively and implement the European Structural and Investment Funds for the 2014-2020 period.

      Implementation of the 2014-2020 programming period: Parliament urged the Commission and the Member States to show responsibility and do their utmost to speed up the adoption of a maximum number of Operational Programmes in 2014, and to ensure that as many programmes as possible are ‘ready for adoption’ by 31 December 2014 so that they can benefit from the carry-over procedure.

      As regards the second scenario, applicable to those Operational Programmes not ready for adoption by the end of 2014, Parliament invited the Commission to engage as soon as possible in discussions with Parliament and the Council in order to lay out a credible roadmap that ensures the adoption of the MFF revision as early as possible in 2015.

      The Commission is asked to present to Parliament the measures it envisages taking to facilitate, as soon as possible, the implementation of the Operational Programmes, together with the timeline it envisages.

      Backlog in payments: in addition to the delay in implementation for the 2014-2020 programming period, cohesion policy also faces a backlog in payments amounting to some EUR 23 billion for the 2007-2013 programming period.

      Parliament stresses the importance and the urgency of reaching an agreement on the subject, on the basis of new proposals from the Commission, by the end of 2014.

      The Commission is called upon to explain the impact of this delay in payments on the start of implementation of the new Operational Programmes, and to put forward solutions for limiting the damage as far as possible.

      Lastly, Parliament requested that the EUR 315 billion investment package to be announced by the Commission be fully complementary with the 2014-2020 cohesion policy.
    2014-12-02Show (4) Changes | Timetravel
    activities/2/docs
    • url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2014-0068 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T8-0068/2014
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    2014-11-29Show (1) Changes | Timetravel
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    2014-11-28Show (2) Changes | Timetravel
    activities/1/docs
    • url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20141124&type=CRE type: Debate in Parliament title: Debate in Parliament
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    4.70.02 Cohesion, Cohesion Fund
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    4.70.02 Cohesion policy, Cohesion Fund
    2014-11-26Show (1) Changes | Timetravel
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    2014-11-21Show (5) Changes
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    • date: 2014-11-19T00:00:00 body: CSL type: Council Meeting council: General Affairs meeting_id: 3347
    • date: 2014-11-24T00:00:00 body: EP type: Debate in plenary scheduled
    • date: 2014-11-27T00:00:00 body: EP type: Vote in plenary scheduled
    committees
    • body: EP responsible: True committee: REGI date: 2014-11-04T00:00:00 committee_full: Regional Development rapporteur: group: ALDE name: MIHAYLOVA Iskra
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