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On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing the European Competitiveness Fund ('ECF’), including the specific programme for defence research and innovation activities, repealing Regulations (EU) 2021/522, (EU) 2021/694, (EU) 2021/697, (EU) 2021/783, and amending Regulations (EU) 2021/696, (EU) 2023/588, (EU) [EDIP]

Full title

On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing the European Competitiveness Fund ('ECF’), including the specific programme for defence research and innovation activities, repealing Regulations (EU) 2021/522, (EU) 2021/694, (EU) 2021/697, (EU) 2021/783, and amending Regulations (EU) 2021/696, (EU) 2023/588, (EU) [EDIP]

Document ECON-PA-784470 · COM(2025)0555 – C100165/2025 – 2025/0555(COD)

Kind
Opinion parliamentary committee draft ECON-PA-784470
Date
20 February 2026
Committee
Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
Rapporteur
Danuše Nerudová
Dossier
2025-0555
More facts (3)
Formats
Official page PDF Word
Subject matter
RDT, INDU
Reference
COM(2025)0555 – C100165/2025 – 2025/0555(COD)
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Cite this page Official page (opens the official site)
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AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs submits the following to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, as the committee responsible:

Amendment 1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 12

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(12) Moreover, to foresee a strong connection with the Competitiveness Coordination Tool, the work programme of the ECF should ensure coherence with the selected projects and competitiveness priorities identified under the Tool.(12) Moreover, to foresee a strong connection with the Competitiveness Coordination Tool, the work programme of the ECF should be aligned with the selected projects and competitiveness priorities identified under the Tool. The European Parliament shall be closely involved in the functioning of the Competitiveness Coordination Tool.

Or. en

Amendment 2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 40 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(40a) In order to ensure that the benefits of increased competitiveness are shared across the Union, the ECF should also pursues the specific objectives of reducing economic, social and territorial disparities and fostering convergence between less developed, transition and more developed regions. That support should address persistent innovation and digital divides and ensure the effective diffusion of innovation and the widespread uptake of advanced technologies across all regions of the Union. This should be achieved through targeted technical assistance and resources, robust monitoring of geographical distribution across regions, and the use of incentives in relevant calls with a view of ensuring that a wide range of sectors and regions are covered and excessive sectoral or geographical concentration is avoided. The main objective should be to open ECF funding to as much beneficiaries as possible across EU.

Or. en

Amendment 3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 40 b (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(40b) This Regulation establishes new categories of first-time applicants and less experienced applicants, which should receive particular attention and targeted support, as such entities often face difficulties in successfully competing for funding under centrally managed Union programmes. Persistent disparities in participation and success rates contribute to competitiveness and research gaps in many regions and Member States across the Union. In this context, experience from Horizon Europe demonstrates a significant geographical concentration of funding, with five Member States each having secured more Union funding for innovation projects since 2021 than the fifteen Widening countries combined.

Or. en

Amendment 4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 50

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(50) The ECF should be implemented through work programmes as set out in this Regulation. Work programmes could be adopted under an annual or multi-annual format. The latter could in particular be considered for the purposes of Union support provided for budgetary guarantees and financial instruments, with a view to provide predictability to implementing partners. The designated mode of implementation reflects the identified needs for directionality, flexibility, predictability and efficiency, required to meet the objectives of the Regulation. In accordance with Regulation (EU Euratom) 2024/2059, the work programmes and the call documents will set out more technical implementation details for the budget across the set of policies supported by the ECF, including specific eligibility and award criteria depending on the instrument of budget implementation, be it grant, or procurement, and the specific policy objectives pursued. Work programmes are also the appropriate place to allocate budget in accordance with evolving policy priorities, and they should set out contributions, specific conditions and expected results.(50) The ECF should be implemented through work programmes as set out in this Regulation. Work programmes could be adopted under a multi-annual format. This is in particular important for the purposes of Union support provided for budgetary guarantees and financial instruments, with a view to provide predictability to implementing partners. In accordance with Regulation (EU Euratom) 2024/2059, the work programmes and the call documents will set out more technical implementation details for the budget across the set of policies supported by the ECF, including specific eligibility and award criteria depending on the instrument of budget implementation, be it grant, or procurement, and the specific policy objectives pursued. Work programmes are also the appropriate place to allocate budget in accordance with evolving policy priorities, and they should set out contributions, specific conditions and expected results.

Or. en

Amendment 5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 66

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(66) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should also simplify and accelerate the implementation of Union support for certain important projects.(66) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should also simplify and accelerate the implementation of Union support for certain important projects. It should support greater risk-taking capacity for strategic and first-of-a-kind projects, while ensuring that as many projects as possible can ultimately be supported.

Or. en

Amendment 6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 83

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(83) The ECF is to be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) [XXX]23 of the European Parliament and of the Council [Performance Regulation] which establishes the rules for the expenditure tracking and the performance framework for the Union budget, including rules for ensuring a uniform application of the principles of ‘do no significant harm’ and gender equality referred to in Article 33(2), points (d) and (f), of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 respectively, rules for monitoring and reporting on the performance of Union programmes and activities, rules for establishing a Union support portal, rules for the evaluation of the programmes, as well as other horizontal provisions applicable to all Union programmes such as those on information, communication and visibility.deleted
23 OJ L.., p

Or. en

Amendment 7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 88 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(88a) Strengthening the Union’s competitiveness cannot be achieved solely through financial support under the European Competitiveness Fund. It also requires the completion of the Single Market, including well-functioning capital markets, the removal of remaining barriers at Union and national level, and the simplification of applicable rules. In this context, the European Competitiveness Fund should be complemented by measures facilitating long-term investment, including by pension funds and the development of a 28th regime to enable companies to operate, scale and expand more easily across the internal market.

Or. en

Amendment 8

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point a -1 (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(a-1) An SME window – implemented through the activities set out in Chapter II and Chapter III, and contributing to the specific objectives set out in Article 3(2), point (a -1);

Or. en

Amendment 9

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(10a) Investment Guidelines’ means a delegated act supplementing this legislative act, including specifying eligibility of investments, eligible counterparts, financial products, sustainability and other relevant aspects;

Or. en

Amendment 10

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 21 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(21a) ‘start-up’ means any unlisted small enterprise up to five years following its registration, that fulfils the following conditions: (a) it has not taken over the activity of another enterprise; (b) it has not yet distributed profits; (c) it has not been formed as a result of a merger, except where all undertakings participating in the merger were, at the time of the merger, up to five years from their registration. For undertakings that are not subject to registration, the five year period is considered to start from either the moment when the enterprise starts its economic activity or the moment it becomes liable to tax with regard to its economic activity, whichever is earlier;

Or. en

Amendment 11

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 21 b (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(21b) 'less experienced applicants' means legal entities, and their predecessors, which, during the five years preceding the call deadline, have not been awarded funding under a centrally managed Union programme or have submitted eligible proposals without being selected for funding.

Or. en

Amendment 12

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 21 c (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(21c) 'first-time applicants' means legal entities, and their predecessors, that, prior to the call deadline, have never submitted a proposal under a centrally managed Union programme.

Or. en

Amendment 13

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point g

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(g) strengthening the competitiveness of SMEs and small mid-cap companies established in the Union and their ability to grow and scale up, in particular by improving their access to finance, including private investment, micro-finance and support to social enterprises as facilitating access to Union funding, through faster, simplified and harmonised procedures; reducing and ensuring a proportionate reporting burden;deleted

Or. en

Amendment 14

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point k

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(k) ensuring a just transition to a sustainable, decarbonised and digital economy that is fair and supporting workers and communities.(k) ensuring a just transition to a sustainable, decarbonised and digital economy that is fair and supporting workers and communities, including in sectors requiring enhanced transition efforts, in particular in the energy-intensive industries.

Or. en

Amendment 15

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point k a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(ka) safeguarding a balanced distribution of opportunities across the Union, unlocking the full high-value potential of all market operators and regions, fostering cooperation, and promoting integration into sustainable, inclusive and resilient Union value chains.

Or. en

Amendment 16

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a -1 (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(a-1) For support to SMEs, the specific objectives of supporting the competitiveness of SMEs, small mid-cap companies and start-ups established in the Union and their ability to grow and scale up, in particular by improving their access to finance, including private investment, micro-finance and support to social enterprises as facilitating access to Union funding, through faster, simplified and harmonised procedures; reducing and ensuring a proportionate reporting burden.

Or. en

Amendment 17

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(a) EUR 11 000 000 000 for activities contributing to the general objectives referred to Article 3, as implemented in particular through cross-cutting activities such as non-thematic support of the ECF InvestEU Instrument, referred to in Chapter II, Section 2; Project Advisory, SME Collaboration, skills development and Access to Funding, referred to in Chapter III;(a) EUR 11 000 000 000 for activities contributing to the general objectives referred to Article 3(1), as implemented in particular through cross-cutting activities such as non-thematic support of the ECF InvestEU Instrument, referred to in Chapter II, Section 2;

Or. en

Amendment 18

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(aa) EUR 58 000 000 000 for the specific objectives referred to in Article 3(2), point (a -1), as contribution from other policy windows, to be implemented via the ECF InvestEU Instrument;

Or. en

Amendment 19

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
2a. Where appropriate, the Commission may depart from the amounts referred to in paragraph 2 by up to 15 % for each objective referred to in points (a -1) to (d) of Article 3(2). The Commission shall inform the European Parliament and the Council of any such departure.

Or. en

Amendment 20

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 5

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
5. The financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article and the additional resources referred to in Article 5 may also be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the ECF, such as preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities, corporate information technology systems and platforms, information and communication activities, including corporate communication on the political priorities of the Union, and all other technical and administrative assistance or staff-related expenses incurred by the Commission for the management of the ECF.5. The financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article and the additional resources referred to in Article 5 may also be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the ECF, such as preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities, corporate information technology systems and platforms, information and communication activities, including corporate communication on the political priorities of the Union, and all other technical and administrative assistance or staff-related expenses incurred by the Commission and implementing partners for the management of the ECF.

Or. en

Amendment 21

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1. Member States, Union institutions, bodies and agencies, third countries, international organisations, international financial institutions, or other third parties, may make additional financial or non-financial contributions available to the ECF, or any of its specific activities or objectives referred to in Article 3(2), including specific contributions to the ECF InvestEU Instrument budgetary guarantee and financial instruments as referred to in Article 21. Additional financial contributions shall constitute external assigned revenue within the meaning of Article 21(2), points (a), (d), or (e) or Article 21(5) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.1. Member States, Union institutions, bodies and agencies, third countries, international organisations, international financial institutions, or other third parties, may make additional financial or non-financial contributions available to the ECF, or any of its specific activities or objectives referred to in Article 3(2), including specific contributions to the ECF InvestEU Instrument budgetary guarantee and financial instruments as referred to in Article 21 or to the Project Advisory referred to in 1 Article 25a. Additional financial contributions shall constitute external assigned revenue within the meaning of Article 21(2), points (a), (d), or (e) or Article 21(5) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.

Or. en

Amendment 22

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 4

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
4. [From 1 January 2028 / programme start date], by way of derogation from the first, second and fourth subparagraphs of Article 212(3) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, revenue, repayments and recoveries from financial instruments funded from this Regulation, its predecessor, and those referred to in Annex IV of Regulation (EU) 2021/523 shall be used to provide Union support under the ECF. By way of derogation from point (f) of Article 21(3) and in accordance with Article 21(5) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, these resources shall constitute external assigned revenue to the ECF.4. [From 1 January 2028 / programme start date], by way of derogation from the first, second and fourth subparagraphs of Article 212(3) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, revenue, repayments and recoveries from financial instruments funded from this Regulation, its predecessor, and those referred to in Annex IV of Regulation (EU) 2021/523 shall be used to provide Union support under the ECF InvestEU Instrument. By way of derogation from point (f) of Article 21(3) and in accordance with Article 21(5) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, these resources shall constitute external assigned revenue to the ECF InvestEU Instrument.

Or. en

Amendment 23

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 5

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
5. [From 1 January 2028 / programme start date], by way of derogation from point (a) of Article 216(4) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, any surplus of provisions for the budgetary guarantees established by Regulations (EU) 2015/1017[2] and (EU) 2021/523[3] may be used to provide Union support under the ECF. These resources shall constitute external assigned revenue within the meaning of Article 21(5) of Regulation 2024/2509 to the ECF.5. [From 1 January 2028 / programme start date], by way of derogation from point (a) of Article 216(4) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, any surplus of provisions for the budgetary guarantees established by Regulations (EU) 2015/1017[2] and (EU) 2021/523[3] may be used to provide Union support under the ECF InvestEU Instrument. These resources shall constitute external assigned revenue within the meaning of Article 21(5) of Regulation 2024/2509 to the ECF InvestEU Instrument.

Or. en

Amendment 24

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Article 5a
Competitiveness across Europe
1. The Commission shall ensure supportive measures for first-time applicants and less experienced applicants in order to avoid excessive concentration, in particular geographical concentration, of ECF funding.
2. The Commission shall develop robust monitoring systems to track the geographical distribution of funding across regions, including the creation of a European Competitiveness Scoreboard and an ECF Dashboard identifying innovation and competitiveness performance across regions and Member states.
3.Where significant concentration is identified, the Commission shall trigger appropriate supportive measures.
4. Where applicable, award criteria shall be laid down in the work programmes referred to in Article 15, taking into account, to the extent possible, the following elements:
(a) an assessment of the expected results of the proposals and their impact on achieving the objectives set out in Article 3, with particular attention to SMEs, start-ups and to regions lagging behind in competitiveness and innovation performance;
(b) the ability of the proposals to support specific activities under Chapters III, IV, V, VI and VII, Sections 1, 3 and 4, taking into account the nature of the activities, ensuring pan-Union coverage and the participation of partners from peripheral regions of the Union, in particular from less developed, transition, insular and outermost regions;
(c) in the case of collaborative actions and consortia, the participation of partners from less developed and transition regions, including peripheral Member States, insular and outermost regions, and the establishment of research or production activities in those regions, with a view to promoting Union value chains and ensuring a balanced territorial impact of the ECF;
(d) the ability of the proposal to disseminate technology and knowledge across Member States.
5. The work programme shall lay down rules for dealing with proposals of equal merit (ex aequo), including weighting factors relating to geographical diversity and the participation of partners from less developed innovation and competitiveness regions as tie-breaking elements. The work programmes shall include specific calls enabling first-time applicants, less experienced applicants and entities from less developed innovation and competitiveness regions to join existing consortia under Chapters IV to VII, including, where appropriate, the possibility to add additional beneficiaries during project implementation in order to enhance flexibility, responsiveness and Union-wide impact.
6. Complementary measures shall be put in place by the Commission:
(a) Targeted technical assistance for first-time and less experienced applicants to which access should be facilitated by the contact points referred to in article 25a, paragraph 7.
(b) establish minimum indicative thresholds, based on objective and transparent criteria, for the allocation of funding to first-time and less experienced applicants under certain calls or instruments of the ECF;
(c) support the integration of entities from different Member States into Single Market value chains, as referred to in Article 16, including by promoting the multinational composition of consortia and participation across the value chain.
7. The measures referred to in paragraph 3 and 6 may be financed by the ECF

Or. en

Amendment 25

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – title

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
CoordinationCompetitiveness Coordination Tool

Or. en

Amendment 26

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3a. To ensure coordination in an effective, efficient and timely manner, a Competitiveness Coordination Tool is established.

Or. en

Amendment 27

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3 b (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3b. The Competitiveness Coordination Tool shall serve as a structured governance and coordination mechanism to:
(a) align Union-level funding, national reforms, and investment efforts around shared competitiveness objectives;
(b) support the design, implementation, and monitoring of coordinated reform and investment pathways linked to the European Competitiveness Fund, including multi-country and cross-border projects with European added value.

Or. en

Amendment 28

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3 c (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3c. The Competitiveness Coordination Tool shall operate through a regular coordination cycle, including strategic dialogues, analytical assessments, and implementation reviews, involving the Commission, Member States, and relevant Union bodies.

Or. en

Amendment 29

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3 d (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3d. The European Parliament shall be closely involved in the functioning of the Competitiveness Coordination Tool. To this end:
(a) representatives designated by the European Parliament shall participate as observers in the strategic coordination meetings of the Tool;
(b) the Commission shall regularly inform the European Parliament of the priorities, activities, and outcomes of the Tool, including through structured dialogues with the competent parliamentary committees;
(c) the Commission shall transmit to the European Parliament analytical reports, implementation assessments, and any strategic guidance produced under the Tool, in a timely manner.

Or. en

Amendment 30

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3 e (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3e. The Commission shall ensure coherence between the implementation of the Competitiveness Coordination Tool and the positions, priorities, and requests expressed by the European Parliament pursuant to paragraph 7(a). Where the Commission decides not to follow, in whole or in part, such positions, priorities, or requests, it shall duly justify its decision in writing, including an explanation of the legal, economic, or operational reasons for the divergence. Such justification shall be presented to the European Parliament in the context of the structured dialogues referred to in paragraph 7(c) and shall be reflected in the annual report referred to in paragraph 9.

Or. en

Amendment 31

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3 f (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3f. The Commission shall report annually to the European Parliament and the Council on the functioning of the Competitiveness Coordination Tool, including its contribution to policy coherence, investment effectiveness, and the achievement of Union competitiveness objectives, and on how the European Parliament’s positions have been taken into account.

Or. en

Amendment 32

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3 g (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3g. The detailed modalities for the organisation and operation of the Competitiveness Coordination Tool, including stakeholder involvement and transparency arrangements, shall be laid down by the Commission in accordance with this Regulation.

Or. en

Amendment 33

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3 h (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3h. A Competitiveness across Europe Coordination Committee shall be established for matters concerning the specific objectives set out in Article 3(1), point (ka), and Article 5a. This Committee shall bring together representatives of the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission and shall regularly assess whether the objectives and measures laid down in Article 3(1), point (ka), and Article 5a are being fulfilled.

Or. en

Amendment 34

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 1

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1. The ECF is to be implemented through work programmes in accordance with Article 110 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.deleted

Or. en

Amendment 35

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 2

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
2. The ECF shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, under direct management or under indirect management with entities referred to in Article 62(1), point (c) of that Regulation.2. The ECF shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, under direct management or under indirect management with entities referred to in Article 62(1), point (c) of that Regulation, in a manner that ensure simplification of procedures, in particular reporting requirements and application processes for calls, in order to enhance accessibility for all beneficiaries and end recipients, including smaller actors and less experienced applicants.

Or. en

Amendment 36

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 4 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
4a. In addition and beyond indicators set out in Regulation (EU) [XXX] of the European Parliament and of the Council [Performance Regulation], the Commission shall implement the ECF on basis of a regular analysis of programme implementation, participation trends and access barriers, including relevant programme management data and network analytics. On that basis, the Commission shall re-assess and take measures to ensure broad geographical participation, avoid unjustified concentrations and achieve a wide pan-Union impact.
To that effect, the Commission shall in particular:
(a) establish minimum indicative thresholds, based on objective and transparent criteria, for the allocation of funding to start-ups and first-time applicants under certain calls or instruments of the ECF;
(b) support the integration of entities from different Member States into Single Market value chains, as referred in Article 16, including through promoting multinational composition of consortia or in the value chain.
(c) create a geographical scoreboard for projects funded by ECF, which should be duly updated every year
The Commission shall regularly involve Member States and the European Parliament in the design and monitoring of those measures.

Or. en

Amendment 37

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 11 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
11a. Where necessary to achieve the objectives set out in Article 3, parts of the ECF may be implemented through Multi-Country Projects, including those established in accordance with Decision (EU) 2022/2481.

Or. en

Amendment 38

Proposal for a regulation

Chapter I – Section 2 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Governance

Or. en

Amendment 39

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – title

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Governance and Advisory BoardsStrategic Stakeholders Boards

Or. en

Amendment 40

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 2

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
2. The members of the ECF Strategic Stakeholders Board shall be appointed by the Commission, following an open call for nominations or for expressions of interest, or both, whichever the Commission finds more appropriate, and taking into account the need for balance in sector, organisation type, including private investors, and size, expertise, gender, age and geographical distribution. The term of members the Board shall be limited to four years, renewable once. Members of the Board should act with integrity and probity.2. The members of the ECF Strategic Stakeholders Board shall be appointed by the Commission, following an open call for nominations or for expressions of interest, or both, whichever the Commission finds more appropriate, and taking into account the need for balance in sector, organisation type, including private investors, and size, including SMEs, expertise, gender, age and geographical distribution. The term of members the Board shall be limited to four years, renewable once. Members of the Board shall act with integrity and probity, perform their duties impartially and in the sole interest of the ECF and they shall not seek or take instructions from any public or private body. They shall be remunerated by the Union. The Strategic Stakeholders Board shall elect a chairperson from among its members and it shall be assisted by a secretariat, administratively located in the Commission.

Or. en

Amendment 41

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 5

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
5. An independent Investment Committee shall be established under the ECF InvestEU Instrument (the ‘Investment Committee’).deleted

Or. en

Amendment 42

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 6

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
6. The composition of the Investment Committee shall ensure that it has a wide knowledge of the sectors covered by the ECF and a wide knowledge of the geographic markets in the Union, and shall ensure that the Investment Committee as a whole is gender-balanced.deleted

Or. en

Amendment 43

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 7

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
7. The Investment Committee shall examine the proposals for financing and investment operations submitted by implementing partners for coverage under the Union guarantee and verify the compliance with the applicable rules of the proposals for financing under the ECF InvestEU Instrument.deleted

Or. en

Amendment 44

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 8

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
8. The Advisory Board on ECF InvestEU Instrument shall be composed of one representative of each implementing partner and one representative of each Member State. the Advisory Board on ECF InvestEU Instrument shall, provide advice on the design of financial products and on the strategic and operational direction in its area of competence. It shall also provide advice on the coordination with the EIC to ensure complementarity with other Union funding or private investments. The Advisory Board shall be chaired by a representative of the Commission.deleted

Or. en

Amendment 45

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 9

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
9. The Commission shall establish the detailed rules on selection and composition, remuneration, rules of procedure, conflicts of interest and confidentiality for the Investment Committee and the Advisory Board on ECF InvestEU Instrument.deleted

Or. en

Amendment 46

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 10

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
10. The Commission and Implementing partners shall establish regular Policy Review Dialogues to discuss progress with the implementation of the financial products and engage on relevant policy developments.deleted

Or. en

Amendment 47

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 11

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
11. The Commission shall ensure that stakeholders are consulted in the development of the work programmes, with the creation of one or several thematic platforms per window.deleted

Or. en

Amendment 48

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Article 14a
Investment Committee
1. A fully independent Investment Committee shall be established under the ECF InvestEU Instrument (the ‘Investment Committee’).
2. The Investment Committee shall meet in six different configurations, corresponding to the four policy windows referred to in Article 1 (2).
3. Each configuration of the Investment Committee shall be composed of six remunerated external experts. The experts shall be selected following an open call for nominations or for expressions of interest, or both, whichever the Commission finds more appropriate, and shall be appointed by the Commission. The experts shall be appointed for a term of up to four years, renewable once. Members of the Committee shall act with integrity and probity, perform their duties impartially and in the sole interest of the ECF and they shall not seek or take instructions from any public or private body. They shall be remunerated by the Union.
4. The composition of the Investment Committee shall ensure that it has a wide knowledge of the policy windows referred to in Article 1 (2), inlcuding market experience in project structuring and financing or financing of SMEs or corporates, and a wide knowledge of the geographic markets in the Union, and shall ensure that the Investment Committee as a whole is gender-balanced.
5.Four members of the Investment Committee shall be permanent members of each of the four configurations of the Investment Committee. The Investment Committee shall elect a chairperson from among its permanent members and it shall be assisted by a secretariat, administratively located in the Commission.
6. The Investment Committee shall examine the proposals for financing and investment operations submitted by implementing partners for coverage under the Union guarantee and verify the compliance with the applicable rules of the proposals for financing under the ECF InvestEU Instrument.
7. Conclusions of the Investment Committee shall be adopted by simple majority of all members, provided that such simple majority includes at least one of the non-permanent members of the configuration relating to the policy window under which the proposal is made. In the event of a draw, the chair of the Investment Committee shall have the casting vote.
8. The Commission shall establish the detailed rules on selection and composition, remuneration, rules of procedure, conflicts of interest and confidentiality for the Investment Committee. Members of the Committee shall be bound by these terms.
9. The European Parliament shall be regularly informed by the Commission of the activities of the Board and shall receive all conclusions prepared by the Board in a timely manner.

Or. en

Amendment 49

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 b (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Article 14b
Advisory Board on ECF InvestEU Instrument
1. The Advisory Board on ECF InvestEU Instrument shall strive to ensure gender balance and shall be composed of:
(a) one representative of each implementing partner;
(b) one representative of each Member State;
(c) one non-voting expert appointed by the European Parliament;
(d) one non-voting expert appointed by the European Economic and Social Committee;
(e) one non-voting expert appointed by the Committee of the Regions.
2. The experts shall be appointed for a term of up to four years, renewable once, perform their duties impartially and with full independence and in the sole interest of the ECF and they shall not seek or take instructions from any public or private body. They shall be remunerated by the Union.
3. The Advisory Board shall be chaired by a representative of the Commission. The representative of the EIB Group shall be the vice-chair.
4. The Advisory Board shall meet regularly, at least twice a year, at the request of the Chairperson. It shall be assisted by a secretariat, administratively located in the Commission
5. The Advisory Board on ECF InvestEU Instrument shall provide:
(a) advice on the design of financial products and on other strategic and operational matters concerning the implmentation of the ECF InvestEU Instrument, including by adopting the risk methodological framework to be developed by the Commission in cooperation with the implementing partners;
(b) advice on market developments, market conditions, market failures, suboptimal investment situations and best practices;
(c) advice on the coordination with the EIC to ensure complementarity with other Union funding or private investments.
6. The Advisory Board on ECF InvestEU Instrument shall use a consensual approach in its discussions, therefore taking the utmost possible account of the positions of all members. If the members cannot converge in their positions, decisions of the Advisory Board on ECF InvestEU Instrument are taken by qualified majority of its voting members, consisting of at least seven votes.
7. The Commission shall establish the detailed rules on remuneration of experts, procedure, conflicts of interest and confidentiality for the Advisory Board on ECF InvestEU Instrument. Members of the Board shall be bound by these terms.
8.The European Parliament shall be regularly informed by the Commission of the activities of the Board and shall receive all advice prepared by the Board in a timely manner.
9. The Commission and Implementing partners shall establish regular Policy Review Dialogues to discuss progress with the implementation of the financial products and engage on relevant policy developments.

Or. en

Amendment 50

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 c (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Article 14c
Window thematic platforms
1. The Commission shall ensure that stakeholders are consulted in the development of the work programmes, with the creation of one or several thematic platforms per window.

Or. en

Amendment 51

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1. The work programmes may set out:1. The ECF shall be implemented through multiannual work programmes in accordance with Article 110 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.
The work programmes may set out:

Or. en

Amendment 52

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point a

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(a) actions and associated budget from ECF as well as actions set out in the specific dedicated part of the work programmes indicated in paragraph 2;(a) actions and associated budget from ECF, including funding allocated to the ECF InvestEU Instrument, as well as actions set out in the specific dedicated part of the work programmes indicated in paragraph 2;

Or. en

Amendment 53

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 3

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3. The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, adopt the work programmes implementing the specific objectives referred to in Article 3(2), points (a), (b), (c) and (d) and for the horizontal activities in Chapter III. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 83(2).3. The Commission shall adopt the work programmes, by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 83(2), with the exception of the work programmes implementing the specific objectives referred to in Article 3(2), point 2 (2), (3) and (4), which shall be adopted in accordance to the examination procedure referred to in Article 83(3).

Or. en

Amendment 54

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 4

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
4. The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, adopt the work programmes implementing the specific objectives referred to in Article 3(2), point (d) (2), (3) and (4). Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 83(3).deleted

Or. en

Amendment 55

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1a. The Commission shall facilitate pan-EU integration of value chains, including by promoting internationally diverse composition of consortia.

Or. en

Amendment 56

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1. The ECF may support:1. Under all policy windows, the ECF may support:

Or. en

Amendment 57

Proposal for a regulation

Article 20 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3a. During the award procedures referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission shall, where appropriate, promote broad pan-EU collaboration.

Or. en

Amendment 58

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 3

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3. The maximum amount of the budgetary guarantee under the EU Compartment of the ECF InvestEU Instrument shall be EUR 70 000 000 000 in current prices. It shall be provisioned at the rate of 50 %.3. The maximum amount of the budgetary guarantee under the EU Compartment of the ECF InvestEU Instrument shall be EUR 120 000 000 000 in current prices. It shall be provisioned at the rate of 50 %.

Or. en

Amendment 59

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 4

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
4. The minimum amount of the Union support from ECF delivered through ECF InvestEU Instrument shall be EUR 17 000 000 000, to be used in support of the general and specific objectives set out in Article 3. This minimum amount shall be increased by the contributions from the work programmes set out in Article 15. The contributions shall be a favoured means of implementation under the ECF and used for provisioning of the budgetary guarantee or financing of the financial instruments.4. The minimum amount of the Union support from ECF delivered through ECF InvestEU Instrument shall be EUR 69 000 000 000, to be used in support of the general and specific objectives set out in Article 3. This minimum amount shall be increased by the contributions from the work programmes set out in Article 15. The contributions shall be a favoured means of implementation under the ECF and used for provisioning of the budgetary guarantee or financing of the financial instruments.

Or. en

Amendment 60

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 5

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
5. The investment guidelines set out by the Commission shall define in more detail the scope of intervention in support of the general and specific objectives set out in Article 3. The investment guidelines shall be prepared in close dialogue with the potential implementing partners.5. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in order to supplement this Regulation by defining the Investment Guidelines. The Investment Guidelines shall define in more detail the scope of intervention in support of the general and specific objectives set out in Article 3. The investment guidelines shall be prepared in line with the priorities of the Competitiveness Coordination Tool and in close dialogue with the EIB Group and other potential implementing partners, taking into account the advice of the Strategic Stakeholders Board, the Investment Committee and the Advisory Board on ECF InvestEU Instrument. The Commission shall make the information on the application and interpretation of the Investment Guidelines available to the implementing partners, the Strategic Stakeholders Board, the Investment Committee and the Advisory Board on ECF InvestEU Instrument.

Or. en

Amendment 61

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 7 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
7a. Article 212 (2) (c) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union does not apply to the ECF InvestEU Instrument.

Or. en

Amendment 62

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Article 21a
Combination of portfolios
1. Support from the budgetary guarantee and financial instruments under this Regulation, Union support provided through the financial instruments established by the programmes in the programming period 2021-2027 and Union support from the EU guarantee established by Regulation (EU) 2021/523 may be combined in financial products to be implemented by implementing partners under this Regulation.

Or. en

Amendment 63

Proposal for a regulation

Article 22

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Article 22deleted
Support to scaleups and startups
1. The ECF InvestEU Instrument shall serve as the Union’s integrated platform for delivering targeted financial support to companies across all development phases start-ups, scale-ups, including those actively pursuing manufacturing, industrial and market deployment. It shall ensure that high-potential European companies developing or deploying innovative solutions can access the capital and resources to grow in the Union, thus strengthening the integration of the Single market and the Savings and Investment Union.
2. The Commission shall in particular develop a Scale-up facility in cooperation with the EIB Group, other international financial institutions and National Promotional Banks. The facility shall provide in a coordinated and consistent manner, a comprehensive set of financing tools tailored to the unique needs of scale-ups, including indirect and direct equity and quasi-equity, venture debt, loans, guarantees and blended finance, with a view to attract private investors in supporting scale up financing and facilitate exit options. The facility shall target SMEs and small mid-cap companies and Mid-cap companies.
3. The facility shall intervene where market investors cannot provide sufficient financing for European high-growth, innovative and strategic companies, including if needed to protect the Union's strategic assets, interests, autonomy or economic security.
4. It will leverage public investment to catalyse substantial private and institutional capital flows, such as from private equity funds, corporates, pension funds, insurance companies, and other long-term investors, thus deepening Europe’s capital markets and fostering sustainable growth of scale-up companies.

Or. en

Amendment 64

Proposal for a regulation

Article 23 – title

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Exclusivity clauseExclusivity clause and privilege option

Or. en

Amendment 65

Proposal for a regulation

Article 23 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
2a. With a view to maximising the leverage effect of Union public funding and increasing the impact of the European Competitiveness Fund, support under the European Competitiveness Fund shall, wherever appropriate, be provided through the ECF InvestEU Instrument in order to mobilise private financing. The Commission shall report annually to the European Parliament on the use of the implementation of this option.

Or. en

Amendment 66

Proposal for a regulation

Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1a. In line with the results of the Competitiveness Coordination Tool, those compartments shall be mobilised as follows:
(a) the EU compartment shall address any of the following situations:
(i) market failures or suboptimal investment situations related to Union policy priorities;
(ii) Union-wide or Member State specific market failures or suboptimal investment situations; or
(iii) market failures or suboptimal investment situations, which require the development of innovative financial solutions and market structures, in particular new or complex market failures or suboptimal investment situations;
(b) the Member State compartment shall address specific market failures or suboptimal investment situations in one or several regions or Member States to deliver the policy objectives of the additional amount provided by a Member State under Article 5(1) and (2), in particular to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion in the Union by addressing imbalances between its regions.

Or. en

Amendment 67

Proposal for a regulation

Article 24 – paragraph 1 b (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1b. Where appropriate, the compartments referred to in paragraph 1 shall be used in a complementary manner to support a given financing or investment operation, including by combining support from both compartments.

Or. en

Amendment 68

Proposal for a regulation

Article 25 – paragraph 1

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1. The ECF InvestEU Instrument will be implemented by partners in an open architecture model, including the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, international financial institutions, the national promotional banks and institutions.1. The ECF InvestEU Instrument will be implemented by partners in an open architecture model, including the EIB Group, international financial institutions, the national promotional banks and institutions.

Or. en

Amendment 69

Proposal for a regulation

Article 25 – paragraph 2

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
2. By way of derogation from Article 211(5) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, and subject to Article 12 of this Regulation, the implementation of a budgetary guarantee or financial instrument, including when combined with non-repayable support in a blending operation, may be entrusted to any entity referred to in Article 62(1), first subparagraph, point (c), of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.2. By way of derogation from Article 211(5) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, and subject to Article 12 of this Regulation, the implementation of a budgetary guarantee or financial instrument, including when combined with non-repayable support in a blending operation, may be entrusted to any entity referred to in Article 62(1), first subparagraph, point (c), of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, where 75 % of the budgetary guarantee under the EU Compartment of the ECF InvestEU Instrument referred to in Article 21 of this Regulation shall be granted to the EIB Group.

Or. en

Amendment 70

Proposal for a regulation

Article 25 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
2a. Best efforts shall be made to ensure that, at the end of the investment period, a wide range of sectors and regions are covered and excessive sectoral or geographical concentration is avoided. Those efforts shall include incentives for smaller or less sophisticated national promotional banks and institutions that have a comparative advantage due to their local presence, knowledge and investment competencies. The Commission shall develop a coherent approach to support those efforts.

Or. en

Amendment 71

Proposal for a regulation

Article 25 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3a. Implementing partners under EU Regulation (EU) 2021/523 shall not be required to enter into a new guarantee agreement under the ECF InvestEU Instrument, but may implement the ECF InvestEU Instrument based on the guarantee agreements under EU Regulation (EU) 2021/523, which may be amended to extend their application under this Regulation.

Or. en

Amendment 72

Proposal for a regulation

Chapter II – Section 2 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Project Advisory

Or. en

Amendment 73

Proposal for a regulation

Article 25 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Article 25a
Project Advisory
1. The Project Advisory shall be made available for repayable and non-repayable instruments. Actions and activities supported under this chapter shall contribute to the general objectives set out in Article 3(1) and shall support and complement, where relevant, activities under the other chapters.
2. A centralised access to advisory and business acceleration services shall be provided, which may include:
(a) investment advisory services, including market development activities and advisory support for the identification, preparation, development, structuring, procuring and implementation of investment projects, and for enhancing the capacity of project promoters and financial intermediaries to implement financing and investment operations and improve the understanding and use of financial instruments to exploit their full potential. Such support may cover any stage of the life cycle of a project or financing of a supported entity;
(b) business coaching and acceleration services targeting potential ECF beneficiaries and other project promoters, including SMEs and mid-cap companies, start-ups and scale-ups, supporting and facilitating their access to ECF funding and financing, and facilitating matchmaking with private investors and promoting financial literacy of entrepreneurs, including understanding of the opportunities offered by capital market based financing;
3. Project advisory shall, among others, support the generation of project pipelines and the development of potential investment projects under the ECF InvestEU Instrument and contribute to their further development. Project advisory shall also cooperate with industrial alliances and European clusters. Project advisory shall be available under each policy window referred, covering sectors under that window. In addition, advisory support may cover cross-cutting actions.
4. The Commission shall conclude an advisory agreement with the EIB Group for 75% of the budget allocated to the Project Advisory and it may conclude advisory agreements with advisory partners and service providers in line with the needs of each policy windows. The Commission and the advisory partners shall cooperate closely with a view to ensuring efficiency, synergies and effective geographic coverage across the Union, while taking account of existing structures and work.
5. Irrespective of the instrument of budget implementation for the acquisition or provision of advisory services, providers and recipients of the services shall be selected in accordance with the principles of transparency and equal treatment, avoidance of conflict of interest, including conflicting professional interests.
6. When implementing the Project Advisory, the Commission, its advisory partners and other service providers shall, when appropriate, collaborate with other Union or national public or private advisory and support service providers, including the EU for Business Network.
7. Each Member State shall appoint at least one national contact point to facilitate access to Project Advisory, in particular for start-ups and first time appliants. Member States may decide to establish also one or more sub-national contact points. When implementing the Project Advisory, the Commission, its advisory partners and other service providers shall collaborate with the national and subnational contact points established by each Member State, ensuring the timely and effective sharing of relevant information to enable swift and seamless implementation of programme updates and conditions at national and sub-national levels. The functioning of the national and subnational contact points shall constitute eligible actions for funding under Article 4(2)(a) [cross-cutting activities/ non-thematic support].
8. 30% of the budget allocated to the Project Advisory should be used to implement actions targeted to start-ups, first-time applicants and less experienced applicants.

Or. en

Amendment 74

Proposal for a regulation

Chapter II – Section 2 b (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Beneficiary Service Desk

Or. en

Amendment 75

Proposal for a regulation

Article 25 b (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Article 25b
Beneficiary Service Desk
1. In accordance with Article 150 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, the ECF shall contribute to the maintenance and extension of the single electronic data interchange area for participants to ensure simplified access to Union funding. That contribution shall be irrespective of the mode or instrument of budget implementation and including advisory and business acceleration services and support to a single gateway for access to Union support in accordance with Regulation (EU) [XXX] [Performance Regulation].
2. The ECF may support any additional activities to facilitate and accelerate access to Union funding, and other funding, financing and investments, as well as to ensure valorisation and uptake of results through tools and instruments such as proof of concept, deployment grants, advisory and business support services, and any dedicated platform.

Or. en

Amendment 76

Proposal for a regulation

Chapter III – title

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Project Advisory, SME Collaboration, skills development and Access to FundingSME Collaboration and skills development

Or. en

Amendment 77

Proposal for a regulation

Article 25 c (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Article 25c
Subject matter
1. Actions supported under this chapter shall contribute to the general objectives set out in Article 3(1) and the specific objectives set out in Article 3(2), point (a -1).
2.Support for actions under this chapter shall be financed from the budget set out in Article 4 and any additional contributions assigned in accordance with Article 5.
3. 30% of the budget allocated to this policy windows should be used to implement actions in support of start-ups, first time applicants and less experienced applicants.

Or. en

Amendment 78

Proposal for a regulation

Chapter III – Section 1 – title

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Project AdvisorySupport to scaleups and startups

Or. en

Amendment 79

Proposal for a regulation

Article 25 d (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Article 25d
Support to scaleup and startups
1. The ECF InvestEU Instrument shall serve as the Union’s integrated platform for delivering targeted financial support to companies across all development phases start-ups, scale-ups, including those actively pursuing manufacturing, industrial and market deployment. It shall ensure that high-potential European companies developing or deploying innovative solutions can access the capital and resources to grow in the Union, thus strengthening the integration of the Single market and the Savings and Investment Union.
2. The Commission shall in particular develop a Scale-up facility in cooperation with the EIB Group, other international financial institutions and National Promotional Banks. The facility shall provide in a coordinated and consistent manner, a comprehensive set of financing tools tailored to the unique needs of scale-ups, including indirect and direct equity and quasi-equity, venture debt, loans, guarantees and blended finance, with a view to attract private investors in supporting scale up financing and facilitate exit options. The facility shall target SMEs and small mid-cap companies and Mid-cap companies.
3.The facility shall intervene where market investors cannot provide sufficient financing for European high-growth, innovative and strategic companies, including if needed to protect the Union's strategic assets, interests, autonomy or economic security.4. It will leverage public investment to catalyse substantial private and institutional capital flows, such as from private equity funds, corporates, pension funds, insurance companies, and other long-term investors, thus deepening Europe’s capital markets and fostering sustainable growth of scale-up companies.

Or. en

Amendment 80

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – title

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Project Advisorydeleted

Or. en

Amendment 81

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 1

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1. The Project Advisory shall be made available for repayable and non-repayable instruments. Actions and activities supported under this chapter shall contribute to the general objectives set out in Article 3(1) and shall support and complement, where relevant, activities under the other chapters.deleted

Or. en

Amendment 82

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 2

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
2. A centralised access to advisory and business acceleration services shall be provided, which may include:deleted
(a) investment advisory services, including market development activities and advisory support for the identification, preparation, development, structuring, procuring and implementation of investment projects, and for enhancing the capacity of project promoters and financial intermediaries to implement financing and investment operations and improve the understanding and use of financial instruments to exploit their full potential. Such support may cover any stage of the life cycle of a project or financing of a supported entity;
(b) business coaching and acceleration services targeting potential ECF beneficiaries and other project promoters, including SMEs and mid-cap companies, start-ups and scale-ups, supporting and facilitating their access to ECF funding and financing, and facilitating matchmaking with private investors and promoting financial literacy of entrepreneurs, including understanding of the opportunities offered by capital market based financing;

Or. en

Amendment 83

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 3

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3. Project advisory shall, among others, support the generation of project pipelines and the development of potential investment projects under the ECF InvestEU Instrument and contribute to their further development. Project advisory shall also cooperate with industrial alliances and European clusters. Project advisory shall be available under each policy window referred, covering sectors under that window. In addition, advisory support may cover general objectives and cross-cutting actions.deleted

Or. en

Amendment 84

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 4

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
4. The Commission may conclude advisory agreements with advisory partners and service providers in line with the needs of each policy windows. The Commission and the advisory partners, including the EIB Group, shall cooperate closely with a view to ensuring efficiency, synergies and effective geographic coverage across the Union, while taking account of existing structures and work.deleted

Or. en

Amendment 85

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 5

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
5. Irrespective of the instrument of budget implementation for the acquisition or provision of advisory services, providers and recipients of the services shall be selected in accordance with the principles of transparency and equal treatment, avoidance of conflict of interest, including conflicting professional interests.deleted

Or. en

Amendment 86

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 6

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
6. When implementing the Project Advisory, the Commission, its advisory partners and other service providers shall, when appropriate, collaborate with other Union or national public or private advisory and support service providers, including the EU for Business Network.deleted

Or. en

Amendment 87

Proposal for a regulation

Chapter III – Section 2 – title

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
SME collaborationSME collaboration and skills

Or. en

Amendment 88

Proposal for a regulation

Article 28 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1. The ECF shall conduct cross-cutting activities focused on strengthening the competitiveness of the SMEs and achieve additionality at Union level, including through the following measures:1. The ECF shall conduct cross-cutting activities focused on strengthening the competitiveness of the SMEs across Europe and achieve additionality at Union level, including through the following measures:

Or. en

Amendment 89

Proposal for a regulation

Article 31

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Article 31deleted
Access to Union funding
1. In accordance with Article 150 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, the ECF shall contribute to the maintenance and extension of the single electronic data interchange area for participants to ensure simplified access to Union funding. That contribution shall be irrespective of the mode or instrument of budget implementation and including advisory and business acceleration services and support to a single gateway for access to Union support in accordance with Regulation (EU) [XXX] [Performance Regulation].
2. The ECF may support any additional activities to facilitate and accelerate access to Union funding, and other funding, financing and investments, as well as to ensure valorisation and uptake of results through tools and instruments such as proof of concept, deployment grants, advisory and business support services, and any dedicated platform.

Or. en

Amendment 90

Proposal for a regulation

Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(aa) "Just transition activities": to help regions and communities that are most affected by the transition to a climate-neutral economy in the EU, especially those regions heavily dependent on fossil fuels (like coal, peat, oil shale) or carbon-intensive industries so they are not left behind in the green transition

Or. en

Amendment 91

Proposal for a regulation

Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(ba) the role of zero and low carbon energy sources, including renewable energy, nuclear energy, energy storage, CCS, CCU, and other net-zero energy technologies

Or. en

Amendment 92

Proposal for a regulation

Article 83 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(aa) SME Committee for matters concerning specific objectives set out in Article 3(2), point (a -1);

Or. en

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European Parliament (2026). “DRAFT OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing the European Competitiveness Fund ('ECF’), including the specific programme for defence research and innovation activities, repealing Regulations (EU) 2021/522, (EU) 2021/694, (EU) 2021/697, (EU) 2021/783, and amending Regulations (EU) 2021/696, (EU) 2023/588, (EU) [EDIP]”. Text, 20 February 2026. docId ECON-PA-784470. EU Parl Watch Research. https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/ECON-PA-784470 (retrieved 25 September 2026). Data: EP Open Data API: document record, https://data.europarl.europa.eu/api/v2/documents/ECON-PA-784470 (CC BY 4.0).
BibTeX 
@misc{epw-text-econ-pa-784470,
  author = {{European Parliament}},
  title = {{DRAFT OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing the European Competitiveness Fund ('ECF’), including the specific programme for defence research and innovation activities, repealing Regulations (EU) 2021/522, (EU) 2021/694, (EU) 2021/697, (EU) 2021/783, and amending Regulations (EU) 2021/696, (EU) 2023/588, (EU) [EDIP]}},
  year = {2026},
  date = {2026-02-20},
  howpublished = {\url{https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/ECON-PA-784470}},
  url = {https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/ECON-PA-784470},
  urldate = {2026-09-25},
  publisher = {EU Parl Watch Research},
  note = {Text. docId ECON-PA-784470. Data: EP Open Data API: document record (CC BY 4.0)}
}