Text · Amendment list
Establishing the European Competitiveness Fund ('ECF’), including the specific programme for defence research and innovation activities
Document ITRE-AM-788892 · COM(2025)0555 – 2025/0555(COD)
- Kind
- Amendment list ITRE-AM-788892
- Date
- 18 May 2026
- Committee
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
- Dossier
- 2025-0555
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- COM(2025)0555 – 2025/0555(COD)
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| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (35) Fostering the resilience of the European industry is essential for the Union to remain competitive even in times of crisis and is essential for Union’s security. To ensure its resilience, the ECF should support actions aimed to reduce dependencies and diversify supply in strategic sectors such as the raw materials sector, thus reinforcing the Union capacities for a secure supply of sustainable critical raw materials along the whole value chain in line with the objectives of the Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Critical Raw Materials Act)15 and the chemicals industry, underpinning almost all industry sectors. Pursuing an ambitious and mutually beneficial trade agenda is essential for the Union’s ability to diversify its supply chains and effectively reduce dependencies. | (35) Fostering the resilience of the European industry is essential for the Union to remain competitive even in times of crisis and is essential for Union’s security. To ensure its resilience, the ECF should support actions aimed to reduce dependencies and diversify supply in strategic sectors such as the raw materials sector, thus reinforcing the Union capacities for a secure supply of sustainable critical raw materials along the whole value chain in line with the objectives of the Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Critical Raw Materials Act)15 and the chemicals industry, underpinning almost all industry sectors. In line with these objectives, the ECF should support actions aimed at re-using, recovering, remanufacturing and recycling critical raw materials within the Union, prioritising advanced recovery techniques, substitution and re-shoring to reduce strategic dependencies. Pursuing an ambitious and mutually beneficial trade agenda is essential for the Union’s ability to diversify its supply chains and effectively reduce dependencies. |
| 15 Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020 (Text with EEA relevance), OJ L, 2024/1252, 3.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1252/oj | 15 Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020 (Text with EEA relevance), OJ L, 2024/1252, 3.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1252/oj |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (35) Fostering the resilience of the European industry is essential for the Union to remain competitive even in times of crisis and is essential for Union’s security. To ensure its resilience, the ECF should support actions aimed to reduce dependencies and diversify supply in strategic sectors such as the raw materials sector, thus reinforcing the Union capacities for a secure supply of sustainable critical raw materials along the whole value chain in line with the objectives of the Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Critical Raw Materials Act)15 and the chemicals industry, underpinning almost all industry sectors. Pursuing an ambitious and mutually beneficial trade agenda is essential for the Union’s ability to diversify its supply chains and effectively reduce dependencies. | (35) Fostering the resilience of the European industry is essential for the Union to remain competitive even in times of crisis and is essential for Union’s security. To ensure its resilience, the ECF should support actions aimed to reduce dependencies and diversify supply in strategic sectors such as the raw materials sector, with a focus on the semiconductors sector, thus reinforcing the Union capacities for a secure supply of sustainable critical raw materials along the whole value chain in line with the objectives of the Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Critical Raw Materials Act)15 and in line with the objectives of Regulation (EU) 2023/1781 (Chips Act)2, and the chemicals industry, underpinning almost all industry sectors. Pursuing an ambitious and mutually beneficial trade agenda is essential for the Union’s ability to diversify its supply chains and effectively reduce dependencies. |
| (2. Regulation (EU) 2023/1781 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2023 establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/694 (Chips Act) (Text with EEA relevance), OJ L 2023/1781, 19.9.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1781/oj) | |
| 15 Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020, OJ L, 2024/1252, 3.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1252/oj | 15 Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020, OJ L, 2024/1252, 3.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1252/oj |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (35) Fostering the resilience of the European industry is essential for the Union to remain competitive even in times of crisis and is essential for Union’s security. To ensure its resilience, the ECF should support actions aimed to reduce dependencies and diversify supply in strategic sectors such as the raw materials sector, thus reinforcing the Union capacities for a secure supply of sustainable critical raw materials along the whole value chain in line with the objectives of the Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Critical Raw Materials Act)15 and the chemicals industry, underpinning almost all industry sectors. Pursuing an ambitious and mutually beneficial trade agenda is essential for the Union’s ability to diversify its supply chains and effectively reduce dependencies. | (35) Fostering the resilience of the European industry is essential for the Union to remain competitive even in times of crisis and is essential for Union’s security. To ensure its resilience, the ECF should support actions aimed to reduce dependencies and diversify supply in strategic sectors such as the raw materials sector, thus reinforcing the Union capacities for a secure supply of sustainable critical raw materials along the whole value chain in line with the objectives of the Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Critical Raw Materials Act)15, critical inputs, including semiconductors, in line with the objectives of Regulation (EU) 2023/1781 (Chips Act)15a, and the chemicals industry, underpinning almost all industry sectors. Pursuing an ambitious and mutually beneficial trade agenda is essential for the Union’s ability to diversify its supply chains and effectively reduce dependencies. |
| 15 Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020 (Text with EEA relevance), OJ L, 2024/1252, 3.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1252/oj | |
| 15a Regulation (EU) 2023/1781 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2023 establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/694 (Chips Act) (Text with EEA relevance), OJ L, 2023/1781, 19.9.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1781/oj |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (35) Fostering the resilience of the European industry is essential for the Union to remain competitive even in times of crisis and is essential for Union’s security. To ensure its resilience, the ECF should support actions aimed to reduce dependencies and diversify supply in strategic sectors such as the raw materials sector, thus reinforcing the Union capacities for a secure supply of sustainable critical raw materials along the whole value chain in line with the objectives of the Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Critical Raw Materials Act)15 and the chemicals industry, underpinning almost all industry sectors. Pursuing an ambitious and mutually beneficial trade agenda is essential for the Union’s ability to diversify its supply chains and effectively reduce dependencies. | (35) Fostering the resilience of the European industry is essential for the Union to remain competitive even in times of crisis and is essential for Union’s security. To ensure its resilience, the ECF should support actions aimed to reduce dependencies and diversify supply in strategic sectors such as the raw materials sector, including through the development of extraction, processing and recycling capacities within the Union, across all Member States, thus reinforcing the Union capacities for a secure supply of sustainable critical raw materials along the whole value chain in line with the objectives of the Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Critical Raw Materials Act) and the chemicals industry, underpinning almost all industry sectors. Pursuing an ambitious and mutually beneficial trade agenda is essential for the Union’s ability to diversify its supply chains and effectively reduce dependencies. |
| 15 Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020 (Text with EEA relevance), OJ L, 2024/1252, 3.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1252/oj |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (35) Fostering the resilience of the European industry is essential for the Union to remain competitive even in times of crisis and is essential for Union’s security. To ensure its resilience, the ECF should support actions aimed to reduce dependencies and diversify supply in strategic sectors such as the raw materials sector, thus reinforcing the Union capacities for a secure supply of sustainable critical raw materials along the whole value chain in line with the objectives of the Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Critical Raw Materials Act)15 and the chemicals industry, underpinning almost all industry sectors. Pursuing an ambitious and mutually beneficial trade agenda is essential for the Union’s ability to diversify its supply chains and effectively reduce dependencies. | (35) Fostering the resilience of the European industry as well as of Europe's critical infrastructure is essential for the Union to remain competitive even in times of crisis and is essential for Union’s security. To ensure its resilience, the ECF should support actions aimed to reduce dependencies and diversify supply in strategic sectors such as the raw materials sector, thus reinforcing the Union capacities for a secure supply of sustainable critical raw materials along the whole value chain in line with the objectives of the Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Critical Raw Materials Act)15 and the chemicals industry, underpinning almost all industry sectors. Pursuing an ambitious and mutually beneficial trade agenda is essential for the Union’s ability to diversify its supply chains and effectively reduce dependencies. |
| 15 Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020 (Text with EEA relevance), OJ L, 2024/1252, 3.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1252/oj | 15 Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020 (Text with EEA relevance), OJ L, 2024/1252, 3.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1252/oj |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (35 a) In the light of increasing global competition for access to rare metals, fuels, critical raw materials and growing vulnerabilities in strategic supply chains, it is necessary to increase and strengthen the Union’s capacity to stockpile, secure, process, recycle, and substitute rare metals, fuels, critical raw materials essential for economic security and industrial resilience, as well as for the green and digital transitions. A dedicated center should therefore manage stockpiling facilities at Union level, contribute to reducing strategic dependencies, facilitate sourcing, enhancing supply chain diversification, and reinforcing the Union’s long-term competitiveness and strategic autonomy. |
The establishment of a dedicated Union-level center for critical raw materials is essential to strengthen Europe’s economic security, industrial resilience and strategic autonomy in the context of intensifying global competition and increasing geopolitical risks affecting supply chains. By supporting the coordinated stockpiling, sourcing, processing, recycling and substitution of critical raw materials, the Union can reduce strategic dependencies, improve preparedness against supply disruptions, and ensure secure access to key resources necessary across the entire economy.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (35 a) Ensuring the resilience of European industry requires support to water-smart investments by providing funding opportunities to stimulate blended financial opportunities to accelerate funding absorption and consequently respond to the structural underinvestment in water services, anticipate water risks’ impact on the different industrial value chains. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Considering this, together with the threats on the rest of the EU borders,increased investment in defence is deemed a priority, including for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.16 It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should be also financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). | (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Considering this, together with the threats on the rest of the EU borders,increased investment in defence is thereby a priority, including for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield and Black Sea Maritime Security Hub. Defence, security, industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience, preparedness and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s defence readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.16 It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. In this context, particular attention should be paid to the specific security exposure of Member States bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine and to ensuring a geographically balanced development of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. Strengthening the security and resilience of defence supply chains, in particular by reducing critical dependencies on third countries for strategic components, raw materials and key technologies, is essential for ensuring the Union’s long-term preparedness, industrial capacity and competitiveness. The implementation of the ECF should, in line with its objectives, contribute to reinforcing the robustness, diversification and capacity expansion of defence related value chains within the Union. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. Actions under defence research and innovation shall place particular emphasis on cybersecurity, secure communications, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and other critical technologies essential for the Union's security, resilience and operational readiness. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure need to be developed, including where appropriate and in coherence with relevant Union programmes, the adaptation of transport, energy and digital infrastructure to enhance interoperability, resilience and rapid cross-border deployment capacity. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB, including through the development of European Flagship defence projects of common interest, is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should be also financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To ensure strategic coherence and predictability, the implementation of the ECF should be guided by capability priorities, aligned with capability priorities developed within the framework of the European Defence Agency and with capability gaps identified by Member States. The Commission should provide annual reporting on the distribution of Union support across defence capability categories in order to enhance transparency and democratic scrutiny. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence as well as the Council Conclusions on European defence of 6 of March 2025 outlining priority areas of action in the field of defence, and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), in particular within the context of the Capability Development Plan (CDP), and with the collaborative opportunities identified in the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD). Furthermore, the ECF should duly take into account Member States’ cooperation within the framework of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the European Defence Agency’s (EDA) initiatives and projects, including projects stemming from the fora implementing the nine Priority capability areas defined by the European Council, as well as the relevant activities carried out by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), including the NATO Defence Planning Process and in line with the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). The increasing importance of the European Union in defence matters should be mirrored by an adequate level of democratic scrutiny and oversight to ensure responsible allocation of funds and support from Union citizens. The Commission should therefore provide annual reporting on the distribution of Union support across defence capability categories in order to enhance transparency and democratic scrutiny . |
| 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. | 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Considering this, together with the threats on the rest of the EU borders,increased investment in defence is deemed a priority, including for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.16 It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should be also financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). | (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones caused by Russia and Belarus. The regions most affected by the deteriorating security environment and by increased risks of conventional military actions are those on the external border with Russia and Belarus; regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, thereby deeming bordering Ukraine are also facing economic, social and security challenges, thereby making increased investment in defence a priority and support for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. The expansion of fuel infrastructure for military mobility and dual-use purposes, including fuel pipelines and storage tanks, and its integration with the NATO fuel system, prioritising strategic corridors and areas with high exposure to conventional military threats, are equally part of credible deterrence. Defence industry and space are key ecosystems to close critical military capability gaps and to ensure the Union's resilience, preparedness and strategic autonomy in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030. |
| 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. |
In line with the Roadmap for European Defence Readiness 2030 and with the operational categorisation of military mobility set out in the Council Conclusions on Military Mobility 2.0. The expansion of dual-use fuel infrastructure and its integration with the NATO fuel system are recognised as components of credible deterrence; this addresses a documented gap, given that fuel pipelines and storage are not eligible under the Connecting Europe Facility.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Considering this, together with the threats on the rest of the EU borders,increased investment in defence is deemed a priority, including for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.16 It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should be also financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). | (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, thereby underscoring the need for greater investment in defence. The immediate threats on the EU’s Eastern flank and the provision of concrete support to Member States need to be addressed as matters of priority. Defence industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience, preparedness and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s defence readiness. It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and capability development. Particular attention should be paid to the contribution of the action concerned to industrial resilience, in particular to ensuring the availability and security of supply of defence products throughout the Union in response to identified risks, such as high exposure to the risk of materialisation of conventional military threats. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual-use infrastructure also related to fuel infrastructure for military mobility purposes need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB, including through the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should be also financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. The support to defence industrial policy under the ECF should be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and should be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), in particular within the context of the Capability Development Plan (CDP), and with the collaborative opportunities identified in the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD). Further, the ECF should duly take into account Member States’ cooperation within the framework of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the European Defence Agency’s (EDA) initiatives and projects, as well as the relevant activities carried out by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), including the NATO Defence Planning Process. |
| 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Considering this, together with the threats on the rest of the EU borders,increased investment in defence is deemed a priority, including for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.16 It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should be also financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). | (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, thereby underscoring the need for greater investment in defence. The immediate threats on the EU’s Eastern flank and the provision of concrete support to Member States need to be addressed as matters of priority including for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience, preparedness and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s defence readiness. It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and capability development. Particular attention should be paid to the contribution of the action concerned to industrial resilience, in particular to ensuring the availability and security of supply of defence products throughout the Union in response to identified risks, such as high exposure to the risk of materialisation of conventional military threats. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual-use infrastructure also related to fuel infrastructure for military mobility purposes need to be developed Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB, including through the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States and Europe’s defence readiness. The support to defence industrial policy under the ECF should be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and should be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), in particular within the context of the Capability Development Plan (CDP), and with the collaborative opportunities identified in the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD). Further, the ECF should duly take into account Member States’ cooperation within the framework of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the European Defence Agency’s (EDA) initiatives and projects, as well as the relevant activities carried out by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), including the NATO Defence Planning Process. |
| 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Considering this, together with the threats on the rest of the EU borders,increased investment in defence is deemed a priority, including for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.16 It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should be also financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). | (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Considering this, together with the threats on the rest of the EU borders,increased investment in defence is deemed a priority, including for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.16 It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should be also financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). In order to increase defence readiness and strengthen the competitiveness of the European defence industry, it is necessary to build on the existing cross-border collaborative framework for defence research and development. The intervention logic underpinning initiatives launched under the 2021-2027 MFF, in particular the European Defence Fund, should be maintained and reinforced through adequate funding. In particular, the ECF should ensure the continuation and strengthening of capability-driven research and development activities, with a view to delivering results that address the needs of Member States’ armed forces and enhance their interoperability. |
| 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. | 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. |
Christophe Clergeau, Jean-Marc Germain, Merja Kyllönen, Nora Mebarek, Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, André Franqueira Rodrigues, Bruno Tobback, Tonino Picula
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Considering this, together with the threats on the rest of the EU borders,increased investment in defence is deemed a priority, including for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.16 It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should be also financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). | (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Considering this, together with the threats on the rest of the EU borders,increased investment in defence is deemed a priority, including for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry, maritime industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 203016 – and the related priority capability areas (Air and missile defence, Strategic enablers, Military mobility, Artillery systems, Cyber, AI, electronic warfare, Missile and ammunition, Drones and counter-drone systems, Ground combat and Maritime). In particular, the maritime sector requires a particular focus for sustained and proportionate investment in research and development, given that R&D costs in the naval domain are significantly higher than in other sectors due to the complexity, long development cycles and high technological density of naval platforms and systems. It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should be also financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). |
| 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. | 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Considering this, together with the threats on the rest of the EU borders,increased investment in defence is deemed a priority, including for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.16 It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should be also financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). | (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. The regions most affected by the deteriorating security environment and by increased risks of conventional military actions are those on the external border with Russia and Belarus. Regions bordering Ukraine are also facing economic, social and security challenges. Considering this, together with the threats on the rest of the EU borders,increased investment in defence is deemed a priority, including for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry and space are key ecosystems to close critical military capability gaps; also to ensure the European Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.16 In addition, the expansion of fuel infrastructure for military mobility and dual use purposes (fuel pipelines and storage tanks) and in its integration with the NATO fuel system prioritizing strategic corridors and areas with high exposure to conventional military threats. It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should be also financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). |
| 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. | 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Considering this, together with the threats on the rest of the EU borders,increased investment in defence is deemed a priority, including for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.16 It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should be also financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). | (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, caused by Russia and Belarus. The regions most affected by the deteriorating security environment and by increased risks of conventional military actions are those on the external border with Russia and Belarus. Regions bordering Ukraine are also facing economic, social and security challenges. Thereby, increased investment in defence is deemed a priority, including for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry and space are key ecosystems to to close critical military capability gaps; also to ensure the Union’s resilience and preparedness. In addition, The expansion of fuel infrastructure for military mobility and dual use purposes (fuel pipelines and storage tanks) and in its integration with the NATO fuel system prioritizing strategic corridors and areas with high exposure to conventional military threats; ensure the European Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.16 It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should be also financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). |
| 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. | 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. |
Nicola Procaccini, Carlo Fidanza, Alessandro Ciriani, Elena Donazzan, Pietro Fiocchi, Lara Magoni, Francesco Torselli, Mariateresa Vivaldini
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Considering this, together with the threats on the rest of the EU borders,increased investment in defence is deemed a priority, including for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.16 It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should be also financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). | (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Considering this, together with the threats on the rest of the EU borders,increased investment in defence is deemed a priority, including for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry, maritime industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 203016 - and the related priority capability areas (Air and missile defence, Strategic enablers, Military mobility, Artillery systems, Cyber, AI, electronic warfare, Missile and ammunition, Drones and counter-drone systems, Ground combat and Maritime). It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should be also financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). |
| 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. | 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, thereby deeming increased investment in defence a priority and support for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.16 It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe’s position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership, and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing, and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure, need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should also be financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). | (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, thereby deeming increased investment in defence a priority and support for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.16 It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence, and it is essential to prioritise EU support and funding for EU companies and technologies, and to procure European products from EU companies which are headquartered in Europe and under European ownership and control. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe’s position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership, and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing, and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure, need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should also be financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). |
| 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. | 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Considering this, together with the threats on the rest of the EU borders,increased investment in defence is deemed a priority, including for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.16 It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should be also financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). | (36) In addition, the geopolitical context, in particular Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, has exposed the Union and its Member States to a high risk of materialisation of conventional military threats, in particularly to the ones bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Considering this, together with the threats on the rest of the EU borders,increased investment in defence is deemed a priority, including for projects such as the Baltic Defence Line and Eastern Border Shield. Defence industry, maritime industry and space are key ecosystems to ensure the European Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy and increase the Union’s readiness and preparedness in line with the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.16 It also supports the Union’s focus on sustainability, competitiveness, resilience and security and the Union position in the world. A strong European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is an indispensable prerequisite of defence readiness and credible deterrence. It is also essential for the protection of European citizens, ensuring the Union’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, to support Ukraine, and to uphold Europe's position as a global actor. The EDTIB is recognised as a strategic asset, contributing to the Union’s economic resilience and security, innovation, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Across the Union and its Member States, the defence sector is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies and new actors playing an increasingly important role. Innovation cycles are also accelerating, with growing emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing and validation, including in real operational environments. To improve military mobility, investments in new civilian-military assets, including mobile assets and dual use infrastructure need to be developed. Coordinated and sustained support to the EDTIB is therefore key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States, the development of Union-wide defence projects of common interest, and Europe’s defence readiness. In relation to this, actions supporting the reinforcement of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base should be also financed, as its industry will be essential to support European increased defence needs. To this end, the ECF shall be implemented taking into account the objectives of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and shall be consistent with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). |
| 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. | 16 Commission, the High Representative have present, White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, 19.03.2025. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (36 a) Rapid technological development, including in the military sector, makes warfare easier to spread and shrinks territorial distance. To ensure the security and defence of European citizens, and recognising that road and rail transport may be unable to ensure supplies for military purposes in the event of large-scale conflict, the ECF should also support investments aimed at strengthening and developing fuel capabilities for dual-use purposes, both in delivery and storage. Increasingly, the same technologies are used for civilian and defence applications, often driven by start-ups and innovators. It is therefore imperative to better exploit civilian-defence synergies and dual-use technologies. Dual-use technologies, materials, knowledge, projects contributing to regional security resilience and products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes should be eligible for support across the ECF and prioritised in award procedures, in order to better connect the Union's technological industry to its defence industrial base and to its innovation capital. |
Civilian and military technologies increasingly converge, and start-ups, SMEs and innovators are key drivers of dual-use development. Treating dual-use as a horizontal principle across the four windows, rather than confining it to the resilience and security window, is consistent with the Commission proposal's references to civilian-military synergies and with the Action Plan on Military Mobility. It also reinforces the strategic-autonomy and economic-security objectives set out in Article 3.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (36 a) Given the specific and sensitive nature of defence matters and in full respect of Member States' competences in matters of national security in accordance with Article 4(2) of the Treaty on European Union, a dedicated governance framework shall apply to the Defence policy window, ensuring an enhanced and continuous involvement of Member States in the design and selection of supported projects, in the development of common standards, joint design specifications and interoperability requirements, in the identification of lead contractors and in the structuring of subcontracting relationships across the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. It shall further ensure that beneficiaries are established in the Union or in associated countries, are not subject to control by a third country or third country entity, and that supported projects contribute to the security of supply and the strategic autonomy of the Union, in accordance with Article 346 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (36 a) In addition to the defence investment needs, the Union’s eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine face specific and persistent economic, demographic and structural challenges resulting from reduced cross-border exchanges, heightened security risks and weakened investment conditions. In line with the strategy for the Union’s eastern border regions “Strong regions for a safe Europe”, a coordinated and forward-looking approach is required to reinforce their resilience, competitiveness and long-term prosperity. The ECF should therefore also contribute to strengthening the resilience of the economies, infrastructure, businesses and people of the eastern border regions, including by supporting innovation ecosystems, skills and industrial capacity, enhancing connectivity and investment conditions, and addressing challenges in economic, social and territorial convergence and development. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (36 a) Given the specific and sensitive nature of defence matters and in full respect of Member States' competences in matters of national security in accordance with Article 4(2) of the Treaty on European Union, a dedicated governance framework shall apply to the Defence policy window. This framework shall ensure an enhanced and continuous involvement of Member States in the design and selection of supported projects, in the definition of common standards and interoperability requirements, in the identification of lead contractors and in the structuring of subcontracting relationships, with full alignment with the capability priorities identified in the Capability Development Plan and the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence conducted under the European Defence Agency. |
Michał Kobosko, Martin Hojsík, Ivars Ijabs, Lucia Yar, Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, Krzysztof Śmiszek, Yvan Verougstraete
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (36 a) To foster cross-border collaboration and strengthen the resilience of the internal market, the ECF should prioritise funding applications submitted by consortiums of companies established in different Member States. Furthermore, acknowledging the severe economic disruptions and heightened security risks faced by the Union's eastern frontier as a direct consequence of Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, the ECF should provide targeted support. A financing bonus should therefore be granted to consortiums that include at least one entity from these affected eastern border regions, ensuring they remain integrated and competitive within European value chains. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (36 a) The Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE) is intended to test rapid, flexible and mission-driven support for defence innovation, in particular for SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups developing emerging and disruptive products and technologies for defence. The ECF should allow for the continuation and further development of an agile and rapid defence innovation strand, building on the lessons learned from AGILE (piloted between 1st January 2027 and 31st December 2027) and implemented in complementarity with Defence R&D, Innovation and Technological Superiority actions established under this Regulation, EUDIS, and the ECF InvestEU Instrument. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (36 a) To foster cross-border collaboration and strengthen the resilience of the internal market, the ECF should prioritise funding applications submitted by consortiums of companies established in different Member States. Furthermore, acknowledging the severe economic disruptions and heightened security risks faced by the Union’s eastern frontier as a direct consequence of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the ECF should provide targeted support. A financing bonus should therefore be granted to consortiums that include at least one company from these affected eastern border regions, ensuring they remain integrated and competitive within European value chains. |
The current geopolitical situation, due to Russia’s aggression to Ukraine, is affecting eastern European countries disproportionately. ECF funding should support those efforts to foster competitiveness and preserve EU value chains.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (36 a) Regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine face specific structural challenges linked to their geographical location, including persistent difficulties in attracting investors and the outflow of existing investments due to heightened geopolitical risks. To ensure a balanced and cohesive implementation of the Fund across the Union, these border regions should receive targeted support measures under the ECF. Such measures may include dedicated calls, enhanced advisory services, tailored financial instruments and increased visibility of opportunities, enabling local enterprises to access financing and fully benefit from the Fund’s objectives |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (36a) The United Kingdom of Great Britain plays an important role in European defence, even though it is no longer part of the EU, and it retains significant ties with the industry in the Member States of the EU. As such, the UK should also be involved in defence industry activities within the framework of the ECF, on a clearly defined basis, including a fair and proportionate financial contribution, to ensure mutually beneficial cooperation aligned with the principle of European preference, the overall aims of the EU’s defence industry activities, and the security interests of the Union and its Member States. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (36 a) Rapid technological development, also in the military sector, makes the war easier to spread about and shrinks the territorial distance. To ensure security and defence of European citizens which remains a top priority, and having in mind that road and rail transport are not capable of ensuring supplies for military purposes in the event of a large-scale war, the ECF should also support investments aimed at strengthening and developing fuel capabilities for dual-use purposes, both in delivery and storage. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (36 a) Rapid technological development, also in the military sector, makes the war easier to spread about and shrinks the territorial distance. To ensure security and defence of European citizens which remains a top priority, and having in mind that road and rail transport are not capable of ensuring supplies for military purposes in the event of a large-scale war, the ECF should also support investments aimed at strengthening and developing fuel capabilities for dual-use purposes, both in delivery and storage. |
Bart Groothuis, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Morten Løkkegaard, Yvan Verougstraete, Sophie Wilmès, Brigitte van den Berg, Andreas Glück, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (36 a) The United Kingdom and Canada are key NATO allies with significant defence industrial capacity, capabilities and deep ties to the Union. This is also reflected in the Security and Defence Partnerships with these countries. Their participation in ECF defence activities, subject to a fair and proportionate financial contribution, is essential to strengthen European defence cooperation and industrial resilience. |
The UK and Canada are among Europe's closest defence and security partners, with proven industrial capacity and joint capability development programmes with EU Member States. Excluding them from ECF defence activities weakens European defence capabilities and cooperation at a time when it must be strengthened. Association under appropriate conditions, including financial contributions, is a political priority.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (36 a) It is crucial that ECF contains adequate provisions concerning the defence industry that are tailor-made to fully address all the specificities of this sector, which stem from its unique nature and intrinsic link to national security and Member States’ competences. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (36 b) The Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base has acquired, through its sustained operational engagement against Russia's war of aggression, expertise and production capabilities of strategic relevance for the Union's own defence readiness, in particular in uncrewed aerial, ground and maritime systems, electronic warfare, counter-uncrewed-aerial-systems capabilities and secure battlefield communications. The progressive integration of the Ukrainian defence industrial base into Union supply chains, in line with the Joint Communication on the Defence Industrial Base of Ukraine and with Ukraine's pre-accession trajectory, is in the strategic interest of the Union and of its Member States. Support under the ECF should be designed to facilitate that integration, including through cross-border industrial partnerships, joint production arrangements and skills exchanges, in accordance with the conditions set out in Articles 11 and 50. |
The Commission proposal recognises Ukraine as eligible for participation in defence activities under Article 50(1)(b), but does not articulate the strategic rationale for that choice. A dedicated recital establishing the Ukrainian defence industrial base as a strategic asset for Union defence readiness, and not merely as a recipient of Union support, provides the political and legal anchor for subsequent operational provisions on cross-border industrial partnerships and joint production. This is consistent with the European Council Conclusions on Ukraine and with the Roadmap for European Defence Readiness 2030.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (36 b) The long-term competitiveness and strategic autonomy of the European defence technological and industrial base depend on its ability to substitute substances of very high concern and fossil fuel inputs that are sourced from third countries or subject to increasing regulatory restriction. Dependence on such substances creates dual exposure: regulatory risk under Union environmental and chemical legislation, and supply security risk where third-country suppliers restrict export. ECF support for defence research, development and industrial scale-up should therefore prioritise the development and deployment of substitutes and alternative processes, enabling the EDTIB to comply with applicable Union law, reduce strategic dependencies, and strengthen its supply chain resilience over the long term. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (37) Union Space technology, data and services have become indispensable in the daily lives of Europeans and play an essential role in preserving strategic interests. Space contributes to all sectors of the economy from agriculture to banking. It is a critical enabler for security and defence, and for the well-functioning and competitiveness of the economy for example by providing accurate position-services for a broad spectrum of sectors and users, ranging from aviation to maritime, and thereby playing a key role for Europe and European citizens’ independence and sovereignty. Space is crucial for the achievement of EU's priorities and its strategic goals, including for economic prosperity and economic security, decarbonisation, green and digital transition. Space contributes to the economic security of the Union and its Member States. It also drives scientific research and technological innovation, with spill-over effects in a wide range of sectors. Finally, space offers a platform for international cooperation and space diplomacy to underpin the Union’s position as a reliable partner on the global scene. | (37) Union Space technology, data and services have become indispensable in the daily lives of Europeans and play an essential role in preserving strategic interests. Space contributes to all sectors of the economy from agriculture to banking. It is a critical enabler for security and defence, and for the well-functioning and competitiveness of the economy for example by providing accurate position-services for a broad spectrum of sectors and users, ranging from aviation to maritime, and thereby playing a key role for Europe and European citizens’ independence and sovereignty. Space is crucial for the achievement of EU's priorities and its strategic goals, including for economic prosperity and economic security, decarbonisation, green and digital transition. Space contributes to the economic security of the Union and its Member States. It also drives scientific research and technological innovation, with spill-over effects in a wide range of sectors. Finally, space offers a platform for international cooperation and space diplomacy to underpin the Union’s position as a reliable partner on the global scene. In view of these strategic imperatives, the thematic window on "Resilience and Security, Defence Industry and Space" should include a dedicated and clearly ring-fenced allocation for the space agenda, covering the preparation, development and operation of satellite systems and their components. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (37) Union Space technology, data and services have become indispensable in the daily lives of Europeans and play an essential role in preserving strategic interests. Space contributes to all sectors of the economy from agriculture to banking. It is a critical enabler for security and defence, and for the well-functioning and competitiveness of the economy for example by providing accurate position-services for a broad spectrum of sectors and users, ranging from aviation to maritime, and thereby playing a key role for Europe and European citizens’ independence and sovereignty. Space is crucial for the achievement of EU's priorities and its strategic goals, including for economic prosperity and economic security, decarbonisation, green and digital transition. Space contributes to the economic security of the Union and its Member States. It also drives scientific research and technological innovation, with spill-over effects in a wide range of sectors. Finally, space offers a platform for international cooperation and space diplomacy to underpin the Union’s position as a reliable partner on the global scene. | (37) (37) Union Space technology, data and services have become indispensable in the daily lives of Europeans and play an essential role in preserving strategic interests. Space contributes to all sectors of the economy from agriculture to banking. It is a critical enabler and for the well-functioning and competitiveness of the economy for example by providing accurate position-services for a broad spectrum of sectors and users, ranging from aviation to maritime, and thereby playing a key role for Europe and European citizens’ independence and sovereignty. Space is crucial for the achievement of EU's priorities and its strategic goals, including for economic prosperity and economic security, decarbonisation, green and digital transition. Space contributes to the economic security of the Union and its Member States. It also drives scientific research and technological innovation, with spill-over effects in a wide range of sectors. Finally, space offers a platform for international cooperation and space diplomacy to underpin the Union’s position as a reliable partner on the global scene. Only civil space applications shall be supported under the ECF. Funding for space activities with military or dual-use purposes should be excluded. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (37) Union Space technology, data and services have become indispensable in the daily lives of Europeans and play an essential role in preserving strategic interests. Space contributes to all sectors of the economy from agriculture to banking. It is a critical enabler for security and defence, and for the well-functioning and competitiveness of the economy for example by providing accurate position-services for a broad spectrum of sectors and users, ranging from aviation to maritime, and thereby playing a key role for Europe and European citizens’ independence and sovereignty. Space is crucial for the achievement of EU's priorities and its strategic goals, including for economic prosperity and economic security, decarbonisation, green and digital transition. Space contributes to the economic security of the Union and its Member States. It also drives scientific research and technological innovation, with spill-over effects in a wide range of sectors. Finally, space offers a platform for international cooperation and space diplomacy to underpin the Union’s position as a reliable partner on the global scene. | (37) Union Space technology, data and services have become indispensable in the daily lives of Europeans and play an essential role in preserving strategic interests. Space contributes to all sectors of the economy from agriculture to banking and priority support and funding for European companies and technologies in the field are essential. It is a critical enabler for security and defence, and for the well-functioning and competitiveness of the economy for example by providing accurate position-services for a broad spectrum of sectors and users, ranging from aviation to maritime, and thereby playing a key role for Europe and European citizens’ independence and sovereignty. Space is crucial for the achievement of EU's priorities and its strategic goals, including for economic prosperity and economic security, decarbonisation, green and digital transition. Space contributes to the economic security of the Union and its Member States. It also drives scientific research and technological innovation, with spill-over effects in a wide range of sectors. Finally, space offers a platform for international cooperation and space diplomacy to underpin the Union’s position as a reliable partner on the global scene. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (37) Union Space technology, data and services have become indispensable in the daily lives of Europeans and play an essential role in preserving strategic interests. Space contributes to all sectors of the economy from agriculture to banking. It is a critical enabler for security and defence, and for the well-functioning and competitiveness of the economy for example by providing accurate position-services for a broad spectrum of sectors and users, ranging from aviation to maritime, and thereby playing a key role for Europe and European citizens’ independence and sovereignty. Space is crucial for the achievement of EU's priorities and its strategic goals, including for economic prosperity and economic security, decarbonisation, green and digital transition. Space contributes to the economic security of the Union and its Member States. It also drives scientific research and technological innovation, with spill-over effects in a wide range of sectors. Finally, space offers a platform for international cooperation and space diplomacy to underpin the Union’s position as a reliable partner on the global scene. | (37) Union Space technology, data and services have become indispensable in the daily lives of Europeans and play an essential role in preserving strategic interests. Space contributes to all sectors of the economy from agriculture to banking. It is a critical enabler for security and defence, and for the well-functioning and competitiveness of the economy for example by providing accurate position-services for a broad spectrum of sectors and users, ranging from aviation to maritime, and thereby playing a key role for Europe and European citizens’ independence and sovereignty. Space is crucial for the achievement of EU's priorities and its strategic goals, including for economic prosperity and economic security, decarbonisation, green and digital transition. Space contributes to the economic security of the Union and its Member States. It also drives scientific research and technological innovation, with spill-over effects and synergies in a wide range of sectors such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Finally, space offers a platform for international cooperation and space diplomacy to underpin the Union’s position as a reliable partner on the global scene. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (37 a) The European Space Agency (ESA), as an international organisation with extensive expertise in the space domain and with which the Union concluded a Framework Agreement in 2004, is an essential partner in the implementation of the space components of the Programme. Appropriate relations with ESA should be established and reinforced. Activities undertaken in the framework of ESA may contribute to, prepare and complement the space components described in this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (37 a) ESA, as an international organisation with extensive expertise in the space domain and with which the EU concluded a Framework Agreement in 2004, shall be an important partner in the implementation of the Programm, with which appropriate relations should be established and reinforced. Activities undertaken in the framework of ESA may contribute, prepare and complement space components describe in this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (38) Space components under the ECF are sensitive. Their services must be robust and completely reliable. The continuity of their services and a high-level of security must be ensured, even in the most serious crisis situations. The consequences of infringing those conditions could potentially have dramatic consequences for the security of the Union and its Member States. To that end, specific provisions for specific circumstances should apply. | (38) Space components under the ECF are sensitive. Their services must be robust and completely reliable. The continuity of their services and a high-level of security must be ensured, even in the most serious crisis situations. The consequences of infringing those conditions could potentially have dramatic consequences for the security of the Union and its Member States. To that end, specific provisions for specific circumstances should apply. At the same time, the ECF should take stock of the rapid transformation of the space sector, in which new actors and disruptive technologies are reshaping markets long dominated by established system integrators. In order to safeguard the Union's strategic autonomy and non-dependence in space and to close its competitiveness gap with global players, the ECF should foster mutually beneficial partnerships between the established European space industry and emerging New Space companies, leveraging the complementary strengths of each across the upstream, downstream and in-orbit segments of the space value chain. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (38) Space components under the ECF are sensitive. Their services must be robust and completely reliable. The continuity of their services and a high-level of security must be ensured, even in the most serious crisis situations. The consequences of infringing those conditions could potentially have dramatic consequences for the security of the Union and its Member States. To that end, specific provisions for specific circumstances should apply. | (38) Space components under the ECF are sensitive. Their services must be robust and completely reliable. The continuity of their services and a high-level of security must be ensured, even in the most serious crisis situations. The consequences of infringing those conditions could potentially have dramatic consequences for the security of the Union and its Member States. To that end, specific provisions for specific circumstances should apply, in particular the strict separation of the service provision to the governmental authorities from any commercial service. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (39) The ECF should also support the policy goals of a safer, more secure Europe that is better prepared against security threats, in particular by enhancing European industry competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including maritime and customs security, critical energy and transport infrastructure and civil preparedness. To address increasing security and hybrid threats like terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, climate disasters and attacks on critical infrastructure, the ECF should support Europe’s efforts to increase its threat awareness, build resilience and boost security investments, and promote preparedness by design across relevant sectors. | (39) The ECF should also support the policy goals of a safer, more secure Europe that is better prepared against security threats, in particular by enhancing European industry competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including maritime and customs security, critical energy and transport infrastructure, including strategic dual-use infrastructure such as ports and civil preparedness. To address increasing security and hybrid threats such as terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, energy grid sabotage, Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN) incidents, drone incursions, disinformation campaigns, climate disasters and attacks on critical infrastructure, the ECF should support Europe’s efforts to increase its threat awareness, build resilience and boost security investments , including works related to the protection, monitoring and repair of critical infrastructure, and promote preparedness by design across relevant sectors. Works in this context include the purchase, supply, and deployment of components, systems and services including software, development, upgrading, construction and installation activities relating to a project, the acceptance of installations and the launch of a project. The ECF should furthermore promote enhanced cooperation between civilian and military actors in the field of resilience, including through support for dual-use infrastructure and capabilities such as transport networks and airlift capacities that can serve both civilian emergency response and defence needs. In order to strengthen the Union’s preparedness, actions supported under the ECF should contribute to a whole-of-society approach to resilience, involving public authorities, industry, civil society and citizens, and fostering coordination across all levels of governance. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (39) The ECF should also support the policy goals of a safer, more secure Europe that is better prepared against security threats, in particular by enhancing European industry competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including maritime and customs security, critical energy and transport infrastructure and civil preparedness. To address increasing security and hybrid threats like terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, climate disasters and attacks on critical infrastructure, the ECF should support Europe’s efforts to increase its threat awareness, build resilience and boost security investments, and promote preparedness by design across relevant sectors. | (39) The ECF should also support the policy goals of a safer, more secure Europe that is better prepared against security threats, in particular by enhancing European industry competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including maritime and customs security, critical energy and transport infrastructure and civil preparedness, as well as the security of food supplies and critical inputs, such as fertilizers. To address increasing security and hybrid threats like terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, climate disasters and attacks on critical infrastructure, the ECF should support Europe’s efforts to increase its threat awareness, build resilience and boost security investments, and promote preparedness by design across relevant sectors. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (39) The ECF should also support the policy goals of a safer, more secure Europe that is better prepared against security threats, in particular by enhancing European industry competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including maritime and customs security, critical energy and transport infrastructure and civil preparedness. To address increasing security and hybrid threats like terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, climate disasters and attacks on critical infrastructure, the ECF should support Europe’s efforts to increase its threat awareness, build resilience and boost security investments, and promote preparedness by design across relevant sectors. | (39) The ECF should also support the policy goals of a safer, more secure Europe that is better prepared against security threats, in particular by enhancing European industry competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including maritime and customs security, critical energy and transport infrastructure and civil preparedness. To address increasing security and hybrid threats like terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, environmental warfare, climate and other environmental disasters and attacks on critical infrastructure, the ECF should support Europe’s efforts to increase its threat awareness, build resilience and boost security investments, and promote preparedness, mitigation and adaptation by design across relevant sectors. |
Dario Nardella, Stefano Bonaccini, Cristina Maestre, Maria Grapini, Giorgio Gori, Claire Fita, Eric Sargiacomo
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (39) The ECF should also support the policy goals of a safer, more secure Europe that is better prepared against security threats, in particular by enhancing European industry competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including maritime and customs security, critical energy and transport infrastructure and civil preparedness. To address increasing security and hybrid threats like terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, climate disasters and attacks on critical infrastructure, the ECF should support Europe’s efforts to increase its threat awareness, build resilience and boost security investments, and promote preparedness by design across relevant sectors. | (39) The ECF should also support the policy goals of a safer, more secure Europe that is better prepared against security threats, in particular by enhancing European industry competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including maritime and customs security, critical energy and transport infrastructure and civil preparedness, as well as the security of food supplies and critical inputs. To address increasing security and hybrid threats like terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, climate disasters and attacks on critical infrastructure, the ECF should support Europe’s efforts to increase its threat awareness, build resilience and boost security investments, and promote preparedness by design across relevant sectors. |
Food security and the resilience of critical inputs are integral to the Union's strategic autonomy and resilience. In the context of growing hybrid threats, climate risks and infrastructure disruptions, safeguarding food systems is essential for economic stability, territorial cohesion and civil preparedness. This amendment aims at ensuring that the ECF framework reflects a more comprehensive approach to security.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (39) The ECF should also support the policy goals of a safer, more secure Europe that is better prepared against security threats, in particular by enhancing European industry competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including maritime and customs security, critical energy and transport infrastructure and civil preparedness. To address increasing security and hybrid threats like terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, climate disasters and attacks on critical infrastructure, the ECF should support Europe’s efforts to increase its threat awareness, build resilience and boost security investments, and promote preparedness by design across relevant sectors. | (39) The ECF should also support the policy goals of a safer, more secure Europe that is better prepared against security threats, in particular by enhancing European industry competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including maritime and customs security, critical energy and transport infrastructure, civil preparedness and security of food supplies and critical inputs. To address increasing security and hybrid threats like terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, climate disasters and attacks on critical infrastructure, the ECF should support Europe’s efforts to increase its threat awareness, build resilience and boost security investments, and promote preparedness by design across relevant sectors. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (39) The ECF should also support the policy goals of a safer, more secure Europe that is better prepared against security threats, in particular by enhancing European industry competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including maritime and customs security, critical energy and transport infrastructure and civil preparedness. To address increasing security and hybrid threats like terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, climate disasters and attacks on critical infrastructure, the ECF should support Europe’s efforts to increase its threat awareness, build resilience and boost security investments, and promote preparedness by design across relevant sectors. | (39) The ECF should also support the policy goals of a safer, more secure Europe that is better prepared against security threats and supply chain shocks, in particular by enhancing European industry competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including maritime and customs security, critical energy and transport infrastructure and civil preparedness. To address increasing security and hybrid threats like terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, climate disasters and attacks on critical infrastructure, the ECF should support Europe’s efforts to increase its threat awareness, build resilience and boost security investments, and promote preparedness by design across relevant sectors and supply chains. |
Krzysztof Hetman, Alexander Bernhuber, Adam Jarubas, Norbert Lins, Borys Budka, Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz, Mirosława Nykiel, Céline Imart, Paulo do Nascimento Cabral, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Herbert Dorfmann, Stefan Köhler, Daniel Buda, Maria Walsh
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (39) The ECF should also support the policy goals of a safer, more secure Europe that is better prepared against security threats, in particular by enhancing European industry competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including maritime and customs security, critical energy and transport infrastructure and civil preparedness. To address increasing security and hybrid threats like terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, climate disasters and attacks on critical infrastructure, the ECF should support Europe’s efforts to increase its threat awareness, build resilience and boost security investments, and promote preparedness by design across relevant sectors. | (39) The ECF should also support the policy goals of a safer, more secure Europe that is better prepared against security threats, in particular by enhancing European industry competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including maritime and customs security, critical energy and transport infrastructure, strategic food storage facilities and civil preparedness. To address increasing security and hybrid threats like terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, climate disasters and attacks on critical infrastructure, the ECF should support Europe’s efforts to increase its threat awareness, build resilience and boost security investments, and promote preparedness by design across relevant sectors. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (39) The ECF should also support the policy goals of a safer, more secure Europe that is better prepared against security threats, in particular by enhancing European industry competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including maritime and customs security, critical energy and transport infrastructure and civil preparedness. To address increasing security and hybrid threats like terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, climate disasters and attacks on critical infrastructure, the ECF should support Europe’s efforts to increase its threat awareness, build resilience and boost security investments, and promote preparedness by design across relevant sectors. | (39) The ECF should also support the policy goals of a safer, more secure Europe that is better prepared against security threats, in particular by enhancing European industry competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including maritime and customs security, critical energy and transport infrastructure and civil preparedness, including food security. To address increasing security and hybrid threats like terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, climate disasters and attacks on critical infrastructure, the ECF should support Europe’s efforts to increase its threat awareness, build resilience and boost security investments, and promote preparedness by design across relevant sectors. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (39 a) A growing number of technologies, including batteries, energy storage solutions, fuel cells and electric propulsion systems, have dual-use applications of strategic importance to the European defence and space industries, with applications ranging from directed-energy weapons and space systems to radars and unmanned land, air and maritime systems. Industrial expertise in these technologies is concentrated in a limited number of third countries, exposing the Union to disruption of supply chains and to coercive practices including export controls and discriminatory subsidies. Where Union funding under this Regulation supports technologies with defence and space applications, it should primarily support entities established in the Union and effectively controlled by Union entities. Where third-country participation is necessary, it should preferably be structured through joint ventures designed to develop technological and manufacturing know-how within the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (39 a) Given the increasingly interconnected nature of European critical infrastructure, such as energy grids and transport networks, coordinated and sustained support in the field of critical infrastructure protection is key to reinforce the collective security of the Union and its Member States. |
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| (39 b) In order to strengthen the Union’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to evolving security threats, including hybrid campaigns targeting critical infrastructure, it is necessary to reinforce the competitiveness, technological capacity and resilience of the European civil security industrial ecosystem. Targeted Union support should therefore promote the development, testing, validation and deployment of security technologies and solutions, facilitate their market uptake by security practitioners, and support collaborative procurement and industrial projects of strategic importance. |
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| (39 c) Developing, deploying, and operating security technologies demands specialized skills, such as system engineering, cybersecurity, AI, and data analytics, often paired with security clearances. Skills shortages already hinder Europe’s security industry and could undermine investments realised through the ECF. Security actions supported by the ECF should systematically include skills development, training and certification, in close coordination with relevant EU initiatives on skills and education. In particular, the ECF should support the development of specialised training ecosystems involving industry, research organisations, operators of critical infrastructure, and public authorities to ensure workforce readiness across the entire security capability lifecycle. |
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| (40) Increasingly, we see the same technologies used for market and defence applications, often driven by startups innovators. It is therefore imperative to seek measures to better exploit the potential civil-defence synergies and of dual-use technologies. Dual-use technologies, materials, knowledge, or products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes may be supported across the ECF, to ensure a better connection of the Union’s technological industry to its defence industrial base as well as to the technological innovation capital of Europe. | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (40) Increasingly, we see the same technologies used for market and defence applications, often driven by startups innovators. It is therefore imperative to seek measures to better exploit the potential civil-defence synergies and of dual-use technologies. Dual-use technologies, materials, knowledge, or products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes may be supported across the ECF, to ensure a better connection of the Union’s technological industry to its defence industrial base as well as to the technological innovation capital of Europe. | (40) Increasingly, we see the same technologies used for market and defence applications, often driven by startups innovators. It is therefore imperative to seek measures to better exploit the potential civil-defence synergies and of dual-use technologies. Dual-use technologies, materials, knowledge, or products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes may be supported across the ECF, to ensure a better connection of the Union’s technological industry to its defence industrial base as well as to the technological innovation capital of Europe. In this spirit, it will be essential to ensure a smooth transition towards development and industrialisation, under the European Competitiveness Fund, of civilian technologies with potential defence applications developed under other Union programmes, most notably Horizon Europe. At the same time, it will be paramount to invest in breakthrough technologies and defence innovations that address existing capability gaps and enable Member States’ armed forces to operate in scenarios characterised by emerging threats and new challenges. Research and development activities linked to those technologies should complement, and not replace, other capability-driven research and development activities aimed at ensuring defence readiness and increasing the competitiveness of the EDTIB. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (40) Increasingly, we see the same technologies used for market and defence applications, often driven by startups innovators. It is therefore imperative to seek measures to better exploit the potential civil-defence synergies and of dual-use technologies. Dual-use technologies, materials, knowledge, or products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes may be supported across the ECF, to ensure a better connection of the Union’s technological industry to its defence industrial base as well as to the technological innovation capital of Europe. | (40) Increasingly, we see the same technologies used for market and defence applications, often driven by startups innovators. It is therefore imperative to seek measures to better exploit the potential civil-defence synergies and of dual-use technologies. Dual-use technologies, materials, knowledge, or products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes may be supported across the ECF, to ensure a better connection of the Union’s technological industry to its defence industrial base as well as to the technological innovation capital of Europe. In order to strengthen the Union’s industrial base, strategic autonomy and resilience, the ECF should support dual-use mobile assets, including drones, counter-drone systems, ferries, and flatbeds for the transport of military equipment by rail. The ECF should also contribute to the scale-up of dual-use alternative fuels for aviation, including sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and related modular infrastructure, which support both strategic autonomy and operational readiness, recognising that military jet fuel is derived from civilian aviation fuel with specific additives. Furthermore, the protection of critical transport infrastructure is essential, as the smooth movement of persons and goods is key to the Union’s competitiveness and resilience. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (40) Increasingly, we see the same technologies used for market and defence applications, often driven by startups innovators. It is therefore imperative to seek measures to better exploit the potential civil-defence synergies and of dual-use technologies. Dual-use technologies, materials, knowledge, or products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes may be supported across the ECF, to ensure a better connection of the Union’s technological industry to its defence industrial base as well as to the technological innovation capital of Europe. | (40) Increasingly, we see the same technologies used for market and defence applications, often driven by startups innovators. It is therefore imperative to seek measures to better exploit the potential civil-defence synergies and of dual-use technologies. Dual-use technologies, materials, knowledge, or products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes may be supported across the ECF, to ensure a better connection of the Union’s technological industry to its defence industrial base as well as to the technological innovation capital of Europe. In addition, the Specific Programme for defence research and innovation activities should support innovative start-ups and scale-ups in the field of defence, including via direct equity, building on the successful experience of the EIC fund in civil applications, in order to further accelerate the innovation cycle of EDTIB and to better prepare EDTIB to new defence reality. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (40) Increasingly, we see the same technologies used for market and defence applications, often driven by startups innovators. It is therefore imperative to seek measures to better exploit the potential civil-defence synergies and of dual-use technologies. Dual-use technologies, materials, knowledge, or products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes may be supported across the ECF, to ensure a better connection of the Union’s technological industry to its defence industrial base as well as to the technological innovation capital of Europe. | (40) Increasingly, we see the same technologies used for market and defence applications, often driven by startups innovators. It is therefore imperative to seek measures to better exploit the potential for dual use of civil-defence synergies and for dual use of civilian technologies for defence purposes. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (40) Increasingly, we see the same technologies used for market and defence applications, often driven by startups innovators. It is therefore imperative to seek measures to better exploit the potential civil-defence synergies and of dual-use technologies. Dual-use technologies, materials, knowledge, or products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes may be supported across the ECF, to ensure a better connection of the Union’s technological industry to its defence industrial base as well as to the technological innovation capital of Europe. | (40) Increasingly, we see the same technologies used for market and defence applications, often driven by startups innovators. It is therefore imperative to seek measures to better exploit the potential civil-defence synergies and of dual-use technologies. Dual-use technologies, materials, knowledge, projects contributing to regional security resilience, or products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes may be supported across the ECF, must be prioritised to ensure a better connection of the Union’s technological industry to its defence industrial base as well as to the technological innovation capital of Europe. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (40) Increasingly, we see the same technologies used for market and defence applications, often driven by startups innovators. It is therefore imperative to seek measures to better exploit the potential civil-defence synergies and of dual-use technologies. Dual-use technologies, materials, knowledge, or products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes may be supported across the ECF, to ensure a better connection of the Union’s technological industry to its defence industrial base as well as to the technological innovation capital of Europe. | (40) Increasingly, we see the same technologies used for market and defence applications, often driven by startups innovators. It is therefore imperative to seek measures to better exploit the potential civil-defence synergies and of dual-use technologies. Dual-use technologies, materials, knowledge, projects contributing to regional security resilience, or products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes may be supported across the ECF, must be prioritised to ensure a better connection of the Union’s technological industry to its defence industrial base as well as to the technological innovation capital of Europe. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (40) Increasingly, we see the same technologies used for market and defence applications, often driven by startups innovators. It is therefore imperative to seek measures to better exploit the potential civil-defence synergies and of dual-use technologies. Dual-use technologies, materials, knowledge, or products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes may be supported across the ECF, to ensure a better connection of the Union’s technological industry to its defence industrial base as well as to the technological innovation capital of Europe. | (40) Increasingly, we see the same technologies used for market and defence applications, often driven by startups innovators. It is therefore imperative to seek measures to better exploit the potential civil-defence synergies and of dual-use technologies, including for medical countermeasures. Dual-use technologies, materials, knowledge, or products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes may be supported across the ECF, to ensure a better connection of the Union’s technological industry to its defence industrial base as well as to the technological innovation capital of Europe. |
Borys Budka, Danuše Nerudová, Davor Ivo Stier, Nikolina Brnjac, Karlo Ressler, Miriam Lexmann, Adam Jarubas, Krzysztof Hetman, Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz, Mirosława Nykiel, Iuliu Winkler, Loránt Vincze, Andrzej Halicki, Virgil-Daniel Popescu, Inese Vaidere, Tomáš Zdechovský, Siegfried Mureşan, Ioan-Rareş Bogdan, Daniel Buda, Gheorghe Falcă, Adina Vălean, Romana Tomc, Eva Maydell, Jan Farský, Rasa Juknevičienė, Andrey Kovatchev, Andrey Novakov, Ilia Lazarov, Sandra Kalniete
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (40 a) 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. |
Borys Budka, Eva Maydell, Romana Tomc, Adina Vălean, Gheorghe Falcă, Daniel Buda, Ioan-Rareş Bogdan, Siegfried Mureşan, Tomáš Zdechovský, Inese Vaidere, Virgil-Daniel Popescu, Andrzej Halicki, Loránt Vincze, Iuliu Winkler, Mirosława Nykiel, Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz, Krzysztof Hetman, Adam Jarubas, Miriam Lexmann, Karlo Ressler, Nikolina Brnjac, Davor Ivo Stier, Danuše Nerudová, Jan Farský, Rasa Juknevičienė, Andrey Kovatchev, Andrey Novakov, Ilia Lazarov, Eszter Lakos, Sandra Kalniete
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (40 b) 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 four Member States each having secured more Union funding for innovation projects since 2021 than the fifteen Widening countries combined. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (41) To ensure predictability for stakeholders and provide a sufficient level of certainty for investment planning, the ECF should set out an indicative budget distribution across the policy windows for the period 2028 to 2034 while maintaining flexibility to reallocate parts of the budget in accordance with new challenges and emerging priorities throughout the duration of the Multiannual Financial Framework. To this extent, it should be ensured that a certain minimum budget envelope is available for long-term planning and commitments broken down over several years into annual instalments in each policy window, allowing the Union to consolidate its demand and enter into strategic long-term relations with recipients give long-term predictability to industry and financial ecosystem, and enable the setup of important Union infrastructures, such as for hydrogen and industrial carbon management, world-class satellite systems, underwater observation infrastructures, cybersecurity, semiconductors quantum, AI and high-performance computing or critical infrastructure, and defence or space projects of common interest. | (41) To ensure predictability for stakeholders and provide a sufficient level of certainty for investment planning, the ECF should set out mandatory budget distribution across the policy windows for the period 2028 to 2034 establishing minimum allocations for key sub-objectives within each window. Mandatory minimum allocations are necessary to ensure that no single priority is systematically crowded out by others within a shared envelope, and to provide the long-term planning horizon required for multi-annual strategic projects, infrastructure and financial instruments. Minimum allocations do not constitute ceilings and do not preclude higher expenditure where demand and project quality justify it. a certain degree of flexibility to reallocate parts of the budget in accordance with new challenges and emerging priorities throughout the duration of the Multiannual Financial Framework should be allowed. To this extent, it should be ensured that a certain minimum budget envelope is available for long-term planning and commitments broken down over several years into annual instalments in each policy window, allowing the Union to consolidate its demand and enter into strategic long-term relations with recipients give long-term predictability to industry and financial ecosystem, and enable the setup of important Union infrastructures, such as for hydrogen and industrial carbon management, world-class satellite systems, strategic health infrastructures underwater observation infrastructures, cybersecurity, semiconductors quantum, AI and high-performance computing or critical infrastructure, and defence or space projects of common interest. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (41) To ensure predictability for stakeholders and provide a sufficient level of certainty for investment planning, the ECF should set out an indicative budget distribution across the policy windows for the period 2028 to 2034 while maintaining flexibility to reallocate parts of the budget in accordance with new challenges and emerging priorities throughout the duration of the Multiannual Financial Framework. To this extent, it should be ensured that a certain minimum budget envelope is available for long-term planning and commitments broken down over several years into annual instalments in each policy window, allowing the Union to consolidate its demand and enter into strategic long-term relations with recipients give long-term predictability to industry and financial ecosystem, and enable the setup of important Union infrastructures, such as for hydrogen and industrial carbon management, world-class satellite systems, underwater observation infrastructures, cybersecurity, semiconductors quantum, AI and high-performance computing or critical infrastructure, and defence or space projects of common interest. | (41) To ensure predictability for stakeholders and provide a sufficient level of certainty for investment planning, the ECF should set out an indicative budget distribution across the policy windows for the period 2028 to 2034 while maintaining flexibility to reallocate parts of the budget in accordance with new challenges and emerging priorities throughout the duration of the Multiannual Financial Framework. To this extent, it should be ensured that a certain minimum budget envelope is available for long-term planning and commitments broken down over several years into annual instalments in each policy window, allowing the Union to consolidate its demand and enter into strategic long-term relations with recipients give long-term predictability to industry and financial ecosystem, and enable the setup of important Union infrastructures. |
Long-term stability and certainty are crucial for investment planning. This is true for all investment planning and indeed also, or particularly so, for expensive infrastructure developments, characterized by decades of earn-back periods. However, there is no need for a non-exhaustive list of infrastructures here, in which a few crucial ones, like electricity grids, are already missing. This list, and suggested limitation, is especially out of place, as this recital explicitly tries to connect long-term stability with the need for flexibility and room for emerging needs and technologies. However, clear direction and choices determining which sectors are strategic for EU competitiveness are absolutely necessary. Instruments like the Competitiveness Coordination Tool and S3 are designed exactly for this and should be fully developed and applied and clearly mentioned in this regulation.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (41) To ensure predictability for stakeholders and provide a sufficient level of certainty for investment planning, the ECF should set out an indicative budget distribution across the policy windows for the period 2028 to 2034 while maintaining flexibility to reallocate parts of the budget in accordance with new challenges and emerging priorities throughout the duration of the Multiannual Financial Framework. To this extent, it should be ensured that a certain minimum budget envelope is available for long-term planning and commitments broken down over several years into annual instalments in each policy window, allowing the Union to consolidate its demand and enter into strategic long-term relations with recipients give long-term predictability to industry and financial ecosystem, and enable the setup of important Union infrastructures, such as for hydrogen and industrial carbon management, world-class satellite systems, underwater observation infrastructures, cybersecurity, semiconductors quantum, AI and high-performance computing or critical infrastructure, and defence or space projects of common interest. | (41) To ensure predictability for stakeholders and provide a sufficient level of certainty for investment planning, the ECF should set out an indicative budget distribution across the policy windows for the period 2028 to 2034 while maintaining flexibility to reallocate parts of the budget in accordance with new challenges and emerging priorities throughout the duration of the Multiannual Financial Framework. To this extent, it should be ensured that a certain minimum budget envelope is available for long-term planning and commitments broken down over several years into annual instalments in each policy window, allowing the Union to consolidate its demand and enter into strategic long-term relations with recipients give long-term predictability to industry and financial ecosystem, and enable the setup of important Union infrastructures, such as for the hydrogen ramp up from the production to the infrastructure on EU-level to the partnerships and the improvement of facilitation of imports requirements with third countries on the international level and industrial carbon management, world-class satellite systems, underwater observation infrastructures, cybersecurity, semiconductors quantum, AI and high-performance computing or critical infrastructure, and defence or space projects of common interest. |
Adds the components required for the hydrogen ramp-up to the ECF. from Production to infrastructure. Currently, The European Hydrogen Bank (EHB) plays an important role in facilitating early market creation for hydrogen. Both domestic production and imports are important to meet potentially large future demand from industrial sectors such as steel and chemicals. However, This will require additional financing. Furthermore, there is currently no dedicated funding available for the international leg of the EHB to support imports of renewable hydrogen. In order to design a scheme for renewable hydrogen imports from third countries into the EU, substantial analytical and preparatory work is required in the immediate term. Such preparatory work could include, amongst other tasks, analysing the hydrogen market landscape globally, identifying the specific risks associated with the import of hydrogen and the associated financing challenges, and the advantages and disadvantages of different auction design elements, building on existing experience available, such as the international auctions organised by the H2Global Foundation.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (41) To ensure predictability for stakeholders and provide a sufficient level of certainty for investment planning, the ECF should set out an indicative budget distribution across the policy windows for the period 2028 to 2034 while maintaining flexibility to reallocate parts of the budget in accordance with new challenges and emerging priorities throughout the duration of the Multiannual Financial Framework. To this extent, it should be ensured that a certain minimum budget envelope is available for long-term planning and commitments broken down over several years into annual instalments in each policy window, allowing the Union to consolidate its demand and enter into strategic long-term relations with recipients give long-term predictability to industry and financial ecosystem, and enable the setup of important Union infrastructures, such as for hydrogen and industrial carbon management, world-class satellite systems, underwater observation infrastructures, cybersecurity, semiconductors quantum, AI and high-performance computing or critical infrastructure, and defence or space projects of common interest. | (41) To ensure predictability for stakeholders and provide a sufficient level of certainty for investment planning, the ECF should set out clear ringfenced budgets across the policy windows for the period 2028 to 2034. Reallocation of funds between policy windows shall be permitted only within a ceiling of 5% of the category of expenditure that receives the funds or the category that provides the funds. Any reallocation exceeding that ceiling shall require an implementing act subject to the examination procedure and prior notification to the European Parliament and the Council. To this extent, it should be ensured that a ringfenced budget envelope is available for long-term planning, allowing the Union to consolidate its demand and enter into strategic long-term relations with recipients, give long-term predictability to industry and financial ecosystem, and enable the setup of important Union infrastructures, such as for hydrogen and industrial carbon management, world-class satellite systems, underwater observation infrastructures, cybersecurity, semiconductors, quantum, AI and high-performance computing or critical infrastructure and civil space projects of common interest. Defence projects shall not be eligible for funding under the ECF. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (41) To ensure predictability for stakeholders and provide a sufficient level of certainty for investment planning, the ECF should set out an indicative budget distribution across the policy windows for the period 2028 to 2034 while maintaining flexibility to reallocate parts of the budget in accordance with new challenges and emerging priorities throughout the duration of the Multiannual Financial Framework. To this extent, it should be ensured that a certain minimum budget envelope is available for long-term planning and commitments broken down over several years into annual instalments in each policy window, allowing the Union to consolidate its demand and enter into strategic long-term relations with recipients give long-term predictability to industry and financial ecosystem, and enable the setup of important Union infrastructures, such as for hydrogen and industrial carbon management, world-class satellite systems, underwater observation infrastructures, cybersecurity, semiconductors quantum, AI and high-performance computing or critical infrastructure, and defence or space projects of common interest. | (41) To ensure predictability for stakeholders and provide a sufficient level of certainty for investment planning, the ECF should set out an indicative budget distribution across the policy windows for the period 2028 to 2034 while maintaining flexibility to reallocate parts of the budget in accordance with new challenges and emerging priorities throughout the duration of the Multiannual Financial Framework. To this extent, it should be ensured that a certain minimum budget envelope is available for long-term planning and commitments broken down over several years into annual instalments in each policy window, allowing the Union to consolidate its demand and enter into strategic long-term relations with recipients give long-term predictability to industry and financial ecosystem, and enable the setup of important Union infrastructures, such as for hydrogen and industrial carbon management that allow for large-scale decarbonisation, modular nuclear reactors that offer opportunities for significant improvements in energy security, world-class satellite systems, underwater observation infrastructures, cybersecurity, semiconductors quantum, AI and high-performance computing or critical infrastructure, and defence or space projects of common interest. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (41) To ensure predictability for stakeholders and provide a sufficient level of certainty for investment planning, the ECF should set out an indicative budget distribution across the policy windows for the period 2028 to 2034 while maintaining flexibility to reallocate parts of the budget in accordance with new challenges and emerging priorities throughout the duration of the Multiannual Financial Framework. To this extent, it should be ensured that a certain minimum budget envelope is available for long-term planning and commitments broken down over several years into annual instalments in each policy window, allowing the Union to consolidate its demand and enter into strategic long-term relations with recipients give long-term predictability to industry and financial ecosystem, and enable the setup of important Union infrastructures, such as for hydrogen and industrial carbon management, world-class satellite systems, underwater observation infrastructures, cybersecurity, semiconductors quantum, AI and high-performance computing or critical infrastructure, and defence or space projects of common interest. | (41) To ensure predictability for stakeholders and provide a sufficient level of certainty for investment planning, the ECF should set out an indicative budget distribution across the policy windows for the period 2028 to 2034 while maintaining flexibility to reallocate parts of the budget in accordance with new challenges and emerging priorities throughout the duration of the Multiannual Financial Framework. To this extent, it should be ensured that a certain minimum budget envelope is available for long-term planning and commitments broken down over several years into annual instalments in each policy window, and, where appropriate, sections thereof, allowing the Union to consolidate its demand and enter into strategic long-term relations with recipients give long-term predictability to industry and financial ecosystem, and enable the setup of important Union infrastructures, such as for hydrogen and industrial carbon management, world-class satellite systems, underwater observation infrastructures, cybersecurity, semiconductors quantum, AI and high-performance computing or critical infrastructure, and defence or space projects of common interest. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (41) To ensure predictability for stakeholders and provide a sufficient level of certainty for investment planning, the ECF should set out an indicative budget distribution across the policy windows for the period 2028 to 2034 while maintaining flexibility to reallocate parts of the budget in accordance with new challenges and emerging priorities throughout the duration of the Multiannual Financial Framework. To this extent, it should be ensured that a certain minimum budget envelope is available for long-term planning and commitments broken down over several years into annual instalments in each policy window, allowing the Union to consolidate its demand and enter into strategic long-term relations with recipients give long-term predictability to industry and financial ecosystem, and enable the setup of important Union infrastructures, such as for hydrogen and industrial carbon management, world-class satellite systems, underwater observation infrastructures, cybersecurity, semiconductors quantum, AI and high-performance computing or critical infrastructure, and defence or space projects of common interest. | (41) To ensure predictability for stakeholders and provide a sufficient level of certainty for investment planning, the ECF should set out an indicative budget distribution across the policy windows for the period 2028 to 2034 while maintaining flexibility to reallocate parts of the budget in accordance with new challenges and emerging priorities throughout the duration of the Multiannual Financial Framework. To this extent, it should be ensured that a certain minimum budget envelope is available for long-term planning and commitments broken down over several years into annual instalments in each policy window, allowing the Union to consolidate its demand and enter into strategic long-term relations with recipients give long-term predictability to industry and financial ecosystem, and enable the setup of important Union infrastructures, such as for hydrogen and industrial carbon management, world-class satellite systems, underwater observation infrastructures, cybersecurity, semiconductors, quantum, AI and high-performance computing or critical infrastructure, and defence or space projects of common interest. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (41) To ensure predictability for stakeholders and provide a sufficient level of certainty for investment planning, the ECF should set out an indicative budget distribution across the policy windows for the period 2028 to 2034 while maintaining flexibility to reallocate parts of the budget in accordance with new challenges and emerging priorities throughout the duration of the Multiannual Financial Framework. To this extent, it should be ensured that a certain minimum budget envelope is available for long-term planning and commitments broken down over several years into annual instalments in each policy window, allowing the Union to consolidate its demand and enter into strategic long-term relations with recipients give long-term predictability to industry and financial ecosystem, and enable the setup of important Union infrastructures, such as for hydrogen and industrial carbon management, world-class satellite systems, underwater observation infrastructures, cybersecurity, semiconductors quantum, AI and high-performance computing or critical infrastructure, and defence or space projects of common interest. | (41) To ensure predictability for stakeholders and provide a sufficient level of certainty for investment planning, the ECF should set out an indicative budget distribution across the policy windows for the period 2028 to 2034 while maintaining flexibility to reallocate parts of the budget in accordance with new challenges and emerging priorities throughout the duration of the Multiannual Financial Framework. To this extent, it should be ensured that a certain minimum budget envelope is available for long-term planning and commitments broken down over several years into annual instalments in each policy window, allowing the Union to consolidate its demand and enter into strategic long-term relations with recipients give long-term predictability to industry and financial ecosystem, and enable the setup of important Union infrastructures, such as for hydrogen and industrial carbon management, world-class satellite systems, underwater observation infrastructures, cybersecurity, semiconductors, quantum, AI and high-performance computing or critical infrastructure, and defence or space projects of common interest. |
Comma was added because semiconductors should be mentioned as important infrastructure whereas quantum refers to computing.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (41 a) SMEs, innovative start-ups and innovative scaleups are essential engines of innovation and job creation and face structural barriers to accessing Union funding and private capital. To ensure that ECF support reaches those actors, at least 25% of the total ECF financial envelope should be dedicated to their support, of which at least 5% should target specifically innovative start-ups and at least 15% should target specifically SMEs. Those floors should be monitored through a publicly available dashboard tracking Union funding allocated to SMEs, innovative start-ups, innovative scaleups and small mid-caps by number, nature and geographic distribution. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (41 a) The overall budget for the 'widening participation' part of the Programme should be at least 10 % of the overall Programme budget and should benefit legal entities established in the widening countries. Funding awarded to widening countries in accordance to other parts of the programme do not count towards the earmarked amount for 'widening participation'. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (41 b) Clean technology manufacturing is a prerequisite for the Union's industrial decarbonisation and strategic autonomy in net-zero technologies. The ECF should ensure a substantial and predictable minimum allocation for clean tech manufacturing and its supply chains, including production ramp-up and zero-emission mobility manufacturing. That minimum allocation provides the long-term investment signal needed by manufacturers of strategic clean technologies. It is designed to complement the future Industrial Decarbonisation Bank, which will provide dedicated support for the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries; the ECF should therefore focus on enabling manufacturing capacity and supply chain resilience rather than duplicating instruments that will be available through that dedicated vehicle. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (42) To achieve the important objectives and manage the ECF, a sufficient level of resources for the implementation of the ECF should be provided. The budget envelope should therefore provide a sufficient contribution to the cost of managing the ECF. | (42) To achieve the important objectives and manage the ECF, a sufficient level of resources for the implementation of the ECF should be provided. The budget envelope should therefore provide a sufficient contribution to the cost of managing the ECF. However, given the magnitude of the investment gap identified at Union level, the resources of the ECF alone cannot meet the financing needs of the Union's strategic priorities. The ECF should therefore be designed to maximise its ability to crowd-in private capital, in particular from institutional investors and risk capital actors, and by supporting the structuring of a competitive Union private equity, venture capital and asset management industry capable of matching the scale of global competitors. To that end, the ECF should mobilise a broad and modular range of financial instruments, including grants, loans, guarantees and first-loss provisions, particularly suited to support public authorities, infrastructure projects and de-risking, as well as equity, quasi-equity, venture capital, fund-of-funds investments, growth and pre-exit financing, as well as secondary market interventions, particularly suited to support innovative companies along their investment and scale-up journey. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (43) Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council applies to this basic act. It lays down the rules on the establishment and the implementation of the general budget of the Union, including the rules on grants, prizes, non-financial donations, procurement, indirect management, financial instruments and budgetary guarantees. In accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council,17 Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95,18 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/9619 and Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939,20 the financial interests of the Union are to be protected through proportionate measures, including the prevention, detection, correction and investigation of irregularities and fraud, the recovery of funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, the imposition of administrative sanctions. In particular, in accordance with Regulations (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 and (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) may carry out investigations, including on-the-spot checks and inspections, with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the Union. In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/1939, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) is competent to investigate and prosecute fraud and other criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the Union as provided for in Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council.21 In accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, any person or entity receiving Union funds is to fully cooperate in the protection of the Union’s financial interests, to grant the necessary rights and access to the Commission, OLAF, the European Court of Auditors and, as appropriate, to the EPPO, and to ensure that any third parties involved in the implementation of Union funds grant equivalent rights. | (43) Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council applies to this basic act. It lays down the rules on the establishment and the implementation of the general budget of the Union, including the rules on grants, prizes, non-financial donations, procurement, indirect management, financial instruments and budgetary guarantees. In accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council,17 Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95,18 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/9619 and Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939,20 the financial interests of the Union are to be protected through proportionate measures, including the prevention, detection, correction and investigation of irregularities and fraud, the recovery of funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, the imposition of administrative sanctions. In particular, in accordance with Regulations (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 and (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) may carry out investigations, including on-the-spot checks and inspections, with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the Union. In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/1939, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) is competent to investigate and prosecute fraud and other criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the Union as provided for in Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council.21 In accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, any person or entity receiving Union funds is to fully cooperate in the protection of the Union’s financial interests, to grant the necessary rights and access to the Commission, OLAF, the European Court of Auditors and, as appropriate, to the EPPO, and to ensure that any third parties involved in the implementation of Union funds grant equivalent rights. In accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, in particular Article 6(3) and Article 138 (vi), compliance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and respect for the Union values is required in the implementation of the budget, as well as the exclusion of entities that engage in wrongful conduct incompatible with the Union's values. |
| 17 Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 September 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1074/1999 (OJ L 248, 18.9.2013, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/883/oj). | 17 Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 September 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1074/1999 (OJ L 248, 18.9.2013, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/883/oj). |
| 18 Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests (OJ L 312, 23.12.95, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/1995/2988/oj). | 18 Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests (OJ L 312, 23.12.95, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/1995/2988/oj). |
| 19 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (OJ L 292,15.11.96, p. 2, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/1996/2185/oj). | 19 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (OJ L 292,15.11.96, p. 2, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/1996/2185/oj). |
| 20 Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 of 12 October 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (‘the EPPO’) (OJ L 283, 31.10.2017, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/1939/oj). | 20 Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 of 12 October 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (‘the EPPO’) (OJ L 283, 31.10.2017, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/1939/oj). |
| 21 Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2017 on the fight against fraud to the Union's financial interests by means of criminal law (OJ L 198, 28.7.2017, p. 29, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2017/1371/oj). | 21 Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2017 on the fight against fraud to the Union's financial interests by means of criminal law (OJ L 198, 28.7.2017, p. 29, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2017/1371/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (43 a) Respect for the rule of law, as referred to in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, is one of the fundamental values on which the Union is founded and constitutes a precondition for the mutual trust between Member States and for the proper functioning of the Union. Compliance with the principles of the rule of law is essential to ensure the legitimacy, transparency and accountability of the use of Union funds. Union support under this Regulation should therefore be made conditional upon respect for the rule of law. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (44) To promote the Union’s competitiveness, in addition to its budget, wherever possible the ECF should attract and generate additional assigned external revenues. In this respect, the ECF should be open and facilitate synergies and cooperation for any financial or non-financial contributions that can support the competitiveness objectives, including from Member States, third countries and international organisations. | (44) To promote the Union’s competitiveness, in addition to its budget, wherever possible the ECF should attract and generate additional assigned external revenues. In this respect, the ECF should be open and facilitate synergies and cooperation for any financial or non-financial contributions that can support the general objective of the ECF; to strengthen public, social, ecological, industrial and technological advancement and resilience by financing and supporting public investment in strategic civil sectors, public infrastructure, quality jobs, democratic participation, and territorial cohesion, with priority given to projects of clear Union added value and public interest. Including from Member States, third countries and international organisations. However, ECF funding should not be available to the participation of third countries involved in the illegal occupation or annexation of territories; neither to third countries responsible for gross and systematic violations of human rights or other violations of international law. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (44) To promote the Union’s competitiveness, in addition to its budget, wherever possible the ECF should attract and generate additional assigned external revenues. In this respect, the ECF should be open and facilitate synergies and cooperation for any financial or non-financial contributions that can support the competitiveness objectives, including from Member States, third countries and international organisations. | (44) To promote the Union’s competitiveness, in addition to its budget, wherever possible the ECF should attract and generate additional assigned external revenues. In this respect, the ECF should be open and facilitate synergies and cooperation for any financial or non-financial contributions that can support the competitiveness objectives, including from Member States, third countries and international organisations, provided that the Union is the primary decision-maker and regularly monitors measures and projects undertaken jointly. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (44) To promote the Union’s competitiveness, in addition to its budget, wherever possible the ECF should attract and generate additional assigned external revenues. In this respect, the ECF should be open and facilitate synergies and cooperation for any financial or non-financial contributions that can support the competitiveness objectives, including from Member States, third countries and international organisations. | (44) To promote the Union’s competitiveness, in addition to its budget, wherever possible the ECF should attract and generate additional assigned external revenues. In this respect, the ECF should be open and facilitate synergies and cooperation for any financial or non-financial contributions that can support the competitiveness objectives of the European Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (45) To promote the resilience of the Union economy, notably by reducing strategic dependencies, the ECF should enable Union preference for support to manufacturing and developing strategic technologies and sectors located in the Union, notably for actions related to Union strategic assets, interests, autonomy or security, in line with Union law and its international commitments. It is essential that European funding contributes to the uptake of strategic technologies developed in the Union and funded through European funding. To support the development and manufacturing in the Union of strategic technologies funded by the Union, the ECF should allow to condition its support through control restrictions, asset transfers restrictions and supply restrictions to the use of specific products and technologies. | (45) To promote the resilience and sovereignty of the Union economy, notably by reducing strategic dependencies, the ECF should be dedicated to support entities located in the Union, including for support to manufacturing scaling and recylcing strategic technologies and sectors located in the Union, notably for actions related to Union strategic assets, interests, autonomy or security, in line with Union law and its international commitments. Given the limited overall ECF envelope the resources should be concentrated on strengthening European industrial sovereignty in strategic areas. Union support that benefits entities insufficiently anchored in the Union, or that enables technology transfer, relocation or offshoring to ineligible third countries, undermines the core rationale of the Fund. The EU preference provisions of this Regulation should therefore apply in a binding and differentiated manner, calibrated to the sensitivity and strategic importance of each action, setting mandatory participation, performance, transfer, supply and control restrictions in line with Article 10. Those provisions should build upon and complement the requirements established under relevant sectoral legislation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (45) To promote the resilience of the Union economy, notably by reducing strategic dependencies, the ECF should enable Union preference for support to manufacturing and developing strategic technologies and sectors located in the Union, notably for actions related to Union strategic assets, interests, autonomy or security, in line with Union law and its international commitments. It is essential that European funding contributes to the uptake of strategic technologies developed in the Union and funded through European funding. To support the development and manufacturing in the Union of strategic technologies funded by the Union, the ECF should allow to condition its support through control restrictions, asset transfers restrictions and supply restrictions to the use of specific products and technologies. | (45) To promote the resilience of the Union economy, notably by reducing strategic dependencies, the ECF should enable Union preference for support to manufacturing and developing strategic technologies and sectors located in the Union, by prioritising investments that strengthen domestic industrial capacity in all Member States, contribute to reducing innovation and industrial gaps across the Union, and support economic convergence and regional resilience, notably in Central and Eastern European regions, and reduce strategic dependencies on third countries, notably in critical technologies, energy and raw materials, notably for actions related to Union strategic assets, interests, autonomy or security, in line with Union law and its international commitments. It is essential that European funding contributes to the uptake of strategic technologies developed in the Union and funded through European funding. To support the development and manufacturing in the Union of strategic technologies funded by the Union, the ECF should allow to condition its support through control restrictions, asset transfers restrictions and supply restrictions linked to the use of specific products and technologies. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (45) To promote the resilience of the Union economy, notably by reducing strategic dependencies, the ECF should enable Union preference for support to manufacturing and developing strategic technologies and sectors located in the Union, notably for actions related to Union strategic assets, interests, autonomy or security, in line with Union law and its international commitments. It is essential that European funding contributes to the uptake of strategic technologies developed in the Union and funded through European funding. To support the development and manufacturing in the Union of strategic technologies funded by the Union, the ECF should allow to condition its support through control restrictions, asset transfers restrictions and supply restrictions to the use of specific products and technologies. | (45) To promote the resilience of the Union economy, notably by reducing strategic dependencies, the ECF should enable Union preference for support to manufacturing and developing strategic technologies and sectors located in the Union, notably for actions related to Union strategic assets, interests, autonomy or security, in line with Union law and its international commitments. It is essential to link this to the availability of strong innovation capital and a skilled workforce in individual regions, thereby fostering natural connections between specific topics or industrial sectors and the relevant human resource potential in each region. It is essential that European funding contributes to the uptake of strategic technologies developed in the Union and funded through European funding. To support the development and manufacturing in the Union of strategic technologies funded by the Union, the ECF should allow to condition its support through control restrictions, asset transfers restrictions and supply restrictions to the use of specific products and technologies. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (45) To promote the resilience of the Union economy, notably by reducing strategic dependencies, the ECF should enable Union preference for support to manufacturing and developing strategic technologies and sectors located in the Union, notably for actions related to Union strategic assets, interests, autonomy or security, in line with Union law and its international commitments. It is essential that European funding contributes to the uptake of strategic technologies developed in the Union and funded through European funding. To support the development and manufacturing in the Union of strategic technologies funded by the Union, the ECF should allow to condition its support through control restrictions, asset transfers restrictions and supply restrictions to the use of specific products and technologies. | (45) To promote the sovereignty, technological leadership and resilience of the Union economy, notably by reducing strategic dependencies, the ECF should be dedicated to entities located in the Union, including for support to manufacturing and developing strategic technologies and sectors located in the Union, notably for actions related to Union strategic assets, interests, autonomy or security, in line with Union law and its international commitments. It is essential that European funding contributes to the uptake of strategic technologies developed in the Union and funded through European funding. To support the development and manufacturing in the Union of strategic technologies funded by the Union, the ECF should allow to condition its support through control restrictions, asset transfers restrictions and supply restrictions to the use of specific products and technologies, in line with Article 10. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (45) To promote the resilience of the Union economy, notably by reducing strategic dependencies, the ECF should enable Union preference for support to manufacturing and developing strategic technologies and sectors located in the Union, notably for actions related to Union strategic assets, interests, autonomy or security, in line with Union law and its international commitments. It is essential that European funding contributes to the uptake of strategic technologies developed in the Union and funded through European funding. To support the development and manufacturing in the Union of strategic technologies funded by the Union, the ECF should allow to condition its support through control restrictions, asset transfers restrictions and supply restrictions to the use of specific products and technologies. | (45) To promote the resilience of the Union economy, notably by reducing strategic dependencies, the ECF should enable Union preference for support to manufacturing and developing strategic technologies and sectors located in the Union, notably for actions related to Union strategic assets, interests, autonomy or security, in line with Union law and its international commitments. It is essential that European funding favours and contributes to the uptake of strategic technologies developed in the Union and funded through European funding. To support the development and manufacturing in the Union of strategic technologies funded by the Union, the ECF should allow to condition its support through control restrictions, asset transfers restrictions and supply restrictions to the use of specific products and technologies. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (45) To promote the resilience of the Union economy, notably by reducing strategic dependencies, the ECF should enable Union preference for support to manufacturing and developing strategic technologies and sectors located in the Union, notably for actions related to Union strategic assets, interests, autonomy or security, in line with Union law and its international commitments. It is essential that European funding contributes to the uptake of strategic technologies developed in the Union and funded through European funding. To support the development and manufacturing in the Union of strategic technologies funded by the Union, the ECF should allow to condition its support through control restrictions, asset transfers restrictions and supply restrictions to the use of specific products and technologies. | (45) To promote the resilience of the Union economy, notably by reducing strategic dependencies, the ECF should enable Union preference for support to manufacturing and developing strategic technologies and sectors located in the Union, notably for actions related to Union strategic assets, interests, autonomy or security, in line with Union law and its international commitments. It is essential that European funding contributes to the uptake of strategic technologies and products developed in the Union and funded through European funding. To support the development and manufacturing in the Union of strategic technologies funded by the Union, the ECF should allow to condition its support through control restrictions, asset transfers restrictions and supply restrictions to the use of specific products and technologies. |
Agriculture and food should be positioned as strategic levers to reach the Union's competitiveness and strategic autonomy objectives. Activities and investments contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture and food value chain should therefore be supported by the ECF, ensuring that the Union remains competitive and at the forefront of innovation in these sectors.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (45 a) To boost the Union's strategic autonomy and competitiveness, it is crucial to support innovation and investments for a sustainable and resilient agri-food sector. Food security, as a key pillar of resilience, can largely be addressed by strengthening the domestic production of sustainable agricultural products, facilitating the development of diversified value chains whose activities contribute to cutting import dependence. To strengthen the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, investments should be made across the value chain, covering research and innovation, production and consumption, and should aim to keep the Union as a strategic player in Biotech developments. The agri-food system is a crucial decarbonisation lever, making the adoption and sustaining of sustainable production practices as part of diversified production systems a strategic priority to meet the Union's sustainability objectives. Agricultural practices such as diversified cropping systems that increase soil health and fertility while cutting the dependence on input, including the cultivation of protein crops, are key to protecting the Union's ability to absorb shocks from climate and geopolitical risks. It is also crucial to recognise the role of diets in combating health risks and diseases. Union funding should be granted to the development of food products positively contributing to healthy diets for consumers. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (45 a) To strengthen the Union’s competitiveness, technological resilience and strategic autonomy, the ECF should support coordinated and sustained investment in strategic sectors, including digital technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, clean technologies and critical infrastructure, while contributing to reducing fragmentation, strengthening industrial and innovation capacities across all Member States, including Central and Eastern European regions, and scaling up high-impact projects within the Union. Beneficiaries of Union funding should commit to maintaining production, intellectual property and key industrial activities within the Union for a defined period, in order to ensure that Union support contributes to long-term industrial capacity and avoids relocation outside the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (45 a) To enhance resilience of the Union it is highly important that technologies developed in the defence sector should also be compatible with NATO criteria, and this Regulation should ensure this through specific requirements and joint research and development teams. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (46) ECF activities should be open for cooperation with third countries where this is in the interest of the Union. To that extent, the Union may associate, fully or partially, third countries to the activities under the ECF. Association should be subject to a fair balance as regards contributions and benefits of the third countries and ensure the protection of the financial and, where relevant, security interest of the Union. | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (46) ECF activities should be open for cooperation with third countries where this is in the interest of the Union. To that extent, the Union may associate, fully or partially, third countries to the activities under the ECF. Association should be subject to a fair balance as regards contributions and benefits of the third countries and ensure the protection of the financial and, where relevant, security interest of the Union. | (46) ECF activities should be open for cooperation with third countries where this is in the interest of the Union. To that extent, the Union may associate, fully or partially, third countries to the activities under the ECF. Association should be subject to a fair balance as regards contributions and benefits of the third countries and ensure the protection of the financial and, where relevant, security interest of the Union. The ECF should not be open to the participation of third countries involved in the illegal occupation or annexation of territories; neither to third countries responsible for gross and systematic violations of human rights or other violations of international law. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (46) ECF activities should be open for cooperation with third countries where this is in the interest of the Union. To that extent, the Union may associate, fully or partially, third countries to the activities under the ECF. Association should be subject to a fair balance as regards contributions and benefits of the third countries and ensure the protection of the financial and, where relevant, security interest of the Union. | (46) ECF activities should be open for cooperation with third countries adhering to international law and with equivalent environmental and social standards, where this is in the interest of the Union. To that extent, the Union may associate, fully or partially, third countries to the activities under the ECF. Association should be subject to a fair balance as regards contributions and benefits of the third countries and ensure the protection of the financial and, where relevant, security interest of the Union. Such association should be concluded in accordance with Article 218 of the TFEU and should require the consent of the Parliament pursuant to Article 218(6)(a) TFEU. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (46) ECF activities should be open for cooperation with third countries where this is in the interest of the Union. To that extent, the Union may associate, fully or partially, third countries to the activities under the ECF. Association should be subject to a fair balance as regards contributions and benefits of the third countries and ensure the protection of the financial and, where relevant, security interest of the Union. | (46) ECF activities should be open for cooperation with third countries where this is in the interest of the Union. To that extent, the Union may associate, fully or partially, third countries to the activities under the ECF. Association should be subject to a fair balance as regards contributions and benefits of the third countries and ensure the protection of the financial and, where relevant, security interest of the Union. In the framework of defence industry cooperation, the ECF shall not fund entities located in or controlled by third countries other than associated countries, nor actions carried out by those entities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (46) ECF activities should be open for cooperation with third countries where this is in the interest of the Union. To that extent, the Union may associate, fully or partially, third countries to the activities under the ECF. Association should be subject to a fair balance as regards contributions and benefits of the third countries and ensure the protection of the financial and, where relevant, security interest of the Union. | (46) ECF activities should be open for cooperation with third countries where this is in the interest of the Union. To that extent, the Union may associate, fully or partially, third countries to the activities under the ECF. Association should be subject to a fair balance as regards contributions and benefits of the third countries and ensure the protection of the financial and, where relevant, security interest of the Union. Such cooperation should not create or reinforce strategic dependencies and should remain fully consistent with the objective of strengthening the Union’s strategic autonomy and resilience. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (46) ECF activities should be open for cooperation with third countries where this is in the interest of the Union. To that extent, the Union may associate, fully or partially, third countries to the activities under the ECF. Association should be subject to a fair balance as regards contributions and benefits of the third countries and ensure the protection of the financial and, where relevant, security interest of the Union. | (46) ECF activities should be open for cooperation with third countries where this is in the interest of the Union. To that extent, the Union may associate, fully or partially, third countries to the activities under the ECF, provided that the Union is the primary decision-maker and regularly monitors measures and projects undertaken jointly. Association should be subject to a fair balance as regards contributions and benefits of the third countries and ensure the protection of the financial and, where relevant, security interest of the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (46) ECF activities should be open for cooperation with third countries where this is in the interest of the Union. To that extent, the Union may associate, fully or partially, third countries to the activities under the ECF. Association should be subject to a fair balance as regards contributions and benefits of the third countries and ensure the protection of the financial and, where relevant, security interest of the Union. | (46) ECF activities should be open for cooperation with specific third countries, mainly members of the European Free Trade Association which are members of the European Economic Area, as well as Andorra, Monaco and San Marino, where this is in the interest of the Union. Association should be subject to a fair balance as regards contributions and benefits of the associated countries and ensure the protection of the financial and, where relevant, security and defence interests of the Union or its Member States including respect for the principle of good neighbourly relations . |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (46 a) The ECF shall aim to reinforce collaboration with Global South countries, fostering sharing of knowledge and best practices to optimize the use of available funding. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (47) The ECF should be open and facilitate synergies with other Union activities that support policy areas closely linked with competitiveness, the including the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, external policies and programmes in shared management with Member States. This should allow for the combination and cumulation of funding for actions supporting the objectives of more than one Union policy area. Cooperation between the Commission and Member States should be established to ensure consistency and complementarities between the ECF and the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional partnership plans] Moreover, support from the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional Partnership Plans ] and from the ECF to projects that have been awarded the Competitiveness Seal should be facilitated, taking advantage of the assessment conducted prior to the attribution of the Seal and without prejudice to the State aid rules. The criteria for awarding the Competitiveness Seal should be designed in a manner that can enable to seal to also act as a quality guarantee providing assurances to institutional investors that the project has been appropriately vetted. The Competitiveness Seal should be awarded to high quality projects contributing to the objectives of the ECF. The ECF may be implemented jointly with other Union programmes or other co-donors or co-investors, and those partners should be able to participate in evaluation committees for jointly funded award procedures. The implementation of all those synergy activities should be simple. Reporting and record-keeping requirements for recipients should be reduced, where possible to a single contractual reporting and payment stream with a single set of rules for all support provided. | (47) The ECF should be open and facilitate synergies with other Union activities that support policy areas closely linked with competitiveness, including the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, external policies and programmes in shared management with Member States. This should allow for the combination and cumulation of funding for actions supporting the objectives of more than one Union policy area. Cooperation between the Commission and Member States should be established to ensure consistency and complementarities between the ECF and the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional partnership plans]. Moreover, support from the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional Partnership Plans] and from the ECF to projects that have been awarded the Competitiveness Seal should be facilitated, taking advantage of the assessment conducted prior to the attribution of the Seal and without prejudice to the State aid rules. The criteria for awarding the Competitiveness Seal should be designed in a manner that enables it to also act as a quality guarantee providing assurances to institutional investors that the project has been appropriately vetted. The Competitiveness Seal should be awarded to high quality projects contributing to the objectives of the ECF, while ensuring a balanced geographical distribution of support across the Union and avoiding excessive concentration of funding in a limited number of Member States, with particular consideration given to projects that strengthen industrial capacity, manufacturing and technological sovereignty within the Union. Particular attention should be given to projects contributing to resilient European value chains, energy security, critical raw materials and strategic manufacturing capacities across all regions of the Union. The criteria for awarding the Competitiveness Seal should also facilitate wider participation of SMEs, research centres and industrial actors from Member States with lower participation rates in Union programmes. The ECF may be implemented jointly with other Union programmes or other co-donors or co-investors, and those partners should be able to participate in evaluation committees for jointly funded award procedures. The implementation of all those synergy activities should be simple. Reporting and record-keeping requirements for recipients should be reduced, where possible to a single contractual reporting and payment stream with a single set of rules for all support provided. Administrative simplification measures should particularly benefit SMEs, first-time applicants and entities with limited administrative capacity |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (47) The ECF should be open and facilitate synergies with other Union activities that support policy areas closely linked with competitiveness, the including the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, external policies and programmes in shared management with Member States. This should allow for the combination and cumulation of funding for actions supporting the objectives of more than one Union policy area. Cooperation between the Commission and Member States should be established to ensure consistency and complementarities between the ECF and the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional partnership plans] Moreover, support from the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional Partnership Plans ] and from the ECF to projects that have been awarded the Competitiveness Seal should be facilitated, taking advantage of the assessment conducted prior to the attribution of the Seal and without prejudice to the State aid rules. The criteria for awarding the Competitiveness Seal should be designed in a manner that can enable to seal to also act as a quality guarantee providing assurances to institutional investors that the project has been appropriately vetted. The Competitiveness Seal should be awarded to high quality projects contributing to the objectives of the ECF. The ECF may be implemented jointly with other Union programmes or other co-donors or co-investors, and those partners should be able to participate in evaluation committees for jointly funded award procedures. The implementation of all those synergy activities should be simple. Reporting and record-keeping requirements for recipients should be reduced, where possible to a single contractual reporting and payment stream with a single set of rules for all support provided. | (47) The ECF should exploit synergies with other Union activities that support policy areas closely linked with competitiveness, the including the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, external policies and programmes in shared management with Member States. This should allow for the combination and cumulation of funding for actions supporting the objectives of more than one Union policy area. Cooperation between the Commission and Member States should be established to ensure consistency and complementarities between the ECF and the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional partnership plans] Moreover, support from the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional Partnership Plans ] and from the ECF to projects that have been awarded the Competitiveness Seal should be facilitated, taking advantage of the assessment conducted prior to the attribution of the Seal and without prejudice to the State aid rules. The criteria for awarding the Competitiveness Seal should be designed in a manner that can enable to seal to also act as a quality guarantee providing assurances to institutional investors that the project has been appropriately vetted. The Competitiveness Seal should be awarded to high quality projects contributing to the objectives of the ECF. The ECF may be implemented jointly with other Union programmes or other co-donors or co-investors, and those partners should be able to participate in evaluation committees for jointly funded award procedures. Where an action is jointly financed by the ECF and Member State resources, consistent legal treatment of the Union and national contributions to that action shall be ensured. In particular, where the Union contribution does not constitute State aid, the corresponding Member State contribution to the same action shall likewise not constitute State aid, provided that double funding is avoided and that the combined support does not exceed the total eligible costs of the action. The implementation of all those synergy activities should be simple. Reporting and record-keeping requirements for recipients should be reduced, where possible to a single contractual reporting and payment stream with a single set of rules for all support provided. |
Where Union and Member State resources jointly finance the same action under the ECF, consistent legal treatment of both contributions should be ensured in order to avoid legal uncertainty, administrative burden, and disincentives to national co-investment. This approach strengthens the ECF’s capacity to mobilise additional financing while maintaining safeguards against double funding and overcompensation.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (47) The ECF should be open and facilitate synergies with other Union activities that support policy areas closely linked with competitiveness, the including the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, external policies and programmes in shared management with Member States. This should allow for the combination and cumulation of funding for actions supporting the objectives of more than one Union policy area. Cooperation between the Commission and Member States should be established to ensure consistency and complementarities between the ECF and the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional partnership plans] Moreover, support from the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional Partnership Plans ] and from the ECF to projects that have been awarded the Competitiveness Seal should be facilitated, taking advantage of the assessment conducted prior to the attribution of the Seal and without prejudice to the State aid rules. The criteria for awarding the Competitiveness Seal should be designed in a manner that can enable to seal to also act as a quality guarantee providing assurances to institutional investors that the project has been appropriately vetted. The Competitiveness Seal should be awarded to high quality projects contributing to the objectives of the ECF. The ECF may be implemented jointly with other Union programmes or other co-donors or co-investors, and those partners should be able to participate in evaluation committees for jointly funded award procedures. The implementation of all those synergy activities should be simple. Reporting and record-keeping requirements for recipients should be reduced, where possible to a single contractual reporting and payment stream with a single set of rules for all support provided. | (47) The ECF should be open and facilitate synergies with other Union activities that support policy areas closely linked with competitiveness, the including the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, external policies, Cohesion Policy instruments (ERDF) and programmes in shared management with Member States. The ECF shall in particular ensure complementarity with Cohesion Policy instruments in regions with established Smart Specialisation ecosystems, so as to reinforce territorial cohesion and avoid jeopardising existing regional innovation investments. Rules on combination and cumulation of ECF and ERDF funding shall be clarified and simplified through delegated acts within twelve months of entry into force. This should allow for the combination and cumulation of funding for actions supporting the objectives of more than one Union policy area. Cooperation between the Commission and Member States should be established to ensure consistency and complementarities between the ECF and the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional partnership plans] Moreover, support from the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional Partnership Plans ] and from the ECF to projects that have been awarded the Competitiveness Seal should be facilitated, taking advantage of the assessment conducted prior to the attribution of the Seal and without prejudice to the State aid rules. The criteria for awarding the Competitiveness Seal should be designed in a manner that can enable to seal to also act as a quality guarantee providing assurances to institutional investors that the project has been appropriately vetted. The Competitiveness Seal should be awarded to high quality projects contributing to the objectives of the ECF. The ECF may be implemented jointly with other Union programmes or other co-donors or co-investors, and those partners should be able to participate in evaluation committees for jointly funded award procedures. The implementation of all those synergy activities should be simple. Reporting and record-keeping requirements for recipients should be reduced, where possible to a single contractual reporting and payment stream with a single set of rules for all support provided. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (47) The ECF should be open and facilitate synergies with other Union activities that support policy areas closely linked with competitiveness, the including the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, external policies and programmes in shared management with Member States. This should allow for the combination and cumulation of funding for actions supporting the objectives of more than one Union policy area. Cooperation between the Commission and Member States should be established to ensure consistency and complementarities between the ECF and the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional partnership plans] Moreover, support from the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional Partnership Plans ] and from the ECF to projects that have been awarded the Competitiveness Seal should be facilitated, taking advantage of the assessment conducted prior to the attribution of the Seal and without prejudice to the State aid rules. The criteria for awarding the Competitiveness Seal should be designed in a manner that can enable to seal to also act as a quality guarantee providing assurances to institutional investors that the project has been appropriately vetted. The Competitiveness Seal should be awarded to high quality projects contributing to the objectives of the ECF. The ECF may be implemented jointly with other Union programmes or other co-donors or co-investors, and those partners should be able to participate in evaluation committees for jointly funded award procedures. The implementation of all those synergy activities should be simple. Reporting and record-keeping requirements for recipients should be reduced, where possible to a single contractual reporting and payment stream with a single set of rules for all support provided. | (47) The ECF should be open and facilitate synergies with other Union activities that support policy areas closely linked with competitiveness, including the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, external policies and programmes in shared management with Member States. This should allow for the combination and cumulation of funding for actions supporting the objectives of more than one Union policy area. Cooperation between the Commission and Member States should be established to ensure consistency and complementarities between the ECF and the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional partnership plans]. In particular renewed Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) are a key place-based tool to strengthen synergies between the National and Regional Partnership Plans and the European Competitiveness Fund by aligning European competitiveness priorities with regional innovation ecosystems and industrial strengths. Moreover, support from the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional Partnership Plans ] and from the ECF to projects that have been awarded the Competitiveness Seal should be facilitated, taking advantage of the assessment conducted prior to the attribution of the Seal and without prejudice to the State aid rules. The criteria for awarding the Competitiveness Seal should be designed in a manner that can enable to seal to also act as a quality guarantee providing assurances to institutional investors that the project has been appropriately vetted. The Competitiveness Seal should be awarded to high quality projects contributing to the objectives of the ECF. The ECF may be implemented jointly with other Union programmes or other co-donors or co-investors, and those partners should be able to participate in evaluation committees for jointly funded award procedures. The implementation of all those synergy activities should be simple. Reporting and record-keeping requirements for recipients should be reduced, where possible to a single contractual reporting and payment stream with a single set of rules for all support provided. |
Nicola Procaccini, Alessandro Ciriani, Elena Donazzan, Pietro Fiocchi, Lara Magoni, Francesco Torselli, Mariateresa Vivaldini
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (47) The ECF should be open and facilitate synergies with other Union activities that support policy areas closely linked with competitiveness, the including the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, external policies and programmes in shared management with Member States. This should allow for the combination and cumulation of funding for actions supporting the objectives of more than one Union policy area. Cooperation between the Commission and Member States should be established to ensure consistency and complementarities between the ECF and the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional partnership plans] Moreover, support from the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional Partnership Plans ] and from the ECF to projects that have been awarded the Competitiveness Seal should be facilitated, taking advantage of the assessment conducted prior to the attribution of the Seal and without prejudice to the State aid rules. The criteria for awarding the Competitiveness Seal should be designed in a manner that can enable to seal to also act as a quality guarantee providing assurances to institutional investors that the project has been appropriately vetted. The Competitiveness Seal should be awarded to high quality projects contributing to the objectives of the ECF. The ECF may be implemented jointly with other Union programmes or other co-donors or co-investors, and those partners should be able to participate in evaluation committees for jointly funded award procedures. The implementation of all those synergy activities should be simple. Reporting and record-keeping requirements for recipients should be reduced, where possible to a single contractual reporting and payment stream with a single set of rules for all support provided. | (47) The ECF should be open and facilitate synergies with other Union activities that support policy areas closely linked with competitiveness, the including the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, external policies and programmes in shared management with Member States. This should allow for the combination and cumulation of funding for actions supporting the objectives of more than one Union policy area. Cooperation between the Commission and Member States should be established to ensure consistency and complementarities between the ECF and the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional partnership plans] Moreover, support from the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional Partnership Plans ] and from the ECF to projects that have been awarded the Competitiveness Seal should be facilitated, taking advantage of the assessment conducted prior to the attribution of the Seal and without prejudice to the State aid rules. The criteria for awarding the Competitiveness Seal should be designed in a manner that can enable to seal to also act as a quality guarantee providing assurances to institutional investors that the project has been appropriately vetted. The Competitiveness Seal should be awarded to high quality projects contributing to the objectives of the ECF. The ECF may be implemented jointly with other Union programmes or other co-donors or co-investors, and those partners should be able to participate in evaluation committees for jointly funded award procedures. The implementation of all those synergy activities should be simple. Reporting and record-keeping requirements for recipients should be reduced, where possible to a single contractual reporting and payment stream with a single set of rules for all support provided. In particular, synergies with cohesion policy programmes should be encouraged to facilitate the uptake and deployment of high-quality projects, including those awarded a Competitiveness Seal. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (47) The ECF should be open and facilitate synergies with other Union activities that support policy areas closely linked with competitiveness, the including the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, external policies and programmes in shared management with Member States. This should allow for the combination and cumulation of funding for actions supporting the objectives of more than one Union policy area. Cooperation between the Commission and Member States should be established to ensure consistency and complementarities between the ECF and the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional partnership plans] Moreover, support from the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional Partnership Plans ] and from the ECF to projects that have been awarded the Competitiveness Seal should be facilitated, taking advantage of the assessment conducted prior to the attribution of the Seal and without prejudice to the State aid rules. The criteria for awarding the Competitiveness Seal should be designed in a manner that can enable to seal to also act as a quality guarantee providing assurances to institutional investors that the project has been appropriately vetted. The Competitiveness Seal should be awarded to high quality projects contributing to the objectives of the ECF. The ECF may be implemented jointly with other Union programmes or other co-donors or co-investors, and those partners should be able to participate in evaluation committees for jointly funded award procedures. The implementation of all those synergy activities should be simple. Reporting and record-keeping requirements for recipients should be reduced, where possible to a single contractual reporting and payment stream with a single set of rules for all support provided. | (47) The ECF should be open and facilitate synergies with other Union activities that support policy areas closely linked with competitiveness, the including the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, external policies and programmes in shared management with Member States. This should allow for the combination and cumulation of funding for actions supporting the objectives of more than one Union policy area. Cooperation between the Commission and Member States should be established to ensure consistency and complementarities between the ECF and the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional partnership plans] Moreover, support from the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional Partnership Plans ] and from the ECF to projects that have been awarded the Competitiveness Seal should be facilitated, taking advantage of the assessment conducted prior to the attribution of the Seal and without prejudice to the State aid rules. The criteria for awarding the Competitiveness Seal should be designed in a manner that can enable to seal to also act as a quality guarantee providing assurances to institutional investors that the project has been appropriately vetted. A Competitiveness Seal may be awarded only to high-quality actions that contribute substantially to the objectives set out in Article 3 and that strengthen public infrastructure, public services, or democratic economic capacity. The ECF may be implemented jointly with other Union programmes or other co-donors or co-investors, and those partners should be able to participate in evaluation committees for jointly funded award procedures. The implementation of all those synergy activities should be simple. Reporting and record-keeping requirements for recipients should be reduced, where possible to a single contractual reporting and payment stream with a single set of rules for all support provided. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (47) The ECF should be open and facilitate synergies with other Union activities that support policy areas closely linked with competitiveness, the including the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, external policies and programmes in shared management with Member States. This should allow for the combination and cumulation of funding for actions supporting the objectives of more than one Union policy area. Cooperation between the Commission and Member States should be established to ensure consistency and complementarities between the ECF and the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional partnership plans] Moreover, support from the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional Partnership Plans ] and from the ECF to projects that have been awarded the Competitiveness Seal should be facilitated, taking advantage of the assessment conducted prior to the attribution of the Seal and without prejudice to the State aid rules. The criteria for awarding the Competitiveness Seal should be designed in a manner that can enable to seal to also act as a quality guarantee providing assurances to institutional investors that the project has been appropriately vetted. The Competitiveness Seal should be awarded to high quality projects contributing to the objectives of the ECF. The ECF may be implemented jointly with other Union programmes or other co-donors or co-investors, and those partners should be able to participate in evaluation committees for jointly funded award procedures. The implementation of all those synergy activities should be simple. Reporting and record-keeping requirements for recipients should be reduced, where possible to a single contractual reporting and payment stream with a single set of rules for all support provided. | (47) The ECF should be open and facilitate synergies with other Union activities that support policy areas closely linked with competitiveness, the including the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, external policies and programmes in shared management with Member States. This should allow for the combination and cumulation of funding for actions supporting the objectives of more than one Union policy area. Cooperation between the Commission and Member States should be established to ensure consistency and complementarities between the ECF and the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional partnership plans] Moreover, support from the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [National and Regional Partnership Plans ], and the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [Global Europe Instrument]. and from the ECF to projects that have been awarded the Competitiveness Seal should be facilitated, taking advantage of the assessment conducted prior to the attribution of the Seal and without prejudice to the State aid rules. The criteria for awarding the Competitiveness Seal should be designed in a manner that can enable to seal to also act as a quality guarantee providing assurances to institutional investors that the project has been appropriately vetted. The Competitiveness Seal should be awarded to high quality projects contributing to the objectives of the ECF. The ECF may be implemented jointly with other Union programmes or other co-donors or co-investors, and those partners should be able to participate in evaluation committees for jointly funded award procedures. The implementation of all those synergy activities should be simple. Reporting and record-keeping requirements for recipients should be reduced, where possible to a single contractual reporting and payment stream with a single set of rules for all support provided. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (47 a) The ECF should be implemented on the basis of competitive, excellence-driven award procedures. However, if along the implementation of the programme a persistent concentration of funding in a limited number of Member States that cannot be explained by the volume and quality of applications received is observed, it may indicate structural barriers to participation that undermine the Union added value and territorial reach of the Fund. The Commission should therefore monitor the geographical distribution of resources as part of its annual reporting under the Competitiveness Coordination Tool, and where such concentration is identified, consider supply-side measures, including capacity building, technical assistance and call design adjustments, to address structural barriers to participation, without modifying excellence-based evaluation criteria. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (48) Union support should focus on the achievement of policy objectives. In all cases, ECF funding should be provided in the form best able to achieve its objectives, while limiting administrative burden for recipients to the absolute minimum. When implementing the budget, the ECF should provide the full toolbox of Union support and ensure synergies between its supported policies, in particular by allowing for simplified common award procedures to pursue objectives of more than one policy. As such, the elimination of burdensome financial reporting through the widest possible use of financing not linked to cost should be pursued as a major simplification measure. | (48) Union support should focus on the achievement of policy objectives. In all cases, ECF funding should be provided in the form best able to achieve its objectives, while limiting administrative burden for recipients to the absolute minimum. When implementing the budget, the ECF should provide the full toolbox of Union support and ensure synergies between its supported policies, in particular by allowing for simplified common award procedures to pursue objectives of more than one policy. As such, the elimination of burdensome financial reporting through the widest possible use of financing not linked to cost should be pursued as a major simplification measure. The European Competitiveness Fund should furthermore make a substantial contribution to reducing the administrative burden associated with application procedures and programme implementation. Evaluations carried out by the Commission and independent third parties have shown an increase in the administrative burden across several successive programme generations. The introduction of binding processing deadlines for grant decisions is a suitable way of increasing the value of the funds deployed without additional budgetary resources, by reducing the costs of delays for applicants. Reporting should be limited to the minimum necessary for programme management and the prevention of misuse; data collected should be used primarily for active programme management. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (48) Union support should focus on the achievement of policy objectives. In all cases, ECF funding should be provided in the form best able to achieve its objectives, while limiting administrative burden for recipients to the absolute minimum. When implementing the budget, the ECF should provide the full toolbox of Union support and ensure synergies between its supported policies, in particular by allowing for simplified common award procedures to pursue objectives of more than one policy. As such, the elimination of burdensome financial reporting through the widest possible use of financing not linked to cost should be pursued as a major simplification measure. | (48) Union support should focus on the achievement of policy objectives. In all cases, ECF funding should be provided in the form best able to achieve its objectives, while limiting administrative burden for recipients, in particular for micro-enterprises and SMEs, to the absolute minimum. Access conditions to the Fund should be clear, transparent and predictable, in particular as regards the eligibility criteria, selection procedures and evaluation timelines. When implementing the budget, the ECF should provide the full toolbox of Union support and ensure synergies between its supported policies, in particular by allowing for simplified common award procedures to pursue objectives of more than one policy. As such, the elimination of burdensome financial reporting through the widest possible use of financing not linked to cost should be pursued as a major simplification measure. Procedures and audit requirements shall be streamlined, with reporting and compliance obligations tailored in a proportionate manner to the size of beneficiaries and the level of support received. Appropriate pre-financing mechanisms shall be ensured, and reimbursement mechanisms shall guarantee timely and predictable payments to beneficiaries. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (48) Union support should focus on the achievement of policy objectives. In all cases, ECF funding should be provided in the form best able to achieve its objectives, while limiting administrative burden for recipients to the absolute minimum. When implementing the budget, the ECF should provide the full toolbox of Union support and ensure synergies between its supported policies, in particular by allowing for simplified common award procedures to pursue objectives of more than one policy. As such, the elimination of burdensome financial reporting through the widest possible use of financing not linked to cost should be pursued as a major simplification measure. | (48) Union support should focus on the achievement of policy objectives. In all cases, ECF funding should be provided in the form best able to achieve its objectives, while limiting administrative burden for recipients to the absolute minimum. When implementing the budget, the ECF should provide the full toolbox of Union support and ensure synergies between its supported policies, in particular by allowing for simplified common award procedures to pursue objectives of more than one policy. As such, the elimination of burdensome financial reporting through the widest possible use of financing not linked to cost should be pursued as a major simplification measure. The implementation of the ECF should prioritise streamlined administrative procedures, minimal reporting requirements, and harmonised application processes, particularly for SMEs, start-ups, and administrations with limited capacity. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (48) Union support should focus on the achievement of policy objectives. In all cases, ECF funding should be provided in the form best able to achieve its objectives, while limiting administrative burden for recipients to the absolute minimum. When implementing the budget, the ECF should provide the full toolbox of Union support and ensure synergies between its supported policies, in particular by allowing for simplified common award procedures to pursue objectives of more than one policy. As such, the elimination of burdensome financial reporting through the widest possible use of financing not linked to cost should be pursued as a major simplification measure. | (48) Union support should focus on the achievement of policy objectives. In all cases, ECF funding should be provided in the form best able to achieve its objectives, while limiting administrative burden for recipients to the absolute minimum. Particular attention should be given to simplifying access procedures and reducing administrative and co-financing burdens, especially for SMEs and entities from Member States with lower participation rates, including through targeted guidance and technical assistance. When implementing the budget, the ECF should provide the full toolbox of Union support and ensure synergies between its supported policies, in particular by allowing for simplified common award procedures to pursue objectives of more than one policy. As such, the elimination of burdensome financial reporting through the widest possible use of financing not linked to cost should be pursued as a major simplification measure. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (48) Union support should focus on the achievement of policy objectives. In all cases, ECF funding should be provided in the form best able to achieve its objectives, while limiting administrative burden for recipients to the absolute minimum. When implementing the budget, the ECF should provide the full toolbox of Union support and ensure synergies between its supported policies, in particular by allowing for simplified common award procedures to pursue objectives of more than one policy. As such, the elimination of burdensome financial reporting through the widest possible use of financing not linked to cost should be pursued as a major simplification measure. | (48) Union support should focus on the achievement of policy objectives. In all cases, ECF funding should be provided in the form best able to achieve its objectives, while limiting administrative burden for recipients to the absolute minimum. When implementing the budget, the ECF should provide the full toolbox of Union support and ensure synergies between its supported policies, in particular by allowing for simplified common award procedures to pursue objectives of more than one policy, as well as appropriate regular monitoring over time to ensure compliance with EU requirements in the field. As such, the elimination of burdensome financial reporting through the widest possible use of financing not linked to cost should be pursued as a major simplification measure. |
Nicola Procaccini, Alessandro Ciriani, Elena Donazzan, Pietro Fiocchi, Lara Magoni, Francesco Torselli, Mariateresa Vivaldini
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (48) Union support should focus on the achievement of policy objectives. In all cases, ECF funding should be provided in the form best able to achieve its objectives, while limiting administrative burden for recipients to the absolute minimum. When implementing the budget, the ECF should provide the full toolbox of Union support and ensure synergies between its supported policies, in particular by allowing for simplified common award procedures to pursue objectives of more than one policy. As such, the elimination of burdensome financial reporting through the widest possible use of financing not linked to cost should be pursued as a major simplification measure. | (48) Union support should focus on the achievement of policy objectives. In all cases, ECF funding should be provided in the form best able to achieve its objectives, while limiting administrative burden for recipients to the absolute minimum, a measure particularly important for smaller operators. When implementing the budget, the ECF should provide the full toolbox of Union support and ensure synergies between its supported policies, in particular by allowing for simplified common award procedures to pursue objectives of more than one policy. As such, the elimination of burdensome financial reporting through the widest possible use of financing not linked to cost, for example through lump sums grants, should be pursued as a major simplification measure. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (48) Union support should focus on the achievement of policy objectives. In all cases, ECF funding should be provided in the form best able to achieve its objectives, while limiting administrative burden for recipients to the absolute minimum. When implementing the budget, the ECF should provide the full toolbox of Union support and ensure synergies between its supported policies, in particular by allowing for simplified common award procedures to pursue objectives of more than one policy. As such, the elimination of burdensome financial reporting through the widest possible use of financing not linked to cost should be pursued as a major simplification measure. | (48) Union support should focus on the achievement of policy objectives. In all cases, ECF funding should be provided in the form best able to achieve its objectives, while limiting administrative burden for recipients to the absolute minimum and maximising its impact. When implementing the budget, the ECF should provide the full toolbox of Union support and ensure synergies between its supported policies, in particular by allowing for simplified common award procedures to pursue objectives of more than one policy. As such, the elimination of burdensome financial reporting through the widest possible use of financing not linked to cost should be pursued as a major simplification measure as well as other simplified cost options where appropriate. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (48) Union support should focus on the achievement of policy objectives. In all cases, ECF funding should be provided in the form best able to achieve its objectives, while limiting administrative burden for recipients to the absolute minimum. When implementing the budget, the ECF should provide the full toolbox of Union support and ensure synergies between its supported policies, in particular by allowing for simplified common award procedures to pursue objectives of more than one policy. As such, the elimination of burdensome financial reporting through the widest possible use of financing not linked to cost should be pursued as a major simplification measure. | (48) Union support should focus on the achievement of policy objectives. In all cases, ECF funding should be provided in the form best able to achieve its objectives, while limiting administrative burden for recipients to the absolute minimum, in particular for smaller operators. When implementing the budget, the ECF should provide the full toolbox of Union support and ensure synergies between its supported policies, in particular by allowing for simplified common award procedures to pursue objectives of more than one policy. As such, the elimination of burdensome financial reporting through the widest possible use of financing not linked to cost, for example through lump sum grants, should be pursued as a major simplification measure. |
To maximise impact and accessibility, ECF support should prioritise effectiveness and simplification. Reducing administrative burden, particularly for SMEs and smaller beneficiaries, and promoting the use of simplified funding instruments, such as financing not linked to costs, will enhance efficiency, improve synergies across policies and ensure that Union resources are delivered in the most results-oriented manner.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (48 a) Union grants, as non-repayable support, should be reserved for legal entities for whom market financing is structurally difficult to access: non-profit legal entities, social economy entities, and for-profit entities that are small and medium-sized enterprises or innovative scaleups. For larger for-profit entities, repayable instruments, financial instruments, budgetary guarantees or equity, are the appropriate vehicle, avoiding displacement of private capital and ensuring efficient use of public resources. An exception should apply to defence research and innovation under the specific programme established pursuant to Article 182(3) TFEU, where the participation of large defence industrial entities is necessary to achieve programme objectives and cannot be achieved through non-profit or SME-only consortia. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (48 b) Where Union support is provided in a form of a grant to for-profit legal entities, the Union should participate proportionately in the economic returns generated by the supported operation where those returns exceed the base-case projections approved at the time of award. Such upside sharing arrangements ensure that the use of non-repayable public resources remains commensurate with the commercial outcomes achieved and reduces the risk of windfall gains from Union support. Equivalent arrangements should apply to budgetary guarantees and financial instruments in blending operations, where the Union's absorption of downside risk should be matched by a fair participation in upside returns. Revenue generated under those arrangements should constitute internal assigned revenue to the ECF. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (49) The ECF should support a diverse set of policies contributing to competitiveness, while providing a harmonised baseline set of eligibility criteria to provide policy steer and ensuring a sufficient level of protection of economic and security interests by focusing Union support on recipients in the Member States, including Overseas Countries and Territories. Where necessary, the ECF should establish specific eligibility conditions for strategic sectors and technologies, including underlying value chains, critical Union infrastructures and specific capabilities. | (49) The ECF should support a diverse set of policies contributing to competitiveness, while providing a harmonised baseline set of eligibility criteria to provide policy steer and ensuring a sufficient level of protection of economic and security interests by focusing Union support on recipients in the Member States, including Overseas Countries and Territories. It should also contribute to a more balanced participation across Member States, including by encouraging the involvement of entities from underrepresented Member States or regions and facilitating their access to Union support. Where necessary, the ECF should establish specific eligibility conditions for strategic sectors and technologies, including underlying value chains, critical Union infrastructures and specific capabilities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (49) The ECF should support a diverse set of policies contributing to competitiveness, while providing a harmonised baseline set of eligibility criteria to provide policy steer and ensuring a sufficient level of protection of economic and security interests by focusing Union support on recipients in the Member States, including Overseas Countries and Territories. Where necessary, the ECF should establish specific eligibility conditions for strategic sectors and technologies, including underlying value chains, critical Union infrastructures and specific capabilities. | (49) The ECF should support a diverse set of policies contributing to competitiveness, while providing a harmonised baseline set of eligibility criteria to provide policy steer and ensuring a sufficient level of protection of economic and security interests by focusing Union support on recipients in the Member States, including Overseas Countries and Territories. Where necessary, the ECF should also establish specific eligibility conditions for strategic sectors and technologies, including underlying value chains, critical Union infrastructures and specific capabilities. At the same time, the ECF should establish clearly defined award and scoring criteria with the goal of supporting less developed regions within the Member States and ensure true cohesion of the support. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (49) The ECF should support a diverse set of policies contributing to competitiveness, while providing a harmonised baseline set of eligibility criteria to provide policy steer and ensuring a sufficient level of protection of economic and security interests by focusing Union support on recipients in the Member States, including Overseas Countries and Territories. Where necessary, the ECF should establish specific eligibility conditions for strategic sectors and technologies, including underlying value chains, critical Union infrastructures and specific capabilities. | (49) The ECF should support a diverse set of policies contributing to competitiveness, while providing a harmonised baseline set of eligibility criteria to provide policy steer and ensuring a sufficient level of protection of economic and security interests by focusing Union support on recipients in the Member States, including Overseas Countries and Territories. The ECF should promote pan-EU collaboration and inclusive participation of Member States in strategic industrial value chains. Where necessary, the ECF should establish specific eligibility conditions for strategic sectors and technologies, including underlying value chains, critical Union infrastructures and specific capabilities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (49) The ECF should support a diverse set of policies contributing to competitiveness, while providing a harmonised baseline set of eligibility criteria to provide policy steer and ensuring a sufficient level of protection of economic and security interests by focusing Union support on recipients in the Member States, including Overseas Countries and Territories. Where necessary, the ECF should establish specific eligibility conditions for strategic sectors and technologies, including underlying value chains, critical Union infrastructures and specific capabilities. | (49) The ECF should support a diverse set of policies contributing to competitiveness, while providing a harmonised baseline set of eligibility criteria to provide policy steer and ensuring a sufficient level of protection of economic and security interests by focusing Union support on recipients in the Member States and ensuring a geographically balanced distribution of the financial support, including Overseas Countries and Territories. Where necessary, the ECF should establish specific eligibility conditions for strategic sectors and technologies, including underlying value chains, critical Union infrastructures and specific capabilities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (49) The ECF should support a diverse set of policies contributing to competitiveness, while providing a harmonised baseline set of eligibility criteria to provide policy steer and ensuring a sufficient level of protection of economic and security interests by focusing Union support on recipients in the Member States, including Overseas Countries and Territories. Where necessary, the ECF should establish specific eligibility conditions for strategic sectors and technologies, including underlying value chains, critical Union infrastructures and specific capabilities. | (49) The ECF should support a diverse set of policies contributing to competitiveness, while respecting the principle of proportionality and subsidiarity and providing a harmonised baseline set of eligibility and award criteria to provide policy steer and ensuring a sufficient level of protection of economic and security interests by focusing Union support on recipients in the Member States, including Overseas Countries and Territories. Where necessary, the ECF should establish specific eligibility conditions for strategic sectors and technologies, including underlying value chains, critical Union infrastructures and specific capabilities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (49) The ECF should support a diverse set of policies contributing to competitiveness, while providing a harmonised baseline set of eligibility criteria to provide policy steer and ensuring a sufficient level of protection of economic and security interests by focusing Union support on recipients in the Member States, including Overseas Countries and Territories. Where necessary, the ECF should establish specific eligibility conditions for strategic sectors and technologies, including underlying value chains, critical Union infrastructures and specific capabilities. | (49) The ECF should support a diverse set of policies contributing to competitiveness, while providing a harmonised baseline set of eligibility criteria to provide policy steer, ensuring a sufficient level of protection of economic and security interests by focusing Union support on recipients in the Member States and ensuring a geographically balanced distribution of the financial support, including Overseas Countries and Territories. Where necessary, the ECF should establish specific eligibility conditions for strategic sectors and technologies, including underlying value chains, critical Union infrastructures and specific capabilities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (49) The ECF should support a diverse set of policies contributing to competitiveness, while providing a harmonised baseline set of eligibility criteria to provide policy steer and ensuring a sufficient level of protection of economic and security interests by focusing Union support on recipients in the Member States, including Overseas Countries and Territories. Where necessary, the ECF should establish specific eligibility conditions for strategic sectors and technologies, including underlying value chains, critical Union infrastructures and specific capabilities. | (49) The ECF should support a diverse set of policies contributing to competitiveness, while providing a harmonised baseline set of eligibility criteria to provide policy steer and ensuring a sufficient level of protection of economic and security interests by focusing Union support on recipients in the Member States, including Overseas Countries and Territories. Where necessary, the ECF should establish simplified procedures for all CAP beneficiaries and specific eligibility conditions for strategic sectors and technologies, including underlying value chains, critical Union infrastructures and specific capabilities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (49) The ECF should support a diverse set of policies contributing to competitiveness, while providing a harmonised baseline set of eligibility criteria to provide policy steer and ensuring a sufficient level of protection of economic and security interests by focusing Union support on recipients in the Member States, including Overseas Countries and Territories. Where necessary, the ECF should establish specific eligibility conditions for strategic sectors and technologies, including underlying value chains, critical Union infrastructures and specific capabilities. | (49) The ECF should support a diverse set of policies contributing to competitiveness, while providing a harmonised baseline set of eligibility criteria to provide policy steer and ensuring a sufficient level of protection of economic and security interests by focusing Union support on recipients in the Member States, including Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories. Where necessary, the ECF should establish specific eligibility conditions for strategic sectors and technologies, including underlying value chains, critical Union infrastructures and specific capabilities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (49 a) While the Union’s research and innovation framework programme aims to promote excellence across the Union, the participation and success rates of certain Member States remain structurally lower. In particular, the group of Widening Member States represents close to 30 % of the Union’s population, yet these countries receive only around 3 % of the total funding available under the Horizon programme for the period 2021–2027. This persistent imbalance risks reinforcing existing disparities in research and innovation capacity within the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (49 b) In order to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion across the Union, it is essential to ensure a geographically balanced distribution of funds under this Regulation. Particular attention should be paid to Widening Member States, which face challenges in research and innovation capacity and participation rates. Appropriate safeguards, including dedicated allocations and continuous monitoring of fund uptake, should be established to prevent an excessive concentration of funding in a limited number of Member States and to promote a more equitable and inclusive participation across the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (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. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions should apply to high-risk suppliers, for security reasons. 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 multiannual work programmes that should be developed in line with the Strategic Priority Framework as set out in this Regulation, with a view to provide predictability and strategic direction also 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. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions should apply to high-risk suppliers, for security reasons. 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 as well as specifying how they would contribute to close the investment gap necessary to meet the relevant Union’s targets. Work programmes should include measurable objectives, expressed through quantitative targets and, where applicable, output, result, impact or key performance indicators consistent with the Performance Regulation, in order to strengthen accountability, enable effective monitoring of results, and prevent inefficient allocation of Union resources while respecting Union law. |
Christian Ehler, Oliver Schenk, Matej Tonin, Adina Vălean, Pilar del Castillo Vera, Hildegard Bentele, Angelika Niebler, Eszter Lakos, Wouter Beke, Virgil-Daniel Popescu, Susana Solís Pérez, Dimitris Tsiodras
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (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. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions should apply to high-risk suppliers, for security reasons. 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 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. In the interest of a smooth transition from the InvestEU programme to the ECF InvestEU instrument, the minimum amount of support under the ECF InvestEU Instrument should be implemented promptly, with subsequent top ups from the policy windows being contributed via the applicable work programmes. 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. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions should apply to high-risk suppliers, for security reasons. 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. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (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. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions should apply to high-risk suppliers, for security reasons. 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 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. In the interest of a smooth transition from the InvestEU programme to the ECF InvestEU instrument, the minimum amount of support under the ECF InvestEU Instrument should be implemented promptly, with subsequent top ups from the policy windows being contributed via the applicable work programmes. 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. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions should apply to high-risk suppliers, for security reasons. 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. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (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. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions should apply to high-risk suppliers, for security reasons. 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 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. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions should apply to high-risk suppliers, for security reasons. 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. Work programmes shall give priority to actions implemented by public authorities, public enterprises, universities, public research organisations, public service providers, cooperatives and other non-profit entities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (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. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions should apply to high-risk suppliers, for security reasons. 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 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. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions should apply to high-risk suppliers, for security reasons. 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, while contributing to a more balanced participation across Member States and prioritising projects that strengthen the Union’s industrial capacity and strategic autonomy. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (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. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions should apply to high-risk suppliers, for security reasons. 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 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. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions should apply to high-risk suppliers, for security reasons. 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. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (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. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions should apply to high-risk suppliers, for security reasons. 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 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. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions should apply to high-risk suppliers, for security reasons. These criteria should include an assessment of the innovation potential of the proposal, as well as the additionality of financing. 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. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (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. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions should apply to high-risk suppliers, for security reasons. 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 established in a transparent and concerted manner 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. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (50 a) In order to safeguard the integrity, effectiveness and credibility of the European Competitiveness Fund, the selection and financing of projects under this Regulation should be based exclusively on transparent, objective and proportionate criteria. Eligibility and award decisions should be strictly rule-based and grounded in the principles of Union added value, additionality, technical, economic and financial viability, cost-effectiveness and measurable positive impact. Such an approach is necessary to ensure equal treatment of applicants, prevent arbitrary or discretionary allocation of resources. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (50 a) In order to respect the institutional balance and ensure that strategic programming and implementation remain coherent, predictable and driven by excellence, the award of Union support, including related to defence industry, should not be subject to approval through implementing acts, as this would risk fragmenting responsibility, and undermining the excellence of the ECF. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (50 b) SMEs are an integral part of the European economy and an important source of employment and growth potential, but they are also faced with challenges and barriers that can warrant specific attention. Therefore, work programmes under the ECF should include provisions targeted exclusively on the support of SMEs. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (51) For financial instruments and the budgetary guarantee to effectively crowd in private money, implementing partners need to be closely associated. This ensures policy steer and alignment, as well as project pipeline generation. The experience and lessons learnt with the implementation of the InvestEU Programme emphasise the importance of investment guidelines in creating this buy-in and providing the necessary predictability and visibility to the implementing partners and investors, in order for them to set up their organisational capacity and originate the pipeline of investments, while allowing the necessary flexibility to ensure an adequate policy steer during implementation. Investment guidelines should include detailed description of the policy areas of intervention and investment focus with a view to ensuring additionality and incentivise crowding in private and public investment in support of the Union’s policy objectives and strategic projects. The investment guidelines should be prepared in consultation with implementing partners to benefit from their market knowledge, and enable them to invest in Union priority areas and incentivise them for more risk taking. To cater for evolving needs and developments, the investment guidelines may be reviewed in the context of the MFF mid-term review. | (51) For financial instruments and the budgetary guarantee to effectively crowd in private money, implementing partners need to be closely associated. This ensures policy steer and alignment, as well as project pipeline generation. The experience and lessons learnt with the implementation of the InvestEU Programme emphasise the importance of investment guidelines in creating this buy-in and providing the necessary predictability and visibility to the implementing partners and investors, in order for them to set up their organisational capacity and originate the pipeline of investments, while allowing the necessary flexibility to ensure an adequate policy steer during implementation. Investment guidelines should include detailed description of the policy areas of intervention and investment focus with a view to ensuring additionality and incentivise crowding in private and public investment in support of the Union’s policy objectives and strategic projects, including by prioritising investments that strengthen industrial capacity, manufacturing and strategic value chains within the Union. The investment guidelines should be prepared in consultation with implementing partners to benefit from their market knowledge, and enable them to invest in Union priority areas and incentivise them for more risk taking. To cater for evolving needs and developments, the investment guidelines may be reviewed in the context of the MFF mid-term review. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (51) For financial instruments and the budgetary guarantee to effectively crowd in private money, implementing partners need to be closely associated. This ensures policy steer and alignment, as well as project pipeline generation. The experience and lessons learnt with the implementation of the InvestEU Programme emphasise the importance of investment guidelines in creating this buy-in and providing the necessary predictability and visibility to the implementing partners and investors, in order for them to set up their organisational capacity and originate the pipeline of investments, while allowing the necessary flexibility to ensure an adequate policy steer during implementation. Investment guidelines should include detailed description of the policy areas of intervention and investment focus with a view to ensuring additionality and incentivise crowding in private and public investment in support of the Union’s policy objectives and strategic projects. The investment guidelines should be prepared in consultation with implementing partners to benefit from their market knowledge, and enable them to invest in Union priority areas and incentivise them for more risk taking. To cater for evolving needs and developments, the investment guidelines may be reviewed in the context of the MFF mid-term review. | (51) For financial instruments and the budgetary guarantee to effectively crowd in private money, implementing partners need to be closely associated. This ensures policy steer and alignment, as well as project pipeline generation. The experience and lessons learnt with the implementation of the InvestEU Programme emphasise the importance of investment guidelines in creating this buy-in and providing the necessary predictability and visibility to the implementing partners and investors, in order for them to set up their organisational capacity and originate the pipeline of investments, while allowing the necessary flexibility to ensure an adequate policy steer during implementation. Investment guidelines should be adopted by delegated acts and include detailed description of the policy areas of intervention and investment focus with a view to ensuring additionality and incentivise crowding in private and public investment in support of the Union’s policy objectives and strategic projects. The investment guidelines should be prepared in consultation with implementing partners to benefit from their market knowledge, and enable them to invest in Union priority areas and incentivise them for more risk taking. To cater for evolving needs and developments, the investment guidelines may be reviewed in the context of the MFF mid-term review. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (51 a) An essential objective of the ECF should be to advance and support the completion of the Single Market by enabling businesses, including SMEs and start-ups, to grow, scale and innovate. As a priority, the ECF should seek to facilitate improved access for businesses to funding, information and administrative assistance, thereby contributing to a more competitive, dynamic and well-integrated Single Market across all Member States. This support should also encompass enhanced guidance and awareness on how to access Union funds and related instruments, as well as efforts to reduce the administrative and bureaucratic burdens that currently hinder effective access to such financing and support measures. It should also support market uptake, internationalisation and the capacity of firms to participate in European value chains. |
The ECF must prioritise advancing the completion of the Single Market by helping businesses, in particular SMEs and start-ups. It should enhance awareness of EU funding opportunities while reducing administrative burdens that prevent firms from fully benefiting from these instruments.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (51 a) The budgetary guarantee under the ECF InvestEU Instrument should be pre-allocated as a single horizontal envelope to provide long-term visibility and certainty to implementing partners and to enable them to build the organisational capacity and project pipelines necessary for effective deployment. Earmarking the budgetary guarantee per policy window would be incompatible with the pipeline-driven nature of guarantee operations and would reduce the flexibility needed to respond to market demand across sectors. The investment guidelines adopted by delegated act should ensure adequate policy steer across all windows without pre-committing guarantee resources in a manner that impairs deployment. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (52) Deep-tech scale-up financing under the Scaleup Europe Fund announced in the Startup Scaleup Strategy, existing at the time of the entry into force of the present Regulation, should be carried out under the terms agreed in the MFF 2021-2027. All scaleup financing under the MFF 2028-2034 should take place under the ECF. | (52) Deep-tech scale-up financing under the Scaleup Europe Fund announced in the Startup Scaleup Strategy, existing at the time of the entry into force of the present Regulation, should be carried out under the terms agreed in the MFF 2021-2027. All scaleup financing under the MFF 2028-2034 taking place under the ECF should be pursued in full complementarity and synergies with the EIC Fund, and with the relevant activities pursued via the Specific Programme for defence research & innovation activities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (53) To deliver on the objective of translating research results into markets and strengthening Union’s industrial presence in strategic technologies and sectors, Regulation (EU) [XXX] [Horizon Europe framework programme for Research and Innovation] will be tightly linked with ECF and will support research and innovation activities as laid down by the policy windows of ECF. The ECF work programmes will include collaborative research and innovation actions, in a specific dedicated part. This may also include contributions to European Partnerships established under the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, where necessary to achieve the ECF objectives. The ECF work programmes should also set out policy priorities that will steer EIC challenges. | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (53) To deliver on the objective of translating research results into markets and strengthening Union’s industrial presence in strategic technologies and sectors, Regulation (EU) [XXX] [Horizon Europe framework programme for Research and Innovation] will be tightly linked with ECF and will support research and innovation activities as laid down by the policy windows of ECF. The ECF work programmes will include collaborative research and innovation actions, in a specific dedicated part. This may also include contributions to European Partnerships established under the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, where necessary to achieve the ECF objectives. The ECF work programmes should also set out policy priorities that will steer EIC challenges. | (53) To deliver on the objective of translating research results into markets and strengthening Union’s industrial presence in strategic technologies and sectors, Regulation (EU) [XXX] [Horizon Europe framework programme for Research and Innovation] will be tightly linked with ECF. To ensure a seamless investment journey from research to market deployment, the Commission should appoint ECF Programme Managers with demonstrated track records in financing, scaling and commercialising breakthrough innovations. ECF Programme Managers should coordinate with Horizon Europe Programme Managers to accelerate the valorisation of research results and should contribute to the implementation of value-chain scale-up calls and demand aggregation actions under this Regulation. This may also include contributions to European Partnerships established under the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, where necessary to achieve the ECF objectives. In addition, EU Missions established under the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation pursue ambitious, time-bound societal objectives, including climate-neutral and smart cities, adaptation to climate change, cancer, healthy oceans and soils, that require large-scale deployment, industrial roll-out and market uptake to achieve their targets. The ECF, as the Union's primary instrument for industrial deployment and the scaling-up of strategic technologies, should actively support the deployment and rolling-out of EU Missions, ensuring that the solutions developed under Horizon Europe reach the scale, market penetration and territorial coverage needed to deliver their full potential. Work programmes under the ECF should identify, for each relevant policy window, the deployment actions required to advance Mission targets, thereby creating a structured and predictable pathway from Mission research outputs to industrial and societal impact. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (53) To deliver on the objective of translating research results into markets and strengthening Union’s industrial presence in strategic technologies and sectors, Regulation (EU) [XXX] [Horizon Europe framework programme for Research and Innovation] will be tightly linked with ECF and will support research and innovation activities as laid down by the policy windows of ECF. The ECF work programmes will include collaborative research and innovation actions, in a specific dedicated part. This may also include contributions to European Partnerships established under the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, where necessary to achieve the ECF objectives. The ECF work programmes should also set out policy priorities that will steer EIC challenges. | (53) To deliver on the objective of translating research results into markets and strengthening Union’s industrial presence in strategic technologies and sectors, Regulation (EU) [XXX] [Horizon Europe framework programme for Research and Innovation] will be tightly linked with ECF and will support research and innovation activities as laid down by the policy windows of ECF. The ECF work programmes will include collaborative research and innovation actions, in a specific dedicated part. This may also include contributions to European Partnerships established under the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, where necessary to achieve the ECF objectives. The ECF work programmes should also set out policy priorities that will steer EIC challenges. In order to achieve these overarching goals, it is paramount to ensure a seamless investment journey from research to deployment and industrialisation, which requires that actions and results with possible defence applications generated under Regulation (EU) [XXX] [Horizon Europe Framework programme for Research and Innovation] can be swiftly taken up by Union instruments supporting scale-up, deployment and industrialisation, in particular under this Regulation. Unnecessary duplication of evaluations and reviews should be avoided when taking up actions and results and relevant prior assessments may be reused, where compatible with the rules set out in the work programmes of this Regulation in order to reduce administrative burden and accelerate support. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (53) To deliver on the objective of translating research results into markets and strengthening Union’s industrial presence in strategic technologies and sectors, Regulation (EU) [XXX] [Horizon Europe framework programme for Research and Innovation] will be tightly linked with ECF and will support research and innovation activities as laid down by the policy windows of ECF. The ECF work programmes will include collaborative research and innovation actions, in a specific dedicated part. This may also include contributions to European Partnerships established under the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, where necessary to achieve the ECF objectives. The ECF work programmes should also set out policy priorities that will steer EIC challenges. | (53) To deliver on the objective of translating research results into markets and strengthening Union’s industrial presence in strategic technologies and sectors, and tangibly improve the Union’s overall and especially noncost competitiveness at international level, in particular vis-à-vis other major industrial economies, Regulation (EU) [XXX] [Horizon Europe framework programme for Research and Innovation] should be tightly linked with ECF and will support research and innovation activities as laid down in the ECF policy windows. The ECF work programmes should include a specific dedicated part for collaborative research and innovation actions. This may also include contributions to European Partnerships established under the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, where necessary to achieve the ECF objectives. The ECF work programmes should also set out policy priorities that will steer EIC challenges. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (53) To deliver on the objective of translating research results into markets and strengthening Union’s industrial presence in strategic technologies and sectors, Regulation (EU) [XXX] [Horizon Europe framework programme for Research and Innovation] will be tightly linked with ECF and will support research and innovation activities as laid down by the policy windows of ECF. The ECF work programmes will include collaborative research and innovation actions, in a specific dedicated part. This may also include contributions to European Partnerships established under the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, where necessary to achieve the ECF objectives. The ECF work programmes should also set out policy priorities that will steer EIC challenges. | (53) To deliver on the objective of translating research results into markets and strengthening the Union’s industrial presence in strategic technologies and sectors, Regulation (EU) [XXX] [Horizon Europe framework programme for Research and Innovation] will be tightly linked with ECF and will support research and innovation activities as laid down by the policy windows of ECF. The ECF work programmes will include collaborative research and innovation actions in a specific dedicated part. This may also include contributions to European Partnerships established under the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, where necessary to achieve the ECF objectives. The ECF work programmes should also set out policy priorities that will steer EIC challenges, ensuring a clear pathway towards industrial deployment, scaling-up and manufacturing within the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (53) To deliver on the objective of translating research results into markets and strengthening Union’s industrial presence in strategic technologies and sectors, Regulation (EU) [XXX] [Horizon Europe framework programme for Research and Innovation] will be tightly linked with ECF and will support research and innovation activities as laid down by the policy windows of ECF. The ECF work programmes will include collaborative research and innovation actions, in a specific dedicated part. This may also include contributions to European Partnerships established under the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, where necessary to achieve the ECF objectives. The ECF work programmes should also set out policy priorities that will steer EIC challenges. | (53) To deliver on the objective of translating research results into markets and strengthening Union’s industrial presence in strategic technologies and sectors, research and innovation actionsi or instruments established under the Regulation (EU) [XXX] [Horizon Europe framework programme for Research and Innovation] will be linked to funding opportunities under the ECF. The ECF work programmes will relate to the collaborative part of Horizon Europe. This may also include contributions to European Partnerships and the EU Missions established under the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, where necessary to achieve the ECF objectives. The ECF work programmes should also set out policy priorities that will steer EIC challenges. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (53 a) The ECF work programmes should include a dedicated 'Horizon transition scheme', to support valorisation, validation, demonstration, standardisation, licensing, deployment, and scaling of results from projects funded by the Framework Programme or its predecessors. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (54) In order to foster resilient Union value chains spanning across multiple Member States, the work programmes may include special value-chains scale up calls which shall support both. project preparation and crowding in of additional public and private capital to integrate suppliers, manufacturers, and innovators from different Member States and diversify sources of supply. | (54) In order to foster resilient Union value chains spanning across multiple Member States, the work programmes may include special value-chains scale up calls which shall support both. project preparation and crowding in of additional public and private capital to integrate suppliers, manufacturers, and innovators from different Member States and diversify sources of supply. To that end, particular attention should be paid to integrating the EU Eastern border regions, having regard to their potential to contribute to the EU innovation and industrial transformation, as well as secure diversified and cross-border Union value and supply chains, while at the same time countering suboptimal investment situations in these regions having regard to their unique challenges. Work programmes should translate this into call design, eligibility and award criteria. |
Krzysztof Hetman, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska, Borys Budka, Adam Jarubas, Janusz Lewandowski, Roberts Zīle, Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz, Mirosława Nykiel, Sandra Kalniete, Mārtiņš Staķis, Inese Vaidere, Maria Walsh
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (54) In order to foster resilient Union value chains spanning across multiple Member States, the work programmes may include special value-chains scale up calls which shall support both. project preparation and crowding in of additional public and private capital to integrate suppliers, manufacturers, and innovators from different Member States and diversify sources of supply. | (54) In order to foster resilient Union value chains spanning across multiple Member States, the work programmes may include special value-chains scale up calls which shall support both. project preparation and crowding in of additional public and private capital to integrate suppliers, manufacturers, and innovators from different Member States and diversify sources of supply. To that end, particular attention should be paid to integrating the EU Eastern border regions, having regard to their potential to contribute to the EU innovation and industrial transformation, as well as secure diversified and cross-border Union value and supply chains, while at the same time countering suboptimal investment situations in these regions having regard to their unique challenges. Work programmes should translate this into call design, eligibility and award criteria. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (54) In order to foster resilient Union value chains spanning across multiple Member States, the work programmes may include special value-chains scale up calls which shall support both. project preparation and crowding in of additional public and private capital to integrate suppliers, manufacturers, and innovators from different Member States and diversify sources of supply. | (54) In order to foster resilient Union value chains spanning across multiple Member States, the work programmes may include special value-chains scale-up calls which shall support both project preparation and crowding in of additional public and private capital to integrate suppliers, manufacturers and innovators from different Member States and diversify sources of supply, with a particular focus on strengthening manufacturing capacity and industrial integration across all Member States. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (54) In order to foster resilient Union value chains spanning across multiple Member States, the work programmes may include special value-chains scale up calls which shall support both. project preparation and crowding in of additional public and private capital to integrate suppliers, manufacturers, and innovators from different Member States and diversify sources of supply. | (54) In order to foster resilient Union value chains spanning across multiple Member States, the work programmes should include special value-chains scale up calls which shall support both. project preparation and crowding in of additional public and private capital to integrate suppliers, manufacturers, and innovators from different Member States and regions and diversify sources of supply. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (55) In order to foster competitiveness of European industry through industry-driven bottom-up innovation, the work programmes may include special 2-stage bottom-up award procedures to identify and support EU Tech frontrunners through industry-driven consortia. | (55) In order to foster competitiveness of European industry through industry-driven bottom-up innovation, the work programmes may include special 2-stage bottom-up award procedures to identify and support EU Tech frontrunners through industry-driven consortia. The selection criteria for EU Tech frontrunners should strike a balance between the imperative of supporting Union companies in reaching the critical scale needed to compete globally and the need to nurture industrial ecosystems and supply chains across the Union, including SMEs, start-ups and mid-caps from all Member States. To that end, the ECF should pursue strategic priorities while preserving open, transparent and competitive selection procedures, in a technology- and company-neutral manner ensuring that strategic priorities are pursued without the Union pre-determining specific beneficiaries. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (55) In order to foster competitiveness of European industry through industry-driven bottom-up innovation, the work programmes may include special 2-stage bottom-up award procedures to identify and support EU Tech frontrunners through industry-driven consortia. | (55) In order to foster competitiveness of European industry through industry-driven bottom-up innovation, the work programmes shall include special 2-stage bottom-up award procedures to identify and support EU Tech frontrunners through industry-driven consortia conducted under the Research and Innovation Framework Programme. At least one bottom-up call per policy window per programming year shall be open to consortia of any size, including consortia led by regional technology centres, cooperative research institutes, or cluster organisations, without imposing a minimum number of Member States participating. Evaluation criteria shall include the applicant's embeddedness in a regional or sectoral innovation ecosystem, and its contribution to interregional value chains. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (55) In order to foster competitiveness of European industry through industry-driven bottom-up innovation, the work programmes may include special 2-stage bottom-up award procedures to identify and support EU Tech frontrunners through industry-driven consortia. | (55) In order to foster competitiveness of European industry through industry-driven bottom-up innovation, the work programmes may include special 2-stage bottom-up award procedures to identify and support EU Tech frontrunners through industry-driven consortia. In order to safeguard transparency, equal treatment and the integrity of the European Competitiveness Fund, decisions on the allocation of Union support should be based exclusively on independent and external evaluations carried out in accordance with the predefined eligibility and award criteria set out in each call. The selection process should ensure objectivity, avoid conflicts of interest and prevent undue political or administrative interference in the award of funding. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (55) In order to foster competitiveness of European industry through industry-driven bottom-up innovation, the work programmes may include special 2-stage bottom-up award procedures to identify and support EU Tech frontrunners through industry-driven consortia. | (55) In order to foster competitiveness of European industry through industry-driven bottom-up innovation, the work programmes may include special 2-stage bottom-up award procedures to identify and support EU Tech frontrunners through industry-driven consortia, thereby helping to strengthen the strategic autonomy, resilience and innovation capacity of European industry in global markets. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (55) In order to foster competitiveness of European industry through industry-driven bottom-up innovation, the work programmes may include special 2-stage bottom-up award procedures to identify and support EU Tech frontrunners through industry-driven consortia. | (55) In order to foster competitiveness of European industry through industry-driven bottom-up innovation, the work programmes should include special 2-stage bottom-up award procedures to identify and support EU Tech frontrunners through industry-driven consortia for projects that commit to interoperable architectures, open standards and compatibility with EU public digital infrastructures. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (55) In order to foster competitiveness of European industry through industry-driven bottom-up innovation, the work programmes may include special 2-stage bottom-up award procedures to identify and support EU Tech frontrunners through industry-driven consortia. | (55) In order to foster competitiveness of European industry through industry-driven bottom-up innovation, the work programmes may include special two-stage bottom-up award procedures to identify and support EU tech frontrunners through industry-driven consortia, with particular emphasis on companies capable of scaling up, industrial deployment and manufacturing within the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (55) In order to foster competitiveness of European industry through industry-driven bottom-up innovation, the work programmes may include special 2-stage bottom-up award procedures to identify and support EU Tech frontrunners through industry-driven consortia. | (55) In order to foster competitiveness of European industry through industry-driven bottom-up innovation, the work programmes may include special 2-stage bottom-up award procedures to identify and support EU Tech frontrunners through industry-driven consortia, while encouraging the development of solutions with the potential to scale across the Single Market. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (55 a) Fragmented public and private procurement prevents the emergence of lead markets for strategic European technologies and limits the scale at which European manufacturers can invest in production capacity. The ECF should therefore support the coordinated or joint procurement of relevant goods and services by public and private procurers across the Union, including pre-commercial procurement and procurement of innovative solutions. By aggregating demand signals before investment decisions are made, such actions reduce the commercial risk for European manufacturers and accelerate market uptake of strategic technologies, contributing to the integration of the single market and the reinforcement of European industrial sovereignty. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (56) A horizontal, cross-cutting funding toolbox should be set at the service of all policy windows, offering every form of support allowed by Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2059, such as financial instruments, including support provided in the form of equity. The choice of the specific funding instrument and in particular whether support will be repayable or not, shall depend on the nature of the actions to be funded (for example underlying market failures, the specific need, the nature of the industry, the stage of development or type of the beneficiary). Union support should derisk projects to the degree necessary for the private sector to invest and for the project to be successfully delivered. Co-financing rates should be as low as possible and as high as needed to realise the supported project. A mix of funding tools could be used, including blending operations and combination of funding. The ECF should also provide each policy area with advice on the most appropriate funding tool to be used for its specific actions, depending on, inter alia, the development stage, the specific industry needs and underlying market failures. | (56) The ECF should provide each policy area with advice on the most appropriate funding tool to be used for its specific actions, depending on, inter alia, the development stage, the specific industry needs and underlying market failures. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (56) A horizontal, cross-cutting funding toolbox should be set at the service of all policy windows, offering every form of support allowed by Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2059, such as financial instruments, including support provided in the form of equity. The choice of the specific funding instrument and in particular whether support will be repayable or not, shall depend on the nature of the actions to be funded (for example underlying market failures, the specific need, the nature of the industry, the stage of development or type of the beneficiary). Union support should derisk projects to the degree necessary for the private sector to invest and for the project to be successfully delivered. Co-financing rates should be as low as possible and as high as needed to realise the supported project. A mix of funding tools could be used, including blending operations and combination of funding. The ECF should also provide each policy area with advice on the most appropriate funding tool to be used for its specific actions, depending on, inter alia, the development stage, the specific industry needs and underlying market failures. | (56) A horizontal, cross-cutting funding toolbox should be set at the service of all policy windows, offering every form of support allowed by Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2059, such as financial instruments with a clear preference for repayable instruments. The ECF InvestEU Instrument may not utilise equity instruments for acquiring the majority or controlling stakes in undertakings. The choice of the specific funding instrument and in particular whether support will be repayable or not, shall depend on the nature of the actions to be funded (for example underlying market failures, the specific need, the nature of the industry, the stage of development or type of the beneficiary). Union support should derisk projects to the degree necessary for the private sector to invest and for the project to be successfully delivered, while ensuring that repayable instruments and budgetary guarantees are prioritised to maximise leverage of private capital and minimise distortions to competition. Co-financing rates should be as low as possible and as high as needed to realise the supported project. A mix of funding tools could be used, including blending operations and combination of funding. The ECF should also provide each policy area with advice on the most appropriate funding tool to be used for its specific actions, depending on, inter alia, the development stage, the specific industry needs and underlying market failures, with a strong emphasis on market-based, repayable tools to safeguard competitive neutrality and the integrity of the single market. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (56) A horizontal, cross-cutting funding toolbox should be set at the service of all policy windows, offering every form of support allowed by Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2059, such as financial instruments, including support provided in the form of equity. The choice of the specific funding instrument and in particular whether support will be repayable or not, shall depend on the nature of the actions to be funded (for example underlying market failures, the specific need, the nature of the industry, the stage of development or type of the beneficiary). Union support should derisk projects to the degree necessary for the private sector to invest and for the project to be successfully delivered. Co-financing rates should be as low as possible and as high as needed to realise the supported project. A mix of funding tools could be used, including blending operations and combination of funding. The ECF should also provide each policy area with advice on the most appropriate funding tool to be used for its specific actions, depending on, inter alia, the development stage, the specific industry needs and underlying market failures. | (56) A horizontal, cross-cutting funding toolbox should be set at the service of all policy windows, offering every form of support allowed by Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2059, such as financial instruments, including support provided in the form of equity. The choice of the specific funding instrument, and in particular whether support will be repayable or not, shall depend on the nature of the actions to be funded (for example underlying market failures, the specific need, the nature of the industry, the stage of development or type of the beneficiary). Union support should de-risk projects to the degree necessary for the private sector to invest and for the project to be successfully delivered. Co-financing rates should be as low as possible and as high as needed to realise the supported project. A mix of funding tools could be used, including blending operations and combination of funding. The ECF should also provide each policy area with advice on the most appropriate funding tool to be used for its specific actions, depending on, inter alia, the development stage, the specific industry needs and underlying market failures, while ensuring that Union support effectively contributes to strengthening the Union’s industrial base, production capacity and strategic autonomy. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (56) A horizontal, cross-cutting funding toolbox should be set at the service of all policy windows, offering every form of support allowed by Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2059, such as financial instruments, including support provided in the form of equity. The choice of the specific funding instrument and in particular whether support will be repayable or not, shall depend on the nature of the actions to be funded (for example underlying market failures, the specific need, the nature of the industry, the stage of development or type of the beneficiary). Union support should derisk projects to the degree necessary for the private sector to invest and for the project to be successfully delivered. Co-financing rates should be as low as possible and as high as needed to realise the supported project. A mix of funding tools could be used, including blending operations and combination of funding. The ECF should also provide each policy area with advice on the most appropriate funding tool to be used for its specific actions, depending on, inter alia, the development stage, the specific industry needs and underlying market failures. | (56) A horizontal, cross-cutting funding toolbox should be set at the service of all policy windows, offering every form of support allowed by Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2059, such as financial instruments, including support provided in the form of equity. The choice of the specific funding instrument and in particular whether support will be repayable or not, shall depend on the nature of the actions to be funded (for example underlying market failures, the specific need, the nature of the industry, the stage of development or type of the beneficiary). Union support should derisk projects to the degree necessary for the private sector to invest and for the project to be successfully delivered. Co-financing rates should be as low as possible and as high as needed to realise the supported project. For actions implemented in the Outermost Regions, the European Union co-financing rates should be set at a minimum of 85% A mix of funding tools could be used, including blending operations and combination of funding. The ECF should also provide each policy area with advice on the most appropriate funding tool to be used for its specific actions, depending on, inter alia, the development stage, the specific industry needs and underlying market failures. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (56) A horizontal, cross-cutting funding toolbox should be set at the service of all policy windows, offering every form of support allowed by Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2059, such as financial instruments, including support provided in the form of equity. The choice of the specific funding instrument and in particular whether support will be repayable or not, shall depend on the nature of the actions to be funded (for example underlying market failures, the specific need, the nature of the industry, the stage of development or type of the beneficiary). Union support should derisk projects to the degree necessary for the private sector to invest and for the project to be successfully delivered. Co-financing rates should be as low as possible and as high as needed to realise the supported project. A mix of funding tools could be used, including blending operations and combination of funding. The ECF should also provide each policy area with advice on the most appropriate funding tool to be used for its specific actions, depending on, inter alia, the development stage, the specific industry needs and underlying market failures. | (56) A horizontal, cross-cutting funding toolbox should be set at the service of all four ESF policy windows, offering every form of support allowed by Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2059, such as financial instruments, including support provided in the form of equity. The choice of the specific funding instrument and in particular whether support will be repayable or not, shall depend on the nature of the actions to be funded (for example underlying market failures, the specific need, the nature of the industry, the stage of development or type of the beneficiary). Union support should derisk projects to the degree necessary for the private sector to invest and for the project to be successfully delivered. Co-financing rates should be as low as possible and as high as needed to realise the supported project. A mix of funding tools could be used, including blending operations and combination of funding. The ECF should also provide each policy area with advice on the most appropriate funding tool to be used for its specific actions, depending on, inter alia, the development stage, the specific industry needs and underlying market failures. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (56 a) To maximise Union added value and crowd in private investment, support under the ECF should apply a financial efficiency first approach, selecting the instrument (grant, loan, guarantee, equity or quasi-equity, blending, procurement) that delivers the highest verified impact per euro of Union support. In particular, for health preparedness, health systems resilience and health industrial capacity, procurement and performance-based contracts should be preferred where the Union or Member States are purchasing a service or guaranteed capability (e.g. stockpiles, surge production, laboratory capacity); repayable support via loans, guarantees, equity or quasi-equity should be preferred where revenues or savings enable repayment, reserving grants primarily for non-bankable public health objectives and early-stage research and innovation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (57) Multistakeholder consultations, including those of researchers and industry, the social partners, as well as investors, end-users and civil society, from SME, small to large organisations, should contribute to the priorities of the ECF. Those consultations should be structured via advisory boards including the ECF Stakeholder Board whose task should be to provide insights and advise the Commission on policy trends, on investment needs, and on the implementation of the ECF from the perspective of project promoters, with the aim to ensure that feedback from stakeholder communities is reflected in the design of work programmes. | (57) Multistakeholder consultations, including those of Member States, local and regional authorities, researchers and industry, the social partners, industrial federations and chambers of commerce and industry, investors, in particular institutional investors and risk capital actors, end-users, industrial clusters and ecosystems and civil society, from SME, small to large organisations, should contribute to the priorities of the ECF. Those consultations should be structured via advisory boards including the ECF Stakeholder Board whose task should be to provide insights and advise the Commission on policy trends, on investment needs, and on the implementation of the ECF from the perspective of project promoters, with the aim to ensure that feedback from stakeholder communities is reflected in the design of work programmes. While the wider consultation process should engage the broadest possible range of stakeholders, the composition of the Stakeholder Board itself should remain operational and ensure an appropriate balance and representativeness across stakeholder categories, sectors, sizes of organisation, and geographical origins. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (57) Multistakeholder consultations, including those of researchers and industry, the social partners, as well as investors, end-users and civil society, from SME, small to large organisations, should contribute to the priorities of the ECF. Those consultations should be structured via advisory boards including the ECF Stakeholder Board whose task should be to provide insights and advise the Commission on policy trends, on investment needs, and on the implementation of the ECF from the perspective of project promoters, with the aim to ensure that feedback from stakeholder communities is reflected in the design of work programmes. | (57) Multistakeholder consultations, including those of researchers and industry, the social partners, as well as investors, end-users and civil society, from SME, small to large organisations, should contribute to the priorities of the ECF. Those consultations should be structured via advisory boards including the ECF Stakeholder Board whose task should be to provide insights and advise the Commission on policy trends, on investment needs, and on the implementation of the ECF from the perspective of project promoters, with the aim to ensure that feedback from stakeholder communities is reflected in the design of work programmes. The composition of the ECF Stakeholder Board should ensure a balanced geographical representation and shall include a representative of the outermost regions, in order to duly reflect their specific constraints, needs and development potential. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (57) Multistakeholder consultations, including those of researchers and industry, the social partners, as well as investors, end-users and civil society, from SME, small to large organisations, should contribute to the priorities of the ECF. Those consultations should be structured via advisory boards, including the ECF Stakeholder Board whose task should be to provide insights and advise the Commission on policy trends, on investment needs, and on the implementation of the ECF from the perspective of project promoters, with the aim to ensure that feedback from stakeholder communities is reflected in the design of work programmes. | (57) Multistakeholder consultations, including those of researchers and industry, the social partners, as well as investors, end-users and civil society, from SME, small to large organisations, should contribute to the priorities of the ECF. Those consultations should be structured via advisory boards, including the ECF Stakeholder Board (for non-defence-related matters) and the Defence Industry Advisory Board (for defence-related matters), whose task should be to provide insights and advise the Commission on policy trends, on investment needs, and on the implementation of the ECF from the perspective of project promoters, with the aim to ensure that feedback from stakeholder communities is reflected in the design of work programmes. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (57) Multistakeholder consultations, including those of researchers and industry, the social partners, as well as investors, end-users and civil society, from SME, small to large organisations, should contribute to the priorities of the ECF. Those consultations should be structured via advisory boards including the ECF Stakeholder Board whose task should be to provide insights and advise the Commission on policy trends, on investment needs, and on the implementation of the ECF from the perspective of project promoters, with the aim to ensure that feedback from stakeholder communities is reflected in the design of work programmes. | (57) Multistakeholder consultations, including those of researchers and industry, local and regional authorities, the social partners, as well as investors, end-users and civil society, including micro-enterprises, SMEs and their representative organisations, from small to large organisations, should contribute to the priorities of the ECF. Those consultations should be structured via advisory boards including the ECF Stakeholder Board whose task should be to provide insights and advise the Commission on policy trends, on investment needs, and on the implementation of the ECF from the perspective of project promoters, with the aim to ensure that feedback from stakeholder communities is reflected in the design of work programmes. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (57) Multistakeholder consultations, including those of researchers and industry, the social partners, as well as investors, end-users and civil society, from SME, small to large organisations, should contribute to the priorities of the ECF. Those consultations should be structured via advisory boards including the ECF Stakeholder Board whose task should be to provide insights and advise the Commission on policy trends, on investment needs, and on the implementation of the ECF from the perspective of project promoters, with the aim to ensure that feedback from stakeholder communities is reflected in the design of work programmes. | (57) Multistakeholder consultations, including those of researchers and industry, local and regional authorities, the social partners, as well as investors, end-users and civil society, from SME, small to large organisations, should contribute to the priorities of the ECF. Those consultations should be structured via advisory boards including the ECF Stakeholder Board whose task should be to provide insights and advise the Commission on policy trends, on investment needs, and on the implementation of the ECF from the perspective of project promoters, with the aim to ensure that feedback from stakeholder communities is reflected in the design of work programmes. |
It is important to highlight that cities and regions should also be involved in the design of the priorities of the ECF.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (57) Multistakeholder consultations, including those of researchers and industry, the social partners, as well as investors, end-users and civil society, from SME, small to large organisations, should contribute to the priorities of the ECF. Those consultations should be structured via advisory boards including the ECF Stakeholder Board whose task should be to provide insights and advise the Commission on policy trends, on investment needs, and on the implementation of the ECF from the perspective of project promoters, with the aim to ensure that feedback from stakeholder communities is reflected in the design of work programmes. | (57) Multistakeholder consultations, including those of researchers and industry, the social partners, as well as investors, end-users local and regional authorities and civil society, from SME, small to large organisations, should contribute to the priorities of the ECF. Those consultations should be structured via advisory boards including the ECF Stakeholder Board whose task should be to provide insights and advise the Commission on policy trends, on investment needs, and on the implementation of the ECF from the perspective of project promoters, with the aim to ensure that feedback from stakeholder communities is reflected in the design of work programmes. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (57) Multistakeholder consultations, including those of researchers and industry, the social partners, as well as investors, end-users and civil society, from SME, small to large organisations, should contribute to the priorities of the ECF. Those consultations should be structured via advisory boards including the ECF Stakeholder Board whose task should be to provide insights and advise the Commission on policy trends, on investment needs, and on the implementation of the ECF from the perspective of project promoters, with the aim to ensure that feedback from stakeholder communities is reflected in the design of work programmes. | (57) Multistakeholder consultations, including those of researchers and industry, regional authorities, the social partners, as well as investors, end-users and civil society, from SME, small to large organisations, should contribute to the priorities of the ECF. Those consultations should be structured via advisory boards including the ECF Stakeholder Board whose task should be to provide insights and advise the Commission on policy trends, on investment needs, and on the implementation of the ECF from the perspective of project promoters, with the aim to ensure that feedback from stakeholder communities is reflected in the design of work programmes. |
Regional authorities are key actors in the effective implementation of European innovation, competitiveness, and industrial transformation policies, as they manage essential instruments related to territorial innovation, smart specialization strategies (RIS3), business ecosystems, training, and scientific and technological infrastructures. Therefore, it is essential that regions are involved in the design of the priorities of the ECF.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (57) Multistakeholder consultations, including those of researchers and industry, the social partners, as well as investors, end-users and civil society, from SME, small to large organisations, should contribute to the priorities of the ECF. Those consultations should be structured via advisory boards including the ECF Stakeholder Board whose task should be to provide insights and advise the Commission on policy trends, on investment needs, and on the implementation of the ECF from the perspective of project promoters, with the aim to ensure that feedback from stakeholder communities is reflected in the design of work programmes. | (57) Multistakeholder consultations, including those of researchers, the social partners, as well as end-users and civil society should enrich to the priorities of the ECF. These consultations should be structured via the ECF Common Industrial Future Board, whose task should be to provide insights and advise the Commission on policy trends, investment needs, and the implementation of the ECF from the perspective of project promoters. In carrying out its tasks, the ECF Stakeholder Board should act in full alignment with and support of the following general objectives of the ECF. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (57 a) Whereas the European Parliament, as co-legislator and budgetary and discharge authority, plays an essential role in ensuring democratic accountability, transparency and effective oversight of Union funds; whereas, in order to strengthen parliamentary scrutiny over the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), it is appropriate to establish clear mechanisms for full oversight of its implementation, including the annual discharge of its budgetary management; whereas the Commission, the Stakeholders Board and the Investment Committee should jointly report annually to the European Parliament and the Council on horizontal long-term competitiveness trends, market failures and suboptimal investment situations, focusing exclusively on framework conditions for research excellence, innovation capacity and the global competitiveness of European companies without identifying specific sectoral or company winners; whereas a permanent structured dialogue mechanism should be set up between the competent committees of the European Parliament, the Commission, the Stakeholders Board and the Investment Committee to enable regular exchanges on the Fund’s strategic direction, priorities, advisory input and emerging challenges, including through dedicated hearings and consultations at least twice per year; whereas, to promote balanced composition and legitimacy of the Stakeholders Board, the Commission should consult the relevant parliamentary committees on the shortlist of candidates prior to appointment. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (58) Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs) are a state aid instrument and industrial policy tool assessed by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b), TFEU22 . They contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, the green and digital transition and competitiveness and resilience of the Union industry and economy. IPCEIs make it possible to bring together knowledge, expertise, financial resources, and economic actors throughout the Union and create positive spillover effects for the entire Union. IPCEIs also allow to crowd-in private investments in high-risk projects that are essential to bring breakthrough innovation closer to industrial deployment and infrastructures projects of great importance to the Union with open and non-discriminatory access. Given the commonalities of objectives pursued, the ECF will foster synergies between Union funding and IPCEIs by supporting specific projects integrated within IPCEIs, based on their contribution to Union strategic priorities, such as the resilience of the Union, and on the ability of ECF financing to broaden participation, notably of SMEs, or broaden Member State coverage, as well as increase Union added value. | (58) Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs) are a state aid instrument and industrial policy tool assessed by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b), TFEU22 . They contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, the green and digital transition and competitiveness and resilience of the Union industry and economy. IPCEIs make it possible to bring together knowledge, expertise, financial resources, and economic actors throughout the Union and create positive spillover effects for the entire Union. IPCEIs also allow to crowd-in private investments in high-risk projects that are essential to bring breakthrough innovation closer to industrial deployment and infrastructures projects of great importance to the Union with open and non-discriminatory access. Given the commonalities of objectives pursued, the ECF will foster synergies between Union funding and IPCEIs by supporting specific projects integrated within IPCEIs, based on their contribution to Union strategic priorities, such as the resilience of the Union, and on the ability of ECF financing to broaden participation, notably of SMEs, or broaden Member State coverage, as well as increase Union added value. Given the importance and degree of innovation brought by these projects contributing to the competitiveness and resilience of the Union, it is necessary to simplify the administrative procedures connected to IPCEIs and provide the highest possible predictability and clarity to the participants, including the guarantee of the financial support being provided within a reasonable timeframe. |
| 22 Communication from the Commission, Criteria for the analysis of the compatibility with the internal market of State aid to promote the execution of important projects of common European interest C/2021/8481 (OJ C 528, 30.12.2021, p. 10). | 22 Communication from the Commission, Criteria for the analysis of the compatibility with the internal market of State aid to promote the execution of important projects of common European interest C/2021/8481 (OJ C 528, 30.12.2021, p. 10). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (58) Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs) are a state aid instrument and industrial policy tool assessed by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b), TFEU22 . They contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, the green and digital transition and competitiveness and resilience of the Union industry and economy. IPCEIs make it possible to bring together knowledge, expertise, financial resources, and economic actors throughout the Union and create positive spillover effects for the entire Union. IPCEIs also allow to crowd-in private investments in high-risk projects that are essential to bring breakthrough innovation closer to industrial deployment and infrastructures projects of great importance to the Union with open and non-discriminatory access. Given the commonalities of objectives pursued, the ECF will foster synergies between Union funding and IPCEIs by supporting specific projects integrated within IPCEIs, based on their contribution to Union strategic priorities, such as the resilience of the Union, and on the ability of ECF financing to broaden participation, notably of SMEs, or broaden Member State coverage, as well as increase Union added value. | (58) Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs) are a state aid instrument and industrial policy tool assessed by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b), TFEU22 . They contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, the green and digital transition and competitiveness and resilience of the Union industry and economy. IPCEIs make it possible to bring together knowledge, expertise, financial resources, and economic actors throughout the Union and create positive spillover effects for the entire Union. IPCEIs also allow to crowd-in private investments in high-risk projects that are essential to bring breakthrough innovation closer to industrial deployment and infrastructures projects of great importance to the Union with open and non-discriminatory access. Given the commonalities of objectives pursued, the ECF will foster synergies between Union funding and IPCEIs by supporting specific projects integrated within IPCEIs, based on their contribution to Union strategic priorities, such as the resilience of the Union, and on the ability of ECF financing to broaden participation, notably of SMEs, or broaden Member State coverage, as well as increase Union added value, and tangibly improve the Union’s overal strategic competitiveness, especially in its non-cost competitveness aspects, at international level, particularly through breakthrough innovation and strategic technological capability, and in particular vis-à-vis other major industrial economies . |
| 22 Communication from the Commission, Criteria for the analysis of the compatibility with the internal market of State aid to promote the execution of important projects of common European interest C/2021/8481 (OJ C 528, 30.12.2021, p. 10). | 22 Communication from the Commission, Criteria for the analysis of the compatibility with the internal market of State aid to promote the execution of important projects of common European interest C/2021/8481 (OJ C 528, 30.12.2021, p. 10). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (58) Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs) are a state aid instrument and industrial policy tool assessed by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b), TFEU22 . They contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, the green and digital transition and competitiveness and resilience of the Union industry and economy. IPCEIs make it possible to bring together knowledge, expertise, financial resources, and economic actors throughout the Union and create positive spillover effects for the entire Union. IPCEIs also allow to crowd-in private investments in high-risk projects that are essential to bring breakthrough innovation closer to industrial deployment and infrastructures projects of great importance to the Union with open and non-discriminatory access. Given the commonalities of objectives pursued, the ECF will foster synergies between Union funding and IPCEIs by supporting specific projects integrated within IPCEIs, based on their contribution to Union strategic priorities, such as the resilience of the Union, and on the ability of ECF financing to broaden participation, notably of SMEs, or broaden Member State coverage, as well as increase Union added value. | (58) Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs) are a State aid instrument and industrial policy tool assessed by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b), TFEU. They contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, the green and digital transition, and to the competitiveness and resilience of the Union’s industry and economy. IPCEIs make it possible to bring together knowledge, expertise, financial resources and economic actors throughout the Union and create positive spillover effects for the entire Union. IPCEIs also allow for the crowding-in of private investments in high-risk projects that are essential to bring breakthrough innovation closer to industrial deployment and infrastructure projects of great importance to the Union, with open and non-discriminatory access. Given the commonalities of objectives pursued, the ECF should foster synergies between Union funding and IPCEIs by supporting specific projects integrated within IPCEIs, based on their contribution to Union strategic priorities, such as resilience and strategic autonomy, and on the ability of ECF financing to broaden participation, notably of SMEs, and ensure a more balanced geographical participation across Member States, while strengthening the Union’s industrial capacity and value chains. |
| 22 Communication from the Commission, Criteria for the analysis of the compatibility with the internal market of State aid to promote the execution of important projects of common European interest C/2021/8481 (OJ C 528, 30.12.2021, p. 10). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (58) Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs) are a state aid instrument and industrial policy tool assessed by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b), TFEU22 . They contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, the green and digital transition and competitiveness and resilience of the Union industry and economy. IPCEIs make it possible to bring together knowledge, expertise, financial resources, and economic actors throughout the Union and create positive spillover effects for the entire Union. IPCEIs also allow to crowd-in private investments in high-risk projects that are essential to bring breakthrough innovation closer to industrial deployment and infrastructures projects of great importance to the Union with open and non-discriminatory access. Given the commonalities of objectives pursued, the ECF will foster synergies between Union funding and IPCEIs by supporting specific projects integrated within IPCEIs, based on their contribution to Union strategic priorities, such as the resilience of the Union, and on the ability of ECF financing to broaden participation, notably of SMEs, or broaden Member State coverage, as well as increase Union added value. | (58) Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs) are a state aid instrument and industrial policy tool assessed by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b), TFEU22 . They contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, the green and digital transition and competitiveness and resilience of the Union industry and economy. IPCEIs make it possible to bring together knowledge, expertise, financial resources, and economic actors throughout the Union and create positive spillover effects for the entire Union. IPCEIs also allow to crowd-in private investments in high-risk projects that are essential to bring breakthrough innovation closer to industrial deployment and infrastructures projects of great importance to the Union with open and non-discriminatory access. Given the commonalities of objectives pursued, the ECF will foster synergies between Union funding and IPCEIs, including RD&I components, by supporting specific projects integrated within IPCEIs, based on their contribution to Union strategic priorities, such as the resilience of the Union, and on the ability of ECF financing to broaden participation, notably of SMEs, or broaden Member State coverage, as well as increase Union added value. |
| 22 Communication from the Commission, Criteria for the analysis of the compatibility with the internal market of State aid to promote the execution of important projects of common European interest C/2021/8481 (OJ C 528, 30.12.2021, p. 10). | 22 Communication from the Commission, Criteria for the analysis of the compatibility with the internal market of State aid to promote the execution of important projects of common European interest C/2021/8481 (OJ C 528, 30.12.2021, p. 10). |
High-TRL RD&I is an essential component of the IPCEI instrument, ensuring that ECF financing supports breakthrough innovation close to industrial deployment and strategically important infrastructure projects for the Union.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (59) The ever-evolving geopolitical situation underlines the need for Europe to ensure its own strategic autonomy and avoid strategic dependencies. The ECF will include the possibility to support production ramp up and undertake accelerated competitiveness actions for projects that offer specific support to European strategic autonomy. This is for example the case for projects that have been selected as strategic under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 (Critical Raw Materials Act), Regulation (EU) 2024/1724 (Net Zero Industry Act) and the Regulation (EU) 2025/102 (Critical Medicines Act). | (59) The ever-evolving geopolitical situation underlines the need for Europe to ensure its own strategic autonomy and avoid strategic dependencies. The ECF will include the possibility to support production ramp up and undertake accelerated competitiveness actions for projects that offer specific support to European strategic autonomy. This is for example the case for projects that have been selected as strategic under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 (Critical Raw Materials Act), Regulation (EU) 2024/1724 (Net Zero Industry Act) and the Regulation (EU) 2025/102 (Critical Medicines Act) and projects contributing to the objectives of revised Regulation (EU) 2023/1781 (European Chips Act), in particular with regard to strengthening the resilience and technological capacities of the Union semiconductor ecosystem. |
The amendment ensures that projects contributing to the objectives of the European Chips Act are appropriately recognised within the framework of the ECF. It strengthens coherence between Union instruments aimed at reinforcing strategic autonomy, economic security and resilience of critical value chains.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (59) The ever-evolving geopolitical situation underlines the need for Europe to ensure its own strategic autonomy and avoid strategic dependencies. The ECF will include the possibility to support production ramp up and undertake accelerated competitiveness actions for projects that offer specific support to European strategic autonomy. This is for example the case for projects that have been selected as strategic under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 (Critical Raw Materials Act), Regulation (EU) 2024/1724 (Net Zero Industry Act) and the Regulation (EU) 2025/102 (Critical Medicines Act). | (59) The ever-evolving geopolitical situation underlines the need for Europe to ensure its own strategic autonomy, avoid strategic dependencies and ensure diversification of supply chains. The ECF will include the possibility to support production ramp up and undertake accelerated competitiveness actions for projects that offer specific support to European strategic autonomy. This is for example the case for projects that have been selected as strategic under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 (Critical Raw Materials Act), Regulation (EU) 2024/1724 (Net Zero Industry Act) and the Regulation (EU) 2025/102 (Critical Medicines Act). In addition, close coordination with the Global Europe Instrument will be put in place to ensure that external investments contribute to Europe strategic diversification. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (59) The ever-evolving geopolitical situation underlines the need for Europe to ensure its own strategic autonomy and avoid strategic dependencies. The ECF will include the possibility to support production ramp up and undertake accelerated competitiveness actions for projects that offer specific support to European strategic autonomy. This is for example the case for projects that have been selected as strategic under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 (Critical Raw Materials Act), Regulation (EU) 2024/1724 (Net Zero Industry Act) and the Regulation (EU) 2025/102 (Critical Medicines Act). | (59) The ever-evolving geopolitical situation underlines the need for Europe to ensure its own strategic autonomy and avoid strategic dependencies. The ECF will include the possibility to support production ramp up and undertake accelerated competitiveness actions for projects that offer specific support to European strategic autonomy. This is for example the case for projects that have been selected as strategic under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 (Critical Raw Materials Act), Regulation (EU) 2024/1724 (Net Zero Industry Act) and the Regulation (EU) 2025/102 (Critical Medicines Act). Financial contributions for the ramp up and production of selected strategic technologies may take the form of output-based production support. |
The proposed new recitals align with other EU instruments that have highlighted the difficulties faced by clean technology producers during the ramp up period, such as unfair global competition, unexpected cost overruns, or uncertainties on future demand, as stated in the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF). A clear reference to output-based support would remove uncertainty over the inclusion of this specific form of contribution under the ECF, which is crucial to tackle higher production costs and to close the innovation gap.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (59) The ever-evolving geopolitical situation underlines the need for Europe to ensure its own strategic autonomy and avoid strategic dependencies. The ECF will include the possibility to support production ramp up and undertake accelerated competitiveness actions for projects that offer specific support to European strategic autonomy. This is for example the case for projects that have been selected as strategic under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 (Critical Raw Materials Act), Regulation (EU) 2024/1724 (Net Zero Industry Act) and the Regulation (EU) 2025/102 (Critical Medicines Act). | (59) The ever-evolving geopolitical situation underlines the need for Europe to ensure its own strategic autonomy and avoid strategic dependencies. The ECF should include the possibility to support aid for EU manufacturing of strategic technologies ramp up and undertake accelerated competitiveness actions for projects that offer specific support to European strategic autonomy, while ensuring that such aid significantly benefit to Union workforce. This is for example the case for some projects that have been selected as strategic under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 (Critical Raw Materials Act), Regulation (EU) 2024/1724 (Net Zero Industry Act) and the Regulation (EU) 2025/102 (Critical Medicines Act). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (59) The ever-evolving geopolitical situation underlines the need for Europe to ensure its own strategic autonomy and avoid strategic dependencies. The ECF will include the possibility to support production ramp up and undertake accelerated competitiveness actions for projects that offer specific support to European strategic autonomy. This is for example the case for projects that have been selected as strategic under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 (Critical Raw Materials Act), Regulation (EU) 2024/1724 (Net Zero Industry Act) and the Regulation (EU) 2025/102 (Critical Medicines Act). | (59) The ever-evolving geopolitical situation underlines the need for Europe to ensure its own strategic autonomy and avoid strategic dependencies. The ECF will include the possibility to support production ramp up and undertake accelerated competitiveness actions for projects that offer specific support to European strategic autonomy. This is for example the case for projects that have been selected as strategic under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 (Critical Raw Materials Act), Regulation (EU) 2024/1724 (Net Zero Industry Act) and the Regulation (EU) 2025/102 (Critical Medicines Act), or as part of the Chips for Europe Initiative under Regulation (EU) 2023/1781 (Chips Act). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (59) The ever-evolving geopolitical situation underlines the need for Europe to ensure its own strategic autonomy and avoid strategic dependencies. The ECF will include the possibility to support production ramp up and undertake accelerated competitiveness actions for projects that offer specific support to European strategic autonomy. This is for example the case for projects that have been selected as strategic under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 (Critical Raw Materials Act), Regulation (EU) 2024/1724 (Net Zero Industry Act) and the Regulation (EU) 2025/102 (Critical Medicines Act). | (59) The ever-evolving geopolitical situation underlines the need for Europe to ensure its own increased strategic autonomy, avoid risky strategic dependencies and strengthen collaboration with reliable partner countries. The ECF will include the possibility to support production ramp up and undertake accelerated competitiveness actions for projects that offer specific support to European strategic autonomy. This is for example the case for projects that have been selected as strategic under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 (Critical Raw Materials Act), Regulation (EU) 2024/1724 (Net Zero Industry Act) and the Regulation (EU) 2025/102 (Critical Medicines Act). |
Christian Ehler, Oliver Schenk, Matej Tonin, Adina Vălean, Pilar del Castillo Vera, Hildegard Bentele, Angelika Niebler, Eszter Lakos, Wouter Beke, Virgil-Daniel Popescu, Susana Solís Pérez, Dimitris Tsiodras
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (59 a) Support in the form of grants to projects that produce goods at scale should take the form of production-linked incentives. Such incentives should link the amount of support paid out to the physical production output generated by the project. Thereby, the market-inherent incentive to operate efficiently is maintained, as opposed to a flat-rate grant, which greatly reduces the inherent incentives for project promoters to retain and leverage efficiencies and scale effects. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (59 a) Support in the form of grants to projects that produce goods at scale should take the form of production-linked incentives. Such incentives should link the amount of support paid out to the physical production output generated by the project. Thereby, the market-inherent incentive to operate efficiently is maintained, as opposed to a flat-rate grant, which greatly reduces the inherent incentives for project promoters to retain and leverage efficiencies and scale effects. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (59 a) In sectors characterised by long investment cycles, high capital intensity and systemic relevance for the Union’s security of supply, the timely expansion, upgrade and ramp-up of production capacity is essential. Union support mechanisms allowing accelerated, targeted and production-oriented interventions should therefore be systematically available projects recognised as contributing to Union strategic resilience. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (61) To explore all possible venues to improve European competitiveness, the ECF should provide a structured framework for targeted experimentation in the award and implementation of Union support, in particular to better target and accelerate Union award procedures and simplify and accelerate their implementation to the benefit of recipients. This should allow, within a concretely defined frame, to specify on a case-by-case basis certain actions or categories of actions to benefit from certain additions, derogations and exceptions from other Union legislation and to test the impact in a real-world environment for the limited period of the duration of the ECF while ensuring that appropriate safeguards, in particular a common European interest, are in place. The application of experimental measures may provide lessons for the assessment of future changes to the horizontal legal framework for the provision of Union support. | (61) To explore all possible venues to improve European competitiveness, the ECF should provide a structured framework for targeted experimentation in the award and implementation of Union support, in particular to better target and accelerate Union award procedures and simplify and accelerate their implementation to the benefit of recipients. This should allow, within a concretely defined frame, to specify on a case-by-case basis certain actions or categories of actions to benefit from certain additions, derogations and exceptions to test the impact in a real-world environment for the limited period of the duration of the ECF while ensuring that appropriate safeguards, in particular a common European interest and the respect of the precautionary principle enshrined in the Treaties, are in place. The application of experimental measures may provide lessons for the assessment of future changes to the horizontal legal framework for the provision of Union support. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (61) To explore all possible venues to improve European competitiveness, the ECF should provide a structured framework for targeted experimentation in the award and implementation of Union support, in particular to better target and accelerate Union award procedures and simplify and accelerate their implementation to the benefit of recipients. This should allow, within a concretely defined frame, to specify on a case-by-case basis certain actions or categories of actions to benefit from certain additions, derogations and exceptions from other Union legislation and to test the impact in a real-world environment for the limited period of the duration of the ECF while ensuring that appropriate safeguards, in particular a common European interest, are in place. The application of experimental measures may provide lessons for the assessment of future changes to the horizontal legal framework for the provision of Union support. | (61) To explore all possible venues to improve European competitiveness, the ECF should provide a structured framework for targeted experimentation in the award and implementation of Union support, with priority given to EU companies, in particular to better target and accelerate Union award procedures and simplify and accelerate their implementation to the benefit of recipients. This should allow, within a concretely defined frame, to specify on a case-by-case basis certain actions or categories of actions to benefit from certain additions, derogations and exceptions from other Union legislation and to test the impact in a real-world environment for the limited period of the duration of the ECF while ensuring that appropriate safeguards, in particular a common European interest, are in place. The application of experimental measures may provide lessons for the assessment of future changes to the horizontal legal framework for the provision of Union support. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (62) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should provide a targeted intervention mechanism to deliberately provide Union support to certain actions of strategic and economic importance. Where certain important projects could not be successfully implemented within the timeline for completion of regular competitive award procedures, the ECF should also provide for the possibility of directly taking-up excellent projects that remained unfunded under any Union programme or continue to financially support well-working projects seamlessly in their next steps along the investment journey, without imposing additional administrative burden for the recipients. In addition, in line with the approach taken by the relevant sectoral legislation, such as the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) or Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) and referenced in the Clean Industrial Deal (CID) communication and the Single Market Strategy, cases in which specific projects are considered to be of public interest or presumed to be of overriding public interest may be identified in separate existing or future legislation. | (62) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should provide a targeted intervention mechanism to deliberately provide Union support to certain actions of strategic and economic importance. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (62) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should provide a targeted intervention mechanism to deliberately provide Union support to certain actions of strategic and economic importance. Where certain important projects could not be successfully implemented within the timeline for completion of regular competitive award procedures, the ECF should also provide for the possibility of directly taking-up excellent projects that remained unfunded under any Union programme or continue to financially support well-working projects seamlessly in their next steps along the investment journey, without imposing additional administrative burden for the recipients. In addition, in line with the approach taken by the relevant sectoral legislation, such as the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) or Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) and referenced in the Clean Industrial Deal (CID) communication and the Single Market Strategy, cases in which specific projects are considered to be of public interest or presumed to be of overriding public interest may be identified in separate existing or future legislation. | (62) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should provide a targeted intervention mechanism to deliberately provide Union support to certain actions of strategic and economic importance. Where certain important projects could not be successfully implemented within the timeline for completion of regular competitive award procedures, the ECF should also provide for the possibility of directly taking-up excellent projects that remained unfunded under any Union programme or continue to financially support well-working projects seamlessly in their next steps along the investment journey, without imposing additional administrative burden for the recipients. In addition, in line with the approach taken by the relevant sectoral legislation, such as the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) or Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), cases in which specific projects are considered to be of public interest or presumed to be of overriding public interest may be identified in separate existing or future legislation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (62) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should provide a targeted intervention mechanism to deliberately provide Union support to certain actions of strategic and economic importance. Where certain important projects could not be successfully implemented within the timeline for completion of regular competitive award procedures, the ECF should also provide for the possibility of directly taking-up excellent projects that remained unfunded under any Union programme or continue to financially support well-working projects seamlessly in their next steps along the investment journey, without imposing additional administrative burden for the recipients. In addition, in line with the approach taken by the relevant sectoral legislation, such as the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) or Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) and referenced in the Clean Industrial Deal (CID) communication and the Single Market Strategy, cases in which specific projects are considered to be of public interest or presumed to be of overriding public interest may be identified in separate existing or future legislation. | (62) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should provide a targeted intervention mechanism to deliberately provide Union support to certain actions of strategic and economic importance. Where certain important projects could not be successfully implemented within the timeline for completion of regular competitive award procedures, the ECF should also provide for the possibility of directly taking-up excellent projects that remained unfunded under any Union programme or continue to financially support well-working projects seamlessly in their next steps along the investment journey, without imposing additional administrative burden for the recipients. In addition, in line with the approach taken by the relevant sectoral legislation, such as the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) or Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) and referenced in the Clean Industrial Deal (CID) communication and the Single Market Strategy, cases in which specific projects are considered to be of Union-wide public interest or presumed to be of overriding Union-wide public interest may be identified in separate existing or future legislation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (62) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should provide a targeted intervention mechanism to deliberately provide Union support to certain actions of strategic and economic importance. Where certain important projects could not be successfully implemented within the timeline for completion of regular competitive award procedures, the ECF should also provide for the possibility of directly taking-up excellent projects that remained unfunded under any Union programme or continue to financially support well-working projects seamlessly in their next steps along the investment journey, without imposing additional administrative burden for the recipients. In addition, in line with the approach taken by the relevant sectoral legislation, such as the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) or Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) and referenced in the Clean Industrial Deal (CID) communication and the Single Market Strategy, cases in which specific projects are considered to be of public interest or presumed to be of overriding public interest may be identified in separate existing or future legislation. | (62) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should provide a targeted intervention mechanism to deliberately provide Union support to certain actions of strategic and economic importance. Where certain important projects could not be successfully implemented within the timeline for completion of regular competitive award procedures, the ECF should also provide for the possibility of directly taking-up excellent projects that remained unfunded under any Union programme or continue to financially support well-working projects seamlessly in their next steps along the investment journey, without imposing additional administrative burden for the recipients. In addition, in line with the approach taken by the relevant sectoral legislation, such as the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), the Biotech Act, or Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) and referenced in the Clean Industrial Deal (CID) communication and the Single Market Strategy, cases in which specific projects are considered to be of public interest or presumed to be of overriding public interest may be identified in separate existing or future legislation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (63) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should also be able to provide an ‘accelerated intervention’ mechanism to accelerate the provision of Union support to address urgent funding needs to enable the successful implementation of important business ideas in the single market where such funding is not available, at a sufficient level, on the market. For this purpose, due to the urgency, certain checks should be conducted only after the provision of funding, facilitating and limiting administrative burden for recipients and providing financial certainty in the fastest possible manner while accepting a reasonable level of financial risk to the Union commensurate with the objectives pursued. | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (63) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should also be able to provide an ‘accelerated intervention’ mechanism to accelerate the provision of Union support to address urgent funding needs to enable the successful implementation of important business ideas in the single market where such funding is not available, at a sufficient level, on the market. For this purpose, due to the urgency, certain checks should be conducted only after the provision of funding, facilitating and limiting administrative burden for recipients and providing financial certainty in the fastest possible manner while accepting a reasonable level of financial risk to the Union commensurate with the objectives pursued. | (63) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should also be able to provide an ‘accelerated intervention’ mechanism to accelerate the provision of Union support to address urgent funding needs to enable the successful implementation of important business ideas in the single market where such funding is not available, at a sufficient level, on the market. For this purpose, due to the urgency, certain checks should be conducted only after the provision of funding, facilitating and limiting administrative burden for recipients and providing financial certainty in the fastest possible manner while accepting a reasonable level of financial risk to the Union commensurate with the objectives pursued. To enable timely, transparent and predictable permitting procedures for health manufacturing, biotechnologies and other critical health-system infrastructure, thereby strengthening preparedness and resilience, the ECF should, where appropriate, support the rapid mobilisation of technical assistance, delivered in cooperation with Member States and relevant implementing partners, at national and regional level, including end-to-end digitalisation of permitting and interoperable one-stop permitting interfaces, in full synergy with the upcoming Industrial Accelerator Act and the European Biotech Act. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (63) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should also be able to provide an ‘accelerated intervention’ mechanism to accelerate the provision of Union support to address urgent funding needs to enable the successful implementation of important business ideas in the single market where such funding is not available, at a sufficient level, on the market. For this purpose, due to the urgency, certain checks should be conducted only after the provision of funding, facilitating and limiting administrative burden for recipients and providing financial certainty in the fastest possible manner while accepting a reasonable level of financial risk to the Union commensurate with the objectives pursued. | (63) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should also be able to provide an ‘accelerated intervention’ mechanism to accelerate the provision of Union support to address urgent funding needs to enable the successful implementation of important business ideas in the single market where such funding is not available, at a sufficient level, on the market. For this purpose, due to the urgency, certain checks should be conducted only after the provision of funding, facilitating and limiting administrative burden for recipients and providing financial certainty in the fastest possible manner while accepting a reasonable level of financial risk to the Union commensurate with the objectives pursued. In this context, the verification of compliance with the 'do no significant harm' principle may be deferred but should not be waived in substance. Any action found, following deferred verification, to be in violation of that principle should be subject to recovery of Union support. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (63) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should also be able to provide an ‘accelerated intervention’ mechanism to accelerate the provision of Union support to address urgent funding needs to enable the successful implementation of important business ideas in the single market where such funding is not available, at a sufficient level, on the market. For this purpose, due to the urgency, certain checks should be conducted only after the provision of funding, facilitating and limiting administrative burden for recipients and providing financial certainty in the fastest possible manner while accepting a reasonable level of financial risk to the Union commensurate with the objectives pursued. | (63) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should also by default be able to provide an ‘accelerated intervention’ mechanism for the 'EU Tech Frontrunners' and SME actions to accelerate the provision of Union support to address urgent funding needs to enable the successful implementation of important business ideas in the single market where such funding is not available, at a sufficient level, on the market. For this purpose, due to the urgency, certain checks should be conducted only after the provision of funding, facilitating and limiting administrative burden for recipients and providing financial certainty in the fastest possible manner while accepting a reasonable level of financial risk to the Union commensurate with the objectives pursued. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (63) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should also be able to provide an ‘accelerated intervention’ mechanism to accelerate the provision of Union support to address urgent funding needs to enable the successful implementation of important business ideas in the single market where such funding is not available, at a sufficient level, on the market. For this purpose, due to the urgency, certain checks should be conducted only after the provision of funding, facilitating and limiting administrative burden for recipients and providing financial certainty in the fastest possible manner while accepting a reasonable level of financial risk to the Union commensurate with the objectives pursued. | (63) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should also be able to provide an ‘accelerated intervention’ mechanism to accelerate the provision of Union support to address urgent funding needs to enable the successful implementation of important business ideas in the single market where such funding is not available, at a sufficient level, on the market. For this purpose, due to the urgency, certain checks should be conducted only after the provision of funding, facilitating and limiting administrative burden for recipients and providing financial certainty in the fastest possible manner while accepting a reasonable level of financial risk to the Union commensurate with the objectives pursued and estimated added values for the Union as a whole. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (63) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should also be able to provide an ‘accelerated intervention’ mechanism to accelerate the provision of Union support to address urgent funding needs to enable the successful implementation of important business ideas in the single market where such funding is not available, at a sufficient level, on the market. For this purpose, due to the urgency, certain checks should be conducted only after the provision of funding, facilitating and limiting administrative burden for recipients and providing financial certainty in the fastest possible manner while accepting a reasonable level of financial risk to the Union commensurate with the objectives pursued. | (63) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should also be able to provide an ‘accelerated intervention’ mechanism to accelerate the provision of Union support with priority given to EU companies, to address urgent funding needs to enable the successful implementation of important business ideas in the internal market where such funding is not available, at a sufficient level, on the market. For this purpose, due to the urgency, certain checks should be conducted only after the provision of funding, facilitating and limiting administrative burden for recipients and providing financial certainty in the fastest possible manner while accepting a reasonable level of financial risk to the Union commensurate with the objectives pursued. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (65) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should allow for a more flexible and accessible way of identifying, selecting and supporting innovative projects and ideas, including by providing for instrument-neutral award procedures that will allow researchers, entrepreneurs, companies and other citizens to propose their innovation solution without the initial artificial narrowing or limitation of Union support to a grant, procurement or other form of Union support. Ideas should be assessed and selected based on their merit in addressing the respective challenge or Union policy priority, and the most appropriate and effective instrument of budget implementation to support these ideas, whether grant, procurement or others, should be selected only afterwards based on the requirements and merits of the individual project. | (65) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should allow for a more flexible and accessible way of identifying, selecting and supporting innovative projects and ideas, including by providing for instrument-neutral award procedures that will allow researchers, entrepreneurs, companies, clusters of companies and innovation actors and other citizens to propose their innovation solution without the initial artificial narrowing or limitation of Union support to a grant, procurement or other form of Union support. Ideas should be assessed and selected based on their merit in addressing the respective challenge or Union policy priority, and the most appropriate and effective instrument of budget implementation to support these ideas, whether grant, procurement or others, should be selected only afterwards based on the requirements and merits of the individual project. |
Bringing innovative solutions to market is more often than not a journey involving more than a single company. It is important that clusters of companies, innovators, and their supportive structures can collaborate, and that this collaboration is recognised under the ECF rules.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (66) Where necessary and duly justified, the ECF should also simplify and accelerate the implementation of Union support for certain important projects. | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (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 proposed by EU companies, with an obligation to comply with European provisions and protection of EU interests. |
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Sources & citation
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- Data source
- Licensed CC BY 4.0.
- Retrieved
- 25 September 2026
Cite as
European Parliament (2026). “AMENDMENTS 750 - 952 - Draft report Establishing the European Competitiveness Fund ('ECF’), including the specific programme for defence research and innovation activities”. Text, 18 May 2026. docId ITRE-AM-788892. EU Parl Watch Research. https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/ITRE-AM-788892 (retrieved 25 September 2026). Data: EP Open Data API: document record, https://data.europarl.europa.eu/api/v2/documents/ITRE-AM-788892 (CC BY 4.0). BibTeX
@misc{epw-text-itre-am-788892,
author = {{European Parliament}},
title = {{AMENDMENTS 750 - 952 - Draft report Establishing the European Competitiveness Fund ('ECF’), including the specific programme for defence research and innovation activities}},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-05-18},
howpublished = {\url{https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/ITRE-AM-788892}},
url = {https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/ITRE-AM-788892},
urldate = {2026-09-25},
publisher = {EU Parl Watch Research},
note = {Text. docId ITRE-AM-788892. Data: EP Open Data API: document record (CC BY 4.0)}
}