Text · Amendment list
Establishing the European Fund for Regional Development including for European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg) and the Cohesion Fund as part of the Fund set out in Regulation (EU) […] [NRP] and establishing conditions for the implementation of the Union support to regional development from 2028 to 2034
Full title
Establishing the European Fund for Regional Development including for European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg) and the Cohesion Fund as part of the Fund set out in Regulation (EU) […] [NRP] and establishing conditions for the implementation of the Union support to regional development from 2028 to 2034
Document REGI-AM-792057 · COM(2025)0552 – 2025/0238(COD)
- Kind
- Amendment list REGI-AM-792057
- Date
- 16 September 2026
- Committee
- Committee on Regional Development
- Dossier
- 2025-0238
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- COM(2025)0552 – 2025/0238(COD)
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| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (15e) Simplifying the implementation of the funds should effectively reduce the administrative burden on beneficiaries; the chapters of the Interreg Plan should therefore provide for simplified procedures for small and medium-sized municipal projects, including simplified applications and reports, simplified or unit-based costs, and controls proportionate to the value and risk of the operation, without compromising traceability and transparency. Neither the population size of the territory nor the value of the project should limit access to funding. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (16) For the most efficient use of the support from the ERDF and the external financing instruments of the Union, a mechanism should be set up to organise the return of such support in cases where external cooperation programmes cannot be adopted or have to be discontinued, including with third countries which do not receive support from any financing instrument of the Union. That mechanism should seek to achieve optimal functioning of the programmes and the maximum possible coordination between those instruments. | (16) For the most efficient use of the support from the ERDF and the external financing instruments of the Union, a mechanism should be set up to organise the return of such support in cases where external cooperation programmes cannot be adopted or have to be discontinued, including with third countries which do not receive support from any financing instrument of the Union. That mechanism should seek to achieve optimal functioning of the programmes and the maximum possible coordination between those instruments. Given the multi-country nature of Interreg, the discontinuation of an already approved Interreg Plan chapter should be a measure of last resort and any reduction of its allocation should be proportionate to the part of the chapter that can no longer be implemented. Before discontinuing a chapter or reducing its allocation, the Commission should consult the participating Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States and assess whether implementation can continue in whole or in part, including through an amendment of the chapter. Where possible, resources should remain available for European territorial cooperation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (17) In order to encourage and boost cooperation measures, cooperation activities between partners within a given Member State or between different Member States in relation to support provided should remain possible under all of the specific objectives. Such enhanced cooperation is additional to the cooperation under Interreg and may involve partners from any region in the Union, but may also include cross-border regions and regions which are all covered by a macro-regional or sea-basin strategy or a combination of the two. | (17) In order to encourage and boost cooperation measures, cooperation activities between partners within a given Member State or between different Member States in relation to support provided should remain possible under all of the specific objectives. Such enhanced cooperation is additional to the cooperation under Interreg and may involve partners from any region in the Union, but may also include cross-border regions and regions which are all covered by a macro-regional or sea-basin strategy or a combination of the two. Interreg should build on long-standing cooperation structures and established administrative arrangements. Requirements concerning the management, selection, control and audit of operations should be proportionate to their nature, financial volume and complexity and should avoid unnecessary administrative burden. Functioning governance, payment, accounting, control and audit structures should be preserved where they are capable of complying with the requirements of this Regulation and Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (17) In order to encourage and boost cooperation measures, cooperation activities between partners within a given Member State or between different Member States in relation to support provided should remain possible under all of the specific objectives. Such enhanced cooperation is additional to the cooperation under Interreg and may involve partners from any region in the Union, but may also include cross-border regions and regions which are all covered by a macro-regional or sea-basin strategy or a combination of the two. | (17) In order to encourage and boost cooperation measures, cooperation activities between partners within a given Member State or between different Member States in relation to support provided should remain possible under all of the specific objectives. Such enhanced cooperation is additional to the cooperation under Interreg and may involve partners from any region in the Union, but may also include cross-border regions and regions which are all covered by a macro-regional or sea-basin strategy or a combination of the two. Such enhanced cooperation shall exclude any organisation whose financing depends, directly or indirectly, on governments or entities located outside the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (17) In order to encourage and boost cooperation measures, cooperation activities between partners within a given Member State or between different Member States in relation to support provided should remain possible under all of the specific objectives. Such enhanced cooperation is additional to the cooperation under Interreg and may involve partners from any region in the Union, but may also include cross-border regions and regions which are all covered by a macro-regional or sea-basin strategy or a combination of the two. | (17) In order to encourage and boost cooperation measures, cooperation activities between partners within a given Member State or between different Member States in relation to support provided should remain possible under all of the specific objectives. Such enhanced cooperation is additional to the cooperation under Interreg and may involve partners from any region in the Union, but may also include cross-border regions and regions which are all covered by a macro-regional or sea-basin strategy or a combination of the two, as well as regions bordering Russia, Belarus or Ukraine. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (17a) The development of a blue economy is of crucial strategic importance for the economic, social and territorial cohesion of the Union’s coastal, island and outermost regions, which depend on the potential of their oceans and seas. Support for projects under the ERDF, the Cohesion Fund and Interreg, which cover sea basins, should promote blue innovation, marine conservation, sustainable tourism and the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the fisheries and ocean-related sectors, in full complementarity and synergy with the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund under the common framework of Regulation (EU) [NRPP Regulation]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (17a) Interreg builds on long-standing institutional cooperation and administrative structures established over successive programming periods. The regulatory framework for the period 2028 to 2034 should preserve functioning arrangements wherever possible and should avoid requiring changes to established governance, payment, control or audit systems unless such changes are necessary to ensure compliance with Union law. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (17b) European added value in cohesion policy arises in particular from enabling regions and local communities to cooperate across borders and to develop solutions adapted to their territories. Such cooperation should be encouraged through flexible shared-management arrangements rather than through greater centralisation of project selection or implementation at Union level. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (18) Within the context of the unique and specific circumstances on the island of Ireland, and with a view to supporting North-South cooperation under the Good Friday Agreement, a new ‘PEACE PLUS’ cross-border chapter should continue and build on the work of previous programmes between the border counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Taking into account its practical importance, it is necessary to ensure that, in supporting actions for peace and reconciliation, the ERDF should also contribute to promoting social, economic and regional stability in the regions concerned, in particular through actions to promote cohesion between communities. Given the specificities of the programme it should be managed in an integrated manner with the United Kingdom contribution being integrated into the programme as external assigned revenue. | (18) Within the context of the unique and specific circumstances on the island of Ireland, and with a view to supporting North-South cooperation under the Good Friday Agreement, a new ‘PEACE PLUS’ cross-border chapter should continue and build on the work of previous programmes between the border counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland through a specific allocation, as well as an Irish and British contribution,. Taking into account its practical importance, it is necessary to ensure that, in supporting actions for peace and reconciliation, the ERDF should also contribute to promoting social, economic and regional stability in the regions concerned, in particular through actions to promote cohesion between communities and all-island cohesion and cooperation. Given the specificities of the programme it should be managed in an integrated manner with the United Kingdom contribution being integrated into the programme as external assigned revenue. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (18a) Given the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland, continuity of the PEACEPLUS cross-border programme must be ensured, building on cooperation between the border counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland in support of the Good Friday Agreement. The programme should retain a ringfenced, standalone budget. The ERDF should continue to contribute to peace, reconciliation and cohesion between communities, and to social, economic and regional stability in the regions concerned. The programme should continue to be managed in an integrated manner, with the United Kingdom's contribution integrated as external assigned revenue. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (18a) In order to ensure a timely start of the 2028–2034 programming period, Member States, managing authorities and other competent bodies should be able to undertake the preparatory actions necessary for the implementation of this Regulation from its entry into force, in particular for Interreg, where programming requires coordination between several participating countries. Delays in the application of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] should not prevent such preparatory actions, provided that they do not create a legal or financial commitment for the Union before the applicable legal framework becomes applicable. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (19) Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to reinforce economic, social and territorial cohesion by redressing the main regional imbalances in the Union, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of the extent of the disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions and the limit on the financial resources of the Member States and regions, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective, | (19) Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to reinforce economic, social and territorial cohesion by redressing the main regional imbalances in the Union, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States acting alone, but can rather, by reason of the extent of the disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions and the cross-border and Union-wide dimension of certain territorial challenges be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the TEU. Union action should complement and support national, regional and local development policies, while respecting the competences, institutional arrangements and policy choices of the Member States. The implementation of this Regulation should leave Member States sufficient flexibility to determine the measures and implementation arrangements best suited to their territorial needs. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (19) Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to reinforce economic, social and territorial cohesion by redressing the main regional imbalances in the Union, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of the extent of the disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions and the limit on the financial resources of the Member States and regions, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective, | (19) Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to reinforce economic, social and territorial cohesion by redressing the main regional imbalances in the Union, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of the extent of the disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions and the limit on the financial resources of the Member States and regions, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective, Any Union action should take into consideration any effect on its objective to reinforce this economic, social and territorial cohesion and avoid the creation of further regional imbalances. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (19) Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to reinforce economic, social and territorial cohesion by redressing the main regional imbalances in the Union, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of the extent of the disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions and the limit on the financial resources of the Member States and regions, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective, | (19) Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to reinforce economic, social and territorial cohesion by redressing the main regional imbalances in the Union, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of the extent of the disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the developmental barriers of the least favoured regions and the limit on the financial resources of the Member States and regions, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective, |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (19a) The effectiveness of cohesion policy depends on sufficient administrative capacity at regional and local level. Regional and local authorities should therefore have adequate access to technical assistance and capacity-building support for the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of ERDF-supported interventions, in particular where new performance, reporting or monitoring requirements apply under Regulation (EU) [Performance Regulation]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (19a) Resources dedicated to economic, social and territorial cohesion should primarily remain available for that purpose throughout the programming period. Transfers to other Union instruments or policy areas should remain voluntary for the Member State concerned and should not be requested by the Commission as a condition for the approval or amendment of a National and Regional Partnership Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| I General provisions | I ERDF and Cohesion Fund |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| This Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of Union support in accordance with the general objectives laid down in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], and in particular point (a) and (e) thereof. | This Regulation sets out specific objectives and the scope of support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund with regard to the following general objectives laid down in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) .../... [NRP Regulation]: |
| - to foster a more competitive and innovative Union (GO1); | |
| - to promote a more sustainable, better connected and resilient Union (GO2); | |
| - to strengthen social cohesion and the Union’s societies and social model (GO3); | |
| - to support the Union’s defence and security capabilities, with a special focus on dual-use capabilities (GO4); | |
| - to enhance the efficiency of public administration and the institutional capacity of public authorities and stakeholders at national, regional and local level and support technical assistance contributing to the effective implementation of the NRP Plan; - furthermore, to promote culture as a catalyst for European values and support vibrant and diverse cultural and creative sectors (GO5). | |
| The scope of the ERDF and the related indicators are set out in Annex 1a. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| This Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of Union support in accordance with the general objectives laid down in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], and in particular point (a) and (e) thereof. | This Regulation sets out specific objectives and the scope of support from the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund with regard to the following general objectives laid down in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]: |
| - to support a more competitive Europe and promote innovation (GO1); | |
| - to promote a more sustainable and better connected Europe by enhancing sustainable mobility, accelerating a just and clean transition, and fostering cross-border projects with European added value (GO2); | |
| - to strengthen social cohesion, territorial equalities, and the Union’s societies and social model (GO3); | |
| - to support economic, social and institutional resilience, including better crisis preparedness and response capacity, and enhancement of internal security (GO4); | |
| - to protect and strengthen fundamental rights, democracy, equality, rule of law and to uphold Union values in accordance with Article 2 TEU (GO5). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| This Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of Union support in accordance with the general objectives laid down in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], and in particular point (a) and (e) thereof. | This Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of Union support in accordance with the general objectives laid down in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], and in particular point (a) and (e) thereof. That implementation shall fully respect the national competences and the constitutional identity of the Member States, in accordance with Article 4(2) of the Treaty on European Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| This Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of Union support in accordance with the general objectives laid down in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], and in particular point (a) and (e) thereof. | This Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of Union support in accordance with the general objectives laid down in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], and in particular point (a) and (e) thereof within the respective Treaty-based scope of the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund and in accordance with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. |
Clarifies that the sector-specific Regulation implements the objectives of the NRP Regulation within the Treaty-based tasks of the two Funds and in full respect of subsidiarity and proportionality.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| This Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of Union support in accordance with the general objectives laid down in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], and in particular point (a) and (e) thereof. | This Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of Union support in all regions in accordance with the general objectives laid down in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| It also lays down the provisions necessary for the implementation of Union support for the promotion of European territorial cooperation (‘Interreg’) with a view to fostering cooperation between Member States and their regions inside the Union and between Member States, their regions and third countries, partner countries, other territories or overseas countries and territories (OCTs), or regional integration and cooperation organisations. | It also lays down the provisions necessary for the implementation of Union support for the promotion of European territorial cooperation (‘Interreg’) with a view to fostering cooperation between Member States and their regions inside the Union and between Member States, their regions and third countries, partner countries, other territories or overseas countries and territories (OCTs), or regional integration and cooperation organisations. Cooperation with third countries shall be conditional on effective and verifiable cooperation by the third country concerned on the readmission of its nationals staying illegally on the territory of the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Where Union support under this Regulation is financed by the ERDF in the context of cooperation with third countries, partner countries or other territories, such support shall contribute to the specific objectives of the ERDF and to the objectives of cohesion policy, ensuring that the use of ERDF resources remains focused on the Union’s objectives of economic, social and territorial cohesion. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| All provisions relating to the Interreg components to be included in the Interreg Plan shall be dealt with exclusively under this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| This Union support shall be provided under the National and Regional Partnership Fund, in accordance with the rules governing that Fund and set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. | This Union support shall be provided under the National and Regional Partnership Fund, in accordance with the rules governing that Fund and set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] with the following horizontal rules applied for the implementation of Union support: |
| (a) The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund is subject to the applicable horizontal conditions and enforcement mechanisms in case of sufficiently direct link on the sound financial management of the Union budget established in the NRP Regulation, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights and rule of law requirements. | |
| (b) Lost or decommitted funds for the Member State, which does not fulfil or no longer fulfils the rule of law horizontal condition should remain available for final recipients, including local and regional authorities, through directly managed funds referred to in Article 15(4) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. | |
| (c) The NRP Plan set out in Article 22 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall only consider those relevant country specific recommendations including those related to the European Pillar of Social Rights addressed to the Member State, that pursue the same objectives as one or more specific objectives set out in Article 3 Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] [Specific objectives of the Fund], and that have been set as an objective in the NRP Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| This Union support shall be provided under the National and Regional Partnership Fund, in accordance with the rules governing that Fund and set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. | This Union support shall be provided under the National and Regional Partnership Fund, in accordance with the rules governing that Fund and set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. |
| The rules set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and Regulation [Performance framework] shall apply to the Interreg Plan, except where more specific rules are set out in this Regulation for the implementation of the Interreg Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The Union support shall be coordinated and coherent, taking into account the different national, regional and territorial needs of each Member State, as well as the different levels of environmental, social and economic development, demographic challenges and climate and environmental vulnerabilities of the regions, while ensuring the appropriate involvement of local and regional authorities, and relevant social partners and civil society organisation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In implementing Union support under this Regulation, the Commission, Member States and implementing partners shall ensure that support contributes to strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion, reducing regional disparities and promoting regional convergence, in accordance with Articles 174 and 176 TFEU. They shall pay due attention to the ‘do no harm to cohesion’ principle and to the territorial impact of supported investments. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The Union support must be coordinated and coherent, taking into account the different national, regional and territorial needs of each Member State, as well as the different levels of economic development, demographic challenges and climate and environmental vulnerabilities of the regions, while ensuring the appropriate involvement of regional authorities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Where possible, Member States should aim to administer ERDF funding through Regional and Local Authorities or community development groups with the aim of delivering funding as close to beneficiary groups as possible, including through Community Led Local Development structures. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The application of the "Do No Significant Harm" principle and the achievement of the target for climate and environmental spending shall be achieved in a flexible and balanced manner, taking into account the current economic, social and geopolitical realities of the Union's regions, in particular the eastern border regions affected by the war in the Union's neighbourhood, and without reducing the regions' capacity to respond to challenges of security, connectivity, competitiveness and territorial cohesion. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1(a) | |
| Tasks of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund | |
| (1) The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall, through their support, contribute to promoting the overall harmonious development of the Union and to strengthening its economic, social and territorial cohesion, in accordance with Article 174(1) TFEU. | |
| (2) The ERDF shall, in particular, contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development across and within all categories of regions within the Union, and to remedying the backwardness of the least favoured regions through participation in the structural adjustment of regions whose development is lagging behind and in the conversion of declining industrial regions as well as fostering competitiveness given the challenges posed by the economic transition, including by promoting sustainable development and addressing environmental challenges. | |
| (3) The Cohesion Fund shall contribute to projects in the field of environment and trans-European networks in the area of transport infrastructure (TEN-T) in accordance with Article 177(2) TFEU. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| Tasks of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund | |
| 1. The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall contribute to strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion and to reducing disparities between and within regions, in accordance with Article 174 TFEU. | |
| 2. In accordance with Article 176 TFEU, the ERDF shall contribute to redressing the main regional imbalances in the Union through participation in the development and structural adjustment of regions whose development is lagging behind and in the conversion of declining industrial regions. | |
| 3. In accordance with Article 177 TFEU, the Cohesion Fund shall contribute to projects in the fields of the environment and trans-European networks in the area of transport infrastructure. | |
| 4. Support under this Regulation shall complement national and regional development policies and shall respect the competences, institutional arrangements and policy choices of the Member States. |
The Treaty-based tasks of the ERDF and Cohesion Fund should be clearly defined without duplicating the detailed objectives established in the NRP Regulation.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| Tasks of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund | |
| 2. The ERDF shall, in particular, contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development across and within all categories of regions within the Union, and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions through participation in the structural adjustment of regions whose development is lagging behind and in the conversion of declining industrial regions, including by promoting sustainable development and addressing environmental and climate challenges. | |
| 3. The Cohesion Fund shall contribute to projects in the field of environment and climate and trans-European networks in the area of transport infrastructure (TEN-T) in accordance with Article 177(2) TFEU. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Support from the ERDF and Cohesion Fund | Specific objectives for the ERDF and Cohesion Fund |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Support from the ERDF and Cohesion Fund | Specific objectives for the ERDF and Cohesion Fund |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Support from the ERDF and Cohesion Fund | Specific objectives for the ERDF and Cohesion Fund |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] contributing to the general objective set out in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU. | The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the following specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] contributing to the general objective set out in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 (2) TFEU. |
| (a) to foster a more competitive and innovative Union in particular through: | |
| (i) supporting the digital transformation towards the Digital Decade targets and objectives set out in the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030, in particular in rural, remote, sparsely populated and other disadvantaged areas to tackle the digital divide, thereby contributing to achieving a digitally sovereign, secure and inclusive Union | |
| (b) to promote a more sustainable, better connected and resilient Union, in particular through: | |
| (i) supporting affordable, clean and accessible transport, in particular by addressing transport poverty, by supporting targeted and structural measures such as establishing schemes for social leasing of zero-emission vehicles, and supporting the use of affordable and accessible public transport services, while increasing their frequency and quality, particularly in rural areas and other disadvantaged geographical areas; | |
| (ii) addressing mobility challenges in rural, remote, sparsely populated and other disadvantaged areas by developing and implementing mobility strategies aimed at improving accessibility and ensuring access to essential services; | |
| (iii) supporting social, accessible, sustainable and affordable housing, while recognising the link between affordable housing and access to affordable and sustainable mobility services, whereby the location, availability and cost of housing influences mobility needs, transport costs, and access to essential services; including by tackling transport poverty and fostering other measures that improve the accessibility to transport infrastructure and services for all users, in particular those with disabilities and reduced mobility . | |
| (c) to strengthen social cohesion and the Union´s societies and social model, in particular through: | |
| (i) fostering the attractiveness of territories to support the right to stay, with particular attention to be paid to rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, mountainous areas, and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps including depopulation; by supporting strategies for the integrated development of urban, rural and mountainous areas, including support for territorial services and infrastructure | |
| (ii) fighting depopulation by addressing the lack of quality employment opportunities, skill shortages, underinvestment in broadband and connectivity, digital and other infrastructures, while supporting young people, ensuring equal opportunities for women, and fostering generational renewal. | |
| (iii) improving the quality of life and safeguarding the right to stay for women in rural areas, by ensuring equal access to decent work, services and removing structural barriers to ensure their full and meaningful participation in the economic, social and civic life of these areas; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] contributing to the general objective set out in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU. | The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the relevant specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] contributing to the general objective set out in Article 3(1) and in particular points (a), (b), (c) and (e) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] aiming to strengthen the economic, social and territorial cohesion and reducing disparities between the levels of development of regions taking into account the specific needs and challenges of the Member State, or for Interreg, the Member States and non-Member States, and of the regions concerned and in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU. The Cohesion Fund shall contribute to projects in the field of environment and trans-European networks in the area of transport infrastructure (TEN-T) as set in the specific objectives of Article 3(a), points (viii) and (x), and Article 3(d), point (v). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] contributing to the general objective set out in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU. | The ERDF shall support the relevant specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] taking into account the specific needs and challenges of the Member State and regions concerned and contributing to the general objective set out in Article 3(1) and in particular points (a), (b), (c) and (e) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] aiming to strengthen the economic, social and territorial cohesion and reducing disparities between the levels of development of regions taking into account the specific needs and challenges of the Member State, or for Interreg, the Member States and non-Member States, and of the regions concerned and in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU. |
A clear distinction should be ensured between ERDF and Cohesion Fund, as the Cohesion Fund has a different scope than ERDF, covering only transport and environment according to the Treaty and not covering Interreg. As specific implementing conditions under the NRPP Regulation, as well as a specific allocation, a separate paragraph is needed for Cohesion Fund, similar to the current regulation.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] contributing to the general objective set out in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU. | The ERDF shall support the relevant specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] contributing to the general objective set out in Article 3(1) and in particular points (a), (b), (c) and (e) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] aiming to strengthen the economic, social and territorial cohesion and reducing disparities between the levels of development of regions taking into account the specific needs and challenges of the Member State, or, in the case of Interreg, the joint needs of the participating regions of Member States and non-Member States in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] contributing to the general objective set out in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU. | The ERDF shall support, within its scope, the relevant, specific objectives set out in Article 3(1) and in particular points (a), (b), (c) and (e) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] with a view to strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion and reducing disparities between the levels of development of regions taking into account the specific needs and challenges of the Member State and regions concerned and contributing to the general objective set out in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] contributing to the general objective set out in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU. | The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] contributing to the general objective set out in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU in particular to reducing territorial disparities within and between regions, strengthening the economic, social and territorial attractiveness of all regions, and creating the conditions for citizens to remain, return and settle in their regions of origin. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] contributing to the general objective set out in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU. | The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the general objective set out in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU including intraregional imbalances. ERDF and the Cohesion Fund is not intended to replace but rather to complement expenditure of Member States and must deliver added value |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] contributing to the general objective set out in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU. | The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the following specific objectives contributing to the general objective set out in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU: |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] contributing to the general objective set out in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU. | The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the specific objectives set out in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] contributing to all the objectives set out in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] contributing to the general objective set out in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU. | The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the following specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] contributing to the general objective set out in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 (2)TFEU. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] contributing to the general objective set out in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 176 and 177 TFEU. | The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] contributing to the general objective set out in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective scope set out in Articles 174, 176 and 177 TFEU. |
The amendment adds the regions from Article 174 TFEU to the scope, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) to foster a more competitive and innovative Union, in particular through: | |
| (i) strengthening the Union’s industrial base and resilient supply chains and boosting sustainable and competitive manufacturing, in particular in the areas of net zero and critical raw materials technologies by fully integrating environmental and climate ambitions to accelerate a clean industrial transition; | |
| (ii) enhancing sustainable growth, productivity, competitiveness, adapting to new technologies and AI, as well as fostering research, development and innovation activities, and the internationalisation of SMEs, including through productive investments, access to finance and the development of public and market-based funding opportunities, including through productive investments, access to finance and the development of public and market-based funding opportunities; | |
| (iii) providing comprehensive additional support to the eastern and other bordering regions, including by facilitating access to funding, promoting digital connectivity and upgrading transport networks, including dual-use roads, rail, and port infrastructure as well as cross border connections; | |
| (iv) supporting the digital transformation towards the Digital Decade targets and objectives set out in the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030, thereby contributing to the achievement of a digitally sovereign, secure, and inclusive Union, supporting measures to develop a high-performance digital infrastructure and reliable connectivity in rural and structurally disadvantaged areas, and to bridge the digital divide, while promoting the development and use of advanced technologies, including AI secure and trusted digital infrastructure and services, basic and advanced digital skills, digital public services, broadband connectivity and regional ICT connectivity; | |
| (v) supporting research, development and innovation, including the smart specialisation strategies and the diffusion of innovation across all regions; | |
| (vi) supporting the safeguarding and creation of jobs and apprenticeships, the retention of skilled workers, continuing professional development, tackling skills shortages, the operation and resourcing of vocational education and training institutions, and the development of skills for smart specialisation, industrial transformation, entrepreneurship and adaptation to the labour market; | |
| (vii) fostering the attractiveness, accessibility and competitiveness of local areas, including through integrated territorial development strategies, support for local services and infrastructure and measures supporting the right to stay in all regions; | |
| (viii) support for tourism and agritourism; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) to promote a more sustainable, better connected and resilient Union, in particular through: | |
| (i) supporting a just transition to address the social, employment, economic and environmental impacts towards the Union’s 2030, 2040 and 2050 targets for climate and energy, in particular by prioritising support for clean energy generation and infrastructure, promoting energy efficiency and decarbonisation, energy communities, storage and technology, developing smart energy systems and domestic transmission and distribution grids also taking into account the Trans-European Energy Network (TEN-E) and technology, strengthening energy infrastructure and fostering innovation, including the use of geothermal and nuclear energy and the principle of technological neutrality, and enhancing a circular economy, waste management and bioeconomy, permanent and non-permanent carbon removal, ensuring that all territories and everyone can contribute towards and benefit from the clean transition; | |
| (ii) enhancing Union transport infrastructure and contributing to the completion of the trans-European network for transport, in particular on the core and extended core network, as well as the development of urban nodes and of multimodal hubs, while decarbonising and improving connectivity, security and accessibility for remote, peripheral, cross-border and less connected areas; supporting sustainable and multimodal urban mobility and the green and digital transition of transport; upgrading and expanding links between rural centres and improving access to essential services and public services, as well as providing local public transport in rural areas that meets people’s needs. | |
| (iii) supporting secure access to water, efficient water management, quality and resilience, environmental protection, climate adaptation, climate resilience and enhancing biodiversity, soil quality and natural resources, promoting circularity, bioeconomy and wider resource efficiency, strengthening pollution prevention, control and remediation, preserving and restoring nature and enhancing biodiversity and natural resources; | |
| (iv) promoting sustainable, inclusive and high-quality built environments, including through New European Bauhaus solutions, with a particular focus on affordable and sustainable housing, energy-efficient renovation, the renovation and decarbonisation of residential buildings, accessibility, circular construction, and climate-resilient public spaces; | |
| (v) supporting the prevention and management of climate- and non-climate related natural risks and disasters, notably fires, floods, landslides, storms, drought, extreme heatwaves and earthquakes, including by way of adaptation, mitigation, awareness raising, civil protection and disaster management systems, infrastructures and ecosystem based approaches; | |
| (vi) addressing urgent and specific needs arising from a natural disaster through 'build-back-better' reconstruction investments that go beyond restoring pre-disaster conditions by incorporating enhanced climate resilience, disaster-preparedness and sustainability standards; | |
| (vii) promoting sustainable, competitive and resilient coastal and island communities; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) to strengthen social cohesion and the Union’s societies and social model, in particular through: | |
| (i) supporting labour mobility, cohesive and integrated labour markets, including the cross-border dimension of social security systems; | |
| (ii) promoting equal opportunities for all, supporting strong social safety nets, fostering social inclusion and fighting poverty and homelessness, and supporting investment in social infrastructure, as well as promoting inclusion and equal treatment of persons with disabilities; | |
| (iii) facilitating access to services and the ancillary infrastructure, including modernisation, digitalisation and upgrading the quality and resilience of healthcare and educational systems, child and long-term care services, and enhancing accessibility for persons with disabilities; | |
| (iv) supporting a holistic and integrated approach to address depopulation and other demographic challenges or relevant needs of regions and areas, which include labour shortages and inter-generational and inter-regional disparities; | |
| (v) addressing the social impacts of the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and road transport within the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC; | |
| (vi) fostering the attractiveness of territories to support the right to stay including by supporting strategies for the integrated development of cities, urban and rural areas, including support for territorial services and infrastructure; | |
| (vii) supporting areas affected by industrial transition, islands and coastal areas, sparsely populated areas, in particular northern sparsely populated regions, outermost, mountainous, northernmost, cross-border, in particular the Eastern and southern border regions, and other disadvantaged regions and territories; | |
| (viii) measures to ensure comprehensive local supply of goods and products, particularly everyday essentials, across all regions; | |
| (ix) supporting access to sustainable social and affordable public housing, including through the development, acquisition, renovation and modernisation of housing for low- and middle-income households, measures to prevent and reduce homelessness, housing-first approaches, and integrated territorial development initiatives across all types of territories; | |
| (x) fostering approaches – particularly as part of the New European Bauhaus initiative – promoting social inclusion, accessibility, affordability, sustainability and community participation in shaping the built environment, including through the repurposing and conversion of existing buildings, including historic buildings; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) to foster a more competitive Europe and promote innovation, also enhancing digital transformation (GO1), in particular through; | |
| (i) strengthening the Union’s industrial base, resilient supply chains and boosting sustainable and competitive manufacturing, in particular in the areas of net zero and critical raw materials technologies, with special attention to the sustainable competitiveness of small- and medium-sized enterprises, including start-ups and scale-ups, by fully integrating environmental and climate ambitions in order to accelerate a clean industrial transition; prioritising the support of projects that have been awarded a competitiveness seal pursuant to Article 8, under [XX/2026 ECF Regulation]; | |
| (ii) supporting research, development and innovation, including the smart specialisation strategies and the diffusion of innovation across all regions; | |
| (iii) supporting measures that strengthen the Single Market, including through support to SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups; | |
| (iv) supporting the digital transformation towards the Digital Decade targets and objectives set out in the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030, thereby contributing to the achievement of a digitally sovereign, secure, and inclusive Union, and promoting the development and use of advanced technologies, including AI secure and trusted digital infrastructure and services, basic and advanced digital skills, digital public services, and ICT connectivity, while addressing the digital divide and promoting energy and resource efficiency and circularity of measures, including in rural and peri-urban areas where connectivity gaps remain most acute: | |
| (v) fostering the attractiveness, accessibility and competitiveness of territories, including through integrated territorial development strategies, support for local services and infrastructure, in particular essential services of general interest and measures supporting the right to stay in all regions, in accordance with articles XXX of this regulation; | |
| (vi) supporting sustainable tourism, in particular circular nature-based and community-centred tourism that safeguards natural and cultural heritage, supports local livelihoods and ecosystem quality as well as active and cycling tourism. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) to foster a more competitive and innovative Union, in particular through | |
| (iv) supporting the digital transformation towards the Digital Decade targets and objectives set out in the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030, thereby contributing to the achievement of a digitally sovereign, secure, and inclusive Union, and promoting the development and use of advanced technologies, including AI secure and trusted digital infrastructure and services, basic and advanced digital skills, digital public services, broadband connectivity and regional ICT connectivity, while addressing the digital divide and promoting energy- and resource efficiency and circularity of measures; | |
| (vi) developing skills for smart specialisation, clean industrial transition, entrepreneurship and labour-market adaptation; | |
| (viii) support for sustainable tourism and agrotourism; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The Cohesion Fund shall contribute to projects in the field of environment and trans-European networks in the area of transport infrastructure and energy (TEN-T and TENT-E) as set in the specific objectives of Article 3(a), points (viii) and (x), and Article 3(d), point (v). | |
| These projects may include the promotion of energy from renewable sources, increasing energy efficiency, developing strategic storage capacities and smart energy systems, smart villages, and modernising transmission and distribution networks, while ensuring that regions, economic sectors and citizens benefit fairly from the transition towards the Union's climate objectives and strategic reduction of dependencies, while stabilising markets and strengthening Europe's economic sovereignty and preparedness; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Where support under this Regulation is provided for investments contributing to the Union's resilience and security capabilities, such support shall demonstrate a clear contribution to economic, social and territorial cohesion. | |
| Such support shall in particular seek to contribute to regional value creation, the creation or preservation of quality and skilled jobs, the participation of SMEs and regional supply chains, the economic diversification of regions undergoing industrial transition and the strengthening of less developed, rural and other structurally disadvantaged regions. | |
| Support shall not be granted solely on the basis of an increase in sectoral production capacity without demonstrable territorial added value. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| When applying competitiveness and innovation objectives to the regions, support should strengthen endogenous economic capacity and the competitiveness of the regional and local business sector, including local micro, small and medium-sized enterprises; it should not result in the exclusion of these enterprises from convergence support, nor in the replacement of regional economic capacity by external investment, with a view to ensuring economic, social and territorial cohesion and helping to retain the population. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The actions referred to in this paragraph shall have sufficient and predictable resources. The administrative, control, reporting and monitoring obligations imposed on authorities and beneficiaries shall be proportionate to the volume, nature and risk of the operations, with particular attention paid to smaller regional and local authorities and less developed and transition regions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Support from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall ensure adequate funding for technical assistance to public authorities, in particular smaller ones, responsible for the preparation, management, monitoring, evaluation, promotion, communication and visibility of projects, including support for the recruitment of staff and the procurement of specialist services, as well as the associated staff costs. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Allocations from the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund in National and Regional Partnership Plans shall be separate, clearly identifiable and predictable throughout the programming period. Any reallocation must not undermine the objectives of economic, social and territorial cohesion and shall require the prior involvement of the relevant regional and local authorities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The Cohesion Fund shall aim to strengthen the territorial cohesion in the field of environment and trans-European networks in the area of transport infrastructure (TEN-T) as set in the specific objectives of Article 3(a), points (viii) and (x), and Article 3(d), point (v). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In accordance with Article 22(2)(a) of the [NRP Regulation], the Cohesion Fund shall provide complementary support projects in the fields of environment and trans-European networks in the area of transport infrastructure. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Support from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall be implemented through a place-based approach, taking into account the different development levels, needs, challenges and potential of regions and territories. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (viii) support for tourism, active tourism, and agrotourism; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) to promote a more sustainable and better-connected Europe by enhancing sustainable mobility, accelerating a just and clean transition, and fostering cross-border projects with European added value (GO2), in particular through; | |
| (i) supporting a just transition to address the social, employment, economic and environmental impacts towards the Union’s 2030, 2040 and 2050 targets for energy and climate, in particular by prioritising support for distributed renewable energy generation and infrastructure, promoting energy efficiency, building renovations, and decarbonisation, energy communities, self-consumption, demand response and energy sharing, energy storage, system flexibility and technology, developing smart energy systems and domestic transmission and distribution grids also taking into account the Trans-European Energy Network (TEN-E) and technology, strengthening energy infrastructure and fostering innovation, including the use of clean and renewable energy, and enhancing a circular economy, waste management and bioeconomy, permanent and non-permanent carbon removal, ensuring that all territories and everyone, and especially the most vulnerable, can contribute and benefit from the clean transition; | |
| (ii) supporting cross-border projects of European added value, enhancing Union transport infrastructure and contributing to the completion of the trans-European network for transport, in particular on the core and extended core network, while decarbonising and improving connectivity, security and accessibility for remote, peripheral and less connected areas; support the green and digital transition of transport, including decarbonisation investments in TEN-T maritime ports and inland ports, such as on-shore power supply and grid connections, consistent with Regulations (EU) 2023/1804 and (EU) 2023/1805; | |
| (iii) supporting the promotion of cultural and linguistic diversity and the protection of national and linguistic minorities; | |
| (iv) supporting enhancing biodiversity and natural resources, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 on nature restoration, and supporting measures to restore degraded habitats and ecosystems by 2050, achieve Good Environmental Status of EU marine waters by 2030, halt and reverse the decline of species and habitats, protect wild bird species and their key habitats, maintain and protect Natura 2000 network, and contribute to the protection of at least 30% of the EU’s land area and 30% of the EU’s sea area, with one third of those areas under strict protection; | |
| (v) supporting efficient water management, quality and resilience, environmental protection, climate adaptation, climate resilience and enhancing biodiversity, including marine ecosystems and coastal waters, air and soil quality and natural resources, promoting circularity, bioeconomy and wider resource efficiency, strengthening pollution prevention, control and remediation, including by reducing air pollution at source through a dedicated budget line to monitor and track the investments and progression toward the implementation of Directive (EU) 2024/2881; | |
| (vi) promoting sustainable, inclusive and high-quality built environments in line with the Directive (EU) 2024/1275 and national building renovation plans, including through New European Bauhaus solutions, with a particular focus on affordable and sustainable public housing, energy-efficient renovation, the renovation and decarbonisation of residential buildings, accessibility, circular construction, and climate-resilient public spaces; | |
| (vii) supporting access to sustainable social and affordable public housing, prioritising disadvantaged/vulnerable households, such as those at risk of poverty, social exclusion, homelessness or living in inadequate and undignified housing, as well as low to middle-income households, including through the development, acquisition, repurposing, renovation and modernisation of housing, measures to prevent and reduce homelessness, housing-first approaches, and urban regeneration and integrated sustainable territorial development initiatives across all types of territories, implementing collaborative and participatory approaches at local level, in order to favour projects aimed at enhancing inclusive neighbourhoods grounded on diversity of socio-economic background as well as the inclusive resettlement of vulnerable people in mainstream neighbourhoods , including by addressing the needs of people with migrant background, Roma, single parents, homeless people and persons with disabilities, ensuring access to public green areas, high-quality social, educational, cultural and transport services; | |
| (viii) supporting the prevention and management of climate- and non-climate related natural risks and disasters, notably fires, floods, landslides, storms, drought and earthquakes, including by way of adaptation, mitigation, awareness raising, civil protection and disaster management systems, infrastructures and ecosystem based approaches with a preference for nature-based solutions; | |
| (ix) addressing urgent and specific needs arising from a natural disaster through Build Back Better reconstruction investments that go beyond restoring pre-disaster conditions by incorporating enhanced climate resilience, disaster preparedness and sustainability standards; | |
| (x) promoting sustainable, competitive and resilient mountainous, coastal and island communities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) to promote a more sustainable, better connected and resilient Union, in particular through: | |
| (i) supporting a just transition to address the social, employment, economic and environmental impacts towards the Union’s 2030, 2040 and 2050 targets for energy and climate, in particular by prioritising support for clean energy generation and infrastructure, promoting energy efficiency and decarbonisation, energy communities, storage and technology, developing smart energy systems and domestic transmission and distribution grids also taking into account the Trans-European Energy Network (TEN-E) and technology, strengthening energy infrastructure and fostering innovation, including the use of geothermal sources, nuclear energy and the principle of technological neutrality, and enhancing a circular and resource-efficient economy, waste management and bioeconomy, permanent and non-permanent carbon removal including through nature based solutions, ensuring that all territories and everyone can contribute and benefit from the clean transition; | |
| (ii) enhancing Union transport infrastructure and contributing to the completion of the trans-European network for transport, in particular on the core and extended core network, as well as the development of urban nodes and of multimodal hubs, including dedicated safe cycling and walking infrastructure connected to those nodes and hubs, while decarbonising and improving connectivity, security and accessibility for remote, peripheral, cross-border and less connected areas; supporting sustainable and multimodal urban mobility, including infrastructure for active mobility, and the green and digital transition of transport; | |
| (iii) supporting secure access to water, efficient water management, water quality and resilience, environmental protection, climate adaptation with a preference for nature-based solutions, climate resilience and enhancing biodiversity including marine ecosystems and coastal waters, soil quality and natural resources, promoting circularity, bioeconomy and wider resource efficiency, strengthening pollution prevention, control and remediation, preserving and restoring nature and enhancing biodiversity and natural resources; | |
| (iv) promoting sustainable, inclusive and high-quality built environments, including through New European Bauhaus solutions, with a particular focus on affordable and sustainable housing, energy-efficient renovation, the renovation and decarbonisation of residential buildings, accessibility, circular construction, and climate-resilient public spaces, including through the integration of active mobility infrastructure and public and shared transport connections. | |
| (v) supporting the prevention and management of climate- and non-climate related natural risks and disasters, notably fires, floods, landslides, storms, drought and earthquakes, including by way of adaptation, mitigation, awareness raising, civil protection and disaster management systems, infrastructures and ecosystem-based approaches and nature-based solutions; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| When applying specific objectives to the outermost regions, their structural and permanent characteristics shall be taken into account, in accordance with Article 349 TFEU. Where necessary to address their specific characteristics, particularly in the fields of energy, transport, connectivity, essential services and protection against natural and technological risks, derogations from the investment criteria and priorities applicable to other regions shall be established, provided that they are necessary and proportionate to the specific conditions of those territories. In duly justified cases, it shall be possible for regions – particularly the outermost regions – which demonstrate that they may be at risk of isolation or that they suffer from inefficient and insufficient connectivity, and where the market is unable to resolve the issue, to establish a mechanism to support the attractiveness of transport companies to these regions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The ERDF and Cohesion Fund shall strengthen social cohesion and the Union’s societies and social model through the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, in particular through supporting labour mobility, cohesive and integrated labour markets, including the cross-border dimension of social security systems, improving the effectiveness and inclusiveness of labour markets and supporting quality job creation and access to quality employment, including through the development of social infrastructure and the promotion of the social economy; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ii) enhancing Union transport infrastructure and contributing to the completion of the trans-European network for transport, in particular on the core and extended core network, as well as the development of urban nodes and of multimodal hubs, while decarbonising and improving connectivity, security and accessibility for remote, peripheral, cross-border and less connected areas; supporting sustainable and multimodal urban mobility, including infrastructure for active mobility, and the green and digital transition of transport; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The form of support shall be proportionate to the operation’s capacity to generate revenue and to the circumstances of the end users. For public tasks, non-profit social services, local infrastructure and the modernisation of the social housing stock for purposes relating to accessibility, energy poverty or deep renovation, Member States shall ensure that grants or blended finance instruments can be used. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) to strengthen social cohesion, territorial equality and the Union’s societies and social model (GO3), in particular through: | |
| (i) promoting equal opportunities for all, accessibility, supporting strong social safety nets and quality services, fostering social inclusion, including independent living of persons with disabilities, and fighting poverty and the feminization of poverty and homelessness, and supporting investment in social infrastructure, including renovations of buildings such as housing, hospitals or schools, according to the EPBD criteria, promoting gender equality, promoting equal treatment of persons with disabilities by supporting investments in community-based services; | |
| (ii) supporting and enhancing labour supply and improving education and lifelong acquisition of skills, in particular by promoting upskilling and reskilling, to build a resilient workforce ready for the future of the world of work; | |
| (iii) supporting social, sustainable, accessible and affordable public housing, with a particular focus on the renovation of buildings in accordance with Articles 8 and 24 of the Energy Efficiency Directive and Article 17 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive; particular attention shall be given to the best possible use of EU funding to benefit proportionally and as a priority, low-income households and vulnerable groups, combating homelessness, supporting public, municipal, non-profit and limited-profit housing providers, including in rural and peri-urban areas; | |
| (iv) facilitating access to quality and affordable services and associated infrastructure, including modernization, digitalization and strengthening the quality and resilience of healthcare systems, education, and child and long-term care services; | |
| (v) supporting the right to stay principle as defined in art. XX through strategies for the integrated development of cities, urban, peri-urban and rural areas, ensuring equitable access to essential services of general interest and related infrastructure; | |
| (vi) supporting areas affected by industrial transition, islands and coastal areas, sparsely populated areas, in particular northern sparsely populated regions, outermost, mountainous, northernmost, cross-border, in particular the Eastern and southern border regions, and other disadvantaged regions and territories; | |
| (vii) contributing to socially fair transition by addressing the social impacts of the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and road transport within the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC, prioritising support to vulnerable households, vulnerable microenterprises and vulnerable transport users, with a view to reducing energy poverty, transport poverty and social exclusion with structural measures reducing dependency on fossil fuels through access to affordable- renewable-based and energy efficient solutions in buildings and transport. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Within their respective scope, the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund may support measures strengthening the administrative and institutional capacity of regional and local authorities and other beneficiaries, in particular municipalities and other local public bodies, to prepare, apply for, manage and effectively implement activities supported under this Regulation. | |
| Such support may include measures to strengthen the human, technical and organisational capacities necessary for the preparation and implementation of Union-funded investments. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The promotion of approaches such as the New European Bauhaus shall not constitute a condition for eligibility or access to funding, and the allocation or implementation of Union support shall not be made conditional upon the adoption or application of such approaches. Participation shall be voluntary, bring added value to the projects, and be tailored to local needs and specific circumstances. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (d) to support economic, social and institutional resilience, including better crisis preparedness and response capacity, and enhancement of internal security (GO4), in particular through: | |
| (i) strengthening the growth potential, job creation and economic, social and institutional resilience of the Member State concerned, including through the promotion of policies for children and the youth, and mitigating crisis risks; | |
| (ii) strengthening the Union’s resilience and preparedness to crises and disasters, in particular natural disasters by mainstreaming the principle of ‘preparedness by design’ and investments in prevention, in particular nature-based solutions; and reinforcing the natural environment in a way that contributes to the EU's crisis mitigation and resilience objectives, through nature-based solutions and natural defensive solutions; | |
| (iii) supporting the Union’s defence capabilities across all regions by fostering military mobility and developing dual-use infrastructure, in particular within TEN-T in full compliance with the eligibility provisions set out in Regulation XX [ECF Regulation], in particular Article 51; | |
| (iv) reinforce the Union’s defence industrial base in Eastern border regions, in full compliance with the eligibility criteria in Regulation XX [ECF Regulation], in particular Article 51; | |
| (v) strengthening the Union’s internal security by improving threat detection, prevention and response capabilities in full compliance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights across all regions, including by strengthening energy and transport critical infrastructure and cybersecurity, in a manner fully consistent with the objectives set out in Regulation (EU) […] establishing the Union support for internal security for the period from 1 January 2028 to 31 December 2034. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Support from the ERDF for sustainable social and affordable public housing may include the conversion of existing dwellings or buildings into such housing, including where those dwellings or buildings are already owned by the beneficiary, provided that the beneficiary pursues a social or public-interest housing mission in accordance with national law. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The use of cohesion policy to support investments relating to defence and security, including dual-use investments, shall ensure an effective contribution to the objectives of cohesion policy and to the strengthening of economic, social and territorial cohesion. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (e) to protect and strengthen fundamental rights, democracy, equality, rule of law and to uphold Union values in accordance with Article 2 TEU (GO5), in particular through: | |
| (i) sustaining and further developing open, rights-based, democratic, equal and inclusive societies, including by building civil society and social partners’ capacities to uphold Union values, citizenship education and youth participation; | |
| (ii) promoting and upholding the rule of law, including through strengthening justice systems, anti-corruption frameworks, media pluralism, information integrity, media literacy, and effective checks and balances; | |
| (iii) enhancing the efficiency of public administration and the institutional capacity of public authorities and stakeholders, including civil society organisations, at national, regional and local level; | |
| (iv) promoting culture as a catalyst for European values and supporting a vibrant and diverse cultural sector. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The implementation of the objectives under cohesion policy shall contribute directly to economic, social and territorial cohesion, without financing the current or operating expenditure of public administrations or creating a disproportionate administrative burden. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Support from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund may include measures for the prevention and management of climate- and non-climate-related natural risks and disasters, including risks arising from extreme heat. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| For the purposes of paragraph 1, support from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall ensure adequate funding for the creation, modernisation, maintenance and resilience of essential road, air and maritime transport infrastructure, thereby safeguarding territorial continuity, accessibility and equal opportunities as pillars of economic, social and territorial cohesion. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Support from the ERDF may include the adaptation and reuse of existing buildings, including historic buildings, for purposes contributing to social inclusion, accessibility, affordability, sustainability and community participation, including through New European Bauhaus approaches. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall not support investments in nuclear energy generation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 2a | |
| Scope of support | |
| 1. The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support the specific objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with their respective tasks laid down in Article 1a of this Regulation and their scope under Articles 176 and 177 TFEU. | |
| 2. Within that framework, Member States shall retain sufficient flexibility to determine the combination of measures best suited to their national, regional and territorial development needs. | |
| 3. The availability of support under another Union instrument shall not in itself render an operation ineligible for support under the ERDF or the Cohesion Fund. | |
| 4. Priorities or project selections established under directly or indirectly managed Union instruments shall not create an entitlement to support under this Regulation nor an obligation for a Member State or managing authority to provide such support. |
Avoids duplicating the objectives established in the NRP Regulation and safeguards the autonomy of shared-management programming.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 2a | |
| Macroregional strategies | |
| Where NUTS level 2 or, where relevant, NUTS level 3 regions of a Member State fall within the geographical scope of a macro-regional or sea-basin strategy, programmes under this Regulation covering those regions shall demonstrate how they contribute to the relevant thematic priorities of that strategy, in addition to any contribution channelled through Interreg Plan chapter. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 2a | |
| Article 2 paragraph 1 point 19 (new) | |
| (i) enhancing the efficiency of public administration and the institutional capacity of public authorities and stakeholders at national, regional and local level; | |
| (ii) promoting culture as a catalyst for Union values and supporting vibrant and diverse cultural and heritage sectors. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 2b | |
| Complementarity with other Union instruments | |
| 1. Support under this Regulation may complement support provided under other Union instruments, including the European Competitiveness Fund, Horizon Europe and the Connecting Europe Facility, where this contributes to the objectives of economic, social and territorial cohesion. | |
| 2. Such complementarity shall not alter the shared-management character, territorial objectives or national and regional programming priorities applicable to the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund. | |
| 3. Transfers of resources from the ERDF or the Cohesion Fund to other Union instruments shall remain voluntary for the Member State concerned and shall not be required by the Commission as a condition for the approval or amendment of a National and Regional Partnership Plan. |
Synergies with centrally managed instruments should reinforce cohesion policy rather than lead to its centralisation or to compulsory transfers of cohesion resources.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 2c | |
| Technological neutrality | |
| Where support under this Regulation concerns industrial, energy, transport or technological transformation, Member States and regions shall retain the possibility to support different technological solutions suited to their national and regional circumstances, provided that such solutions comply with applicable Union law. |
Regional development strategies should be able to reflect different industrial structures, energy systems and territorial circumstances.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 2d | |
| Protection of cohesion resources | |
| Resources under this Regulation shall primarily serve the objective of economic, social and territorial cohesion. No mandatory thematic concentration or transfer of resources shall be imposed for activities whose primary purpose falls outside the Treaty-based tasks of the ERDF or the Cohesion Fund, including defence expenditure. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (-1) For the purposes of this Regulation, the definitions laid down in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall apply unless this Regulation expressly provides otherwise. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1) ‘European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg)’ means cooperation between Member States and their regions inside the Union and between Member States, their regions and non-Member States financed, or regional integration and cooperation organisations, by the National and Regional Partnership Fund and, where applicable, by the Global Europe Instrument. | (1) ‘European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg)’ means cooperation between Member States and their regions inside the Union and between Member States, their regions and non-Member States financed, or regional integration and cooperation organisations, by the National and Regional Partnership Fund and, where applicable, by the Global Europe Instrument. Cooperation with a regional integration and cooperation organisation shall be conditional on the organisation’s respect for the territorial integrity of all Member States of the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1a) 'macro-regional strategy' means an integrated framework for cooperation to address common challenges in a demarcated geographical area involving Member States and, where appropriate, third countries located in the same area, with a view to strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1b) 'sea basin strategy' means an integrated framework for cooperation to address common marine and maritime challenges in a specific sea basin or in one or more sea basins, involving Member States and, where appropriate, third countries, with a view to encouraging coordination and strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| ‘Non-Member State’ means territories of third or partner countries as well as overseas countries and territories of Member States. | ‘Non-Member State’ means territories of third or partner countries as well as overseas countries and territories of Member States. The overseas countries and territories of Member States shall benefit, as far as possible, from treatment at least equivalent to that accorded to the outermost regions under Article 6 of this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| For the purpose of this Chapter, where provisions in Articles 69 [Responsibilities of Member States], 70 [Submission of the annual assurance package], 74 [Data collection and recording], and 77 [Submission and assessment of payment applications] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] refer to a ‘Member State’, that term shall be construed as meaning ‘the Member State hosting the managing authority’. | For the purposes of this Regulation, where provisions in Articles 58 [Responsibilities of Member States], 59 [Submission of the annual assurance package], 63 [Data collection and recording], and 65 [Submission and assessment of payment applications] of Regulation (EU) …/… [NRP Regulation] refer to a ‘Member State’, or, if appropriate, region, that term shall be construed as meaning ‘the Member State hosting the managing authority’ and where they refer to ‘each Member State’ or ‘Member States’, this shall be construed as meaning ‘the Member States or, if appropriate, regions and, where applicable, non-Member States participating in a given Interreg Plan chapter’. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| For the purpose of this Chapter, where provisions in Articles 69 [Responsibilities of Member States], 70 [Submission of the annual assurance package], 74 [Data collection and recording], and 77 [Submission and assessment of payment applications] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] refer to a ‘Member State’, that term shall be construed as meaning ‘the Member State hosting the managing authority’. | For the purpose of this Chapter, where provisions in Articles 69 [Responsibilities of Member States], 70 [Submission of the annual assurance package], 74 [Data collection and recording], and 77 [Submission and assessment of payment applications] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] refer to a ‘Member State’, that term shall be construed as meaning ‘the Member State hosting the managing authority’ and where it refers to ‘each Member State’ or ‘Member States’, this shall be construed as meaning ‘the Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States participating in a given Interreg Plan chapter’. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| For the purpose of this Chapter, where provisions in Articles 69 [Responsibilities of Member States], 70 [Submission of the annual assurance package], 74 [Data collection and recording], and 77 [Submission and assessment of payment applications] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] refer to a ‘Member State’, that term shall be construed as meaning ‘the Member State hosting the managing authority’. | For the purpose of this Chapter, where provisions in Articles 69 [Responsibilities of Member States], 70 [Submission of the annual assurance package], 74 [Data collection and recording], and 77 [Submission and assessment of payment applications] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] refer to a ‘Member State’, that term shall be construed as meaning ‘the Member State or, where applicable in accordance with the institutional framework of the Member State concerned, the region hosting the managing authority ’. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| For the purpose of this Chapter, where provisions in Articles 69 [Responsibilities of Member States], 70 [Submission of the annual assurance package], 74 [Data collection and recording], and 77 [Submission and assessment of payment applications] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] refer to a ‘Member State’, that term shall be construed as meaning ‘the Member State hosting the managing authority’. | For the purpose of this Chapter, where provisions in Articles 58 [Responsibilities of Member States], 59 [Submission of the annual assurance package], 63 [Data collection and recording], and 65 [Submission and assessment of payment applications] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] refer to a ‘Member State’, that term shall be construed as meaning ‘the Member State hosting the managing authority’. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2a) "right to stay" means the right of all people, regardless of age, gender or socio-economic background, to remain, live and prosper in the place where they choose to live, including in rural, remote, mountainous, island, coastal and depopulating areas, through effective access to opportunities, quality services of general interest, education, healthcare, connectivity, decent employment, sustainable and affordable housing and adequate living conditions, without being compelled to leave due to territorial, economic, social or demographic disparities; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2a) ‘small project fund’ means an operation in a measure of an Interreg Plan chapter aimed at the selection and implementation of projects of limited financial volume, including people-to-people actions, which shall be managed by a single beneficiary (cross-border legal body such as cross-border EGTC) or in partnership by legal bodies on respective sides of the border that promote cross-border cooperation in given geographical area (such as Euroregions and similar cross-border structures) |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2a) ‘Lead partner’ means one of the partners designated as such by all the partners in an Interreg operation which involves two or more partners, responsible for ensuring implementation of the entire Interreg operation and to whom the document setting out the conditions for support has been provided. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2a) ‘Small project fund’ means an operation in a measure of an Interreg Plan chapter aimed at the selection and implementation of projects of limited financial volume, including people-to-people actions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2a) ‘areas in demographic transition’ means areas that suffer an average loss of 7.5 inhabitants for every 1 000 residents at NUTS 3 level for at least 10 years. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2a) ‘Eastern border regions’ means NUTS level 2 regions sharing a land or maritime border with Russia, Belarus or Ukraine. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2b) "rural areas" means local administrative units (LAU) classified as "rural areas" under the degree of urbanisation (DEGURBA) territorial typology, as established by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2017/2391 of the European Parliament and of the Council, as well as functional rural areas that are economically and socially interdependent with such local administrative units. By way of derogation, where the Member State has an objective circumstance such as a very high national population density compared to the EU average, a very large local administrative unit in terms of surface, or an island or an outermost region, it may consider as rural areas some of its LAU classified as 'towns and suburbs' under the DEGURBA territorial typology, provided that those areas are the least favoured compared to the rest of the Member State concerned; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2b) ‘rural areas’ means local administrative units (LAU) classified as ‘rural areas’ under the degree of urbanisation (DEGURBA) territorial typology, as established in point (a) of Article 4b(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and the Council, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2017/2391 of the European Parliament and of the Council. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2b) The implementation of these objectives shall not undermine existing regional management models, nor lead to the transfer of powers or responsibilities to bodies lacking the necessary capacity to carry them out. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2c) ‘urban areas’ means local administrative units (LAU) classified as ‘urban areas’ under the degree of urbanisation (DEGURBA) territorial typology, as established in point (a) of Article 4b(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and the Council, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2017/2391 of the European Parliament and of the Council. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2c) "services of general interest" means services which public authorities classify as being of general interest within the meaning of Article 14 TFEU, encompassing in particular services relating to housing, water and energy supply, waste management, public transport, digital connectivity, healthcare, long-term care, childcare and education; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2c) Right to stay | |
| In the outermost regions, support for the right to stay shall take account of the structural and permanent characteristics of these regions, in accordance with Article 349 TFEU. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2d) ‘Local authorities’ or ‘local government’ shall refer to all sub-national levels of public administration below the regional level, encompassing a wide variety of government bodies, such as counties, municipalities, cities and urban authorities, towns, parishes, administrative neighbourhoods, districts and provinces. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2d) "energy communities" means 'citizen energy community' as defined in Article 2, point (11), of Directive (EU) 2019/944 and "renewable energy community" as defined in Article 2, point (16), of Directive (EU) 2018/2001; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2d) ‘areas affected by hybrid attacks’ areas directly exposed to migration pressures or substantially affected by non-conventional or hybrid risks as defined in JOIN(2016) 18 final. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2e) "vulnerable households" means vulnerable households’ as defined in Article 2, point (10) of Regulation (EU) 2023/955; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2e) ‘sparsely populated area’ means an area at least at NUTS 3 Level under 12,5 inhabitants/km2 |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2f) "vulnerable micro-enterprises" means micro-enterprises as defined in Article 2, point (11) of Regulation (EU) 2023/955; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2g) "vulnerable transport users" means ‘vulnerable transport users’ as defined in Article 2, point (12) of Regulation (EU) 2023/955; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2h) "building renovation" means ‘building renovation’ as defined in Article 2 point 13 of Regulation 2023/955. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 3a | |
| Specific objectives | |
| 1. In accordance with the general and specific policy objectives set out in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], the ERDF shall support the following specific objectives: | |
| (a) a more competitive and innovative Union, in particular through: | |
| (i) strengthening the Union’s industrial base and resilient supply chains, including European regional supply chains, boosting sustainable and competitive manufacturing, and promoting investments in the areas of net zero and critical raw materials technologies; | |
| (ii) enhancing sustainable growth, productivity, competitiveness and internationalisation of SMEs, including through productive investments, access to finance and the development of public and market-based funding opportunities; | |
| (iii) supporting digital connectivity and the digital transformation towards the Digital Decade targets and objectives set out in the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030, thereby contributing to the achievement of a digitally sovereign, secure, and inclusive Union, and promoting the development and use of advanced technologies, including AI, secure and trusted digital infrastructure and services, basic and advanced digital skills, digital public services, broadband connectivity and regional ICT connectivity, while addressing the digital divide; | |
| (iv) supporting research, development and innovation, including the smart specialisation strategies and the diffusion of innovation across all regions; | |
| (v) developing skills for smart specialisation, industrial transition, entrepreneurship and labour-market adaptation; | |
| (vi) fostering the attractiveness, accessibility and competitiveness of territories, including through integrated territorial development strategies, support for local services and infrastructure and measures supporting the right to stay in all regions; | |
| (vii) support for tourism, including smart tourism and agrotourism; | |
| (b) a more sustainable and resilient Union, in particular through: | |
| (i) supporting a just transition to address the social, employment, economic and environmental impacts towards the Union’s 2030, 2040 and 2050 targets for energy and climate, in particular by prioritising support for clean energy generation and infrastructure, promoting energy efficiency and decarbonisation, energy communities, storage and technology, developing smart energy systems and domestic transmission and distribution grids also taking into account the Trans-European Energy Network (TEN-E) and technology, strengthening energy infrastructure and fostering innovation, including the use of geothermal sources, nuclear energy and the principle of technological neutrality, and enhancing a circular economy, waste management and bioeconomy, permanent and non-permanent carbon removal, ensuring that all territories and everyone can contribute and benefit from the clean transition; | |
| (ii) supporting secure access to water and efficient water management; | |
| (iii) enhancing environmental protection, climate adaptation, climate resilience and enhancing biodiversity, soil quality and natural resources, promoting circularity, bioeconomy and wider resource efficiency, strengthening pollution prevention, control and remediation, preserving and restoring nature and enhancing biodiversity and natural resources; | |
| (iv) supporting the prevention and management of climate- and non-climate related natural risks and disasters, notably fires, floods, landslides, storms, drought and earthquakes, including by way of adaptation, mitigation, awareness raising, civil protection and disaster management systems, infrastructures and ecosystem based approaches; | |
| (v) addressing urgent and specific needs arising from a natural disaster through Build Back Better reconstruction investments that go beyond restoring pre-disaster conditions by incorporating enhanced climate resilience, and disaster preparedness standards; | |
| (c) a more connected Europe by enhancing regional connectivity and mobility by: | |
| (i) enhancing Union transport infrastructure and contributing to the completion of the trans-European network for transport, in particular on the core and extended core network, as well as the development of urban nodes and of multimodal hubs, while improving connectivity, security and accessibility for remote, peripheral, cross-border and less connected areas; supporting sustainable and multimodal urban mobility and the digital transition of transport; | |
| (ii) developing a intelligent, secure, and intermodal TEN-T; | |
| (iii) developing and enhancing intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility; | |
| (iv) supporting the maintenance of roads and railways infrastructure, as well as relevant critical infrastructure; | |
| (d) a more socially cohesive and inclusive Union and reinforced European social model by: | |
| (i) enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets, labour mobility, crossborder social security systems and access to quality employment through developing social infrastructure and promoting social economy; | |
| (ii) facilitating access to services and associated infrastructure, including modernisation, digitalisation and strengthening the quality and resilience of healthcare and educational systems, child and long-term care services, and enhancing accessibility for persons with disabilities; | |
| (iii) promoting the socioeconomic inclusion of marginalised communities, low-income households, families and disadvantaged groups, including people with special needs, through integrated actions, including housing and social services; | |
| (iv) ensuring equal access to health care and fostering resilience of health systems, including primary care, and promoting family-based and community-based care; | |
| (v) supporting investment in family, community-based and social infrastructure, enhancing social safety nets, fostering social inclusion and fighting poverty and homelessness, as well as promoting inclusion and equal treatment of persons with disabilities; | |
| (vi) supporting a holistic and integrated approach to address depopulation and other demographic challenges or relevant needs of regions and areas, which include labour shortages and disparities between generations and regions; | |
| (vii) fostering the attractiveness of territories to support the right to stay including by supporting strategies for the integrated development of cities, urban and rural areas, including support for territorial services, cultural heritage, sustainable tourism and infrastructure; | |
| (viii) supporting areas affected by industrial transition, islands and coastal areas, sparsely populated areas, in particular northern sparsely populated regions, outermost, mountainous, northernmost, cross-border, in particular the Eastern and southern border regions, and other disadvantaged regions and territories; | |
| (ix) supporting access to affordable housing, including through the development, acquisition, renovation and modernisation of housing for low- and middle-income households, measures to prevent and reduce homelessness, housing-first approaches, and integrated territorial development initiatives across all types of territories; | |
| (x) improving equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning through developing accessible infrastructure, including by fostering resilience for distance and on-line education and training; | |
| (xi) enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, and social inclusion; | |
| (e) to support the Union’s defence and security capabilities, with a special focus on dual-use capabilities, in particular through: | |
| (i) contributing to the competitiveness and the production capacity of the European defence technological and industrial base by supporting innovation, resilience, technological sovereignty and security of supply in a predictable and continued manner; | |
| (ii) supporting military mobility, in particular by contributing to the development of dual-use TEN-T infrastructure and mobility corridors and acquiring military mobility-specific and dual-use mobile assets, addressing the missing links; | |
| (iii) addressing the procedural and administrative bottlenecks linked to moving military assets and personnel across the Union’s internal borders by digital transformation and alignment of relevant customs and administrative services in full respect of national and Union legal frameworks; | |
| (iv) protecting critical transport, energy, digital and communal infrastructure from interference, including hybrid attacks and sabotage by employing physical and cybersecurity standards and best practices; | |
| (v) strengthening the Union’s preparedness to crises and disasters by mainstreaming the principle of ‘preparedness by design’; | |
| (vi) strengthening the Union’s security by improving threat detection, prevention and response threat detection capabilities, including by supporting defence industrial projects of common interest and strengthening food security; | |
| (vii) supporting the acquisition of relevant skills and qualifications needed for the defence industrial base and dual-use sectors, including through investment in training infrastructure, equipment and facilities and in the upskilling and reskilling of the workforce to address labour market needs, complementing human capital investment under Regulation (EU) …/… [establishing the European Social Fund]; | |
| (viii) supporting areas affected by non-conventional or hybrid attacks and migration pressures from State and non-State actors. | |
| (f) a Europe closer to citizens by fostering culture, public administration and integrated development of all types of territories and local initiatives by: | |
| (i) fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental local development, culture, natural heritage, tourism and security in areas other than urban areas. | |
| (ii) enhancing the efficiency of public administration and the institutional capacity of public authorities and stakeholders at national, regional and local level; | |
| (iii) promoting culture as a catalyst for Union values and supporting a vibrant cultural and heritage sectors. | |
| (iv) promoting cultural heritage, including the renovation and maintenance of historic buildings and archaeological areas; | |
| 2. Within the specific objectives set out in paragraph 1, the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund may also support actions aimed at: | |
| (a) strengthening the administrative and institutional capacity of programme authorities and public administrations, especially at regional and local level; | |
| (b) enhancing the capacity of sectorial, territorial and local actors responsible for implementing activities supported under this Regulation; and | |
| (c) promoting cooperation between partners within and across Member States, including cooperation involving cross-border regions, non-contiguous regions, macro-regional and sea-basin strategies and European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 3(a) | |
| Partnership and multi-level governance | |
| (1) The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support a place-based approach at national, regional and local levels, ensuring close cooperation between public authorities, economic and social partners and bodies representing civil society in the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the measures. | |
| (2) For that purpose, each Member State shall organise and implement, within the framework of the NRP Plan and its chapters, including Interreg, a comprehensive partnership in accordance with its institutional and legal framework and taking into account the specificities of the programmes concerned. That partnership shall include, in particular: | |
| (a) regional and local authorities; | |
| (b) urban and rural authorities; | |
| (c) economic and social partners; | |
| (d) bodies representing civil society; | |
| (e) where applicable, local chapters of the new European Bauhaus; | |
| (f) research organisations, universities and relevant stakeholders, where appropriate. | |
| (g) where applicable, associations or organisations representing the stakeholders referred to in (a) to (f) | |
| (3) The partnership referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall operate in accordance with the principles of multi-level governance and a bottom-up approach. It shall be organised and implemented in a manner compliant with the European Code of Conduct on Partnership established by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 240/2014. | |
| (4) Member States shall ensure that regional and local authorities are involved in a timely, effective and meaningful manner. Where substantial observations expressed by those authorities are not taken into account, the Member State concerned shall provide a reasoned explanation. | |
| (5) the designated regional or local managing authority shall prepare the regional or territorial chapter for which it has been designated and shall, in this context, interact and negotiate directly with the Commission. The designated regional or local managing authority shall be responsible for the design, preparation, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the measures included in its chapter, including territorial analysis, governance structures and resource allocation. The Member State shall ensure that the authority has been granted the necessary resources, information and timeline to exercise this responsibility effectively. The Member State shall transmit the regional or territorial chapter as prepared by the designated authority to the Commission without substantive modification. Where the Member State considers a modification necessary for reasons of overall consistency with the NRP Plan or compliance with this Regulation, it shall obtain the explicit written consent of the relevant regional or local authority prior to transmission. The Member State shall include in the NRP Plan a signed declaration by the relevant regional or local authority confirming that the content of its chapter reflects its own priorities and has not been substantively modified without its consent. | |
| (6) Where an amendment to the NRP Plan concerns exclusively a regional or territorial chapter, the relevant regional or local managing authority designated pursuant to paragraph 5 shall have the right to initiate the amendment procedure by formally notifying the Member State of its request. The Member State shall transmit such an amendment request to the Commission, together with the amended chapter as prepared by the designated authority, without substantive modification, within one month of that notification. Where the Member State considers a modification necessary for reasons of overall consistency with the NRP Plan or compliance with the applicable Regulation, it shall obtain the explicit written consent of the relevant regional or local authority prior to transmission. Where the Member State fails to transmit an amendment request within the period referred to in the second subparagraph, the relevant regional or local authority may inform the Commission directly thereof. The Commission shall take this information into account in its assessment of compliance with the requirements of this Article. | |
| (7) The Commission shall review, upon duly justified request by regional or local authorities, whether the partnership principle and the requirements laid down in this Article have been effectively respected by the Member States in the preparation or implementation of the national and regional partnership plans and their programmes. | |
| (8) Where, following its assessment, the Commission considers that regional and local authorities have not been involved in accordance with the requirements laid down in this Article, the Commission shall request the Member State concerned to revise the NRP Plan or programme accordingly prior to its approval. This shall include cases where the Member State has failed to designate the relevant regional or local authority pursuant to paragraph 5, has substantively modified the content of a regional or territorial chapter without the explicit written consent of that authority, or has failed to transmit an amendment request in accordance with paragraph 6. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 3a | |
| Social Conditionality | |
| Support from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall be subject to compliance with binding social conditionalities aimed at promoting the creation and maintenance of decent work. | |
| Such conditionalities shall, where appropriate, include requirements concerning site retention, employment guarantees, access to qualification and training measures, the promotion of workers’ participation and the application of collective agreements. | |
| The conditionalities referred to in this Article shall take due account of the diversity of social dialogue systems in the Member States and shall not result in undue discrimination against particular types of undertakings or Member States. | |
| Where relevant, Member States shall ensure that supported measures contribute to strengthening collective bargaining coverage and improving working conditions, in line with the objectives of Directive (EU) 2022/2041 on adequate minimum wages in the European Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 3a | |
| Right to stay | |
| In order to contribute to the specific objectives set out in Article 2 of this Regulation, the ERDF shall support measures aimed at fostering the attractiveness of territories across the Union to support the right to stay, in particular in rural, remote and structurally disadvantaged territories, including territories facing stagnant or declining growth or acute depopulation, through integrated territorial development strategies covering areas such as competitiveness, essential services, connectivity, infrastructure and human capital development. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 3a | |
| Budget | |
| (a) ERDF and Cohesion Fund Budget The financial envelope of the ERDF, as defined in Article 10(2), point (a)(i)(b), of Regulation (EU) ..../.... [NRP Regulation], shall be EUR 280 240 000 000 in current prices. The financial envelope of the Cohesion Fund, as defined in Article 10( 2), point (a)(i)(a), of Regulation (EU) ..../.... [NRP Regulation], shall be EUR 52 700 000 000 in current prices. Allocations under the Cohesion Fund shall support Member States whose gross national income (GNI) per capita is less than 90 % of the EU average GNI per capita. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 3a | |
| Partnership and multi-level governance | |
| 9. Where NUTS level 2 or, where relevant, NUTS level 3 regions of a Member State fall within the geographical scope of a macro-regional or sea-basin strategy, the Member State and the regions concerned shall take into account the objectives and thematic priorities of that strategy when designing programmes under this Regulation covering those regions, and shall demonstrate how those programmes contribute to the implementation of that strategy, in coordination with participating non-Member States, where relevant. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 3a | |
| ERDF and Cohesion Fund budget | |
| The financial envelope of the ERDF, as defined in Article 10(2), point (a)(i)(b), of Regulation (EU) ..../.... [NRP Regulation], shall be EUR 248 370 000 000 in current prices. The financial envelope of the Cohesion Fund, as defined in Article 10( 2), point (a)(i)(a), of Regulation (EU) ..../.... [NRP Regulation], shall be EUR 46 990 000 000 in current prices. Allocations under the Cohesion Fund shall support Member States whose gross national income (GNI) per capita is less than 90 % of the EU average GNI per capita. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 3b | |
| Partnership and multi-level governance | |
| 1. The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support a place-based approach at national, regional and local levels, ensuring close cooperation between public authorities, economic and social partners and bodies representing civil society in the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the measures. 2. For that purpose, each Member State shall organise and implement, within the framework of the NRP Plan and its chapters, including Interreg, a comprehensive partnership in accordance with its institutional and legal framework and taking into account the specificities of the programmes concerned. That partnership shall include, in particular: | |
| (a) competent regional and local authorities; | |
| (b) competent urban and rural authorities; | |
| (c) economic and social partners; | |
| (d) bodies representing civil society; | |
| (e) federation of municipalities and local associations; | |
| (f) research organisations, universities and relevant stakeholders, where appropriate. | |
| 3. The partnership referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall operate in accordance with the principles of multi-level governance and a bottom-up approach. Its organisation and implementation should be in line with the European Code of Conduct on Partnership established by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 240/2014 or by any subsequent delegated act replacing or amending that Regulation. | |
| 4. Member States shall ensure that regional and local authorities are involved in a timely, effective and meaningful manner. Where substantial observations expressed by those authorities are not taken into account, the Member State concerned shall provide a reasoned explanation. | |
| 5. The designated competent regional or local managing authority should prepare the regional or territorial chapter for which it has been designated and should, in this context, interact directly with the Commission. The designated regional or local managing authority shall be responsible for the design, preparation, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the measures included in its chapter, including territorial analysis, governance structures and resource allocation. The Member State shall ensure that the authority has been granted the necessary resources, information and timeline to exercise this responsibility effectively. The Member State shall transmit the regional or territorial chapter as prepared by the designated authority to the Commission. Where the Member State considers a modification necessary for reasons of overall consistency with the NRP Plan or compliance with this Regulation, it shall obtain the explicit written agreement of the relevant regional or local authority prior to transmission. The Member State shall include in the NRP Plan a signed declaration by the relevant regional or local authority confirming that the content of its chapter reflects its own priorities and competences and has not been substantively modified without its agreement. | |
| 6. Where an amendment to the NRP Plan concerns exclusively a regional or territorial chapter, the relevant regional or local managing authority designated pursuant to paragraph 5 shall have the right to initiate the amendment procedure by formally notifying the Member State of its request. The Member State shall transmit such an amendment request to the Commission, together with the amended chapter as prepared by the designated authority, without substantive modification, within one month of that notification. Where the Member State considers a modification necessary for reasons of overall consistency with the NRP Plan or compliance with the applicable Regulation, it shall obtain the explicit written agreement of the relevant regional or local authority prior to transmission. Where the Member State fails to transmit an amendment request within the period referred to in the second subparagraph, the relevant regional or local authority may inform the Commission directly thereof. The Commission shall take this information into account in its assessment of compliance with the requirements of this Article. | |
| 7. The Commission shall review, upon duly justified request by regional or local authorities, whether the partnership principle and the requirements laid down in this Article have been effectively respected by the Member States in the preparation or implementation of the national and regional partnership plans and their programmes. | |
| 8. Where, following its assessment, the Commission considers that regional and local authorities have not been involved in accordance with the requirements laid down in this Article, the Commission shall request the Member State concerned to revise the NRP Plan or programme accordingly prior to its approval. This shall include cases where the Member State has failed to designate the relevant regional or local authority pursuant to paragraph 5, has substantively modified the content of a regional or territorial chapter without the explicit written agreement of that authority, or has failed to transmit an amendment request in accordance with paragraph 6. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 3b | |
| Partnership and multi-level governance | |
| 1. Support under the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall be implemented through a place-based approach and in accordance with the principles of partnership and multi-level governance. | |
| 2. Member States shall ensure the effective and meaningful involvement, as appropriate, of: | |
| (a) regional and local authorities and associations representing such authorities; | |
| (b) urban and rural authorities and associations representing such authorities; | |
| (c) economic and social partners; and | |
| (d) bodies representing civil society. | |
| The partners referred to in paragraph 2 shall be involved in the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the relevant measures supported under this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 3(b) | |
| Right to stay | |
| In order to contribute to the specific objectives set out in Article 2 of this Regulation, the ERDF shall support measures aimed at fostering the attractiveness of territories across the Union to support the right to stay, in particular in territories facing stagnant and declining growth or acute depopulation, as well as in rural or structurally disadvantaged regions, through integrated territorial development strategies covering areas such as competitiveness, essential services, universal access to local amenities, connectivity, infrastructure and human capital development; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 3b | |
| Distribution | |
| Within each Member State, resources from ERDF shall be allocated as follows: | |
| (a) 68.7% for less developed regions; | |
| (b) 16.2% for transition regions; | |
| (c) 9.3% for more developed regions; | |
| (d) where applicable, 0.67% as additional funding for outermost regions and northern sparsely populated regions; | |
| (e) 5.2% for the Just Transition regions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 3c | |
| Support for SMEs | |
| 1. Support under this Regulation shall primarily be granted to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in particular for start-up and scale-ups, as defined in Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC, as well as to cooperatives and social economy enterprises where they contribute to the objectives of this Regulation. | |
| 2. Support under this Regulation shall prioritise operations that contribute to developing, producing, manufacturing, deploying, operating, maintaining, repairing, reusing or recycling within the Union the technologies, infrastructure, products, services and value chains necessary to achieve the objectives of this Regulation, in accordance with Union law and the Union’s international commitments. | |
| 3. Support under this Regulation shall not contribute to increasing the Union’s strategic dependencies, undermining existing production capacities or employment within the Union, or granting undue advantages to dominant undertakings. | |
| 4. By way of derogation from paragraph 1, support may also be granted to enterprises other than SMEs, including small mid-cap and large enterprises, where such support is necessary to contribute to the objectives of this Regulation and is duly justified in the relevant national or regional plan. | |
| 5. By way of derogation from paragraph 1, productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs may also be supported: | |
| (i) when they involve meaningful cooperation with SMEs, cooperatives, social economy actors or research organisations in research and innovation activities; | |
| (ii) where they primarily support energy efficiency measures, renewable energy, circular economy, industrial decarbonisation, pollution reduction, climate adaptation or the protection and restoration of biodiversity; | |
| (iii) when they are made in small mid-cap and mid-cap companies as defined in points (6) and (7) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2015/1017 of the European Parliament and the Council (21) through financial instruments; | |
| (iv) when they are made in small mid-cap companies in research and innovation activities supported under point (a)(i) of the first subparagraph of Article 3(1); | |
| (v) where they are necessary for the implementation of projects contributing to the objectives of ERDF and Cohesion Fund, as well for projects related to military mobility, economic, social and territorial cohesion, including transport, environmental or digital infrastructure. | |
| 6. Support to enterprises other than SMEs shall be subject to a specific justification in the relevant National and Regional Partnership Plan. That justification shall demonstrate: | |
| (i) why the objective pursued cannot be adequately achieved through support to SMEs, cooperatives or social economy enterprises alone; | |
| (ii) how the support contributes to the objectives of this Regulation; | |
| (iii) how the support contributes to European value creation, quality employment, territorial cohesion and the reduction of strategic dependencies; | |
| (iv) the expected benefits for SMEs, workers and the territories concerned; | |
| (v) the safeguards in place to avoid market concentration, unfair competition, relocation of activities outside the Union or undue advantages to dominant undertakings. | |
| 7. Where support under this Regulation involves public procurement, concession contracts, calls for proposals or financial instruments, Member States shall make full use of social, environmental, resilience, security of supply, reciprocity and European added-value criteria, in accordance with Union law and the Union’s international commitments. Procurement procedures shall be in principle designed to encourage competitive applications by start-ups and scale-ups, including by using tender procedures and quotas to foster innovative solutions. | |
| 8. Member States shall publish information on support granted to enterprises other than SMEs, including the final beneficiary, the amount of support, the objective pursued, the location of the operation and the justification referred to in paragraph 6. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 3c | |
| Right to stay | |
| In order to contribute to the specific objectives set out in Article 2 of this Regulation, the ERDF shall support measures aimed at fostering the attractiveness of territories across the Union to support the right to stay, in particular in territories facing stagnant and declining growth or acute depopulation through integrated territorial development strategies covering areas such as competitiveness, essential services, connectivity, infrastructure, cultural heritage, sustainable tourism and human capital development. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 3c | |
| Distribution of the ERDF budget by category of region | |
| Pursuant to Article 10(2), point (b) of Regulation (EU) ..../.... (NRP Regulation), resources from the ERDF shall be allocated per category of region as follows: | |
| (a) 72.9 % for less developed regions and the outermost regions; | |
| (b) 17.2 % for transition regions; | |
| (c) 9.9 % for more developed regions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 3d | |
| Right to Stay | |
| In order to contribute to the specific objectives set out in Article 2 of this Regulation, the ERDF and, where applicable, the Cohesion Fund, shall guarantee the right to stay principle as defined in art. 3, as a precondition for social and territorial justice, in particular for young people, women and disadvantaged groups and in territories facing stagnant and declining growth or acute depopulation, by supporting integrated territorial development strategies that ensure equitable access to essential services of general interest as defined in art. 3, including sustainable, social and affordable public housing, competitiveness, human capital development and aiming at preserving and restoring a healthy and liveable environment. Support under this article shall be delivered in particular through the support referred to in article 5. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 3d | |
| Right to stay | |
| In order to contribute to the objective set out in Article 3(1)(a)(i) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], the ERDF shall support, where appropriate, measures aimed at fostering the attractiveness of territories across the Union to support the right to stay, in particular in territories facing stagnant and declining growth or depopulation through integrated territorial and urban development strategies covering areas such as competitiveness, digitalisation, affordable housing, access to public and other essential services, connectivity, infrastructure and human capital development. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Support for disadvantaged areas | Support for regions with specific challenges |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Support for disadvantaged areas | Support for regions with specific challenges |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Support for disadvantaged areas | Support for regions with specific challenges |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| -1. Pursuant to Article 22(2b), point (f) of the NRP Regulation Member States shall allocate resources to the categories of regions and areas set out in Annex VII to that Regulation, taking into account their specific needs and challenges, and shall report the indicative amounts allocated to those territories in accordance with the template for the Plan set out in Annex V to that Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| -1. Pursuant to Article 22(2b), point (f) of the NRP Regulation Member States shall allocate resources to the categories of regions and areas set out in Annex VII to that Regulation, taking into account their specific needs and challenges, and shall report the indicative amounts allocated to those territories in accordance with the template for the Plan set out in Annex V to that Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach as a specific Chapter or chapters in their National and Regional Partnership Plans or dedicated Axis within a given Chapter in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] specifically targeting the specific needs and challenges of: |
| (a) Northern sparsely populated regions, which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, especially regarding connectivity and accessibility; | |
| (b) demographically declining territories, including rural areas, especially those suffering from structural problems such as a lack of attractive employment opportunities, skill shortages, underinvestment in broadband and connectivity, digital and other infrastructures and essential services, as well as youth drain by strengthening the socio-economic fabric in those areas, in particular though job creation, support for young people and generational renewal; | |
| (c) areas affected by industrial transition, especially those facing serious socio-economic challenges deriving from the transition process towards the Union’s 2030 targets for energy and climate and a climate-neutral economy of the Union by 2050; | |
| (d) island, cross-border and mountain regions, just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. | |
| Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, islands and coastal areas, sparsely populated regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. |
| For rural areas and other structurally disadvantaged territories, such an integrated approach shall in particular address the digital divide and access to high-capacity digital infrastructure and connectivity; sustainable, multimodal and demand-responsive public transport and mobility links between rural centres; access to services of general interest; local economic development and quality employment; and measures strengthening territorial attractiveness and the right to stay. | |
| Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. Such an integrated approach may include investments to strengthen the resilience and security of essential supply chains, such as strategic storage, processing, logistics and distribution infrastructure, as well as infrastructure to ensure access to essential goods and critical inputs, in particular in territories that suffer from geographical isolation, supply disruptions or other structural vulnerabilities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, as referred to in points (a)-(e) and (g)-(i) of Annex VII of the NRP Regulation |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Particular attention shall be paid to Union regions bordering Russia and Belarus which have been affected by the suspension of cross-border cooperation with those countries and which are required to develop alternative cooperation links within the Union. Member States may provide for dedicated funding reflecting the specific territorial, economic, demographic and security-related challenges faced by those regions. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU and Article 349 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, and the outermost regions. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans, including the territorial dimension, and, in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], actively promote operational synergies and complementarities with investments in other areas, such as agriculture and fisheries, in particular through LEADER and Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) projects. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, including regions undergoing structural economic transformation or facing a long-term loss of industrial competitiveness, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas taking account of their economic, social, territorial and demographic characteristics and respecting the institutional arrangements of the Member State concerned. referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Particular attention to island regions and Member States shall be given through proportionate requirements, targeted measures and, where appropriate, flexibility mechanisms reflecting their structural constraints. Member States shall, where appropriate and in accordance with their governance structures, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 74 to 76 [territorial development and local cooperation] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, areas in demographic transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas, areas suffering from hybrid attacks especially those in the Southern border and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 74 to 76 [Territorial and local cooperation initiatives, integrated territorial and urban development, CLLD, Support for place-based innovation and S3, Territorial just transition strategies] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions. The Member States shall also pay particular attention when allocating resources in line with (f) and (i) of Annex VII of Annex VII of the NRP Regulation to the just transition areas and Eastern border regions (meaning Union NUTS 2 regions bordering the Russian Federation, Belarus or the Ukraine, including maritime borders). Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, transformation, conversion for military purposes or demographic change and the associated labour and skills shortages, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. For the ERDF, the objective of reducing regional imbalances should be understood as also including reducing intra-regional imbalances. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas or disadvantaged urban areas, inland areas, coastal areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas, regions affected by the impact of natural disasters and regions along the external border of the Union. Member States and the regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 74 to 76 [territorial development and local cooperation] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, as well as regions facing migratory pressure that is unsustainable in view of their size and reception capacities. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach shall include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and shall be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, areas where regional, minority and lesser used languages are spoken, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] including measures to ensure equitable access to multimodal, sustainable and active transport means. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and Eastern border regions (meaning Union NUTS 2 regions bordering the Russian Federation, Belarus or the Ukraine, including maritime borders). Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding provided that such funding responds to identified territorial needs and does not create unnecessary administrative complexity in the implementation of the National and Regional Partnership Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. | 1. In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, Member States shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions, small and medium sized cities losing their socio-economic functions, and also just transition areas and regions bordering Russia, Belarus or Ukraine. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Pursuant to Article 22(2b), point (f) of the NRP Regulation Member States shall allocate resources to the categories of regions and areas set out in Annex VII to that Regulation, taking into account their specific needs and challenges, and shall report the indicative amounts allocated to those territories in accordance with the template for the Plan set out in Annex V to that Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| For eastern border regions, the integrated approach shall take into account, in particular, the cumulative effects of geopolitical instability, hybrid threats, disrupted cross-border economic relations, reduced investment, demographic decline, increased requirements for civil preparedness and the need to ensure resilient transport, energy, digital and public-service infrastructure. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1a. For the purposes of paragraph 1, support measures for disadvantaged areas and regions shall include inclusive digital connectivity as a driver of cohesion, ensuring the elimination of ‘white zones’ through the development of ultra-fast broadband infrastructure and next-generation mobile networks, as well as support for older people and those with lower digital literacy, ensuring adequate funding to guarantee equal opportunities and the right to stay. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1a. Measures under paragraph 1 may in particular address demographic decline, population ageing, accessibility, connectivity, access to essential services, affordable housing, employment opportunities, industrial transition and the diversification of regional economies. The choice and combination of such measures shall be determined according to territorial needs and shall not be subject to mandatory sectoral earmarking under this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1a. When identifying the areas and needs referred to in paragraph 1, Member States and regions shall use data at the lowest possible territorial level available and take account of changing dynamics, in particular population growth, commuting patterns, access to public services, infrastructure capacity, housing and investment pressures, energy poverty, climate risks and environmental deficits. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1a. Pursuant to Article 22(2b), point (f) of the NRP Regulation Member States shall allocate resources to the categories of regions and areas set out in Annex VII to that Regulation, taking into account their specific needs and challenges, and shall report the indicative amounts allocated to those territories in accordance with the template for the Plan set out in Annex V to that Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1a. Allocations dedicated to the northernmost regions shall not be reduced or transferred to other chapters, priorities or territories without the prior consultation of the regional authorities concerned and the approval of the Commission. Any proposed reduction or transfer shall be accompanied by a territorial impact assessment and a reasoned justification. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1b. The Member States shall also pay particular attention when allocating resources in line with (f) and (i) of Annex VII of the NRP Regulation to the just transition areas and Eastern border regions (meaning Union NUTS 2 regions bordering the Russian Federation, Belarus or Ukraine, including maritime borders). Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of the regions and areas referred to in this paragraph in their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Articles 72 to 74 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose and may be included in dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1b. The integrated approaches referred to in paragraph 1 shall, where appropriate, include measures to support diversification, modernisation and digitalisation, and generational renewal in the primary sectors, including agriculture and fisheries, whilst maximising funding synergies with the corresponding sectoral funds under Regulation (EU) [NRPP Regulation], so as to promote the retention of young people and the demographic viability of rural and coastal areas. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1b. Particular attention may be paid to regions whose economies depend significantly on industrial sectors undergoing structural or technological transformation, including automotive, manufacturing and energy-intensive industries. Support may contribute to economic diversification, productive investment, infrastructure, innovation and the preservation and creation of sustainable quality employment. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1c. Member States shall pay particular attention to access to community sport, recreational and physical activity infrastructure, in particular where such infrastructure contributes to social inclusion, quality of life, territorial attractiveness and access to services in rural and disadvantaged areas. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4a | |
| Support for eastern border regions | |
| The ERDF shall provide targeted support to strengthen the economic, social and territorial resilience of eastern border regions and their capacity to contribute to the security, preparedness and competitiveness of the Union. | |
| Additional support under this Article shall be provided through Union financial resources complementary to the Union financial contribution allocated to the Member States and regions under Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and shall not result in a reduction of their ordinary national or regional allocations or their ordinary share of Interreg resources. Support may include, in particular, investments in: | |
| (a) critical and dual-use infrastructure; | |
| (b) military mobility and transport infrastructure of civilian and military relevance; | |
| (c) TEN-T connections, strategic rail, road and logistics nodes and infrastructure improving connectivity with Ukraine; | |
| (d) border-crossing infrastructure and infrastructure supporting the functioning and security of the Union’s external border; | |
| (e) civil protection, emergency preparedness and multifunctional public infrastructure contributing to community use and crisis preparedness; | |
| (f) energy security and resilient energy infrastructure; | |
| (g) telecommunications, secure digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and protection against hybrid threats; | |
| (h) healthcare, emergency services and other essential public services; | |
| (i) economic diversification, entrepreneurship, SMEs and investment attractiveness; | |
| (j) innovation, industrial capacity and the development of strategic and dual-use technologies; | |
| (k) skills, education and measures improving opportunities for young people; | |
| (l) measures addressing demographic decline, depopulation and access to services; | |
| (m) infrastructure and economic cooperation supporting connectivity with Ukraine and its future reconstruction. | |
| Operations may also be supported outside an eastern border region where they are functionally connected to an investment, strategic corridor, network or service directly contributing to the resilience, connectivity or security of eastern border regions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4a | |
| Regions undergoing industrial transition | |
| 1. For regions and areas undergoing industrial and carbon-intensive transition, Member States shall, together with the relevant regional and local authorities and partners, including social partners, establish an integrated approach explicitly addressing employment, the reskilling and upskilling of the workforce and economic diversification. | |
| 2. For such regions and areas, that integrated approach shall take the form of a territorial just transition strategy in accordance with Regulation (EU) .../... [NRP Regulation]. | |
| 3. The territorial just transition strategy shall identify the territories most affected by the transition, the economic and social challenges resulting from that transition, the expected employment effects, reskilling and upskilling needs and measures supporting economic diversification and the creation of quality employment. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4a | |
| Competitiveness and innovation | |
| In order to strengthen the competitiveness and innovation capacities of regions for sustainable growth and employment, Member States may, taking into account the specific needs of their regions and making use, where appropriate, of smart specialisation strategies and just transition strategies, allocate ERDF resources to support the Union's industrial base, the digital transformation, research, development and innovation, as well as measures fostering market-based funding options and the attractiveness of territories. The indicative amounts allocated to support the objectives referred to in this paragraph shall be reported in accordance with the template for the Plan set out in Annex V to Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and shall be consistent with the methodology set out in Annex VII to that Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4a | |
| Competitiveness and innovation | |
| In order to strengthen the competitiveness and innovation capacities of regions for sustainable growth and employment, Member States may, taking into account the specific needs of their regions and making use, where appropriate, of smart specialisation strategies and just transition strategies, allocate ERDF resources to support the Union's industrial base, the digital transformation, research, development and innovation, as well as measures fostering market-based funding options and the attractiveness of territories. The indicative amounts allocated to support the objectives referred to in this paragraph shall be reported in accordance with the template for the Plan set out in Annex V to Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and shall be consistent with the methodology set out in Annex VII to that Regulation. |
The territorial specificity of the ERDF should be duly reflected in the Regulation, without creating any additional restriction. In this regard, specific articles are proposed for competitiveness and innovation, The purpose of underlying the challenges is to boost the territorial profile of programming EU funds under the NRP Plan.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4a | |
| Competitiveness and innovation | |
| In order to strengthen the competitiveness and innovation capacities of regions for sustainable growth and employment, Member States may, taking into account the specific needs of their regions and making use, where appropriate, of smart specialisation strategies and just transition strategies, allocate ERDF resources to support the Union's industrial base, the digital transformation, research, development and innovation, as well as measures fostering market-based funding options and the attractiveness of territories. The indicative amounts allocated to support the objectives referred to in this paragraph shall be reported in accordance with the template for the Plan set out in Annex V to Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and shall be consistent with the methodology set out in Annex VII to that Regulation. |
The territorial specificity of the ERDF should be duly reflected in the Regulation, without creating any additional restriction. In this regard, specific articles are proposed for competitiveness and innovation, The purpose of underlying the challenges is to boost the territorial profile of programming EU funds under the NRP Plan.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4a | |
| Competitiveness and innovation | |
| In order to strengthen the competitiveness and innovation capacities of regions for sustainable growth and employment, Member States may, taking into account the specific needs of their regions and making use, where appropriate, of smart specialisation strategies and just transition strategies, allocate ERDF resources to support the Union's industrial base, the digital transformation, research, development and innovation, as well as measures fostering market-based funding options and the attractiveness of territories. The indicative amounts allocated to support the objectives referred to in this paragraph shall be reported in accordance with the template for the Plan set out in Annex V to Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and shall be consistent with the methodology set out in Annex VII to that Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4a | |
| Regional innovation and transformation | |
| Member States may address in their National and Regional Partnership Plans the need to strengthen regional competitiveness and innovation capacities, with a view to promoting sustainable growth and employment, taking into account regional needs and, where appropriate, smart specialisation strategies and just transition strategies. Such support may contribute to strengthening the industrial base, with particular attention to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the service sector, advancing the digital transition, mobility and transport, including local roads and rail, fostering research and innovation, promoting the diffusion of innovation across regions and territories, facilitating access to finance and enhancing the attractiveness of territories. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4b | |
| Innovation and regional transformation | |
| Member States may address, in their national and regional partnership plans, the need to strengthen regional competitiveness and innovation capacities, with a view to promoting sustainable growth and employment, taking into account regional needs and, where appropriate, smart specialisation strategies and just transition strategies. Such support may contribute to strengthening the industrial base, with particular attention to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the service sector, advancing the digital transition, fostering research and innovation, promoting the uptake of innovation across regions and territories, facilitating access to finance and enhancing the attractiveness of territories. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4b | |
| Right to stay | |
| In order to contribute to the objective set out in Article 3(1)(a)(i) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], the ERDF shall support, where appropriate, measures aimed at fostering the attractiveness of territories across the Union to support the right to stay, in particular in territories facing stagnant and declining growth, security challenges and hybrid threats, or depopulation through integrated territorial development strategies covering areas such as competitiveness, digitalisation, access to public services and other essential services, connectivity and mobility, including local road and rail infrastructure, infrastructure and human capital development. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4b | |
| Defence, resilience and civil protection | |
| Member States may also allocate ERDF resources to support defence capabilities, resilience and preparedness, as well as civil protection, taking into account the specific security needs and challenges of their territories, including those of border regions. | |
| Coherence with the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and other Union instruments shall be ensured in line with the Preparedness Union Strategy. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4b | |
| Defence, resilience and civil protection | |
| Member States may also allocate ERDF resources to support dual-use defence capabilities, resilience and preparedness, as well as civil protection, taking into account the specific security needs and challenges of their territories, including those of border regions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4b | |
| Defence, resilience and civil protection | |
| Member States may also allocate ERDF resources to support defence capabilities, resilience and preparedness, as well as civil protection, taking into account the specific security needs and challenges of their territories, including those of border regions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4b | |
| Defence, resilience and civil protection | |
| Member States may also allocate ERDF resources to support defence capabilities, resilience and preparedness, as well as civil protection, taking into account the specific security needs and challenges of their territories, including those of border regions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4c | |
| Eastern border regions and other regions bordering arm conflict areas | |
| In order to address the specific needs and challenges of eastern border regions, defined as NUTS 2 regions having borders with Russia, Belarus or Ukraine, particular attention shall be given to the challenges arising from geopolitical instability and from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Interventions shall focus in particular on security and territorial resilience, border management, the continuity of economic activity and diversification of local economic bases, the development of critical infrastructure, and the support of communities affected by migratory pressures and by the socioeconomic consequences of the conflict. Priorities shall also be given to strengthen the adaptive capacity and social cohesion of these regions, which are exposed to structural and situational risks of significant magnitude. | |
| In case of persisting similar geopolitical situation, other regions bordering arm conflict areas, the proposed intervention under the NRP Plan shall duly take into account their specific needs. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4c | |
| Eastern border regions and other regions bordering arm conflict areas | |
| In order to address the specific needs and challenges of eastern border regions, defined as NUTS 2 regions having borders with Russia or Belarus, particular attention shall be given to the challenges arising from geopolitical instability and from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Interventions shall focus in particular on security and territorial resilience, border management, the continuity of economic activity and diversification of local economic bases, the development of critical infrastructure, and the support of communities affected by migratory pressures and by the socioeconomic consequences of the conflict. Priorities shall also be given to strengthen the adaptive capacity and social cohesion of these regions, which are exposed to structural and situational risks of significant magnitude. | |
| In case of persisting similar geopolitical situation, other regions bordering arm conflict areas, the proposed intervention under the NRP Plan shall duly take into account their specific needs. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4c | |
| Eastern border regions and other regions bordering arm conflict areas | |
| In order to address the specific needs and challenges of eastern border regions, defined as NUTS 2 regions having borders with Russia or Belarus, particular attention shall be given to the challenges arising from geopolitical instability and from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Interventions shall focus in particular on security and territorial resilience, border management, the continuity of economic activity and diversification of local economic bases, the development of critical infrastructure, and the support of communities affected by migratory pressures and by the socioeconomic consequences of the conflict. Priorities shall also be given to strengthen the adaptive capacity and social cohesion of these regions, which are exposed to structural and situational risks of significant magnitude. In case of persisting similar geopolitical situation, other regions bordering arm conflict areas, the proposed intervention under the NRP Plan shall duly take into account their specific needs. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4c | |
| Eastern border regions and other regions bordering arm conflict areas | |
| In order to address the specific needs and challenges of eastern border regions, defined as NUTS 2 regions having borders with Russia or Belarus, particular attention shall be given to the challenges arising from geopolitical instability and from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Interventions shall focus in particular on security and territorial resilience, border management, the continuity of economic activity and diversification of local economic bases, the development of critical infrastructure, and the support of communities affected by migratory pressures and by the socioeconomic consequences of the conflict. Priorities shall also be given to strengthen the adaptive capacity and social cohesion of these regions, which are exposed to structural and situational risks of significant magnitude. In case of persisting similar geopolitical situation, other regions bordering arm conflict areas, the proposed intervention under the NRP Plan shall duly take into account their specific needs. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4c | |
| Support for rural areas | |
| 1. At least 30 % of the total ERDF and, where applicable, Cohesion Fund resources allocated to each Member State, other than for technical assistance, shall be allocated to rural areas to achieve the objectives of the Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas (COM(2021) 345). The calculation shall be made either using code 02 in accordance with Part I of Annex II to Regulation (EU) …/… [Performance Regulation] or on the basis of another definition of rural areas established at national or regional level. For Member States eligible for support from the Cohesion Fund, the minimum allocation referred to in the first subparagraph shall be calculated on the basis of the combined total resources of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, other than for technical assistance, and shall not apply separately to each Fund. | |
| 2. At least 20 % of the resources allocated pursuant to paragraph 1 shall be used for LEADER measures within the meaning of Article 76 of Regulation (EU) …/… [NRP Regulation]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4d | |
| Areas affected by industrial transition | |
| In order to address the specific needs and challenges of areas affected by industrial transition, especially those facing serious socioeconomic challenges deriving from the transition process towards the Union's 2030 and 2040 targets for energy and climate and a climate-neutral economy by 2050, the ERDF may provide the adequate support to economic diversification, the reskilling and retraining of affected workers, the attraction of new investment in clean technologies and emerging industries, and the rehabilitation of decommissioned industrial sites. Where appropriate, interventions shall pursue a just and equitable transition that leaves no community or region behind, ensuring that the costs and benefits of decarbonisation are distributed in a fair and territorially balanced manner. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4d | |
| Areas affected by industrial transition | |
| In order to address the specific needs and challenges of areas affected by industrial transition, especially those facing serious socioeconomic challenges deriving from the transition process towards the Union's 2030 and 2040 targets for energy and climate and a climate-neutral economy by 2050, the ERDF may provide the adequate support to economic diversification, the reskilling and retraining of affected workers, the attraction of new investment in clean technologies and emerging industries, and the rehabilitation of decommissioned industrial sites. Where appropriate, interventions shall pursue a just and equitable transition that leaves no community or region behind, ensuring that the costs and benefits of decarbonisation are distributed in a fair and territorially balanced manner. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4d | |
| Areas affected by industrial transition | |
| In order to address the specific needs and challenges of areas affected by industrial transition, especially those facing serious socioeconomic challenges deriving from the transition process towards the Union's 2030 and 2040 targets for energy and climate and a climate-neutral economy by 2050, the ERDF may provide the adequate support to economic diversification, the reskilling and retraining of affected workers, the attraction of new investment in clean technologies and emerging industries, and the rehabilitation of decommissioned industrial sites. Where appropriate, interventions shall pursue a just and equitable transition that leaves no community or region behind, ensuring that the costs and benefits of decarbonisation are distributed in a fair and territorially balanced manner. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 4d | |
| Areas affected by industrial transition | |
| In order to address the specific needs and challenges of areas affected by industrial transition, especially those facing serious socioeconomic challenges deriving from the transition process towards the Union's 2030 and 2040 targets for energy and climate and a climate-neutral economy by 2050, the ERDF may provide the adequate support to economic diversification, the reskilling and retraining of affected workers, the attraction of new investment in clean technologies and emerging industries, and the rehabilitation of decommissioned industrial sites. Where appropriate, interventions shall pursue a just and equitable transition that leaves no community or region behind, ensuring that the costs and benefits of decarbonisation are distributed in a fair and territorially balanced manner. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5 | deleted |
| Sustainable urban development | |
| As part of their territorial development, Member States shall support integrated urban development strategies which focus on sustainable development and tackle environmental, energy and climate challenges, in particular the fair transition towards a clean and climate-neutral and resilient economy by 2050, paying special attention to housing, poverty, cultural heritage and to harnessing the potential of digital technologies for innovation purposes and energy efficiency, to supporting the development of functional urban areas, as well as supporting urban-rural linkages. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| As part of their territorial development, Member States shall support integrated urban development strategies which focus on sustainable development and tackle environmental, energy and climate challenges, in particular the fair transition towards a clean and climate-neutral and resilient economy by 2050, paying special attention to housing, poverty, cultural heritage and to harnessing the potential of digital technologies for innovation purposes and energy efficiency, to supporting the development of functional urban areas, as well as supporting urban-rural linkages. | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| As part of their territorial development, Member States shall support integrated urban development strategies which focus on sustainable development and tackle environmental, energy and climate challenges, in particular the fair transition towards a clean and climate-neutral and resilient economy by 2050, paying special attention to housing, poverty, cultural heritage and to harnessing the potential of digital technologies for innovation purposes and energy efficiency, to supporting the development of functional urban areas, as well as supporting urban-rural linkages. | 1. The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund may support integrated territorial development within the framework of this Regulation. |
| 2. Member States shall implement integrated territorial development, supported by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, exclusively through territorial or local development strategies in any of the following forms: | |
| (a) integrated territorial investments; | |
| (b) community-led local development (and initiatives) or; | |
| (c) another territorial tool supporting initiatives designed by the Member State. Where implementing territorial or local development strategies under more than one Fund, the Member State shall ensure coherence and coordination among the Funds concerned. | |
| 3. Support for territorial development under the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall be based on integrated territorial development strategies covering all types of territories, with particular attention to the regions and areas referred to in Article 174(3) TFEU, as well as other territories facing specific development challenges or opportunities, including urban and coastal areas. Such strategies may include sustainable urban strategies, smart specialisation strategies, territorial just transition strategies, strategies for decarbonisation, or any other strategy seeking to promote the territorial or urban development developed with the support of Union instruments taking into account, where relevant, of a functional area and place-based approach and, where applicable, drawing on the principles and priorities of the Urban Agenda for the EU and the Territorial Agenda 2030. Corresponding milestones and targets shall be established in the National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Regulation (EU)…/… [NRPP Regulation]. | |
| 4. Member States shall support integrated sustainable urban development strategies, which focus on sustainable development and tackle environmental, energy, climate, demographic and social challenges, in particular the fair transition towards a clean, climate-neutral and resilient economy by 2050. Those strategies shall pay particular attention to social, affordable and sustainable public housing, tackling poverty, including energy poverty and vulnerability, cultural heritage, the use of digital technologies for innovation and energy efficiency, the development of functional urban areas, and the strengthening of urban-rural linkages, the promotion of soft mobility as well as better integration of sustainable transport and housing policies. | |
| 5. Integrated territorial development and sustainable urban development strategies shall: | |
| (a) contribute to achieving the general and specific objectives laid down in Article 2 of this Regulation; | |
| (b) identify the geographical area and population covered by the strategy; | |
| (c) provide an analysis of the development needs and challenges concerned, including economic, social, environmental and demographic interlinkages, and a description of an integrated approach to addressing them; | |
| (d) set out key objectives, milestones and measurable targets consistent with the National and Regional Partnership Plan and [where relevant] National Building Renovation Plans, National Energy and Climate Plans; | |
| (e) set out an effective involvement of partners in the preparation and implementation of the strategy. | |
| 6. Territorial strategies implemented pursuant to point (a) or (c) of paragraph 2 shall be under the responsibility of the relevant territorial, local or urban authorities or bodies. Existing strategic documents concerning the covered areas may be used as a basis for such strategies, provided they meet the requirements set out in paragraph 5. Where the list of operations to be supported has not been included in the territorial strategy, the relevant territorial, local or urban authorities or bodies shall select and be involved in the selection of operations. | |
| 7. When preparing strategies pursuant to this Article, the relevant territorial, local or urban authorities or bodies shall cooperate with the managing authority or authorities concerned in order to determine the scope of operations to be supported under the relevant chapter of the National and Regional Partnership Plan. Selected operations shall comply with the territorial strategy and contribute to the milestones and targets established in the Plan. | |
| 8. Where a territorial, local or urban authority or body carries out tasks falling under the responsibility of the managing authority other than the selection of operations, that authority or body shall be identified by the managing authority as an intermediate body in accordance with Article 49(4) of Regulation (EU)…/… [NRPP Regulation]. | |
| 9. Where a territorial strategy referred to in paragraph 6 involves investments that receive support from more than one Fund, or from more than one specific objective of this Regulation, actions may be carried out as an integrated territorial investment. Where more than one Fund contributes to an integrated territorial investment, the managing authorities concerned shall establish written coordination arrangements to ensure coherence in the selection of operations, in the application of eligibility rules, and in reporting. | |
| 10. Strategies implemented pursuant to this Article shall be selected by the managing authority or authorities concerned, including for preparatory support. | |
| 11. At least 13% of the total ERDF resources allocated to each Member State, other than for technical assistance, shall be allocated to integrated territorial and sustainable urban development strategies, including regeneration of deprived urban areas, integrated urban development and sustainable urban mobility, European Urban Initiatives and URBACT projects and local services linked to urban inclusion. The NRPP chapters concerned shall set out the planned amounts for this purpose. | |
| 12. Support may be provided for the preparation and design of strategies implemented pursuant to this Article.13. Particular attention shall be paid to strengthening urban-rural linkages, territorial accessibility, functional territorial cooperation and balanced territorial development across all categories of regions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| As part of their territorial development, Member States shall support integrated urban development strategies which focus on sustainable development and tackle environmental, energy and climate challenges, in particular the fair transition towards a clean and climate-neutral and resilient economy by 2050, paying special attention to housing, poverty, cultural heritage and to harnessing the potential of digital technologies for innovation purposes and energy efficiency, to supporting the development of functional urban areas, as well as supporting urban-rural linkages. | As part of their territorial development, Member States shall support integrated urban development strategies which focus on sustainable development and tackle environmental, energy and climate challenges, in particular the fair transition towards a clean and climate-neutral and resilient economy by 2050, paying special attention to housing, poverty, cultural heritage and to harnessing the potential of digital technologies for innovation purposes and energy efficiency, to supporting the development of functional urban areas, as well as supporting urban-rural linkages. Such support shall ensure the direct involvement of competent regional and local authorities in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of integrated territorial and sustainable urban development measures. The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall support an EU-wide instrument for urban innovation and capacity-building that helps cities to develop, test and scale innovative projects, strengthen capacities of cities and provide a knowledge environment to share know how on sustainable urban development; |
| This instrument shall: | |
| (i) provide targeted investment in experimentation, including urban pilot projects aligned with the specific objectives of the NRPP regulation; | |
| (ii) support the replication, transfer and scaling of high-impact solutions across cities and functional urban areas, by connecting successful pilots to mainstream territorial instruments and national investment plans; | |
| (iii) offer tailored capacity-building and technical assistance, including advisory services, to help cities design high-impact projects and mobilise EU funding and innovative financing solutions; | |
| (iv) contribute to the development of a coherent ecosystem for urban innovation, recognising cities as key actors in the Union's research and innovation landscape; | |
| (v) act as a key delivery and coordination platform for the Union's policy agenda for cities, by providing a structured framework for cooperation between the Commission, Member States and urban authorities, and by promoting consistency between Union-level support, the Urban Chapters of the NRP Plans and other relevant Union instruments. Support under this point shall be implemented under direct or indirect management and shall complement, and not reduce, the resources implemented under shared management, including those dedicated to integrated territorial and urban development. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| As part of their territorial development, Member States shall support integrated urban development strategies which focus on sustainable development and tackle environmental, energy and climate challenges, in particular the fair transition towards a clean and climate-neutral and resilient economy by 2050, paying special attention to housing, poverty, cultural heritage and to harnessing the potential of digital technologies for innovation purposes and energy efficiency, to supporting the development of functional urban areas, as well as supporting urban-rural linkages. | As part of their territorial development, Member States shall support integrated urban development strategies which focus on sustainable development and tackle economic, social, demographic, environmental, energy and climate challenges, in particular the fair transition towards a clean and climate-neutral and resilient economy by 2050, paying special attention to mobility, housing, poverty, cultural heritage and to harnessing the potential of digital technologies for innovation purposes and energy efficiency, to supporting the development of functional urban areas, as well as supporting urban-rural linkages. Member States and regions may, where appropriate, establish such strategies using territorial tools in accordance with Articles 74 to 76 [integrated local and urban development] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. |
| When drafting their NRP Plans, Member States shall guarantee the establishment of urban chapters within the scope of ERDF support. These chapters should adequately involve local authorities in the design and implementation of the funds. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| As part of their territorial development, Member States shall support integrated urban development strategies which focus on sustainable development and tackle environmental, energy and climate challenges, in particular the fair transition towards a clean and climate-neutral and resilient economy by 2050, paying special attention to housing, poverty, cultural heritage and to harnessing the potential of digital technologies for innovation purposes and energy efficiency, to supporting the development of functional urban areas, as well as supporting urban-rural linkages. | Pursuant to Article 75 of Regulation (EU) [NRP], as part of their territorial development, Member States shall support integrated urban development strategies which focus on sustainable development and tackle environmental, energy and climate challenges, in particular the just transition towards a clean and climate-neutral and resilient economy by 2050, by addressing, where relevant, urban mobility, housing, poverty, resilience and civil security, deprived urban communities, healthcare and access to public services, cultural heritage and to harnessing the potential of digital technologies for innovation purposes and energy efficiency, while strengthening cities’ and their functional areas' preparedness to prevent and mitigate the impact of recent and future environmental shocks and security threats, to supporting the development of functional urban areas, as well as supporting urban-rural linkages. The design and implementation of such strategies shall remain flexible and proportionate, taking into account the administrative capacity and territorial specificities of each Member State. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| As part of their territorial development, Member States shall support integrated urban development strategies which focus on sustainable development and tackle environmental, energy and climate challenges, in particular the fair transition towards a clean and climate-neutral and resilient economy by 2050, paying special attention to housing, poverty, cultural heritage and to harnessing the potential of digital technologies for innovation purposes and energy efficiency, to supporting the development of functional urban areas, as well as supporting urban-rural linkages. | As part of their territorial development, Member States shall support integrated urban development strategies which focus on sustainable development and tackle environmental, energy and climate challenges, in particular the fair and gradual transition towards a clean and climate-neutral and resilient economy by 2050, which shall include the strengthening of water resilience and the sustainable management of water resources, ensuring environmental, economic and social sustainability, paying special attention to housing also aimed at the middle class and at attracting professionals to remote and outermost regions, poverty, cultural heritage and to harnessing the potential of digital technologies for innovation purposes and energy efficiency, to supporting the development of functional urban areas, preserving the territorial character, supporting urban-rural linkages and ensuring funding for public services, the establishment of the right to stay and the selection of stakeholders on the monitoring committees. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| As part of their territorial development, Member States shall support integrated urban development strategies which focus on sustainable development and tackle environmental, energy and climate challenges, in particular the fair transition towards a clean and climate-neutral and resilient economy by 2050, paying special attention to housing, poverty, cultural heritage and to harnessing the potential of digital technologies for innovation purposes and energy efficiency, to supporting the development of functional urban areas, as well as supporting urban-rural linkages. | Pursuant to Article 75 of Regulation (EU) [NRP], as part of their territorial development, Member States shall support integrated urban development strategies which focus on sustainable development and tackle environmental, energy and climate challenges, in particular the fair transition towards a clean and climate-neutral and resilient economy by 2050, […] by addressing, where relevant, urban mobility, housing, poverty, resilience and civil security, deprived urban communities, healthcare and access to public services, cultural heritage and to harnessing the potential of digital technologies for innovation purposes and energy efficiency, to supporting the development of functional urban areas, as well as supporting urban-rural linkages. The design and implementation of such strategies shall remain flexible and proportionate, taking into account the administrative capacity and territorial specificities of each Member State. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| As part of their territorial development, Member States shall support integrated urban development strategies which focus on sustainable development and tackle environmental, energy and climate challenges, in particular the fair transition towards a clean and climate-neutral and resilient economy by 2050, paying special attention to housing, poverty, cultural heritage and to harnessing the potential of digital technologies for innovation purposes and energy efficiency, to supporting the development of functional urban areas, as well as supporting urban-rural linkages. | As part of their territorial development, Member States shall support integrated urban development strategies which focus on sustainable development and tackle environmental, energy and climate challenges, in particular the fair transition towards a clean and climate-neutral and resilient economy by 2050, paying special attention to housing, poverty, cultural heritage and to harnessing the potential of digital technologies for innovation purposes and energy efficiency, to supporting the development of functional urban areas, as well as supporting urban-rural linkages, and, in cities and functional urban areas located in eastern border regions, to civil preparedness, protection of critical infrastructure, resilience of essential public services and multifunctional infrastructure capable of supporting both everyday community needs and crisis response. |
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Cite as
European Parliament (2026). “AMENDMENTS 322 - 521 - Draft report Establishing the European Fund for Regional Development including for European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg) and the Cohesion Fund as part of the Fund set out in Regulation (EU) […] [NRP] and establishing conditions for the implementation of the Union support to regional development from 2028 to 2034”. Text, 16 September 2026. docId REGI-AM-792057. EU Parl Watch Research. https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/REGI-AM-792057 (retrieved 25 September 2026). Data: EP Open Data API: document record, https://data.europarl.europa.eu/api/v2/documents/REGI-AM-792057 (CC BY 4.0).
BibTeX
@misc{epw-text-regi-am-792057,
author = {{European Parliament}},
title = {{AMENDMENTS 322 - 521 - Draft report Establishing the European Fund for Regional Development including for European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg) and the Cohesion Fund as part of the Fund set out in Regulation (EU) […] [NRP] and establishing conditions for the implementation of the Union support to regional development from 2028 to 2034}},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-09-16},
howpublished = {\url{https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/REGI-AM-792057}},
url = {https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/REGI-AM-792057},
urldate = {2026-09-25},
publisher = {EU Parl Watch Research},
note = {Text. docId REGI-AM-792057. Data: EP Open Data API: document record (CC BY 4.0)}
}