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-792058 · COM(2025)0552 – 2025/0238(COD)
- Kind
- Amendment list REGI-AM-792058
- Date
- 7 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 |
|---|---|
| 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. | In line with the art. 75 of the NRPP Regulation 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, social infrastructure, resilience and civil security, 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. |
| 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 social, environmental, energy and climate challenges, in particular the just transition towards a clean and climate-neutral and resilient economy by 2050, addressing issues such as sustainable urban mobility, affordable housing, poverty, disadvantaged urban areas, including vulnerable cities, local authorities and regions, support for the younger generation, cultural heritage and harnessing the potential of digital technologies for innovation purposes and energy efficiency, including by 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. | 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, while ensuring that this support for urban areas is not provided at the expense of small towns and rural villages. |
| 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, the business environment for SMEs and regional value creation 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. | As part of their territorial development, Member States shall support integrated urban development strategies which focus on sustainable development and tackle environmental, energy, climate and mobility 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, urban mobility 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. | 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 water and energy efficiency, to supporting the development of functional urban areas, as well as supporting urban-rural linkages. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Without prejudice to the provisions on integrated territorial development and the promotion of sustainable urban development, including the arrangements for implementing territorial strategies, the definition of the areas covered, the identification of territorial needs and challenges, the involvement of authorities and partners and the allocation of resources to sustainable urban development strategies, the application of these provisions may be tailored to the specific characteristics of certain territories, in particular, the outermost regions, where their application would not be appropriate to their territorial, administrative or socio-economic structure or would undermine the objectives of territorial cohesion and balanced development. In such cases, the corresponding resources may be allocated to other integrated territorial development measures that better address those territories' needs and specific characteristics. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The authorities responsible for integrated territorial strategies shall be involved, in particular, in programming, setting criteria and monitoring, and shall take part in decisions on the selection of operations for co-financing or shall select those operations themselves. Member States shall ensure that these authorities are granted an appropriate scope of delegated functions or a binding role in making decisions concerning the selection of operations implementing a given strategy. Any significant reduction or reallocation of the dedicated allocation shall require prior consultation with these authorities and shall be duly justified. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The ERDF may support and complement the European Urban Initiative, implemented by the Commission through the EU Facility or any other Union delivery mechanism. The European Urban Initiative shall cover all urban areas, including functional urban areas, and shall support the implementation of the Urban Agenda for the EU, including the participation of local authorities and urban stakeholders in thematic partnerships established under that Agenda and the EU Agenda for Cities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Supporting the implementation of the territorial and local cooperation initiatives, at least 20% of the total ERDF amount allocated to the Member State within The National and Regional Partnership Plan, other than for technical assistance, shall be allocated to integrated territorial and urban development strategies, as referred in Article 74(1)(a) of Regulation (EU)…/… [NRPP Regulation]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| At least 8 % of the ERDF resources at national level under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, other than for technical assistance, shall be allocated to sustainable urban development. This percentage allocation of resources to the sustainable development of urban areas, including metropolitan areas, shall apply throughout the programming period. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Without prejudice to the provisions on support for affordable housing, Member States may adapt, in the outermost regions, the mandatory allocation of resources provided for in this article, taking into account those regions' specific territorial, geographical, economic and implementation capacity circumstances. In particular, where constraints owing to insularity, small market size, labour availability, logistical conditions or capacity of the construction sector prevent efficient and timely use of resources, the minimum mandatory allocation may be reduced or waived, without prejudice to the possibility to support investments in housing where these are appropriate to regionally defined needs and priorities and without that reduction or non-application entailing any penalty or limitation on the eligibility or allocation of ERDF and Cohesion Fund resources. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Where integrated territorial and sustainable urban development strategies concern urban areas corresponding to administrative units classified at NUTS level 3, the relevant authorities corresponding to these units shall participate effectively in the preparation and implementation of those strategies. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The application of the provisions on reconstruction following natural disasters should be tailored to the specific circumstances of the affected territories, in particular the outermost regions, ensuring a proportionate relationship between the resilience requirements, the risk identified and the reconstruction and maintenance costs, without imposing, through the funding rules, additional requirements disproportionate to the standards applicable in the territory. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The provisions on buildings' renovation, rehabilitation, retrofitting and energy efficiency, and on place-based innovation and smart specialisation, should be limited to setting out general support principles, while Member States and their regional authorities should, in the relevant programming instruments and regulations, set the conditions, priorities, criteria and delivery mechanisms suited to each territory's specific characteristics, without creating additional or disproportionate requirements at Union level. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Within the framework of sustainable urban development, integrated territorial approaches should be pushed that bolster economic, social and territorial cohesion and are geared towards the right to stay, boosting the value of small and medium-sized towns and urban centres, taking into account their essential role in territorial organisation and economic, social and territorial cohesion. These approaches should help to provide access to affordable housing, paying particular attention to young people and the middle class, employment, vocational training and high-quality services, particularly in education, healthcare, mental health and social services, promoting social inclusion and equal opportunities, along with measures for the prevention, treatment and social inclusion of people affected by drug use, including synthetic drugs, paying particular attention to the most remote and outermost regions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Sustainable urban development criteria must be tailored to the specific, close relationship between urban, rural, coastal and island areas, without imposing scales that are inappropriate to those territories' geographic and demographic circumstances. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5a | |
| Integrated territorial and sustainable urban development | |
| 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 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. The integrated territorial development strategies referred to in the first subparagraph 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, resilient and competitive economy by 2050. Those strategies shall pay particular attention to affordable and sustainable housing, poverty, 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. | |
| 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; (e) set out an effective involvement of partners in the preparation and implementation of the strategy. | |
| 6. Territorial strategies implemented pursuant to paragraph 2, point (a) or (c), 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 National and Regional Partnership Plan chapters concerned shall set out the planned amounts for that purpose. | |
| 12. Support may be provided for the preparation and design of strategies implemented pursuant to this Article, including the mobilisation of relevant multidisciplinary expertise, participatory processes and the development of integrated project pipelines. | |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Article 5a | |
| Support for the development of rural areas | |
| 1. Member States shall allocate at least 10 % of their total ERDF and, where applicable, Cohesion Fund resources, other than for technical assistance, for the development of rural areas as defined in article 3. 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. Support for the development of rural areas under paragraph 1 shall in particular include: | |
| (a) sustainable rural infrastructure including transport and public transport systems, energy supply, water supply and sanitation, and waste management; | |
| (b) climate change adaptation related infrastructure in rural areas, including green and blue infrastructure and nature-based solutions, and the restoration of ecosystem services contributing to the achievement of national restoration plans under Regulation (EU) 2024/1991(b) rural connectivity, including broadband and digital infrastructure; | |
| (c) the diversification, competitiveness and resilience of rural economies, including support for local businesses, innovation and job creation; | |
| (d) access to essential infrastructures linked to services in rural areas, including healthcare, education, childcare, housing and social services; | |
| (e) social inclusion and community development in rural areas; | |
| (f) addressing demographic decline, including measures to support the attractiveness of rural areas and retain and attract residents and workers; | |
| (g) sustainable tourism and cultural heritage in rural areas; | |
| (h) support to repurposing of vacant housing into sustainable affordable and social public housing. | |
| 3. Investments referred in paragraph 2 shall be determined on the basis of an assessment of needs of rural areas as defined in Article 3, carried out at national or, where relevant, regional level, covering in particular demography, the situation of young people, gender gaps and access to essential service, also in relation to the “Right to stay” principle. | |
| 4. Cohesion Fund support for rural development under paragraph 1 of this Article shall be compatible with Article 177(2) TFEU. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5a | |
| Support for rural development | |
| 1. Member States shall allocate at least 15 % of their total ERDF and, where applicable, Cohesion Fund resources, other than for technical assistance, to rural development. 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. Support for rural development under paragraph 1 shall in particular include: | |
| (a) sustainable rural infrastructure including transport, energy supply, water supply and sanitation, and waste management; | |
| (b) rural connectivity, including broadband and digital infrastructure; | |
| (c) the diversification, competitiveness and resilience of rural economies, including support for local businesses, innovation and job creation; | |
| (d) access to essential infrastructures linked to services in rural areas, including healthcare, education, childcare and social services; | |
| (e) support for social inclusion and community development in rural areas; | |
| (f) measures addressing demographic decline, including measures to enhance the attractiveness of rural areas and retain and attract residents and workers; | |
| (g) support for sustainable tourism and cultural heritage in rural areas; | |
| (h) measures to develop and ensure the comprehensive local supply of goods and products, particularly everyday essentials. | |
| 3. Cohesion Fund support for rural development under paragraph 1 of this Article shall be compatible with Article 177(2) TFEU. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5a | |
| Integrated territorial development | |
| 1. The ERDF and, within its Treaty-based scope, the Cohesion Fund may support integrated territorial development contributing to sustainable development and addressing economic, social, demographic, housing, transport, energy, environmental, climate, infrastructure and other territorial challenges identified by Member States, regions and territories concerned. | |
| 2. Support may be implemented through: | |
| (a) integrated territorial investments; | |
| (b) community-led local development; | |
| (c) other territorial instruments or integrated approaches established by the Member State. | |
| 3. The choice of territorial instrument shall be determined by the Member State or competent regional or local authorities in accordance with the institutional arrangements of the Member State concerned. | |
| 4. Integrated territorial approaches may cover urban, rural, metropolitan, functional, cross-border, mountain, island, coastal, sparsely populated or other territories facing common development challenges, including through integrated sustainable urban development where appropriate. | |
| 5. Particular attention shall be paid to strengthening urban-rural linkages, territorial accessibility and balanced territorial development across all categories of regions. | |
| 6. Where the list of operations has not been included in the relevant territorial strategy, the relevant territorial, local or urban authorities or bodies shall select operations or be involved in their selection, in accordance with the institutional arrangements of the Member State concerned. | |
| 7. No mandatory minimum percentage of ERDF or Cohesion Fund resources shall be allocated under this Regulation to the territorial instruments referred to in this Article. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5a | |
| Support for rural areas and areas in demographic transition | |
| 1. Member States and regions shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing challenges stemming from rural areas and areas in demographic transition through the ERDF support in one or more dedicated chapters of the National Regional and Partnership Plan. This specific support from the ERDF should be in line with the right to stay initiative and it may be complemented with the additional support of the 10% allocation ringfenced for rural areas in the Regulation (EU) [NRP Plan Regulation]. Efforts to localise investments through integrated place-based strategies and place-based instruments (ITI, CLLD, etc.) aimed at improving both access to essential services and human and social capital to improve the regions’ attractiveness and living conditions could be targeted towards, as a priority, at the very least those areas that suffer an average loss of 7.5 inhabitants for every 1 000 residents at NUTS 3 level for at least 10 years. | |
| 2. By way of derogation from the definition provided in Article 3 paragraph 2c on ‘rural areas’, where the Member State has an objective circumstance such as a very high national population density compared to the EU average, 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 |
|---|---|
| Article 5a | |
| Support for rural development | |
| 1. Member States shall allocate at least 10 % of their total ERDF and Cohesion Fund resources, other than for technical assistance, to rural development.2. Support for rural development under paragraph 1 shall in particular include: | |
| (a) sustainable rural infrastructure including transport, energy supply, water supply and sanitation, and waste management; | |
| (b) rural connectivity, including broadband and digital infrastructure; | |
| (c) the diversification, competitiveness and resilience of rural economies, including support for local businesses, innovation and job creation; | |
| (d) access to essential infrastructures linked to services in rural areas, including healthcare, education, childcare and social services; | |
| (e) social inclusion and community development in rural areas; | |
| (f) addressing demographic decline, including measures to support the attractiveness of rural areas and retain and attract residents and workers; | |
| (g) sustainable tourism and cultural heritage in rural areas. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5a | |
| Sustainable Rural Development | |
| 1. As part of their territorial development, Member States shall support integrated rural development strategies, including and alongside LEADER, which focus on sustainable rural development and tackle demographic, social, environmental, energy, and climate challenges, in particular the right to stay and a just transition towards a clean and climate-neutral and resilient economy by 2050, paying special attention to housing, poverty, isolation, cultural heritage and to harnessing the potential of digital technologies for improving connectivity, to support the development and conservation of sustainable rural areas, as well as supporting urban-rural linkages. | |
| 2. Member States must allocate at least 10% of their ERDF allocation towards LEADER and rural development. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5a | |
| Administrative capacity and governance | |
| In line with the objectives of economic, social and territorial cohesion set out in Article 174 TFEU and the mission of the ERDF under Article 176 TFEU to redress main regional imbalances through structural adjustment, the ERDF may contribute to strengthening the institutional, administrative and governance capacity of public authorities and relevant stakeholders at national, regional and local level, as an enabling condition for the effective design, implementation and sustainability of cohesion policy investments across all specific objectives referred to in Article 3 of the NRP Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5a | |
| Administrative capacity and governance | |
| In line with the objectives of economic, social and territorial cohesion set out in Article 174 TFEU and the mission of the ERDF under Article 176 TFEU to redress main regional imbalances through structural adjustment, the ERDF can contribute to strengthening the institutional, administrative and governance capacity of public authorities and relevant stakeholders at national, regional and local level, as an enabling condition for the effective design, implementation and sustainability of cohesion policy investments across all specific objectives referred to in Article 3 of the NRP Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5a | |
| Integrated territorial and sustainable urban development | |
| 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, including infrastructure for safe active mobility, European Urban Initiatives and URBACT projects and local services linked to urban inclusion. The National and Regional Partnership Plan chapters concerned shall set out the planned amounts for that purpose. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5a | |
| Support for rural development | |
| Member States shall allocate at least 10 % of their total ERDF and, where applicable, Cohesion Fund resources, other than for technical assistance, to rural development. | |
| This support shall cover rural infrastructure and digital connectivity, the diversification of rural economies, innovation and job creation, access to essential services such as healthcare, education, childcare and social services, social inclusion and community development, measures addressing demographic decline and supporting the attractiveness of rural areas, sustainable tourism and cultural heritage. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5a | |
| Integrated territorial development | |
| Support for integrated territorial development shall be based on existing or new integrated territorial development strategies, which can include integrated territorial investments, community-led local development strategies or other territorial tools, focused on all type of territories and addressing specific needs and challenges. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5b | |
| Support for sustainable, social and affordable public housing | |
| 1. Member States shall allocate at least 15 % of the resources available under the ERDF and, where applicable, the Cohesion Fund to sustainable social and affordable public housing. For the purposes of this Regulation, ‘sustainable social and affordable public housing’ refers to housing accessible to households that cannot access adequate housing at market conditions, in particular low- and middle-income households and persons experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and delivered by public, cooperative, or social housing providers. | |
| 2. Support under paragraph 1 can include: | |
| (a) the construction of new public housing in line with EPBD; | |
| (b) the acquisition of existing dwellings or buildings, with a particular focus on vacant housing stock, by public authorities or public bodies for conversion into public housing according to EPBD standards and national building renovations plans; | |
| (c) the renovation, including industrialised and district renovation, modernisation and energy-efficient refurbishment of public housing in line with the EPBD and national building renovation plans; | |
| Support granted for actions under point a) to c) of this paragraph shall ensure cost-based rents and reinvestment obligations to contribute achieving affordable, sustainable and decent housing permanently in accordance with the purposes of this Regulation concerning “sustainable social and affordable public housing” referred to in the second subparagraph of paragraph 1. | |
| Where possible, priority shall be given to community-led public housing initiatives, including those complying with the NEB solutions. | |
| 3. The Cohesion Fund shall support investment in public housing under this Article only where such investment contributes to the promotion of quality, energy efficiency, onsite renewable energy use and uptake of decarbonised material of such housing in line with the EPBD requirements and national building renovation plans. For Member States eligible for support from the Cohesion Fund, the minimum allocation referred to in paragraph 1 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. | |
| 4. Member States shall ensure that public housing remains within the public housing stock permanently and continues to pursue a public-interest housing mission. | |
| 5. Sustainable social and affordable public housing supported under this Regulation must be owned or managed by public authorities, public bodies, non-profit entities, housing cooperatives, Community Land Trusts or other entities pursuing a social or public-interest housing mission in accordance with national law. | |
| 6. Private buildings pursuing a social or public interest housing mission and benefiting from support under point (c) of paragraph 2 shall continue to pursue such mission for a period of not less than 10 years from the completion of the supported operation, including by remaining accessible and affordable to the households referred to in the second subparagraph of paragraph 1. Where a building ceases to fulfil the conditions referred to in this paragraph before the expiry of that period, the support granted under this Fund shall be fully recovered from the beneficiary by the competent managing authority. Resources recovered under this paragraph shall be reinvested in support for sustainable social and affordable public housing in accordance with the objectives and conditions set out in this Article. | |
| 7. For the purposes of this Regulation, ‘sustainable social and affordable public housing’ refers to affordable, sustainable and decent housing solutions aimed primarily at addressing the housing needs of socio-economic disadvantaged/vulnerable households - such as those at risk of poverty, social exclusion, homelessness or living in inadequate and undignified housing, as well as the housing needs of low- to middle-income households, who are unable to access adequate accommodation under market conditions, facing structural barriers to housing affordability, notably making possible that the total housing costs per household concerned, in terms of rents or mortgages, housing-related taxes, water and energy bills, do not overcome 30% of their monthly disposable income. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5b | |
| Support for sustainable social and affordable public housing | |
| 1. Member States shall allocate at least 10 % of the resources available under the ERDF and, where applicable, the Cohesion Fund to sustainable social and affordable public housing. For the purposes of this Regulation, ‘sustainable social and affordable public housing’ refers to housing accessible to households that cannot access adequate housing at market conditions, in particular low- and middle-income households and persons experiencing or at risk of homelessness. | |
| 2. Support under paragraph 1 may include: (a) the construction of new public housing; (b) the acquisition of existing dwellings or buildings by public authorities or public bodies for conversion into public housing; (c) the renovation, modernisation and energy-efficient refurbishment of public housing; Where possible, priority shall be given to public housing initiatives that are in line with the values and working principles of the New European Bauhaus. | |
| 3. The Cohesion Fund shall support investment in public housing under this Article only where such investment contributes to the promotion of energy efficiency, renewable energy use or the decarbonisation of such housing. For Member States eligible for support from the Cohesion Fund, the minimum allocation referred to in paragraph 1 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. | |
| 4. Member States shall ensure that public housing remains within the public housing stock or continues to pursue a public-interest housing mission. | |
| 5. Sustainable social and affordable public housing supported under this Regulation may be owned or managed by public authorities, public bodies, non-profit entities, housing cooperatives, Community Land Trusts or other entities pursuing a social or public-interest housing mission in accordance with national law. | |
| 6. Private buildings pursuing a social or public-interest housing mission and benefiting from support under paragraph 2, point (c), shall continue to pursue such mission for a period of not less than 10 years from the completion of the supported operation, including by remaining accessible and affordable to the households referred to in paragraph 1, second subparagraph. Where a building ceases to fulfil the conditions referred to in this paragraph before the expiry of that period, the support granted under these Funds shall be fully recovered from the beneficiary by the competent managing authority. Resources recovered under this paragraph shall be reinvested in support for sustainable social and affordable public housing in accordance with the objectives and conditions set out in this Article. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5b | |
| Support for rural development | |
| 1. Member States shall allocate at least 10 % of their total ERDF and, where applicable, Cohesion Fund resources, other than for technical assistance, to rural development. | |
| 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. Support for rural development under paragraph 1 shall in particular include: (a) sustainable rural infrastructure including transport, energy supply, water supply and sanitation, and waste management; (b) rural connectivity, including broadband and digital infrastructure; (c) the diversification, competitiveness and resilience of rural economies, including support for local businesses, innovation and job creation; (d) access to essential infrastructures linked to services in rural areas, including healthcare, education, childcare and social services; (e) social inclusion and community development in rural areas; (f) addressing demographic decline, including measures to support the attractiveness of rural areas and retain and attract residents and workers; (g) sustainable tourism and cultural heritage in rural areas, including cycling and other active tourism infrastructure such as greenways and long-distance cycling routes, including sections of the trans-European EuroVelo cycling network. | |
| 3. Cohesion Fund support for rural development under paragraph 1 of this Article shall be compatible with Article 177(2) TFEU. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5b | |
| Integrated territorial development | |
| 1. A share of the ERDF resources allocated to each Member State, excluding those allocated to technical assistance, shall be used to support integrated territorial development strategies in accordance with Article 75 of the [NRP] Regulation. | |
| 2. Within this allocation, Member States shall provide an identifiable and adequate share for strategies targeting subregional and functional territories, including rural, peri-urban, border, island, mountain, sparsely populated territories or territories affected by demographic decline | |
| 3. Where such strategies concern administrative units classified at NUTS level 3 in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003, the managing authority may delegate functions to the competent administrative authorities of those units in the preparation and implementation of the strategies and and in the management of the funds related to the stategy, in accordance with the institutional and legal framework of the Member State. | |
| 4. Member States shall identify, in the corresponding chapter of their National and Regional Partnership Plan, the resources allocated to the strategies referred to in this Article. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5b | |
| Affordable and social housing | |
| 1. The ERDF may support investment in affordable and social housing where such investment contributes to economic, social or territorial development. | |
| 2. Support may include construction, renovation, modernisation, regeneration and energy-efficiency improvements, as well as related local infrastructure. | |
| 3. Support under this Article shall complement national, regional and local housing policies and shall be implemented without prejudice to the competence of Member States in the field of housing. | |
| 4. No mandatory minimum share of ERDF resources shall be allocated to housing under this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5b | |
| Administrative capacity and governance | |
| In line with the objectives of economic, social and territorial cohesion set out in Article 174 TFEU and the mission of the ERDF under Article 176 TFEU to redress main regional imbalances through structural adjustment, the ERDF can contribute to strengthening the institutional, administrative and governance capacity of public authorities and relevant stakeholders at national, regional and local level, as an enabling condition for the effective design, implementation and sustainability of cohesion policy investments across all specific objectives referred to in Article 3 of the NRP Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 15b | |
| Support for rural areas | |
| 1. Member States shall allocate at least 10 % of their total ERDF and, where applicable, Cohesion Fund resources, other than for technical assistance, to measures to be implemented in the agricultural sector, unless they decide to allocate them to measures dedicated to the development of rural areas. 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. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5b | |
| Support for rural development | |
| 2. Support for rural development under paragraph 1 shall in particular include: | |
| (g) sustainable tourism and cultural heritage in rural areas, including cycling and other active tourism infrastructure such as greenways and long-distance cycling routes, including sections of the trans- European EuroVelo cycling network. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5c | |
| Conditions applicable to support for the renovation, rehabilitation, refurbishment or energy-efficiency improvement of buildings | |
| 1. Support under this Regulation may be provided for the renovation, rehabilitation, refurbishment or energy-efficiency improvement of buildings, according to the specific objective of Article 2, point (b)(iv) of this Regulation. | |
| 2. When granting such support, Member States shall prioritise targeting vulnerable households, people affected by energy poverty or, where applicable, living in social housing, in accordance with Article 24 of Directive (EU) 2023/1791 and the worst-performing residential buildings and residential buildings units according to the national implementation of Directive (EU) 2024/1275 on the energy performance of buildings (EPBD) and their National Building Renovation Plans. And those lived by vulnerable households, people affected by energy poverty and living in social housing. | |
| 3. Where a building benefiting from support under paragraph 1 is sold, transferred or converted to a use other than that for which support was granted within 10 years from the completion of the supported operation, the beneficiary shall reimburse to the competent managing authority the support received, reduced proportionally to the period during which the building was held following completion of the supported operation. | |
| 4. Resources returned to or recovered by the managing authorities shall be reinvested in refurbishment and energy-efficiency investments of buildings in accordance with the objectives and conditions set out in this Article. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5c | |
| Resources allocated to the Interreg Plan | |
| 1. The ERDF resources for the Interreg Plan shall amount to EUR 10 264 000 000. | |
| 2. The resources referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated as follows: (a) X % (i.e., a total of EUR X for cross-border cooperation); (b) X % (i.e., a total of EUR X for transnational cooperation); (c) X % (i.e., a total of EUR X for interregional cooperation); (d) X % (i.e., a total of EUR X for outermost regions’ cooperation). | |
| 3. The Commission shall communicate to each Member State its share of the global amounts for cross-border, transnational and outmost regions´ cooperation, pursuant to the methodology provided for in Annex III of (NRPP Regulation), broken down by year.“ |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5c | |
| Rural and sparsely populated territories | |
| The ERDF may support the development of rural and sparsely populated territories, including investments in transport and digital connectivity, essential services, local infrastructure, economic diversification, tourism, cultural heritage and measures addressing demographic decline. No mandatory minimum share of ERDF resources shall be allocated to such measures under this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5c | |
| Support for place-based innovation and smart specialisation | |
| Measures contributing to one or more of the specific objectives set out in Article 2 of this Regulation shall take into consideration national or regional smart specialisation strategies, which shall be supported by, as appropriate: | |
| (f) where relevant, actions to support a sustainable and clean industrial transition; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5d | |
| Energy affordability and regional competitiveness | |
| Within its Treaty-based scope, the ERDF may support investments contributing to secure and affordable energy supply, adequate energy and network infrastructure and the competitiveness and resilience of regional industrial ecosystems, in accordance with national and regional circumstances and applicable Union law. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5e | |
| Response to natural disasters | |
| 1. Following a major natural disaster, support under this Regulation may contribute to reconstruction, restoration of essential infrastructure, disaster prevention, preparedness and territorial resilience. | |
| 2. Member States shall be able to adapt the relevant measures under their National and Regional Partnership Plans in accordance with Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. | |
| 3. The Commission shall process amendments necessary for the purposes of this Article without undue delay. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 5f | |
| Safeguard against additional Union-level conditions | |
| When exercising powers conferred on it under this Regulation, Regulation [NRP Regulation] or other applicable Union legislation, the Commission shall act within the scope of the relevant empowerment and in accordance with the principles of proportionality and legal certainty. Guidance, templates or administrative arrangements shall not introduce additional eligibility, selection, programming or reporting requirements which are not provided for in, or necessary for the implementation of, the applicable Union legislation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Measures shall be established in the National and Regional Partnership Plans to cover structural support for their economic, social and territorial development and operating costs or compensation including for the provision of services under a public service obligation and contracts in those regions with a view to offsetting the additional costs incurred in the outermost regions as a result of one or more of the permanent restraints to their development listed in Article 349, first paragraph, TFEU. | The Member State shall include in the National and Regional Partnership Plans measures to offset the additional expenditure resulting from one or more permanent constraints on their development, covering both structural and operating costs. The costs of compensation granted for fulfilling public service obligations and their contracts in these regions may also be financed. The Member State shall provide support in the outermost regions for activities such as: |
| infrastructure investments; | |
| activities for applied research and innovation; | |
| investments in access to services; | |
| equipment, software and intangible assets; | |
| networking, cooperation, exchange of experiences and activities involving innovation clusters, including between businesses, research organisations and public authorities; | |
| information, communication and studies; technical assistance; and | |
| productive investments in enterprises, irrespective of their size. | |
| Such measures should be financed through a specific additional allocation for the outermost regions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Measures shall be established in the National and Regional Partnership Plans to cover structural support for their economic, social and territorial development and operating costs or compensation including for the provision of services under a public service obligation and contracts in those regions with a view to offsetting the additional costs incurred in the outermost regions as a result of one or more of the permanent restraints to their development listed in Article 349, first paragraph, TFEU. | Measures shall be established in the National and Regional Partnership Plans to cover structural support for their economic, social and territorial development and operating costs or compensation including for the provision of services under a public service obligation and contracts in those regions with a view to offsetting the additional costs incurred in the outermost regions as a result of one or more of the permanent restraints to their development listed in Article 349, first paragraph, TFEU. Measures shall be determined taking account of the specific economic, social, territorial and geographical circumstances of the outermost regions and shall not be subject to additional thematic concentration requirements under this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Measures shall be established in the National and Regional Partnership Plans to cover structural support for their economic, social and territorial development and operating costs or compensation including for the provision of services under a public service obligation and contracts in those regions with a view to offsetting the additional costs incurred in the outermost regions as a result of one or more of the permanent restraints to their development listed in Article 349, first paragraph, TFEU. | Measures shall be established in the National and Regional Partnership Plans to cover structural support for their economic, social and territorial development, their territorial continuity and for keeping the cost of living for their residents under control, and operating costs or compensation including for the provision of services under a public service obligation and contracts in those regions with a view to offsetting the additional costs incurred in the outermost regions as a result of one or more of the permanent restraints to their development listed in Article 349, first paragraph, TFEU. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Measures shall be established in the National and Regional Partnership Plans to cover structural support for their economic, social and territorial development and operating costs or compensation including for the provision of services under a public service obligation and contracts in those regions with a view to offsetting the additional costs incurred in the outermost regions as a result of one or more of the permanent restraints to their development listed in Article 349, first paragraph, TFEU. | Measures shall be established in the National and Regional Partnership Plans to cover structural support for their economic, social and territorial development and operating costs or compensation for the outermost regions, including for the provision of services under a public service obligation and contracts in those regions with a view to offsetting the additional costs incurred in the outermost regions as a result of one or more of the permanent restraints to their development listed in Article 349, first paragraph, TFEU. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Where an outermost region experiences unsustainable migratory pressure in view of its size and reception capacities, the Member State concerned may dedicate part of the structural support referred to in the first subparagraph to strengthening border control capacities and essential public infrastructure affected by that pressure, without prejudice to the primary purpose of this Article, which is to compensate for the permanent constraints referred to in the first paragraph of Article 349 TFEU. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of measures referred to in paragraph 1 shall take account of the specific structural constraints of each outermost region and shall be carried out in meaningful partnership with the competent regional and local authorities and relevant local partners and stakeholders, in accordance with Regulation (EU) [Performance Framework]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States with one or more outermost regions shall establish, for each outermost region, a dedicated regional chapter within their NRP Plan for measures supported by the ERDF. Each such chapter shall be supported by a specific additional allocation from the ERDF, clearly identified and additional to the resources allocated to that region according to its category. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Use of the specific additional allocation for the outermost regions shall not be limited to the specific objectives set out in this Regulation and the broader scope of intervention and eligibility established for the outermost regions must be preserved. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In multi-fund programmes, evaluations must be carried out, where possible, in an integrated manner, preventing additional fund-specific evaluations or procedures that could increase administrative burden or delay implementation, taking into account, in particular, the specific circumstances of the outermost regions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| For support from the ERDF in the outermost regions, the minimum national contribution rate to less developed regions under Regulation (EU) [...] [NRP Regulation] shall apply, irrespective of the category of region to which the outermost region concerned belongs. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Under the support referred to in paragraph 1, the POSEI Transport mechanism shall be established to provide connectivity and accessibility for people and goods, regular and reliable connections with continental Europe and neighbouring territories, along with free movement and access to the internal market under fair conditions. The programme must also support the construction, maintenance, upgrade and resilience of transport infrastructure, including road, maritime and air infrastructure, contributing to the territorial continuity and economic, social and territorial cohesion of the outermost regions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| With a view to providing security of supply, mitigating dependence on imported fuels and contributing to the energy union and energy resilience in Union territory, support for solutions tailored to those regions' isolated energy systems and networks shall be eligible for the measures set out in this Article. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Without prejudice to the general rules set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], the co-financing rate applicable to support from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund under the national and regional partnership plans for the outermost regions shall be no less than 85 %.’ |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| With regard to the outermost regions, a mechanism must be established to increase the financing rate for or compensate for the extra costs proven to be associated with the transport of materials and equipment, movement of specialised teams, logistics, energy, technical assistance, contracting, maintenance and execution of works on island territories, ensuring that geographical isolation does not penalise the financial viability or implementation of co-financed operations. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| For the purposes of paragraph 1, and with a view to European competitiveness, a gradual climate transition and resilience, account must be taken of the specific needs of the outermost regions, including the infrastructure and facilities needed for mobility, security, essential services and territorial cohesion. In this context, investments shall be eligible for the protection of the coastline, combating erosion, drainage, access routes, the rehabilitation of bathing areas, roads, bridges, footpaths, retention of walls and links between parishes, as well as in disaster prevention, civil protection and reconstruction following natural disasters. Community, cultural, sports and civil protection facilities, water, sanitation and waste networks, energy efficiency, public spaces, accessibility, accessible housing, urban regeneration, heritage, digitalisation and smart infrastructure management, along with population retention measures, measures to combat the ageing of the population and depopulation, support for the local economy, sustainable tourism, biodiversity, training and community-based services are also eligible. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Establishment of the amounts of the specific additional allocation for the outermost regions: | |
| – at least EUR 820 000 000 shall be allocated to interventions intended to compensate for the additional transport costs in the outermost regions referred to in Article 46(2)(a) under the POSEI Transport programme | |
| – at least EUR 2 644 104 713 in additional funding for the outermost regions referred to in Article 349 of the TFEU and the NUTS level 2 regions that fulfil the criteria laid down in Article 2 of Protocol No 6 to the 1994 Act of Accession. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 6a | |
| Border regions particularly affected by the consequences of geopolitical tensions in the vicinity of Russia, Belarus or Ukraine. | |
| 1. As part of their territorial development, Member States shall provide support to regions situated on the external border of the European Union, bordering Russia, Belarus or Ukraine. These regions face challenges arising from security threats specific to their geographical location, leading to destabilisation and the significant weakening of social and economic development. The competitiveness of these regions has been significantly affected by the closure of borders, restrictions on trade with the aforementioned countries and a decline in investment. Member States are focusing on the sustainable development of these areas, with particular emphasis on infrastructure investment, including dual-use projects, civil protection, preventing depopulation, economic development and strengthening the resilience of local economies, including through the diversification of economic activities, the development of digital and transport infrastructure (including local roads and rail links), and the utilisation of these areas’ endogenous potential and cultural heritage. These measures are in line with the Commission's Communication on the EU’s eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine and may be implemented through the establishment of a separate Interreg chapter or a special cooperation programme for regions located on the external border of the European Union bordering Russia, Belarus or Ukraine. These chapters may be co-financed under the Global Europe Instrument in proportions that allow for the full implementation of the objectives of the Commission’s Communication on the eastern regions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 6a | |
| Gender equality and gender mainstreaming | |
| 1. In accordance with Article 8 TFEU, gender equality and gender mainstreaming shall be taken into account throughout the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of support from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund. Member States and regions shall promote equality between women and men and take appropriate measures to prevent any discrimination based on gender. | |
| 2. Support from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall, in accordance with Regulation (EU) [Performance Framework], consider the potential gender-differentiated effects of supported investments and their contribution to gender equality. In the design and implementation of place-based and territorial interventions, Member States and regions shall also take into account gender disparities and the different challenges faced by women and men in accessing employment, education and training, affordable housing, sustainable mobility, safe public spaces, digital connectivity, care services and other essential public services. | |
| 3. Member States and regions shall pay attention to gender balance in monitoring committees and other relevant advisory, evaluation and decision-making bodies involved in the implementation of support under this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 6a | |
| Islands and Island Member States | |
| The EU islands strategy recognises the three island Member States of the EU and the increased costs, challenges, and constraints of being an island Member State, compared to being a continental EU member. The effects of this isolation should be acknowledged in ERDF and INTERREG planning which should mitigate these economic and social factors where relevant for island Member States |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 6b | |
| Rights of persons with disabilities and accessibility | |
| 1. Support from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall respect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities and contribute to their independence, social and economic inclusion and full and effective participation in society, in accordance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. | |
| 2. Investments in infrastructure, the built environment, housing, transport and digital infrastructure shall take into due account and promote accessibility for persons with disabilities. | |
| 3. Persons with disabilities and their representative organisations shall be involved, where relevant and in accordance with the partnership principle, in the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of support and interventions under this Regulation that particularly affect them. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) cooperation between adjacent regions to promote integrated and harmonious regional development between neighbouring land and maritime border regions (cross-border cooperation); | (a) cross-border cooperation between adjacent regions to promote integrated and harmonious regional development, address common challenges and harness the untapped sustainable growth potential between neighbouring land and maritime border regions (cross-border cooperation), ensuring that the application of distance criteria (150 km) does not lead to the exclusion of islands belonging to the same sea basin; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) cooperation between adjacent regions to promote integrated and harmonious regional development between neighbouring land and maritime border regions (cross-border cooperation); | (a) cooperation between adjacent regions of Member States and non-Member States to promote integrated and harmonious regional development between neighbouring land and maritime border regions (cross-border cooperation); |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (aa) where relevant, this cross-border cooperation shall pay special attention to the situation and needs of national and linguistic minorities residing in those border regions; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) cooperation over larger transnational territories or around sea basins, involving national, regional and local partners in Member States and non-Member States with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration (transnational cooperation); | (b) transnational cooperation over larger transnational territories or around sea basins, involving national, regional and local partners in Member States and non-Member States with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration, climate resilience and sustainable development, based as well on multilevel governance and partnership (transnational cooperation); |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) cooperation over larger transnational territories or around sea basins, involving national, regional and local partners in Member States and non-Member States with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration (transnational cooperation); | (b) cooperation over larger transnational territories or around sea basins, involving national, regional and local partners in Member States and non-Member States and other relevant partners, including, where appropriate, international and civil society organizations with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration (transnational cooperation); |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) cooperation over larger transnational territories or around sea basins, involving national, regional and local partners in Member States and non-Member States with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration (transnational cooperation); | (b) cooperation over larger transnational territories or around sea basins, involving national, regional and local partners in Member States and non-Member States with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration (transnational cooperation), with the exclusion of any entity identified as an instrument of influence of a foreign government; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) cooperation over larger transnational territories or around sea basins, involving national, regional and local partners in Member States and non-Member States with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration (transnational cooperation); | (b) cooperation over larger transnational territories or around sea basins or mountain areas, involving national, regional and local partners in Member States and non-Member States with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration (transnational cooperation); |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) cooperation to reinforce the effectiveness of cohesion policy by promoting exchange of experiences, innovative approaches and capacity building (interregional cooperation); | (c) cooperation between regions of Member States and non-Member States to reinforce the effectiveness of cohesion policy by promoting exchange of experiences, innovative approaches and capacity building and an analysis of development trends in relation to territorial cohesion objectives through the Interreg Europe, Interact, URBACT and ESPON programmes (interregional cooperation); |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) cooperation to reinforce the effectiveness of cohesion policy by promoting exchange of experiences, innovative approaches and capacity building (interregional cooperation); | (c) interregional cooperation to reinforce the effectiveness of cohesion policy by promoting exchange of experiences, innovative approaches and capacity building and an analysis of development trends in relation to territorial cohesion objectives through Interreg Europe, Interact, URBACT and ESPON programmes (interregional cooperation); |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) cooperation to reinforce the effectiveness of cohesion policy by promoting exchange of experiences, innovative approaches and capacity building (interregional cooperation); | (c) cooperation to reinforce the effectiveness of cohesion policy by promoting exchange of experiences, innovative approaches, territorial evidence and capacity building (interregional cooperation), including through Interreg Europe, URBACT, ESPON and Interact; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) cooperation to reinforce the effectiveness of cohesion policy by promoting exchange of experiences, innovative approaches and capacity building (interregional cooperation); | (c) cooperation to reinforce the effectiveness of cohesion policy by promoting exchange of experiences, innovative approaches and capacity building through Interreg Europe, INTERACT, URBACT and ESPON (interregional cooperation); |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (d) cooperation among outermost regions and with their neighbouring non-Member States or regional integration and cooperation organisations to facilitate their regional integration and harmonious development in their neighbourhood (outermost regions’ cooperation). | (d) cooperation among outermost regions and with their neighbouring non-Member States or regional integration and cooperation organisations to facilitate their regional integration and harmonious development in their neighbourhood (outermost regions’ cooperation). Such cooperation shall be the subject of a detailed annual report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council, specifying the amounts committed by the partner non-Member State and the results achieved. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (d) cooperation among outermost regions and with their neighbouring non-Member States or regional integration and cooperation organisations to facilitate their regional integration and harmonious development in their neighbourhood (outermost regions’ cooperation). | (d) cooperation among outermost regions and with their neighbouring non-Member States or other outmost regions or strategic third-country partners or regional integration and cooperation organisations to facilitate their regional integration and harmonious development in their neighbourhood (outermost regions’ cooperation). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (d) cooperation among outermost regions and with their neighbouring non-Member States or regional integration and cooperation organisations to facilitate their regional integration and harmonious development in their neighbourhood (outermost regions’ cooperation). | (d) cooperation among outermost regions and with their neighbouring non-Member States or regional integration and cooperation organisations to facilitate their regional integration and harmonious sustainable development in their neighbourhood (outermost regions’ cooperation). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (da) capacity building and policy learning through the identification and exchange of good practices and innovative approaches with a view to transferring them into regional and local development policies and, where relevant, National and Regional Partnership Plans supporting the objectives set out in Article 3 (1) of the NRPP Regulation and the Interreg-specific objectives referred to in paragraph 4 (‘Interreg Europe’); |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (da) Do no significant harm principle shall apply to all strands of cooperation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (db) cooperation between regions bordering Russia, Belarus, or Ukraine, aimed at strengthening territorial cohesion, fostering cross-border development, as well as sustainable development of these regions, and addressing their specific economic, social, and security challenges resulting from the difficult social and economic situation caused by the closure of the borders, suspension of cooperation with regions from Russia and Belarus, and the inmpact of Russia'a war of aggression against Ukraine. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The instrument should contribute to ensuring consistency, coherence, synergies and complementarity between the Union's internal and external policies, to promote integrated and harmonious cooperation between Member States, their regions and regions with neighbouring countries, including through joint projects supporting economic development, connectivity, competitiveness, access to services and territorial resilience, as well as to strengthening cooperation and addressing common challenges at cross-border, transnational, macro-regional and sea basin level. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Unless this Regulation sets specific requirements, cooperation between two or more European partners, none of which are Member States or their regions, shall be conducted in accordance with the specific rules set out in Regulation XX [Global Europe]. | Unless this Regulation sets specific requirements, cooperation between two or more European partners, none of which are Member States or their regions, shall be conducted in accordance with the specific rules set out in Regulation XX [Global Europe]. Any financing for such cooperation shall be the subject of a detailed annual report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council, specifying the amounts committed per beneficiary country, and shall be conditional on effective and verifiable cooperation by the non-Member State concerned on the readmission of its nationals residing illegally on the territory of the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. Interreg Plan chapters supporting cross-border cooperation, transnational cooperation and interregional cooperation shall be implemented in shared management. Contributions from the Global Europe Instrument included in chapters supporting outermost regions’ cooperation may be implemented in shared or in indirect management. The cooperation programmes referred to in paragraph 1 co-financed by the National and Regional Partnership Fund may receive contributions from the pillars referred to in points (a), (b), (c) and (e) of Article 3(1) of Regulation XX [Global Europe Instrument]. | 2. Interreg Plan chapters supporting cross-border cooperation, transnational cooperation and interregional cooperation shall be implemented in shared management. Contributions from the Global Europe Instrument included in chapters supporting outermost regions’ cooperation shall be implemented in shared management. The cooperation programmes referred to in paragraph 1 co-financed by the National and Regional Partnership Fund may receive contributions from the pillars referred to in points (a), (b), (c) and (e) of Article 3(1) of Regulation XX [Global Europe Instrument]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. Interreg Plan chapters supporting cross-border cooperation, transnational cooperation and interregional cooperation shall be implemented in shared management. Contributions from the Global Europe Instrument included in chapters supporting outermost regions’ cooperation may be implemented in shared or in indirect management. The cooperation programmes referred to in paragraph 1 co-financed by the National and Regional Partnership Fund may receive contributions from the pillars referred to in points (a), (b), (c) and (e) of Article 3(1) of Regulation XX [Global Europe Instrument]. | 2. Interreg Plan chapters supporting cross-border cooperation, transnational cooperation and interregional cooperation shall be implemented in shared management. Contributions from the Global Europe Instrument included in chapters supporting outermost regions’ cooperation may be implemented in shared or in indirect management. The cooperation chapters referred to in paragraph 1 co-financed by the National and Regional Partnership Fund may receive contributions from the pillars referred to in points (a), (b), (c) and (e) of Article 3(1) of Regulation XX [Global Europe Instrument]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2a. For the purposes of the outermost regions’ cooperation strand referred to in paragraph 1(d), the rules, partnership requirements, targets and indicators shall take account of geographical distances, transport costs and the administrative capacity of the entities. Support should facilitate small-scale operations and partnerships directly involving municipalities and regional entities, including in the areas of civil protection, climate change adaptation, blue economy, mobility, culture, innovation, local services and knowledge sharing between territories. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2a. The Commission shall provide its initial comments within 30 days of the submission of a chapter and, within 60 days of receiving all the necessary information, shall issue a decision on approval or provide a final list of comments. The Commission shall publish an annual timetable for the approval of Interreg Plan chapters. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. The rules set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall apply to the Interreg Plan, except where more specific rules are set out in this Regulation for the implementation of the Interreg Plan. | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. The rules set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall apply to the Interreg Plan, except where more specific rules are set out in this Regulation for the implementation of the Interreg Plan. | 3. The rules set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall apply to the Interreg Plan, except where more specific rules are set out in this Regulation for the implementation of the Interreg Plan or where their application would be incompatible with the multi-country and territorial cooperation character of Interreg. Payment and performance arrangements applicable to the Interreg Plan shall be governed by the performance-based framework established in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], except where a derogation is expressly provided for in this Regulation and is necessary due to the specific multi-country nature of Interreg. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. In addition to the specific objectives set out in Article 3, points (a) and (c), of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], Interreg shall support “better cooperation governance”, “a safer and more secure Europe” and “more resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine”. | 4. In addition to the specific objectives set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], Interreg may support the following Interreg-specific objectives: |
| (a) ‘better cooperation governance’, including actions to: | |
| (i) enhance the institutional capacity of public authorities and stakeholders; | |
| (ii) promote legal and administrative cooperation and contribute to resolving legal, administrative and other obstacles to cross-border cooperation; | |
| (iii) strengthen cooperation between public authorities, citizens, economic and social partners and other relevant actors; | |
| (iv) build mutual trust, including through people-to-people actions; | |
| (v) enhance the capacity to implement macro-regional, sea-basin, cross-border and other territorial strategies; | |
| (b) ‘a safer and more secure Europe’, including cross-border cooperation in the fields of civil protection, disaster preparedness, emergency services, resilience of critical public infrastructure and cooperation between competent public authorities; | |
| (c) ‘more resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus or Ukraine’, including measures strengthening their economic, social, infrastructure and territorial resilience. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. In addition to the specific objectives set out in Article 3, points (a) and (c), of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], Interreg shall support “better cooperation governance”, “a safer and more secure Europe” and “more resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine”. | 4. In addition to the specific objectives set out in Article 3, points (a) and (c), of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], Interreg shall support “better cooperation governance”, “a safer and more secure Europe”, covering, in particular, the strengthening of control, surveillance and return capacities at the Union’s external borders, and “more resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine”. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. In addition to the specific objectives set out in Article 3, points (a) and (c), of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], Interreg shall support “better cooperation governance”, “a safer and more secure Europe” and “more resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine”. | 4. In addition to the specific objectives set out in Article 3, points (a) and (c), of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], Interreg shall support “better cooperation governance”, “a safer and more secure Europe” and “more resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus or Ukraine”. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. In addition to the specific objectives set out in Article 3, points (a) and (c), of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], Interreg shall support “better cooperation governance”, “a safer and more secure Europe” and “more resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine”. | 4. In addition to the specific objectives set out in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], Interreg shall support “better cooperation governance”, “a safer and more secure Europe” and “more resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine”. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Under the objective “more resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine”, support shall strengthen the economic, social and territorial resilience, competitiveness, security and preparedness of eastern border regions, including through cooperation in the areas of critical and dual-use infrastructure, military mobility, transport and strategic logistics, civil protection, energy and digital resilience, essential public services, SMEs and entrepreneurship, innovation and industrial capacity, demographic resilience and cooperation with Ukraine. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4a. The Interreg Plan chapters may provide for specific arrangements to support small projects and people-to-people initiatives. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 5. In the case of the PEACE PLUS cross-border programme, where it is acting in support of peace and reconciliation, the ERDF, as a specific objective under general objective (a) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], shall also contribute to promoting social, economic and regional stability in the regions concerned, in particular through actions to promote cohesion between communities. | 5. In the case of the PEACE PLUS cross-border programme, where it is acting in support of peace and reconciliation, the ERDF, as a specific objective under general objective (a) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], shall also contribute to promoting social, economic and regional stability in the regions concerned, in particular through actions to promote cohesion between communities and on an all-island basis. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. Articles XX [Loan support], XX [Loan agreement and borrowing and lending operations] and XX [mid-term review] and Article 14(2) [25% flexibility amount] of Regulation (EU) [NRP ] shall not apply to the Interreg Plan. | 6. Titles III, IV, V, VI, X and Articles 11, 13(3)(4)(5) [TA], 16(3)(6) [Decommitments], 17(1) [Pre-financing],Articles XX [Loan support], XX [Loan agreement and borrowing and lending operations] and XX [mid-term review] and Article 14(2) [25% flexibility amount] ], 50 [functions of the coordinating authority], 52 [functions of the paying agency], 54 [monitoring committee and coordinating committee], 55 [Composition of the monitoring committee], 56 [Functions of the monitoring committee], 57 [European and national CAP Network], 62 [Control system for farm stewardship and common fisheries policy], 70 [Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS)], 77 [Support under LEADER] of Regulation (EU) [NRP ] and article 5 of Regulation (EU) [PERF]of Regulation (EU) [NRP ] shall not apply to the Interreg Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. Articles XX [Loan support], XX [Loan agreement and borrowing and lending operations] and XX [mid-term review] and Article 14(2) [25% flexibility amount] of Regulation (EU) [NRP ] shall not apply to the Interreg Plan. | 6. Titles III, IV, V, VI, X and Articles 11, 13(3)(4)(5) [TA], 16(3)(6) [Decommitments], 17(1) [Pre-financing], [A1] Articles XX [Loan support], XX [Loan agreement and borrowing and lending operations] and XX [mid-term review] and Article 14(2) [25% flexibility amount] ], 50 [functions of the coordinating authority], 52 [functions of the paying agency], 54 [monitoring committee and coordinating committee], 55 [Composition of the monitoring committee], 56 [Functions of the monitoring committee], 57 [European and national CAP Network], 62 [Control system for farm stewardship and common fisheries policy], 70 [Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS)], 77 [Support under LEADER] of Regulation (EU) [NRP ] and article 5 of Regulation (EU) [PERF] shall not apply to the Interreg Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. Articles XX [Loan support], XX [Loan agreement and borrowing and lending operations] and XX [mid-term review] and Article 14(2) [25% flexibility amount] of Regulation (EU) [NRP ] shall not apply to the Interreg Plan. | 6. Articles XX [Loan support], XX [Loan agreement and borrowing and lending operations] and XX [mid-term review] and Article 14(2) [25% flexibility amount] of Regulation (EU) [NRP ] shall not apply to the Interreg Plan. Provisions of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] concerning macroeconomic or fiscal conditionality, suspension of payments or other measures attributable exclusively to one participating Member State shall not apply to the extent that their application would reduce or suspend support to beneficiaries or partners located in other participating Member States or non-Member States. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. Articles XX [Loan support], XX [Loan agreement and borrowing and lending operations] and XX [mid-term review] and Article 14(2) [25% flexibility amount] of Regulation (EU) [NRP ] shall not apply to the Interreg Plan. | 6 . Articles XX [Loan support], XX [Loan agreement and borrowing and lending operations] and XX [mid-term review], 65 [submission and assessment of payment applications] and Article 14(2) [25% flexibility amount] of Regulation (EU) [NRP] shall not apply to the Interreg Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6a. The possibility exists to continue implementing cross-border cooperation programmes in the current support areas, without prejudice to any adjustments necessary to ensure the coherence and continuity of the areas covered by the Interreg Plan, and where cross-border interaction can actually take place. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6a. By way of derogation from the co-financing rules set out in Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], the ERDF co-financing rate applicable to Interreg Plan chapters supporting cooperation between outermost regions may reach a maximum of 95 %. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6a. Value added tax (VAT) not recoverable by the beneficiary may be eligible for funding under Interreg Plan chapters, provided that it is actually borne by the beneficiary |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6a. No mandatory thematic concentration requirement shall apply to the Interreg Plan or to individual Interreg strands or chapters. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 7a | |
| Resources allocated to the Interreg Plan by strand | |
| 1. The ERDF resources for the Interreg Plan shall amount to EUR 10 264 000 000. | |
| 2. The resources referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated as follows: | |
| (a) X % (i.e., a total of EUR X for cross-border cooperation); | |
| (b) X % (i.e., a total of EUR X for transnational cooperation); | |
| (c) X % (i.e., a total of EUR X for interregional cooperation); | |
| (d) X % (i.e., a total of EUR X for outermost regions’ cooperation). | |
| 3. The Commission shall communicate to each Member State its share of the global amounts for cross-border, transnational and outmost regions´ cooperation, pursuant to the methodology provided for in Annex III of (NRPP Regulation), broken down by year.“ |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 7a | |
| Small project funds | |
| 1. An Interreg Plan chapter may support projects of limited financial volume and may establish one or more small project funds where this contributes to the strategy and objectives of the cooperation area. | |
| 2. Small project funds may in particular support people-to-people cooperation and small-scale cross-border initiatives. | |
| 3. The decision whether to establish a small project fund and the appropriate allocation thereto shall be taken in the context of the relevant Interreg Plan chapter. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 7a | |
| Transfers of appropriations | |
| Each Member State may transfer up to 25% of its financial allocation for each of the strands A, B and D from one of those strands to one or more of the others. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 7a | |
| INTERREG Budget | |
| 1. The financial envelope for the Interreg Plan, as defined in Article 10( 2), point (c), of Regulation (EU) ..../....[NRP Regulation], shall be EUR 12 000 000 000 in current prices |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. The Member State hosting the prospective managing authority shall submit an Interreg Plan chapter to the Commission at the latest six months after the entry into force of this Regulation on behalf of all participating Member States and non-Member States. | 2. The managing authority shall prepare the Interreg Plan chapter in cooperation with all participating Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States. The Member State hosting the managing authority shall submit the Interreg Plan chapter to the Commission at the latest six months after the entry into force of this Regulation on behalf of all participating Member States and non-Member States. The managing authority shall interact directly with the Commission throughout the preparation, assessment and approval of the Interreg Plan chapter. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. The Member State hosting the prospective managing authority shall submit an Interreg Plan chapter to the Commission at the latest six months after the entry into force of this Regulation on behalf of all participating Member States and non-Member States. | 2. The Member State hosting the prospective managing authority shall submit an Interreg Plan chapter to the Commission at the latest six months after the entry into force of this Regulation on behalf of all participating Member States and non-Member States. |
| The participating Member States and non-Member States shall confirm in writing their agreement to the contents of the chapter and to providing their co-financing and, where applicable, their financial contribution. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. The Member State hosting the prospective managing authority shall submit an Interreg Plan chapter to the Commission at the latest six months after the entry into force of this Regulation on behalf of all participating Member States and non-Member States. | 2. The Member State hosting the prospective managing authority shall submit an Interreg Plan chapter to the Commission at the latest six months after the entry into force of this Regulation on behalf of all participating Member States and non-Member States. |
| The participating Member States and non-Member States shall confirm in writing their agreement to the contents of the chapter and to providing their co-financing and, where applicable, their financial contribution. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. The Member State hosting the prospective managing authority shall submit an Interreg Plan chapter to the Commission at the latest six months after the entry into force of this Regulation on behalf of all participating Member States and non-Member States. | 2. The Member State hosting the prospective managing authority shall submit an Interreg Plan chapter to the Commission at the latest six months after the entry into force of this Regulation on behalf of all participating Member States and non-Member States. |
| The participating Member States and non-Member States shall confirm in writing their agreement to the contents of the chapter and to providing their co-financing and, where applicable, their financial contribution. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. The Member State hosting the prospective managing authority shall submit an Interreg Plan chapter to the Commission at the latest six months after the entry into force of this Regulation on behalf of all participating Member States and non-Member States. | 2. The prospective managing authority, acting on behalf of all participating Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States, shall submit an Interreg Plan chapter to the Commission at the latest six months after the entry into force of this Regulation on behalf of all participating Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. The Member State hosting the prospective managing authority shall submit an Interreg Plan chapter to the Commission at the latest six months after the entry into force of this Regulation on behalf of all participating Member States and non-Member States. | 2. The Member State hosting the prospective managing authority shall submit an Interreg chapter to the Commission at the latest nine months after the entry into force of this Regulation on behalf of all participating Member States and non-Member States; this period shall begin following the approval of the Interreg plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2a. The partnership and multi-level governance requirements laid down in Article 6 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall apply to the preparation of Interreg Plan chapters, taking account of the multi-country nature of Interreg and the territorial priorities jointly identified by the participating Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Each chapter of the Interreg Plan shall set out the following elements in line with the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation. The Interreg Plan chapter shall: | 3. Each chapter of Interreg shall set out the following elements in line with the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation. The Interreg Plan chapter shall: |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) describe the intervention strategy of the Interreg Plan chapter based on a clear analysis of territorial needs and gaps in the area covered, identifying the measures for cooperation, including any measures for territorial or local developement and explaining how these measures are expected to contribute to the objectives set out in Articles 2 and 3 [policy objectives] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and the Interreg-specific objectives referred to in paragraph 4 of Article 7 of this Regulation and to transition to climate neutrality; | (b) describe the intervention strategy of the Interreg Plan chapter based on a clear analysis of territorial needs and gaps in the area covered, identifying the measures for cooperation, including any measures for territorial or local development and explaining how these measures are expected to contribute to the objectives set out in Articles 2 and 3 [policy objectives] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and the Interreg-specific objectives referred to in paragraph 4 of Article 7 of this Regulation and to transition to climate neutrality; when devising the intervention strategy, due consideration should be paid to the continuity of established cross-border and transnational cooperation structures, and no unnecessary administrative burden should be placed on beneficiaries. The transparency of procedures must be ensured; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) describe the intervention strategy of the Interreg Plan chapter based on a clear analysis of territorial needs and gaps in the area covered, identifying the measures for cooperation, including any measures for territorial or local developement and explaining how these measures are expected to contribute to the objectives set out in Articles 2 and 3 [policy objectives] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and the Interreg-specific objectives referred to in paragraph 4 of Article 7 of this Regulation and to transition to climate neutrality; | (b) describe the intervention strategy of the Interreg Plan chapter based on a clear analysis of territorial needs and gaps in the area covered, including, where relevant, the common territorial, governance, environmental, maritime or socio-economic challenges identified under a macro-regional strategy or a sea-basin strategy covering all or part of the chapter area, identifying the measures for cooperation, including any measures for territorial or local development and explaining how these measures are expected to contribute to one or more of the relevant specific objectives set out in Article 3 [specific objectives] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and in paragraph 4 of Article 7 of this Regulation; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) describe the intervention strategy of the Interreg Plan chapter based on a clear analysis of territorial needs and gaps in the area covered, identifying the measures for cooperation, including any measures for territorial or local developement and explaining how these measures are expected to contribute to the objectives set out in Articles 2 and 3 [policy objectives] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and the Interreg-specific objectives referred to in paragraph 4 of Article 7 of this Regulation and to transition to climate neutrality; | (b) describe the intervention strategy of the Interreg Plan chapter based on a clear analysis of territorial needs and gaps in the area covered, identifying the measures for cooperation, including any measures for territorial or local development and explaining how these measures are expected to contribute to the objectives set out in Articles 2 and 3 [policy objectives] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and the Interreg-specific objectives referred to in paragraph 4 of Article 7 of this Regulation and to an energy transition which takes account of the economic, industrial and social realities specific to each Member State; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) describe the intervention strategy of the Interreg Plan chapter based on a clear analysis of territorial needs and gaps in the area covered, identifying the measures for cooperation, including any measures for territorial or local developement and explaining how these measures are expected to contribute to the objectives set out in Articles 2 and 3 [policy objectives] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and the Interreg-specific objectives referred to in paragraph 4 of Article 7 of this Regulation and to transition to climate neutrality; | (b) describe the intervention strategy of the Interreg Plan chapter based on a clear analysis of territorial needs and gaps in the area covered, identifying the measures for cooperation, including any measures for territorial or local developement and explaining how these measures are expected to contribute to the objectives set out in Articles 2 and 3 [policy objectives] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and the Interreg-specific objectives referred to in paragraph 4 of Article 7 of this Regulation and to the economic, social and territorial development needs identified for the cooperation area; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) describe the intervention strategy of the Interreg Plan chapter based on a clear analysis of territorial needs and gaps in the area covered, identifying the measures for cooperation, including any measures for territorial or local developement and explaining how these measures are expected to contribute to the objectives set out in Articles 2 and 3 [policy objectives] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and the Interreg-specific objectives referred to in paragraph 4 of Article 7 of this Regulation and to transition to climate neutrality; | (b) describe the intervention strategy of the Interreg Plan chapter based on a clear analysis of territorial needs and gaps in the area covered, identifying the measures for cooperation, including any measures for territorial or local developement, including cross-border functional areas, and explaining how these measures are expected to contribute to the objectives set out in Articles 2 and 3 [policy objectives] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and the Interreg-specific objectives referred to in paragraph 4 of Article 7 of this Regulation and to transition to climate neutrality; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) provide a list and description of measures, including the general and specific objectives that each measure primarily pursues and the list of envisaged milestones and targets, with their indicative completion date during the programming period. The indicators proposed for the targets shall be based on the output indicators listed in Annex I to Regulation XX [Performance] except where duly justified; | (c) provide a list and description of measures, including the general and specific objectives that each measure primarily pursues and the list of envisaged milestones and targets, with their indicative completion date during the programming period. The indicators proposed for the targets shall be based on the output indicators listed in Annex I to Regulation XX [Performance] except where duly justified, in which case measure-specific indicators, including their unit of measurement, shall be used in accordance with point 3(a) of the Annex to this Regulation. Milestones and targets shall be realistic and proportionate and may be adjusted, where duly justified, in accordance with the programme and applicable rules; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) provide a list and description of measures, including the general and specific objectives that each measure primarily pursues and the list of envisaged milestones and targets, with their indicative completion date during the programming period. The indicators proposed for the targets shall be based on the output indicators listed in Annex I to Regulation XX [Performance] except where duly justified; | (c) provide a list and description of measures, including the general and specific objectives that each measure primarily pursues and the list of envisaged milestones and targets, with their indicative completion date during the programming period. Where an Interreg Plan chapter supports a macro-regional strategy or a sea-basin strategy, that chapter shall identify the strategy concerned and explain the expected contribution of the chapter to its objectives and priorities. The indicators proposed for the targets shall be based on the output indicators listed in Annex I to Regulation XX [Performance] except where duly justified; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) provide a list and description of measures, including the general and specific objectives that each measure primarily pursues and the list of envisaged milestones and targets, with their indicative completion date during the programming period. The indicators proposed for the targets shall be based on the output indicators listed in Annex I to Regulation XX [Performance] except where duly justified; | (c) provide a list and description of measures, including the general and specific objectives that each measure primarily pursues and the list of envisaged milestones and targets, with their indicative completion date during the programming period. The chapter shall describe support for projects of limited financial volume and the use of small-project funds, or else set out the reasons why such support cannot be included. The indicators proposed for the targets shall be based on the output indicators listed in Annex I to Regulation XX [Performance] except where duly justified; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) provide a list and description of measures, including the general and specific objectives that each measure primarily pursues and the list of envisaged milestones and targets, with their indicative completion date during the programming period. The indicators proposed for the targets shall be based on the output indicators listed in Annex I to Regulation XX [Performance] except where duly justified; | (c) provide a list and description of measures, including the general and specific objectives that each measure primarily pursues and the list of envisaged milestones and targets, with their indicative completion date during the programming period. The chapter shall describe support for projects of limited financial volume and the use of small-project funds, or else set out the reasons why such support cannot be included. The indicators proposed for the targets shall be based on the output indicators listed in Annex I to Regulation XX [Performance] except where duly justified; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) provide a list and description of measures, including the general and specific objectives that each measure primarily pursues and the list of envisaged milestones and targets, with their indicative completion date during the programming period. The indicators proposed for the targets shall be based on the output indicators listed in Annex I to Regulation XX [Performance] except where duly justified; | (c) provide a list and description of measures, taking into account the technical assistance and the national contribution, including the general and specific objectives that each measure primarily pursues and the list of envisaged milestones and targets, with their indicative completion date during the programming period. The indicators proposed for the targets shall be based on the output indicators listed in Annex I to Regulation XX [Performance] except where duly justified; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (d) set out the total estimated costs of the measures together with information on existing or planned Union financing where relevant, backed up by appropriate justification and by explanations of how it is in line with the principle of cost efficiency, sound financial management and commensurate to the expected economic and social impact; | (d) set out the total estimated costs of the measures together with information on existing or planned Union financing where relevant, backed up by appropriate justification and by explanations of how it is in line with the principle of cost efficiency, sound financial management and commensurate to the expected economic and social impact, ensuring that participating Member States/regions can choose the partner countries, and taking into account the nature and characteristics of the actions to be financed, between different financing modalities, including actual costs and financing options not linked to costs, so as to ensure flexibility, stability and predictability for beneficiaries; the regulatory framework must provide for mechanisms to update eligible costs when exceptional and proven price increases, inflation or supply chain disruptions occur. In the case of the Atlantic outermost regions, priority should be given to projects involving the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, or partners linked by the Atlantic such as Canada, the United States and Brazil, among others. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (d) set out the total estimated costs of the measures together with information on existing or planned Union financing where relevant, backed up by appropriate justification and by explanations of how it is in line with the principle of cost efficiency, sound financial management and commensurate to the expected economic and social impact; | (d) set out the total estimated costs of the measures together with information on existing or planned Union financing where relevant, backed up by appropriate justification and by explanations of how it is in line with the principle of cost efficiency, sound financial management and commensurate to the expected economic and social impact, in accordance with the principles of proportionality and simplification, avoiding disproportionate administrative burdens for local authorities and beneficiaries; ; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (e) set out clear arrangements for the effective monitoring and implementation of the Interreg Plan chapter by each Member State, including the responsible authorities and created monitoring committees reflecting the objective of establishing a robust multi governance system based on the partnership principle, and also the envisaged approach to information, communication and visibility in line with the rules laid down in Regulation xx[Performance Regulation]; | (e) set out clear arrangements for the effective monitoring and implementation of the Interreg Plan chapter by each Member State, including the responsible authorities and created monitoring committees, within a framework of multi-level governance, ensuring the mandatory involvement of local, regional and national authorities in all aspects of the preparation, implementation, execution and evaluation of projects, in accordance with a bottom-up approach, reflecting the objective of establishing a robust multi governance system based on the partnership principle, and also the envisaged approach to information, communication and visibility in line with the rules laid down in Regulation xx[Performance Regulation]; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (e) set out clear arrangements for the effective monitoring and implementation of the Interreg Plan chapter by each Member State, including the responsible authorities and created monitoring committees reflecting the objective of establishing a robust multi governance system based on the partnership principle, and also the envisaged approach to information, communication and visibility in line with the rules laid down in Regulation xx[Performance Regulation]; | (e) set out clear arrangements for the effective monitoring and implementation of the Interreg Plan chapter by each Member State, including the responsible authorities and created monitoring committees reflecting the objective of establishing a robust multi governance system based on the partnership principle, operating under the authority and with the agreement of the government of the Member State concerned, and also the envisaged approach to information, communication and visibility in line with the rules laid down in Regulation xx[Performance Regulation]; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (e) set out clear arrangements for the effective monitoring and implementation of the Interreg Plan chapter by each Member State, including the responsible authorities and created monitoring committees reflecting the objective of establishing a robust multi governance system based on the partnership principle, and also the envisaged approach to information, communication and visibility in line with the rules laid down in Regulation xx[Performance Regulation]; | (e) set out clear arrangements for the effective monitoring and implementation of the Interreg Plan chapter by each Member State, including the responsible authorities and created monitoring committees reflecting the objective of establishing a robust multi-level governance system based on the partnership principle, and also the envisaged approach to information, communication and visibility in line with the rules laid down in Regulation xx[Performance Regulation]; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (e) set out clear arrangements for the effective monitoring and implementation of the Interreg Plan chapter by each Member State, including the responsible authorities and created monitoring committees reflecting the objective of establishing a robust multi governance system based on the partnership principle, and also the envisaged approach to information, communication and visibility in line with the rules laid down in Regulation xx[Performance Regulation]; | (e) set out clear arrangements for the effective monitoring and implementation of the Interreg Plan chapter by each Member State, including the responsible authorities and created follow-up committees reflecting the objective of establishing a robust multi governance system based on the partnership principle, and also the envisaged approach to information, communication and visibility in line with the rules laid down in Regulation xx[Performance Regulation]; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (e) set out clear arrangements for the effective monitoring and implementation of the Interreg Plan chapter by each Member State, including the responsible authorities and created monitoring committees reflecting the objective of establishing a robust multi governance system based on the partnership principle, and also the envisaged approach to information, communication and visibility in line with the rules laid down in Regulation xx[Performance Regulation]; | (e) set out clear arrangements for the effective monitoring and implementation of the Interreg Plan chapter, including the responsible authorities and created monitoring committees reflecting the objective of establishing a robust multi governance system based on the partnership principle, and also the envisaged approach to information, communication and visibility in line with the rules laid down in Regulation xx[Performance Regulation]; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (f) promote partnership and knowledge exchange by setting out which stakeholders have been consulted, how they were selected, how their representativeness has been ensured and how their input is reflected in the Interreg Plan chapter in line with the code of conduct on partnership, and by including a summary of the consultation process conducted for the preparation of the Interreg Plan chapter; | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (f) promote partnership and knowledge exchange by setting out which stakeholders have been consulted, how they were selected, how their representativeness has been ensured and how their input is reflected in the Interreg Plan chapter in line with the code of conduct on partnership, and by including a summary of the consultation process conducted for the preparation of the Interreg Plan chapter; | (f) promote partnership and knowledge exchange by setting out which stakeholders have been consulted, how they were selected, how their representativeness has been ensured and how their input is reflected in the Interreg Plan chapter, in line with the code of conduct on partnership, and by including a summary of the consultation process conducted for the preparation of the Interreg Plan chapter; the chapter shall specifically identify the regional and local authorities of the participating territories, describe their effective involvement from the initial preparation phase and explain how their input was incorporated or, when substantial observations were not accepted, set out the reasons; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (f) promote partnership and knowledge exchange by setting out which stakeholders have been consulted, how they were selected, how their representativeness has been ensured and how their input is reflected in the Interreg Plan chapter in line with the code of conduct on partnership, and by including a summary of the consultation process conducted for the preparation of the Interreg Plan chapter; | (f) promote partnership and knowledge exchange by setting out which stakeholders have been consulted, how they were selected, how their representativeness has been ensured and how their input is reflected in the Interreg Plan chapter in line with the code of conduct on partnership; the relevant regional and local authorities, as well as the economic and social partners, should be involved in a timely and effective manner [...] and by including a summary of the consultation process conducted for the preparation of the Interreg Plan chapter; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (f) promote partnership and knowledge exchange by setting out which stakeholders have been consulted, how they were selected, how their representativeness has been ensured and how their input is reflected in the Interreg Plan chapter in line with the code of conduct on partnership, and by including a summary of the consultation process conducted for the preparation of the Interreg Plan chapter; | (f) establish which stakeholders have been involved, how they were selected, how their representativeness has been ensured and how their input is reflected in the Interreg Plan chapter in line with the code of conduct on partnership, and include a summary of the process conducted for the preparation of the Interreg Plan chapter; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (fa) ensure that associations representing local authorities are explicitly included in the partnership applicable to the regional chapter and Interreg chapters. Where substantial observations made by regional or local authorities are not taken into account in the programming, explicit reasons shall be given and an effective review mechanism shall be made available. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (h) explain the arrangements and systems to ensure a regular, effective and efficient use of Union resources, in compliance with sound financial management and the protection of the financial interests of the Union. | (h) explain the arrangements and systems to ensure a regular, effective and efficient use of Union resources, in compliance with sound financial management and the protection of the financial interests of the Union, providing common eligibility rules and the application of simplified cost options, with a view to providing a coherent, simple and predictable framework for Interreg beneficiaries and to prevent the rules from being applied in a fragmented and overly complex manner. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ha) identify, where relevant, any legal or administrative obstacles to cross-border economic activity and daily life of citizens and set out measures to reduce or overcome such obstacles, in particular those affecting workers, businesses, students and the provision of cross-border public services, including healthcare, childcare and education, through available EU tools. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ha) Interreg Plan chapters shall ensure sufficient flexibility as regards the duration of operations. The duration of an operation shall be proportionate to its nature, objectives and complexity. Interreg Plan chapters shall allow for operations with an implementation period of at least five years where duly justified. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3a. The definition and assessment of the achievement of milestones, targets and related payments must take account of the specific characteristics of the territorial cooperation. It must be ensured that the focus on results is appropriate to the nature of territorial cooperation projects, preventing excessive or inappropriate application of milestones, targets and payments linked to their achievement, taking into account the interplay between different administrations, legal systems and institutional contexts. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The Commission shall adopt an implementing act, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 13(2) [Committee Procedure], setting out: | The Commission shall be empowered to adopt an implementing act, in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article […] 14(2) [Committee Procedure], setting out: |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The Commission shall adopt an implementing act, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 13(2) [Committee Procedure], setting out: | The Commission shall be empowered to adopt an implementing act, in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 14(2) [Committee Procedure], setting out: |
The advisory procedure is not sufficient, given the exceptionally significant power of the Commission in this implementing regulation in relation to the management and steering of the Interreg chapters, including the new rules on performance and their impact on existing structures and operating models.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The Commission shall adopt an implementing act, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 13(2) [Committee Procedure], setting out: | The Commission shall adopt an implementing act, in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 13(2) [Committee Procedure], setting out: |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The Commission shall adopt an implementing act, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 13(2) [Committee Procedure], setting out: | The Commission shall adopt an implementing act, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 14 [Committee Procedure], setting out: |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) the list of Interreg Plan chapters, the designation of the respective chapter areas and the indicative allocation from the Fund and, where applicable, from the Global Europe Instrument; | (a) the list of Interreg Plan chapters, the designation of the respective chapter areas and the indicative allocation from the Fund and, where applicable, from the Global Europe Instrument, including the role and the tasks of the lead partner; small project funds, partnership within Interreg operations, management verifications and audits; the requirements for group of auditors and controllers; the modalities for costing including the use of simplified cost options and rules on eligibility; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) the list of Interreg Plan chapters, the designation of the respective chapter areas and the indicative allocation from the Fund and, where applicable, from the Global Europe Instrument; | (a) the list of Interreg Plan chapters, the designation of the respective chapter areas and the allocation from the Fund and, where applicable, from the Global Europe Instrument; , including the role and the tasks of the lead partner; small project funds, partnership within Interreg operations, management verifications and audits; the requirements for group of auditors and controllers; the modalities for costing including the use of simplified cost options and rules on eligibility; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) the list of Interreg Plan chapters, the designation of the respective chapter areas and the indicative allocation from the Fund and, where applicable, from the Global Europe Instrument; | (a) the list of Interreg Plan chapters, the designation of the respective chapter areas and the allocation from the Fund and, where applicable, from the Global Europe Instrument, including the role and the tasks of the lead partner; small project funds, partnership within Interreg operations, management verifications and audits; the requirements for group of auditors and controllers; the modalities for costing including the use of simplified cost options and rules on eligibility; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) the list of Interreg Plan chapters, the designation of the respective chapter areas and the indicative allocation from the Fund and, where applicable, from the Global Europe Instrument; | (a) the list of Interreg Plan chapters, the designation of the respective chapter areas and the indicative allocation from the Fund and, where applicable, from the Global Europe Instrument, including the additional Union allocation made available for measures supporting the specific objective “more resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine”; ; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) the list of Interreg Plan chapters, the designation of the respective chapter areas and the indicative allocation from the Fund and, where applicable, from the Global Europe Instrument; | (a) the list of Interreg Plan chapters, the designation of the respective chapter geographical areas and the […] allocation from the Fund to each chapter and, where applicable, from the Global Europe Instrument and specific rules for pre-financing for the Interreg Plan chapters supporting cooperation on external borders; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) where appropriate, detailed arrangements covering the specific implementation modalities of Interreg to ensure a consistent approach. | (b) where appropriate, and in order to ensure consistency of approach, detailed provisions setting out […] the specific arrangements for the implementation of Interreg […] as regards: the role and tasks of the lead partner; small project funds, partnership within Interreg operations, management verifications and audits; the requirements for the group of auditors and controllers; the modalities for costing including the use of simplified cost options and the implementation of integrated territorial development including community-led local development strategies. |
| The implementing elements referred to in paragraph 1 shall constitute the general part of the Interreg Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) where appropriate, detailed arrangements covering the specific implementation modalities of Interreg to ensure a consistent approach. | (b) detailed arrangements covering the specific implementation modalities of Interreg regards: the role and the tasks of the lead partner; small project funds, partnership within Interreg operations, management verifications and audits; the requirements for group of auditors and controllers; the modalities for costing including the use of simplified cost options and the implementation of integrated territorial development including Community-Led Local Development strategies. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) where appropriate, detailed arrangements covering the specific implementation modalities of Interreg to ensure a consistent approach. | (b) where appropriate, detailed arrangements covering the specific implementation modalities of Interreg to ensure a consistent approach, provided that such arrangements are limited to technical matters and do not alter the priorities, governance structures or allocation choices agreed by the participating Member States. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) where appropriate, detailed arrangements covering the specific implementation modalities of Interreg to ensure a consistent approach. | (b) the detailed arrangements covering the specific implementation modalities of Interreg to ensure a consistent approach are specified in Annex XX to this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) where appropriate, detailed arrangements covering the specific implementation modalities of Interreg to ensure a consistent approach. | (b) where appropriate, arrangements concerning the specific implementation modalities of Interreg necessary to ensure a uniform implementation of this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The elements referred to in the first subparagraph, point (a) shall be established on the basis of the information provided by each Member State on the planned distribution of its share in the Interreg Plan allocation pursuant to the methodology established in Annex I [Methodology for the calculation of the financial contribution for each Member state under the Fund] to Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. | The elements referred to in the first subparagraph, point (a) shall be established on the basis of the information provided by each Member State on the planned distribution of its share in the Interreg Plan allocation pursuant to the methodology established in Annex I [Methodology for the calculation of the financial contribution for each Member state under the Fund] to Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. |
| Each Member State may transfer up to 15% of its financial allocation for each of the strands covering cross-border, transnational and outermost region cooperation from one of those strands to one or more of the others. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The elements referred to in the first subparagraph, point (a) shall be established on the basis of the information provided by each Member State on the planned distribution of its share in the Interreg Plan allocation pursuant to the methodology established in Annex I [Methodology for the calculation of the financial contribution for each Member state under the Fund] to Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. | The elements referred to in the first subparagraph, point (a) shall be established on the basis of the information provided by each Member State on the planned distribution of its share in the Interreg Plan allocation pursuant to the methodology established in Annex I [Methodology for the calculation of the financial contribution for each Member state under the Fund] to Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. |
| Each Member State may transfer up to 15% of its financial allocation for each of the strands covering cross-border, transnational and outermost region cooperation from one of those strands to one or more of the others. |
The possibility of transfers between strands should be maintained as in the current programming period.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The elements referred to in the first subparagraph, point (a) shall be established on the basis of the information provided by each Member State on the planned distribution of its share in the Interreg Plan allocation pursuant to the methodology established in Annex I [Methodology for the calculation of the financial contribution for each Member state under the Fund] to Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. | The elements referred to in […] paragraph 1, point (a) shall be established on the basis of the information provided by each Member State on the planned distribution by chapter of its share in the Interreg Plan allocation pursuant to the methodology established in Annex […] III [Methodology for the calculation of the Union financial contribution for each Member state under the […] Interreg Plan] to Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| When determining the indicative allocation for the Interreg Plan chapters, particular account shall be taken of: geopolitical risk indicators, the extent of economic losses resulting from the closure of borders with third countries, constraints on the functioning of the local economy, the extent of depopulation, and constraints on attracting private investment. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Each Member State may transfer up to 20 % of its allocation for each of the strands referred to in Article 7 (1) points (a) and (b), to one or more of the strands referred to in Article 7 (1) points (a), (b) and (d). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Each Member State may transfer up to 15% of its financial allocation for each of the strands covering cross-border, transnational and outermost region cooperation from one of those strands to one or more of the others. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The Commission implementing act shall duly involve the Member States and shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The implementing act referred to in the first [sub]paragraph shall constitute the general part of the Interreg Plan. | The implementing act referred to in the first [sub]paragraph, point (a) shall constitute the general part of the Interreg Plan and shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article [14(2)]. Implementing acts referred to in the first subparagraph, point (b), shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article [13(3)]. |
| The arrangements referred to in point (b) shall be limited to matters necessary for the uniform implementation of Interreg. Essential elements concerning the implementation of the Interreg Plan and its chapters shall be laid down in this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The managing authority of an Interreg Plan chapter shall prepare that chapter in accordance with Article 8 of this Regulation and in compliance with the partnership and multi-level governance requirements. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1a. Each Member State may transfer up to 25 % of its allocation for each of the strands referred to in points (a) and (b) of Article 7(1) to one or more of the strands referred to in points (a), (b) and (d) of Article 7(1). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. The Commission shall assess the Interreg Plan chapters or the amended Interreg Plan chapters submitted by the Member State hosting the managing authority within 4 months of their submission. When carrying out its assessment, the Commission shall verify that the Interreg Plan chapter complies with all requirements in Article 5 and follows the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation [Interreg chapter template]. The Commission may make observations and request additional information. The deadline for the approval shall be interrupted from the day following the date following that on which Commission sends its observations or a request for revised documents to the Member State and until the Member State responds to the Commission. | 2. After submission of an Interreg Plan chapter by the Member State hosting the managing authority, in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 8, the Commission shall assess the Interreg Plan chapters or the amended Interreg Plan […] chapter. When carrying out its assessment, the Commission shall verify that the Interreg Plan chapter complies with all requirements in Article […] 8 and follows the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation [Interreg chapter template]. The Commission may make observations and request additional information. The deadline for the approval shall be interrupted from the day following the date following that on which Commission sends its observations or a request for revised documents to the Member State and until the Member State responds to the Commission. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. The Commission shall assess the Interreg Plan chapters or the amended Interreg Plan chapters submitted by the Member State hosting the managing authority within 4 months of their submission. When carrying out its assessment, the Commission shall verify that the Interreg Plan chapter complies with all requirements in Article 5 and follows the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation [Interreg chapter template]. The Commission may make observations and request additional information. The deadline for the approval shall be interrupted from the day following the date following that on which Commission sends its observations or a request for revised documents to the Member State and until the Member State responds to the Commission. | 2. The Commission shall assess the Interreg Plan chapters or the amended Interreg Plan chapters submitted by the Member State hosting the managing authority within 4 months of their submission. When carrying out its assessment, the Commission shall verify that the Interreg Plan chapter complies with all requirements in Article 8 and follows the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation [Interreg chapter template]. The Commission may make observations and request additional information. The deadline for the approval shall be interrupted from the day following the date following that on which Commission sends its observations or a request for revised documents to the Member State and until the Member State responds to the Commission. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. The Commission shall assess the Interreg Plan chapters or the amended Interreg Plan chapters submitted by the Member State hosting the managing authority within 4 months of their submission. When carrying out its assessment, the Commission shall verify that the Interreg Plan chapter complies with all requirements in Article 5 and follows the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation [Interreg chapter template]. The Commission may make observations and request additional information. The deadline for the approval shall be interrupted from the day following the date following that on which Commission sends its observations or a request for revised documents to the Member State and until the Member State responds to the Commission. | 2. The Commission shall assess the Interreg Plan chapters or the amended Interreg Plan chapters submitted by the Member State hosting the managing authority within 4 months of their submission. When carrying out its assessment, the Commission shall verify that the Interreg Plan chapter complies with all requirements in Article 5 and follows the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation [Interreg chapter template]. The Commission may make observations and request additional information. The deadline for the approval shall be interrupted from the day following that on which Commission sends its observations or a request for revised documents to the Member State and until the Member State responds to the Commission. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2a. In case of extraordinary circumstances, amendments to the Interreg Plan chapters may be approved under an accelerated procedure within 60 days. The 60-day procedure shall be applied in respect of external factors (e.g. a geopolitical crisis, an influx of refugees, spikes in energy prices, natural disasters) and NUTS-2 regions identified through statistical analysis as being disproportionately affected by such factors. Applications may include adjustments to milestones or targets. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2b. Where the Interreg Plan chapters or the amended Interreg Plan chapters submitted by the Member State hosting the managing authority fulfil all the requirements set out in Article 8 and follow the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation, the Commission shall approve those Interreg Plan chapters [or amended Interreg Plan chapters] by means of an implementing act. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Where the Interreg Plan chapters or the amended Interreg Plan chapters submitted by the Member State hosting the managing authority fulfill all the requirements in Article 8 and follow the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation, the Commission shall, by means of an implementing act, approve those Interreg Plan chapters [or amended Interreg Plan chapters] | 3. Where the […] chapter complies with the requirements set out in Article 8 […], the Commission shall[…] adopt a decision by means of an implementing act […] approving the Interreg Plan […] chapter not later than four months after the date of its submission. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Where the Interreg Plan chapters or the amended Interreg Plan chapters submitted by the Member State hosting the managing authority fulfill all the requirements in Article 8 and follow the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation, the Commission shall, by means of an implementing act, approve those Interreg Plan chapters [or amended Interreg Plan chapters] | 3. Where the Interreg Plan chapters or the amended Interreg Plan chapters submitted by the Member State hosting the managing authority fulfill all the requirements in Article 8 and follow the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation, the Commission shall, by means of an implementing act, approve those Interreg Plan chapters [or amended Interreg Plan chapters] without undue delay. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. Following the approval of Interreg Plan chapters pursuant to paragraph 3, the Commission may, by means of implementing acts, approve the Interreg Plan chapters submitted subsequently fulfilling all the requirements referred to Article 8 [Requirements for the Interreg Plan chapters] and following the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation [Interreg chapter template] every three months. In other cases, the Commission may approve modifications to the Interreg Plan chapters every six months, following a request by the Member State hosting the managing authority. | 4. Following the approval of Interreg Plan chapters pursuant to paragraph 3, the Commission may, by means of implementing acts, approve the Interreg Plan chapters submitted subsequently fulfilling all the requirements referred to Article 8 [Requirements for the Interreg Plan chapters] and following the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation [Interreg chapter template] every three months. In other cases, the Commission may approve modifications to the Interreg Plan chapters every six months, following a request by the Member State hosting the managing authority. |
| Modifications of a purely clerical or editorial nature or in the case of minor adjustments to the Interreg Plan chapter, representing an increase or decrease of less than 20% of a target set out in the Interreg Plan chapter shall be notified to the Commission and do not require the adoption of implementing acts to approve the modifications. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. Following the approval of Interreg Plan chapters pursuant to paragraph 3, the Commission may, by means of implementing acts, approve the Interreg Plan chapters submitted subsequently fulfilling all the requirements referred to Article 8 [Requirements for the Interreg Plan chapters] and following the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation [Interreg chapter template] every three months. In other cases, the Commission may approve modifications to the Interreg Plan chapters every six months, following a request by the Member State hosting the managing authority. | 4. Following the approval of Interreg Plan chapters pursuant to paragraph 3, the Commission may, by means of implementing acts, approve the Interreg Plan chapters submitted subsequently fulfilling all the requirements referred to Article 8 [Requirements for the Interreg Plan chapters] and following the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation [Interreg chapter template] every three months. In other cases, the Commission may approve modifications to the Interreg Plan chapters every six months, following a request by the Member State hosting the managing authority. |
| Modifications of a purely clerical or editorial nature or in the case of minor adjustments to the Interreg Plan chapter, representing an increase or decrease of less than 20% of a target set out in the Interreg Plan chapter shall be notified to the Commission and do not require the adoption of implementing acts to approve the modifications. |
The provisions on clerical or minor changes are already laid down in the NRPP Regulation and should also apply to the Interreg Plan. Taking into account the specific nature of Interreg cooperation and the need for greater flexibility in its implementation, the threshold for minor modifications that may be made without requiring a Commission decision should be set at 20%.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. Following the approval of Interreg Plan chapters pursuant to paragraph 3, the Commission may, by means of implementing acts, approve the Interreg Plan chapters submitted subsequently fulfilling all the requirements referred to Article 8 [Requirements for the Interreg Plan chapters] and following the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation [Interreg chapter template] every three months. In other cases, the Commission may approve modifications to the Interreg Plan chapters every six months, following a request by the Member State hosting the managing authority. | 4. The Member State hosting the managing authority of a chapter may submit a reasoned request for amendment of their Interreg Plan chapter. The Commission shall assess compliance of the requested amendment with Article 8 and may make observations and request additional information. The deadline for the approval by the Commission shall be suspended from the day following the date on which the Commission sends its observations or a request for revised documents to the Member State and until the Member State responds to the Commission. The Commission shall adopt a decision by means of an implementing act approving the amendments to the Interreg Plan chapter and amending the Commission decision referred to in paragraph 3 not later than four months after the date of the submission of the amendment request. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. Following the approval of Interreg Plan chapters pursuant to paragraph 3, the Commission may, by means of implementing acts, approve the Interreg Plan chapters submitted subsequently fulfilling all the requirements referred to Article 8 [Requirements for the Interreg Plan chapters] and following the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation [Interreg chapter template] every three months. In other cases, the Commission may approve modifications to the Interreg Plan chapters every six months, following a request by the Member State hosting the managing authority. | 4. Following the approval of Interreg Plan chapters pursuant to paragraph 3, the Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, approve subsequently submitted Interreg Plan chapters or amendments thereto once they fulfil all the requirements referred to in Article 8 [Requirements for the Interreg Plan chapters] and follow the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation [Interreg chapter template]. The Commission shall adopt the implementing act approving an Interreg Plan chapter or an amendment thereto without undue delay once those requirements are fulfilled. Approval shall not be postponed for the purpose of grouping the adoption of several Interreg Plan chapters or amendments at predetermined intervals. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. Following the approval of Interreg Plan chapters pursuant to paragraph 3, the Commission may, by means of implementing acts, approve the Interreg Plan chapters submitted subsequently fulfilling all the requirements referred to Article 8 [Requirements for the Interreg Plan chapters] and following the template set out in the Annex to this Regulation [Interreg chapter template] every three months. In other cases, the Commission may approve modifications to the Interreg Plan chapters every six months, following a request by the Member State hosting the managing authority. | 4. The adoption of an implementing act amending the implementing act referred to in paragraph 1 shall not be required for corrections of a purely clerical or editorial nature or in the case of minor adjustments to the Interreg Plan chapter, representing an increase or decrease of less than 10% of a target set out in the Interreg Plan chapter. The managing authority shall apply this paragraph only once per target until the next amendment of the implementing act referred to in paragraph 1 and shall notify the Commission of such adjustments. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4a. The adoption of an implementing act amending the implementing act referred to in paragraph 1 shall not be required for corrections of a purely clerical or editorial nature or in the case of minor adjustments to the Interreg Plan chapter, representing an increase or decrease of less than 15 % of a target set in the Interreg Plan chapter. The managing authority shall apply this paragraph only once per target until the next amendment of the implementing act referred to in paragraph 1 and shall notify the Commission of such adjustments. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4a. The adoption of the Commission decision approving the Interreg Plan chapter shall not be required for corrections of a purely clerical or editorial nature or in the case of minor adjustments to the Interreg Plan chapter, representing an increase or decrease of less than 15 % of a target set out in the Interreg Plan chapter. The managing authority shall apply those rules only once per target until the next decision on the amendment of the Interreg Plan chapter and shall notify the Commission of such adjustments. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4a. The Member State hosting the managing authority may submit a request to amend an approved Interreg Plan chapter at any time during the implementation period. The request shall identify the provisions of the Interreg Plan chapter concerned and provide the reasons for the proposed amendment. Where the proposed amendment fulfils the requirements laid down in Article 8, the Commission shall approve it in accordance with paragraph 3 without undue delay. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4a. Modifications of a purely clerical or editorial nature or in the case of minor adjustments to the Interreg Plan chapter, representing an increase or decrease of less than 20% of a target set out in the Interreg Plan chapter shall be notified to the Commission and do not require the adoption of implementing acts to approve the modifications. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4a. The adoption of the Commission decision approving the Interreg Plan chapter shall not be required for corrections of a purely administrative or editorial nature or for minor adjustments to the Interreg Plan chapter, provided that they represent an increase or decrease of less than 15 % of a target set out in the Interreg Plan chapter. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4b. By way of derogation from paragraphs 3 and 4a, an increase or decrease of no more than 15 % in the value of a target or in the indicative allocation to a measure shall not require prior approval by the Commission, provided that the change does not substantially alter the objectives or intervention strategy of the Interreg Plan chapter. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4c. The managing authority shall notify such changes to the Commission without undue delay. The Commission shall reflect the notified changes in the Interreg Plan chapter without requiring the adoption of a separate implementing act. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 5. The implementing acts provided for in paragraphs 3 and 4 shall set out for each Interreg Plan chapter: | 5. The […] Commission decision provided for in paragraphs 3 and 4 shall set out for each Interreg Plan chapter: |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) the total estimated costs of the Interreg chapter, established by the Commission on the basis of a proposal by the Member State hosting the managing authority; | (a) the total estimated costs of the Interreg Plan chapter […]; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) the amount of the financial contribution from Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and, where applicable, the amount of the financial contribution from the Global Europe Instrument and the amount of national contribution other than national co-financing; | (b) the amount of the financial contribution from Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and, where applicable, the amount of the financial contribution from the Global Europe Instrument and the amount of national contribution […] from non-Member States; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (d) the amount of pre-financing to be paid and whether the pre-financing is to be paid in full in the year of approval of the chapter or in tranches in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. | (d) the amount of pre-financing to be paid, 12% as a minimum, and whether the pre-financing is to be paid in full in the year of approval of the chapter or in tranches in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (da) Member States shall ensure that the amount of estimated total costs of their Interreg Plan chapters remains reasonable and plausible throughout implementation, in accordance with the principle of sound financial management. | |
| The Member State and, where applicable, the non-Member State participating in the Interreg Plan chapter may decide to set aside the payout values for reforms from investments. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. The decision approving the relevant Interreg Plan chapter shall constitute a financing decision within the meaning of Article 110(1) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 and its notification to the Member State hosting the managing authority shall constitute a legal commitment. | 6. The decision referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4 approving the relevant Interreg Plan chapter or its amendment shall constitute a financing decision within the meaning of Article 110(1) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 and its notification to the Member State hosting the managing authority shall constitute a legal commitment. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 7. The amount of the Union financial contribution, national contribution by non-Member States and national co-financing envisaged under the Interreg Plan chapter, taken in their total, shall not exceed the total estimated costs of the chapter. | 7. The amount of the Union financial contribution and national contribution by Member States and non-Member States […] envisaged under the Interreg Plan chapter, taken in their total, shall not exceed the total estimated costs of the chapter. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 9a | |
| Specific financial conditions for eastern border regions | |
| 1. Union support for the specific objective “more resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine” shall include a dedicated additional Union allocation, additional to and separate from the ordinary Union financial contributions allocated to Member States and regions under Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. | |
| 2.Resources provided pursuant to paragraph 1 shall not be deducted from or counted against the ordinary national and regional allocations of the Member States concerned or their ordinary Interreg allocations. | |
| 3.By way of derogation from Article 20(3) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], for the part of an Interreg Plan chapter implementing the specific objective “more resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine”, the maximum Union co-financing rate shall be 90%. | |
| 4.By way of derogation from Article 17(2) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], the Commission shall pay pre-financing amounting to 20% of the Union financial contribution provided from the additional allocation referred to in paragraph 1. The modalities for payment of that pre-financing shall be established in the implementing act approving the respective Interreg Plan chapter. | |
| 5.The differentiated financing conditions set out in paragraphs 3 and 4 shall apply exclusively to Union support targeting eastern border regions and shall not reduce the level of Union support available for other regions or Interreg cooperation strands. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 9a | |
| Support to projects of limited financial volume | |
| Cooperation under strand (a), (b) and (d) shall support projects of limited financial volume, either: a) directly within each Interreg Plan chapter; or b) within one or more small project funds. Where a chapter for cooperation under strand (b) and (d) is unable to fulfil this obligation, the reasons why the obligation cannot be fulfilled shall be set out in the chapter. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 9b | |
| Small project funds | |
| 1. The total contribution from the Fund to small project funds within an Interreg chapter shall not exceed 30% of the total allocation of the Interreg chapter. | |
| 2. The final recipients within a small project fund shall receive support from the Fund or where applicable, support from a non-Member state or, where applicable, from the Global Europe Instruments through the beneficiaries and implement the small projects within that small project fund (‘small projects’). | |
| 3. The small project fund constitutes an operation 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 a given geographical area (such as Euroregions). The beneficiary shall select the small projects which are implemented by the final recipients. A body involving representatives from at least two participating countries, of which at least one is a Member State, shall select the joint small projects. | |
| 4. Additional documents setting out the conditions for support to a small project fund shall set out the elements necessary to ensure that the beneficiary or beneficiaries: (a) establish a non-discriminatory and transparent selection procedure; (b) apply objective criteria for the selection of small projects, which avoid conflicts of interest; (c) assess applications for support; (d) select projects and fix the amount of support for each small project; (e) are accountable for the implementation of the operation and keep at their level all supporting documents required for the audit trail; and (f) make available to the public the list of the final recipients which benefit from the operation. | |
| 5. The selection of small projects shall not constitute a delegation of tasks from the managing authority to an intermediate body. | |
| 6. Staff costs generated at the level of the beneficiary for the management of the small project fund or funds shall not exceed 25% of the total eligible cost of the small project fund or funds, respectively. | |
| 7. Where the public contribution to a small project does not exceed EUR 100 000, the contribution from the ERDF shall take the form of unit costs or lump sums or flat rate financing, except for projects for which the support constitutes State aid. Where the total costs of each project do not exceed EUR 100 000, the amount of support for one or more small projects may be set out on the basis of a draft budget which is established on a case-by-case basis and agreed ex ante by the beneficiary managing the small project fund. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Functions of authorities responsible for the Interreg Plan chapter and the monitoring committee | Functions of authorities responsible for the Interreg Plan chapter and the follow-up committee |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States participating in an Interreg Plan chapter shall identify a single managing authority and a single audit authority which shall be located in the same Member State. A coordinating authority as referred to in Article 49 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall not be identified for the Interreg Plan. | 1. Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States participating in an Interreg Plan chapter shall identify the public authorities that will act as a single managing authority and a single audit authority which shall be located in the same Member State. A coordinating authority as referred to in Article 49 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and a paying agency as referred to in Article 52 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall not be identified for the Interreg Plan. |
| For continuity and cost-effectiveness, Member States shall build upon the existing governance structures and institutions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States participating in an Interreg Plan chapter shall identify a single managing authority and a single audit authority which shall be located in the same Member State. A coordinating authority as referred to in Article 49 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall not be identified for the Interreg Plan. | 1. Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States participating in an Interreg Plan chapter shall, in agreement with the competent subnational authorities, identify a single managing authority, which may be a European grouping of territorial cooperation (EGTC) or an equivalent cross-body entity. They shall also identify a single audit authority which shall be located in the same Member State. A coordinating authority as referred to in Article 49 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall not be identified for the Interreg Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States participating in an Interreg Plan chapter shall identify a single managing authority and a single audit authority which shall be located in the same Member State. A coordinating authority as referred to in Article 49 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall not be identified for the Interreg Plan. | 1. Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States participating in an Interreg Plan chapter shall identify a single managing authority and a single audit authority which shall be located in the same Member State; that designation, where it relates to a regional or local authority, shall require the express agreement of the government of the Member State concerned. A coordinating authority as referred to in Article 49 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall not be identified for the Interreg Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States participating in an Interreg Plan chapter shall identify a single managing authority and a single audit authority which shall be located in the same Member State. A coordinating authority as referred to in Article 49 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall not be identified for the Interreg Plan. | 1. Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States participating in an Interreg Plan chapter shall identify a single managing authority , which may be a European grouping of territorial cooperation (EGTC). They shall also identify a single audit authority which shall be located in the same Member State. The coordinating authority referred to in Article 49 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall not be identified for the Interreg Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States participating in an Interreg Plan chapter shall identify a single managing authority and a single audit authority which shall be located in the same Member State. A coordinating authority as referred to in Article 49 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall not be identified for the Interreg Plan. | 1. Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States participating in an Interreg Plan chapter shall identify a single managing authority and a single audit authority which shall be located in the same Member State. A coordinating authority as referred to in Article 49 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and a paying agency as referred to in Article 52 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall not be identified for the Interreg Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1a. For continuity and cost-effectiveness, Member States shall build upon the existing governance structures and institutions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. In addition to Article 50 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], each managing authority of an Interreg Plan chapter shall be responsible for managing the chapter with a view to delivering its objectives and shall be responsible for: | 2. In addition to Article 50 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], the managing authority of an Interreg Plan chapter shall be responsible for managing the chapter with a view to delivering its objectives. The Member State hosting the managing authority shall ensure that the following tasks are carried out by the managing authority or by another competent body designated in accordance with its national institutional and administrative arrangements: |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) drawing up and submitting payment applications for the chapter of the Interreg Plan to the Commission in accordance with Article 63 [payments] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]; | (a) drawing up and submitting payment applications for the chapter of the Interreg Plan to the Commission in accordance with Article 65 [payments] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) drawing up and submitting payment applications for the chapter of the Interreg Plan to the Commission in accordance with Article 63 [payments] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]; | (a) drawing up and submitting payment applications for the Interreg Plan chapter to the Commission in accordance with Article 63 [payments] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) providing forecasts of the amount for payment applications to be submitted for the current and subsequent calendar year by 15 February and 31 July in accordance with the template in Annex X [payment forecasts] to Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]; | (b) providing forecasts of the amounts to be included in payment applications for the current and subsequent calendar year by 15 February and 31 July in accordance with the template set out in Annex X [payment forecasts] to Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) signing and providing the management declaration referred to in Article XX(1) point (a) [Annual assurance package] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] in accordance with the template set out in Annex XII to that Regulation; | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (d) coordinating and submitting to the Commission all the documents requested as part of the annual assurance package referred to in Article 70 [annual assurance package] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (d) coordinating and submitting to the Commission all the documents requested as part of the annual assurance package referred to in Article 70 [annual assurance package] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. | (d) coordinating and submitting to the Commission all documents requested as part of the annual assurance package referred to in Article 70 [Annual assurance package] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], which must be aligned with the horizontal performance framework and an Interreg audit manual. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (d) coordinating and submitting to the Commission all the documents requested as part of the annual assurance package referred to in Article 70 [annual assurance package] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. | (d) coordinating and submitting to the Commission all the documents requested as part of the annual assurance package referred to in Article 59 [annual assurance package] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (da) The managing authority shall sign and provide the management declaration referred to in Article XX(1), point (a) [Annual assurance package], of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], in accordance with the template set out in Annex XII to that Regulation. | |
| The Member State hosting the managing authority shall ensure the coordination and submission to the Commission of the documents forming part of the annual assurance package referred to in Article 70 [annual assurance package] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. Those tasks may be carried out by the managing authority or by another competent body designated in accordance with the national institutional arrangements of the Member State concerned. | |
| The allocation of the tasks under this paragraph shall be without prejudice to the institutional and administrative arrangements of the Member State hosting the managing authority and shall not require the modification of existing national payment, accounting or coordination structures where those structures are capable of perfoming the relevant tasks in accordance with this Regulation and Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation |
he amendment respects the institutional autonomy of Member States in the organisation of functions under shared management. Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] does not require payment applications and payment forecasts to be submitted by a specific national authority. Member States should therefore remain free to assign those tasks in accordance with their existing institutional and administrative arrangements. This avoids unnecessary restructuring of established payment and accounting systems, additional administrative and IT costs and possible delays in the submission of payment applications.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (da) ensuring that the document provided to the lead or sole partner referred to in Article 51(1)(i) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] also sets out obligations with regard to recoveries. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (da) ensuring that the document provided to the lead or sole partner referred to in Article 51(1)(i) of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] also sets out obligations with regard to recoveries. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. The Member State and, where applicable, the non-Member State participating in the Interreg Plan chapter, may decide that management verifications referred to in Article XX [function of the managing authority] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] are to be done through the identification by each Member State of a body or person responsible for such verification in its territory. The Commission may lay down further requirements to be met by such bodies or persons in the implementing act provided for in Article 9(1) [approval and amendment of the Interreg Plan. | 3. The Member State and, where applicable, the non-Member State participating in the Interreg Plan chapter, may decide that management verifications referred to in Article XX [function of the managing authority] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] are to be done through the identification by each Member State of a body or person responsible for such verification in its territory. Where management verifications are carried out by a body or person identified pursuant to the first subparagraph, each participating Member State and, where applicable, non-Member State shall be responsible for the verifications carried out on its territory. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. The Member State and, where applicable, the non-Member State participating in the Interreg Plan chapter, may decide that management verifications referred to in Article XX [function of the managing authority] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] are to be done through the identification by each Member State of a body or person responsible for such verification in its territory. The Commission may lay down further requirements to be met by such bodies or persons in the implementing act provided for in Article 9(1) [approval and amendment of the Interreg Plan. | 3. The Member State or, where appropriate, the region and, where applicable, the non-Member State participating in the Interreg Plan chapter, may decide that management verifications referred to in Article XX [function of the managing authority] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] are to be done through the identification by each Member State or, where appropriate, region of a body or person responsible for such verification in its territory. The Commission may lay down further requirements to be met by such bodies or persons in the implementing act provided for in Article 9(1) [approval and amendment of the Interreg Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. The Member State and, where applicable, the non-Member State participating in the Interreg Plan chapter, may decide that management verifications referred to in Article XX [function of the managing authority] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] are to be done through the identification by each Member State of a body or person responsible for such verification in its territory. The Commission may lay down further requirements to be met by such bodies or persons in the implementing act provided for in Article 9(1) [approval and amendment of the Interreg Plan. | 3. The Member State and, where applicable, the non-Member State participating in the Interreg Plan chapter, may decide that management verifications referred to in Article XX [function of the managing authority] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] are to be done through the identification by each Member State of a body or person responsible for such verification in its territory the 'controller'.The Commission may lay down further requirements to be met by the controller such bodies or persons in the implementing act provided for in Article 9(1) [approval and amendment of the Interreg Plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. The managing authority shall be assisted by the joint secretariat, with staff representing States participating in the Interreg Plan chapter. The joint secretariat shall assist the managing authority and the monitoring committee in carrying out their respective functions. The joint secretariat shall also provide information to potential beneficiaries about funding opportunities under Interreg programmes and shall assist beneficiaries and partners in the implementation of operations. | 4. The managing authority shall be assisted by the joint secretariat, with, as far as possible, staff representing States participating in the Interreg Plan chapter, taking into account staffing and practical requirements. The joint secretariat shall assist the managing authority and the follow-up committee in carrying out their respective functions. The joint secretariat shall also provide information to potential beneficiaries about funding opportunities under Interreg programmes and shall assist beneficiaries and partners in the implementation of operations. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. The managing authority shall be assisted by the joint secretariat, with staff representing States participating in the Interreg Plan chapter. The joint secretariat shall assist the managing authority and the monitoring committee in carrying out their respective functions. The joint secretariat shall also provide information to potential beneficiaries about funding opportunities under Interreg programmes and shall assist beneficiaries and partners in the implementation of operations. | 4. The managing authority shall be assisted by a joint secretariat. The joint secretariat shall assist the managing authority and the monitoring committee in carrying out their respective functions. The joint secretariat shall also provide information to potential beneficiaries about funding opportunities under Interreg programmes and shall assist beneficiaries and partners in the implementation of operations. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. The managing authority shall be assisted by the joint secretariat, with staff representing States participating in the Interreg Plan chapter. The joint secretariat shall assist the managing authority and the monitoring committee in carrying out their respective functions. The joint secretariat shall also provide information to potential beneficiaries about funding opportunities under Interreg programmes and shall assist beneficiaries and partners in the implementation of operations. | 4. The managing authority shall be assisted by the joint secretariat, with staff representing States participating in the Interreg Plan chapter. The joint secretariat shall assist the managing authority and the monitoring committee in carrying out their respective functions. The joint secretariat shall also provide information to potential beneficiaries about funding opportunities under Interreg Plan chapter and shall assist beneficiaries and partners in the implementation of operations. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. The managing authority shall be assisted by the joint secretariat, with staff representing States participating in the Interreg Plan chapter. The joint secretariat shall assist the managing authority and the monitoring committee in carrying out their respective functions. The joint secretariat shall also provide information to potential beneficiaries about funding opportunities under Interreg programmes and shall assist beneficiaries and partners in the implementation of operations. | 4. The managing authority may be assisted by the joint secretariat, with staff representing States participating in the Interreg Plan chapter. The joint secretariat shall assist the managing authority and the monitoring committee in carrying out their respective functions. The joint secretariat shall also provide information to potential beneficiaries about funding opportunities under Interreg programmes and shall assist beneficiaries and partners in the implementation of operations. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. The managing authority shall be assisted by the joint secretariat, with staff representing States participating in the Interreg Plan chapter. The joint secretariat shall assist the managing authority and the monitoring committee in carrying out their respective functions. The joint secretariat shall also provide information to potential beneficiaries about funding opportunities under Interreg programmes and shall assist beneficiaries and partners in the implementation of operations. | 4. The managing authority may be assisted by the joint secretariat, with staff representing States participating in the Interreg Plan chapter. The joint secretariat shall assist the managing authority and the monitoring committee in carrying out their respective functions. The joint secretariat shall also provide information to potential beneficiaries about funding opportunities under Interreg programmes and shall assist beneficiaries and partners in the implementation of operations. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 5. In addition to the rules laid down in Article 52 [functions of the audit authority] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], for the purpose of the Interreg Plan chapters, where the audit authority does not have the authorisation to carry out its tasks in the whole territory covered by a cooperation programme, it shall be assisted by a group of auditors composed of a representative from each Member State and, where applicable, non-Member States participating in the Interreg programme. Each Member State and, where applicable, non-Member State shall be responsible for audits carried out on its territory. | 5. In addition to the rules laid down in Article 52 [functions of the audit authority] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], for the purpose of the Interreg Plan chapters, where the audit authority does not have the authorisation to carry out its tasks in the whole territory covered by a cooperation programme, the participating Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States shall establish appropriate arrangements enabling the audit authority to obtain sufficient and reliable assurance for the whole territory covered by the Interreg Plan chapter. Such arrangements shall take account of the geographical scope of the Interreg Plan chapter, the number of participating States and their respective institutional arrangements and shall not require the establishment of additional permanent administrative structures where existing arrangements are sufficient to ensure the effective performance of audit functions. |
he amendment provides greater flexibility for audit arrangements, in particular for transnational and interregional cooperation involving a large number of participating countries. Requiring a representative from every participating country in a group of auditors may create disproportionate administrative complexity. The audit authority should instead be able to rely on arrangements ensuring sufficient and reliable assurance while taking account of the specific characteristics of each Interreg Plan chapter.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 5. In addition to the rules laid down in Article 52 [functions of the audit authority] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], for the purpose of the Interreg Plan chapters, where the audit authority does not have the authorisation to carry out its tasks in the whole territory covered by a cooperation programme, it shall be assisted by a group of auditors composed of a representative from each Member State and, where applicable, non-Member States participating in the Interreg programme. Each Member State and, where applicable, non-Member State shall be responsible for audits carried out on its territory. | 5. In addition to the rules laid down in Article 52 [functions of the audit authority] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], for the purpose of the Interreg Plan chapters, where the audit authority does not have the authorisation to carry out its tasks in the whole territory covered by a cooperation programme, it shall be assisted by a group of auditors composed of a representative from each Member State and, where applicable, non-Member States participating in the Interreg programme (excluding appropriations under indirect management and appropriations under the Global Europe instrument). Each Member State and, where applicable, non-Member State shall be responsible for audits carried out on its territory. |
Cet amendement vise à confirmer qu'il n'est pas nécessaire de mettre en place le "groupe des auditeurs" pour la gestion de crédits en gestion indirecte. Pour les programmes Interreg des RUP, la mise en place d'un groupe d'auditeurs associant les Etats-tiers génère une difficulté diplomatique importante et disproportionnée au regard des enveloppes financières susceptibles d’être confiées, et de nature à compromettre la gestion des crédits. Cette rédaction serait conforme aux principes de subsidiarité et d'adaptation consacrés par le droit de l'Union européenne et permettrait de tenir pleinement compte des réalités géopolitiques particulières auxquelles sont confrontées les régions ultrapériphériques.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 5. In addition to the rules laid down in Article 52 [functions of the audit authority] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], for the purpose of the Interreg Plan chapters, where the audit authority does not have the authorisation to carry out its tasks in the whole territory covered by a cooperation programme, it shall be assisted by a group of auditors composed of a representative from each Member State and, where applicable, non-Member States participating in the Interreg programme. Each Member State and, where applicable, non-Member State shall be responsible for audits carried out on its territory. | 5. In addition to the rules laid down in Article 52 [functions of the audit authority] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], for the purpose of the Interreg Plan chapters, where the audit authority does not have the authorisation to carry out its tasks in the whole territory covered by a cooperation programme, it shall be assisted by a group of auditors composed of a representative from each Member State or, where appropriate, region and, where applicable, non-Member States participating in the Interreg programme. Each Member State or, where appropriate, region and, where applicable, non-Member State shall be responsible for audits carried out on its territory. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. A monitoring committee shall be established for each Interreg Plan chapter. The monitoring committee shall be responsible for selection of Interreg operations, in accordance with the Interreg Plan chapter’s strategy and objectives. The Commission may lay down further requirements to be met by the monitoring committee in the implementing act provided for in Article 9(1) [approval and amendment of the Interreg plan]. | 6. A monitoring committee shall be established for each Interreg Plan chapter. The composition of the monitoring committee shall be agreed by the participating Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States. Each participating Member State and, where applicable, non-Member State shall be represented in the monitoring committee. Regional and local authorities and other relevant partners shall participate in accordance with the partnership arrangements applicable under Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], taking account of the institutional arrangements of the participating States. |
| The monitoring committee shall adopt its rules of procedure at its first meeting. | |
| The monitoring committee shall examine: | |
| (a) progress in the implementation of the Interreg Plan chapter and in achieving its objectives, milestones and targets; | |
| (b) any issues affecting the performance of the Interreg Plan chapter and measures taken to address those issues; | |
| (c) progress made in carrying out evaluations and the follow-up given to their findings; | |
| (d) the implementation of communication and visibility activities; | |
| (e) where relevant, progress in implementing operations of strategic importance and integrated territorial operations. | |
| The monitoring committee shall approve: | |
| (a) the methodology and criteria used for the selection of operations, including any amendments thereto; | |
| (b) proposals for substantial amendments to the Interreg Plan chapter before their submission to the Commission; | |
| (c) the evaluation arrangements applicable to the Interreg Plan chapter and any amendments thereto. | |
| The monitoring committee shall be responsible for the selection of Interreg operations in accordance with the strategy and objectives of the Interreg Plan chapter. It may establish one or more steering committees and delegate to them the selection of operations under conditions determined in its rules of procedure. | |
| The Commission may participate in the work of the monitoring committee in an advisory capacity. | |
| No further requirements concerning the establishment, composition or essential functions of the monitoring committee shall be laid down by means of the implementing act referred to in Article 9(1). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. A monitoring committee shall be established for each Interreg Plan chapter. The monitoring committee shall be responsible for selection of Interreg operations, in accordance with the Interreg Plan chapter’s strategy and objectives. The Commission may lay down further requirements to be met by the monitoring committee in the implementing act provided for in Article 9(1) [approval and amendment of the Interreg plan]. | 6. A monitoring committee shall be established for each Interreg Plan chapter. The monitoring committee shall be responsible for selection of Interreg operations, in accordance with the Interreg Plan chapter’s strategy and objectives. The monitoring committee may set up one or more steering committees that shall act under its responsibility for the selection of operations. |
| Each monitoring committee shall adopt its own rules of procedure. | |
| The composition of each monitoring committee shall respect the principles of partnership and multi-level governance. | |
| The monitoring committee shall analyse progress in implementing and achieving the milestones and objectives of the Interreg Plan chapter. | |
| The Commission may lay down further requirements to be met by the monitoring committee in Annex XX to this Regulation, which is provided for in Article 9(1) [approval and amendment of the Interreg plan]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. A monitoring committee shall be established for each Interreg Plan chapter. The monitoring committee shall be responsible for selection of Interreg operations, in accordance with the Interreg Plan chapter’s strategy and objectives. The Commission may lay down further requirements to be met by the monitoring committee in the implementing act provided for in Article 9(1) [approval and amendment of the Interreg plan]. | 6. A monitoring committee shall be established for each Interreg Plan chapter. Its composition shall reflect the partnership and multi-level governance principles and shall include relevant regional and local authorities, including associations representing such authorities, as well as economic and social partners and representatives of civil society. The monitoring committee shall be responsible for selection of Interreg operations, in accordance with the Interreg Plan chapter’s strategy and objectives. The Commission may lay down further requirements to be met by the monitoring committee in the implementing act provided for in Article 9(1) [approval and amendment of the Interreg plan]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. A monitoring committee shall be established for each Interreg Plan chapter. The monitoring committee shall be responsible for selection of Interreg operations, in accordance with the Interreg Plan chapter’s strategy and objectives. The Commission may lay down further requirements to be met by the monitoring committee in the implementing act provided for in Article 9(1) [approval and amendment of the Interreg plan]. | 6. A monitoring committee shall be established for each Interreg Plan chapter. The monitoring committee shall be responsible for selection of Interreg operations, in accordance with the Interreg Plan chapter’s strategy and objectives. The composition of each monitoring committee shall respect the principles of partnership and multi-level governance. The monitoring committee shall analyse progress in implementing and achieving the milestones and objectives of the Interreg Plan chapter. The Commission may lay down further requirements to be met by the monitoring committee in the implementing act provided for in Article 9(1) [approval and amendment of the Interreg plan]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. A monitoring committee shall be established for each Interreg Plan chapter. The monitoring committee shall be responsible for selection of Interreg operations, in accordance with the Interreg Plan chapter’s strategy and objectives. The Commission may lay down further requirements to be met by the monitoring committee in the implementing act provided for in Article 9(1) [approval and amendment of the Interreg plan]. | 6. A monitoring committee shall be established for each Interreg Plan chapter. The monitoring committee shall be responsible for selection of Interreg operations, in accordance with the Interreg Plan chapter’s strategy and objectives. The Commission may lay down further requirements to be met by the monitoring committee in the implementing act provided for in Article 9(1) [approval and amendment of the Interreg plan], only where strictly necessary to ensure compliance with this Regulation and without affecting the responsibility of the participating Member States for the composition, organisation and functioning of the monitoring committee. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. A monitoring committee shall be established for each Interreg Plan chapter. The monitoring committee shall be responsible for selection of Interreg operations, in accordance with the Interreg Plan chapter’s strategy and objectives. The Commission may lay down further requirements to be met by the monitoring committee in the implementing act provided for in Article 9(1) [approval and amendment of the Interreg plan]. | 6. A follow-up committee shall be established for each Interreg Plan chapter. The follow-up committee shall be responsible for selection of Interreg operations, in accordance with the Interreg Plan chapter’s strategy and objectives. The Commission may lay down further requirements to be met by the follow-up committee in the implementing act provided for in Article 9(1) [approval and amendment of the Interreg plan]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Where an Interreg Plan chapter covers eastern border regions, the selection criteria shall provide additional weighting, including additional evaluation points where appropriate, to operations which make a substantial contribution to the specific objective “more resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine”. Such additional weighting shall apply in particular to projects strengthening critical or dual-use infrastructure, military mobility, strategic transport and logistics, civil protection, energy or digital resilience, essential public services, economic resilience and investment, and cooperation supporting Ukraine and its reconstruction. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6a. The composition of the monitoring committees established for the different Interreg strands referred to in Article 7(1)(a), (b), (c) and (d) will allow, where relevant, the active participation of the administrative authorities of administrative units classified at NUTS level 3 in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 that are included in the territorial scope of the corresponding Interreg Plan chapter. Such participation shall be granted directly or through associations representing those authorities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6a. Where an Interreg Plan chapter covers eastern border regions, the relevant regional and local authorities from those regions shall be appropriately represented in the monitoring committee and involved in the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of measures supporting the specific objective “more resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine”. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6a. By way of derogation from the general rules, Interreg chapters for outermost regions may support measures to compensate for additional transport and connectivity costs, including operating costs of services of general economic interest shared with their cooperation partners pursuant to Article 6 of this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6a. The application of this Article shall not require participating Member States to restructure established administrative, payment, accounting, control or audit systems where those systems are capable of fulfilling the requirements laid down in this Regulation and Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6b. The establishment of the monitoring committee and its decision-making and selection mechanisms for operations must provide for suitable regional and local representation, including municipal representation, in compliance with the constitutional and autonomous framework of the Member States. The programming must ensure that regions and cities have the capacity to submit and implement own initiative projects, preventing excessive centralisation of decisions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 10a | |
| Small Project Funds | |
| 1. The total contribution from the ERDF or, where applicable, from the Global Europe Instrument , to small project funds within an Interreg Plan chapter shall not exceed 20 % of the total allocation of the Interreg Plan chapter. The recipients within a small project fund shall receive support from the ERDF or, where applicable, from the Global Europe Instrument through the beneficiary and implement the small projects within that small project fund (‘small project’). | |
| 2. The small project fund constitutes an operation, which shall be managed by a beneficiary, taking into account its tasks and remuneration. The beneficiary shall be a cross-border legal body or an EGTC or a body which shall have legal personality. The beneficiary shall select the small projects which are implemented by the recipients within the meaning of Article 4, paragraph 5 of [NRP Regulation]. Where the beneficiary is not a cross-border legal body or an EGTC, a body involving representatives from at least two participating countries, of which at least one is a Member State, shall select the joint small projects. | |
| 3. The document setting out the conditions for support to a small project fund shall, in addition to the elements laid down in Article 10d of this Regulation, set out the elements necessary to ensure that the beneficiary: | |
| (a) establishes a non-discriminatory and transparent selection procedure; | |
| (b) applies objective criteria for the selection of small projects, which avoid conflicts of interest; | |
| (c) assesses applications for support; | |
| (d) selects projects and fixes the amount of support for each small project; | |
| (e) is accountable for the implementation of the operation and keeps at its level all supporting documents required for the audit trail; and | |
| (f) makes available to the public the list of the recipients which benefit from the operation. | |
| The beneficiary shall ensure that the recipients comply with the communication requirements set out in Article 18 of [Performance Regulation]. | |
| 4. The selection of small projects shall not constitute a delegation of tasks from the managing authority to an intermediate body as referred to in Article 4, paragraph 4a of [NRP Regulation]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 10a | |
| Monitoring committee and steering committee | |
| 1. The managing authority shall set up, in agreement with the participating Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States, a committee to monitor implementation of the respective Interreg Plan chapter (‘monitoring committee’) within three months of the date of notification to the Member States of the Commission decision approving an Interreg Plan chapter pursuant to Article 9. That monitoring committee may set up one or more steering committees which act under its responsibility for the selection of operations. Steering committees shall apply the partnership principle as set out in Article 3c [Partnership and multi-level governance]. | |
| Where a steering committee is established for the selection of operations, the NUTS 3 authorities referred to in Article 10b(1), directly or through associations representing them, shall likewise participate as full members with voting rights. | |
| 2. The monitoring committee shall adopt its rules of procedure. The rules of procedure of the monitoring committee and, where applicable, of the steering committee shall prevent any situation of conflict of interest when selecting Interreg operations and shall include provisions regarding voting rights and rules for attending the meetings. | |
| 3. The monitoring committee shall meet at least once a year and shall review all issues that affect the progress in implementation of the measures included in the Interreg Plan chapter. | |
| 4. The managing authority shall publish the rules of procedure of the monitoring committee and a summary of both data and information, including decisions, approved by the monitoring committee on the website referred to in Article 64 of Regulation (EU) ..../....[NRP Regulation]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 10a | |
| Composition of the follow-up committee | |
| 1. The composition of the follow-up committee for each Interreg Plan chapter shall be proposed by the managing authority and agreed by the participating Member States and, where applicable, the non-Member States; it shall ensure a balanced representation of: | |
| (a) the relevant national, regional and local authorities; | |
| (b) bodies jointly set up for the whole or part of the Interreg Plan chapter area, including, where appropriate, European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs) set up pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council; and | |
| (c) representatives of the partners referred to in Article (...) [Partnership and multi-level governance] of this Regulation from Member States and non-Member States; the composition of the follow-up committee shall take into account the number of Member States and non-Member States participating in the Interreg Plan chapter concerned; | |
| (d) where applicable, associations or organisations representing the stakeholders referred to in (a) to (c). | |
| 2. The managing authority shall publish a list of the members of the follow-up committee on the website referred to in Article 64 of Regulation (EU) ..../.... [NRP Regulation]. | |
| 3. Representatives of the Commission shall participate in the work of the follow-up committee in an advisory capacity. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 10a | |
| European groupings of territorial cooperation (EGTCs) | |
| 1. A European grouping of territorial cooperation (EGTC) may be designated as managing authority for a chapter of the Interreg Plan. | |
| 2. A cross-border legal body or an EGTC may be the sole partner of an Interreg operation under strands of cooperation a, b and d, provided that the members thereof include partners from at least two participating countries. | |
| 3. The cross-border legal body or EGTC shall have members from at least three participating countries under the Interreg Europe and URBACT programmes. | |
| 4. A beneficiary of a small-project fund may be a cross-border legal body, an EGTC or a body with legal personality. | |
| 5. Where a cross-border legal body or EGTC implements integrated territorial investment, it may also be the sole beneficiary, provided that there is a separation of functions within the cross-border legal body or EGTC. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 10a | |
| European groupings of territorial cooperation (EGTCs) | |
| 1. A European grouping of territorial cooperation (EGTC) may be designated as managing authority for a chapter of the Interreg Plan. | |
| 2. A cross-border legal body or an EGTC may be the sole partner of an Interreg operation under strands of cooperation a, b and d, provided that the members thereof include partners from at least two participating countries. | |
| 3. The cross-border legal body or EGTC shall have members from at least three participating countries under the Interreg Europe and URBACT programmes. | |
| 4. A cross-border legal body or an EGTC may also be a single beneficiary of a small-project fund. | |
| 5. Where a cross-border legal body or EGTC implements integrated territorial investment, it may also be the sole beneficiary, provided that there is a separation of functions within the cross-border legal body or EGTC. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 10a | |
| Small projects and simplified access | |
| Interreg Plan chapters may establish small project funds and simplified implementation arrangements in order to facilitate participation by local and regional authorities, SMEs, civil society organisations and other local beneficiaries. Interreg Plan chapters covering eastern border regions shall provide appropriate simplified access arrangements for smaller beneficiaries, including simplified application procedures, simplified cost options and proportionate reporting and control requirements. Particular attention shall be paid to projects strengthening cross-border community cooperation, local economic resilience, essential services, civil preparedness and the capacity of smaller municipalities situated at the Union’s external eastern border. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 10a | |
| Lead partner principle | |
| 1. Where an Interreg operation involves more than one partner, the partners shall identify one partner as lead partner. | |
| 2. The lead partner shall coordinate the implementation of the operation and relations with the managing authority, without prejudice to the responsibility of each partner for the activities and expenditure under its responsibility. | |
| 3. The specific responsibilities of the lead partner and other partners shall be laid down in the document setting out the conditions for support. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 10a | |
| Thematic concentration | |
| Where an Interreg Plan chapter under the transnational cooperation strand supports a macro-regional strategy or a sea-basin strategy, at least 80 % of the fund contribution and, where applicable, part of the Global Europe Instrument allocations under measures other than for technical assistance shall contribute to the objectives of that strategy. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 10b | |
| Support to projects of limited financial volume and small project funds | |
| 1. Interreg Plan chapters under the cross-border cooperation and outermost regions' cooperation strands, and where appropriate, under the transnational cooperation strand, shall support projects of limited financial volume, either: | |
| (a) directly within each chapter, or; | |
| (b) within one or more small project funds. Where an Interreg Plan chapter under the transnational cooperation or outermost regions' cooperation strand is unable to fulfil the obligation laid down in the first subparagraph, the reasons for this shall be set out in the chapter document in accordance with the template set out in the Annex. | |
| 2. The total contribution from the Fund or, where applicable, from the Global Europe Instrument, to small project funds within an Interreg Plan chapter shall not exceed 30 % of the total allocation of the Interreg Plan chapter. The recipients within a small project fund shall receive support from the Fund, where applicable from support from non-Member States or, where applicable, from the Global Europe Instrument through the beneficiary and implement the small projects within that small project fund ('small projects'). | |
| 3. The small project fund constitutes an operation which shall be managed by a beneficiary, taking into account its tasks and remuneration. The beneficiary shall be a cross-border legal body or an EGTC or a body with legal personality. The beneficiary shall select the small projects which are implemented by the recipients within the meaning of Article 4(6) of Regulation (EU) …/… [NRP Regulation]. Where the beneficiary is not a cross-border legal body or an EGTC, a body involving representatives from at least two participating countries, of which at least one is a Member State, shall select the joint small projects. | |
| 4. The document setting out the conditions for support to a small project fund shall, in addition to the elements laid down in Article 10d [Selection of operations] of this Regulation, set out the elements necessary to ensure that the beneficiary: (a) establishes a non-discriminatory and transparent selection procedure; (b) selects small projects by applying objective criteria which avoid conflicts of interest; (c) assesses applications for support; (d) selects projects and fixes the amount of support for each small project; (e) is accountable for the implementation of the operation and keeps at its level all supporting documents required for the audit trail; and (f) makes available to the public the list of the recipients benefiting from the operation. The beneficiary shall ensure that the recipients comply with the communication requirements set out in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) ..../.... [Performance Regulation]. | |
| 5. The selection of small projects shall not constitute a delegation of tasks from the managing authority to an intermediate body as referred to in Article 4(4a) of Regulation (EU) ..../.... [NRP Regulation]. | |
| 6. Staff and other costs corresponding to the cost categories set out in this Regulation generated at the level of the beneficiary for the management of the small project fund or funds shall not exceed 20 % of the total eligible cost of the small project fund or funds, respectively. | |
| 7. Where the public contribution to a small project does not exceed EUR 100 000, the contribution from the Fund or, where applicable, the Global Europe Instrument shall take the form of unit costs, lump sums or flat-rate financing, except for projects for which the support constitutes State aid. Where the total costs of each project do not exceed EUR 100 000, the amount of support for one or more small projects may be set on the basis of a draft budget which is established on a case-by-case basis and agreed ex ante by the beneficiary managing the small project fund. Where flat-rate financing is used, the categories of costs to which the flat rate is applied may be reimbursed in accordance with the applicable provisions of Regulation (EU) …/… [NRP Regulation]. | |
| 8. The application for support to a small project shall not exceed two pages, excluding annexes, or shall be in the appropriate digital format. The managing authority shall ensure that the application form is proportionate to the amount of support requested and shall not impose administrative requirements beyond what is strictly necessary for the assessment of the application. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 10b | |
| Composition of the Monitoring committee | |
| 1. The composition of the monitoring committee of each Interreg Plan chapter shall be proposed by the managing authority and agreed by the participating Member States and, where applicable, by non-Member States, and shall ensure a balanced representation of: | |
| (a) the relevant national, regional and local authorities; | |
| (b) bodies jointly set up in the whole or part of the Interreg Plan chapter area, including, where appropriate, European groupings of territorial cooperation (EGTCs) set up pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council ; and , | |
| (c) representatives of the partners referred to in Article 3c [Partnership and multi-level governance] of this Regulation (EU) from Member States and non-Member States. The composition of the monitoring committee shall take into account the number of Member States and non-Member States participating in the Interreg Plan chapter concerned. | |
| For the purposes of point (a), “relevant authorities” shall include the administrative authorities corresponding to administrative units classified at NUTS level 3 in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 whose territories are covered by the respective Interreg Plan chapter. Their participation shall be ensured directly or through associations representing those authorities. The representatives so designated shall be full members of the monitoring committee with voting rights. | |
| 2. The managing authority shall publish a list of the members of the monitoring committee on the website referred to in Article 64 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. 3. Representatives of the Commission shall participate in the work of the monitoring committee in an advisory capacity. | |
| 3. Representatives of the Commission shall participate in the work of the monitoring committee in an advisory capacity. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 10b | |
| Direct access to support in eastern border regions | |
| 1. For measures supporting eastern border regions and the specific objective “more resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine”, Member States shall ensure, with the active involvement of relevant specialised institutions, including national public institutions, that eligible local and regional beneficiaries are able to submit projects directly through transparent, open and competitive calls for proposals organised at national level or under the relevant Interreg Plan chapter. | |
| 2.Such calls shall be accessible, where relevant, to cities, municipalities, counties and other local authorities, functional urban areas, farmers, entrepreneurs and SMEs, food producers and processors, public hospitals, universities, vocational education and training institutions, civil protection and emergency-response entities, operators of border-crossing and border-service infrastructure, and local providers of public infrastructure and essential services located in eligible eastern border regions. | |
| 3.Project selection shall be based on transparent, objective and measurable criteria reflecting the specific needs and regional economic, agricultural, industrial, logistical, scientific and educational specialisations of the territories concerned. | |
| 4.Access to support and the selection of operations shall be ensured on the basis of equal treatment and objective project quality and shall not depend on the political composition of the regional or local authorities concerned. | |
| 5.Member States and managing authorities shall ensure that the procedures referred to in this Article provide potential beneficiaries with appropriate technical assistance and information necessary for the preparation and implementation of projects. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 10b | |
| Selection of operations | |
| Operations shall be selected on the basis of the strategy and objectives of the relevant Interreg Plan chapter and their contribution to territorial cooperation. Selection criteria shall be proportionate to the nature, financial volume and complexity of the operation and shall avoid unnecessary administrative burden on beneficiaries. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 10c | |
| Cross-border obstacles | |
| Interreg may support actions aimed at identifying, preventing or resolving legal and administrative obstacles affecting cross-border cooperation, including cooperation between competent national, regional and local authorities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. The contribution from Regulation (EU) [ NRP Regulation] to the Interreg Plan chapters to be also supported from the Global Europe Instrument, including for outermost regions, shall be established by the Commission and the Member States concerned. The contribution established for each Member State shall not subsequently be reallocated between the Member States concerned. The respective contributions from the Global Europe Instrument to Interreg Plan chapters shall take account of the involvement of Member States and the beneficiaries of the Global Europe Instrument. Support provided under Regulation (EU) (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall be granted to external cross-border cooperation chapters provided that proportionate amounts are provided by the Global Europe Instrument. | 1. The contribution from the Fund to the Interreg Plan chapters that will also be supported from the Global Europe Instrument, including for outermost regions, shall be established by the Commission and the Member States concerned. The contribution established for each Member State shall not subsequently be reallocated between the Member States concerned, unless, within the same chapter and in the event of an objective and duly substantiated change in needs, this is agreed in advance in writing by all the Member States concerned and is authorised by the Commission. The reallocation shall be accompanied by a territorial impact assessment and shall not reduce the total contribution allocated to the chapter or alter the proportionality required of the contributions from the Global Europe Instrument. The respective contributions from the Global Europe Instrument to Interreg Plan chapters shall take account of the involvement of Member States and the beneficiaries of the Global Europe Instrument. Support provided under the Fund shall be granted to external cross-border cooperation chapters, provided that at least equivalent amounts for cross-border cooperation and proportionate amounts for transnational and interregional cooperation and cooperation with the outermost regions are provided for by the Global Europe Instrument. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. The contribution from Regulation (EU) [ NRP Regulation] to the Interreg Plan chapters to be also supported from the Global Europe Instrument, including for outermost regions, shall be established by the Commission and the Member States concerned. The contribution established for each Member State shall not subsequently be reallocated between the Member States concerned. The respective contributions from the Global Europe Instrument to Interreg Plan chapters shall take account of the involvement of Member States and the beneficiaries of the Global Europe Instrument. Support provided under Regulation (EU) (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall be granted to external cross-border cooperation chapters provided that proportionate amounts are provided by the Global Europe Instrument. | 1. The contribution from Regulation (EU) [ NRP Regulation] to the Interreg Plan chapters to be also supported from the Global Europe Instrument, including for outermost regions, shall be established by the Commission and the Member States concerned. The contribution established for each Member State shall not subsequently be reallocated between the Member States concerned. The respective contributions from the Global Europe Instrument to Interreg Plan chapters shall take account of the involvement of Member States and the beneficiaries of the Global Europe Instrument. Support provided under Regulation (EU) (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall be granted to external cross-border cooperation chapters provided that at least equivalent amounts are provided by the Global Europe Instrument. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. The contribution from Regulation (EU) [ NRP Regulation] to the Interreg Plan chapters to be also supported from the Global Europe Instrument, including for outermost regions, shall be established by the Commission and the Member States concerned. The contribution established for each Member State shall not subsequently be reallocated between the Member States concerned. The respective contributions from the Global Europe Instrument to Interreg Plan chapters shall take account of the involvement of Member States and the beneficiaries of the Global Europe Instrument. Support provided under Regulation (EU) (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall be granted to external cross-border cooperation chapters provided that proportionate amounts are provided by the Global Europe Instrument. | 1. The contribution from Regulation (EU) [ NRP Regulation] to the Interreg Plan chapters to be also supported from the Global Europe Instrument, including for outermost regions, shall be established by the Commission and the Member States concerned. The contribution established for each Member State shall not subsequently be reallocated between the Member States concerned. The respective contributions from the Global Europe Instrument to Interreg Plan chapters shall take account of the involvement of Member States and the beneficiaries of the Global Europe Instrument. Support provided under Regulation (EU) (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall be granted to external cross-border cooperation chapters provided that at least equivalent amounts are provided by the Global Europe Instrument. |
It is essential to ensure a level of support from the Global Europe Instrument comparable to that provided under the current programming period. Adequate financial support should be ensured for the external cross-border cooperation chapters.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. The contribution from Regulation (EU) [ NRP Regulation] to the Interreg Plan chapters to be also supported from the Global Europe Instrument, including for outermost regions, shall be established by the Commission and the Member States concerned. The contribution established for each Member State shall not subsequently be reallocated between the Member States concerned. The respective contributions from the Global Europe Instrument to Interreg Plan chapters shall take account of the involvement of Member States and the beneficiaries of the Global Europe Instrument. Support provided under Regulation (EU) (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall be granted to external cross-border cooperation chapters provided that proportionate amounts are provided by the Global Europe Instrument. | 1. The contribution from Regulation (EU) [ NRP Regulation] to the Interreg Plan chapters to be also supported from the Global Europe Instrument, including for outermost regions, shall be established by the Commission and the Member States concerned. The contribution established for each Member State shall not subsequently be reallocated between the Member States concerned. The respective contributions from the Global Europe Instrument to Interreg Plan chapters shall take account of the involvement of Member States and the beneficiaries of the Global Europe Instrument. Support provided under Regulation (EU) (EU) [NRP Regulation] shall be granted to external cross-border cooperation chapters provided that at least equivalent amounts are provided by the Global Europe Instrument. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1a. Only Third Countries which are compliant with international law, human rights standards and whose leaders are not, for example, subject to provisional measures by the International Court of Justice may benefit in any form. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. Where the implementation of an operation requires procurement of service, supply or works contracts by a beneficiary which is a public authority located in a non-Member State, that beneficiary may apply either of the following: | 3. Where the implementation of an operation requires procurement of service, supply or works contracts by a beneficiary which is a public authority located in a non-Member State, that beneficiary shall apply the procurement procedures provided for in Articles 181 and 182 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) national laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the non-Member State concerned provided that the financing agreement allows it and that the contract is awarded to the tender offering best value for money, or, as appropriate, to the tender offering the lowest price, while avoiding any conflict of interests; | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) the procurement procedures provided for in Articles 181 and 182 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3a. Where the national law of a third country applies, the funding agreement shall set out minimum safeguards (rules on conflicts of interest, publication standards, a complaints mechanism) and provide for ex ante verification by the managing authority or the joint secretariat. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. If, by [2029 or] 2030, the Interreg Plan chapter has not been submitted to the Commission by 31 March of the year concerned, the annual contribution from the NRP to that Interreg Plan chapter shall be re-allocated to another Interreg Plan chapter in which the Member State concerned participates. | 1. If, by [2029 or] 2030, the Interreg Plan chapter has not been submitted to the Commission by 31 March of the year concerned, the annual contribution from the NRP to that Interreg Plan chapter shall be re-allocated to another Interreg Plan chapter in which the Member State concerned participates following consultation with the Member State concerned and taking account of the implementation capacity and territorial needs of the Interreg Plan chapters concerned. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. If, by [2029 or] 2030, the Interreg Plan chapter has not been submitted to the Commission by 31 March of the year concerned, the annual contribution from the NRP to that Interreg Plan chapter shall be re-allocated to another Interreg Plan chapter in which the Member State concerned participates. | 1. If, by 2030, the Interreg Plan chapter has not been submitted to the Commission by 31 March of the year concerned, the annual contribution from the NRP to that Interreg Plan chapter shall be re-allocated to one or more Interreg Plan chapters in which the Member State concerned participates. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. If, by [2029 or] 2030, the Interreg Plan chapter has not been submitted to the Commission by 31 March of the year concerned, the annual contribution from the NRP to that Interreg Plan chapter shall be re-allocated to another Interreg Plan chapter in which the Member State concerned participates. | 1. If, by 2030, the Interreg Plan chapter has not been submitted to the Commission by 31 March of the year concerned, the annual contribution from the NRP to that Interreg Plan chapter shall be re-allocated to one or more Interreg Plan chapter in which the Member State concerned participates. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. If, by 31 March 2031, there are still Interreg Plan chapters, which have not been submitted to the Commission, the contribution from the NRP to those Interreg Plan chapters for the remaining years up to 2034, which has not been re-allocated to another Interreg Plan chapter shall be allocated to the Interreg Plan chapter in which the Member State concerned participates. | 2. If, by 31 March 2031, there are still Interreg Plan chapters, which have not been submitted to the Commission, the contribution from the NRP to those Interreg Plan chapters for the remaining years up to 2034, which has not been re-allocated to another Interreg Plan chapter shall be allocated to one or more Interreg Plan chapters in which the Member State concerned participates on the basis of a proposal by that Member State. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2a. Before carrying out the reallocation, the Commission and the Member State shall consult the relevant managing authorities at regional level; the reallocation shall maintain the proportional share originally envisaged for the regions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Any Interreg Plan chapter that has already been approved by the Commission shall be discontinued or its allocation shall be reduced, in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures, in particular if: | Any Interreg Plan chapter that has already been approved by the Commission may, as a measure of last resort and in accordance with the principle of proportionality, be discontinued or have its allocation reduced only to the extent that its implementation has become impossible, in particular in particular where: |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| i. none of the partner countries covered by the external cross-border Interreg Plan chapter concerned has signed the relevant financing agreement by the deadlines set out in accordance with Article [XX] of the Interreg Plan; or | i. none of the partner countries covered by the external Interreg Plan chapter concerned has signed the relevant financing agreement by the deadlines set out in accordance with Article [XX] of the Interreg Plan; or |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| i. none of the partner countries covered by the external cross-border Interreg Plan chapter concerned has signed the relevant financing agreement by the deadlines set out in accordance with Article [XX] of the Interreg Plan; or | i. none of the partner countries covered by the external Interreg Plan chapter concerned has signed the relevant financing agreement by the deadlines set out in accordance with Article [XX] of the Interreg Plan; or |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| ii. the Interreg Plan chapter cannot be implemented as planned due to problems in the relations between the participating countries. | ii. the Interreg Plan chapter cannot be implemented as planned due to problems in the relations between the participating countries; or |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| iia. iii. the participating non-Member State does not cooperate effectively and verifiably with the Member State concerned or the Union on the readmission of its nationals staying illegally on the territory of the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In cases referred to in the first subparagraph, the contribution from the NRP referred to in paragraph 1 corresponding to annual instalments not yet committed, or annual instalments committed and decommitted totally or partially during the same budgetary year, which have not been re-allocated to another Interreg Plan chapter shall be allocated to another Interreg Plan chapter in which the Member State concerned participates. | Before taking a decision pursuant to the first subparagraph, the Commission shall consult the participating Member States and, where applicable, non-Member States and shall assess whether the implementation of the chapter may continue in whole or in part through an amendment of its geographical coverage, measures, participating partners or financial allocation. |
| Discontinuation of an Interreg Plan chapter shall be used only where its continued implementation, including in an amended form, is not reasonably possible. A reduction of the allocation shall be proportionate to the part of the chapter that can no longer be implemented. | |
| In cases referred to in the first subparagraph, the contribution from the NRP referred to in paragraph 1 corresponding to annual instalments not yet committed, or annual instalments committed and decommitted totally or partially during the same budgetary year, which have not been re-allocated to another Interreg Plan chapter shall be allocated to another Interreg Plan chapter in which the Member State concerned participates. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In cases referred to in the first subparagraph, the contribution from the NRP referred to in paragraph 1 corresponding to annual instalments not yet committed, or annual instalments committed and decommitted totally or partially during the same budgetary year, which have not been re-allocated to another Interreg Plan chapter shall be allocated to another Interreg Plan chapter in which the Member State concerned participates. | In cases referred to in the first subparagraph, the contribution from the NRP referred to in paragraph 1 corresponding to annual instalments not yet committed, or annual instalments committed and decommitted totally or partially during the same budgetary year, which have not been re-allocated to another Interreg Plan chapter shall be allocated to another Interreg Plan chapter in which the Member State concerned participates, giving priority to other plans affecting the same geographical area or cross-border area. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In cases referred to in the first subparagraph, the contribution from the NRP referred to in paragraph 1 corresponding to annual instalments not yet committed, or annual instalments committed and decommitted totally or partially during the same budgetary year, which have not been re-allocated to another Interreg Plan chapter shall be allocated to another Interreg Plan chapter in which the Member State concerned participates. | In cases referred to in the first subparagraph, the contribution from the Fund referred to in paragraph 1 corresponding to annual instalments not yet committed, or annual instalments committed and decommitted totally or partially during the same budgetary year, which have not been re-allocated to another Interreg Plan chapter shall be allocated to another Interreg Plan chapter in which the Member State concerned participates, with priority given to those chapters that benefit the same geographical or cross-border area. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3a. Where the discontinuation or reduction of an Interreg Plan chapter results from the suspension, deterioration or impossibility of cooperation with Russia or Belarus, the corresponding Union contribution shall be reallocated as a priority to Interreg Plan chapters or measures supporting the specific objective “more resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine”. Such reallocation shall not reduce the additional Union allocation provided pursuant to Article 9a. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4a. Resources reallocated pursuant to this Article shall remain available for European territorial cooperation and shall not be transferred to other policy areas solely as a consequence of the non-submission, reduction or discontinuation of an individual Interreg Plan chapter. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4a. In the event of delays in concluding agreements with third countries, a 12-month withdrawal period shall apply. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4b. Prior to the return of funds, an opportunity shall be given to reallocate them, first and foremost, within the same chapter. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4c. The N+2 rule shall apply in respect of chapters on the external borders. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 12a | |
| Submission and assessment of payment applications | |
| 1. Payments by the Commission shall be made in accordance with the budget appropriations and subject to the available funding. | |
| 2. The managing authority shall submit a payment application to the Commission. The amounts included in a payment application shall correspond to the amounts justified by the fulfilment of milestones and targets or corresponding outputs for other interventions, in accordance with the decision approving the Plan and based on the evidence collected by the managing authority and verified by the Member State. | |
| 3. Where milestones or targets included in the payment application concerned are not fully met, the managing authority shall present reasons to explain why the Commission should nevertheless execute the payment application in full. | |
| 4. The fulfilment of the milestones and targets shall be independent from the predetermined amount for technical assistance allocated in the corresponding Interreg Plan chapter. The technical assistance envelope shall be calculated solely on the basis of the total budget appropriation for the corresponding Interreg Plan chapter and transferred annually by the Commission to the managing authority. | |
| 5. Payment applications shall be submitted by the Member States to the Commission in accordance with the template set out in Annex XI to Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] up to six times a year by 31 October. | |
| 6. Payment applications shall not be admissible if the latest assurance package due has not yet been submitted in accordance with Article 59 [annual assurance package] of Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation] and until such time that it is submitted. | |
| 7. Subject to available funding, the Commission shall make the payment within 60 days of the date on which it receives a payment application. Amounts may be paid in one or more instalments. | |
| 8. The cumulative total amount of pre-financing and payments made shall not exceed 95 % of the contribution from the Funds to the Plan. When this ceiling is reached, the coordinating authority shall continue transmitting payment applications to the Commission. Without prejudice to Articles 66, 67 and 68 of Regulation (EU) …/… [NRP Regulation], the Commission shall pay the final balance no later than 10 months following receipt of the documents for the last year of implementation. | |
| 9. The Commission is empowered to adopt a delegated act in accordance with Article 86 to amend Annexes VIII and IX [on the payment application and the fulfilment of milestones and targets] to Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3a. A specific allocation outside Ireland's contribution is foreseen from the EU Budget. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 13a | |
| Exclusion list | |
| The ERDF, Cohesion Fund and INTERREG shall not support any investment related to production, processing, transport, distribution, storage or combustion of fossil fuels. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 14a | |
| Simplification and avoidance of duplication | |
| 1. This Regulation shall not impose additional programming, reporting, governance, monitoring or financial requirements where equivalent requirements already apply pursuant to Regulation (EU) [NRP Regulation], unless such requirements are expressly necessary due to the specific nature of Interreg. | |
| 2. Requirements applicable under this Regulation shall be interpreted and implemented in accordance with the principles of proportionality and simplification. | |
| 3. The Commission shall avoid requiring information from Member States, managing authorities or beneficiaries where equivalent information has already been provided or is available through Union or national information systems. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 14b | |
| Respect for institutional arrangements | |
| The implementation of this Regulation shall be without prejudice to the constitutional and institutional arrangements of the Member States. Unless expressly required by this Regulation, Member States shall determine the allocation of responsibilities between national, regional and local authorities and bodies responsible for implementation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 14c | |
| No additional conditionality | |
| Any conditions applicable to support under this Regulation shall have a clear basis in applicable Union legislation. Implementing acts, guidance or administrative arrangements adopted or issued by the Commission may further specify the application of such conditions where provided for by applicable Union legislation, but shall not introduce additional conditions or requirements going beyond the scope of the relevant legal basis. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 14d | |
| Cohesion safeguard | |
| In implementing this Regulation, the Commission and the Member States shall ensure that the pursuit of other Union priorities does not undermine the primary objective of reducing economic, social and territorial disparities or disproportionately reduce support available to less developed regions, transition regions or territories facing structural disadvantages. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Notwithstanding the date of application referred to in paragraph 2, Member States, managing authorities and other competent bodies may undertake preparatory actions necessary for the timely implementation of this Regulation, including the preparation of Interreg Plan chapters, institutional arrangements, programming documents, consultations and technical preparations, from the date of entry into force of this Regulation. |
o avoid delays in the start of the 2028-2034 programming period, Member States and managing authorities should be able to carry out preparatory work before the Regulation becomes fully applicable. This is particularly important for Interreg, where preparation requires coordination between several participating States and authorities.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The Commission shall take all necessary preparatory measures to enable the timely submission, assessment and approval of Interreg Plan chapters and shall make available the relevant templates, technical guidance and implementation arrangements sufficiently in advance of 1 January 2028. |
Connections
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Sources & citation
Where the facts on this page come from, and how to cite it.
- Data source
- Licensed CC BY 4.0.
- Retrieved
- 25 September 2026
Cite as
European Parliament (2026). “AMENDMENTS 522 - 806 - 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, 7 September 2026. docId REGI-AM-792058. EU Parl Watch Research. https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/REGI-AM-792058 (retrieved 25 September 2026). Data: EP Open Data API: document record, https://data.europarl.europa.eu/api/v2/documents/REGI-AM-792058 (CC BY 4.0).
BibTeX
@misc{epw-text-regi-am-792058,
author = {{European Parliament}},
title = {{AMENDMENTS 522 - 806 - 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 = {2026-09-07},
howpublished = {\url{https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/REGI-AM-792058}},
url = {https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/REGI-AM-792058},
urldate = {2026-09-25},
publisher = {EU Parl Watch Research},
note = {Text. docId REGI-AM-792058. Data: EP Open Data API: document record (CC BY 4.0)}
}