### (17) regulation (eu) 2021/1060 of the european parliament and of the council6 should be amended to provide for the possibility to transfer up to 7.5% of resources of shared management programmes governed by that regulation to the facility for the achievement of the repowereu objectives , in addition to the existing transfer possibility of up to 5%. such a possibility is justified by the need to cover repowereu objectives , providing member states with additional flexibility to address those urgent needs. furthermore , the facility allows for a fast disbursement of funds , making it particularly well suited for financing of urgent energy-related measures. such transfers should be justified by a higher financial need linked to additional reforms and investments included in the repowereu chapter. ### (17) regulation (eu) no 1303/2013 of the european parliament and of the council1a and regulation (eu) 2021/1060 of the european parliament and of the council6 should be amended to provide exceptional additional flexibility to enable the member states to concentrate on the necessary response to the unprecedented crisis by enhancing the possibility to mobilise non-utilised support from the funds of the 2014-2020 programming period and up to 12.5% of resources of shared management of the 2021-2027 programming period and by simplifying procedural requirements linked to programme implementation to address the need for a rapid response to the energy crisis by ensuring key energy investments to accomplish the repowereu-related objectives and support vulnerable families and smes that are suffering the consequences of the rise in energy prices.


### (17) regulation (eu) 2021/1060 of the european parliament and of the council6 should be amended to provide for the possibility to transfer up to 7.5% of resources of shared management programmes governed by that regulation to the facility for the achievement of the repowereu objectives , in addition to the existing transfer possibility of up to 5%. such a possibility is justified by the need to cover repowereu objectives , providing member states with additional flexibility to address those urgent needs. furthermore , the facility allows for a fast disbursement of funds , making it particularly well suited for financing of urgent energy-related measures. such transfers should be justified by a higher financial need linked to additional reforms and investments included in the repowereu chapter. ### (17) regulation (eu) 2021/1060 of the european parliament and of the council6 should be amended to provide for the possibility to transfer up to 7.5% of resources of shared management programmes governed by that regulation to the facility for the achievement of the repowereu objectives , in addition to the existing transfer possibility of up to 5%. such a possibility is justified by the need to cover repowereu objectives , providing member states with additional flexibility to address those urgent needs by establishing conditions for easier permitting process and lesser administrative burden. furthermore , the facility allows for a fast disbursement of funds , making it particularly well suited for financing of urgent energy-related measures. such transfers should be justified by a higher financial need linked to additional reforms and investments included in the repowereu chapter.


### (18) regulation (eu) 2021/2115 of the european parliament and of the council7 should also be amended to allow for a possibility to deliver up to 12.5% of the european agricultural fund for rural development through the recovery and resilience facility. such method of delivery is justified by complementarity and synergies between these instruments with regard to the objectives of reducing the use of synthetic fertilisers , or increasing production of sustainable biomethane or renewable energy , in accordance with the objectives of the common agricultural policy set out in article 39 of tfeu. the delivery via the recovery and resilience facility should accelerate the disbursement of funds to beneficiaries from the agricultural sector which is vital considering the urgency of the energy-related objectives. ### (18) regulation (eu) 2021/2115 of the european parliament and of the council7 should also be amended to allow for a possibility to deliver up to 12.5% of the european agricultural fund for rural development through the recovery and resilience facility. such method of delivery is justified by complementarity and synergies between these instruments with regard to the objectives of reducing the use of synthetic fertilisers , synthetic plant protection products , or increasing production of sustainable biomethane or renewable energy , in accordance with the objectives of the common agricultural policy set out in article 39 of tfeu and the cascading use principle which maximizes resource effectiveness. the delivery via the recovery and resilience facility should accelerate the disbursement of funds to beneficiaries from the agricultural sector which is vital considering the urgency of the energy-related objectives.


### (19) disbursements under repowereu shall be made following the rules of the recovery and resilience facility until the end of 2026. payments in relation to the resources transferred from shared management funds shall be subject to the availability of funds approved in the annual eu budget. ### (19) disbursements under repowereu shall be made following the rules of the recovery and resilience facility until the end of 2026.


### (20) a request for a dedicated funding for repowereu measures , including allocation from the market stability reserve , transfers from the funds governed by regulation (eu) 2021/1060 and allocated from european agricultural fund for rural development , submitted in a plan , should be justified by a higher financial need linked to additional reforms and investments included in the repowereu chapter. ### (20) a request for a dedicated funding for repowereu measures , including allocation from the market stability reserve , should be justified by a higher financial need linked to additional reforms and investments included in the repowereu chapter.


### (20) a request for a dedicated funding for repowereu measures , including allocation from the market stability reserve , transfers from the funds governed by regulation (eu) 2021/1060 and allocated from european agricultural fund for rural development , submitted in a plan , should be justified by a higher financial need linked to additional reforms and investments included in the repowereu chapter. ### (20) a request for a dedicated funding for repowereu measures , including transfers from the funds governed by regulation (eu) 2021/1060 and allocated from european agricultural fund for rural development , submitted in a plan , should be justified by a higher financial need linked to additional reforms and investments included in the repowereu chapter.


### (21) the commission should monitor the implementation of reforms and investments outlined in the repowereu chapter and their contribution to the repowereu objectives , as established in regulation (eu) 2021/241. ### (21) the commission should monitor the implementation of reforms and investments outlined in the repowereu chapter and their contribution to the repowereu objectives , as established in regulation (eu) 2021/241. where needed , the commission could grant technical support to the member states for faster and more targeted implementation.


### 1. in line with the six pillars referred in article 3 of this regulation , the coherence and synergies they generate , and in the context of the covid-19 crisis , the general objective of the facility shall be to promote the union’s economic , social and territorial cohesion by improving the resilience , crisis preparedness , adjustment capacity and growth potential of the member states , by mitigating the social and economic impact of that crisis , in particular on women , by contributing to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights , by supporting the green transition , by contributing to the achievement of the union’s 2030 climate targets set out in point (11) of article 2 of regulation (eu) 2018/1999 ,and by complying with the objective of eu climate neutrality by 2050 and of the digital transition , by increasing the resilience of the union energy system through a decrease of dependence on fossil fuels and diversification of energy supplies at union level (‘repowereu objectives’) thereby contributing to the upward economic and social convergence , restoring and promoting sustainable growth and the integration of the economies of the union , fostering high quality employment creation , and contributing to the strategic autonomy of the union alongside an open economy and generating european added value. ### 1. in line with the six pillars referred in article 3 of this regulation , the coherence and synergies they generate , and in the context of the covid-19 crisis , the general objective of the facility shall be to promote the union’s economic , social and territorial cohesion by improving the resilience , crisis preparedness , adjustment capacity and growth potential of the member states , by mitigating the social and economic impact of that crisis , in particular on women , by contributing to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights , by supporting the green transition , by contributing to the achievement of the union’s 2030 climate targets set out in point (11) of article 2 of regulation (eu) 2018/1999 ,and by complying with the objective of eu climate neutrality by 2050 and of the digital transition , by increasing the resilience of the union energy system through a decrease of dependence on fossil fuels and an amendment to the regulation (eu) 2021/1153 establishing the connecting europe facility (cef) which would allow for new projects of common interest (pcis) that contribute towards the diversification of energy supplies at union level (‘repowereu objectives’) and thereby contributing to the upward economic and social convergence , restoring and promoting sustainable growth and the integration of the economies of the union , fostering high quality employment creation , and contributing to the strategic autonomy of the union alongside an open economy and generating european added value.


### 1. in line with the six pillars referred in article 3 of this regulation , the coherence and synergies they generate , and in the context of the covid-19 crisis , the general objective of the facility shall be to promote the union’s economic , social and territorial cohesion by improving the resilience , crisis preparedness , adjustment capacity and growth potential of the member states , by mitigating the social and economic impact of that crisis , in particular on women , by contributing to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights , by supporting the green transition , by contributing to the achievement of the union’s 2030 climate targets set out in point (11) of article 2 of regulation (eu) 2018/1999 ,and by complying with the objective of eu climate neutrality by 2050 and of the digital transition , by increasing the resilience of the union energy system through a decrease of dependence on fossil fuels and diversification of energy supplies at union level (‘repowereu objectives’) thereby contributing to the upward economic and social convergence , restoring and promoting sustainable growth and the integration of the economies of the union , fostering high quality employment creation , and contributing to the strategic autonomy of the union alongside an open economy and generating european added value. ### 1. in line with the six pillars referred in article 3 of this regulation , the coherence and synergies they generate , and in the context of the covid-19 crisis , the general objective of the facility shall be to promote the union’s economic , social and territorial cohesion by improving the resilience , crisis preparedness , adjustment capacity and growth potential of the member states , by mitigating the social and economic impact of that crisis , in particular on women , vulnerable groups and smes by quick adoption of the social climate fund , by contributing to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights , by supporting the green transition , by contributing to the achievement of the union’s 2030 climate targets set out in point (11) of article 2 of regulation (eu) 2018/1999 ,and by complying with the objective of eu climate neutrality by 2050 and of the digital transition , by increasing the resilience of the union energy system through a decrease of dependence on fossil fuels and diversification of energy supplies at union level (‘repowereu objectives’) thereby contributing to the upward economic and social convergence , restoring and promoting sustainable growth and the integration of the economies of the union , fostering high quality employment creation , and contributing to the strategic autonomy of the union alongside an open economy and generating european added value.


### 1. in line with the six pillars referred in article 3 of this regulation , the coherence and synergies they generate , and in the context of the covid-19 crisis , the general objective of the facility shall be to promote the union’s economic , social and territorial cohesion by improving the resilience , crisis preparedness , adjustment capacity and growth potential of the member states , by mitigating the social and economic impact of that crisis , in particular on women , by contributing to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights , by supporting the green transition , by contributing to the achievement of the union’s 2030 climate targets set out in point (11) of article 2 of regulation (eu) 2018/1999 ,and by complying with the objective of eu climate neutrality by 2050 and of the digital transition , by increasing the resilience of the union energy system through a decrease of dependence on fossil fuels and diversification of energy supplies at union level (‘repowereu objectives’) thereby contributing to the upward economic and social convergence , restoring and promoting sustainable growth and the integration of the economies of the union , fostering high quality employment creation , and contributing to the strategic autonomy of the union alongside an open economy and generating european added value. ### 1. in line with the six pillars referred in article 3 of this regulation , the coherence and synergies they generate , and in the context of the covid-19 crisis , the general objective of the facility shall be to promote the union’s economic , social and territorial cohesion by improving the resilience , crisis preparedness , adjustment capacity and growth potential of the member states , by mitigating the social and economic impact of that crisis , in particular on women , by contributing to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights , by supporting the green transition , by contributing to the achievement of the union’s 2030 climate targets set out in point (11) of article 2 of regulation (eu) 2018/1999 ,and by complying with the objective of eu climate neutrality by 2050 and of the digital transition , by increasing the resilience of the union energy system through a decrease of dependence on fossil fuels and diversification of energy supplies at union level (‘repowereu objectives’) thereby contributing to the upward economic and social convergence , restoring and promoting sustainable growth compatible with the eu green deal objectives and the integration of the economies of the union , fostering high quality employment creation , and contributing to the strategic autonomy of the union alongside an open economy and generating european added value.


### 1. in line with the six pillars referred in article 3 of this regulation , the coherence and synergies they generate , and in the context of the covid-19 crisis , the general objective of the facility shall be to promote the union’s economic , social and territorial cohesion by improving the resilience , crisis preparedness , adjustment capacity and growth potential of the member states , by mitigating the social and economic impact of that crisis , in particular on women , by contributing to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights , by supporting the green transition , by contributing to the achievement of the union’s 2030 climate targets set out in point (11) of article 2 of regulation (eu) 2018/1999 ,and by complying with the objective of eu climate neutrality by 2050 and of the digital transition , by increasing the resilience of the union energy system through a decrease of dependence on fossil fuels and diversification of energy supplies at union level (‘repowereu objectives’) thereby contributing to the upward economic and social convergence , restoring and promoting sustainable growth and the integration of the economies of the union , fostering high quality employment creation , and contributing to the strategic autonomy of the union alongside an open economy and generating european added value. ### 1. in line with the six pillars referred in article 3 of this regulation , the coherence and synergies they generate , and in the context of the covid-19 crisis , the general objective of the facility shall be to promote the union’s economic , social and territorial cohesion by improving the resilience , crisis preparedness , adjustment capacity and growth potential of the member states , by mitigating the social and economic impact of that crisis , in particular on women , by contributing to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights , by supporting the green transition , by contributing to the achievement of the union’s 2030 climate targets set out in point (11) of article 2 of regulation (eu) 2018/1999 ,and by complying with the objective of eu climate neutrality by 2050 and of the digital transition , by increasing the resilience of the union energy system through a decrease of dependence on fossil fuels and an increase of the use of renewable energy , an increase of energy efficiency and diversification of energy supplies at union level (‘repowereu objectives’) thereby contributing to the upward economic and social convergence , restoring and promoting sustainable growth and the integration of the economies of the union , fostering high quality employment creation , and contributing to the strategic autonomy of the union alongside an open economy and generating european added value.


### 1. in line with the six pillars referred in article 3 of this regulation , the coherence and synergies they generate , and in the context of the covid-19 crisis , the general objective of the facility shall be to promote the union’s economic , social and territorial cohesion by improving the resilience , crisis preparedness , adjustment capacity and growth potential of the member states , by mitigating the social and economic impact of that crisis , in particular on women , by contributing to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights , by supporting the green transition , by contributing to the achievement of the union’s 2030 climate targets set out in point (11) of article 2 of regulation (eu) 2018/1999 ,and by complying with the objective of eu climate neutrality by 2050 and of the digital transition , by increasing the resilience of the union energy system through a decrease of dependence on fossil fuels and diversification of energy supplies at union level (‘repowereu objectives’) thereby contributing to the upward economic and social convergence , restoring and promoting sustainable growth and the integration of the economies of the union , fostering high quality employment creation , and contributing to the strategic autonomy of the union alongside an open economy and generating european added value. ### 1. in line with the six pillars referred in article 3 of this regulation , the coherence and synergies they generate , and in the context of the covid-19 crisis , the general objective of the facility shall be to promote the union’s economic , social and territorial cohesion by improving the resilience , crisis preparedness , adjustment capacity and growth potential of the member states , by mitigating the social and economic impact of that crisis , in particular on women , by contributing to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights , by supporting the green transition , by contributing to the achievement of the union’s 2030 climate targets set out in point (11) of article 2 of regulation (eu) 2018/1999 ,and by complying with the objective of eu climate neutrality by 2050 and of the digital transition , by increasing the resilience of the union energy system through a decrease of dependence on fossil fuels and diversification of energy supplies at union level (‘repowereu objectives’) thereby contributing to the upward economic and social convergence , restoring and promoting sustainable growth reinforcing the eu green deal objectives and the integration of the economies of the union , fostering high quality employment creation , and contributing to the strategic autonomy of the union alongside an open economy and generating european added value.


### 4. the loan support to the recovery and resilience plan of the member state concerned shall not be higher than the difference between the total costs of the recovery and resilience plan , as revised where relevant , and the maximum financial contribution referred to in article 11 , including , where relevant , the revenue referred to in article 21a as well as , where relevant , resources from shared management programmes to support repowereu objectives referred to in article 21b. ### 4. the loan support to the recovery and resilience plan of the member state concerned shall not be higher than the difference between the total costs of the recovery and resilience plan , as revised where relevant , and the maximum financial contribution referred to in article 11 , including , where relevant , resources from shared management programmes to support repowereu objectives referred to in article 21b.


### (5) each member state may submit to the commission a request for allocation of an amount not exceeding its share , by including in its plan the reforms and investments described in article 21c(1) and indicating their estimated costs. ### (5) each member state may submit to the commission a request for allocation of an amount not exceeding its share , by including in its plan its commitment to climate neutrality goal by 2050 , the reforms and investments described in article 21c(1) and indicating their estimated costs ,


### resources allocated under article 81a of regulation (eu) 2021/2115 shall support measures in article 21c(1)(b) of this regulation for farm investments for the benefit of farmers or groups of farmers , in particular to contribute reducing the use of synthetic fertilisers , increasing production of renewable energy and sustainable biomethane , and boosting energy efficiency. ### resources allocated under article 81a of regulation (eu) 2021/2115 shall support measures in article 21c(1)(b) of this regulation for farm investments for the benefit of farmers or groups of farmers , in particular to contribute reducing the use of synthetic fertilisers , synthetic plant protection products , increasing production of renewable energy and sustainable biomethane , and boosting energy efficiency.


### improving energy infrastructure and facilities to meet immediate security of supply needs for oil and gas , notably to enable diversification of supply in the interest of the union as a whole , ### improving energy infrastructure and facilities to meet immediate security of supply needs , notably to enable diversification of supply and swift rollout of renewable energy in the interest of the union as a whole , facilitating the upgrade of energy grid and enabling the upscale and grid´s optimisation for solar , wind and geothermal energy ,


### boosting energy efficiency in buildings , decarbonising industry , increasing production and uptake of sustainable biomethane and renewable or fossil-free hydrogen and increasing the share of renewable energy , ### boosting energy efficiency in buildings , decarbonising industry , increasing production and uptake of sustainable biomethane and renewable or fossil-free hydrogen and increasing the share of renewable energy , while avoiding building renewable energies and their infrastructure in sensitive areas including protected areas , their buffer zones and ensuring alignment with requirements of existing environmental legislation ,


### boosting energy efficiency in buildings , decarbonising industry , increasing production and uptake of sustainable biomethane and renewable or fossil-free hydrogen and increasing the share of renewable energy , ### boosting energy efficiency in buildings by broadening the use of sustainable construction materials and products , decarbonising industry , increasing production and uptake of sustainable biomethane and renewable or fossil-free hydrogen and increasing the share of renewable energy ,


### supporting the objectives in points (a) , (b) and (c) through an accelerated requalification of the workforce towards green skills , as well as support of the value chains in key materials and technologies linked to the green transition. ### supporting the objectives in points (a) , (b) and (c) through an accelerated requalification of the workforce towards green skills and increasing the capacity of authorities to evaluate applications for permits , as well as support of the value chains in key materials and technologies linked to the green transition.


### an explanation on how the combination of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 and points (a) and (b) of this paragraph is coherent , effective and expected to contribute to the repowereu objectives , including a quantification of the energy savings. ### an explanation on how the combination of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 and points (a) and (b) of this paragraph is coherent , effective and expected to contribute to the repowereu objectives , including a quantification of the energy savings and proof that the national measures and objectives in line with the cohesion policy and common agriculture policy support the goals of the repowereu.


### (4) by way of derogation from articles 5(2) , 17(4) , 18(4) point (d) and 19(3) points (d) , the principle of “do no significant harm” within the meaning of article 17 of regulation (eu) 2020/852 shall not apply to the reforms and investments expected to contribute to the repowereu objectives under paragraph 1 , point (a) of this article. ### deleted


### article 26a ### deleted


### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular article 175 third paragraph , article 177 first paragraph , article 192 (1) , article 194 (2) and article 322 (1) thereof , ### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular article 175 third paragraph , article 177 first paragraph , article 191 , article 192 (1) , article 194 (2) and article 322 (1) thereof ,


### (14) further incentives should be provided for member states to request loans , through the clarification of the loan allocation procedure. in accordance with regulation (eu) 2021/241 , member states may request loans until 31 august 2023. an intention to submit a loan request should be communicated to the commission 30 days after the entry into force of this regulation so that the redistribution of the remaining funds can be conducted in an orderly manner. ### (14) further incentives should be provided for member states to request loans , through a quick , accessible and unburdensome loan allocation procedure. in accordance with regulation (eu) 2021/241 , member states may request loans until 31 august 2023. an intention to submit a loan request should be communicated to the commission 30 days after the entry into force of this regulation so that the redistribution of the remaining funds can be conducted in an orderly manner.


### — the implementation of the envisaged measures is expected to significantly contribute to the improvement of energy infrastructure and facilities to meet immediate security of supply needs for oil and gas , notably to enable diversification of supply in the interest of the union as a whole , ### — the implementation of the envisaged measures is expected to significantly contribute to the improvement of energy infrastructure and facilities to meet immediate security of supply needs , notably to enable diversification of supply and renewable energy rollout in the interest of the union as a whole , including by upgrading the energy grid and enabling the upscale and grid´s optimisation for solar , wind and geothermal energy ,


### — the implementation of the envisaged measures is expected to significantly contribute to boosting energy efficiency in buildings , decarbonising industry , increasing production and uptake of sustainable biomethane and renewable or fossil free hydrogen and increasing the share of renewable energy , ### — the implementation of the envisaged measures is expected to significantly contribute to boosting energy efficiency in buildings , decarbonising industry , increasing production and uptake of sustainable biomethane and renewable or fossil free hydrogen and increasing the share of renewable energy , while avoiding building renewable energies and their infrastructure in sensitive areas including protected areas , their buffer zones and ensuring alignment with requirements of existing environmental legislation ,


### — the implementation of the envisaged measures is expected to significantly contribute to supporting a requalification of the workforce towards green skills , as well as supporting value chains in key materials and technologies linked to the green transition , ### — the implementation of the envisaged measures is expected to significantly contribute to supporting a requalification of the workforce towards green skills , as well as supporting value chains in key materials and technologies linked to the green transition , and to increase the capacity of authorities to evaluate applications for permits ,


### e. whereas the density of waste has more than doubled in thirty years; whereas the improper management and treatment of waste from rivers and urban areas make the mediterranean the area with the sixth largest accumulation of marine litter in the world; ### e. whereas the density of waste has more than doubled in thirty years; whereas the improper management and treatment of waste from rivers and urban areas make the mediterranean the area with the sixth largest accumulation of marine litter in the world; whereas several eu funded programmes have greatly contributed to reducing waste in the mediterranean such as h2020 initiative for a cleaner mediterranean , as well as actions in the framework of the union for the mediterranean;


### e. whereas the density of waste has more than doubled in thirty years; whereas the improper management and treatment of waste from rivers and urban areas make the mediterranean the area with the sixth largest accumulation of marine litter in the world; ### e. whereas the quantity of waste has more than doubled in thirty years; whereas the improper management and treatment of waste from rivers and urban areas make the mediterranean the area with the sixth largest accumulation of marine litter in the world;


### f. whereas the impact of maritime transport , which carries 20 % of the world’s trade through the mediterranean , generates between 100 000 and 200 000 tonnes per year of intentional hydrocarbon discharges; whereas industrial activities and intensive farming result in run-off into rivers and contamination of groundwater , and contribute , along with offshore oil and gas refineries , to worsening sea pollution in the whole basin; ### f. whereas the impact of maritime transport in the mediterranean , which carries 20 % of the world’s trade in an area which makes up only 1% of the world´s ocean , which through the mediterranean , generates between 100 000 and 200 000 tonnes per year of hydrocarbon discharges; whereas industrial activities and intensive farming result in run-off into rivers and contamination of groundwater , and contribute , along with offshore oil and gas refineries , to worsening sea pollution in the whole basin;


### f. whereas the impact of maritime transport , which carries 20 % of the world’s trade through the mediterranean , generates between 100 000 and 200 000 tonnes per year of intentional hydrocarbon discharges; whereas industrial activities and intensive farming result in run-off into rivers and contamination of groundwater , and contribute , along with offshore oil and gas refineries , to worsening sea pollution in the whole basin; ### f. whereas the impact of maritime transport , which carries 20 % of the world’s trade through the mediterranean , generates between 100 000 and 200 000 tonnes per year of intentional hydrocarbon discharges; whereas industrial activities and intensive farming may result in run-off into rivers and contamination of groundwater , and may contribute , along with offshore oil and gas refineries , to worsening sea pollution in the whole basin;


### h. whereas the mediterranean basin is warming 20 % faster than the global average; whereas global warming will cause severe consequences that must be anticipated; whereas meeting the paris agreement limit of 1.5 °c of warming calls for a halving of the eu’s energy demand by 2050 compared to 2015 levels and requires the other countries of the mediterranean area to contribute through increased cooperation; ### h. whereas the mediterranean basin is warming 20 % faster than the global average; whereas global warming will cause severe consequences that must be anticipated; whereas sea levels could rise up to 25 cm by 2040–2050; whereas meeting the paris agreement limit of 1.5 °c of warming calls for a halving of the eu’s energy demand by 2050 compared to 2015 levels and requires the other countries of the mediterranean area to contribute through increased cooperation;


### 1. stresses that the development of the blue economy in the mediterranean will inevitably increase competition for the use of marine and coastal space and resources; calls for the full deployment of ecosystem-based integrated coastal zone management (iczm) and maritime spatial planning (msp) as tools to avoid conflicts and promote harmonious sustainable development across the mediterranean; ### 1. stresses that the development of the blue economy in the mediterranean could bring many benefits and opportunities to develop local economies; points out however that the development will inevitably also increase competition for the use of marine and coastal space and resources; calls for the full deployment of ecosystem-based integrated coastal zone management (iczm) and maritime spatial planning (msp)as tools to avoid conflicts and promote harmonious sustainable development across the mediterranean;


### 2. deplores the continuous degradation of the environment in the entire mediterranean basin , the loss of biodiversity and the increasing air and marine pollution; ### 2. deplores the continuous degradation of the environment in the mediterranean basin , the loss of biodiversity and the increasing air and marine pollution;


### 2. notes that in the current common fisheries policy architecture , funding for fisheries through the european maritime , fisheries and aquaculture fund (emfaf) is mostly decoupled from cohesion policy , although some interlinkages can be developed on an ad hoc basis; notes that the majority of operators in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors are small , which is an obstacle to their accessing cohesion funds; notes that , beyond the emfaf , a number of eu funds are relevant to the blue economy , including the european structural and investment funds (esi funds) , the instrument for pre-accession assistance (ipa) , the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) – ‘global europe’ and the connecting europe facility (cef); ### 2. notes that in the current common fisheries policy (cfp) architecture and the funding possibilities through the european maritime , fisheries and aquaculture fund (emfaf) is mostly decoupled from cohesion policy , although some interlinkages can be developed on an ad hoc basis; notes that the majority of operators in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors are small , which , depending on member states implementation , can pose as an obstacle for them to access cohesion funds; suggests that efforts should be made to facilitate access for fishers , especially small scale operators to cohesion funds: notes that , beyond the emfaf , a number of eu funds are relevant to the blue economy , including the european structural and investment funds(esi funds) , the instrument for pre-accession assistance (ipa) , the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) –‘global europe’ and the connecting europe facility (cef);


### 3. believes that the governance of the mediterranean could be improved through better coordination and the setting up of a dedicated operational instrument for the development of an integrated and sustainable blue economy strategy; ### 3. believes that the governance of the mediterranean could be improved through better coordination and the setting up of a dedicated operational instrument for the development of an integrated and sustainable blue economy strategy; highlights the importance of stakeholder consultation and involvement in this regard , especially organisations representing fishers and coastal communities;


### 4. calls for the deployment of a macro-regional strategy at the scale of the entire mediterranean basin , dedicated to climate change mitigation , environmental conservation and the sustainable development of the blue economy; believes that such a strategy could be used more specifically to foster circular economy projects in the fisheries sector; address plastic pollution; protect biodiversity; enhance relations with third countries with respect to illegal , unreported and unregulated fishing; contribute to solving usage conflicts through adequate maritime spatial planning; preserve the socio-economic contribution of fisheries to the well-being of coastal communities , in particular in islands; promote stock management measures across the mediterranean basin; encourage third countries to implement maritime protected areas in their territorial waters; provide for the sustainable economic development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector , in particular with respect to transformation and commercialisation; and support the diversification of fishers’ activities , including retraining and reskilling. ### 4. calls for the deployment of a macro-regional strategy at the scale of the entire mediterranean basin , dedicated to climate change mitigation , environmental conservation and the sustainable development of the blue economy; believes that such a strategy could be used more specifically to foster circular economy projects in the fisheries sector; address plastic pollution; protect biodiversity; enhance relations with third countries with respect to illegal , unreported and unregulated fishing; contribute to solving usage conflicts through adequate maritime spatial planning; preserve the socio-economic contribution of fisheries to the well-being of coastal communities , in particular in islands; promote stock management measures across the mediterranean basin in order to reach the objectives of the cfp; encourage third countries to implement maritime protected areas in their territorial waters; provide for the sustainable economic development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector , in particular with respect to transformation and commercialisation; and support the diversification of fishers’ activities , including retraining and reskilling.


### 5. notes that the european shores of the mediterranean suffer from degraded environmental standards compared to the shores of northern europe (especially in port cities that do not benefit from the protection of emission control areas to reduce airborne emissions); ### deleted


### 8. highlights the potential of all the mediterranean regions for the development of renewable energy sources and for a just and inclusive ecological transition; ### 8. highlights the potential of all the mediterranean regions for the development of onshore and offshore renewable energy sources and for a just and inclusive ecological transition;


### 9. recalls that overfishing is still a threat to the survival of many species; is convinced that the development of a blue economy can support sustainable and inclusive development and quality jobs; ### 9. recalls that overfishing remains a threat to the survival of many species; is convinced that the development of a blue economy can support sustainable and inclusive development and quality jobs; calls on the commission to continue to monitor data on stocks and to carry out impact assessments before taking decisions aimed at limiting fishing quotas;


### 11. draws attention to the impacts caused by tourism due to its seasonality and its uncontrolled development (such as cruises , new polluting leisure activities); ### 11. draws attention to the negative impacts caused by mass tourism due to its seasonality and uncontrolled urban development; considers that seasonal tourism can lead to seasonal vulnerabilities such as differences in financial resources between the high and low tourist seasons; highlights , therefore , the need to diversify the economy of these areas by strengthening their secondary sectors in order to achieve a good balance and a diverse labour market; calls on the member states and regions to devise sustainable tourism action plans in consultation with stakeholders and civil society and in line with a future european roadmap for sustainable tourism , and to make full use of the next generation eu funds and structural funds to finance the tourism transition action plans;


### a. whereas the lack of basic infrastructure in certain less-developed regions , which hampers equity of access to healthcare , is the main reason health infrastructure remains a priority for many national governments; ### a. whereas the lack of basic infrastructure , highly trained personnel and quality services in certain less-developed regions and cross-border regions , which hampers equity of access to healthcare , is the main reason health infrastructure remains a priority for many national governments;


### 2. highlights that certain less-developed regions are a long way from uniformly matching the standards of healthcare provision available in more developed parts of the eu , and that convergence in this sense is unlikely to be achieved without help at eu level , particularly through its cohesion policy; ### 2. highlights that certain less-developed regions are a long way from uniformly matching the standards of healthcare provision available in more developed parts of the eu , and that convergence in this sense is unlikely to be achieved without help at eu level , particularly through its cohesion policy; therefore calls on the commission and the member states to cooperate in establishing minimal standards in both the health infrastructure and health services and use the european funds for ensuring the standards in all regions , especially in the border areas;


### 4. believes that investments in healthcare innovation , public health and the reduction of health inequalities will continue to offer significant improvements to the daily lives of citizens; ### 4. believes that investments in healthcare innovation , public health and the reduction of health inequalities will continue to offer significant improvements to the daily lives of citizens; underlines the need for direct cooperation , actions and projects using cohesion instruments between the member states for establishing procedures focused on taking the bureaucratic burden off the patient and solve as many of the documents and reimbursement issues as possible amongst the health insurance services in the cross-border regions;


### 10. emphasises that citizens in rural areas and the outermost regions often encounter barriers to equality of access to healthcare that limit their ability to obtain the care they need , especially in the form of basic health infrastructure; stresses that , in order for them to acquire sufficient access , as well as the appropriate healthcare which they need , services must be available and obtainable in a timely manner; ### 10. emphasises that citizens in rural and remote areas and the outermost regions often encounter barriers to equality of access to healthcare that limit their ability to obtain the care they need , especially in the form of basic health infrastructure and access to vital drugs; stresses that , in order for them to acquire sufficient access , as well as the appropriate healthcare which they need , services must be available and obtainable in a timely manner;


### 11. believes that , in order to overcome the major obstacles that exist in terms of equality of access to healthcare in rural areas , wide use should be made of advanced technologies , such as e-health , as an integral part of the ‘smart villages’ concept11 , with the goal of improving access to healthcare and increasing efficiency and quality; ### 11. believes that , in order to overcome the major obstacles that exist in terms of equality of access to healthcare in rural areas , wide use should be made of advanced technologies , such as e-health , robotic surgery or 3d printing , as an integral part of the ‘smart villages’ concept11 , with the goal of improving access to healthcare and increasing efficiency and quality;


### 13. points out that sustainable long-term investment in the healthcare workforce is more urgent than ever before , given the economic and health impact of the covid-19 crisis , in particular investment in higher education from the esf+ , funding specialisations and sub-specialisations of the health workforce in the countries and regions which are facing a brain drain; ### 13. points out that sustainable long-term investment in the healthcare workforce is more urgent than ever before , given the economic and health impact of the covid-19 crisis , in particular investment in higher education from the esf+ , funding specialisations and sub-specialisations of the health workforce in the countries and regions which are facing a brain drain; calls on member states which are confronted with a brain drain in the healthcare sector to prioritize the investments from the cohesion policy towards improving the working conditions of medical personnel;


### 21. calls on the commission to encourage better management of cross-border healthcare , as eu patients still face challenges in accessing healthcare in other member states and only a minority of potential patients are aware of their rights to seek cross-border healthcare; ### 21. calls on the commission to encourage better management of cross-border healthcare , as eu patients still face challenges in accessing healthcare in other member states and only a minority of potential patients are aware of their rights to seek cross-border healthcare; calls on the commission and member states to better disseminate information about the access to cross-border healthcare;


### a. whereas the eu’s ambition is to pursue digital policies that empower people and businesses to achieve a sustainable and prosperous digital future; ### a. whereas the eu’s ambition is to pursue digital policies that empower people and businesses to achieve a sustainable and prosperous digital future in all regions;


### d. whereas there is still a digital divide in the eu in terms of geography , age , gender , educational attainment , socio-economic status and income , which prevents some individuals and businesses from reaping the benefits of the digital transformation; ### d. whereas there is still a digital divide in the eu in terms of geography , age , gender , educational attainment , socio-economic status and income , which prevents some individuals and businesses from reaping the benefits of the digital transformation; whereas the digital divide plays an undeniable role in further alienating the so-called "places that don't matter" thus reinforcing the union's territorial imbalances and contributing to the economic and political instability that derives from it;


### e. whereas , in spite of the fact that the covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a massive expansion of telework and ict-based mobile work (tictm)14 , jobs tend to be more concentrated in cities and urban centres than in smaller towns , suburbs and rural areas; whereas there are marked differences in the ability to telework between high- and low-paid workers , white- and blue-collar workers and between genders15 ; whereas tictm and the digitalisation of services can facilitate a more balanced geographical distribution of employment and the population; ### e. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a massive expansion of telework and ict-based mobile work (tictm)14 , which offers a great potential to decentralize working places from urban to rural areas; whereas there remain marked differences in the ability to telework between high- and low-paid workers , white- and blue-collar workers and between genders; whereas tictm and the digitalisation of services can facilitate a more balanced geographical distribution of employment and the population;


### 2. highlights the role that the new cohesion policy can play in advancing the twin digital and green transitions; underlines that the digital and innovation components of the new cohesion policy will be key in enabling a sustainable transformation of society and the economy and reaching the goals of the european green deal; ### 2. highlights the role that the new cohesion policy can play in advancing the twin digital and green transitions; underlines that the digital and innovation components of the new cohesion policy will be key in enabling a sustainable transformation of society and the economy and reaching the goals of the european green deal and europe´s digital decade targets set for 2030;


### 5. calls on the commission to ensure that the future rural observatory gathers comprehensive and up-to-date data on the digital divide in order to help member states identify the needs of their regions; ### 5. calls on the commission to ensure that the future rural observatory gathers comprehensive and up-to-date data on the digital divide in order to help member states identify the needs of their regions; considers it fundamental to have up-to-date information on the progress of digitalization in all european regions and calls on the commission to provide the digital economy and society index (desi) data at a nuts 2 level;


### 7. calls on the member states to use cohesion policy resources to roll out smart villages post-2020 , which will contribute to the digitalisation of rural areas; ### 7. highlights the need to overcome the persisting digital divide between rural and urban areas , and to develop the potential offered by connectivity and digitalisation in rural areas through the development of a horizontal strategy; calls therefore on the member states to use cohesion policy resources to roll out smart villages post-2020 , which will contribute to the digitalisation of rural areas and the empowerment of rural communities;


### 8. urges the member states to use the financial resources available through both the erdf-cf and the nextgenerationeu recovery instrument to the fullest extent possible to give regions that are lagging behind the targeted support that they need to overcome the digital divide; ### 8. urges member states to make full use of the financial resources available to them through both the european structural and investment funds and the nextgenerationeu recovery instrument in order to provide lagging-behind regions the targeted support that they require to overcome the digital divide; supports efforts to promote digitalization by strengthening thematic concentration in cohesion policy , while simultaneously promoting the use of financial instruments in cooperation with the eib or other development banks;


### 9. stresses the need for a socially fair and inclusive digitalisation process that leaves no one behind; underlines that support under the erdf-cf should contribute to an inclusive digital society; ### 9. stresses the need for a socially fair and inclusive digitalisation process that leaves no one behind; underlines that support under the european structural and investment funds should contribute to an inclusive digital society and to fostering the economic , social and territorial cohesion in all eu regions with a focus on less developed regions;


### 12. calls for a follow-up to the egovernment action plan that will ensure the efficient digital transformation of public administrations and services in all member states and establish measures to increase digital skills for public sector workers; ### 12. calls for a follow-up to the egovernment action plan that will ensure the efficient digital transformation of public administrations and services in all member states and establish measures to increase digital skills for public sector workers; underlines that this follow-up should incorporate the many lessons learned from the covid-19 pandemic , where public administration services moved almost exclusively online;


### 14. underlines the crucial role of small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) in creating decent jobs , sustainable growth and rural development and believes that public investments through cohesion policy and other instruments will contribute to better social , economic and territorial cohesion in all eu regions; highlights that different types of smes require different types of support and incentives at the eu , national , regional and local levels , depending on their circumstances and level of technology adoption; ### 14. underlines the crucial role of small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) in creating decent jobs , sustainable growth and rural development and believes that public investments through cohesion policy and other instruments will contribute to better social , economic and territorial cohesion in all eu regions; highlights that different types of smes require different types of support and incentives at the eu , national , regional and local levels , depending on their circumstances and level of technology adoption; urges regions to establish "sme-oriented innovation strategies" that are aligned with their "ris3 smart specialization strategies";


### 15. notes with concern that both start-ups and established smes struggle with a lack of skilled employees and highlights that the skills shortage is particularly acute for skills relating to digitalisation and new technologies , as 35 % of the labour force have low or no digital skills; believes that initiatives should be launched to support the smes facing specific challenges in training their workforces and attracting and retaining digital talent; ### 15. notes with concern that both start-ups and established smes struggle with a lack of skilled employees and highlights that the skills shortage is particularly acute for skills relating to digitalisation and new technologies , as 35 % of the labour force have low or no digital skills; believes that initiatives should be launched to support the smes facing specific challenges in training their workforces and attracting and retaining digital talent; considers important to establish hybrid learning models to render upskilling accessible to those with basic to none digital skills;


### 16. stresses the need to fill the digital skills gaps across the eu so that all individuals and businesses can make the most of the digital transformation; calls for the progressive implementation of the commission’s digital education action plan 2021-2027 for promoting better digitalisation skills , which would guarantee relevant education , training and job opportunities for everyone; ### 16. stresses the need to fill the digital skills gaps across the eu so that all individuals and businesses can make the most of the digital transformation; calls for the progressive implementation of the commission’s digital education action plan 2021-2027 for promoting better digitalisation skills , which would guarantee relevant education , training and job opportunities for everyone; highlights the crucial role of member states and regional governments in supporting rural authorities in their efforts to shape and ensure digital inclusion , by protecting citizens’ data and empowering people and local businesses via access to data;


### c. whereas , although the eu population has seen substantial growth in previous decades , the growth rate is now falling and the population is expected to decrease in the longer term; whereas europe will account for less than 4 % of the world’s population by 2070 , and long-term demographic trends in european regions indicate lower birth rates and ageing societies; ### c. whereas , although the eu population has seen substantial growth in previous decades , the growth rate is now falling and the population is expected to decrease in the longer term; whereas europe will account for less than 4 % of the world’s population by 2070 , and long-term demographic trends in european regions indicate lower birth rates and ageing societies except in some outermost regions and particularly in mayotte , where a population increase of 38% is forecast by 2050 compared to 2010 levels , alongside a corresponding increase of 26% for french guiana1 a.


### d. whereas the health and economic crisis generated by the covid-19 pandemic made clear that solidarity between generations is one of the driving forces of the recovery process; ### d. whereas the health and economic crisis generated by the covid-19 pandemic made clear that solidarity between generations is one of the driving forces of the recovery process; whereas the covid-19 pandemic has unveiled the fragility our healthcare systems , especially in connection with an aging population


### 1. underlines that the free movement of labour represents a cornerstone of eu competitiveness; notes , nevertheless , that it affects demographics , which has major implications for eu regions and their economic , social and territorial cohesion; ### 1. underlines that the "4 freedoms" represent the cornerstone of eu competitiveness and values; points out , nevertheless , that further attention should be paid to its effects on demographic trends , and its implications for eu regions and their economic , social and territorial cohesion;


### 2. observes in this context significant demographic contrasts at both union and member state level between core , metropolitan regions and periphery , often rural areas; ### 2. observes in this context significant demographic contrasts at both union and member state level between core , metropolitan regions periphery , rural areas and areas facing natural or other specific constraints (anc) ;


### 2. observes in this context significant demographic contrasts at both union and member state level between core , metropolitan regions and periphery , often rural areas; ### 2. observes in this context significant demographic contrasts at both union and member state level between core , metropolitan regions and periphery , often rural areas and also in the outermost regions;


### 2. stresses that the ongoing depopulation of rural areas is not only having serious economic and social consequences but also hampering our chances of achieving the green deal’s ambitious objectives; ### 2. stresses that the ongoing depopulation of rural areas , which leads to difficulties in accessing public services or inadequate health coverage , is not only having serious economic and social consequences but also hampering our chances of achieving the green deal’s ambitious objectives;


### 3. observes that gdp per capita , income level , employment rate , fertility rate and population ageing are among the most important factors with a direct impact on demographics; notes that the current employment dynamics in particular are generating demographic flows within european regions leading to socio-spatial disparities and challenges that post-2020 cohesion policy will need to address; underlines that migration patterns from eastern , southeastern and central regions to northern and northwestern regions mostly involve young , educated and skilled workers; ### 3. observes that gdp per capita , income level , employment rate , fertility rate and population ageing are among the most important factors with a direct impact on demographics; notes that the current employment dynamics in particular are generating demographic flows within european regions leading to socio-spatial disparities and challenges that post-2020 cohesion policy will need to address; underlines that migration patterns from eastern , southeastern and central regions to northern and northwestern regions mostly involve young , educated and skilled workers; considers it important for demographic rehabilitation that eu cohesion funding reduces not only differences between member states but also regional disparities within member states;


### 3. observes that gdp per capita , income level , employment rate , fertility rate and population ageing are among the most important factors with a direct impact on demographics; notes that the current employment dynamics in particular are generating demographic flows within european regions leading to socio-spatial disparities and challenges that post-2020 cohesion policy will need to address; underlines that migration patterns from eastern , southeastern and central regions to northern and northwestern regions mostly involve young , educated and skilled workers; ### 3. observes that gdp per capita , income level , employment rate , fertility rate , socio economic factors , rural and urban divide , and population ageing are among the most important factors with a direct impact on demographics; notes that the current employment dynamics in particular are generating demographic flows within european regions leading to socio-spatial disparities and challenges that post-2020 cohesion policy will need to address; underlines that migration patterns from eastern , southeastern and central regions to northern and northwestern regions mostly involve young , educated and skilled workers;


### 3. urges the commission , in developing the farm to fork and biodiversity strategies , to take practical steps to maintain the rural population; ### 3. urges the commission , in developing the farm to fork and biodiversity strategies , to take practical steps to maintain the rural population , to develop local economies that would create job opportunities;


### 4. points out that europe is manifestly experiencing population ageing , affecting the dependency ratio and having negative effects on workforce growth , which is far behind the previous decade; warns of a visible decline of the labour force in eastern , southern and central european regions; ### 4. points out that europe is manifestly experiencing population ageing , affecting the dependency ratio and having negative effects on workforce growth , which is far behind the previous decade; warns of a visible decline of the labour force in eastern , southern and central european regions; regrets the covid-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the average life expectancy in europe


### 4. supports innovation and digitisation with a view to promoting a vibrant , dynamic rural environment; calls on the commission to draw on the smart cities and towns initiatives to develop a new instrument to support start-ups in rural areas , thereby also boosting their economic and productive fabric; ### 4. supports innovation and digitisation with a view to promoting a vibrant , dynamic rural environment; calls on the commission to draw on the smart cities and towns initiatives to develop a new instrument to support start-ups in rural areas , thereby also boosting their economic and productive fabric , in order to pave the way a digital economy in rural areas; calls on the commission to support the financing of renewable resources as part of the green deal/ bioeconomy which can generate jobs and can help with the economic renewal of many rural areas2a;


### 5. points to the ongoing covid-19 health crisis and the possible medium- and long-term implications for labour market dynamics; underlines that self-isolation and social distancing measures have had visible effects on production , demand and trade , reducing economic activity and leading to higher levels of unemployment , a sharp decline in corporate incomes , and higher public deficits; ### 5. points to the ongoing covid-19 health crisis and the possible medium- and long-term socio-economic implications; underlines that self-isolation and social distancing measures , despite its positive impact in descending infection rates , have had visible effects on production , demand and trade , reducing economic activity and leading to higher levels of unemployment , a sharp decline in corporate incomes , and higher public deficits; highlights however , that the new teleworking trend may prove a useful help reverse depopulation trends in rural areas; considers the resilience and recovery mechanism as an opportunity to address demographic challenges and urges member states to put forward holistic and integrated solutions in their national recovery plans.


### 6. notes that in general rural , post-industrial and remote areas are facing a number of specific situations: a considerable decline in population numbers , lower than national or eu average levels of income and difficulties of territorial integration with other regions , making them more exposed to the risk of depopulation; points out that rural regions currently account for 28 % of europe’s population but this is predicted to fall significantly in the future; ### 6. notes that in general rural , post-industrial and remote areas are facing a number of specific situations: a considerable decline in population numbers , lower than national or eu average levels of income and difficulties of territorial integration with other regions , making them more exposed to the risk of depopulation; , which also leads to difficulties in accessing public services , such as housing , education , healthcare including access to vital drugs; points out that rural regions currently account for 28 % of europe’s population but this is predicted to fall significantly in the future;


### 7. draws attention to some of the drivers of demographic change , forcing inhabitants from the abovementioned areas to leave and discouraging others from moving there: poor infrastructure , including a lack of fast broadband internet and missing transport networks , fewer job opportunities , lack of public services and difficult access to health services , fewer education opportunities , making it more difficult to adapt to technological change , and a lack of cultural venues and leisure activities; ### 7. draws attention to some of the drivers of demographic change , forcing inhabitants from the abovementioned areas to leave and discouraging others from moving there: poor infrastructure , including a lack of fast broadband internet and missing transport networks , fewer job opportunities , high level of youth unemployment , lack of public services and difficult access to health services , fewer education opportunities , making it more difficult to adapt to technological change , and a lack of cultural venues and leisure activities;


### 16. stresses that local and regional authorities should play a decisive role in developing territorial strategies , taking into consideration the development needs and the potential of the areas concerned , including the economic , social and demographic trends; points out that community-led local development strategies are a useful tool that can be used to create jobs and increase accessibility to services at local level; ### 16. stresses that local and regional authorities should play a decisive role in developing territorial strategies , taking into consideration the development needs and the potential of the areas concerned , including the economic , social and demographic trends; points out that territorial approach to eu instruments , such as sustainable urban development , community-led local development strategies or integrated territorial investments (itis) could be useful tool that can be used to maintain and create jobs , strengthen the attractiveness of the region , and increase accessibility to services at local level;


### 16. stresses that local and regional authorities should play a decisive role in developing territorial strategies , taking into consideration the development needs and the potential of the areas concerned , including the economic , social and demographic trends; points out that community-led local development strategies are a useful tool that can be used to create jobs and increase accessibility to services at local level; ### 16. stresses that local and regional authorities , professional associations and ngos are essential to identify and assess specific investment needs in rural and urban areas and therefore they should play a decisive role in developing territorial strategies , taking into consideration the development needs and the potential of the areas concerned , including the economic , social and demographic trends; points out that community-led local development strategies are an essential tool to create jobs and increase accessibility to services at local level;


### 16. stresses that local and regional authorities should play a decisive role in developing territorial strategies , taking into consideration the development needs and the potential of the areas concerned , including the economic , social and demographic trends; points out that community-led local development strategies are a useful tool that can be used to create jobs and increase accessibility to services at local level; ### 16. stresses that local and regional authorities should play a decisive role in developing territorial strategies , taking into consideration the development needs and the potential of the areas concerned , including the economic , social and demographic trends; points out that community-led local development strategies are a useful tool that can be used to create jobs and increase accessibility to services at local level; recognises the great potential of the circular economy and bioeconomy in revitalising these areas;


### 17. considers that the urban agenda for the eu , which identifies major priorities and actions for improving the quality of life in urban areas could serve as a model for providing proper instruments promoting growth , integration , cooperation and innovation and tackling social challenges; insists also on developing strategies aimed at enhancing the knowledge economy and smart specialisation in european regions , including through developing knowledge networks and providing support for human capital investments; ### 17. considers that the urban agenda for the eu , which identifies major priorities and actions for improving the quality of life in urban areas could serve as a model for providing proper instruments promoting growth , integration , cooperation and innovation and tackling social challenges; insists also on developing strategies aimed at enhancing the knowledge economy and smart specialisation in european regions , including through developing knowledge networks and providing support for human capital investments , underlines that cohesion policy should contribute to the widely existing urban inequalities by better integrating women in policy planning for regional and urban development to design gender-inclusive cities and communities that work for all;


### 17. considers that the urban agenda for the eu , which identifies major priorities and actions for improving the quality of life in urban areas could serve as a model for providing proper instruments promoting growth , integration , cooperation and innovation and tackling social challenges; insists also on developing strategies aimed at enhancing the knowledge economy and smart specialisation in european regions , including through developing knowledge networks and providing support for human capital investments; ### 17. considers that the urban agenda for the eu , which identifies major priorities and actions for improving the quality of life in urban areas could serve as a model for providing proper instruments promoting growth , integration , cooperation and innovation and tackling social challenges; insists also on developing strategies aimed at enhancing the knowledge economy and smart specialisation in european regions , including through developing knowledge networks and providing support for human capital investments; underlines that cohesion policy should contribute to combat inequalities and to create opportunities for minorities such as the roma;


### 17. considers that the urban agenda for the eu , which identifies major priorities and actions for improving the quality of life in urban areas could serve as a model for providing proper instruments promoting growth , integration , cooperation and innovation and tackling social challenges; insists also on developing strategies aimed at enhancing the knowledge economy and smart specialisation in european regions , including through developing knowledge networks and providing support for human capital investments; ### 17. considers that the urban agenda for the eu , which identifies major priorities and actions for improving the quality of life in urban areas helps shaping proper instruments promoting growth , integration , cooperation and innovation and tackling social challenges; insists also on developing strategies aimed at enhancing the knowledge economy and smart specialisation in european regions , including through developing knowledge networks and providing support for human capital investments;


### 18. recalls the need for strategies aimed at reversing labour migration; calls on local and regional authorities to tackle the brain drain in ‘sending’ regions through prevention , mitigation and appropriate responses; underlines in this context that there are already several initiatives in various member states , such as incentives for workers with highly specialised skills , aimed at turning the brain drain into a brain gain for the regions in question; ### 18. recalls the need for strategies aimed at reversing labour migration at eu and national level; calls on local and regional authorities to increase their attractiveness and to tackle the brain drain in ‘sending’ regions through prevention , mitigation and appropriate responses; underlines in this context that there are already several initiatives in various member states , such as incentives for workers with highly specialised skills , aimed at turning the brain drain into a brain gain for the regions in question;


### 19. stresses that the covid-19 health crisis has affected all member states and regions to different extents , and is likely to lead to new trends as regards demographic flows; recalls in this context that the additional resources provided through react-eu in order to ensure a sound and robust recovery of the eu’s economy from the crisis could significantly help to keep people in employment , including through support for small and medium-size enterprises and for short-time work schemes and the self-employed; ### 19. stresses that the covid-19 health crisis has affected all member states and regions to different extents , and is likely to lead to new trends as regards demographic flows; recalls in this context that the additional resources provided through react-eu in order to ensure a sound and robust recovery of the eu’s economy from the crisis could significantly help to keep people in employment , including through support for small and medium-size enterprises and for short-time work schemes and the self-employed; recalls in this regard that the pandemic has highlighted the importance of digitalisation all across the economy to alleviate the consequences of the social distancing and freedom of movement restrictions.


### 19. stresses that the covid-19 health crisis has affected all member states and regions to different extents , and is likely to lead to new trends as regards demographic flows; recalls in this context that the additional resources provided through react-eu in order to ensure a sound and robust recovery of the eu’s economy from the crisis could significantly help to keep people in employment , including through support for small and medium-size enterprises and for short-time work schemes and the self-employed; ### 19. stresses that the covid-19 health crisis has affected all member states and regions to different extents , and is likely to lead to new trends as regards demographic flows; recalls in this context that the additional resources provided through react-eu in order to ensure a sound and robust recovery of the eu’s economy from the crisis could significantly help to keep people in employment , including through support for small and medium-size enterprises and for short-time work schemes and the self-employed; emphasises that due to digitalisation , more jobs are place-independent. the opportunities offered by this must be used to create new jobs in areas of an aging demographic;


### 20. recalls that the recovery and resilience facility will provide large-scale financial support to make member states’ economies more resilient and better prepared for the future , and insists that member states should propose measures for addressing demographic change; highlights the importance of the instruments for a transition to sustainability such as the just transition fund and its implementation mechanism , which aim to support the communities affected by the energy transition and avoid the risk of depopulation; ### 20. urges member states and regional authorities to implement an integrated approach through cohesion policy instruments to address demographic challenges and encourages the promotion of smart villages as a tool to attract and retain population; recalls that the recovery and resilience facility will provide large-scale financial support to make member states’ economies more resilient and better prepared for the future , and insists that member states should propose measures for addressing demographic change; highlights the importance of the instruments for a transition to sustainability such as the just transition fund and its implementation mechanism , which aim to support the communities affected by the energy transition and avoid the risk of depopulation;


### 20. recalls that the recovery and resilience facility will provide large-scale financial support to make member states’ economies more resilient and better prepared for the future , and insists that member states should propose measures for addressing demographic change; highlights the importance of the instruments for a transition to sustainability such as the just transition fund and its implementation mechanism , which aim to support the communities affected by the energy transition and avoid the risk of depopulation; ### 20. recalls that the recovery and resilience facility will provide large-scale financial support to make member states’ economies more resilient and better prepared for the future , and insists that member states should propose measures for addressing demographic change; highlights the importance of the instruments for a transition to sustainability such as the just transition fund and its implementation mechanism , which aim to support the communities affected by the energy transition and through helping transformation to avoid , among other , the risk of depopulation;


### 22. calls on the member states to conduct the programming and implementation process of the 2021-2027 cohesion policy with full respect for the partnership principle; stresses the importance of prioritising regional needs , including as regards demographic and migration aspects and urban challenges; ### 22. calls on the member states to conduct the programming and implementation process of the 2021-2027 cohesion policy with full respect for the partnership principle; stresses the importance of prioritising regional needs , including as regards demographic and migration aspects and urban challenges; calls on the commission to put forward a code of conduct on partnership setting minimum standards for the involvement of the competent local and regional authorities , professional and relevant civil society organisations , in line with the partnership principle;


### 22. calls on the member states to conduct the programming and implementation process of the 2021-2027 cohesion policy with full respect for the partnership principle; stresses the importance of prioritising regional needs , including as regards demographic and migration aspects and urban challenges; ### 22. strongly supports the development of dedicated incentive schemes to retain population and attract young people to rural and semi-urban areas; calls on the member states to conduct the programming and implementation process of the 2021-2027 cohesion policy with full respect for the partnership principle; stresses the importance of prioritising regional needs , including as regards demographic and migration aspects and urban challenges;


### 23. calls on the member state to include demographic challenges in their national development policies and long-term strategies for sustainable development correlated with the european semester , thus ensuring proper financing for demographic issues; ### 23. calls on the member state to include demographic challenges in their national development policies and long-term strategies for sustainable development correlated with the european semester , thus ensuring proper financing for demographic issues; calls on the commission to monitor demographic challenges and establish a link between the european semester and demographic change with the aim of reversing negative trends through macroeconomic measures;


### 23. calls on the member state to include demographic challenges in their national development policies and long-term strategies for sustainable development correlated with the european semester , thus ensuring proper financing for demographic issues; ### 23. calls on the european commission and member states to include demographic challenges in their european and national development policies and long-term strategies for sustainable development correlated with the european semester , thus ensuring proper financing for demographic issues;


### 24. calls on the regions at risk of depopulation to focus investments on universal accessibility to quality services and infrastructure and job creation; insists on investment in education , reskilling of workers , creating entrepreneurial conditions and supporting smes; ### 24. calls on the regions at risk of depopulation to focus investments on universal accessibility to quality services and infrastructure and job creation; insists on investment in education , reskilling of workers , creating entrepreneurial conditions and supporting smes , calls for investment in childcare facilities to foster women's participation in the labour market;


### 26. encourages policymakers at regional and national level to invest in the knowledge economy , as well as in providing services and incentives , to maintain high-skilled workers and to develop research centres in the different regions; ### 26. encourages policymakers at regional and national level to invest in the digital and knowledge economy , as well as in providing services and incentives to maintain high-skilled workers and to develop research centres in the different regions in order to ensure the attractiveness of the depopulated areas to young talents and entrepreneurs;


### 27. recommends developing the so-called ‘oasis strategies’ focusing on the most successful , vibrant and growing sectors , by exploiting the local potential for development of the region; calls on the local and regional authorities to focus on attracting young , trained and talented workers , encouraging entrepreneurship , using local , national and eu incentives; underlines the role of the ‘silver economy’ as a policy shift for rural areas , turning the issue of population ageing into an opportunity for the development of rural areas; ### 27. encourages regions to take capitalize on their competitive advantages as established in the smart specialization strategies; recommends developing the so-called ‘oasis strategies’ focusing on the most successful , vibrant and growing sectors , by exploiting the local potential for development of the region; calls on the local and regional authorities to focus on attracting young , trained and talented workers , encouraging entrepreneurship , using local , national and eu incentives; underlines the role of the ‘silver economy’ as a policy shift for rural areas , turning the issue of population ageing into an opportunity for the development of rural areas;


### 29. calls on the commission to focus on policy coordination at eu level on issues related to functional cooperation areas at different levels , such as cross-border , macro-regional and rural-urban , to address demographic challenges; ### 29. calls on the commission to focus on policy coordination at eu level on issues related to functional cooperation areas at different levels , such as cross-border , macro-regional and rural-urban , to address demographic challenges; urges member states to align their national demographic plans with the european commission report on the impact of the demographic change in europe and the long-term vision for rural areas; considers that the future conference of the future of europe should propose a definition of the areas which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps mentioned in the article 174 (tfeu) in order to ensure a long-term support of the eu key policies from a place-based approach;


### 30. insists that investments should be focused on information and communication technology , since this has the potential to reduce the distance between the users and to attract high-skilled workers; stresses the importance of funding the development and uptake of these technologies among companies and schools in rural and isolated regions and regions in industrial transition; ### 30. insists that investments should be focused on information and communication technology , since this has the potential to reduce the distance between the users and to attract high-skilled workers; stresses the importance of funding the development and uptake of these technologies among companies and schools in rural and isolated regions and regions in industrial transition; stresses the importance of an equal and parallel deployment of these technologies among regions to avoid further deepening the gap of attractiveness and digital divide


### 31. calls on the commission and the member states to support ‘magnet cities’ since they primarily contribute to the building of regional ‘growth poles’; underlines that second-tier cities play a critical role in regional development , and calls on the member states to put in practice strategies for the harmonised development of these cities; ### 31. acknowledges that ‘magnet cities’ primarily contribute to the building of regional ‘growth poles’; nevertheless , underlines that second-tier cities play a critical role in regional development , in this respect calls on the commission and the member states to put in practice strategies for the harmonised development of these cities;


### 33. recommends , where appropriate , the reform of education and training systems in the member states , combined with policies to prevent a permanent brain drain from the ‘sending’ regions; insists on using local at regional advantages , as well as the development of economic and social facilities , not only to prevent the brain drain , but also to reverse this phenomenon; ### 33. recommends , where appropriate , the reform of education and training systems in the member states , combined with policies to prevent a permanent brain drain from the ‘sending’ regions; insists on using local at regional advantages , as well as the development of economic and social facilities , not only to prevent the brain drain , but also to reverse this phenomenon; encourages regional and local authorities to facilitates access to dual education in order improve the transition from education to employment;


### 34. calls on the commission to ensure that the initiative on the long-term vision for rural areas includes practical solution and means of support to address demographic changes; invites the commission , in agreement with the member states , to propose a ‘new deal’ on demographics in the eu as a multi-level policy approach; ### 34. calls on the commission to ensure that the initiative on the long-term vision for rural areas includes practical solution and means of support to address demographic changes; invites the commission , in agreement with the member states , to propose a ‘new deal’ on demographics in the eu as a multi-level policy approach; the long-term vision for rural areas shall include a gender mainstreaming strategy as well as mandatory impact assessment tools;


### 34. calls on the commission to ensure that the initiative on the long-term vision for rural areas includes practical solution and means of support to address demographic changes; invites the commission , in agreement with the member states , to propose a ‘new deal’ on demographics in the eu as a multi-level policy approach; ### 34. calls on the commission to ensure that the initiative on the long-term vision for rural areas includes practical solution and means of support to address peripheries and demographic changes; invites the commission , in agreement with the member states , to propose a ‘new deal’ on demographics in the eu as a multi-level policy approach;


### 9. recommends that better use be made of the various platforms for exchange between administrations and proposes the creation of an ‘erasmus’ for administrations managing european funds in the ors , in order to ensure that best practices are shared so as to optimise the use of cohesion funds; ### 9. recommends that better use be made of the various platforms for exchange between administrations , such as the taiex-regio peer 2 peer programme for cohesion funds , the taiex-eir peer 2 peer programme for environmental matters or the european circular economy stakeholder platform , and proposes the creation of an ‘erasmus’ for administrations managing european funds in the ors , in order to ensure that best practices are shared so as to optimise the use of cohesion funds;


### 15. stresses the need to encourage local initiatives by supporting vsmes , smes and the tourism , craft , building and construction , and digital sectors; ### 15. stresses the need to encourage local initiatives by supporting vsmes , smes and companies in the tourism , craft , building and construction , industrial and digital sectors;


### environment , biodiversity , climate and energy ### environment , biodiversity , health , climate and energy


### 31. stresses that the ors are strongly affected by migration flows from their immediate neighbourhood; warns of the impact of managing migration flows on local public policies and calls for the new pact on asylum and migration to take account of the real challenges facing the ors in this area; ### 31. stresses that the ors are strongly affected by migration flows from their immediate neighbourhood; warns of the impact of managing migration flows on local public policies and calls for the new pact on asylum and migration to take account of the real challenges facing the ors in this area and for increased support to be provided;


### c. whereas islands often suffer from a combination of multiple and permanent structural handicaps , such as small size , low population density , small market , double insularity (island and archipelago) , difficult topography very similar to mountainous regions , a dependence on maritime and air transport or a dependence on a small number of products; ### c. whereas islands often suffer from a combination of multiple and permanent natural handicaps , such as small size , small market , double insularity (island and archipelago) , difficult topography very similar to mountainous regions , a dependence on maritime and air transport or a dependence on a small number of products;


### d. whereas the specific characteristics of islands are recognised by article 174 tfeu and whereas they should be taken into account in eu policies , in particular by drawing up a dedicated strategy and a european action plan; ### d. whereas the particular situation of island regions is recognised by article 174 tfeu and whereas it should be taken into account in eu policies , in particular by drawing up an island policy agenda with clearly defined priorities for action;


### f. whereas the islands’ physical disconnection from the mainland acts as a permanent impediment in many areas , including the labour market , access for island products to neighbouring external markets , education , health care , business , water and energy supply and waste management facilities; ### f. whereas the islands’ physical disconnection and their remoteness from the mainland creates additional constraints , including for the labour market , transport links and mobility , the importing of raw materials and consumer products , access for island products to neighbouring external markets , education , health care , business , access to water and sanitation , energy supply and waste management facilities;


### g. whereas the long-term social , economic , environmental and cultural consequences of the covid-19 crisis on the island territories of the union are of particular concern , and whereas europe’s recovery must not create further regional disparities; ### g. whereas the long-term social , economic , environmental and cultural consequences of the covid-19 crisis on the island territories of the union are of particular concern , and whereas europe’s recovery must include the islands and must not create further regional disparities;


### h. whereas islands are on the front line of climate change , affected by rising sea levels and coastal erosion and the warming and acidification of seas and oceans; whereas they can be excellent testbeds for a range of ecological transition processes and seek to achieve energy autonomy based on renewables; ### h. whereas islands are on the front line of climate change , affected by rising sea levels and coastal erosion , the warming and acidification of seas and oceans and the increased frequency and violence of natural disasters; whereas they can be excellent testbeds for a range of ecological transition processes and seek to achieve energy autonomy based on renewables;


### k. whereas islands’ marine and terrestrial biodiversity is largely endemic , and therefore more fragile; whereas marine and coastal pollution , as well as overfishing , can be a source of concern for islands; ### k. whereas islands’ marine and terrestrial biodiversity is largely endemic , and therefore more fragile; whereas marine and coastal pollution , as well as overfishing and illegal , unreported and unregulated fishing , can be a source of concern for islands;


### l. whereas the outermost regions and islands are particularly at risk from natural disasters , such as volcanic eruptions , forest fires and storms; ### deleted


### 1. recalls that articles 174 and 349 tfeu recognise insularity as a permanent structural handicap and stipulate that the union must pay particular attention to these regions; ### 1. recalls that article 174 tfeu recognises insularity as a permanent natural handicap and that it calls for special attention to be paid to island regions;


### 3. stresses that one of the islands’ major handicaps lies in their geomorphological and natural conditions; notes that islands generally have a double or triple handicap , i.e. insularity , mountainous terrain and being part of an archipelago; ### 3. stresses that one of the islands’ major handicaps lies in their geomorphological and natural conditions; notes that islands generally have a double or triple natural handicap , i.e. insularity , mountainous terrain and being part of an archipelago;


### 4. recalls that insularity creates structural problems of dependence on maritime and air transport , with additional costs for importing and exporting goods , as well as for passenger transport; stresses that , in the case of archipelagos , these difficulties are multiplied by a double insularity; ### 4. recalls that insularity creates structural problems of dependence on maritime and air transport , with additional costs for importing and exporting goods , raw materials , including energy commodities , and consumer products , as well as for passenger transport; stresses that , in the case of archipelagos , these difficulties are multiplied by a double insularity;


### 5. highlights the deficit in terms of population , raw materials and resources of all kinds , and notes that in many islands access to drinking water is a central issue in people’s lives , the sustainability of the island and its tourism carrying capacity; ### 5. highlights the deficit in terms of population , raw materials and resources of all kinds , and notes that in many islands access to drinking water and sanitation is a central issue in people’s lives , the development of agriculture , energy production , the sustainability of the island and its tourism carrying capacity;


### 7. stresses that island economies are oriented towards the primary and tertiary sectors and that hyper-specialisation weakens the economic fabric by making it more vulnerable to economic slowdowns; is concerned about long-term developments which in many eu islands can create an economy that is based solely on tourism; ### 7. stresses that island economies are oriented towards the primary and tertiary sectors and that hyper-specialisation weakens the economic fabric by making it more vulnerable to economic slowdowns and crises; is concerned about long-term developments which in many eu islands can create an economy that is based solely on tourism;