### the acquisition , structural renovation , construction of buildings or any project combining those elements to be implemented in the same timeframe , exceeding eur 2 000 000 in the event that the price represents more than 110 % of the local price of comparable properties as evaluated by an independent expert; ### the acquisition , structural renovation , energy efficiency upgrades , construction of buildings or any project combining those elements to be implemented in the same timeframe , exceeding eur 2 000 000 in the event that the price represents more than 110 % of the local price of comparable properties as evaluated by an independent expert;


### without prejudice to article 17 , a building acquisition or structural renovation project may be financed through a loan , subject to prior approval by the european parliament and by the council. ### without prejudice to article 17 , a building acquisition , structural renovation or energy efficiency upgrade project may be financed through a loan , subject to prior approval by the european parliament and by the council.


### when the union institution proposes to finance the acquisition or the structural renovation through a loan , the financing plan to be submitted , together with the request for prior approval by the union institution concerned , shall specify in particular , the maximum level of financing , the financing period , the type of financing , the financing conditions and savings compared to other types of contractual arrangements. ### when the union institution proposes to finance the acquisition , the structural renovation or energy efficiency upgrade through a loan , the financing plan to be submitted , together with the request for prior approval by the union institution concerned , shall specify in particular , the maximum level of financing , the financing period , the type of financing , the financing conditions and savings compared to other types of contractual arrangements.


### the european parliament and the council shall deliberate upon the request for prior approval within four weeks , extendable once by two weeks , of its receipt by both institutions. the acquisition or structural renovation financed through a loan shall be deemed to be rejected if the european parliament and the council do not expressly approve it within the deadline. ### the european parliament and the council shall deliberate upon the request for prior approval within four weeks , extendable once by two weeks , of its receipt by both institutions. the acquisition , structural renovation or energy efficiency upgrade financed through a loan shall be deemed to be rejected if the european parliament and the council do not expressly approve it within the deadline.


### (1) since the adoption of regulation (eu) 2021/241 of the european parliament and of the council establishing the recovery and resilience facility ,3 unprecedented geopolitical events and their direct and indirect socio-economic consequences have considerably affected the union’s society and economy. in particular , it has become clearer than ever that the union’s energy security is indispensable for a successful , sustainable and inclusive recovery from the covid-19 crisis , as it is also a major factor contributing to the resilience of the european economy. ### (1) since the adoption of regulation (eu) 2021/241 of the european parliament and of the council establishing the recovery and resilience facility ,3 unprecedented geopolitical events and their direct and indirect socio-economic consequences have considerably affected the union’s economy , society and citizens. in particular , it has become clearer than ever that the union’s energy security and energy independence is indispensable for a successful , sustainable and inclusive recovery from the covid-19 crisis , as it is also a major factor contributing to the resilience of the european economy.


### (1) since the adoption of regulation (eu) 2021/241 of the european parliament and of the council establishing the recovery and resilience facility ,3 unprecedented geopolitical events and their direct and indirect socio-economic consequences have considerably affected the union’s society and economy. in particular , it has become clearer than ever that the union’s energy security is indispensable for a successful , sustainable and inclusive recovery from the covid-19 crisis , as it is also a major factor contributing to the resilience of the european economy. ### (1) since the adoption of regulation (eu) 2021/241 of the european parliament and of the council establishing the recovery and resilience facility ,3 unprecedented geopolitical events , i.e. russia's unprovoked and illegal military invasion of ukraine , and their direct and indirect socio-economic consequences have considerably affected the union’s society and economy. in particular , it has become clearer than ever that the union’s energy security and independence from fossil fuels is indispensable for a successful , sustainable and inclusive recovery from the covid-19 crisis , as it is also a major factor contributing to the resilience of the european economy.


### (3) the versailles declaration of 10-11 march 2022 of the heads of states and governments invited the commission to propose by the end of may a repowereu plan to phase out the dependency on russian fossil fuel imports , which was subsequently reiterated in the european council conclusions of 24-25 march 2022. this should be done well before 2030 in a way that is consistent with the eu’s green deal and the climate objectives for 2030 and 2050 enshrined in the european climate law. regulation (eu) 2021/241 should therefore be amended to enhance its ability to support reforms and investments dedicated to diversifying energy supplies , in particular fossil fuels , thereby strengthening the strategic autonomy of the union alongside an open economy. support should also be given to reforms and investments increasing the energy efficiency of the member states’ economies. ### (3) the versailles declaration of 10-11 march 2022 of the heads of states and governments invited the commission to propose by the end of may a repowereu plan to phase out the dependency on russian fossil fuel imports , which was subsequently reiterated in the european council conclusions of 24-25 march 2022. this should be done well before 2030 in a way that is consistent with the eu’s green deal and the climate objectives for 2030 and 2050 enshrined in the european climate law. regulation (eu) 2021/241 should therefore be amended to enhance its ability to support reforms and investments dedicated to diversifying energy supplies , in particular fossil fuels , thereby strengthening the strategic autonomy of the union alongside an open economy. support should also be given to reforms and investments increasing the energy production and efficiency of the member states’ economies. furthermore , in its versailles declaration of 10-11 march2022 , the european council called for reducing eu strategic dependencies and invited , inter alia , the commission to present options to address rising food prices and the issue of global food security as soon as possible.


### (3) the versailles declaration of 10-11 march 2022 of the heads of states and governments invited the commission to propose by the end of may a repowereu plan to phase out the dependency on russian fossil fuel imports , which was subsequently reiterated in the european council conclusions of 24-25 march 2022. this should be done well before 2030 in a way that is consistent with the eu’s green deal and the climate objectives for 2030 and 2050 enshrined in the european climate law. regulation (eu) 2021/241 should therefore be amended to enhance its ability to support reforms and investments dedicated to diversifying energy supplies , in particular fossil fuels , thereby strengthening the strategic autonomy of the union alongside an open economy. support should also be given to reforms and investments increasing the energy efficiency of the member states’ economies. ### (3) the versailles declaration of 10-11 march 2022 of the heads of states and governments invited the commission to propose by the end of may a repowereu plan to phase out the dependency on russian fossil fuel imports , which was subsequently reiterated in the european council conclusions of 24-25 march 2022. this should be done well before 2030 in a way that is consistent with the eu’s green deal and the climate objectives for 2030 and 2050 as well as the paris agreement-compatible greenhouse gas budget enshrined in the european climate law. regulation (eu) 2021/241 should therefore be amended to enhance its ability to support reforms and investments dedicated to diversifying energy supplies by expanding renewable energy production and phasing out fossil fuels , thereby strengthening the strategic autonomy of the union alongside an open economy. support should also be given to reforms and investments increasing the energy efficiency of the member states’ economies.


### (6) the repowereu chapter should include new reforms and investments contributing to the repowereu aims. furthermore , that chapter should contain an outline of other measures , financed from sources other than the recovery and resilience facility , contributing to the energy-related objectives outlined in recital (3). the outline should cover measures whose implementation should take place between 1 february 2022 to 31 december 2026 , the period during which the objectives set by this regulation are to be achieved. as regards natural gas infrastructure , the investments and reforms of the repowereu chapters to diversify supply away from russia should build on the needs currently identified through the assessment conducted and agreed by the european network of transmission system operators for gas (entsog) , established in the spirit of solidarity as regards security of supply and take into account the reinforced preparedness measures taken to adapt to new geopolitical threats. finally , the repowereu chapters should provide an explanation and a quantification of the effects of the combination of the reforms and investments financed by the recovery and resilience facility and the other measures financed by other sources than the recovery and resilience facility. ### (6) the repowereu chapter should include new reforms and investments contributing to the repowereu aims. furthermore , that chapter should contain an outline of other measures contributing to the energy-related objectives outlined in recital (3). the outline should cover measures whose implementation should take place between 1 february 2022 to 31 december 2026 , the period during which the objectives set by this regulation are to be achieved. as regards natural gas infrastructure , the investments and reforms of the repowereu chapters to diversify supply away from russia should build on the needs currently identified through the assessment conducted and agreed by the european network of transmission system operators for gas (entsog) , established in the spirit of solidarity as regards security of supply and take into account the reinforced preparedness measures taken to adapt to new geopolitical threats. finally , the repowereu chapters should provide an explanation and a quantification of the effects of the combination of the reforms and investments financed by the recovery and resilience facility.


### (6) the repowereu chapter should include new reforms and investments contributing to the repowereu aims. furthermore , that chapter should contain an outline of other measures , financed from sources other than the recovery and resilience facility , contributing to the energy-related objectives outlined in recital (3). the outline should cover measures whose implementation should take place between 1 february 2022 to 31 december 2026 , the period during which the objectives set by this regulation are to be achieved. as regards natural gas infrastructure , the investments and reforms of the repowereu chapters to diversify supply away from russia should build on the needs currently identified through the assessment conducted and agreed by the european network of transmission system operators for gas (entsog) , established in the spirit of solidarity as regards security of supply and take into account the reinforced preparedness measures taken to adapt to new geopolitical threats. finally , the repowereu chapters should provide an explanation and a quantification of the effects of the combination of the reforms and investments financed by the recovery and resilience facility and the other measures financed by other sources than the recovery and resilience facility. ### (6) the repowereu chapter should include new reforms and investments contributing to the repowereu aims. furthermore , that chapter should contain an outline of other measures , financed from sources other than the recovery and resilience facility , contributing to the energy-related objectives outlined in recital (3). the outline should cover measures whose implementation should take place between 1 february 2022 to 31 december 2026 , the period during which the objectives set by this regulation are to be achieved. as regards natural gas infrastructure , the investments and reforms of the repowereu chapters to diversify supply away from russia should build on the needs currently identified through the assessment conducted and agreed by the european network of transmission system operators for gas (entsog) , established in the spirit of solidarity as regards security of supply and take into account the reinforced preparedness measures taken to adapt to new geopolitical threats , as well as make a long term input into the green transition by being hydrogen-ready. finally , the repowereu chapters should provide an explanation and a quantification of the effects of the combination of the reforms and investments financed by the recovery and resilience facility and the other measures financed by other sources than the recovery and resilience facility.


### (6) the repowereu chapter should include new reforms and investments contributing to the repowereu aims. furthermore , that chapter should contain an outline of other measures , financed from sources other than the recovery and resilience facility , contributing to the energy-related objectives outlined in recital (3). the outline should cover measures whose implementation should take place between 1 february 2022 to 31 december 2026 , the period during which the objectives set by this regulation are to be achieved. as regards natural gas infrastructure , the investments and reforms of the repowereu chapters to diversify supply away from russia should build on the needs currently identified through the assessment conducted and agreed by the european network of transmission system operators for gas (entsog) , established in the spirit of solidarity as regards security of supply and take into account the reinforced preparedness measures taken to adapt to new geopolitical threats. finally , the repowereu chapters should provide an explanation and a quantification of the effects of the combination of the reforms and investments financed by the recovery and resilience facility and the other measures financed by other sources than the recovery and resilience facility. ### (6) the repowereu chapter should include new reforms and investments contributing to the repowereu aims and thereby tackling , in a comprehensive manner , the crisis effects determined by the russian military aggression against ukraine. in view of the social impact of persistently high and volatile energy prices and in recognition of principle 20 of the european pillar of social rights , particular emphasis should be given to measures addressing and preventing forms of energy poverty , in particular through measures benefitting vulnerable households , low-income households and people affected by energy poverty. furthermore , that chapter should contain an outline of other measures , financed from sources other than the recovery and resilience facility , contributing to the energy-related objectives outlined in recital (3). the outline should cover measures whose implementation should take place between 1 february 2022 to 31 december 2026 , the period during which the objectives set by this regulation are to be achieved. as regards natural gas infrastructure , the investments and reforms of the repowereu chapters to diversify supply away from russia should build on the needs currently identified through the assessment conducted and agreed by the european network of transmission system operators for gas (entsog) , established in the spirit of solidarity as regards security of supply and take into account the reinforced preparedness measures taken to adapt to new geopolitical threats. finally , the repowereu chapters should provide an explanation and a quantification of the effects of the combination of the reforms and investments financed by the recovery and resilience facility and the other measures financed by other sources than the recovery and resilience facility.


### (6) the repowereu chapter should include new reforms and investments contributing to the repowereu aims. furthermore , that chapter should contain an outline of other measures , financed from sources other than the recovery and resilience facility , contributing to the energy-related objectives outlined in recital (3). the outline should cover measures whose implementation should take place between 1 february 2022 to 31 december 2026 , the period during which the objectives set by this regulation are to be achieved. as regards natural gas infrastructure , the investments and reforms of the repowereu chapters to diversify supply away from russia should build on the needs currently identified through the assessment conducted and agreed by the european network of transmission system operators for gas (entsog) , established in the spirit of solidarity as regards security of supply and take into account the reinforced preparedness measures taken to adapt to new geopolitical threats. finally , the repowereu chapters should provide an explanation and a quantification of the effects of the combination of the reforms and investments financed by the recovery and resilience facility and the other measures financed by other sources than the recovery and resilience facility. ### (6) the repowereu chapter should include new reforms and investments contributing to the repowereu aims. furthermore , that chapter should contain an outline of other measures , financed from sources other than the recovery and resilience facility , contributing to the energy-related objectives outlined in recital (3). the outline should cover measures whose implementation should take place between 1 february 2022 to 31 december 2026 , the period during which the objectives set by this regulation are to be achieved. as regards natural gas infrastructure , especially liquefied natural gas (lng) , the investments and reforms of the repowereu chapters to diversify supply away from russia should build on the needs currently identified through the assessment conducted and agreed by the european network of transmission system operators for gas (entsog) , established in the spirit of solidarity as regards security of supply and take into account the reinforced preparedness measures taken to adapt to new geopolitical threats and accordingly be limited to a maximum of eur 10 billion of the total amount of resources for repowereu , excluding the revenues generated by the eu emissions trading system (ets). finally , the repowereu chapters should provide an explanation and a quantification of the effects of the combination of the reforms and investments financed by the recovery and resilience facility and the other measures financed by other sources than the recovery and resilience facility.


### (8) investments in infrastructure and technologies alone are not sufficient to ensure a reduction of dependency from fossil fuels. resources should be dedicated to the reskilling and upskilling of people , to further equip the workforce with green skills. this is in line with the objective of the european social fund plus , which aims at supporting member states in achieving a skilled and resilient workforce ready for the future world of work. in light of this , resources transferred from the european social fund plus should help support measures for the reskilling and upskilling of the workforce. the commission will assess whether the measures included in the repowereu chapters significantly contribute to supporting a requalification of the workforce towards green skills. ### (8) investments in infrastructure and technologies alone are not sufficient to ensure a reduction of dependency from fossil fuels. resources should be dedicated to the reskilling and upskilling of people , to further equip the workforce with green skills. this is in line with the objective of the european social fund plus , which aims at supporting member states in achieving a skilled and resilient workforce ready for the future world of work. member states are therefore called upon to speed up the implementation of cohesion policy in order to use the available funds for measures as the reskilling and upskilling of workforce. the commission will assess whether the measures included in the repowereu chapters significantly contribute to supporting a requalification of the workforce towards green skills.


### (12) pursuant to article 18(4) point (q) of regulation (eu) 2021/241 , the member states should also provide a summary of the consultation process of local and regional authorities and other relevant stakeholders , including , as relevant , from the agricultural sector , for reforms and investments included in the repowereu chapter. such summaries should explain the outcome of those consultations and outline how the input received was reflected in repowereu chapters. ### (12) pursuant to article 18(4) point (q) of regulation (eu) 2021/241 , the member states should also provide a summary of the mandatory consultation process of local and regional authorities and other relevant stakeholders , including , as relevant , from the agricultural sector , for reforms and investments included in the repowereu chapter. such summaries should explain the outcome of those consultations and outline how the input received was reflected in repowereu chapters.


### (12) pursuant to article 18(4) point (q) of regulation (eu) 2021/241 , the member states should also provide a summary of the consultation process of local and regional authorities and other relevant stakeholders , including , as relevant , from the agricultural sector , for reforms and investments included in the repowereu chapter. such summaries should explain the outcome of those consultations and outline how the input received was reflected in repowereu chapters. ### (12) pursuant to article 18(4) point (q) of regulation (eu) 2021/241 , the member states should also provide a summary of the consultation process of local and regional authorities , the social partners as well as the ngos and other relevant stakeholders relevant to reach the repowereu objectives , including , as relevant , from the agricultural sector , for reforms and investments included in the repowereu chapter. such summaries should explain the outcome of those consultations and outline how the input received was reflected in repowereu chapters , which input was not reflected and for which reason and how the local and regional authorities and other relevant stakeholders will be involved in the implementation of the repowereu chapter and its monitoring.


### (13) the application of the ‘do no significant harm’ principle is essential to ensure that the investments and reforms undertaken as part of the recovery from the pandemic are implemented in a sustainable manner. it should continue to apply to the reforms and investments supported by the facility , with one targeted exemption to safeguard the eu’ immediate energy security concerns. considering the objective of diversifying energy supplies away from russian suppliers , the reforms and investments set out in those repowereu chapters which aim to improve energy infrastructure and facilities to meet immediate security of supply needs for oil and gas should not be required to comply with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ and should therefore be exempted from such assessment. ### (13) the application of the ‘do no significant harm’ principle is essential to ensure that the investments and reforms undertaken as part of the recovery from the pandemic are implemented in a sustainable manner. it should continue to apply to the reforms and investments supported by the facility.


### (13) the application of the ‘do no significant harm’ principle is essential to ensure that the investments and reforms undertaken as part of the recovery from the pandemic are implemented in a sustainable manner. it should continue to apply to the reforms and investments supported by the facility , with one targeted exemption to safeguard the eu’ immediate energy security concerns. considering the objective of diversifying energy supplies away from russian suppliers , the reforms and investments set out in those repowereu chapters which aim to improve energy infrastructure and facilities to meet immediate security of supply needs for oil and gas should not be required to comply with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ and should therefore be exempted from such assessment. ### (13) the application of the ‘do no significant harm’ principle is essential to ensure that the investments and reforms undertaken as part of the recovery from the pandemic are implemented in a sustainable manner. it should continue to apply to the reforms and investments supported by the facility , with one targeted exemption to safeguard the eu’ immediate energy security concerns. considering the objective of diversifying energy supplies away from russian suppliers , the reforms and investments set out in those repowereu chapters which aim to improve and ensure energy infrastructure and facilities to be hydrogen-ready , to meet immediate security of supply needs for oil and gas should not be required to comply with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ and should therefore be exempted from such assessment.


### (13) the application of the ‘do no significant harm’ principle is essential to ensure that the investments and reforms undertaken as part of the recovery from the pandemic are implemented in a sustainable manner. it should continue to apply to the reforms and investments supported by the facility , with one targeted exemption to safeguard the eu’ immediate energy security concerns. considering the objective of diversifying energy supplies away from russian suppliers , the reforms and investments set out in those repowereu chapters which aim to improve energy infrastructure and facilities to meet immediate security of supply needs for oil and gas should not be required to comply with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ and should therefore be exempted from such assessment. ### (13) the application of the ‘do no significant harm’ principle is essential to ensure that the investments and reforms undertaken as part of the recovery from the pandemic are implemented in a sustainable manner and advance the green transition of the european union. it should continue to apply to the reforms and investments supported by the facility , with one targeted and time-limited exemption to safeguard the eu’ immediate energy security concerns. considering the objective of diversifying energy supplies away from russian suppliers , the reforms and investments in lng terminals and infrastructure set out in those repowereu chapters which aim to improve energy infrastructure and facilities as well as ensuring their hydrogen-readiness to meet immediate security of supply needs for gas and to be in operation by 31 june 2024 should not be required to comply with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ and should therefore be exempted from such assessment. to ensure that such an exemption does not jeopardise the integrity of the european union’s 2030 and 2050 climate targets , the commission should also include an assessment of the climate and environmental impacts of this time-limited derogation and measures how to compensate them in its annual reports.


### (13) the application of the ‘do no significant harm’ principle is essential to ensure that the investments and reforms undertaken as part of the recovery from the pandemic are implemented in a sustainable manner. it should continue to apply to the reforms and investments supported by the facility , with one targeted exemption to safeguard the eu’ immediate energy security concerns. considering the objective of diversifying energy supplies away from russian suppliers , the reforms and investments set out in those repowereu chapters which aim to improve energy infrastructure and facilities to meet immediate security of supply needs for oil and gas should not be required to comply with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ and should therefore be exempted from such assessment. ### (13) the application of the ‘do no significant harm’ principle is essential to ensure that the investments and reforms undertaken as part of the recovery from the pandemic are implemented in a sustainable manner. it should continue to apply to the reforms and investments supported by the facility , with one targeted exemption to safeguard the eu’ immediate energy security concerns. considering the objective of diversifying energy supplies away from russian suppliers , the reforms and investments set out in those repowereu chapters which aim to improve energy infrastructure and facilities to meet immediate security of supply needs for oil and gas should not be required to comply with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ and should therefore be exempted from this assessment but submitted to a specific procedure as referred to in article 21c point 4 of this regulation.


### (16) while extending the current intake rate of allowances to the market stability reserve is needed to prevent in long term a significant increase of the surplus of allowances in the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the union , the current economical and geopolitical situation requires the union to mobilise available resources to rapidly diversify union’s energy supply and reduce dependence on fossil fuels before 2030. in this context , decision (eu) 2015/1814 of the european parliament and of the council4 and directive 2003/87/ec of the european parliament and of the council5 should be amended to extend the doubling of the 24% intake rate of the market stability reserve until 2030 , while allowing for an exceptional release and monetisation of a portion of allowances from the market stability reserve and directing revenues towards reforms and investments contributing to repowereu objectives , in the recovery and resilience facility framework. ### (16) the current intake rate of allowances to the market stability reserve , as a minimum , is needed to prevent in long term a significant increase of the surplus of allowances in the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the union. the current economical and geopolitical situation requires the union to mobilise available resources to rapidly diversify union’s energy supply and reduce dependence on fossil fuels before 2030. in this context , decision (eu) 2015/1814 of the european parliament and of the council4 and directive 2003/87/ec of the european parliament and of the council5 should be amended to extend the doubling of the 24% intake rate of the market stability reserve until 2030 , while allowing for an exceptional one-time monetisation of the eu emission trading system by auctioning a portion of auctioned and free allowances for these means , as well as revenues that would otherwise be used to increase the size of the innovation fund. the revenues shall be directed towards reforms and investments contributing to repowereu objectives , in the recovery and resilience facility framework.


### (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) in addition to the already existing possibility to transfers up to 5% of resources of shared management programmes , no further resources from regulation (eu) 2021/1060 of the european parliament and of the council6are to be transferable to the facility. member states are therefore called upon to accelerate the implementation of their cohesion policy programmes in order to contribute to the effective achievement of the repowereu objectives.


### (22) recent geopolitical events have affected prices of energy and construction materials and have also caused shortages in the global supply chains. these developments may have a direct impact on the capacity to implement some investments included in the recovery and resilience plans. to the extent that member states can demonstrate that such developments make a specific milestone or target , either totally or partially , no longer achievable , such situations may be invoked as objective circumstances under article 21. these developments cannot constitute objective circumstances for revising reforms , as reforms are generally not cost dependent. in addition , no request for amendments should undermine the overall implementation of the recovery and resilience plans. ### (22) recent geopolitical events have affected prices of energy and other resources like construction materials , which caused shortages in the global supply chains. these developments may have a direct impact on the capacity to implement some investments included in the recovery and resilience plans. to the extent that member states can demonstrate that such developments make a specific milestone or target , either totally or partially , no longer achievable , such situations may be invoked as objective circumstances under article 21. these developments cannot constitute objective circumstances for revising reforms , as reforms are generally not cost dependent. in addition , no request for amendments should undermine the overall implementation of the recovery and resilience plans. member states should also ensure that proposals to amend their recovery and resilience plans respond to challenges that have arisen from current dramatic changes in the geopolitical situation , while preparing the future to be able to tackle new challenges.


### (22) recent geopolitical events have affected prices of energy and construction materials and have also caused shortages in the global supply chains. these developments may have a direct impact on the capacity to implement some investments included in the recovery and resilience plans. to the extent that member states can demonstrate that such developments make a specific milestone or target , either totally or partially , no longer achievable , such situations may be invoked as objective circumstances under article 21. these developments cannot constitute objective circumstances for revising reforms , as reforms are generally not cost dependent. in addition , no request for amendments should undermine the overall implementation of the recovery and resilience plans. ### (22) recent geopolitical events have affected prices of energy and construction materials and have also caused shortages in the global supply chains. these developments may have a direct impact on the capacity to implement some investments included in the recovery and resilience plans. to the extent that member states can demonstrate that such developments make a specific milestone or target , either totally or partially , no longer achievable , such situations may be invoked as objective circumstances under article 21. moreover , to the extent that member states can demonstrate that the developments from the russian military aggression against ukraine increased the level of importance of certain components in respect to others , the related adjustments in terms of reforms and investments , and related milestones and targets , may also be invoked as objective circumstances under article 21 to tackle the crisis effects due to the russian military aggression against ukraine without undermining the overall balance and level of ambition of the recovery and resilience plans , in line with the facility objectives , including the repowereu objectives. these developments cannot constitute objective circumstances for revising reforms , as reforms are generally not cost dependent. in addition , no request for amendments should undermine the overall implementation of the recovery and resilience plans.


### (22) recent geopolitical events have affected prices of energy and construction materials and have also caused shortages in the global supply chains. these developments may have a direct impact on the capacity to implement some investments included in the recovery and resilience plans. to the extent that member states can demonstrate that such developments make a specific milestone or target , either totally or partially , no longer achievable , such situations may be invoked as objective circumstances under article 21. these developments cannot constitute objective circumstances for revising reforms , as reforms are generally not cost dependent. in addition , no request for amendments should undermine the overall implementation of the recovery and resilience plans. ### (22) recent geopolitical events have affected prices of food , energy and construction materials and have also caused shortages in the global supply chains and an imminent food crisis. these developments may have a direct impact on the capacity to implement some investments included in the recovery and resilience plans. to the extent that member states can demonstrate that such developments , due to the russian military aggression against ukraine , make a specific milestone or target , either totally or partially , no longer achievable , such situations may be invoked as objective circumstances under article 21. where the member state shows that the developments from the ukraine crisis increased the level of importance of certain components in respect to others , adjustments should be performed , both in terms of reforms and investments , to tackle crisis effects , under the provisions of article 21 without undermining the overall balance and level of ambition of the recovery and resilience plans , in line with the facility objectives , including the repowereu objectives. member states should also ensure that proposals to amend their recovery and resilience plans respond to challenges stemming from recent geopolitical events.


### 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.


### 6. by derogation from paragraph 5 , subject to the availability of resources , in exceptional circumstances the amount of the loan support may be increased , considering the needs of the requesting member state , as well as requests for loan support already submitted or planned to be submitted by other member states , while applying the principles of equal treatment , solidarity , proportionality and transparency. to facilitate the application of these principles , member states shall communicate to the commission within 30 days after [the entry into force of this amending regulation] , whether they intend to request loan support. ### 6. by derogation from paragraph 5 , subject to the availability of resources , in exceptional circumstances the amount of the loan support may be increased , considering the needs of the requesting member state , as well as requests for loan support already submitted or planned to be submitted by other member states , while applying the principles of equal treatment , solidarity , proportionality and transparency. to facilitate the application of these principles , member states shall communicate to the commission within 60 days after [the entry into force of this amending regulation] , whether they intend to request loan support.


### for the preparation and , where available , for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan , a summary of the consultation process , conducted in accordance with the national legal framework , of local and regional authorities , social partners , civil society organisations , youth organisations and other relevant stakeholders , and how the input of the stakeholders is reflected in the recovery and resilience plan; in particular , the summary of the consultation process shall explain the outcome of the consultations with local and regional authorities and other relevant stakeholders on reforms and investments included in the repowereu chapter and outline how the input received was reflected in the repowereu chapter; ### for the preparation and , where available , for the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan , a summary of a mandatory consultation process , conducted in accordance with the national legal framework , of local and regional authorities , social partners , civil society organisations , youth organisations and other relevant stakeholders and how the input of the stakeholders is reflected in the recovery and resilience plan; in particular , the summary of the consultation process shall explain the outcome of the consultations with local and regional authorities and other relevant stakeholders on reforms and investments included in the repowereu chapter and outline how the input received was reflected in the repowereu chapter;


### (1) resources allocated to member states under shared management may , at their request , be transferred or allocated to the facility subject to the conditions set out in article 26a of regulation (eu) 2021/1060 and article 81a of regulation (eu) 2021/2115. those resources shall be used exclusively for the benefit of the member state concerned. ### (1) resources allocated to member states under shared management may , at their request , be transferred or allocated to the facility subject to the conditions set out in article 81a of regulation (eu) 2021/2115. those resources shall be used exclusively for the benefit of the member state concerned.


### resources may be transferred under article 26a of regulation (eu) 2021/1060 to support measures referred to in article 21c(1) of this regulation , provided that the member state has already requested transfers from a given fund up to the ceiling of 5% in accordance with the first and second sub-paragraphs of article 26(1). ### deleted


### (2) payments shall be made in accordance with article 24 of this regulation and subject to available funding. ### deleted


### (3) the commission shall implement those resources directly in accordance with article 62(1) , first subparagraph , point (a) of the financial regulation. ### deleted


### (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


### (5) the provisions of this regulation shall be applicable mutatis mutandis to the reforms and investments of the repowereu chapter , unless provided otherwise. ### (5) the provisions of this regulation shall be applicable mutatis mutandis to the reforms and investments of the repowereu chapter.


### 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 and insuring energy infrastructure and facilities to be hydrogen-ready and 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 ,


### addressing internal and cross-border energy transmission bottlenecks and supporting zero emission transport and its infrastructure , including railways , ### addressing internal and cross-border interconnectors and energy transmission bottlenecks , where appropriate , as identified in annex i and supporting zero emission transport and its infrastructure , including railways ,


### [...] ### deleted


### (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 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 60 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 measures referred to in article 21c (1) and (2) are expected to effectively contribute towards the union’s security of supply for the union as a whole , notably through a diversification of energy supply or reduction of dependence on fossil fuels before 2030.’. ### the measures referred to in article 21c (1) and (2) are expected to effectively contribute towards the union’s security of supply for the union as a whole , notably through a diversification of energy supply or reduction of dependence on fossil fuels before 2030 , increasing storage capacities or towards the union’s2030 objectives of renewable energy and energy efficiency. in particular , the targets for energy storage will enable the eu to become independent from gas power plants , which are currently used in case of renewable energy shortfall.


### a. whereas the mediterranean basin , which consists of eu member states , candidate and third countries , is the living environment of 250 million inhabitants , half of whom live in the european union; whereas the strengthening of cooperation within and beyond the eu’s borders is of the utmost importance to address common challenges such as pollution and climate change; ### a. whereas the mediterranean basin , which consists of eu member states , candidate and third countries , is the living environment of 250 million inhabitants , with 1/3 of the population concentrated in coastal areas and half of whom live in the european union; whereas the strengthening of cooperation within and beyond the eu’s borders is of the utmost importance to address common challenges such as pollution and climate change;


### 4. is concerned about the increasing pollution by plastic and domestic waste and calls for a historic effort to limit and manage them by promoting the circular economy; ### 4. is concerned about the increasing pollution by plastic and domestic waste and calls for a historic effort to limit and manage them by promoting the circular economy; calls on the creation of a pilot project on zero marine pollution in the mediterranean , thus testing the core principles of a mediterranean macro-regional strategy around a concrete objective;


### 13. considers that the mediterranean area shares a unique historical and cultural heritage and a mediterranean climate resulting in similar environmental characteristics , and that it faces similar risks of natural disasters such as fires , floods , earthquakes , drought and increasing scarcity of water resources; ### 13. considers that the mediterranean area shares a unique historical and cultural heritage and a mediterranean climate resulting in similar environmental characteristics , and that it faces similar risks of natural disasters such as fires , floods , earthquakes , drought and increasing scarcity of water resources; in this respect , invites the commission to study the possibility of adapting the eu civil protection mechanism and the eu solidarity fund to the mediterranean basin;


### 14. welcomes the westmed sea basin strategy in the western mediterranean and interreg programmes such as marittimo , as good examples of direct and diversified cooperation , including at regional level , with shared objectives; ### 14. welcomes the westmed sea basin strategy in the western mediterranean and interreg programmes such as marittimo and next med , as good examples of direct and diversified cooperation , including at regional level , with shared objectives;


### 16. considers that the diversity and the size of the territory concerned calls for the implementation of three distinct but coordinated strategies , namely strategies for the western mediterranean , the adriatic and ionian seas , and the eastern mediterranean; calls for the support of the countries and authorities concerned and for a central role of regions in their governance; ### deleted


### 17. calls on the commission to provide support for a macro-regional strategy in the mediterranean taking account of its ‘new agenda for the mediterranean’ , in particular its point five on the ‘ecological transition , climate resilience , energy and the environment’; ### 17. calls on the commission to provide support for a macro-regional strategy in the mediterranean taking account of its ‘new agenda for the mediterranean’ , in particular its point five on the ‘ecological transition , climate resilience , energy and the environment’; considers that the diversity and the size of the territory concerned require , in addition , the implementation of three distinct but coordinated strategies , namely strategies for the western mediterranean , the adriatic and ionian seas , and the eastern mediterranean; calls for the support of the countries and authorities concerned and for a central role of regions in their governance;


### — having regard to directive 2011/24/eu of the european parliament and of the council of 9 march 2011 on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare2 , ### — having regard to directive 2011/24/eu of the european parliament and of the council of 9 march 2011 on the application of patients' rights in cross-border healthcare2 and especially the art. 168 thereof ,


### 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 in nuts level 2 regions with gdp per capita lower that 75% of the eu-27 average , which hampers equal access to healthcare , is the main reason health infrastructure remains a priority for many governments;


### b. whereas the standards of healthcare provision in the eu are not harmonised , as significant differences exist between regions , whereby less-developed regions , which are not able to devote anything close to the amount of resources on healthcare per capita as their more developed counterparts , may face problems in this respect; ### b. whereas the standards of healthcare provision in the eu are still a prerogative of the member states and significant differences exist between regions which create inequalities; whereby nuts level 2 regions with gdp per capita lower that 75% of the eu-27 average are not able to devote anything close to the amount of resources on healthcare per capita as their more developed counterparts;


### e. whereas previous analyses have shown that strengthening cohesion policy is necessary in order to reduce disparities between the standards of healthcare provision in the eu; ### e. whereas strengthening cohesion policy is necessary in order to reduce disparities between the standards of healthcare provision in the eu;


### g. whereas in the last two multiannual financial frameworks (mffs) , health investments from the european regional development fund (erdf) tended to be concentrated in the less-developed member states and regions , usually focusing on health service modernisation , while the european social fund (esf) investments addressing access to healthcare tended to be concentrated in the countries facing particular challenges in terms of access to affordable , sustainable and high-quality services; ### g. whereas in the last two multiannual financial frameworks(mffs) , health investments from the european regional development fund (erdf) tended to be concentrated in the less-developed member states and nuts level 2 regions with gdp per capita lower that 75% of the eu-27 average , usually focusing on health service modernisation , while the european social fund (esf) investments addressed access to healthcare and tended to be concentrated in the countries facing particular challenges in terms of access to affordable , sustainable and high-quality services;


### 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 nuts level 2 regions with gdp per capita lower that 75%of the eu-27 average are a long way from uniformly matching the standards of healthcare provisions 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;


### 7. points out that , while evaluating funded structural projects and benchmarks in the context of health , it is necessary to review the subsequent health outcomes of individual projects , to enable their effectiveness and results to be tracked , in order to gauge the extent to which a given project has been successful; ### 7. points out that , while evaluating the overall envelope of funded structural projects and benchmarks in the context of health , it is also necessary to review the subsequent outcomes of individual projects based on the impact on the beneficiaries , to enable their effectiveness and results to be tracked , in order to gauge the extent to which a given project has been successful;


### 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 eu citizens in rural areas and the outermost regions often encounter barriers to equal 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 , quality services should be available and obtainable in a timely manner;


### 12. calls for bold cohesion policy measures , in accordance with the legal provisions in force in the eu , in order to attempt to mitigate the lack of healthcare workers in rural areas , and aimed at motivating them to commence or resume practice there; ### 12. calls for more ambitious cohesion policy measures , in accordance with the legal provisions in force in the eu , in order to attempt to mitigate the lack of healthcare workers in rural areas , and aimed at motivating them to commence or resume practice there;


### 14. calls for the use of cohesion policy funds to improve the working conditions of the health workforce in order to facilitate retention strategies for the healthcare workforce in less-developed regions; ### 14. calls for the use of cohesion policy funds to improve the working environment of the health workforce in order to complement national and regional policies aimed at providing adequate health work force throughout the eu;


### 17. stresses that cross-border healthcare improvements can benefit patients by enabling equitable access to health services and infrastructure in other member states , including diagnosis and clinical trials , based on the principle of ‘easiest , closest , best and fastest’ access12 ; ### 17. stresses that cross-border healthcare improvements can benefit patients by enabling equitable access to health services and infrastructure in other member states , or their bordering regions , including diagnosis and clinical trials , based on the principle of ‘easiest , closest , best and fastest’ access12;


### 20. believes that centres of excellence could stimulate cross-border contracting to an even greater extent , and that , as a result , such centres could be of great importance in increasing the life expectancy of eu citizens; ### 20. believes that centres of excellence could stimulate and increase cross-border contracting to an even greater extent , and that , as a result , such centres could be of great importance and of benefit in improving the overall health conditions , thus increasing the life expectancy of eu citizens;


### 24. calls on the member states and on regional and local authorities to make use of the full extent of the flexibility offered by the interreg programmes to address the current covid-19 crisis; ### 24. calls on the member states and on regional and local authorities to make use of the full extent of the flexibility offered by the cohesions policy programmes , defined in regulation (eu) 2021/1060 , as well as of interreg programmes , to address the current covid-19 crisis;


### 25. instructs its president to forward this resolution to the council and the commission. ### 25. instructs its president to forward this resolution to the council , the commission and national parliaments.


### f. whereas although the european skills agenda set the objective of having 70 % of the eu’s adult population possess at least basic digital skills by 2025 , 42 % of the eu population still does not have basic digital skills and 37 % of workers still lack sufficient digital skills according to the commission; whereas severe geographical disparities in people’s ict skills still exist; ### f. whereas although the european skills agenda set the objective of having 70 % of the eu’s adult population possess at least basic digital skills by 2025 , 42 % of the eu population still does not have basic digital skills and 37 % of workers still lack sufficient digital skills according to the commission; whereas severe geographical disparities in people’s ict skills still exist; whereas women across europe are less likely to have specialist digital skills and work in areas related to ict; whereas less than 25% of enterprises in the eu 27 provided ict training to their personnel in 2019 , with significant differences between member states1a;


### 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 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; draws attention to the risk of increasing disparities by failing to properly support the most vulnerable areas , which often have a weaker capacity to plan and spend the funds effectively , even though they have the strongest needs;


### 10. notes with concern that the expanded use of digital solutions and tictm as a result of the covid-19 pandemic has aggravated the pre-existing inequalities caused by digital divides across population groups; stresses , however , that digitalisation has the potential to benefit vulnerable groups; ### 10. notes with concern that the expanded use of digital solutions and tictm as a result of the covid-19 pandemic has aggravated the pre-existing inequalities caused by digital divides across population groups; stresses , however , that digitalisation has the potential to benefit vulnerable groups; draws attention to the fact that the digitally excluded face dual exclusion as the digital exclusion may lead to difficulties of access to education opportunities , the labour market or essential public services;


### 13. notes that the covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the rise of e-health solutions; warns that some people , such as the elderly or socially disadvantaged , who may be less able to use or afford the necessary technologies , may be left behind; ### 13. notes that the covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the rise of e-health solutions; highlights the need to empower patients , especially the elderly and socially disadvantaged citizens , to use digital health services as well as to tackle the e-skills gap among health professionals; warns that some people , such as the elderly or socially disadvantaged , who may be less able to use or afford the necessary technologies , may be left behind;


### 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 , including for entrepreneurship , for everyone;


### 17. notes a critical digital skills divide between adults residing in rural areas and those living in cities; notes , furthermore , the disproportionate prevalence of tictm among city-based , well-educated , service sector employees with strong digital skills; ### 17. notes a critical digital skills divide between adults residing in rural areas and those living in cities; notes , furthermore , the disproportionate prevalence of tictm among city-based , well-educated , service sector employees with strong digital skills; observes the lack of opportunities to acquire digital skills in rural areas; urges the member states and the commission to adopt measures to offset this imbalance;


### a. whereas europe’s regions currently face far-reaching demographic changes such as a low birth rate , an ageing population and an ongoing rural exodus; ### a. whereas europe’s regions currently face far-reaching demographic changes such as a low birth rate , a high mortality rate , an ageing population and an ongoing rural exodus;


### 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; decreasing from 6% to 4 % of the world’s population by 2070 , and long-term demographic trends in european regions indicate lower birth rates and ageing societies;


### 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 is not only having serious economic and social consequences but also hampering our chances of achieving the green deal’s ambitious objectives and those of other eu policies such as the common agricultural policy , cohesion policy , etc.;


### 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 is not only having serious economic and social consequences but also creating challenges in 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 internal migration patterns from eastern , south and central regions to northern and northwestern regions mostly involve young , educated and skilled workers; notes that migration from non-eu citizens has allowed eu to avoid population loss in the recent years;


### 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 political guidelines for the farm to fork and biodiversity strategies , to take practical steps to retain the rural population;


### 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; highlights that population ageing also affects housing and transport planning , infrastructure and services needs , as well as fiscal and social security sustainability;


### 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 member states to consider introducing computer skills training modules for regions where these skills are not of a sufficiently high level; 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;


### 5. deplores the fact that the agreement on the multiannual financial framework is not ambitious enough to meet the challenges of demographic change; criticises the cuts to the eu’s two main instruments designed to promote sustainable development in rural areas: cohesion policy and the cap. ### 5. deplores the fact that the agreement on the multiannual financial framework is not ambitious enough to meet the challenges of demographic change; regrets the cuts to the eu’s two main instruments designed to promote sustainable development in rural areas: cohesion policy and the cap.


### ‘sending’ regions ### characteristics of demographic change in the eu


### 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 , including islands , 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;


### ‘receiving’ regions ### deleted


### 11. acknowledges that the metropolitan areas around major cities register a positive migration rate , with characteristic rural-to-urban population movements , as a consequence of an increasingly urbanised concentration in employment growth patterns; ### 11. acknowledges that the metropolitan areas around major cities register a positive migration rate , as a consequence of an increasingly urbanised concentration in employment growth patterns; notes that the projections for the next years show , however , that many urban areas will lose population in the near future;


### 15. notes that economic migration has a direct impact on the inclusiveness of cities , requiring tailored policy responses in different territorial contexts; ### 15. notes that migration has a direct impact on the inclusiveness of cities , requiring tailored policy responses in different territorial contexts; highlights , in this regard , the need to strengthen inclusion policies;


### improving the attractiveness of regions ### finding solutions to the demographic decline challenge


### 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; calls in this regard for tailor-made technical assistance to support local and regional authorities in the design and the implementation of these strategies , including through the use of participatory methods involving local stakeholders and civil society;


### 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 , as well as needs for mobility , territorial accessibility and basic services 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; ### 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 integrated territorial investments (iti) and community-led local development strategies are a useful tool that can be used to create jobs and increase accessibility to services at local level;


### 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; calls on local and regional authorities to tackle the brain drain in ‘sending’ regions through prevention , mitigation and appropriate responses; using the means provided by cohesion policies; 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 , although this is only a temporary instrument;


### 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 avoid the risk of depopulation; recalls that the erdf for the next multiannual financial framework (2021-2027) makes provision for specific support for nuts 3 regions and local administrative units suffering from demographic challenges such as 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; investing in the most vulnerable areas; 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;


### 21. reiterates the need for further simplification of cohesion policy instruments in order to allow for an easier , but at the same time sound management of financial resources and for maximising synergies among the various eu funds; emphasises the need to reduce red tape and ensure coherent legislation throughout the project implementation process; ### 21. reiterates the need for further place-based and integrated approaches of cohesion policy , common agricultural policy national strategic plans , and national recovery strategic plans in order to allow for an easier , but at the same time sound management of financial resources and for maximising synergies among the various eu funds and integrated tools; emphasises the need to reduce red tape and ensure coherent legislation throughout the project implementation process;


### 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 , affordable , accessible and equitable mobility services and reskilling of workers , creating entrepreneurial conditions and supporting smes;


### 25. considers it appropriate to involve regional and local authorities in long-term cooperative governance and planning initiatives at various levels; asks the commission and the member states to disseminate good practices on the use and benefits of this type of governance and of planning tools to support polycentric development; ### 25. considers it appropriate to involve regional and local authorities in long-term cooperative governance and planning initiatives at various levels; asks the commission and the member states to use the instrument of territorial impact assessment (tia) to further design eu and national policies that are affecting demographic change;


### 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. is of the opinion that innovation are research can have positive spillover effects at the regional level , 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; calls for a further development of synergies between the european structural and investment funds and the horizon europe programme as well as other initiatives such as those promoted by the european institute of innovation & technology;


### 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 use the new recovery and resilience facility to invest in the broadband extension in order to foster in the knowledge economy , as well as in providing high quality public services and incentives , that maintain high-skilled workers and promote the triple helix to ensure the attractiveness of the depopulated areas;


### 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. 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 invest the youth guarantee initiative focused 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;


### 28. stresses the need for a wider territorial perspective to reinforce urban networks of second-tier cities and smaller towns , in order to harness their significant potential to buttress territorial , economic and social cohesion beyond their immediate boundaries , through greater urban-rural and regional cooperation; ### 28. stresses the need for a wider territorial perspective in line with the new 'leipzig charter: the transformative power of cities for the common good' and the 'territorial agenda 2030' to reinforce urban networks of second-tier cities and smaller towns , in order to harness their significant potential to buttress territorial , economic and social cohesion beyond their immediate boundaries , through greater urban-rural linkages , functional areas , and regional cooperation;


### 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 in order to avoid the digital divide and ensure digital cohesion; stresses the importance of funding the infrastructures , the development and uptake of these technologies among companies and schools in rural and isolated regions and regions in industrial transition;


### 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; is of the opinion that vocational education and training can represent an effective way to enhance the skillset of workers and make them more resilient against the swift dynamics of the labour market , thus contributing to the prevention of the brain drain;


### 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 which materialises in a european strategy on demographic trends; 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;


### b. whereas , in the light of the pandemic , policies and instruments addressing demographic problems must be reviewed; ### b. whereas , in addition to already-established issues and trends , the pandemic has also shown that policies and instruments addressing demographic problems must be reviewed;


### 2. stresses the numerous advances obtained for the ors under the new 2021-2027 mff at both budgetary and legislative level through specific arrangements in the structural funds and horizontal programmes , and welcomes the additional measures taken for the ors as part of the next generation eu recovery plan; ### 2. stresses the numerous advances obtained for the ors under the new 2021-2027 mff at both budgetary and legislative level through specific arrangements in the structural funds and horizontal programmes , and welcomes the additional measures taken for the ors as part of the next generation eu recovery plan; calls for those advances to be consolidated in the new european strategy for the ors;


### 8. calls for the establishment of a new communication strategy which would , in particular , involve young people and inform them about the opportunities offered by the eu and raise their awareness of the usefulness of europe in their daily lives; calls for a commission office to be set up in each or; ### 8. calls for the establishment of a genuine strategy which would , in particular , involve young people and inform them about the opportunities offered by the eu and raise their awareness of the usefulness of europe in their daily lives; calls for a commission office to be set up in each or;


### 10. calls for the ors to be fully integrated into the discussions of the conference on the future of europe , in particular via the conference of presidents of the ors , in order to provide a perspective from the outermost regions; ### 10. calls to fully integrate the ors into the discussions of the conference on the future of europe , and in the development of future european policies , in particular via the conference of presidents of the ors , in order to provide a perspective from the outermost regions and to ensure the effective application of article 349 of the tfue;


### 11. calls on the commission to help build a new strategy for the ors based on respect for their specific characteristics , consolidation of what has been achieved and optimisation of existing arrangements , innovation and an appreciation of the ors as ‘territories offering solutions’; ### 11. calls on the commission to help build a new strategy for the ors based on respect for their specific characteristics , consolidation of what has been achieved and optimisation of existing arrangements , innovation and an appreciation of the ors as ‘territories offering solutions’; stresses the need to involve the main stakeholders in the definition of this strategy , including national , regional and local authorities , economic and social agents , civil society , the academic community and non-governmental organisations;


### 11. calls on the commission to help build a new strategy for the ors based on respect for their specific characteristics , consolidation of what has been achieved and optimisation of existing arrangements , innovation and an appreciation of the ors as ‘territories offering solutions’; ### 11. calls on the commission to help build , in cooperation with the ors , a new strategy for the ors based on respect for their specific characteristics , consolidation of what has been achieved and optimisation of existing arrangements , innovation and an appreciation of the ors as ‘territories offering solutions’;


### investing in the battle for jobs , harnessing the potential of the territories and focusing on youth ### investing in the battle for decent jobs and social protection , harnessing the potential of the territories and focusing on youth;


### investing in the battle for jobs , harnessing the potential of the territories and focusing on youth ### (does not affect english version.)


### 13. calls on the commission and the member states to invest in the ors and to make the fight against poverty and unemployment the priorities of european solidarity , while investing in future projects focusing on innovation and reskilling; ### 13. calls on the commission , the member states and the ors to make the fight against poverty and unemployment the priorities of european solidarity , while investing in education and training and in future projects focusing on innovation , reskilling and diversification;


### 14. reiterates the fact that in the ors the strength of youth is a major asset which is often insufficiently valued and that it should be a priority for building tangible solutions through the large-scale mobilisation of eu funding for education , training and support for young people; ### 14. reiterates the fact that in the ors the strength of youth is a major asset which is often insufficiently valued and that it should be a priority for building tangible solutions through the large-scale mobilisation of eu funding for education , training , decent work , housing and support for young people;


### 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 the sustainable tourism , craft , culture , social economy , sustainable construction , and digital sectors;


### 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 the tourism , craft , culture , building and construction , and digital sectors;


### developing sustainable growth , promoting a green and blue economy and fostering new professions ### developing sustainable and fair growth , promoting a green and blue economy and fostering new professions towards climate neutrality by 2050;


### 16. calls for the specific measures under the cap through the posei scheme and within the emfaf to be strengthened in order to achieve the objective of food autonomy and to support green and blue growth in the ors; ### 16. calls for the reinforcement of the financial allocations under the cap , in particular with regard to posei , and of specific mechanisms within the emfaf , in order to achieve the objective of food autonomy and to support the green and blue growth of the ors; would like to recall that the posei figures have not been updated in the light of inflation , unlike what happens with other payments under the cap;


### 18. welcomes the fact that the green deal takes into account the exceptional potential of the ors; ### 18. welcomes the fact that the green deal and eu’s biodiversity strategy for 2030 , take into account the exceptional potential of the ors , including challenges such as the rise of sea levels , the increase in sea temperatures and the increase of frequency of earthquakes and floods;


### 18. welcomes the fact that the green deal takes into account the exceptional potential of the ors; ### 18. welcomes the fact that the green deal takes into account the exceptional potential of the ors; reiterates the fact that 80% of europe’s potential in terms of biodiversity is in the ors;


### 18. welcomes the fact that the green deal takes into account the exceptional potential of the ors; ### 18. welcomes that the green deal takes into account the exceptional potential of the ors and recalls the unique strategic value of the ors from the point of view of the geopolitics of biodiversity;


### 19. encourages the emergence of new environment-related professions and support for grassroots actors involved in biodiversity protection , including associations; ### 19. encourages the emergence of new environment-related professions and support for grassroots actors involved in biodiversity protection , including governmental and non-governmental associations;


### 21. reaffirms the objective of achieving energy autonomy for the ors and strongly supports the objective of achieving 100% renewable energy in the ors in line with the european commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050; ### 21. reaffirms the objective of achieving energy autonomy for the ors and strongly supports the objective of achieving 100% renewable energy in the ors in line with the european commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050; calls for support to improve the energy efficiency of housing in the ors , bearing in mind their particular circumstances and the obstacles to accessing materials certified for this purpose;


### 21. reaffirms the objective of achieving energy autonomy for the ors and strongly supports the objective of achieving 100% renewable energy in the ors in line with the european commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050; ### 21. reaffirms the objective of achieving energy autonomy for the ors and strongly supports the objective of achieving 100% renewable energy in the ors in line with the european commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and the climate goals for 2030 , as well as a carbon neutral building stock by 2050; stresses , in this view , the importance of the just transition fund and react-eu , which provide dedicated funding for the ors;


### 22. calls for strong support to be provided to the ors in order to promote a new sustainable economic model with structural initiatives for developing the circular economy; ### 22. calls on the european commission to provide strong support to the ors in order to promote a new sustainable economic model with structural initiatives for developing the circular economy;


### 23. calls for macro-regional strategies for the ors to be developed; ### 23. calls on the commission for the development of macro-regional strategies for the ors; recalls that the outermost regions have unique potential and distinctive assets that can benefit the eu as a whole;


### 23. calls for macro-regional strategies for the ors to be developed; ### 23. calls on the commission to take account of the ors in the atlantic macro-regional strategy by including topics relevant to them;


### 28. calls on the commission to ensure that the ors benefit fully from international agreements (epas , ftas , etc.) concluded between the eu and third countries; calls for vigilance with regard to the consequences of these agreements and recommends that effective measures be put in place as part of trade policy , including safeguard clauses and specific checks by the chief trade enforcement officer , while ensuring that the principle of ‘equivalence’ does not lead to situations which discriminate against the ors; ### 28. notes that the growing number of trade agreements with third countries , including the largest global producers of bananas and sugar , is changing the distribution of the market and threatening the competitiveness of the eu producers of those goods; calls for vigilance with regard to the consequences of these agreements and calls on the commission to carry out a study measuring the cumulative impact of trade agreements with third countries on the socio-economic development of the ors;