# C_2021108EN.01056601.xml

| 26.3.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 108/566 |
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26.3.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 108/566

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P8_TA(2019)0303

European Regional Development Fund and Cohesion Fund ***I

European Parliament legislative resolution of 27 March 2019 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (COM(2018)0372 — C8-0227/2018 — 2018/0197(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

(2021/C 108/40)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2018)0372), |
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—

having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2018)0372),

| — | having regard to Article 294(2) and Articles 177, 178 and 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C8-0227/2018), |
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—

having regard to Article 294(2) and Articles 177, 178 and 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C8-0227/2018),

| — | having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
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—

having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 17 October 2018 (1), |
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—

having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 17 October 2018 (1),

| — | having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of 5 December 2018 (2), |
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—

having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of 5 December 2018 (2),

| — | having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure, |
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—

having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Regional Development and also the opinion of the Committee on Budgets, the position in the form of amendments of the Committee on Budgetary Control, and the opinions of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, of the Committee on Culture and Education, and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A8-0094/2019), |
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—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Regional Development and also the opinion of the Committee on Budgets, the position in the form of amendments of the Committee on Budgetary Control, and the opinions of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, of the Committee on Culture and Education, and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A8-0094/2019),

| 1. | Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out; |
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1.

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal; |
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2.

| 3. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments. |
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3.

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(1)  OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 90.

(2)  OJ C 86, 7.3.2019, p. 115.

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P8_TC1-COD(2018)0197

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 27 March 2019 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) .../... of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular the second paragraph of Article 177, Article 178 and Article 349 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (2),

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (3),

Whereas:

| (1) | Article 176 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU’) provides that the European Regional Development Fund (‘ERDF’) is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union. Under that Article and the second and third paragraphs of Article 174 of the TFEU, the ERDF is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions, among which particular attention is to be paid to regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions. |
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(1)

Article 176 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU’) provides that the European Regional Development Fund (‘ERDF’) is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union. Under that Article and the second and third paragraphs of Article 174 of the TFEU, the ERDF is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions, among which particular attention is to be paid to regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions.

| (2) | The Cohesion Fund was set up in order to contribute to the overall objective of strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion of the Union by providing financial contributions in the fields of environment and trans-European networks in the area of transport infrastructure (‘TEN-T’), as set out in Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4). |
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(2)

The Cohesion Fund was set up in order to contribute to the overall objective of strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion of the Union by providing financial contributions in the fields of environment and trans-European networks in the area of transport infrastructure (‘TEN-T’), as set out in Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4).

| (3) | Regulation (EU) 2018/XXX of the European Parliament and of the Council [new CPR] (5) sets out common rules applicable to various funds including the European Regional Development Fund (‘ERDF’), the European Social Fund Plus (‘ESF+’), the Cohesion Fund,
  the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD),
  , the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (‘EMFF’), the Asylum and Migration Fund (‘AMIF’), the Internal Security Fund (‘ISF’) and the Border Management and Visa Instrument (‘BMVI’) which operate under a common framework (‘the Funds’). [Am. 1] |
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(3)

Regulation (EU) 2018/XXX of the European Parliament and of the Council [new CPR] (5) sets out common rules applicable to various funds including the European Regional Development Fund (‘ERDF’), the European Social Fund Plus (‘ESF+’), the Cohesion Fund,
  the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD),
  , the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (‘EMFF’), the Asylum and Migration Fund (‘AMIF’), the Internal Security Fund (‘ISF’) and the Border Management and Visa Instrument (‘BMVI’) which operate under a common framework (‘the Funds’). [Am. 1]

| (3a) | Member States and the Commission shall ensure the coordination, complementarity and coherence between the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Cohesion Fund (CF), the European Social Development Fund+ (ESF+), the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the European Fund for Agricultural Development (EAFRD), so that they can complement each other where this is beneficial for creating successful projects. [Am. 2] |
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(3a)

Member States and the Commission shall ensure the coordination, complementarity and coherence between the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Cohesion Fund (CF), the European Social Development Fund+ (ESF+), the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the European Fund for Agricultural Development (EAFRD), so that they can complement each other where this is beneficial for creating successful projects. [Am. 2]

| (4) | In order to simplify the rules applicable to both the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund for the 2014-2020 programming period, a single Regulation should set out the applicable rules covering both funds. |
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(4)

In order to simplify the rules applicable to both the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund for the 2014-2020 programming period, a single Regulation should set out the applicable rules covering both funds.

| (5) | Horizontal principles as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union (‘TEU’) and in Article 10 of the TFEU, including principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5 of the TEU, should be respected in the implementation of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, taking into account the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Member States should also respect the obligations of the UN Convention on the

  and the European Pillar of Social
  Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensure accessibility in line with its article 9 and in accordance with the Union law harmonising accessibility requirements for products and services. Member States and the Commission should aim at eliminating
  social and income
  inequalities
  , at furthering the fight against poverty, at the preservation
  and at promoting equality between men and women and integrating the gender perspective, as well as at

  the creation of quality jobs with attendant rights and at ensuring that the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund promote equal opportunities for all,
  combating discrimination based on
  gender,
  sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.
  The Funds should also promote the transition from institutional care to family and community-based care, in particular for those who face multiple discrimination.
  The Funds should not support actions that contribute to any form of segregation. The objectives of the

  Investments under
  ERDF and the Cohesion Fund

  , in synergy with ESF+,
  should be pursued in the framework of sustainable development and the Union's promotion of the aim of preserving, protecting and improving the

  contribute to promoting social inclusion and fighting poverty, and to raising citizens’
  quality of the environment as set out in Articles 11 and 191(1) of the TFEU, taking into account the polluter pays principle. In order to protect the integrity

  life in line with the obligations
  of the internal market, operations benefitting undertakings shall comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU

  UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to contribute to children’s rights
  . [Am. 3] |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Horizontal principles as set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union (‘TEU’) and in Article 10 of the TFEU, including principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5 of the TEU, should be respected in the implementation of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, taking into account the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Member States should also respect the obligations of the UN Convention on the

  and the European Pillar of Social
  Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensure accessibility in line with its article 9 and in accordance with the Union law harmonising accessibility requirements for products and services. Member States and the Commission should aim at eliminating
  social and income
  inequalities
  , at furthering the fight against poverty, at the preservation
  and at promoting equality between men and women and integrating the gender perspective, as well as at

  the creation of quality jobs with attendant rights and at ensuring that the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund promote equal opportunities for all,
  combating discrimination based on
  gender,
  sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.
  The Funds should also promote the transition from institutional care to family and community-based care, in particular for those who face multiple discrimination.
  The Funds should not support actions that contribute to any form of segregation. The objectives of the

  Investments under
  ERDF and the Cohesion Fund

  , in synergy with ESF+,
  should be pursued in the framework of sustainable development and the Union's promotion of the aim of preserving, protecting and improving the

  contribute to promoting social inclusion and fighting poverty, and to raising citizens’
  quality of the environment as set out in Articles 11 and 191(1) of the TFEU, taking into account the polluter pays principle. In order to protect the integrity

  life in line with the obligations
  of the internal market, operations benefitting undertakings shall comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU

  UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to contribute to children’s rights
  . [Am. 3]

| (6) | It is necessary to cover provisions for the ERDF for its support both to the Investment for jobs and growth goal and the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) (‘ETC/Interreg’). |
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(6)

It is necessary to cover provisions for the ERDF for its support both to the Investment for jobs and growth goal and the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) (‘ETC/Interreg’).

| (7) | In order to identify the type of activities which can be supported by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, specific policy objectives for providing support from those funds should be laid down to ensure that they contribute to one or more of common policy objectives set out in Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR] . |
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(7)

In order to identify the type of activities which can be supported by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, specific policy objectives for providing support from those funds should be laid down to ensure that they contribute to one or more of common policy objectives set out in Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR] .

| (8) | In an increasingly interconnected world and in view of the
  internal and external
  demographic and migration dynamics, it is clear that Union migration policy requires a common approach that relies on the synergies and complementarities of the different funding instruments.
  The ERDF must pay more specific attention to demographic change as a key challenge and priority area in devising and implementing programmes.
  In order to ensure coherent, strong and consistent support for solidarity and responsibility-sharing

  responsibility as well as sharing
  efforts between Member States in managing migration, the ERDF should provide support to facilitate the long-term

  cohesion policy could contribute to
  integration of

  processes of refugees and
  migrants
  under international protection by adopting an approach aimed at protecting the dignity and rights of them, not least in view of the mutually-reinforcing relationship between integration and local economic growth, especially by providing infrastructure support to cities and local authorities involved in implementing integration policies
  . [Am. 4] |
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(8)

In an increasingly interconnected world and in view of the
  internal and external
  demographic and migration dynamics, it is clear that Union migration policy requires a common approach that relies on the synergies and complementarities of the different funding instruments.
  The ERDF must pay more specific attention to demographic change as a key challenge and priority area in devising and implementing programmes.
  In order to ensure coherent, strong and consistent support for solidarity and responsibility-sharing

  responsibility as well as sharing
  efforts between Member States in managing migration, the ERDF should provide support to facilitate the long-term

  cohesion policy could contribute to
  integration of

  processes of refugees and
  migrants
  under international protection by adopting an approach aimed at protecting the dignity and rights of them, not least in view of the mutually-reinforcing relationship between integration and local economic growth, especially by providing infrastructure support to cities and local authorities involved in implementing integration policies
  . [Am. 4]

| (9) | In order to support the efforts of Member States and regions in
  reducing disparities between levels of development and harmonise different situations of EU regions,
  facing
  up to social disparities,
  new challenges and ensuring
  inclusive societies and
  a high level of security for their citizens as well as the prevention of
  marginalisation and
  radicalisation, while relying on the synergies and complementarities with other Union policies, investments under the ERDF should contribute to security in areas where there is a need to ensure safe
  , modern, accessible
  and secure public spaces and critical infrastructure, such as
  communication, public
  transport, and energy
  and universal, high-quality public services which are vital to address regional and social disparities, promote social cohesion and regional development and encourage enterprises and people to stay in their local area
  . [Am. 5] |
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(9)

In order to support the efforts of Member States and regions in
  reducing disparities between levels of development and harmonise different situations of EU regions,
  facing
  up to social disparities,
  new challenges and ensuring
  inclusive societies and
  a high level of security for their citizens as well as the prevention of
  marginalisation and
  radicalisation, while relying on the synergies and complementarities with other Union policies, investments under the ERDF should contribute to security in areas where there is a need to ensure safe
  , modern, accessible
  and secure public spaces and critical infrastructure, such as
  communication, public
  transport, and energy
  and universal, high-quality public services which are vital to address regional and social disparities, promote social cohesion and regional development and encourage enterprises and people to stay in their local area
  . [Am. 5]

| (10) | In addition, investments under the ERDF should contribute to the development of a comprehensive high-speed digital infrastructure network,
  throughout the Union, including in rural areas where it is a vital contributor to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),
  and to promoting clean

  pollution-free
  and sustainable multimodal urban

  mobility with a focus on walking, cycling, public transport and shared
  mobility. [Am. 6] |
| --- | --- |

(10)

In addition, investments under the ERDF should contribute to the development of a comprehensive high-speed digital infrastructure network,
  throughout the Union, including in rural areas where it is a vital contributor to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),
  and to promoting clean

  pollution-free
  and sustainable multimodal urban

  mobility with a focus on walking, cycling, public transport and shared
  mobility. [Am. 6]

| (10a) | Many of the greatest challenges in Europe increasingly affect marginalised Roma communities, who often live in the most disadvantaged micro-regions which lack safe and accessible drinking water, sewage, electricity, and which do not enjoy transportation possibilities, digital connectivity, renewable energy systems or disaster resilience. Therefore, ERDF-CF shall contribute to improving the living conditions of Roma and fulfilling their true potential as EU citizens, and Member States shall safeguard that the benefits of all the five policy objectives of ERDF-CF will reach the Roma as well. [Am. 7] |
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(10a)

Many of the greatest challenges in Europe increasingly affect marginalised Roma communities, who often live in the most disadvantaged micro-regions which lack safe and accessible drinking water, sewage, electricity, and which do not enjoy transportation possibilities, digital connectivity, renewable energy systems or disaster resilience. Therefore, ERDF-CF shall contribute to improving the living conditions of Roma and fulfilling their true potential as EU citizens, and Member States shall safeguard that the benefits of all the five policy objectives of ERDF-CF will reach the Roma as well. [Am. 7]

| (11) | As a result of the overall aim of the Cohesion Fund provided for in the TFEU, it is necessary to set out and limit the specific objectives to which the Cohesion Fund should support. |
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(11)

As a result of the overall aim of the Cohesion Fund provided for in the TFEU, it is necessary to set out and limit the specific objectives to which the Cohesion Fund should support.

| (12) | In order to
  contribute to an appropriate governance, enforcement, cross-border cooperation and spread of best practices and innovations in the field of smart specialization and circular economy
  improve the overall administrative capacity of
  the
  institutions and governance in
  the
  Member States
  , including at the regional and local levels on the principles of multilevel governance,
  implementing
  the
  programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, it is necessary to enable supporting

  promote administrative reinforcement
  measures under all of the

  of a structural nature in support of all
  specific objectives.
  Being based on measurable objectives and notified to citizens and businesses as a means of simplifying and reducing the administrative burden imposed on beneficiaries and managing authorities, it is possible for these measures to strike the right balance between the result-orientation of the policy and the level of checks and controls. [Am. 8] |
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(12)

In order to
  contribute to an appropriate governance, enforcement, cross-border cooperation and spread of best practices and innovations in the field of smart specialization and circular economy
  improve the overall administrative capacity of
  the
  institutions and governance in
  the
  Member States
  , including at the regional and local levels on the principles of multilevel governance,
  implementing
  the
  programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, it is necessary to enable supporting

  promote administrative reinforcement
  measures under all of the

  of a structural nature in support of all
  specific objectives.
  Being based on measurable objectives and notified to citizens and businesses as a means of simplifying and reducing the administrative burden imposed on beneficiaries and managing authorities, it is possible for these measures to strike the right balance between the result-orientation of the policy and the level of checks and controls. [Am. 8]

| (13) | In order to encourage and boost cooperation measures, within programmes implemented under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, it is necessary to enhance cooperation measures with partners
  including those at local and regional level
  within a given Member State or between different Member States in relation to support provided under all of the specific objectives. Such enhanced cooperation is additional to the cooperation under ETC/Interreg and should in particular support cooperation among structured partnerships with a view to implementing regional strategies as referred to in the Communication from the Commission ‘Strengthening Innovation in Europe's Regions: Strategies for resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth’ (6). Partners may therefore come from any region in the Union, but may also include cross-border regions and regions which are all covered by
  European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation,
  a macro-regional or sea-basin strategy or a combination of the two. [Am. 9] |
| --- | --- |

(13)

In order to encourage and boost cooperation measures, within programmes implemented under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, it is necessary to enhance cooperation measures with partners
  including those at local and regional level
  within a given Member State or between different Member States in relation to support provided under all of the specific objectives. Such enhanced cooperation is additional to the cooperation under ETC/Interreg and should in particular support cooperation among structured partnerships with a view to implementing regional strategies as referred to in the Communication from the Commission ‘Strengthening Innovation in Europe's Regions: Strategies for resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth’ (6). Partners may therefore come from any region in the Union, but may also include cross-border regions and regions which are all covered by
  European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation,
  a macro-regional or sea-basin strategy or a combination of the two. [Am. 9]

| (13a) | The future cohesion policy may take adequate consideration of and provide support to the regions of the Union that are most impacted by the consequences of the United Kingdom’s exit from the Union, in particular those that will, as a result, find themselves situated on external sea or land borders of the Union; [Am. 10] |
| --- | --- |

(13a)

The future cohesion policy may take adequate consideration of and provide support to the regions of the Union that are most impacted by the consequences of the United Kingdom’s exit from the Union, in particular those that will, as a result, find themselves situated on external sea or land borders of the Union; [Am. 10]

| (14) | The objectives of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should be pursued in the framework of sustainable development, notably the highly importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement, 2030 Agenda of the United Nations and the UN Sustainable Development Goals as well as and the Union's promotion of the aim of preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment as set out in Articles 11 and 191(1) of the TFEU, taking into account the polluter pays principle as well as focusing on poverty, inequality and a just transition to a socially and environmentally sustainable economy in a participatory approach in cooperation with relevant public authorities, economic, and social partners as well as civil society organisations.
  Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change
  and loss of biodiversity in order to contribute to the financing of necessary actions to be taken at EU, national and local level to fulfil
  in line with the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,
  as well as to ensure integrated disaster prevention support linking resilience and risk prevention, preparation and response,
  the Funds will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 %

  biodiversity protection by targeting 30 %
  of the EU budget expenditure supporting climate objectives.
  The Funds must contribute substantially to the achievement of a circular and low-carbon economy in all territories of the Union and fully incorporating the regional dimension.
  Operations under the ERDF are expected to contribute 30 %

  to at least 35 %
  of the overall financial envelope of the ERDF to climate objectives. Operations under the Cohesion Fund are expected to contribute 37 %

  40
   % of the overall financial envelope of the Cohesion Fund to climate objectives.
  These percentages should be respected throughout the programming period. Therefore, relevant actions will be identified during the preparation and implementation of these funds, and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review procedures. These actions and the financial allocation reserved for their implementation are to be included in the national Integrated Energy and Climate Plans in accordance with Annex IV of Regulation (EU)2018/xxxx[new CPR] as well as long-term renovation strategy established under the revised Energv Performance of Building Directive (E) 2018/844 to contribute to the achievement of a decarbonised building stock by 2050, and attached to the Programmes. Specific attention should be paid to carbon-intensive areas facing challenges due to decarbonisation commitments, in view of assisting them in pursuing strategies consistent with the Union’s climate commitment and laid down in the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plans and under the ETS Directive 2018/410 and to protect workers also through training and reskilling opportunities. [Am. 11] |
| --- | --- |

(14)

The objectives of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund should be pursued in the framework of sustainable development, notably the highly importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement, 2030 Agenda of the United Nations and the UN Sustainable Development Goals as well as and the Union's promotion of the aim of preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment as set out in Articles 11 and 191(1) of the TFEU, taking into account the polluter pays principle as well as focusing on poverty, inequality and a just transition to a socially and environmentally sustainable economy in a participatory approach in cooperation with relevant public authorities, economic, and social partners as well as civil society organisations.
  Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change
  and loss of biodiversity in order to contribute to the financing of necessary actions to be taken at EU, national and local level to fulfil
  in line with the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,
  as well as to ensure integrated disaster prevention support linking resilience and risk prevention, preparation and response,
  the Funds will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 %

  biodiversity protection by targeting 30 %
  of the EU budget expenditure supporting climate objectives.
  The Funds must contribute substantially to the achievement of a circular and low-carbon economy in all territories of the Union and fully incorporating the regional dimension.
  Operations under the ERDF are expected to contribute 30 %

  to at least 35 %
  of the overall financial envelope of the ERDF to climate objectives. Operations under the Cohesion Fund are expected to contribute 37 %

  40
   % of the overall financial envelope of the Cohesion Fund to climate objectives.
  These percentages should be respected throughout the programming period. Therefore, relevant actions will be identified during the preparation and implementation of these funds, and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review procedures. These actions and the financial allocation reserved for their implementation are to be included in the national Integrated Energy and Climate Plans in accordance with Annex IV of Regulation (EU)2018/xxxx[new CPR] as well as long-term renovation strategy established under the revised Energv Performance of Building Directive (E) 2018/844 to contribute to the achievement of a decarbonised building stock by 2050, and attached to the Programmes. Specific attention should be paid to carbon-intensive areas facing challenges due to decarbonisation commitments, in view of assisting them in pursuing strategies consistent with the Union’s climate commitment and laid down in the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plans and under the ETS Directive 2018/410 and to protect workers also through training and reskilling opportunities. [Am. 11]

| (15) | In order to enable the ERDF to provide support under ETC/Interreg in terms of both investments in infrastructure and the associated investments, training and integration activities,
  for the improvement and development of administrative skills and competences,
  it is necessary to provide that the ERDF may also provide support for activities under the specific objectives of the ESF+, set up under Regulation (EU) 2018/XXX of the European Parliament and of the Council [new ESF+] (7). [Am. 12] |
| --- | --- |

(15)

In order to enable the ERDF to provide support under ETC/Interreg in terms of both investments in infrastructure and the associated investments, training and integration activities,
  for the improvement and development of administrative skills and competences,
  it is necessary to provide that the ERDF may also provide support for activities under the specific objectives of the ESF+, set up under Regulation (EU) 2018/XXX of the European Parliament and of the Council [new ESF+] (7). [Am. 12]

| (16) | In order to concentrate the use of limited resources in the most efficient way, the support given to by the ERDF to productive investments under the relevant specific objective, should be limited

  directed
  to only micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (‘SMEs’) within the meaning of Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC (8), except where investments involve cooperation with SMEs in research and innovation activities

  and to enterprises other than SMEs, without prejudice to jobs related to the same or similar activity in other European regions, within the meaning of Article 60 of Regulation (EU)
  .
  ../...[new CPR]
  . [Am. 190/rev] |
| --- | --- |

(16)

In order to concentrate the use of limited resources in the most efficient way, the support given to by the ERDF to productive investments under the relevant specific objective, should be limited

  directed
  to only micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (‘SMEs’) within the meaning of Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC (8), except where investments involve cooperation with SMEs in research and innovation activities

  and to enterprises other than SMEs, without prejudice to jobs related to the same or similar activity in other European regions, within the meaning of Article 60 of Regulation (EU)
  .
  ../...[new CPR]
  . [Am. 190/rev]

| (17) | The ERDF should help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union and to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions including those facing challenges due to the decarbonisation commitments
  through financial support for the transitional period. It should also foster resilience and prevent vulnerable territories from falling behind
  . ERDF support under the Investment for jobs and growth goal should therefore be concentrated on key Union priorities in line with policy objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR]. Therefore support from the ERDF should be concentrated
  specifically
  on the policy
  two
  objectives of
  a
  ‘a smarter Europe by promoting innovative, and smart
  and inclusive
  economic
  development and
  transformation’
  , regional connectivity in the area of technologies, developing the information and communication technologies (ICT), connectivity and efficient public administration
  and ‘a greener, low-carbon
  and resilient
  Europe
  for all
  by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management’ '
  while taking account of the overall policy objectives of a more cohesive and solidarity-based Europe helping reduce economic, social and territorial asymmetries.

  That '
  while taking account of the overall policy objectives of a more cohesive and solidarity-based Europe helping reduce economic, social and territorial asymmetries. Said
  thematic concentration should be attained at national level, while allowing
  margins
  for flexibility at the level of individual programmes and between the three groups of Member States formed according to respective gross national income

  various categories of regions, taking account too of different levels of development
  . In addition, the methodology to classify
  the regions

  Member States should be set out in detail taking into account the specific situation of the outermost regions. [Am. 14] |
| --- | --- |

(17)

The ERDF should help to redress the main regional imbalances in the Union and to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions including those facing challenges due to the decarbonisation commitments
  through financial support for the transitional period. It should also foster resilience and prevent vulnerable territories from falling behind
  . ERDF support under the Investment for jobs and growth goal should therefore be concentrated on key Union priorities in line with policy objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR]. Therefore support from the ERDF should be concentrated
  specifically
  on the policy
  two
  objectives of
  a
  ‘a smarter Europe by promoting innovative, and smart
  and inclusive
  economic
  development and
  transformation’
  , regional connectivity in the area of technologies, developing the information and communication technologies (ICT), connectivity and efficient public administration
  and ‘a greener, low-carbon
  and resilient
  Europe
  for all
  by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management’ '
  while taking account of the overall policy objectives of a more cohesive and solidarity-based Europe helping reduce economic, social and territorial asymmetries.

  That '
  while taking account of the overall policy objectives of a more cohesive and solidarity-based Europe helping reduce economic, social and territorial asymmetries. Said
  thematic concentration should be attained at national level, while allowing
  margins
  for flexibility at the level of individual programmes and between the three groups of Member States formed according to respective gross national income

  various categories of regions, taking account too of different levels of development
  . In addition, the methodology to classify
  the regions

  Member States should be set out in detail taking into account the specific situation of the outermost regions. [Am. 14]

| (17a) | In order to ensure the strategic importance of investments co-financed by the ERDF and CF, Members States could make a duly justified request for further flexibility within the current framework of Stability and Growth Pact for the public or equivalent structural expenditure. [Am. 15] |
| --- | --- |

(17a)

In order to ensure the strategic importance of investments co-financed by the ERDF and CF, Members States could make a duly justified request for further flexibility within the current framework of Stability and Growth Pact for the public or equivalent structural expenditure. [Am. 15]

| (18) | In order to concentrate the support on key Union priorities
  and in line with the objectives of social, economic and territorial cohesion set out in Article 174 TFEU and the policy objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR]
  , it is also appropriate that thematic concentration requirements should be respected throughout the programming period, including in the case of transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes. [Am. 16] |
| --- | --- |

(18)

In order to concentrate the support on key Union priorities
  and in line with the objectives of social, economic and territorial cohesion set out in Article 174 TFEU and the policy objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxx [new CPR]
  , it is also appropriate that thematic concentration requirements should be respected throughout the programming period, including in the case of transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes. [Am. 16]

| (18a) | The ERDF should address the problems of accessibility to, and remoteness from, large markets, faced by areas with an extremely low population density, as referred to in Protocol No 6 on special provisions for Objective 6 in the framework of the Structural Funds in Finland and Sweden to the 1994 Act of Accession. The ERDF should also address the specific difficulties encountered by certain islands, border regions, mountain regions and sparsely populated areas, the geographical situation of which slows down their development, with a view to supporting their sustainable development. [Am. 17] |
| --- | --- |

(18a)

The ERDF should address the problems of accessibility to, and remoteness from, large markets, faced by areas with an extremely low population density, as referred to in Protocol No 6 on special provisions for Objective 6 in the framework of the Structural Funds in Finland and Sweden to the 1994 Act of Accession. The ERDF should also address the specific difficulties encountered by certain islands, border regions, mountain regions and sparsely populated areas, the geographical situation of which slows down their development, with a view to supporting their sustainable development. [Am. 17]

| (19) | This Regulation should set out the different types of activities th e costs of which may be supported by means of investments from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, under their respective objectives as set out in the TFEU
  including crowdfunding
  . The Cohesion Fund should be able to support investments in the environment and in TEN-T. With regard to the ERDF, the list of activities should
  take into account specific national and regional development needs as well as endogenous potential and
  be simplified and it should be able to support investments in infrastructure,
  including research and innovation infrastructure and facilities, cultural and heritage infrastructure, sustainable tourism infrastructure also through the tourist districts, services to enterprises, as well as investments in housing,
  investments in relation to access to services
  with a particular focus on disadvantaged, marginalised and segregated communities
  , productive investments in SME's, equipment, software and intangible assets
  , incentives during the transition period of regions in the process of decarbonisation
  , as well as measures with regard to information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experiences
  between partners
  and activities involving clusters. In order to support the programme implementation, both funds should also be able to support technical assistance activities. Finally, in order to support provide for a broader range of interventions for Interreg programmes, the scope should be enlarged to also include the sharing a broad range of facilities and human resources and costs linked to measures within the scope of the ESF+. [Am. 18] |
| --- | --- |

(19)

This Regulation should set out the different types of activities th e costs of which may be supported by means of investments from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, under their respective objectives as set out in the TFEU
  including crowdfunding
  . The Cohesion Fund should be able to support investments in the environment and in TEN-T. With regard to the ERDF, the list of activities should
  take into account specific national and regional development needs as well as endogenous potential and
  be simplified and it should be able to support investments in infrastructure,
  including research and innovation infrastructure and facilities, cultural and heritage infrastructure, sustainable tourism infrastructure also through the tourist districts, services to enterprises, as well as investments in housing,
  investments in relation to access to services
  with a particular focus on disadvantaged, marginalised and segregated communities
  , productive investments in SME's, equipment, software and intangible assets
  , incentives during the transition period of regions in the process of decarbonisation
  , as well as measures with regard to information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experiences
  between partners
  and activities involving clusters. In order to support the programme implementation, both funds should also be able to support technical assistance activities. Finally, in order to support provide for a broader range of interventions for Interreg programmes, the scope should be enlarged to also include the sharing a broad range of facilities and human resources and costs linked to measures within the scope of the ESF+. [Am. 18]

| (20) | Trans-European transport networks projects in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1316/2013 
  No1316/2013
  shall continue to be financed from the Cohesion Fund
  , including tackling the missing links and bottlenecks, in a balanced manner as well as including for improving the safety of existing bridges and tunnels
  via both shared management and the direct implementation mode under the Connecting Europe Facility (‘CEF’).
  These networks must boost public services in rural areas, especially in sparsely populated areas and in areas with largely ageing populations, in order to foster interconnectivity between cities and the countryside, promote rural development, bridge the digital divide. [Am. 19] |
| --- | --- |

(20)

Trans-European transport networks projects in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1316/2013 
  No1316/2013
  shall continue to be financed from the Cohesion Fund
  , including tackling the missing links and bottlenecks, in a balanced manner as well as including for improving the safety of existing bridges and tunnels
  via both shared management and the direct implementation mode under the Connecting Europe Facility (‘CEF’).
  These networks must boost public services in rural areas, especially in sparsely populated areas and in areas with largely ageing populations, in order to foster interconnectivity between cities and the countryside, promote rural development, bridge the digital divide. [Am. 19]

| (21) | At the same time, it is important to
  identify synergies on the one hand and
  clarify those activities which fall outside the scope of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, including investments to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (9)

  on the other hand; this
   in order to
  multiplication effects or
  avoid duplication of available financing, which already exists as part of that Directive. In addition, it should be explicitly set out that the overseas countries and territories listed in Annex II of the TFEU are not eligible for support from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund. [Am. 20] |
| --- | --- |

(21)

At the same time, it is important to
  identify synergies on the one hand and
  clarify those activities which fall outside the scope of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, including investments to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (9)

  on the other hand; this
   in order to
  multiplication effects or
  avoid duplication of available financing, which already exists as part of that Directive. In addition, it should be explicitly set out that the overseas countries and territories listed in Annex II of the TFEU are not eligible for support from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund. [Am. 20]

| (22) | Member States should regularly transmit to the Commission information on the progress made using the common output and result indicators set out in Annex I. Common output and result indicators could be complemented, where necessary by programme-specific output and result indicators. The information provided by the Member States should be the basis on which the Commission should report on the progress towards the achievement of specific objectives over the whole programming period using for this purpose a core set of indicators set out in Annex II. |
| --- | --- |

(22)

Member States should regularly transmit to the Commission information on the progress made using the common output and result indicators set out in Annex I. Common output and result indicators could be complemented, where necessary by programme-specific output and result indicators. The information provided by the Member States should be the basis on which the Commission should report on the progress towards the achievement of specific objectives over the whole programming period using for this purpose a core set of indicators set out in Annex II.

| (23) | Pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the Inter-institutional agreement for Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016, there is a need to evaluate the Funds on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements, while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens, in particular on Member States. These requirements, where appropriate, can include measurable indicators, as a basis for evaluating the effects of the Funds on the ground. [Am. 21] |
| --- | --- |

(23)

Pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the Inter-institutional agreement for Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016, there is a need to evaluate the Funds on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements, while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens, in particular on Member States. These requirements, where appropriate, can include measurable indicators, as a basis for evaluating the effects of the Funds on the ground. [Am. 21]

| (24) | In order to maximise the contribution to territorial development,
  and to address more effectively economic, demographic, environmental and social challenges, as envisaged in Article 174 TFEU, in areas with natural or demographic disadvantages including ageing, rural desertification and demographic decline but also demographic pressure or where it is difficult to access basic services,
  actions in this field should be based on
  programmes, axes or
  integrated territorial strategies including in urban areas
  and rural communities
  .
  These actions should be the two sides of the same coin, based on both the central urban hubs and their surroundings as well as the more remote rural. These strategies may also benefit from a multifund and integrated approach involving the ERDF, ESF+, EMFF and EAFRD. A minimum target of 5 % of ERDF resources should be earmarked at national level for integrated territorial development
  . Therefore, the ERDF support should be delivered through the forms set out in Article 22 of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR] ensuring appropriate involvement of local, regional and urban authorities
  , economic and social partners and representatives of civil society and non-governmental organisations
  . [Am. 22] |
| --- | --- |

(24)

In order to maximise the contribution to territorial development,
  and to address more effectively economic, demographic, environmental and social challenges, as envisaged in Article 174 TFEU, in areas with natural or demographic disadvantages including ageing, rural desertification and demographic decline but also demographic pressure or where it is difficult to access basic services,
  actions in this field should be based on
  programmes, axes or
  integrated territorial strategies including in urban areas
  and rural communities
  .
  These actions should be the two sides of the same coin, based on both the central urban hubs and their surroundings as well as the more remote rural. These strategies may also benefit from a multifund and integrated approach involving the ERDF, ESF+, EMFF and EAFRD. A minimum target of 5 % of ERDF resources should be earmarked at national level for integrated territorial development
  . Therefore, the ERDF support should be delivered through the forms set out in Article 22 of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR] ensuring appropriate involvement of local, regional and urban authorities
  , economic and social partners and representatives of civil society and non-governmental organisations
  . [Am. 22]

| (24a) | Specific attention should be paid to carbon-intensive areas facing challenges due to decarbonisation commitments, in view of assisting them in pursuing strategies consistent with the Union’s climate commitment under the Paris Agreement that protect workers and affected communities alike. Such areas should benefit from dedicated support to prepare and implement plans for decarbonisation of their economies taking into account the need for targeted vocational training and reskilling opportunities for the workforce. [Am. 23] |
| --- | --- |

(24a)

Specific attention should be paid to carbon-intensive areas facing challenges due to decarbonisation commitments, in view of assisting them in pursuing strategies consistent with the Union’s climate commitment under the Paris Agreement that protect workers and affected communities alike. Such areas should benefit from dedicated support to prepare and implement plans for decarbonisation of their economies taking into account the need for targeted vocational training and reskilling opportunities for the workforce. [Am. 23]

| (25) | Within the framework of sustainable urban development, it is considered necessary to support integrated territorial development in order to more effectively tackle the economic, environmental, climate, demographic
  , technology
  and social
  and cultural
  challenges affecting urban areas, including functional urban areas
  and rural communities
  , while taking into account the need to promote urban-rural linkages
  , including through peri-urban areas where appropriate
  . The principles for selecting the urban areas where integrated actions for sustainable urban development are to be implemented, and the indicative amounts for those actions, should be set out in the programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal with

  . Said actions may also benefit from a multifund and integrated approach involving the ERDF, ESF+, EMFF and the EAFRD.
   A minimum target of 6 %

  10 %
  of the ERDF resources allocated

  should be earmarked
  at national level for that purpose

  the sustainable urban development priority
  . It should also be established that this percentage should be respected throughout the programming period in the case of transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes, including at the mid-term review. [Am. 24] |
| --- | --- |

(25)

Within the framework of sustainable urban development, it is considered necessary to support integrated territorial development in order to more effectively tackle the economic, environmental, climate, demographic
  , technology
  and social
  and cultural
  challenges affecting urban areas, including functional urban areas
  and rural communities
  , while taking into account the need to promote urban-rural linkages
  , including through peri-urban areas where appropriate
  . The principles for selecting the urban areas where integrated actions for sustainable urban development are to be implemented, and the indicative amounts for those actions, should be set out in the programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal with

  . Said actions may also benefit from a multifund and integrated approach involving the ERDF, ESF+, EMFF and the EAFRD.
   A minimum target of 6 %

  10 %
  of the ERDF resources allocated

  should be earmarked
  at national level for that purpose

  the sustainable urban development priority
  . It should also be established that this percentage should be respected throughout the programming period in the case of transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes, including at the mid-term review. [Am. 24]

| (26) | In order to identify or provide solutions which address issues relating to sustainable urban development at Union level, the Urban Innovative Actions in the area of sustainable urban development should be replaced by

  continued and developed into
  a European Urban Initiative, to be implemented under direct or indirect management. That initiative should cover all urban areas and support the Urban Agenda for the European Union (10)

  aiming to stimulate growth, liveability and innovation and to identify and successfully tackle social challenges
  . [Am. 25] |
| --- | --- |

(26)

In order to identify or provide solutions which address issues relating to sustainable urban development at Union level, the Urban Innovative Actions in the area of sustainable urban development should be replaced by

  continued and developed into
  a European Urban Initiative, to be implemented under direct or indirect management. That initiative should cover all urban areas and support the Urban Agenda for the European Union (10)

  aiming to stimulate growth, liveability and innovation and to identify and successfully tackle social challenges
  . [Am. 25]

| (27) | Specific attention should be paid to outermost regions, namely by adopting measures under Article 349 of the TFEU providing for an additional allocation for the outermost regions to offset the additional costs incurred in these regions as a result of one or several of the permanent restraints referred to in Article 349 of the TFEU, namely remoteness, insularity, small size, difficult topography and climate, economic dependence on a few products, the permanence and combination of which severely restrain their development. This allocation can cover investments, operating costs and public service obligations aimed at offsetting additional costs caused by such restraints. Operating aid may cover expenditure on freight transport services
  , green logistics, mobility management
  and start-up aid for transport services as well as expenditure on operations linked to storage constraints, the excessive size and maintenance of production tools, and the lack of human capital in the local market
  . This allocation shall not be subject to the thematic concentration provided for in this Regulation
  . In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, and as is the case for all operations co-financed by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, any ERDF support to the financing of operating and investment aid in the outermost regions should comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU. [Am. 26] |
| --- | --- |

(27)

Specific attention should be paid to outermost regions, namely by adopting measures under Article 349 of the TFEU providing for an additional allocation for the outermost regions to offset the additional costs incurred in these regions as a result of one or several of the permanent restraints referred to in Article 349 of the TFEU, namely remoteness, insularity, small size, difficult topography and climate, economic dependence on a few products, the permanence and combination of which severely restrain their development. This allocation can cover investments, operating costs and public service obligations aimed at offsetting additional costs caused by such restraints. Operating aid may cover expenditure on freight transport services
  , green logistics, mobility management
  and start-up aid for transport services as well as expenditure on operations linked to storage constraints, the excessive size and maintenance of production tools, and the lack of human capital in the local market
  . This allocation shall not be subject to the thematic concentration provided for in this Regulation
  . In order to protect the integrity of the internal market, and as is the case for all operations co-financed by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, any ERDF support to the financing of operating and investment aid in the outermost regions should comply with State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU. [Am. 26]

| (28) | In order to amend certain non-essential elements of this Regulation, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the TFEU should be delegated to the Commission in respect of making adjustments, where justified, to the Annex II which sets out list of indicators used as a basis to provide information to the European Parliament and to the Council on performance of programmes. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016 (11). In particular, in order to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States’ experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts. |
| --- | --- |

(28)

In order to amend certain non-essential elements of this Regulation, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the TFEU should be delegated to the Commission in respect of making adjustments, where justified, to the Annex II which sets out list of indicators used as a basis to provide information to the European Parliament and to the Council on performance of programmes. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016 (11). In particular, in order to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States’ experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.

| (29) | Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to reinforce economic, social and territorial cohesion by redressing the main regional imbalances in the Union
  through citizens oriented approach aimed at supporting community led development and fostering active citizenship
  , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of the extent of the disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions and the limit on the financial resources of the Member States and regions, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective. [Am. 27] |
| --- | --- |

(29)

Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to reinforce economic, social and territorial cohesion by redressing the main regional imbalances in the Union
  through citizens oriented approach aimed at supporting community led development and fostering active citizenship
  , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of the extent of the disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions and the limit on the financial resources of the Member States and regions, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective. [Am. 27]

HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

CHAPTER I

Common provisions

Article 1

Subject matter

1.   This Regulation sets out the specific objectives and the scope of support from the European Regional Development Fund (‘ERDF’) with regard to the Investment for jobs and growth goal and the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) referred to in Article [4(2)] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR].

2.   This Regulation also sets out the specific objectives and the scope support from the Cohesion Fund with regard to the Investment for jobs and growth goal (‘the Investment for jobs and growth goal’) referred to in [point (a) of Article 4(2)] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR].

Article 1a

Tasks of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund

The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund (CF) shall contribute to the overall objective of strengthening the Union’s economic, social and territorial cohesion.

The ERDF shall contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions within the Union, and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions including environmental challenges, through sustainable development and structural adjustment of regional economies.

The Cohesion Fund shall contribute to projects in the field of trans-European networks and environment. [Am. 28]

Article 2

Specific objectives for the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund

1.   In accordance with the policy objectives set out in Article [4(1)] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx[new CPR], the ERDF shall support the following specific objectives:

| (a) | ‘a smarter Europe by promoting innovative and , smart
  and inclusive
  economic
  development and
  transformation
  , regional connectivity in the area of technologies, developing the information and communication technologies (ICT), connectivity and efficient public administration
  ’ (‘PO 1’) by: [Am. 29]







  (i) | enhancing

  supporting the development and enhancement of
  research and innovation capacities and

  , investments and infrastructure,
  the uptake of advanced technologies
  and supporting and promoting the clusters for innovation between business, research, academia and public authorities
  ; [Am. 30] |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

‘a smarter Europe by promoting innovative and , smart
  and inclusive
  economic
  development and
  transformation
  , regional connectivity in the area of technologies, developing the information and communication technologies (ICT), connectivity and efficient public administration
  ’ (‘PO 1’) by: [Am. 29]

(i)

enhancing

  supporting the development and enhancement of
  research and innovation capacities and

  , investments and infrastructure,
  the uptake of advanced technologies
  and supporting and promoting the clusters for innovation between business, research, academia and public authorities
  ; [Am. 30]

| (ii) | enhancing digital connectivity and
  reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens,
  scientific establishments,
  companies and governments
  and public administration at regional and local level including smart cities and smart villages
  ; [Am. 31] |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

enhancing digital connectivity and
  reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens,
  scientific establishments,
  companies and governments
  and public administration at regional and local level including smart cities and smart villages
  ; [Am. 31]

| (iii) | enhancing
  sustainable
  growth and competitiveness of SMEs
  and providing support for the creation and safeguarding of jobs and support technological upgrade and modernization
  ; [Am. 32] |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

enhancing
  sustainable
  growth and competitiveness of SMEs
  and providing support for the creation and safeguarding of jobs and support technological upgrade and modernization
  ; [Am. 32]

| (iv) | developing skills
  and strategies, and building capacities
  for smart specialisation, industrial

  just
  transition and

  , circular economy, social innovation,
  entrepreneurship
  , tourism sector and transition to industry 4.0
  ; [Am. 33] |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

developing skills
  and strategies, and building capacities
  for smart specialisation, industrial

  just
  transition and

  , circular economy, social innovation,
  entrepreneurship
  , tourism sector and transition to industry 4.0
  ; [Am. 33]

| (b) | ‘a greener, low-carbon
  and resilient
  Europe
  for all
  by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management’ (‘PO 2’) by: [Am. 34]







  (i) | promoting energy efficiency
  , savings and energy poverty
  measures; [Am. 35] |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

‘a greener, low-carbon
  and resilient
  Europe
  for all
  by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management’ (‘PO 2’) by: [Am. 34]

(i)

promoting energy efficiency
  , savings and energy poverty
  measures; [Am. 35]

| (ii) | promoting
  sustainable
  renewable energy; [Am. 36] |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

promoting
  sustainable
  renewable energy; [Am. 36]

| (iii) | developing smart energy systems, grids and storage at local level; [Am. 37] |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

developing smart energy systems, grids and storage at local level; [Am. 37]

| (iv) | promoting climate change adaptation, risk prevention
  , management of
  and disaster resilience
  to extreme weather events and natural disasters including earthquakes, forest fires, flooding and drought, taking into account eco-system based approaches
  ; [Am. 38] |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

promoting climate change adaptation, risk prevention
  , management of
  and disaster resilience
  to extreme weather events and natural disasters including earthquakes, forest fires, flooding and drought, taking into account eco-system based approaches
  ; [Am. 38]

| (v) | promoting
  universal access to water and
  sustainable water management; [Am. 39] |
| --- | --- |

(v)

promoting
  universal access to water and
  sustainable water management; [Am. 39]

| (vi) | promoting the transition to a circular economy economy
  and improving resource efficiency
  ; [Am. 40] |
| --- | --- |

(vi)

promoting the transition to a circular economy economy
  and improving resource efficiency
  ; [Am. 40]

| (via) | supporting regional transformation processes towards decarbonisation as well as the transition towards low-carbon energy generation; [Am. 41] |
| --- | --- |

(via)

supporting regional transformation processes towards decarbonisation as well as the transition towards low-carbon energy generation; [Am. 41]

| (vii) | protecting and
  enhancing biodiversity, green infrastructure in the urban environment, and reducing

  and natural heritage, preserving and highlighting protected natural areas
  ,
  natural resources
  and reducing
  every form of pollution such as air, water, soil, noise and light
  pollution; [Am. 42] |
| --- | --- |

(vii)

protecting and
  enhancing biodiversity, green infrastructure in the urban environment, and reducing

  and natural heritage, preserving and highlighting protected natural areas
  ,
  natural resources
  and reducing
  every form of pollution such as air, water, soil, noise and light
  pollution; [Am. 42]

| (viia) | enhancing green infrastructure in functional urban areas, developing small-scale multimodal urban mobility as part of a net zero emission economy; [Am. 43] |
| --- | --- |

(viia)

enhancing green infrastructure in functional urban areas, developing small-scale multimodal urban mobility as part of a net zero emission economy; [Am. 43]

| (c) | ‘a more connected Europe
  for all
  by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity’ (‘PO 3’) by: [Am. 44]








  (i) | enhancing digital connectivity;
  [Am. 45]
  (This amendment will require consequential adjustments to Annex I and Annex II) |
| --- | --- | --- |

(c)

‘a more connected Europe
  for all
  by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity’ (‘PO 3’) by: [Am. 44]

(i)

enhancing digital connectivity;
  [Am. 45]
  (This amendment will require consequential adjustments to Annex I and Annex II)

| (ii) | developing a sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent, secure and
  sustainable road and railway and
  intermodal TEN-T
  and cross-border links focussing on noise reduction measures, environmentally friendly public transport and rail networks
  ; [Am. 46] |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

developing a sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent, secure and
  sustainable road and railway and
  intermodal TEN-T
  and cross-border links focussing on noise reduction measures, environmentally friendly public transport and rail networks
  ; [Am. 46]

| (iii) | developing sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility
  and environmentally friendly public transport networks
  ; [Am. 47] |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

developing sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility
  and environmentally friendly public transport networks
  ; [Am. 47]

| (iv) | promoting sustainable multimodal urban mobility;
  [Am. 48]
  (This amendment will require consequential adjustments to Annex I and Annex II) |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

promoting sustainable multimodal urban mobility;
  [Am. 48]
  (This amendment will require consequential adjustments to Annex I and Annex II)

| (d) | ‘a more social
  and inclusive
  Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights’ (‘PO 4’) by: [Am. 49]







  (i) | enhancing the effectiveness
  and inclusiveness
  of labour markets and access to
  high
  quality employment through developing social innovation and infrastructure
  and promoting the social economy and innovation
  ; [Am. 50] |
| --- | --- | --- |

(d)

‘a more social
  and inclusive
  Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights’ (‘PO 4’) by: [Am. 49]

(i)

enhancing the effectiveness
  and inclusiveness
  of labour markets and access to
  high
  quality employment through developing social innovation and infrastructure
  and promoting the social economy and innovation
  ; [Am. 50]

| (ii) | improving
  equal
  access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and life long learning
  and sport
  through developing
  accessible
  infrastructure
  and services
  ; [Am. 51] |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

improving
  equal
  access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and life long learning
  and sport
  through developing
  accessible
  infrastructure
  and services
  ; [Am. 51]

| (iia) | investment in housing, when owned by public authorities or non-profit operators for use as housing designated for low-income households or people with special needs; [Am. 52] |
| --- | --- |

(iia)

investment in housing, when owned by public authorities or non-profit operators for use as housing designated for low-income households or people with special needs; [Am. 52]

| (iii) | increasing

  promoting
  the socioeconomic integration

  inclusion
  of marginalised communities, migrants and disadvantaged

  and deprived communities such as Roma and disadvantage
  groups, through integrated measures including housing and social services; [Am. 53] |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

increasing

  promoting
  the socioeconomic integration

  inclusion
  of marginalised communities, migrants and disadvantaged

  and deprived communities such as Roma and disadvantage
  groups, through integrated measures including housing and social services; [Am. 53]

| (iiia) | promoting long-term socio-economic integration of refugees and migrants under international protection through integrated actions including housing and social services by providing infrastructure support to cities and local authorities involved; [Am. 54] |
| --- | --- |

(iiia)

promoting long-term socio-economic integration of refugees and migrants under international protection through integrated actions including housing and social services by providing infrastructure support to cities and local authorities involved; [Am. 54]

| (iv) | ensuring equal access to health care through developing
  health care
  infrastructure
  and other assets
  , including primary care
  and preventive measures and advancing the transition from institutional to family- and community-based care
  ; [Am. 55] |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

ensuring equal access to health care through developing
  health care
  infrastructure
  and other assets
  , including primary care
  and preventive measures and advancing the transition from institutional to family- and community-based care
  ; [Am. 55]

| (iva) | providing support for physical, economic and social regeneration in deprived communities; [Am. 56] |
| --- | --- |

(iva)

providing support for physical, economic and social regeneration in deprived communities; [Am. 56]

| (e) | ‘a Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban, rural and coastal

  and all other
  areas and local initiatives’ (‘PO 5’) by: [Am. 57]







  (i) | fostering the integrated
  and inclusive
  social, economic and environmental development, cultural

  culture, natural
  heritage
  , sustainable tourism also through the tourist districts, sports
  and security in urban areas
  , including functional urban areas
  ; [Am. 58] |
| --- | --- | --- |

(e)

‘a Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban, rural and coastal

  and all other
  areas and local initiatives’ (‘PO 5’) by: [Am. 57]

(i)

fostering the integrated
  and inclusive
  social, economic and environmental development, cultural

  culture, natural
  heritage
  , sustainable tourism also through the tourist districts, sports
  and security in urban areas
  , including functional urban areas
  ; [Am. 58]

| (ii) | fostering the integrated
  and inclusive
  social, economic and environmental local development, cultural

  culture, natural
  heritage
  , sustainable tourism also through the tourist districts, sports
  and security, including for

  all at local level,
  rural
  , mountain, islands
  and coastal
  regions, isolated and sparsely populated and all other
  areas also

  that have difficulty accessing basic services including also on NUTS 3 level,
  through community-led

  territorial and
  local development
  strategies, through the forms set out in points (a) (b) and (c) of Article 22 of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR]
  . [Am. 59] |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

fostering the integrated
  and inclusive
  social, economic and environmental local development, cultural

  culture, natural
  heritage
  , sustainable tourism also through the tourist districts, sports
  and security, including for

  all at local level,
  rural
  , mountain, islands
  and coastal
  regions, isolated and sparsely populated and all other
  areas also

  that have difficulty accessing basic services including also on NUTS 3 level,
  through community-led

  territorial and
  local development
  strategies, through the forms set out in points (a) (b) and (c) of Article 22 of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR]
  . [Am. 59]

1a.
     
  Enhancing small-scale multimodal urban mobility as referred to in point b (vii a) of this Article, which shall be considered eligible for support if ERDF contribution to the operation shall not exceed EUR 10 000 000. [Am. 60]

2.   The Cohesion Fund shall support PO 2 and specific obejctives under PO 3 set out in points (ii), (iii) and (iv) of paragraph 1(c).

3.   With regard to
  achieving
  the specific objectives set out in parargraph 1, the ERDF or the Cohesion Fund, as appropriate, may also support activities under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, where they either: [Am. 61]

| (a) | improve the capacity of programme authorities, and bodies linked to the implementation of the Funds
  , and support public authorities, local and regional administrations responsible for implementation of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, through specific administrative capacity-building plans aimed at localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), simplifying procedures and cutting implementation time for actions, provided these are structural in nature and the programme itself has measurable objectives
  ; [Am. 62] |
| --- | --- |

(a)

improve the capacity of programme authorities, and bodies linked to the implementation of the Funds
  , and support public authorities, local and regional administrations responsible for implementation of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, through specific administrative capacity-building plans aimed at localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), simplifying procedures and cutting implementation time for actions, provided these are structural in nature and the programme itself has measurable objectives
  ; [Am. 62]

| (b) | enhance cooperation with partners both within and outside a given Member State. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

enhance cooperation with partners both within and outside a given Member State.

Support of capacity-building, referred to point (a) of this Article, may be complemented by additional support from the Reform Support Programme established under regulation EU (2018/xxx (Reform Support Programme); [Am. 63]

Cooperation referred to in point (b) shall include cooperation with partners from cross-border regions, from non-contiguous regions or from regions located in the territory covered by a 
  European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation,
  a macro-regional or sea-basin strategy or a combination thereof; [Am. 64]

Meaningful participation of regional and local authorities, civil society organisations including beneficiaries in all stages of the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Programmes under ERDF shall be ensured in line with principles, set in the European Code of Conduct on Partnership. [Am. 65]

Article 3

Thematic concentration of ERDF support

1.   With regard to programmes implemented under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, the total ERDF resources in each Member State shall be concentrated at national level in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4.

2.   With regard to the thematic concentration of support for Member States comprising outermost regions, the ERDF resources allocated specifically to programmes for the outermost regions and those allocated to all other regions shall be treated separately.

3.   Member States

  Regions at NUTS 2 level
  shall be classified, in terms of their gross national income ratio

  domestic product (GDP) per capita
  , as follows: [Am. 66]

| (a) | those with a gross national income ratio equal to or

  GDP per capita
  above 100 % of the EU average
  GDP of the EU27
  (‘group 1’); [Am. 67] |
| --- | --- |

(a)

those with a gross national income ratio equal to or

  GDP per capita
  above 100 % of the EU average
  GDP of the EU27
  (‘group 1’); [Am. 67]

| (b) | those with a gross national income ratio equal to or above 75 % and below

  GDP per capita between 75 % and
  100 % of the EU average
  GDP of the EU27
  (‘group 2’); [Am. 68] |
| --- | --- |

(b)

those with a gross national income ratio equal to or above 75 % and below

  GDP per capita between 75 % and
  100 % of the EU average
  GDP of the EU27
  (‘group 2’); [Am. 68]

| (c) | those with a gross national income ratio below

  GDP per capita less than
  75 % of the EU

  average GDP of the EU27
  average (‘group 3’). [Am. 69] |
| --- | --- |

(c)

those with a gross national income ratio below

  GDP per capita less than
  75 % of the EU

  average GDP of the EU27
  average (‘group 3’). [Am. 69]

For the purposes of this Article, the gross national income ratio means

  classification of a region under one of the three categories of regions shall be determined on the basis of
  the ratio between the gross national income

  domestic product
  per capita of a Member State

  each region
  , measured in purchasing power standards
  (PPS)
  and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period from 2014 to 2016, and the average gross national income per capita in purchasing power standards

  GDP
  of the 27 Member States

  EU27
  for that same reference period. [Am. 70]

With regard to programmes under the Investment for Jobs and growth goal for the outermost regions, they shall be classified as falling within group 3.

4.   Member States shall comply with the following thematic concentration requirements:

| (a) | Member States of

  For the more developed regions category (
  group 1
  ) they
  shall allocate at least 85 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1 and PO 2, and at least 60 % to PO 1: [Am. 71]









  (i) | at least 50 % of total ERDF resources at national level to PO 1; and [Am. 72] |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

Member States of

  For the more developed regions category (
  group 1
  ) they
  shall allocate at least 85 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1 and PO 2, and at least 60 % to PO 1: [Am. 71]

(i)

at least 50 % of total ERDF resources at national level to PO 1; and [Am. 72]

| (ii) | at least 30 % of total ERDF resources at national level to PO 2. [Am. 73] |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

at least 30 % of total ERDF resources at national level to PO 2. [Am. 73]

| (b) | Member States of

  For the transition regions category (
  group 2
  ) they
  shall allocate at least 45 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 30 % to PO 2;
  : [Am. 74]









  (i) | at least 40 % of total ERDF resources at national level to PO 1; and [Am. 75] |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

Member States of

  For the transition regions category (
  group 2
  ) they
  shall allocate at least 45 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 30 % to PO 2;
  : [Am. 74]

(i)

at least 40 % of total ERDF resources at national level to PO 1; and [Am. 75]

| (ii) | at least 30 % of total ERDF resources at national level to PO 2. [Am. 76] |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

at least 30 % of total ERDF resources at national level to PO 2. [Am. 76]

| (c) | Member States of

  For the less developed regions category (
  group 3
  ) they
  shall allocate at least 35 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 30 % to PO 2.
  : [Am. 77]









  (i) | at least 30 % of total ERDF resources at national level to PO 1; and [Am. 78] |
| --- | --- | --- |

(c)

Member States of

  For the less developed regions category (
  group 3
  ) they
  shall allocate at least 35 % of their total ERDF resources under priorities other than for technical assistance to PO 1, and at least 30 % to PO 2.
  : [Am. 77]

(i)

at least 30 % of total ERDF resources at national level to PO 1; and [Am. 78]

| (ii) | at least 30 % of total ERDF resources at national level to PO 2. [Am. 79] |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

at least 30 % of total ERDF resources at national level to PO 2. [Am. 79]

4a.
     
  In duly justified cases, the Member State concerned may request that the concentration level for resources at regional category level be decreased by no more than 5 percentage points, or 10 percentage points in the cases of outermost regions, for the thematic objective determined in accordance with Article 3(4)(a)(i), Article 3(4)(b)(i) and Article 3(4)(c)(i) [new ERDF-Cohesion Fund]. [Am. 80]

5.   The thematic concentration requirements set out in paragraph 4 shall be complied with throughout the entire programming period, including when ERDF allocations are transferred between priorities of a programme or between programmes and at the mid-term review in accordance with Article [14] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR].

6.   Where the ERDF allocation with regard to

  concerning
  PO 1 or PO 2
  , the main policy objectives,
  or both of a given programme is reduced following a decommitment under Article [99] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR], or due to financial corrections by the Commission in accordance with Article [98] of that Regulation, compliance with the thematic concentration requirement set out in paragraph 4 shall not be re-assessed. [Am. 81]

Article 4

Scope of support from the ERDF

1.   The ERDF shall support the following:

| (a) | investments in infrastructure; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

investments in infrastructure;

| (aa) | investments in research, development and innovation (R&D&I); [Ams 83 and 191/rev] |
| --- | --- |

(aa)

investments in research, development and innovation (R&D&I); [Ams 83 and 191/rev]

| (b) | investments in access to services; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

investments in access to services;

| (c) | productive investments
  and investments which help to safeguard existing jobs and create new jobs
  in SMEs
  and any support in SMEs in the form of grants and financial instruments
  ; [Ams 84 and 192/rev] |
| --- | --- |

(c)

productive investments
  and investments which help to safeguard existing jobs and create new jobs
  in SMEs
  and any support in SMEs in the form of grants and financial instruments
  ; [Ams 84 and 192/rev]

| (d) | equipment, software and intangible assets; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

equipment, software and intangible assets;

| (e) | information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experience and activities involving clusters; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experience and activities involving clusters;

| (f) | technical assistance. |
| --- | --- |

(f)

technical assistance.

In addition, Productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs can be supported when they involve cooperation with SMEs
  or business infrastructure that benefits SMEs.

In addition, productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs can also be supported
  in research and innovation activities supported under point (a)(i) of Article 2(1)
  and in energy efficiency and renewable energy activities under points (b)(i) and (ii) of Article 2 (1) respectively, in accordance with point (a) of Article 59(1) and Article 60 of Regulation (EU)
  .
  ../...[new CPR]
  . [Am. 193/rev]

In order to contribute to the specific objective under PO 1 set out in point (a) (iv) of Article 2(1), the ERDF shall also support training,
  mentoring,
  life long learning
  , reskilling
  and education activities. [Ams 87 and 194/rev]

2.   Under the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg), the ERDF may also support:

| (a) | sharing of facilities and of human resources; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

sharing of facilities and of human resources;

| (b) | accompanying soft investments and other activities linked to PO 4 under the European Social Fund Plus as set out in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new ESF+]. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

accompanying soft investments and other activities linked to PO 4 under the European Social Fund Plus as set out in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new ESF+].

Article 5

Scope of support from the Cohesion Fund

1.   The Cohesion Fund shall support the following:

| (a) | investments in the environment, including investments related to
  circular economy,
  sustainable development and
  renewable
  energy presenting environmental benefits; [Am. 88] |
| --- | --- |

(a)

investments in the environment, including investments related to
  circular economy,
  sustainable development and
  renewable
  energy presenting environmental benefits; [Am. 88]

| (b) | investments in TEN-T
  core and comprehensive network
  ; [Am. 89] |
| --- | --- |

(b)

investments in TEN-T
  core and comprehensive network
  ; [Am. 89]

| (c) | technical assistance
  , including improvement and development of administrative skills and competences of local authorities in managing these funds
  . [Am. 90] |
| --- | --- |

(c)

technical assistance
  , including improvement and development of administrative skills and competences of local authorities in managing these funds
  . [Am. 90]

| (ca) | information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experience and activities involving clusters; [Am. 91] |
| --- | --- |

(ca)

information, communication, studies, networking, cooperation, exchange of experience and activities involving clusters; [Am. 91]

Member States shall ensure an appropriate balance between investments under points (a) and (b)
  , based on the investments and specific requirements of each Member State
  . [Am. 92]

2.   The amount of the Cohesion Fund transferred to the Connecting Europe Facility (12) shall be
  proportional and shall be
  used for TEN-T projects. [Am. 93]

Article 6

Exclusion from the scope of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund

1.   The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund shall not support:

| (a) | the decommissioning or the construction of nuclear power stations; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the decommissioning or the construction of nuclear power stations;

| (b) | investment to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (13);; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

investment to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (13);;

| (c) | the manufacturing, processing and marketing of tobacco and tobacco products; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the manufacturing, processing and marketing of tobacco and tobacco products;

| (d) | undertakings in difficulty, as defined in point 18 of Article 2 of Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 (14); |
| --- | --- |

(d)

undertakings in difficulty, as defined in point 18 of Article 2 of Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 (14);

| (e) | investment
  in new regional airport and
  in airport infrastructure, except for outermost regions; [Am. 94] |
| --- | --- |

(e)

investment
  in new regional airport and
  in airport infrastructure, except for outermost regions; [Am. 94]

| (ea) | investment related to outermost regions; [Am. 95] |
| --- | --- |

(ea)

investment related to outermost regions; [Am. 95]

| (eb) | support linked to core TEN-T networks; [Am. 96] |
| --- | --- |

(eb)

support linked to core TEN-T networks; [Am. 96]

| (ec) | Investment related to emvironmental protection and aimed to mitigate or reduce its negative environmental impact. [Am. 97] |
| --- | --- |

(ec)

Investment related to emvironmental protection and aimed to mitigate or reduce its negative environmental impact. [Am. 97]

| (f) | investment in disposal of waste in landfill
  , except in the outermost regions and for support for decommissioning, reconverting or making safe existing facilities and without prejudice to Article 4(2) of Directive (EU) 2008/98 of the European Parliament and of the Council
   (15); [Am. 98] |
| --- | --- |

(f)

investment in disposal of waste in landfill
  , except in the outermost regions and for support for decommissioning, reconverting or making safe existing facilities and without prejudice to Article 4(2) of Directive (EU) 2008/98 of the European Parliament and of the Council
   (15); [Am. 98]

| (g) | investment in facilities for the treatment of residual waste
  with the exception of outermost regions and in case of state-of-the-art recycling solutions in line with the principles of the circular economy and the waste hierarchy fully respecting the targets laid down in Art 11(2) of Directive (EU) 2008/98 and provided that Member States have established their waste management plans according to Art. 29 of Directive (EU) 2018/851. Residual waste should be understood as primarily non separately collected municipal waste and rejects from waste treatment
  ; [Am. 99] |
| --- | --- |

(g)

investment in facilities for the treatment of residual waste
  with the exception of outermost regions and in case of state-of-the-art recycling solutions in line with the principles of the circular economy and the waste hierarchy fully respecting the targets laid down in Art 11(2) of Directive (EU) 2008/98 and provided that Member States have established their waste management plans according to Art. 29 of Directive (EU) 2018/851. Residual waste should be understood as primarily non separately collected municipal waste and rejects from waste treatment
  ; [Am. 99]

| (h) | investment related to production, processing
  , transport
  , distribution, storage or combustion of fossil fuels, with the exception of investment related to clean vehicles as defined in Article 4 of Directive 2009/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (16); [Am. 100] |
| --- | --- |

(h)

investment related to production, processing
  , transport
  , distribution, storage or combustion of fossil fuels, with the exception of investment related to clean vehicles as defined in Article 4 of Directive 2009/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (16); [Am. 100]

| (i) | investment in broadband infrastructure in areas in which there are at least two broadband networks of equivalent category;
  [Am. 102] |
| --- | --- |

(i)

investment in broadband infrastructure in areas in which there are at least two broadband networks of equivalent category;
  [Am. 102]

| (j) | funding for the purchase of rolling stock for use in rail transport, except if it is linked to the:








  (i) | discharge of a publicly tendered public service obligation under Regulation 1370/2007 as amended; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(j)

funding for the purchase of rolling stock for use in rail transport, except if it is linked to the:

(i)

discharge of a publicly tendered public service obligation under Regulation 1370/2007 as amended;

| (ii) | provision of rail transport services on lines fully opened to competition, and the beneficiary is a new entrant eligible for funding under Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [Invest EU regulation].
  [Ams 103 and 245] |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

provision of rail transport services on lines fully opened to competition, and the beneficiary is a new entrant eligible for funding under Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [Invest EU regulation].
  [Ams 103 and 245]

| (ja) | investments in the construction of institutional care facilities that segregate or infringe on personal choice and independence; [Am. 104] |
| --- | --- |

(ja)

investments in the construction of institutional care facilities that segregate or infringe on personal choice and independence; [Am. 104]

1a.
     
  The exceptions mentioned in paragraph h shall be limited to an amount up to 1 % of the total ERDF-CF resources at national level. [Am. 101]

2.   In addition, the Cohesion Fund shall not support investment in housing unless related to the promotion of energy
  and resource
  efficiency or renewable energy use
  and accessible living conditions for older people and persons with disabilities and seismic retrofitting
  . [Am. 105]

3.   Overseas countries and territories shall not be eligible for support from the ERDF or the Cohesion Fund, but may participate in Interreg programmes in accordance with the conditions set out in Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [ETC (Interreg].

Article 6a

Partnership

Each Member State shall ensure the meaningful and inclusive participation of social partners, civil society organisations and service users in the management, programming, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of activities and policies supported by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund under shared management, according to Article 6 of the proposed CPR Regulation ‘Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 240/2014.’ [Am. 106]

Article 7

Indicators

1.   Common output and result indicators, as set out
  and defined
  in the Annex I with regard to the ERDF and to the Cohesion Fund, and, where necessary

  relevant
  , programme-specific output and result indicators shall be used in accordance with point (a) of the second subparagraph of Article [12(1)], point (d)(ii) of Article [17(3)] and point (b) of Article [37(2)] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR]. [Am. 107]

2.   For output indicators, baselines shall be set at zero. The milestones set for 2024 and targets set for 2029 shall be cumulative.

3.   In compliance with its reporting requirement pursuant to Article [38(3)(e)(i)] of the Financial Regulation, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament and the Council information on performance in accordance with Annex II.

4.   The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 13 to amend Annex I in order to make the necessary adjustments to the list of indicators to be used by Member States and to amend Annex II in order to make the necessary adjustments to the information on performance to be provided to the European Parliament and the Council.

4a.
     
  Member States may make a duly justified request for further flexibility within the current framework of Stability and Growth Pact for the public or equivalent structural expenditure, supported by the public administration by way of co-financing of investments activated as part of ERDF and CF. When defining the fiscal adjustment under either the preventive or the corrective arm of the Stability and Growth Pact, the Commission shall carefully assess this request in a manner reflecting the strategic importance of investments co-financed by the ERDF and CF. [Am. 108]

CHAPTER II

Specific provisions on the treatment of particular territorial features

Article 8

Integrated territorial development

1.   The ERDF may

  shall
  support integrated territorial development within programmes under both goals referred to in Article 4(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR] in accordance with Chapter II of Title III of that Regulation[new CPR]. [Am. 109]

1a.
     
  At least 5 % of the ERDF resources available at national level under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, other than for technical assistance, shall be allocated to integrated territorial development in non-urban areas with natural, geographic or demographic handicaps or disadvantages or which have difficulty accessing basic services. Out of this amount, at least 17,5 % shall be allocated to rural areas and communities taking into account provisions of a Smart Villages Pact to develop projects such as smart villages.[Am. 110]

2.   Member States shall implement integrated territorial development, supported by the ERDF, exclusively

  through a specific axis or programme or
  through the
  other
  forms referred to in Article [22] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR]
  , and may benefit from a multifund and integrated approach involving the ERDF, ESF+, EMFF and EAFRD
  . [Am. 111]

Article 9

Sustainable urban development

1.   
  To address economic, environmental, climate, demographic and social challenges, t
  he ERDF shall support integrated territorial development based on territorial strategies in accordance with Article [23] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR]
  , which may also benefit from a multifund and integrated approach involving the ERDF and the ESF+, and
  focused on
  functional
  urban areas (‘sustainable urban development’) within programmes under both goals referred to in Article 4(2) of that Regulation. [Am. 112]

2.   At least 6 %

  10 %
  of the ERDF resources at national level under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, other than for technical assistance, shall be allocated to sustainable urban development in the form of
  a specific programme, a specific priority axis,
  community-led local development, integrated territorial investments or another

  other
  territorial tool

  tools, as set out in point (c) of Article 22 of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx (new CPR). The ‘urban authorities’ referred to in Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2018/XXXX [new CPR] shall be empowered to choose the measures and projects involved. Operations carried out under POs other than PO5 may, if consistent, contribute to reaching the 10 % minimum threshold for sustainable urban development. Investments made
  under PO5
  (i) should count as contributing to this earmarking of 10 %, as well as operations carried out under other POs, if consistent with sustainable urban development
  . [Am. 113]

The programme or programmes concerned shall set out the planned amounts for this purpose under point (d)(vii) of Article [17(3)] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR].

3.   The percentage allocated to sustainable urban development under paragraph 2 shall be complied with throughout the entire programming period when ERDF allocations are transferred between priorities of a programme or between programmes, including at the mid-term review in accordance with Article [14] of Regulation (EU) 2018/xxxx [new CPR].

4.   Where the ERDF allocation is reduced following a decommitment under Article [99] of Regulation (EU) No [new CPR], or due to financial corrections by the Commission in accordance with Article [98] of that Regulation, compliance with paragraph 2 shall not be re-assessed.

Article 10

European Urban Initiative

1.   The ERDF shall also support the European Urban Initiative, implemented by the Commission in direct and indirect management.

This initiative shall cover all
  functional
  urban areas and shall support the
  partnerships and organisational costs of the
  Urban Agenda of the Union.
  Local authorities should be actively involved in establishing and implementing the European Urban Initiative. [Am. 114]

2.   The European Urban Initiative shall consist of the following three strands, all with regard to sustainable urban development:

| (a) | support of capacity-building
  , including actions of exchange for regional and local representatives at subnational level
  ; [Am. 115] |
| --- | --- |

(a)

support of capacity-building
  , including actions of exchange for regional and local representatives at subnational level
  ; [Am. 115]

| (b) | support of innovative actions
  which may receive additional co-funding for regulation (EU) 2018/xxx (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development) and be provided jointly with the European Network for Rural Development in particular with regard to rural and urban links and projects supporting the development of urban and functional urban areas
  ; [Am. 116] |
| --- | --- |

(b)

support of innovative actions
  which may receive additional co-funding for regulation (EU) 2018/xxx (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development) and be provided jointly with the European Network for Rural Development in particular with regard to rural and urban links and projects supporting the development of urban and functional urban areas
  ; [Am. 116]

| (c) | support of knowledge,
  territorial impact assessments,
  policy development and communication. [Am. 117] |
| --- | --- |

(c)

support of knowledge,
  territorial impact assessments,
  policy development and communication. [Am. 117]

Upon request from one or more Member States, the European Urban Initiative may also support inter-governmental cooperation on urban matters
  such as the reference framework on sustainable cities, the territorial agenda of the European Union and the adjustment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals to the local level circumstances
  . [Am. 118]

The Commission shall submit an annual report to the European Parliament on developments in connection with the European Urban Initiative. [Am. 119]

Article 10a

Areas facing natural or demographic handicaps and challenges

In programmes that are co-funded by the ERDF and cover areas facing severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps and challenges such as those referred to in Article 174 TFEU, special attention shall be paid to addressing the challenges faced by those areas.

In particular, NUTS level 3 areas or clusters of local administrative units (LAUs) with a population density of below 12,5 inhabitants per km2 for sparsely populated areas or below 8 inhabitants per km2 for very sparsely populated areas, or with an average population decrease of more than1 % between 2007 and 2017 shall be subject to specific regional and national plans to enhance attractiveness, increase business investment and boost the accessibility of digital and public services, including a fund in the cooperation agreement. A dedicated funding may be earmarked in the Partnership Agreement. [Am. 120]

Article 11

Outermost regions

1.   The

  Article 3 shall not apply to the specific additional allocation for the outermost regions. This
  specific additional allocation for the outermost regions shall be used to offset the additional costs incurred in these regions as a result of one or several of the permanent restraints to their development listed in Article 349 of the TFEU. [Am. 121]

2.   The allocation referred to in paragraph 1 shall support:

| (a) | the activities within the scope as set out in Article 4; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the activities within the scope as set out in Article 4;

| (b) | by way of derogation from Article 4, measures covering operating costs with a view to offsetting the additional costs incurred in the outermost regions as a result of one or several of the permanent restraints to their development listed in Article 349 of the TFEU. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

by way of derogation from Article 4, measures covering operating costs with a view to offsetting the additional costs incurred in the outermost regions as a result of one or several of the permanent restraints to their development listed in Article 349 of the TFEU.

The allocation referred to in paragraph 1 may also support expenditure covering compensation granted for the provision of public service obligation and contracts in the outermost regions.

3.   The allocation, referred to in paragraph 1, shall not support:

| (a) | operations involving products listed in Annex I to the TFEU; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

operations involving products listed in Annex I to the TFEU;

| (b) | aid for the transport of persons authorised under point (a) of Article 107(2) of the TFEU; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

aid for the transport of persons authorised under point (a) of Article 107(2) of the TFEU;

| (c) | tax exemptions and exemption of social charges |
| --- | --- |

(c)

tax exemptions and exemption of social charges

| (d) | public services obligations not discharged by undertakings and where the State acts by exercising public power. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

public services obligations not discharged by undertakings and where the State acts by exercising public power.

3a.
     
  By way of derogation from Article 4(1), the ERDF may support productive investment in enterprises in the outermost regions, irrespective of their size. [Am. 122]

CHAPTER III

Final provisions

Article 12

Transitional provisions

Regulations (EC) No 1300/2013 and 1301/2013 or any act adopted thereunder shall continue to apply to programmes and operations supported by the ERDF or the Cohesion Fund under the 2014-2020 programming period.

Article 13

Exercise of the delegation

1.   The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article.

2.   The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 7(4) shall be conferred on the Commission for an indeterminate period of time from the date of the entry into force of this Regulation
  until 31 December 2027
  . [Am. 123]

3.   The delegation of power referred to in Article 7(4) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

4.   Before adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016 (17).

5.   As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council.

6.   A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 7(4) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

Article 13a

Repeal

Without prejudice to Article 12 of this Regulation, Regulations (EC) No 1301/2013 and (EC) No 1300/2013 are repealed with effect from 1 January 2021. [Am. 124]

Article 13b

Review

The European Parliament and the Council shall review this Regulation by 31 December 2027, in accordance with Article 177 TFEU. [Am. 125]

Article 14

Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at ...,

For the European Parliament

The President

For the Council

The President

---

(1)  OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 90.

1

(2)  OJ C 86, 7.3.2019, p. 115.

2

(3)  Position of the European Parliament of 27 March 2019.

3

(4)  Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network and repealing Decision No 661/2010/EU (OJ L 348, 20.12.2013, p. 1).

4

(5)  [Full reference — new CPR].

5

(6)  Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of Regions of 8 July 2017 — COM(2017)0376.

6

(7)  [Full reference — new ESF+].

7

(8)  Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (OJ L 124, 20.5.2003, p. 36).

8

(9)  Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).

9

Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).

(10)  Council Conclusions on an Urban Agenda for the EU of 24 June 2016.

10

(11)  Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on Better Law-Making (OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 1).

11

(12)  Reference

12

(13)  Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC.

13

(14)  Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 of 17 June 2014 declaring certain categories of aid compatible with the internal market in application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty (OJ L 187, 26.6.2014, p. 1).

14

(15)  
  Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives (OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, p. 3).

15

Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives (OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, p. 3).

(16)  Directive 2009/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles (OJ L 120, 15.5.2009, p. 5).

16

Directive 2009/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles (OJ L 120, 15.5.2009, p. 5).

(17)  OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 13.

17

ANNEX I

Common output and result indicators for the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund — Article 7(1) (1)

Table 1: Common output and result indicators for ERDF (Investment for jobs and growth and Interreg) and the Cohesion Fund
   (**)

| Policy objective | Outputs | Results |
| --- | --- | --- |
| (1) | (2) | (3) |
| 1. | A smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation
  regional connectivity in the area of technologies, developing the information and communication technologies (ICT), connectivity and efficient public administration
  '
  (‘PO 1’) by: [Am. 126] |

Policy objective

Outputs

Results

(1)

(2)

(3)

1.

A smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation
  regional connectivity in the area of technologies, developing the information and communication technologies (ICT), connectivity and efficient public administration
  '
  (‘PO 1’) by: [Am. 126]

RCO (2) 01 — Enterprises supported (of which: micro, small, medium, large)*

RCO - 01a — Regional average income [Am. 127]

RCO 02 — Enterprises supported by grants*

RCO 03 — Enterprises supported by financial instruments*

RCO 04 — Enterprises with non-financial support*

RCO 05 — Start-ups supported*

RCO 06 — Researchers working in supported research facilities

RCO 07 — Research institutions participating in joint research projects

RCO 08 — Nominal value of research and innovation equipment

RCO 10 — Enterprises cooperating with research institutions

RCO 10a — Enterprises supported to transform their products and services into circular economy [Am. 128]

RCO 96 — Interregional investments in EU projects*

RCR (3) 01 — Jobs created in supported entities*

RCR - 01 — Increase of regional income ratio as defined in Article 3(3) [Am. 131]

RCR 02 — Private investments matching public support (of which: grants, financial instruments)*

RCR 03 — SMEs introducing product or process innovation*

RCR 04 — SMEs introducing marketing or organisational innovation*

RCR 05 — SMEs innovating in-house*

RCR 06 — Patent applications submitted to European Patent Office*

RCR 07 — Trademark and design applications*

RCR 08 — Public-private co-publications

RCO 12 — Enterprises supported to digitise their products and services

RCO 13 — Digital services and products developed for enterprises

RCO 14 — Public institutions supported to develop digital services and applications

RCO 14a — Additional socio-economic hubs with broadband access of very high capacity [Am. 129]

RCR 11 — Users of new public digital services and applications*

RCR 12 — Users of new digital products, services and applications developed by enterprises*

RCR 13 — Enterprises reaching high digital intensity*

RCR 14 — Enterprises using

  Users of
  public digital services* [Am. 132]

RCR 14a — Socio-economic hubs with broadband subscriptions to a very high capacity network [Am. 130]

RCO 15 — Capacity of incubation created*

RCR 16 — High growth enterprises supported*

RCR 17 — 3-year-old enterprises surviving in the market*

RCR 18 — SMEs using incubator services one year after the incubator creation

RCR 19 — Enterprises with higher turnover

RCR 25 — Value added per employee in supported SMEs*

RCO 16 — Stakeholders participating in entrepreneurial discovery process

RCO 17 — Investments in regional/ local ecosystems for skills development

RCO 101 — SMEs investing in skills development

RCO 102 — SMEs investing in training management systems*

RCR 24 — SMEs benefiting from activities for skills development delivered by a local/ regional ecosystem

RCR 97 — Apprenticeships supported in SMEs

RCR 98 — SMEs staff completing Continuing Vocational Education and Training (CVET) (by type of skill: technical, management, entrepreneurship, green, other)

RCR 99 — SMEs staff completing alternative training for knowledge intensive service activities (KISA) (by type of skills: technical, management, entrepreneurship, green, other)

RCR 100 — SMEs staff completing formal training for skills development (KISA) (by type of skills: technical, management, entrepreneurship, green, other)*

| 2. | A greener, low-carbon
  and resilient
  Europe
  for all
  by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management [Am. 133] |
| --- | --- |

2.

A greener, low-carbon
  and resilient
  Europe
  for all
  by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management [Am. 133]

RCO 18 — Households supported to improve energy performance of their dwelling

RCO 18a — The percentage of annual energy savings for the entire building stock (compared to a baseline) in line with the objective of reaching a high-efficient and decarbonised building stock as included in the national long term renovation strategy to support renovation of the national stock of residential and non-residential buildings [Am. 134]

RCO 18b — Households with improved energy performance of their dwellings, reaching at least 60 % energy savings [Am. 135]

RCO 18c — Households with improved energy performance of their dwellings, reaching Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB) standard level after renovation[Am. 136]

RCO 19 — Public Buildings supported to improve energy performance
  (of which: residential, private non-residential, public non-residential) [Am. 137]

RCO 19a — Number of energy poor/vulnerable consumers supported to improve the energy performance of their dwelling [Am. 138]

RCO 20 — District heating network lines newly constructed or improved

RCO 20a — Buildings supported to improve their smart readiness [Am. 139]

RCR 26 — Annual final energy consumption (of which: residential, private non-residential, public non-residential)

RCR 27 — Households with improved energy performance of their dwellings
  reaching at least 60 % energy savings [Am. 150]

RCR 28 — Buildings with improved energy classification (of which: residential, private non-residential, public non-residential)

RCR 28 a Buildings with improved energy performances resulting from contractual arrangements which guarantee verifiable energy savings and improved efficiency, such as energy performance contracting as defined in point (27) of Article 2 of Directive 2012/27/EU

   (4)
  [Am. 151]

RCR 29 — Estimated greenhouse gas emissions*

RCR 30 — Enterprises with improved energy performance

RCR 30a — Buildings with improved smart readiness [Am. 152]

RCO 22 — Additional production capacity for renewable energy (of which: electricity, thermal)

RCO 22a — Total final renewable energy consumption and consumption per sector (heating and cooling, transport, electricity) [Am. 140]

RCO 22b — Share of total renewable energy produced [Am. 141]

RCO 22c — Reduction of annual import of non-renewable energy [Am. 142]

RCO 97 — Number of energy communities and renewable energy communities supported*

RCO 97a — Share of renewable self-consumers in the total electricity capacity installed [Am. 143]

RCR 31 — Total renewable energy produced (of which: electricity, thermal)

RCR 32 — Renewable energy: Capacity connected to the grid (operational)*

RCO 23 — Digital management systems for smart grids

RCO 98 — Households supported to use smart energy grids

RCO 98a — Support transitional period regions effected by decarbonisation [Am. 144]

RCR 33 — Users connected to smart grids

RCR 34 — Roll-out of projects for smart grids

RCO 24 — New or upgraded disaster monitoring, preparedness, warning and response systems
  for natural disasters such as earthquakes, forest fires, floods or droughts
  - [Am. 145]

RCO 25 — Coastal strip, river banks and lakeshores, and landslide protection newly built or consolidated to protect people, assets and the natural environment

RCO 26 — Green infrastructure built for adaptation to climate change

RCO 27 — National/ regional/ local strategies addressing climate change adaptation

RCO 28 — Areas covered by protection measures against forest fires
  , earthquakes, floods or droughts [Am. 146]

RCR 35 — Population benefiting from flood protection measures

RCR 36 — Population benefiting from forest fires protection measures

RCR 37 — Population benefiting from protection measures against climate related natural disasters (other than floods and forest fires)

RCR 96 — Population benefiting from protection measures against non-climate related natural risks and risks related to human activities*

RCR 38 — Estimated average response time to disaster situations*

RCO 30 — Length of new or consolidated pipes for household water connections

RCO 31 — Length of sewage collection networks newly constructed or consolidated

RCO 32 — New or upgraded capacity for waste water treatment

RCO 32a — Total fossil fuels replaced by low-emission energy sources [Am. 147]

RCR 41 — Population connected to improved water supply

RCR 42 — Population connected to at least secondary waste water treatment

RCR 43 —
  Reduction of
  water losses [Am. 153]

RCR 44 — Waste water properly treated

RCO 34 — Additional capacity for waste
  prevention and
  recycling [Am. 148]

RCO 34a — Number of converted jobs [Am. 149]

RCR 46 — Population served by waste recycling facilities and small waste management systems

RCR - 46a — Waste generation per capita [Am. 154]

RCR - 46b — Per capita waste sent to disposal and energy recovery [Am. 155]

RCR 47 — Waste recycled

RCR - 47a — Biowaste recycled [Am. 156]

RCR 48 — Recycled waste used as raw materials

RCR 48a — Population served by waste preparing for re-use facilities [Am. 157]

RCR 48b — Circular material use rate [Am. 158]

RCR 49 — Waste recovered

  reused [Am. 159]

RCR 49a — Waste prepared for re-use [Am. 160]

RCO 36 — Surface area of green infrastructure supported in urban areas

RCO 37 — Surface of Natura 2000 sites covered by protection and restoration measures in accordance with the prioritised action framework

RCO 99 — Surface area outside Natura 2000 sites covered by protection and restoration measures

RCO 38 — Surface area of rehabilitated land supported

RCO 39 — Systems for monitoring air pollution installed

RCR 50 — Population benefiting from measures for air quality

RCR 95 -Population having access to new or upgraded green infrastructure in urban areas

RCR 51 — Population benefiting from measures for noise reduction

RCR 52 — Rehabilitated land used for green areas, social housing, economic or community activities

| 3. | A more connected Europe for all by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity [Am. 161] |
| --- | --- |

3.

RCO 41 — Additional households with broadband access of very high capacity

RCO 42 — Additional enterprises with broadband access of very high capacity

RCR 53 — Households with broadband subscriptions to a very high capacity network

RCR 54 — Enterprises with broadband subscriptions to a very high capacity network

RCO 43 — Length of new roads supported — TEN-T (5)

  (core and comprehensive networks) [Am. 162]

RCO 44 — Length of new roads supported — other

RCO 45 — Length of roads reconstructed or upgraded — TEN-T
  (core and comprehensive networks) [Am. 163]

RCO 46 — Length of roads reconstructed or upgraded — other

RCR 55 — Users of newly built, reconstructed or upgraded roads

RCR - 55a — Ratio of completion of the TEN-T corridor on the national territory [Am. 166]

RCR 56 — Time savings due to improved road infrastructure

RCR 101 — Time savings due to improved rail infrastructure

RCO 47 — Length of new rail supported — TEN-T
  (core and comprehensive networks) [Am. 164]

RCO 48 — Length of new rail supported — other

RCO 49 — Length of rail reconstructed or upgraded — TEN-T
  (core and comprehensive networks) [Am. 165]

RCO 50 — Length of rail reconstructed or upgraded — other

RCO 51 — Length of new or upgraded inland waterways — TEN-T

RCO 52 — Length of new or upgraded inland waterways — other

RCO 53 — Railways stations and facilities — new or upgraded

RCO 54 — Intermodal connections — new or upgraded

RCO 100 — Number of ports supported

RCR 57 — Length of European Rail Traffic Management System equipped railways in operation

RCR - 57a — Ratio of completion of the TEN-T corridor on the national territory [Am. 167]

RCR 58 — Annual number of passengers on supported railways

RCR 59 — Freight transport on rail

RCR 60 — Freight transport on inland waterways

RCO 55 — Length of tram and metro lines- new

RCO 56 — Length of tram and metro lines- reconstructed/ upgraded

RCO 57 — Environmentally friendly rolling stock for public transport

RCO 58 — Dedicated cycling infrastructure supported

RCO 59 — Alternative fuels infrastructure (refuelling/ recharging points) supported

RCO 60 — Cities and towns with new or upgraded digitised urban transport systems

RCR 62 — Annual passengers of public transport

RCR 63 — Annual users of new/ upgraded tram and metro lines

RCR 64 — Annual users of dedicated cycling infrastructure

| 4. | A more social
  and inclusive
  Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights [Am. 168] |
| --- | --- |

4.

A more social
  and inclusive
  Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights [Am. 168]

RCO 61 — Annual unemployed persons served by enhanced facilities for employment services (capacity)

RCR 65 — Job seekers using annually the services of the employment services supported

RCO 63 — Capacity of temporary reception infrastructure created

RCO 64 — Capacity of rehabilitated housing — migrants, refugees and persons under or applying for international protection

RCO 65 — Capacity of rehabilitated housing — other

RCR 66 — Occupancy of temporary reception infrastructure built or renovated

RCR 67 — Occupancy of rehabilitated housing — migrants, refugees and persons under or applying for international protection

RCR 68 — Occupancy of rehabilitated housing — other

RCR - 68a — Members of marginalised communities and disadvantaged groups through integrated actions including housing and social services (other than Roma) [Am. 169]

RCR - 68b — Members of marginalised communities and disadvantaged groups through integrated actions including housing and social services (Roma) [Am. 170]

RCO 66 — Classroom capacity of supported childcare infrastructure (new or upgraded)

RCO 67 — Classroom capacity of supported education infrastructure (new or upgraded)

RCR 70 — Annual number of children using childcare infrastructure supported

RCR 71 — Annual number of students using education infrastructure supported

RCO 69 — Capacity of supported health care infrastructure

RCO 70 — Capacity of supported social infrastructure (other than housing)

RCR 72 — People with access to improved health care services

RCR 73 — Annual number of persons using the health care facilities supported

RCR 74 — Annual number of persons using the social care facilities supported

RCR 75 — Average response time for medical emergencies in the area supported

| 5. | A Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban, rural and coastal

  all other
  areas and local initiatives [Am. 171] |
| --- | --- |

5.

A Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban, rural and coastal

  all other
  areas and local initiatives [Am. 171]

RCO 74 — Population covered by strategies for integrated urban development

RCO 75 — Integrated strategies for urban development

RCO 76 — Collaborative projects

RCO 77 — Capacity of cultural and tourism infrastructure supported

RCR 76 — Stakeholders involved in the preparation and implementation of strategies of urban development

RCR 77 — Tourists/ visits to supported sites*

RCR 78 — Users benefiting from cultural infrastructure supported

RCO 80 — Community-led local development strategies for local development

Horizontal — Implementation

RCO 95 — Staff financed by ERDF and Cohesion Fund

RCR 91 — Average time for launch of calls, selection of projects and signature of contracts*

RCR 92 — Average time for tendering (from launch of procurement until signature of contract) *

RCR 93 — Average time for project implementation (from signature of contract to last payment) *

RCR 94 — Single bidding for ERDF and Cohesion Fund interventions*

Table 2: Additional common output and result indicators for the ERDF for Interreg

| Interreg-specific indicators | RCO 81 — Participants in cross-border mobility initiatives
  RCO 82 — Participants in joint actions promoting gender equality, equal opportunities and social inclusion
  RCO 83 — Joint strategies/ action plans developed or implemented
  RCO 84 — Joint pilot activities implemented in projects
  RCO 85 — Participants in joint training schemes
  RCO 96 — Legal or administrative obstacles identified
  RCO 86 — Joint administrative or legal agreements signed
  RCO 87 — Organisations cooperating across borders
  RCO 88 — Projects across national borders for peer-learning to enhance cooperation activities
  RCO 89 — Projects across borders to improve multilevel governance
  RCO 90 — Projects across national borders leading to networks/clusters | RCR 79 — Joint strategies/ action plans taken up by organisations at/ after project completion
  RCR 80 — Joint pilot activities taken up or up-scaled by organisations at/ after project completion
  RCR 81 — Participants completing joint training schemes
  RCR 82 — Legal or administrative obstacles addressed or alleviated
  RCR 83 — Persons covered by signed joint agreements signed
  RCR 84 — Organisations cooperating across borders 6-12 months after project completion
  RCR 85 — Participants in joint actions 6-12 months after project completion
  RCR 86 — Stakeholders/ institutions with enhanced cooperation capacity beyond national borders |
| --- | --- | --- |

Interreg-specific indicators

RCO 81 — Participants in cross-border mobility initiatives

RCO 82 — Participants in joint actions promoting gender equality, equal opportunities and social inclusion

RCO 83 — Joint strategies/ action plans developed or implemented

RCO 84 — Joint pilot activities implemented in projects

RCO 85 — Participants in joint training schemes

RCO 96 — Legal or administrative obstacles identified

RCO 86 — Joint administrative or legal agreements signed

RCO 87 — Organisations cooperating across borders

RCO 88 — Projects across national borders for peer-learning to enhance cooperation activities

RCO 89 — Projects across borders to improve multilevel governance

RCO 90 — Projects across national borders leading to networks/clusters

RCR 79 — Joint strategies/ action plans taken up by organisations at/ after project completion

RCR 80 — Joint pilot activities taken up or up-scaled by organisations at/ after project completion

RCR 81 — Participants completing joint training schemes

RCR 82 — Legal or administrative obstacles addressed or alleviated

RCR 83 — Persons covered by signed joint agreements signed

RCR 84 — Organisations cooperating across borders 6-12 months after project completion

RCR 85 — Participants in joint actions 6-12 months after project completion

RCR 86 — Stakeholders/ institutions with enhanced cooperation capacity beyond national borders

---

(1)  To be used, for the Investment for jobs and growth and Interreg in accordance with point (a) of the second subparagraph of Article [12(1)], and point (b) of Article [36(2) [data transmission] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] and, for Investment for jobs and growth in accordance with point (d)(ii) of Article [17 (3)] of the Regulation (EU) [new CPR] and, for Interreg, in accordance with point (e)(ii) of Article 17 (4) of the of the Regulation (EU) [new ETC regulation]

(2)  RCO: Regional Policy Common Output Indicator.

(3)  RCR: Regional Policy Common Result Indicator.

(4)  
  Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on energy efficiency, amending Directives 2009/125/EC and 2010/30/EU and repealing Directives 2004/8/EC and 2006/32/EC (OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 1).

(5)  Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network and repealing Decision No 661/2010/EU (OJ L 348, 20.12.2013, p. 1).

(**)  For presentational reasons, indicators are grouped under, but not limited to, a policy objective. In particular, under policy objective 5, specific objectives from policy objectives 1-4 may be used with the relevant indicators. In addition, in order to develop a full picture of the expected and actual performance of the programmes, the indicators marked with (*) may be used by specific objectives under more than one of the policy objectives 1 to 4, when relevant.

ANNEX II

Core set of performance indicators for the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund referred to in Article 7(3) (1)

| Policy objective | Specific objective | Outputs | Results |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) |
| 1. | A smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation
  regional connectivity in the area of technologies, developing the information and communication technologies (ICT), connectivity and efficient public administration
  '
  by: [Am. 172] |

Policy objective

Specific objective

Outputs

Results

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

1.

A smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation
  regional connectivity in the area of technologies, developing the information and communication technologies (ICT), connectivity and efficient public administration
  '
  by: [Am. 172]

| (i) | Enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies |
| --- | --- |

(i)

Enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

CCO 01 — Enterprises supported to innovate

CCO - 01a — Enterprises supported for sustainable economical activity [Am. 173]

CCO 02 — Researchers working in supported research facilities

CCR 01 — (SMEs introducing product, process, marketing or organisational innovation

CCR - 01a — Increase of regional income ratio [Am. 175]

| (ii) | Reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, companies and governments |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

Reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, companies and governments

CCO 03 — Enterprises and public institutions supported to develop digital products, services and applications

CCR 02 — Additional users of new digital products, services and applications developed by enterprises and public institutions

| (iii) | Enhancing growth and competitiveness of SMEs |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

Enhancing growth and competitiveness of SMEs

CCO 04 — SMEs supported to create jobs and
  sustainable
  growth [Am. 174]

CCR 03 — Jobs created in SMEs supported

| (iv) | Developing skills for smart specialisation, industrial transition and entrepreneurship |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

Developing skills for smart specialisation, industrial transition and entrepreneurship

CCO 05 — SMEs investing in skills development

CCR 04 — SMEs staff benefiting from training for skills development

| 2. | A greener, low-carbon
  and resilient
  Europe
  for all
  by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management [Am. 176] |
| --- | --- |

2.

A greener, low-carbon
  and resilient
  Europe
  for all
  by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management [Am. 176]

| (i) | Promoting energy efficiency measures |
| --- | --- |

(i)

Promoting energy efficiency measures

CCO 06 — Investments in measures to improve energy efficiency

CCR 05 — Beneficiaries with improved energy classification

| (ii) | Promoting renewable energy |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

Promoting renewable energy

CCO 07 — Additional renewable energy production capacity

CCR 06 — Volume of additional renewable energy produced

| (iii) | Developing smart energy systems, grids and storage at local level |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

Developing smart energy systems, grids and storage at local level

CCO 08 — Digital management systems developed for smart grids

CCO 08a — Development of new enterprises [Am. 177]

CCR 07 — Additional users connected to smart grids

CCR 07a — Number of jobs created [Am. 179]

| (iv) | Promoting climate change adaptation, risk prevention and disaster resilience |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

Promoting climate change adaptation, risk prevention and disaster resilience

CCO 09 — New or upgraded disaster monitoring, warning and response systems

CCO 09a — Increased climate change adaptation, increased natural disasters risk prevention and better resilience to disasters and extreme weather events [Am. 178]

CCR 08 — Additional population benefiting from protection measures against floods, forest fires, and other climate related natural disasters

| (v) | Promoting sustainable water management |
| --- | --- |

(v)

Promoting sustainable water management

CCO 10 — New or upgraded capacity for waste water treatment

CCR 09 — Additional population connected to at least secondary waste water treatment

| (vi) | Promoting the transition to a circular economy |
| --- | --- |

(vi)

Promoting the transition to a circular economy

CCO 11 — New or upgraded capacity for waste recycling

CCR 10 — Additional waste recycled

| (vii) | Enhancing biodiversity, green infrastructure in the urban environment, and reducing pollution |
| --- | --- |

(vii)

Enhancing biodiversity, green infrastructure in the urban environment, and reducing pollution

CCO 12 — Surface area of green infrastructure in urban areas

CCR 11 — Population benefiting from measures for air quality

| 3. | A more connected Europe
  for all
  by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity
  [Ams 180] |
| --- | --- |

3.

A more connected Europe
  for all
  by enhancing mobility and regional ICT connectivity
  [Ams 180]

| (i) | Enhancing digital connectivity |
| --- | --- |

(i)

Enhancing digital connectivity

CCO 13 — Additional households and enterprises with coverage by very high capacity broadband networks

CCR 12 — Additional households and enterprises with broadband subscriptions to a very high capacity networks

| (ii) | Developing a sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent, secure and intermodal TEN-T |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

Developing a sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent, secure and intermodal TEN-T

CCO 14 — Road TEN-T: New and upgraded roads
  and bridges [Am. 181]

CCR 13 — Time savings due to improved road
  and bridge
  infrastructure [Am. 182]

| (iii) | Developing sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

Developing sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility

CCO 15 — Rail TEN-T: New and upgraded railways

CCR 14 — Annual number of passengers served by improved rail transport

| (iv) | Promoting sustainable multimodal urban mobility |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

Promoting sustainable multimodal urban mobility

CCO 16 — Extension and modernisation of tram and metro lines

CCR 15 — Annual users served by new and modernised tram and metro lines

| 4. | A more social
  and inclusive
  Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights [Am. 183] |
| --- | --- |

4.

A more social
  and inclusive
  Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights [Am. 183]

| (i) | Enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets and access to quality employment through developing social innovation and infrastructure |
| --- | --- |

(i)

Enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets and access to quality employment through developing social innovation and infrastructure

CCO 17 — Annual unemployed persons served by enhanced facilities for employment services

CCR 16 — Job seekers using annually enhanced facilities for employment services

| (ii) | Improving access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning through developing infrastructure |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

Improving access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning through developing infrastructure

CCO 18 — New or upgraded capacity for childcare and education infrastructure

CCR 17 — Annual users served by new or upgraded childcare and education infrastructure

| (iii) | Increasing the socio-economic integration of marginalised communities, migrants and disadvantaged groups, through integrated measures including housing and social services; |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

Increasing the socio-economic integration of marginalised communities, migrants and disadvantaged groups, through integrated measures including housing and social services;

CCO 19 — Additional capacity of reception infrastructures created or upgraded

CCR 18 — Annual users served by new and improved reception and housing facilities

| (iv) | Ensuring equal access to health care through developing infrastructure, including primary care |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

Ensuring equal access to health care through developing infrastructure, including primary care

CCO 20 — New or upgraded capacity for health care infrastructure

CCR 19 — Population with access to improved health care services

| 5. | A Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban, rural and coastal

  all other
  areas and local initiatives
  [Am. 184] |
| --- | --- |

5.

A Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban, rural and coastal

  all other
  areas and local initiatives
  [Am. 184]

| (i) | Fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental development, cultural heritage and security in urban areas |
| --- | --- |

(i)

Fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental development, cultural heritage and security in urban areas

CCO 21 — Population covered by strategies for integrated urban development

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(1)  These indicators will be used by the Commission in compliance with its reporting requirement pursuant to Article 38(3)(e)(i) of the [applicable] Financial Regulation.

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