ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
52.

also stresses the need to ensure the acceptance by the local population of decentralised energy supply and, in particular, of the fact that, with current production methods, renewable energy is often more expensive than traditional sources of energy and to this end, a more prominent role should be given to low-power (less than 100 kW) distributed generation (photovoltaic and wind). Moreover, it is often necessary to inform the local population about the construction of new power transmission lines. Green NGOs and associations can act as an intermediary between civil society and local and regional authorities in order to both support and back the latter in their implementation of energy and climate change plans and projects and to inform the public about them. More attention should be paid to highlighting the long-term benefits for the local security of supply;
64.

draws attention to the huge importance of EU support for local government in Georgia, which is situated in a region that is politically unstable, susceptible to frequent changes of government and which has witnessed at least a dozen cases of armed or frozen conflict since the fall of the Soviet Union. Georgia lies in a region which is highly diverse ethnically, linguistically, religiously and historically, and which does not as yet have any democratic traditions along the lines of the European model. It is for this reason that investments in regional development and action to strengthen local government in Georgia are of pivotal importance both in terms of improving people's standard of living as well as for the democratisation process in Georgia. EU support can also help promote European values and build up the Georgians’ trust in the EU;
36.

supports the call for better use of, and greater synergy, between EU funds, as proposed in the Budget Review (3) to support the objectives of the New Skills and Jobs Agenda. Considers, however, that this can be best achieved through; Place-based approaches– improved coordination between sectoral and territorial policies via a multi-fund approach (Common Strategic Framework) and in particular a stronger territorial dimension of the ESF (which is implemented through broad national programmes only in some member States). Member States and regions should retain sufficient flexibility to define their own priorities and draw up mixes of appropriate policy responses to national/regional specificities; Multi-level governance approach– to provide a greater alignment between Europe 2020 objectives and the ambitions of Cohesion Policy the establishment of Development and Investment Partnership Contracts is welcome. These contracts should be developed in conjunction with all levels of governance to ensure regional programming does not simply become a tool determined by national priorities; A Results-based approach– monitoring of progress in terms of quantitative and qualitative indicators to support evaluation and policy-making. This would help to reinforce actions towards priorities and also link with the country specific recommendations in the framework of Europe 2020 (Article 148 TFEU). The development of a common impact evaluation framework at EU level is required, in order to achieve this;
they carry out all of the following activities: provide for a formal mechanism for consumer representatives from the Union and third countries to contribute to political discussions and policies, organise meetings with policy officials and regulators to promote and advocate consumer interests with public authorities, identify common consumers issues and challenges, promote consumer views in the context of bilateral relations between the Union and third countries, contribute to the exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge on consumer issues in the Union and third countries, and produce policy recommendations.

they carry out all of the following activities: provide for a formal mechanism for consumer representatives from the Union and third countries to contribute to political discussions and policies, organise meetings with policy officials and regulators to promote and advocate consumer interests with public authorities , identify common consumers issues and challenges, promote consumer views in the context of bilateral relations between the Union and third countries, contribute to the exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge on consumer issues in the Union and third countries, and produce policy recommendations.
21.

would express concern about the importance attributed in the strategy to technologies which are not yet available on a commercial scale and recommends that the exploitation of unconventional sources of gas, such as shale gas, and the use of technologies whose risk factors have not yet been fully assessed or controlled, and which can operate on a cross-border basis, be researched and discussed at EU level to assess their potential short- and long-term environmental and social effects, in compliance with current legislation and, as in the case of shale gas, with a view to the possible need for regulation; therefore welcomes the Commission's intention to promote research into technologies that can contribute to the decarbonisation of energy transformation processes and proposes that life-cycle analyses be included as key evaluation points in decision-making;
19.

considers that in order to create high-quality, lasting jobs, a European agenda for growth must be based on the goal of establishing a real strategy for industrial renewal in Europe, with the active involvement of public authorities at all levels, and a strong industrial policy that promotes the competitiveness of SMEs (which form the backbone and the cultural and industrial history of the European economy) and the service sector. Such an industrial renewal strategy requires the European Commission to exploit the full potential of the Lisbon Treaty where industrial policy is concerned, pursuing the option of taking "any useful initiative to promote such coordination [between Member States in the field of industrial policy], in particular initiatives aiming at the establishment of guidelines and indicators, the organisation of exchange of best practice, and the preparation of the necessary elements for periodic monitoring and evaluation" (Article 173 TFEU). This industrial renewal strategy, which should emerge at the end of the mid-term review of the flagship initiative on An industrial policy for the globalisation era, should focus in particular on easing access to credit, cutting red tape and creating a more business-friendly environment; on this last point, the Committee of the Regions offers its own contribution by organising, in cooperation with the European Commission, the European Enterprise Region (EER) competition; would also highlight the importance of having a functional and effective public sector, as a necessity for economic growth;
The PES Network should reinforce cooperation between its members, develop joint initiatives aimed at exchanges of information and best practices in all areas covered by PES, comparative analysis and advice as well as promotion of innovative approaches in the delivery of employment services. By establishing this network an inclusive, evidence-based and performance-oriented comparison of all PES leading to the identification of best practices will be possible. With these results members of the network should be able to shape the design and delivery of employment services within their specific responsibilities. The initiatives carried out by the Network should improve PES effectiveness and allow for more efficient public spending.

The PES Network should reinforce cooperation between its members, develop joint initiatives aimed at exchanges of information and best practices in all areas covered by PES, comparative analysis and advice as well as promotion of innovative approaches in the delivery of employment services. By establishing this network an inclusive, evidence-based and performance-oriented comparison of all PES leading to the identification of best practices will be possible. With these results members of the network should be able to shape the design and delivery of employment services within their specific responsibilities. The initiatives carried out by the Network should improve PES effectiveness and allow for more guarantee efficient public spending.
1.

welcomes the consultation process launched with the European Commission's Green Paper Making the most out of Europe's traditional know-how: a possible extension of geographical indication protection of the European Union to non-agricultural products, pointing out that Article 3 TEU recognises the preservation and development of Europe's cultural heritage as one of the goals to be taken on board when considering the development of the single market, while Article 118 TFEU seeks to guarantee uniform protection for intellectual property rights in the Union within the single market, and Article 169 TFEU guarantees protection of consumers (including promotion of their right to information);
Further to a dialogue with the requesting Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission should analyse the request, taking into account the principles of transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency, breadth and depth of the problems as identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged, analysis of socioeconomic indicators, and the general administrative capacity of the Member State. The Commission should also, in close cooperation with the Member State concerned, identify the priority areas, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support, taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes.

Further to a dialogue with the requesting Member State, including in the context of the European Semester, the Commission should analyse the request, taking into account the principles of subsidiarity, transparency, equal treatment , partnership and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency, breadth and depth of the problems as identified, support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged, analysis of socioeconomic indicators, and the general administrative capacity of the Member State. With a view to the entry into force of the Programme, the Union will draw up a single strategic document to improve the institutional and administrative capacity of public authorities at all levels of government, transparently and fairly setting criteria to be adopted so as to determine which measures under the Programme are to be prioritised and how available resources are to be allocated, as well as criteria and mechanisms to coordinate measures at Union, national, regional and local level. The Commission should also, in close cooperation with the Member State concerned, identify the priority areas, the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support, taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by Union funds or other Union programmes ; in so doing, the Commission and the Member State concerned will take into account the current division of powers between the different levels of government – which often provides for an important role for local and regional authorities – as well as the fact that some Country Specific Recommendations are addressed to local and regional authorities.
12.

recognises the importance — both now and in the future — of the research activity and scientific collaboration relating to the Arctic region which are highlighted by the Commission. The EU-PolarNet initiative set out in the communication is a good example of wide-ranging, significant scientific cooperation involving universities and research institutes from across Europe. The initiative is aimed at strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation and determining scientific priorities over the short and long term with respect to research into the Arctic region. In this connection, the network’s proposed objective is to broaden cooperation with Arctic stakeholders. The Committee of the Regions believes that, when deciding on the goals and means of carrying out research into the multidimensional reality of the Arctic region, it is particularly important for there to be cooperation with local and regional representatives too;
44.

Principle 19(a) (Chapter III) should read: ‘Access to social housing or housing assistance shall be provided primarily for disadvantaged or socially vulnerable people including the homeless and for those living in accommodation that is harmful to their health, unsuitable or overcrowded. Substandard social housing shall be abolished. Vulnerable persons who are not given alternative accommodation shall be protected from eviction.’ (1) As set out in previous opinions, the CoR proposes a broadening of the definition of social housing in order to reflect the Member States’ discretion in planning, delivering, financing and organising the construction of social housing, guarantee the democratic right to choose, and give priority to the right to adequate and affordable accommodation because of the inability of the current housing markets to meet accommodation needs. (2) Concerning evictions, they should not be prohibited per se as this would run counter to the right to property and the subsidiarity principle. The protection against evictions should therefore be limited to vulnerable persons and be complemented by the requirement of the provision of alternative accommodation. (3) Lower- and middle-income households should have no legal right to aid towards home ownership — as is also the case in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights — especially since the economic and social usefulness of this depends on global, national, regional and local contexts as well as on policy priorities, which should be set at national, regional or local level, in accordance with the subsidiarity principle;
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Europe on the move: An agenda for a socially fair transition towards clean, competitive and connected mobility for all

COM(2017) 283 — final

Commission Staff Working Document accompanying the document Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Europe on the Move: An agenda for a socially fair transition towards clean, competitive and connected mobility for all

SWD(2017) 177 — final

Commission Staff Working Document — Towards clean, competitive and connected mobility: the contribution of Transport Research and Innovation to the Mobility package

SWD(2017) 223 — final

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 1999/62/EC on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures

COM(2017) 275 — final

Proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 1999/62/EC on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures, as regards certain provisions on vehicle taxation

COM(2017) 276 — final

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the interoperability of electronic road toll systems and facilitating cross-border exchange of information on the failure to pay road fees in the Union (recast)

COM(2017) 280 — final
16.

The importance of closer coordination between science and space programmes in the EU should be stressed, together with the role of regions and local authorities in promoting better integration of science and space activities with entrepreneurship. Digital and space-based technology development should be more strongly supported by the EU and research and space budgets coordinated more closely, as these technologies are recognised key drivers for innovation in a variety of areas relevant for sustainable development (such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, energy, environment disaster risk management and climate change). Access to highly technology- and knowledge-intensive scientific projects is vital for future of the space sector in the EU. For the purpose of strengthening the capacity of the European space industry, it is important to continue, in parallel, the participation of European businesses and universities or research institutes in ESA’s programmes in preparing cutting-edge technologies for space missions and systems. Benefits for business development should be fostered by making use of the EU SME instrument for scaling-up entrepreneurship and business opportunities in space-based products and services in future Framework Programmes;
For the purpose of sound financial management, specific rules should be laid down for budget commitments, payments, suspension, cancellation and recovery of funds. Payments should be based on a positive assessment by the Commission of the implementation of the reform commitments by the Member State. Suspension and cancellation of the financial contribution should be possible when the reform commitments have not been implemented in a satisfactory manner by the Member State. To ensure a sustainable impact of the reforms after they are implemented, a reasonable period defining the durability of the reforms after the payment of the financial contribution should be established. A period of five years should be considered to be a reasonable minimum to be applied. Appropriate contradictory procedures should be established to ensure that the decision by the Commission in relation to suspension, cancellation and recovery of amounts paid respects the right of Member States to provide observations.

For the purpose of sound financial management, specific rules should be laid down for budget commitments, payments, suspension, cancellation and recovery of funds. Payments should take place through annual instalments, based on a positive assessment by the Commission of the implementation of progress in the reform commitments by the Member State. Suspension and cancellation of the financial contribution should be possible when the reform commitments have not been implemented in a satisfactory manner by the Member State. To ensure a sustainable impact of the reforms after they are implemented, a reasonable period defining the durability of the reforms after the payment of the financial contribution should be established. A period of five years should be considered to be a reasonable minimum to be applied. Appropriate contradictory procedures should be established to ensure that the decision by the Commission in relation to suspension, cancellation and recovery of amounts paid respects the right of Member States to provide observations.
21.

recognises that the ECOC programme has also evolved in terms of the types of cities and regions involved. In the first phase, the cities which were designated by the Member States were generally the capital city or other major cities. Then, over time, the title has increasingly been awarded to smaller cities ("second cities" or regional cultural centres). The declining size of the applicant city made the involvement of the surrounding region increasingly necessary; towns and cities are meeting places; they are centres of trade, industry, education or government; they are located at the heart of a region they reflect the character of the region; notes that this development was recognised through the inclusion of the regional dimension in the ECOC programme after 2007; stresses, therefore, the added value of encouraging a regional approach to the title of ECOC, including consideration of a regional level designation with the region as the primary cultural focus under the responsibility of the principal city of that region;
38.

stresses the calls made by the Committee of the Regions in its opinion on the Commission proposal on the ERDF, particularly as regards the possibility of resource deployment being ‘flexible and used without giving preference to certain types of area or discriminating against them’, so that rural and peri-urban regions are not prevented from benefiting from the ERDF. The various types of priority area into which ERDF resources will be channelled should be determined as part of a partnership-based planning process, and not be determined beforehand. The delegation of tasks to cities under the ‘integrated territorial investment’ instrument defined in Article 99 of the Common Provisions Regulation should be viewed as optional and not made mandatory;
34.

points out that both the European Integration Fund (INTI) and the ESF have funded integration programmes. However, too often, the source of funding has limited the scope of service provision. It should be stressed that, considering the ever-growing EU mobility, the next budget programme should dedicate funding to support for mobile EU citizens, amalgamating priorities from both funds and create a funding programme for all nationals, regardless of citizenship. These new funding budgets could be used to include EU citizens in language and orientation programmes, in close cooperation with other stakeholders such as NGOs and particularly with the private sector. The Commission must use its influence to urge some local and regional authorities in the sending countries to use the ESF and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to invest heavily in the social and economic development of their populations;
10.

welcomes the Commission's long-term goal for the SCC of developing and disseminating at least 20 ground-breaking innovative solutions that combine energy, transport and ICTs by 2020. The Committee would stress in this connection that it is vital to provide ample scope for innovative solutions to be replicated, adapted and implemented in a number of EU cities, and it appreciates the Commission's emphasis on the need for demand-side measures such as developing new business models. To achieve this, the Committee urges the Commission to require that one criterion for selecting projects be that the proposal demonstrate a strong link between the innovative groundbreaking solution and implementation and dissemination of results for application in regions and municipalities in different parts of Europe. Projects should prioritise fruitful synergies based on interconnections between actors as well as development and funding instruments. At the same time, cities should be helped to reduce their environmental impact by developing solutions which, through intensive use of ICTs, improve urban energy efficiency, promote the use of renewable energy sources and facilitate mobility, bringing a significant reduction in emissions of CO2 and other pollutant gases, as part of a sustainable urban model;
33.

stresses that islands, outermost regions and other remote locations are highly dependent on air transport, and maritime connections, which are in turn dependent on tourists; tourism operators point out that they have to close their business once transport services cease, and transport operators point out that their services cease because tourism operators close their businesses: there is thus a need to promote policies to break this cycle; expresses its concern that the current economic crisis and high tourism seasonality further compound the problem. At the same time, given that 90 % of goods and products which are subsequently used in the island tourism industry are transported by sea and that, in reality, freightage is profitable in one direction only, aid policies should be promoted which seek to remedy this imbalance;