a
what was at stake
b
green position
c
what we achieved
d
what we did not achieve

Co-financing top-up (Regional Funds)

The economic crisis in Europe has reduced many EU Member States' spending capacity.

To ensure the continuation of projects under the EU Cohesion Policy, the Commission proposed lowering Member States' contribution towards them.

This measure would serve as an economic incentive and secure jobs.

 

What was the Greens' position?

Given the severe impact of the economic crisis on public sector budgets, the Greens believe that any incentive encouraging the use of EU funds under the Cohesion Policy is both necessary and useful.

Since the decrease in available government funding necessitates an increase in the contribution paid by the EU, we believe that additional reporting requirements must be imposed on the Member States using the funds, to counter the perpetration of fraud.

 

Did other MEPs accept the Greens' position?

Together with the other groups in Parliament, the Greens succeeded  in inducing the Council to adopt Parliaments' position.

Thanks to Parliament's unity and the strong position this gave it in the negotiations, the Council accepted the imposition of more detailed reporting requirements on the use of funds.

 

Which points did the Greens lose?

Generally speaking, we were satisfied with the outcome of the negotiations.

Reference(s)
Committee:REGI

Procedure:Ordinary legislative procedure

Reference(s):2011/0211(COD)

Lead MEP:Danuta Maria Hübner (EPP)

Green MEP responsible:Michail Tremopoulos

Voted:01.12.2011

Staff contact:Simone Reinhart (Email)