Sittings · Document

amendment list 2025-09-05

Amendment 001-076 - Dragoş Benea - Report A10-0129/2025 - Amending ERDF, Cohesion Fund and Just Transition Fund as regards specific measures to address strategic challenges in the context of the mid-term review

5.9.2025 A10-0129/ 001-076

AMENDMENTS 001-076

by the Committee on Regional Development

Report

Dragoş Benea A10-0129/2025

Amending ERDF, Cohesion Fund and Just Transition Fund as regards specific measures to address strategic challenges in the context of the mid-term review

Proposal for a regulation (COM(2025)0123 – C10-0063/2025 – 2025/0084(COD))

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Amendment 1

Proposal for a regulation

Title 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1058 and (EU) 2021/1056 as regards specific measures to address strategic challenges in the context of the mid-term review	Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1058, (EU) 2021/1056 and (EU) 2021/1060 as regards specific measures to address strategic challenges in the context of the mid-term review

Amendment 2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1) In recent years, geopolitical dynamics have been marked by profound uncertainty, necessitating a fundamental re-evaluation of the Union’s strategic autonomy, resilience and security alongside the challenges stemming from the green, social and technological transitions. Those simultaneous transformations demonstrate the urgent need to close the innovation gap, accelerate decarbonisation efforts to reinforce economic competitiveness and reduce external dependencies by diversifying supply chains, scaling-up domestically produced green energy, and investing in critical sectors.	(1) In recent years, geopolitical dynamics have been marked by profound uncertainty, necessitating a fundamental re-evaluation of the Union’s strategic autonomy, resilience and the safeguarding of democratic principles and rule of law alongside the challenges stemming from the green, social and technological transitions. Those simultaneous transformations demonstrate the urgent need to close the innovation gap, accelerate decarbonisation efforts to reinforce economic competitiveness and reduce external dependencies by diversifying supply chains, scaling-up domestically produced green energy, and investing in critical sectors.

Amendment 3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2) As the Union’s main investment instrument within the Multiannual Financial Framework, cohesion policy plays a crucial role in supporting those priorities. It drives targeted investments that contribute to economic, social and territorial cohesion while at the same time addressing emerging challenges.	(2) As the Union’s main investment instrument within the Multiannual Financial Framework, cohesion policy drives targeted investments that contribute to economic, social and territorial cohesion, as set out in Article 3(3) of the Treaty on the European Union and Article 174 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, while at the same time addressing emerging challenges. Moreover, the mid-term review is committed to the partnership principle and the principle of multi-level governance to safeguard an effective, regional and citizen-centred implementation of cohesion policy. This Regulation acknowledges the political and practical significance of the Union’s cohesion policy especially for regional and local authorities to transport the Union cohesion policy’s added value close to the citizens of the Union.

Amendment 4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(2a) Certain investments in dual-use or crisis-resilient infrastructure can serve both civilian and defence purposes, thereby contributing to territorial cohesion, regional resilience and Union preparedness. Such infrastructure include public facilities, such as community centres, educational institutions, parking structures or recreational parks, which supports social, economic and cultural activities in peacetime and can be converted into shelters, coordination centres or logistics hubs in times of crisis. Enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure, including cybersecurity, secure communication systems, surveillance and threat detection, as well as public buildings and transport hubs, is essential to ensure the continuity of vital functions and reinforce national and Union’s security.

Amendment 5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3) The legal framework for cohesion policy programmes provides for a mid-term review in 2025, which offers a timely and unique opportunity to refocus programmes on addressing new challenges and opportunities, to accelerate implementation and to increase their effectiveness to respond to both old and new Union priorities.	(3) The legal framework for cohesion policy programmes provides for a mid-term review in 2025, which offers a timely and unique opportunity to improve the effectiveness of cohesion policy, meet challenges and to accelerate implementation to achieve its goals set out in Article 174 TFEU.

Amendment 6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(5) In light of the unprecedented geopolitical instability and the need for the Union to guarantee its own defence, cohesion policy funding should be swiftly mobilised to directly support investments in defence capabilities. It is therefore necessary to create new specific objectives for support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 of the European Parliament and of the Council3 to finance industrial capacities in the defence sector and to allow for investments in resilient defence or dual-use infrastructure with a view to fostering military mobility, in line with the scope of those funds. Industrial capacities to foster defence capabilities should relate to the technological development and production of defence products and other products for defence purposes, as defined in Article 2 of [draft] Council Regulation [xxxx] establishing the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) through the reinforcement of European defence industry Instrument, in particular those referred to in Article 1 of that Regulation. Member States are encouraged to use the possibility foreseen in the current legal framework of voluntarily transferring resources allocated to them in shared management to directly managed programmes with defence and security objectives. In this context, transfers to the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) military mobility envelope would ensure coordinated interventions along the military mobility corridors highlighted in the White Paper on Defence.	(5) In light of the unprecedented geopolitical instability and the need for the Union to guarantee its own defence, civil preparedness and resilience, cohesion policy funding should be swiftly mobilised to directly support investments in defence capabilities at the same time that guarantees civil preparedness and resilience. It is therefore necessary to create new specific objectives for support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 of the European Parliament and of the Council3 to finance industrial capacities in the defence sector and civil preparedness, and to allow for investments in resilient dual-use infrastructure, including with a view to fostering military mobility, and to enhance preparedness, in line with the scope of those funds and the ‘do no significant harm’ principle and in cooperation with the regional and local authorities. Industrial capacities to foster defence capabilities should prioritise dual-use. Member States are encouraged to use the possibility foreseen in the current legal framework of voluntarily transferring resources allocated to them in shared management to directly managed programmes with defence and civil security and resilience objectives. In this context, transfers to the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) military mobility envelope would ensure coordinated interventions along the military mobility corridors highlighted in the White Paper on Defence.
	When supporting such investments, Member States should consider, where applicable, the criteria set out in Article 9of Regulation (EU) 2021/697 of the European Parliament and of the Council and the eligibility rules set out in Article 16 of the Council Regulation (EU) 2025/1106 .
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3 OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 60.	3 OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 60.

Amendment 7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(5a) Special attention and exceptional support should be dedicated to the Union’s Eastern border regions neighbouring Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, given their unique security challenges and geopolitical significance. Those regions are often on the frontline of potential conflicts and are particularly exposed to external threats, including hybrid attacks, breaches of the Union’s external borders, and other hostile activities. Strengthening local defence capabilities and community resilience in those areas is essential not only to deter potential aggression and safeguard European security, but also to support regional development, promote social cohesion, generate employment, and improve living conditions.

Amendment 8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(5b) In the allocation and implementation of cohesion policy resources directed towards defence-related objectives, Member States should prioritise projects that promote employment, skills development and industrial diversification at regional level. Particular emphasis should be placed on supporting SMEs and regional clusters active in dual-use technologies, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, ensuring that such investments serve the Union’s strategic interests and the objective of economic, social and territorial cohesion.

Amendment 9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5 c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(5c) Military mobility infrastructure constitutes, de facto, a dual-use asset, as investments in upgrading transport networks to meet military requirements also deliver significant benefits for civilian mobility, economic connectivity and crisis response capacities within the Union. Such investments improve cross-border infrastructure, reduce bottlenecks, enhance preparedness and contribute to the resilience of regions and critical supply chains. Furthermore, transport hubs enabling the rapid deployment of emergency services and distribution of essential supplies, contribute significantly to the continuity of vital functions and national security.

Amendment 10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(6) Furthermore, in order to quickly inject liquidity to cover the most pressing needs notably for investments in enhanced defence capabilities, additional financing possibilities should be offered. In particular, it is necessary to provide for an additional one-off pre-financing of 30% of the amounts programmed under dedicated priorities for defence under the respective policy objectives of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund and the possibility to apply a Union co-financing rate of up to 100%.	(6) Furthermore, in order to quickly inject liquidity to cover the most pressing needs notably for investments in enhanced defence capabilities, in particular dual use,civil preparedness and resilience, additional financing possibilities should be offered. In particular, it is necessary to provide for an additional one-off pre-financing of 30% of the amounts programmed under dedicated priorities for defence, in particular dual use,civil preparedness and resilience under the respective policy objectives of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund and the possibility to apply a Union co-financing rate of up to 100%.

Amendment 11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(7) The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund may, within their respective scopes, already support investments contributing to the objectives of the ‘Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform’ (STEP), which aims to strengthen Europe’s technological leadership. In order to further incentivise investments from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund in those critical fields, the limitation for the overall contribution of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund to those priorities should be removed and the possibility for Member States to receive a higher pre-financing for related programme amendments should be extended. Furthermore, the possibilities for the financing of productive investments contributing to STEP objectives in enterprises other than SMEs should be extended to all regions. Similarly, such investments should also be possible in regions where they facilitate industrial adjustment linked to digital transformation, including digital capacities in cloud, AI and supercomputing, or the decarbonisation and circularity of production processes and products, such as in the automotive industry or the energy intensive industries. In addition, the possibility provided for investments contributing to STEP objectives to finance productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 of the European Parliament and of the Council4 without the need and irrespective of the outcome of a gap analysis should be extended to all investments.	(7) The ERDF and the Cohesion Fund may, within their respective scopes, already support investments contributing to the objectives of the ‘Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform’ (STEP), which aims to strengthen Europe’s technological leadership. In order to further incentivise investments from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund in those critical fields, the limitation for the overall contribution of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund to those priorities should be removed and the possibility for Member States to receive a higher pre-financing for related programme amendments should be extended. Furthermore, the possibilities for the financing of productive investments contributing to STEP objectives in enterprises other than SMEs, while preserving a focus on SMEs, should also be possible in regions and Member States with a GDP per capita below the EU-27 average where they facilitate industrial adjustment linked to digital transformation, including digital capacities in cloud, AI and supercomputing, or the decarbonisation and circularity of production processes and products, such as in the automotive industry or the energy intensive industries. In addition, the possibility provided for investments contributing to STEP objectives to finance productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, while preserving a focus on SMEs, from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 of the European Parliament and of the Council4 without the need and irrespective of the outcome of a gap analysis should be extended to all investments.
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4 OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 1.	4 OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 1.

Amendment 12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(8) In order to enhance energy security, accelerate the energy transition and clean mobility, the investments under STEP and the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility should be complemented by creating a new specific objective for the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund under policy objective 2 to promote energy interconnectors and related transmission infrastructure, and the deployment of charging infrastructure. In order to accelerate investments in these fields, priorities dedicated to this specific objective should benefit from an additional one-off pre-financing of 30% of the amounts programmed under those priorities and from the possibility to apply a Union co-financing rate of up to 100%. Managing authorities should aim to leverage a maximum amount of private finance, where relevant. This enhanced investment effort will enable energy-intensive sectors to access more stable and diverse energy sources in a less fragmented internal energy market, buttressing their sustainability and competitiveness. Moreover, expanding the ERDF’s support for decarbonisation projects allows energy-intensive industries to prioritise high-impact innovations aligned with EU climate objectives.	(8) In order to enhance energy security, accelerate the energy transition and clean mobility, the investments under STEP and the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility should be complemented by creating a new specific objective for the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund under policy objective 2 to promote energy interconnectors and related transmission, distribution and supportive infrastructure, as well as to protect and safeguard that infrastructure and to enhance the deployment of charging infrastructure. In order to accelerate investments in these fields, priorities dedicated to this specific objective should benefit from an additional one-off pre-financing of 30% of the amounts programmed under those priorities and from the possibility to apply a Union co-financing rate of up to 100%. Managing authorities should aim to leverage a maximum amount of private finance, where relevant. This enhanced investment effort will enable energy-intensive sectors to access more stable and diverse energy sources in a less fragmented internal energy market, buttressing their sustainability and competitiveness. Moreover, expanding the ERDF’s support for decarbonisation projects allows energy-intensive industries to prioritise high-impact innovations aligned with EU climate objectives.

Amendment 13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(8a) To ensure the resilience of the Union’s energy system and the competitiveness of transition regions, long-duration electricity storage infrastructure, such as pumped-storage hydropower, should be eligible for support under cohesion policy. Those investments ensure grid stability, especially in regions phasing out fossil fuel-based generation.

Amendment 14

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(9) Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) result from a State aid instrument requiring cross-European cooperation for innovative technologies or pan-European infrastructures. IPCEI are projects that support and promote large-scale, cross-border projects that are considered essential for the economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness of the Union. To help accelerate the design of new IPCEI and the implementation of the existing ones, support from the ERDF for investments in projects participating in an IPCEI as approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and to Communication C(2021) 8481 should be allowed in all categories of regions. Furthermore, operations contributing to an IPCEI approved by the Commission should benefit from simplified selection procedures.	(9) Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) result from a State aid instrument requiring cross-European cooperation for innovative technologies or pan-European infrastructures. IPCEI are projects that support and promote large-scale, cross-border projects that are considered essential for the economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness of the Union. To help accelerate the design of new IPCEI and the implementation of the existing ones, support from the ERDF for investments in projects participating in an IPCEI as approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and to Communication C(2021) 8481 should be allowed in all categories of regions giving priority to the less developed regions in line with the objectives and scope of the ERDF and Cohesion Funds. Furthermore, operations contributing to an IPCEI approved by the Commission should benefit from simplified selection procedures.

Amendment 15

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(10) Affordable housing is another challenge that has come to the forefront due to the significant increase in prices and rents in recent years. With a view to incentivising Member States and regions to double investments from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, within their respective scopes, in the construction and renovation of the affordable housing stock, including social housing, new specific objectives should be created under different policy objectives to provide flexibility for the programming of housing interventions under dedicated priorities. Such priorities should entail the possibility to apply a Union co-financing rate of up to 100% and benefit from an additional one-off pre-financing of 30% of the amounts programmed in order to alleviate the burden on public budgets. For example, investments under the ‘New European Bauhaus’ initiative should make full use of those new possibilities. Costs resulting from the temporary renting of alternative accommodation for the occupants during the time of the renovation may also be entitled to support under such priorities, as well as costs of reforms related to housing, such as preparatory work for improvements in housing market regulation and permitting at local and city level. It is also appropriate to clarify the support of the JTF in that context.	(10) Affordable and sustainable housing is another challenge that has come to the forefront due to the significant increase in prices and rents in recent years. Disadvantaged groups and low and middle-income families are facing difficulties in accessing decent housing and a growing risk of homelessness. With a view to incentivising Member States and regions to double investments from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, within their respective scopes, in the construction and renovation of the affordable and sustainable housing stock, including social housing, new specific objectives should be created under different policy objectives to provide flexibility for the programming of housing interventions under dedicated priorities. While acknowledging that the definition of affordability may vary according to the circumstances of each Member State, a flexible common Union framework of social and affordable housing eligibility should be created, allowing local and regional authorities to identify possible target groups of people, such as low and middle-income households, who are unable to access housing at market conditions. Such priorities should be linked to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and entail the possibility to apply a Union co-financing rate of up to 100% and benefit from an additional one-off pre-financing of 30% of the amounts programmed in order to alleviate the burden on public budgets in all categories of regions. For example, investments under the principles and values of ‘New European Bauhaus’ initiative should make full use of those new possibilities. Costs resulting from the temporary renting of alternative accommodation for the occupants during the time of the renovation may also be entitled to support under such priorities. It is also appropriate to clarify the support of the JTF in that context.

Amendment 16

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(10a) The Cohesion Policy should respond in a balanced way both to challenges in rural and peripheral regions and to the growing pressures in densely populated urban areas where the accelerated rise in housing prices and rents is causing social exclusion. Cohesion funds must support integrated measures to build, renovate and transform urban spaces, including by converting unused buildings to homes. Interventions must be flexible, tailored to the local context and eligible for increased European co-financing in order to reduce the pressure on the budgets of local authorities.

Amendment 17

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 11

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(11) Water has a vital role as a resource for the security of food, energy and economic systems. This is also a key aspect of ensuring climate resilience. Given the challenges posed by the impact of climate change on water resources, further investments in water resilience should be encouraged. It is urgent to enhance the implementation of the water and marine protection legislation and improve water efficiency, address water scarcity, and progress towards a water resilient Europe. This requires important investments. It is therefore appropriate to include a reference to secure access to water, sustainable water management and water resilience in the new specific objective under policy objective 2 to allow for proactive, risk-based management and increased preparedness. Dedicated priorities established for that specific objective should also benefit from an additional one-off pre-financing of 30% of the amounts programmed and the possibility of a co-financing rate of up to 100% in order to incentivise crucial investments in that field.	(11) Water has a vital role as a resource for the security of food, energy and economic systems. This is also a key aspect of ensuring climate resilience. Given the challenges posed by the impact of climate change on water resources, further investments in water resilience should be encouraged. It is urgent to enhance the implementation of the water and marine protection legislation and improve water efficiency, address water scarcity, and progress towards a water resilient Europe. This requires important investments in infrastructure to ensure sustainable irrigation by means of advanced solutions, such as desalination, water reuse and blue biotechnology, and in water stress and drought prevention infrastructure, as well as in the deployment of nature-based solutions, ecological restoration and wastewater treatment. It is therefore appropriate to include a reference to secure access to water, sustainable water management and water resilience in the specific objective under policy objective 2 to allow for proactive, risk-based management and increased preparedness. New dedicated priorities established for that specific objective should also benefit from an additional one-off pre-financing of 30% of the amounts programmed and the possibility of a co-financing rate of up to 100% in order to incentivise crucial investments in that field. The existing thematic enabling condition for that specific objective continues to apply.

Amendment 18

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 12

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(12) Finally, in order to enhance the effectiveness of investments, it is important to allow for the payment of costs related to the implementation of reforms, also where such costs are not directly linked to the implementation of investments.	deleted

Amendment 19

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(13) In order to enable Member States to carry out a meaningful reprogramming in the context of the mid-term review and focus resources on those new strategic Union priorities, additional restrictions should be lifted. As regards thematic concentration requirements, it is appropriate to allow Member States to count amounts programmed for new strategic priorities, including those contributing to STEP objectives, towards the amounts required to ensure compliance with thematic concentration requirements. This should be accompanied with some flexibility regarding the calculation of the respective climate contribution for the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund as set out in Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, while respecting the overall requirements of that Article. In addition, to accelerate the decarbonisation of industry that is necessary for reaching the Union’s climate objectives, it is necessary to provide for the possibility to finance, through the ERDF, investments aimed at achieving the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions also from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council5 provided that they have been awarded a Seal Excellence. Similarly, as regards the JTF, the conditions for financing such investments should be simplified. Furthermore, in order to ensure consistency of support between financing granted under direct and shared management, operations that have already been assessed in the context of directly managed programmes and been attributed a ‘Sovereignty Seal’ as defined in Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/795 in a call for proposals under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/856 by the Commission should not be subject to the fossil fuel exclusion. Member States should also be given the possibility to contribute resources from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund to the Member State compartment of the InvestEU Fund6 to deploy them through the InvestEU financial instrument set out in [Article 10a of Regulation (EU) 2021/523]. Finally, in order to allow for a comprehensive reprogramming towards the new strategic priorities in the context of the mid-term review, Member States should benefit from additional time to complement the assessment of the outcome of the mid-term review and the submission of related programme amendments. This should also apply to JTF resources where they are included in a programme together with ERDF or Cohesion Fund resources.	(13) In order to enable Member States to carry out a meaningful reprogramming in the context of the mid-term review and focus resources on those new strategic Union priorities, additional restrictions should be lifted. As regards thematic concentration requirements, it is appropriate to allow Member States to count amounts programmed for new strategic priorities, irrespective of whether the Member States comply with the thematic concentration requirements at national level or at the level of category of region, including those contributing to STEP objectives, towards the amounts required to ensure compliance with thematic concentration requirements. This should be accompanied with some flexibility regarding the calculation of the respective climate contribution for the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund as set out in Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, while respecting the overall requirements of that Article. In addition, to accelerate the decarbonisation of industry that is necessary for reaching the Union’s climate objectives, it is necessary to provide for the possibility to finance, through the ERDF, investments aimed at achieving the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions also from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council5 provided that they have been awarded a Seal Excellence. Similarly, as regards the JTF, the conditions for financing such investments should be simplified. Furthermore, in order to ensure consistency of support between financing granted under direct and shared management, operations that have already been assessed in the context of directly managed programmes and been attributed a ‘Sovereignty Seal’ as defined in Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/795 in a call for proposals under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/856 by the Commission should not be subject to the fossil fuel exclusion. Member States should also be given the possibility to contribute resources from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund to the Member State compartment of the InvestEU Fund6 to deploy them through the InvestEU financial instrument set out in [Article 10a of Regulation (EU) 2021/523]. Finally, in order to allow for a comprehensive reprogramming towards the new strategic priorities in the context of the mid-term review, Member States should benefit from additional time to complement the assessment of the outcome of the mid-term review and the submission of related programme amendments. This should also apply to JTF resources where they are included in a programme together with ERDF, Cohesion Fund or ESF+ resources. Amendments to programmes under the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg), are to be carried out in accordance with Article 19 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1059.
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5 Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Union and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2003/87/oj).	5 Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Union and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2003/87/oj).
6 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 March 2021 establishing the InvestEU Programme and amending Regulation (EU) 2015/1017 (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/523/oj).	6 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 March 2021 establishing the InvestEU Programme and amending Regulation (EU) 2015/1017 (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/523/oj).

Amendment 20

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 15

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(15) Furthermore, to take account of the time needed to refocus investments in the context of the mid-term review and allow best use of available resources, the deadlines for the eligibility of expenditure as well as decommitment rules should be adjusted for programmes carrying out a reallocation of resources to strategic priorities in the context of the mid-term review exercise. It should also be possible to apply a maximum co-financing rate of up to 100% to priorities in programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal covering one or more NUTS2 regions bordering Russia, Belarus or Ukraine, given the adverse impact on those regions of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.	(15) Furthermore, to take account of the time needed to refocus investments in the context of the mid-term review and allow best use of available resources, the deadlines for the eligibility of expenditure as well as decommitment rules should be adjusted for programmes carrying out a reallocation of resources to strategic priorities in the context of the mid-term review exercise. It should also be possible to apply a maximum co-financing rate of up to 100% to priorities in programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal covering one or more NUTS2 regions bordering Russia, Belarus or Ukraine, taking into account the adverse impact on those regions of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, having due regard to the need for the timely closure of programmes, the timely launch of new programmes and the full absorption of programme funding.

Amendment 21

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 16

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(16) The mid-term review should also be used to reinforce the crucial role of cities in delivering many Union objectives by giving Member States the possibility to reallocate financial resources from the ERDF to reinforce the European Urban Initiative referred to in Article 12 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1058. In addition, in order to facilitate the uptake of key innovative actions identified under the European Urban Initiative, such actions should benefit from a simplified selection procedure for support under cohesion policy programmes. Member States should also be provided with the possibility to reallocate ERDF resources from their programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal to the Interregional Innovation Investment Instrument referred to in Article 13 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 to enhance flexibility in the use of resources.	(16) The mid-term review should also be used to reinforce the crucial role of cities in delivering many Union objectives by giving Member States the possibility , in close cooperation with the regional and local authorities and keeping in mind the regional specificities and the scope of the cohesion policies, to reallocate financial resources from the ERDF to reinforce the European Urban Initiative referred to in Article 12 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 and the metropolitan areas. In addition, in order to facilitate the uptake of key innovative actions identified under the European Urban Initiative, such actions should benefit from a simplified selection procedure for support under cohesion policy programmes. Member States should also be provided with the possibility to reallocate ERDF resources from their programmes under the Investment for jobs and growth goal to the Interregional Innovation Investment Instrument referred to in Article 13 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 to enhance flexibility in the use of resources.

Amendment 22

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(19a) The Commission should carry out an ex post impact assessment of the new measures on cohesion policy in line with its Staff Working Document of 31 November 2021 entitled ‘Better Regulation Guidelines’.

Amendment 23

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(19b) Any programme amendment or transfer of amounts that would be carried out should be without prejudice to the application of measures adopted pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2020/2092 and to the compliance of relevant programmes with horizontal enabling conditions in accordance with Article 15 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Amounts that are suspended under Regulation (EU) 2020/2092 or withheld on the basis of horizontal enabling conditions under article 15 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 should not be subject to amended programmes or transfers.

Amendment 24

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 20

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(20) Given the urgent need to enable crucial investments notably in defence capabilities in the context of pressing geopolitical challenges, this Regulation should enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union,	(20) Given the urgent need to enable crucial investments notably in security and defence capabilities and related supply chains in the context of pressing geopolitical challenges, this Regulation should enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union,

Amendment 25

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 20 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(20a) This Regulation has implications for the Union budget. Accordingly, the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets adopted a budgetary assessment, which forms an integral part of Parliament’s mandate for negotiations.

Amendment 26

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a – point i

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – point vii

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(vii) enhancing industrial capacities to foster dual use as well as defence capabilities.;	(vii) enhancing industrial capacities to foster defence capabilities prioritising dual use.;

Amendment 27

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a – point ii

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – point v

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(v) promoting secure access to water, sustainable water management and water resilience;;	(v) promoting secure access to water, sustainable and integrated water management and water resilience;

Amendment 28

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a – point iii

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – point xi

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(xi) promoting access to affordable housing, and related reforms;	(xi) promoting access to affordable, sustainable housing;

Amendment 29

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a – point iii

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – point xii

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(xii) promoting energy interconnectors and related transmission infrastructure, and the deployment of recharging infrastructure.;	(xii) promoting energy interconnectors and related transmission, distribution and supportive infrastructure, as well as the protection of critical energy infrastructure and the deployment of recharging infrastructure.;

Amendment 30

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a – point iii

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – point xii a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(xiia) promoting long-duration electricity storage infrastructure, including pumped-storage hydropower plants, which contributes to energy system flexibility, renewable integration, and climate neutrality.

Justification

The proposed amendment aims to align the Cohesion Policy funding instruments with the strategic priorities of the European Union’s energy transition, specifically the deployment of long-duration electricity storage infrastructure, such as pumped-storage hydropower (PSH).The proposed change is therefore: Legally sound, building on existing eligibility clauses and definitions; Politically coherent, aligned with new EU funding and labelling tools; Practically necessary, to unlock funding for ready-to-implement strategic PSH projects during the reprogramming window.

Amendment 31

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a – point iv

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iii

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(iii) developing resilient defence or dual use infrastructure to foster military mobility in the Union.;	(iii) developing resilient dual use infrastructure and capacities, including to foster military mobility in the Union, as well as enhancing preparedness;

Amendment 32

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a – point v

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d – point vii

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(vii) promoting access to affordable housing, and related reforms.;	(vii) promoting access to affordable, sustainable housing;

Amendment 33

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a – point vi

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e – paragraph 1 – point iii

Text proposed by the Commission	Unchanged text included in the compromise
(iii) fostering integrated territorial development, through access to affordable housing, and the development of related reforms in all types of territories.;	(iii) fostering integrated territorial development, through access to affordable, sustainable housing;

Amendment 34

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a – point vi

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e – paragraph 1 – point iii a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iiia) ensuring civil preparedness and resilience infrastructure in all types of territories;

Amendment 35

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a – point vi

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e – point iii b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(iiib) ensuring access to public services, including education and health, particularly in rural areas and regions experiencing population decline, to ensure that citizens have an effective right to stay in the place they callhome.

Amendment 36

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a – point vii

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1a

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Operations supported under the specific objective set out in point (c)(iii) shall primarlily focus, where relevant, on one or more of the four EU Priority Military Mobility Corridors identified by Member States in Annex II to the Military Requirements for Military Mobility within and beyond the EU as adopted by the Council on [18 March 2025 and with reference ST 6728/25 ADD1]. Operations supported which are part of those Corridors shall comply with the infrastructure requirements laid down in implementing acts based on Article 12(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1153.;	Operations supported under the specific objective set out in point (c)(iii) fostering military mobility shall primarily focus, where relevant, on one or more of the four EU Priority Military Mobility Corridors identified by Member States in Annex II to the Military Requirements for Military Mobility within and beyond the EU as adopted by the Council on [18 March 2025 and with reference ST 6728/25 ADD1]. Operations supported which are part of those Corridors shall comply with the infrastructure requirements laid down in implementing acts based on Article 12(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1153;

Amendment 37

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 3 – paragraph 1c – subparagraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The resources under the specific objectives referred to in paragraph 1, points (a)(vii), (b)(v), (b)(xi), (b)(xii), (c)(iii), (d)(vii) and (e)(iii), shall be programmed under dedicated priorities corresponding to the respective policy objective.	The resources under the specific objectives referred to in paragraph 1, points (a)(vii), (b)(v), (b)(xi), (b)(xii), (c)(iii), (d)(vii) and (e)(iii), shall be programmed under dedicated priorities corresponding to the respective policy objective. Support under those priorities shall be provided exclusively in the form of grants.

Amendment 38

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 3 – paragraph 1c – subparagraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The Commission shall pay 30% of the allocation to those priorities as set out in the decision approving the programme amendment as exceptional one-off pre-financing in addition to the yearly pre-financing for the programme provided for in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. That exceptional pre-financing shall be paid provided that the programme amendment is submitted to the Commission by 31 December 2025. It shall be paid within 60 days of the adoption of the Commission decision approving the programme amendment.	The Commission shall pay 30% of the allocation to those priorities as set out in the decision approving the programme amendment as exceptional one-off pre-financing in addition to the yearly pre-financing for the programme provided for in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 or in Article 51(2), (3) and (4) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1059. That exceptional pre-financing shall be paid provided that the programme amendment is submitted to the Commission by 31 December 2025. It shall be paid within 60 days of the adoption of the Commission decision approving the programme amendment.
	(To be applied where relevant throughout the text)

Amendment 39

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 3 – paragraph 1c – subparagraph 7

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
By way of derogation from Article 112 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the maximum co-financing rate for dedicated priorities established to support the specific objectives referred to in paragraph 1, points (a)(vii), (b)(v), (b)(xi), (b) (xii), (c)(iii), (d)(vii) and (e)(iii), of this Article shall be 100%.;	By way of derogation from Article 112(3) and (4) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the maximum co-financing rate for dedicated priorities established to support the specific objectives referred to in paragraph 1, points (a)(vii), (b)(v), (b)(xi), (b) (xii), (c)(iii), (d)(vii), and (e)(iii) and (iiia), of this Article shall be 100%.:
	(To be applied where relevant throughout the text)

Justification

Maintain the 100% co-financing proposed by the Commission

Amendment 40

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point e

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 3 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	In order to ensure the uniform application of the implementation of reforms referred to in point (d), the Commission shall, by ... , adopt implementing acts setting out detailed eligibility criteria for projects that contribute to such implementation.
	(This amendment applies throughout the text. Adopting it will necessitate corresponding changes throughout.)

Justification

It should be clear and consistent which preparatory actions for reforms are eligible for funding.

Amendment 41

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point e a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 3 – paragraph 4 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(e a) the following paragraph is added:
	‘(4a) By way of derogation from Article 49(3) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, for operations linked to the specific objectives referred to in Article 3(1), points (a)(vii) and (c)(iii) of this Regulation, the Member State shall not be required to provide information where disclosure is not permitted due to obligations under national law or would be contrary to the essential security interests of the Member State concerned, in particular for sensitive works, supplies or services requiring extremely high levels of confidentiality. For that purpose, Member States shall inform the Commission before selecting the operation concerned for support. This paragraph is without prejudice to the Commission's rights to access the information necessary to perform its functions in relation to verifications and audits.
	Beneficiaries shall not be subject to the requirements set out in Article 50(1), points (c), (d) and (e), of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, for operations linked to the specific objectives referred to in Article 3(1), points (a)(vii) and (c)(iii), of this Regulation, where the public display of information on the support or organisation of a communication event or activity is excluded for reasons of security and public order in accordance with Article 69(5) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060.’
	The information on the derogation transmitted by the Member State to the Commission pursuant to the first subparagraph shall be made available to the European Parliament, subject to necessary confidentiality arrangements. The Commission shall inform the European Parliament regularly about the implementation of operations referred to in the first subparagraph, including the operations selected under the derogation.

Amendment 42

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 4 – paragraph 10

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
10. The thematic concentration requirements set out in paragraph 6 of this Article 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 18 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Where a Member State submits a request for an amendment of a programme in accordance with Article 24 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, amounts programmed for the specific objectives referred to in paragraph 1, points (a)(vi) and (b)(ix), of this Article, as well as for the specific objectives referred to in paragraph 1, points (a)(vii), (b)(v), (b)(xi), (b)(xii), (c)(iii), (d)(vii) and (e)(iii), of this Article, may be counted towards either the amounts required for PO 1 or PO 2 or divided between the two..	10. The thematic concentration requirements set out in paragraph 6 of this Article 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 18 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Where a Member State submits a request for an amendment of a programme in accordance with Article 24 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, amounts programmed for the specific objectives referred to in Article 3(1), first subparagraph, points (a)(vi) and (b)(ix), as well as for the specific objectives referred to in Article 3(1), first subparagraph, points (a)(vii), (b)(v), (b)(xi), (b)(xii),(c)(iii), (d)(vii) and (e)(iii), may be counted towards either the amounts required for PO 1 or PO 2 or divided between the two.
	Where a Member State complies with the thematic concentration requirements at the level of category of regions, amounts programmed for the specific objectives referred to in Article 3(1), first subparagraph, points (a)(vi) and (b)(ix)), as well as for the specific objectives referred to in Article 3(1), first subparagraph, point (a)(vii), point (b)(v), (xi), and (xii), point (c)(iii), point (d)(vii) and point (e)(iii) and (iii a),, which exceed the thresholds for thematic concentration for a category of region, may be counted towards the thematic concentration thresholds in other categories of regions within the same policy objective. This provision shall apply solely when transferring allocations for the specific objectives referred to in this paragraphfrom more developed regions or transition regions to less developed regions and from more developed regions to transition regions.

Amendment 43

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a – point i – point 1

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) when they contribute to the specific objectives under PO 1 set out in Article 3(1), points (a)(vi) and (a)(vii), of this Regulation, or to the specific objective under PO 2 set out in Article 3(1), point (b)(ix), of this Regulation;;	(e) when they contribute to the specific objectives under PO 1 set out in Article 3(1), points (a)(vi) and (a)(vii), of this Regulation, or to the specific objective under PO 2 set out in Article 3(1), point (b)(ix), of this Regulation in less developed and transition regions, as well as in more developed regions of Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU-27 average measured in purchasing power standards and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017, while preserving a focus on SMEs;

Amendment 44

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a – point i – point 2

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 5 – paragraph 2 –subparagraph 1 – point f

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(f) when they contribute to an Important Project of Common European Interest as approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and to Communication C(2021) 8481, while preserving a focus on SMEs;;	(f) when they contribute to an Important Project of Common European Interest as approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 107(3), point (b), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and to Communication C(2021) 8481, while preserving a primary focus on SMEs;;

Amendment 45

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a – point i – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point g

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(g) where they facilitate industrial adjustment linked to the decarbonisation of production processes and products.’;	(g) where they facilitate industrial adjustment linked to the decarbonisation of production processes and products in less developed and transition regions, in more developed regions of Member States whose average GDP per capita is below the EU-27 average measured in purchasing power standards and calculated on the basis of Union figures for the period 2015-2017, or in territories covered by an approved territorial just transition plan in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1056, while preserving a focus on SMEs;

Amendment 46

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a – point i – point 3

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 5 – paragraph 2 –subparagraph 1 – point g a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ga) when they contribute to projects awarded a Sovereignty Seal under Regulation (EU) 2024/795, or are included in the Union list of Projects of Common or Mutual Interest (PCI/PMI), or in the Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP), provided that such operations are consistent with the programme’s objectives.

Justification

Amendment 47

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a – point ii

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(ii) the second subparagraph is deleted;	(ii) the second subparagraph is replaced by the following:
	‘Points (e) and (g) shall apply to Interreg programmes where the geographical coverage of the programme within the Union consists exclusively of categories of regions set out in those points’;

Amendment 48

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 5 – paragraph 10

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
10. In addition to the possibilities set out in Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, Member States may, with the agreement of the managing authorities concerned, allocate resources from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund to the Member State compartment of the InvestEU Fund to deploy them through the InvestEU financial instrument to be set out in [Article 10a of Regulation (EU) 2021/523 of the European Parliament and of the Council]*. Such contributions shall be subject to the procedures set out in Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 and count towards the ceilings set out in that Article. Resources generated by or attributable to the amounts contributed to the InvestEU financial instrument in accordance with Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 shall be made available to the Member State in accordance with the contribution agreement and shall be used for support under the same objective or objectives in the form of financial instruments or budgetary guarantees.	10. In addition to the possibilities set out in Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, Member States may, with the agreement of the managing authorities concerned and relevant partners, allocate resources from the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund to the Member State compartment of the InvestEU Fund to deploy them through the InvestEU financial instrument to be set out in [Article 10a of Regulation (EU) 2021/523 of the European Parliament and of the Council]*. Such contributions shall be subject to the procedures set out in Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 and count towards the ceilings set out in that Article. Resources generated by or attributable to the amounts contributed to the InvestEU financial instrument in accordance with Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 shall be made available to the Member State in accordance with the contribution agreement and shall be used for support under the same objective or objectives in the form of financial instruments or budgetary guarantees.

Amendment 49

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) investment to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC, except those which have been awarded a Seal of Excellence as defined in Article 2, point (45), of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060;;	(b) investment to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC;

Amendment 50

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point h – point iv

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) in point (h), the following point (iv) is added:	deleted
‘(iv) investment in operations attributed a Sovereignty Seal under Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/795 in a call for proposals under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/856..’

Justification

The amendment deletes the proposed possibility of support to decarbonisation projects related to fossil fuels

Amendment 51

Proposal for a regulation