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REPORT (COM(2018)0373 – C80228/2018 – 2018/0198(COD))

On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on a mechanism to resolve legal and administrative obstacles in a cross-border context

A-8-2018-0414 · A8-0414/2018

Committee on Regional Development · Rapporteur: Matthijs van Miltenburg

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Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

Parliament's amended version of the proposed regulation sets up a voluntary mechanism to resolve legal and administrative obstacles in cross-border regions, allowing one member state to apply another's legal provisions for a joint project. It extends the mechanism to maritime borders and third countries on a voluntary basis, and requires each member state to establish or designate Cross-border Coordination Points. The Commission must create a database of coordination points, prepare a communication strategy, and report on the regulation's application after three years, including a public consultation.

Committee position. The Committee on Regional Development proposes amendments to make the mechanism voluntary, extend its scope to maritime borders and third countries, and adjust deadlines.

Key points

  1. The mechanism is voluntary; member states may opt for other ways to resolve legal obstacles, and may choose per joint project.
  2. The mechanism applies to land and maritime border regions at NUTS level 3, and may extend to third countries and overseas territories voluntarily.
  3. Each member state shall establish or designate one or more Cross-border Coordination Points.
  4. The Commission shall create, publish and keep an updated database of all national and regional Cross-border Coordination Points.
  5. The Commission shall prepare a communication strategy to promote best practices, provide practical information, and clarify procedures.
  6. The transferring member state's coordination point shall send its preliminary reaction within three months of receiving an initiative document.
  7. The committing coordination point has six months to take actions on the initiative document, including informing the initiator of refusal or redirecting to existing mechanisms.
  8. Deadlines for various steps are extended from three to six months, and from one to three months for finalising commitments.
  9. The committing authority shall inform the initiator in writing of refusal or willingness to change administrative provisions within eight months.
  10. The Commission shall report on the regulation's application after three years, with particular reference to geographical and thematic scope, and carry out a public consultation.

Who is affected

  • Member states and their competent authorities, who may use the voluntary mechanism or other existing ones.
  • Initiators of joint projects in cross-border regions, who can trigger the mechanism.
  • Cross-border workers and residents in border regions, who benefit from reduced legal obstacles.

Figures and deadlines

  • Three months for the transferring coordination point's preliminary reaction.
  • Six months for the committing coordination point's actions after receiving an initiative document.
  • Six months for actions after revised initiative or additional information.
  • Eight months for the committing authority to inform on changing administrative provisions.
  • Six months for the transferring coordination point to examine draft Commitment or Statement.
  • Three months for the committing coordination point to examine the reply.
  • Three years after entry into force for the Commission's report.

Legal basis: Article 294(2) and third paragraph of Article 175 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union