MEPs adopted no fewer than four own-initiative reports on cohesion policy on Tuesday 13 September. These four reports related to support for SMEs and start-ups, territorial cooperation, specialisation strategies, and the macro-regional strategy for the Alpine region.
In an amiable discussion with MEPs on Monday 12 September, Regional Policy Commissioner Corina Cretu welcomed the four reports and stated that she would take account of the many requests and recommendations they contain.
The first of the reports was by Rosa d’Amato (EFDD, Italy) on implementing the thematic objective of enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs contained in the common provisions regulation (Regulation 1303/2013, Article 9(3). It was adopted by an overwhelming majority (618 votes to 15, with 59 abstentions). MEPs call, inter alia, on the Commission to increase the support of the structural and investment (ESI) funds for SMEs. Three proposals are advanced: - taking into account the added value of SME projects for the development and innovation of traditional sectors; - placing emphasis on the principles of the circular economy; - increasing the use of financial instruments. MEPs also call for access to credit to be made simpler.
The second report, passed by 523 votes to 76, with 38 abstentions, was by Iskra Mihaylova (ALDE, Bulgaria). It focuses on European territorial cooperation. MEPs believe that the budget for territorial cooperation (€10.1 billion, or 2.8% of the cohesion policy budget) does not match the challenges to be met or the ambitions harboured. They call on the member states and managing authorities to improve cooperation and to exchange best practice in order to undertake assessments and issue guidelines as to how results orientation can be adapted to territorial cooperation specificities. The report also provides a raft of recommendations for cohesion policy post 2020, including a significant increase in its budget.
The third report, by Ramon Luis Valcarcel Siso (EPP, Spain), was passed by 570 votes to 54, with 15 abstentions, and relates to research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation (RIS3). Among its many recommendations is a call to beef up the intelligent specialisation platform, known as the S3 platform which provides practical assistance to the regions (see EUROPE 11565). MEPs call for: - a continuous effort to update the S3 platform database, taking into account the local needs, specificities and priorities of regions and cities; - particular attention to be paid to lagging regions and help given to them to shape and direct their strategies. MEPs also criticise the policy of some member states which have adopted a national, and non-regional, intelligent specialisation strategy and call on these member states to replace their strategies with regional approaches.
The fourth and final report, drafted by Mercedes Bresso (S&D, Italy) and passed by 521 votes to 78, with 107 abstentions, relates to the EU strategy for the Alpine region (EUSALP) (see EUROPE 11575). MEPs urge the competent member state authorities and the participating regions to align their national and regional policies and funding arrangements, wherever possible, to EUSALP action and objectives. They also call on the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to examine the possibility of setting up an investment platform for the Alpine region. MEPs further call for a supporting implementation structure for the governing bodies of EUSALP to be set up and for regular reports to be published on the various macro-regional strategies. The commissioner has announced that a six-monthly report will shortly be launched. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)