On Tuesday 28 February, MEPs from the regional development committee gave the go-ahead (26 votes in favour, 9 against, 0 abstentions) for the inter-institutional agreement on the 2017-2020 structural reform support programme regulation agreed at the beginning of February (see EUROPE 11721).
Lambert van Nistelrooij (EPP, Netherlands), co-rapporteur for the draft, together with Constanze Krehl (S&D, Germany), was keen to point out before the vote, the progress made by the European Parliament, particularly with regard to the integration of the local and regional authorities in the partnerships.
It should be pointed out that the programme seeks to strengthen the capacity of member states to implement administrative and structural reforms that can help stimulate growth and develop coherence in tandem with national and regional development strategies, particularly through the efficient use of European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI). The programme is expected to enter into force during the first half of 2017 and will run until 31 December 2020. It is expected to enjoy total funding of €142.8 million.
The report will be put to a vote during the second April plenary session. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)