12/12/2017 (Agence Europe) – The Estonian Presidency of the Council and representatives from Parliament reached an inter-institutional agreement on Tuesday 12 December on the proposal for the “omnibus" regulation for the midterm review of legislation governing the use of European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI) (see EUROPE 11905). One objective of this text is to simplify the combination of ESI funds with the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the financial heart of the “Juncker” investment plan. This extension was ratified that day by Parliament (see other article). According to a Council press release, to get reimbursed by the EU, beneficiaries will now be able to use estimates, such as flat rates for certain categories of costs; staff, insurance or rent. The agreement also includes the possibility of introducing a new priority for investments entirely dedicated to the integration of migrants in Cohesion Policy programmes across Europe. (MB)