14/12/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 14 December, the European Parliament’s regional development committee approved the informal-inter-institutional agreement reached on Tuesday, 12 December on the “omnibus” regulation for the midterm review of legislation on the use of structural and investment funds (ESI funds) (see EUROPE 11924). One significant change involves the creation of a specific financial line as part of technical assistance to improve cohesion policy visibility. The text also enhances the possibility of resorting to simplified cost options and also simplifies the reorientation of the funds to refugee and migrant management. The Committee of Permanent Representatives to the EU (Coreper) is expected to adopt the provisional agreement on 2 December next. (PH)