MEPs gave their approval on Friday 17 April (686 votes in favour, 7 against and 3 abstentions) to changes to the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) proposed by the European Commission to deal with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The poorest are bearing the brunt of the economic and social consequences of COVID-19. (...) More broadly, the whole chain of solidarity and aid to the most vulnerable is weakened by this pandemic!”, said Anne Sander (EPP, France).
The amendments to the rules provide for: - new eligible pandemic-related expenditure (e.g. protective equipment) from 1 February 2020 for organisations participating in the programmes; - a temporary exemption for the approval of the FEAD support measures; - the possibility of providing food aid and basic material assistance via vouchers or electronic cards to reduce the risk of contamination.
Co-financing is increased to 100% instead of 85% for the accounting year 2020-2021 (see EUROPE 12460/2).
Taking up the EU Council’s position (see EUROPE 12464/12), MEPs introduced amendments strengthening consultation with partner organisations.
The amendments by the Portuguese delegation of the GUE/NGL group, which introduced more flexibility, were not accepted.
The EU Council will formally adopt the amendments to the FEAD by written procedure on Wednesday 22 April. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)