Parltrack

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3

(3) In accordance with Article 148(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Council adopted guidelines for employment policies on 21 October 2010, which, together with the broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and of the Union adopted in accordance with Article 121 of the Treaty, comprise the Europe 2020 integrated guidelines. The Programme should contribute to applying the Europe 2020 integrated guidelines, and in particular Guidelines 7, 8 and 10, while supporting implementation of the flagship initiatives, with special regard to the European Platform against Poverty and Social Exclusion, an Agenda for New Skills and Jobs, the European Strategy for Gender Equality 2010-2015 and Youth on the Move.

Amendment 17 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)

(4a) In line with the European Strategy for Gender Equality 2010-2015, the decision to include this goal as a horizontal factor in all EU policies and its progressive introduction are in themselves decisive factors in social innovation. Recent reports presented by the Commission itself on the extent of compliance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights, as well as governance and sustainability studies by the World Bank and the United Nations, show that the incorporation of women into the labour market and, in particular, equality in political decision-making, encourage transparency and participation and reduce corruption. Thus, the participation of women in enterprise and decision-making in the economic and business spheres is a proven factor in improving competitiveness, productivity and innovation.

Amendment 18 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) ~~In line with the Europe 2020 Strategy, t~~The Programme should pursue a coherent approach to promoting employment and combating social exclusion and poverty, while keeping sight of the objective of gender equality and in gender mainstreaming. Its implementation should be rationalised and simplified, notably through a set of common provisions including, inter alia, general objectives, typology of actions, monitoring and evaluation arrangements. The Programme should also focus on large projects with clear EU added value in order to reach critical mass and reduce administrative burden for both the beneficiaries and the Commission. In addition, greater use should be made of simplified cost options (lump-sum and flat- rate financing) in particular for the implementation of mobility schemes. The Programme should be a one-stop shop for microfinance providers, providing financing for micro-credit, capacity building and technical assistance. Lastly, the Programme should provide for budgetary flexibility through the establishment of a reserve to be allocated on an annual basis in order to respond to policy priorities.

Amendment 19 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)

(5a) In accordance with the strategy for promoting equality between women and men in Europe 2010-2015, the Union should make better use of women's potential, thereby contributing to the Union's overall economic and social goals by getting more women into the labour market and into good quality jobs. In addition, to reach the Europe 2020 objective of a 75 % employment rate for women and men, there is a need for particular attention to be given to the labour market participation of older women, single parents and women with a disability, migrant women and women from ethnic minorities. The employment rates of these groups are still relatively low and there is therefore a need for remaining gender gaps to be reduced in both quantitative and qualitative terms.

Amendment 20 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8

(8) Ensuring that minimum standards are in place and that working conditions improve constantly in the Union is a central feature of Union social policy. The Union has an important role to play both in ensuring that the legislative framework is adapted, in line with ‘Smart Regulation’ principles, to evolving work patterns and new health and safety risks and in financing measures to improve compliance with Union rules on the protection of workers'’ rights, without forgetting the need for both men and women to reconcile their professional life and family life.

Amendment 21 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)

(8a) The Programme should take into account that improving working conditions also involves making working hours and forms of employment more flexible, creating services to support family life, improving leave conditions and other mechanisms to support working parents.

Amendment 22 #

Proposal for a regulation
Title

Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on a European Union Programme for Social ~~Change~~Progress, Solidarity, Employment and Innovation

Amendment 22 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

(11) In accordance with Articles 45 and 46 of the Treaty, Regulation (EU) No 492/2011 lays down provisions intended to achieve freedom of movement for workers, as an act of choice, not imposed by unemployment or other social problems, by ensuring close cooperation between the Member States and with the Commission. EURES should promote better functioning of the labour markets by facilitating transnational geographical mobility of workers (when they so desire), providing greater transparency on the labour market, ensuring the clearance of vacancies and applications for employment and supporting activities in the areas of recruitment, advice and guidance services at national and cross-border level, thereby contributing to the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy.

Amendment 23 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1

(1) In line with the Commission Communication ‘A budget for Europe 2020’, which recommends rationalising and simplifying the Union's funding instruments and sharpening their focus both on Union added value and on impacts and results, this Regulation establishes a European Union Programme for Social ~~Change~~Progress, Solidarity, Employment and Innovation (hereinafter ‘the Programme’) to provide for the continuation and development of activities carried out on the basis of Decision No 1672/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 establishing a Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity – Progress, Regulation No 492/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on freedom of movement for workers within the Union and Commission Decision 2003/8/EC of 23 December 2002 implementing Regulation No 1612/1968 as regards the clearance of vacancies and applications for employment and Decision No 283/2010/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 March 2010 establishing a European Progress Microfinance Facility for employment and social inclusion (hereinafter ‘the Facility’).

Amendment 23 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14

(14) Lack of access to credit is one of the main obstacles to business creation, especially among people furthest from the labour market. Union and national efforts in this area need to be stepped up in order to increase the supply of microfinance and meet demand from those who need it most, and in particular unemployed people, women and vulnerable people who wish to start up or develop a micro-enterprise, including on a self-employed basis, but do not have access to credit. In this context, female entrepreneurship, made possible through easier access to microcredit, could make a significant contribution towards achieving the target of 75 % female employment, as defined by the Europe 2020 Strategy. As a first step, in 2010 the European Parliament and the Council set up the Facility.

Amendment 24 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3

(3) In accordance with Article 148(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Council adopted guidelines for employment policies on 21 October 2010, which, together with the broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and of the Union adopted in accordance with Article 121 of the Treaty, comprise the Europe 2020 integrated guidelines. The Programme should contribute to applying the Europe 2020 integrated guidelines, and in particular Guidelines 7, 8 and 10, while supporting implementation of the flagship initiatives, with special regard to the European Platform against Poverty and Social Exclusion, an Agenda for New Skills and Jobs, and Youth on the Move, as well as the Youth Opportunities Initiative.

Amendment 24 #

Marina YANNAKOUDAKIS

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)

(14a) The Commission, Member States and regional and local authorities should make better use of the funding opportunities that are available to female entrepreneurs through special grants, venture capital, social security provisions and interest rate rebates that will allow fair and equal access to finance, such as the European Progress Microfinance Facility, which provides micro-credits of up to EUR 25 000 to micro-enterprises and to those who want to start their own small business but who do not have access to traditional banking services, such as the unemployed;

Amendment 25 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) The European Platform against Poverty and Social Exclusion and the Innovation Union flagship initiatives identify social innovation as a powerful tool – particularly at this time of economic crisis in the EU as a whole and in individual regions – for addressing the social challenges arising from population ageing, poverty, unemployment, new work patterns and life styles, and citizens' expectations regarding social justice, education and health care. The Programme should support action to step up social innovation in policy areas falling within its scope in the public, private and third sectors, taking due account of the role of regional and local authorities. In particular, it should help identify, evaluate and scale up innovative solutions and practice through social experimentation to assist the Member States more effectively in reforming their labour markets and social protection policies, so as, in particular, to boost growth and balanced development in EU regions. It should also act as a catalyst for transnational partnerships and networking between public, private and third-sector actors as well as supporting their involvement in designing and implementing new approaches to tackling pressing social needs and challenges.

Amendment 25 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15

(15) Making microfinance more available on the Union’s young microfinance market calls for the institutional capacity of microfinance providers, and in particular non-bank microfinance institutions, to be stepped up in line with the Commission Communication '‘A European Initiative for the development of micro-credit'.’ and the report by Parliament’s Committee on women's rights and gender equality ‘Promotion of Women Innovators and Entrepreneurship’1. _____________ 1 of 25 July 2008

Amendment 26 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) The European Platform against Poverty and Social Exclusion and the Innovation Union flagship initiatives identify social innovation as a powerful tool for addressing the social challenges arising from population ageing, poverty, unemployment, new work patterns and life styles, and citizens' expectations regarding social justice, education and health care. The Programme should support action to step up social innovation in policy areas falling within its scope in the public, private and third sectors, taking due account of the role of regional and local authorities. In particular, it should help identify, evaluate and scale up innovative solutions and their practiceal implementation through social experimentation to assist the Member States more effectively in reforming their labour markets and social protection policies. It should also act as a catalyst for transnational partnerships and networking between public, private and third-sector actors as well as supporting their involvement in designing and implementing new approaches to tackling pressing social needs and challenges.

Amendment 26 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18

(18) Pursuant to Articles 8 and 10 of the Treaty, on the ~~Programme should support the mainstreaming of gender equality and anti- discrimination objectives in all its activities~~Functioning of the European Union, the Commission and the Member States should ensure that the mainstreaming of gender equality and anti- discrimination objectives help to promote equality between men and women in all the programme’s axes and activities, and that the European Pact for Gender Equality (2011-2020) is also taken into consideration. Regular monitoring and evaluation should be carried out to assess the way in which gender equality and anti- discrimination issues are addressed in the Programme's activities. Effective application of the principle of gender equality should include gender- aggregated data and indicator,s and objectives and criteria focused on gender equality.

Amendment 27 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)

(4a) In particular, the Programme should help identify, evaluate and scale up innovative solutions and practice through social policy experimentation to assist the Member States to increase the efficiency of their labour markets and further improve their social protection and inclusion policies, where necessary. Social policy experimentation refers to project-based field testing of social innovations. It allows the gathering of evidence on the feasibility of social innovations. Successful ideas should be pursued on a wider scale with financial support from the European Social Fund (ESF) as well as other sources. Experience shows that social policy experimentation projects often last between three and five years and include a great variety of actors of all sizes. National information centres on social policy experimentation, where established, serve as a one-stop-shop for all interested parties and support the creation and development of networks and partnerships.

Amendment 27 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1

1. This Regulation establishes a European Union Programme for Social Change and Innovation (hereinafter ‘the Programme’) which aims to contribute to the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy, its headline targets and Integrated Guidelines by providing financial support for the European Union’s objectives in terms of promoting a high level of employment, guaranteeing adequate social protection, combating social exclusion and poverty and improving working conditions, while always keeping sight of the objective of gender equality and gender mainstreaming.

Amendment 28 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)

(4a) The Programme should pay particular attention to the territorial dimension of poverty and exclusion, and especially to increasing inequalities between and within regions, between regions and cities, and within cities and smaller territories.

Amendment 28 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) ~~Strengthen ownership of the Union objec~~Promote strategies, among key Union and national policy-makers, as well as other interested partives ~~in the employment, social and working conditions fields among key Union and national policy-makers, as well as other interested parties~~, to increase employment and safeguard social and labour rights, while always keeping sight of the objective of gender equality and gender mainstreaming, in order to bring about concrete and coordinated actions at both Union and Member State level;

Amendment 29 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) In line with the Europe 2020 Strategy, the Programme should pursue a coherent approach to promoting employment and combating social exclusion and poverty. Its implementation should be rationalised and simplified, notably through a set of common provisions including, inter alia, general objectives, typology of actions, monitoring and evaluation arrangements. The Programme should also ~~focus on large projects with clear EU added value in order to reach critical mass and~~ reduce administrative burden for ~~both~~ the beneficiaries ~~and the Commission~~. In addition, greater use should be made of simplified cost options (lump-sum and flat- rate financing) in particular for the implementation of mobility schemes. The Programme should be a one-stop shop for microfinance providers, providing financing for micro-credit, capacity building and technical assistance. Lastly, the Programme should provide for budgetary flexibility through the establishment of a reserve to be allocated on an annual basis in order to respond to policy priorities.

Amendment 29 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) Support the development of adequate, flexible, accessible and efficient social protection systems and labour markets and facilitate policy reform, by promoting good governance, mutual learning and social innovation;

Amendment 30 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6

(6) The Union should equip itself with a sound analytical basis to support policy- making in the employment and social area. Such an evidence base adds value to national action by providing a Union dimension and comparison for data- gathering and the development of statistical tools and methods and common indicators with a view to composing a full picture of the situation in the fields of employment, social policy and working conditions across the Union and ensuring high-quality evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of programmes and policies. In particular, better understanding of the territorial dimension of socio-economic disadvantage could substantially add value to the efforts to develop more sustainable and integrated approaches to tackling it.

Amendment 30 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) ~~Promot~~Guarantee workers~~’ geographical mobility and boost employment opportunities by developing Union labour markets that are open and~~ the possibility of voluntary mobility not imposed by unemployment or other social problems, and boost employment opportunities, improving social and labour rights and making them accessible to all;

Amendment 31 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7

(7) The Union is uniquely placed to provide a Union platform for policy exchanges and mutual-learning between the Member States by encouraging examples of good practice in the employment and social areas. Knowledge of policies applied in other countries and of their results broadens the range of options available to policy-makers, triggers new policy developments and encourages national reform.

Amendment 31 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a

(a) Promote equality between women and men ~~and combat discrimination based on sex,~~. To this end, the objectives outlined in the European Strategy for Gender Equality 2010-2015 shall be applied, particularly with regard to promoting women’s economic independence by encouraging self-employment and the creation by women of businesses; possibilities for reconciliation shall be encouraged and particular emphasis placed on equality in decision making on political and business-related economic issues. These are useful and specific ways in which to counter gender discrimination and should be accompanied by measures to combat discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation;

Amendment 32 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)

(8a) Action should also be taken to promote investment in healthcare and social facilities with a view to not merely reducing inequalities and discrimination but also fostering growth, wellbeing and development at national, regional and local level;

Amendment 32 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a

(a) Promote equality between women and men, reconciling professional, family and private life, and combat discrimination based on sex, ~~racial or~~ ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation;

Amendment 33 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9

(9) Civil society organisations ~~active at various levels c~~, including social partners, play a key role in promoting quality employment and combating social exclusion and p~~lay an important role in meeting~~overty, as well as in fighting unemployment, and should be closely associated in all actions designed to meet the objectives of the Programme. Civil society organisations active at various levels should be fully involved in order to achieve the objectives of the Programme~~, by~~. Therefore, they should participat~~ing~~e in the ~~policy- making process and contributing to social innovation~~development, monitoring, evaluation, field testing, dissemination and mutual learning of new policies. High-quality partnerships should be forged at all levels. The partnership principle should be strengthened and extended as the guiding principle for all sections of the Programme.

Amendment 33 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a

(a) Promote equality between women and men and combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. In order to efficiently tackle poverty within the Union and specifically among the most vulnerable, such as women, and particularly specific categories of women, integrated actions should be promoted. To this end, the phenomenon of poverty should be challenged by promoting inventive measures at all levels, investment in social infrastructures and enhanced exchange of good practices;

Amendment 34 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9

(9) Civil society organisations active at various levels can play an important role in meeting the objectives of the Programme, by participating in the policy-making process and contributing to social innovation. In this connection, ongoing dialogue should be promoted between national, regional and local authorities, civil society representatives and social partners with a view to ensuring the effective introduction of integrated actions.

Amendment 34 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Funding for programmes and activities that promote women's rights and gender equality is key to ensuring that the Union programmes reflect the Union's Treaty commitments to equality between women and men, hence the Union, the Commission and Member States should make sure that gender budgeting, gender analyses and gender impact are thoroughly taken into consideration in all phases of the process, including projects, definition, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

Amendment 35 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

(11) In accordance with Articles 45 and 46 of the Treaty, Regulation (EU) No 492/2011 lays down provisions intended to achieve freedom of movement for workers by ensuring close cooperation between the Member States and with the Commission. EURES should promote better functioning of the labour markets by actively identifying job opportunities, facilitating transnational geographical mobility of workers, particularly of young workers, providing greater transparency on the labour market, ensuring the clearance of vacancies and applications for employment and supporting activities in the areas of recruitment, advice and guidance services at national and cross- border level, thereby contributing to the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy.

Amendment 35 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4

Amendment 36 #

Iosif MATULA

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

(11) In accordance with Articles 45 and 46 of the Treaty, Regulation (EU) No 492/2011 lays down provisions intended to achieve freedom of movement for workers by ensuring close cooperation between the Member States and with the Commission. EURES should promote better functioning of the labour markets by facilitating transnational geographical mobility of workers, providing greater transparency on the labour market, ensuring the clearance of vacancies and applications for employment and supporting activities in the areas of recruitment, advice and guidance services at national and cross-border level, thereby contributing to the implementation of flexicurity policies and the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy.

Amendment 36 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, shall ensure that activities carried out under the Programme are consistent with, and complementary to other Union action, in particular under the European Social Fund (ESF) and in such areas as social dialogue, justice and fundamental rights, education, vocational training and youth policy, research and innovation, entrepreneurship, health, enlargement and external relations, and general economic policy. Bearing in mind the important role of social and employment policies in promoting gender equality, the Commission and the Member States should also ensure that the Programme's activities conform to the Union's gender equality policies.

Amendment 37 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14

(14) Lack of access to credit is one of the main obstacles to business creation, especially among people furthest from the labour market. Union and national efforts in this area need to be stepped up, in particular by making administrative formalities more flexible, in order to increase the supply of microfinance and meet demand from those who need it most, and in particular unemployed and vulnerable people who wish to start up or develop a micro-enterprise, including on a self-employed basis, but do not have access to credit. As a first step, in 2010 the European Parliament and the Council set up the Facility. The Commission should also ensure that regions affected by permanent constraints and regions seriously affected by the crisis have greater access to European funds, thus enabling them to act as levers for growth, reducing their constraints.

Amendment 37 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1

Amendment 38 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14

(14) Lack of access to credit is one of the main obstacles to business creation, especially among people furthest from the labour market. Union and national efforts in this area need to be stepped up in order to increase the supply of microfinance and meet demand from those who need it most, and in particular unemployed and vulnerable people who wish to start up or develop a micro-enterprise, including on a self-employed basis, but do not have access to credit. Similarly, small undertakings and micro-enterprises make up the majority of newly-formed companies in the European Union and microcredits could be the most rapid means of obtaining added value and concrete results. As a first step, in 2010 the European Parliament and the Council set up the Facility.

Amendment 38 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1

Amendment 39 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17

(17) In order to capitalise on the experience of international financial institutions, and in particular the European Investment Bank Group, action involving microfinance and social entrepreneurship should be implemented by the Commission indirectly by entrusting budget implementations tasks to financial institutions in accordance with the financial regulation. Using Union resources concentrates leverage from international financial institutions and other investors, unifies approaches and thus improves access to finance ~~for micro- enterprises, including~~ and the dissemination of microfinance to groups that are particularly "at-risk" and young people. It further s~~elf-employed and social enterprise~~upports the development of entrepreneurship, the social economy and micro-enterprises which have no or insufficient credit standing and no or insufficient capital resources and therefore no access to credits. The Union contribution thus assists in the development of the emerging social business sector and the microfinance market in the Union and encourages cross- border activities.

Amendment 39 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1

With a view to regular monitoring of the Programme and making any adjustments needed to its policy and funding priorities, the Commission shall draw up biennial monitoring reports and send them to the European Parliament and the Council. Such reports shall cover the Programme's results and the extent to which ~~gender equality~~the principles of gender equality and gender mainstreaming have been respected and anti-discrimination considerations, including accessibility issues, have been addressed ~~through its activities~~in all the Programme’s axes and activities. Wherever possible, data shall be gender-aggregated.

Amendment 40 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 a (new)

(17a) In line with the Europe 2020 strategy, the Programme should tackle the problem of youth unemployment. Despite some positive signs of recovery in 2009, employment growth was too weak to produce a steady reduction in high unemployment rates. Average periods of unemployment have lengthened, and youth unemployment figures have risen in many Member States, reaching more than 40 % in some of them. Although the situation in Member States differs considerably, the average youth unemployment rate in the Union is more than twice as high as the adult unemployment rate. Moreover, there are large regional disparities. Especially in rural areas, youth unemployment is rising. Young people aged under 25 should be given a future and the perspective to play a key role in contributing to society and the economy in Europe, which is of particular importance in this time of crisis.

Amendment 40 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) Develop and disseminate high-quality comparative analytical knowledge which is properly designed to also measure the impact of horizontal policies, such as the promotion of gender equality, in order to ensure that Union employment and social policy and working conditions legislation are based on sound evidence and are relevant to needs, challenges and conditions in the individual Member States and the other participating countries;

Amendment 41 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 b (new)

(17b) Tackling youth unemployment and the precariousness of youth employment would not only reduce social costs but also promote social inclusion. Therefore, the Programme should put a special focus on youth employment, by introducing a Youth Initiative axis, which aims to improve the transition from education to decent work as well as working conditions of young people and reduce early school leaving.

Amendment 41 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) Provide social partners and civil society organisations at Union and national level with financial support for gender equality-related projects and research in the field of employment and social inclusion.

Amendment 42 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 c (new)

(17c) The microfinance facility should have a long-lasting impact, reaching potential beneficiaries and serving as a proactive element for both economic and local development policies. The actions involving microfinance and social entrepreneurship should be accompanied by mentoring and training programmes in order to maximise the chances of creating viable micro-enterprises. For this purpose a fixed part of the budget needs to be assigned to such measures.

Amendment 42 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point c

(c) Specialist bodies provided for under Union law, with particular focus on sectoral agencies linked to youth, training or gender equality issues, such as the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work or the European Institute for Gender Equality;

Amendment 43 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 d (new)

(17d) The Commission and the Member States should take a rights-based approach to training and employment. The qualitative aspect of decent work for young people, including remuneration for internships and apprenticeships should not be compromised, and the core labour standards and other standards related to the quality of work, such as working time, wage, social security, and occupational health and safety, should be central considerations in the efforts that are made.

Amendment 43 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee. That committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. The composition of the committee shall reflect gender balance.

Amendment 44 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 e (new)

(17e) Actions under the Programme should help the Member States to create efficient incentives, such as employment subsidies or insurance contributions for young people, for the creation of guaranteed decent living and working conditions. Such incentives should encourage public and private employers to hire and train young people, to invest both in quality job creation for young people and in continuous training and upgrading of their skills during employment, and to support entrepreneurship as choice among youth. The Programme should also point to the special role and importance of small enterprises regarding training, expertise and traditional know- how and ensure that young people have access to microfinance. The Programme should facilitate the exchange of best practices between the Member States in all these areas.

Amendment 45 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 f (new)

(17f) Actions under the Programme should help the Member States and labour market actors to implement the Youth Guarantee ensuring that young people are either in a job, education or (re-)training within four months of leaving school, especially in the case of early leavers of education and training and other vulnerable youth. The Programme should facilitate the exchange of best practices between the Member States in this area.

Amendment 46 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18

(18) Pursuant to Articles 8 ~~and 10~~ of the Treaty, the Programme should ~~support the mainstreaming of gender equality and anti-discrimination objectives in all its activities~~ensure that the implementation of its priorities contributes to the promotion of equality between women and men. Evaluations have shown the importance of taking gender into account in all aspects of the Programme, ensuring in particular that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality. Regular monitoring and evaluation should be carried out to assess the way in which gender equality ~~and anti- discrimination~~ issues are addressed in the Programme's activities.

Amendment 47 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 a (new)

(18a) Pursuant to Article 10 of the Treaty, the Programme should ensure that the implementation of its priorities contributes to combating discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation and fulfils the obligation under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities with regard inter alia to education, work and employment and accessibility. The Programme should contribute to Union strategies implementing these principles. Regular monitoring and evaluation should be carried out to assess the way in which anti-discrimination issues are addressed in the Programme's activities.

Amendment 48 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 b (new)

(18b) Pursuant to Article 3 of the Treaty and the Article 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the Programme shall ensure the protection of children's rights.

Amendment 49 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19

(19) Pursuant to Article 9 of the Treaty, the Programme should ensure that the requirements linked to the promotion of a high-level of quality employment, a guarantee of adequate social protection and the fight against social exclusion are taken into account in defining and implementing the Union's policies and activities.

Amendment 50 #

Iosif MATULA

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19

(19) Pursuant to Article 9 of the Treaty, the Programme should ensure that the requirements linked to the promotion of a high-level of employment, a guarantee of adequate social protection and the fight against social exclusion are taken into account in defining and implementing the Union’s policies and activities; local and regional authorities should promote institutions devoted to research and industry and encourage and support investment by industrial undertakings in research and development.

Amendment 51 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21

(21) Since the objectives of this Regulation cannot be sufficiently achieved at Member State level and can therefore, by reason of their scale and effects, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article and taking account of the institutional structure of the Member States and regions, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve those objectives.

Amendment 52 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21

(21) Since the objectives of this Regulation cannot be sufficiently achieved atby all Member States, in particular at regional level, and can therefore, by reason of their scale and effects, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve those objectives.

Amendment 53 #

Iosif MATULA

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25 a (new)

(25a) The competent authorities should offer financial incentives to employers providing training for under-qualified staff and thereby assisting their labour market entry.

Amendment 54 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1

1. This Regulation establishes a European Union Programme for Social ~~Change~~Progress, Solidarity, Employment and Innovation (hereinafter ‘'the Programme’') which aims to contribute to the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy, its headline targets ~~and Integrated Guidelines~~, flagship initiatives, Integrated Guidelines and the Youth Opportunities Initiative by providing financial support for the European Union's objectives in terms of promoting a high level of high-quality employment, guaranteeing adequate and decent social protection, combating social exclusion and poverty ~~and~~, improving working conditions and the employment and educational situations of young people.

Amendment 55 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) ‘'Social enterprise’' means an ~~enterprise~~operator in the social economy whose primary ~~objective~~goal is to achieve social ~~impact~~objectives rather than generateing profit for its owners, members and s~~tak~~hareholders. It operates in the market through the production of goods and services in an entrepreneurial and innovative way, and ~~uses surpluses mainly~~mainly reinvests profits to achieve its social ~~goal~~objectives. It is managed in an accountable and transparent way, in particular by involving workers, customers and stakeholders affected by its ~~business~~ activity.

Amendment 56 #

Wojciech Michał OLEJNICZAK

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) ‘Social enterprise’ means an enterprise whose primary objective is to achieve social ~~impact~~objectives rather than aim at generateing profit for ~~own~~its owners, members and stakeholders. It operates in the market through the production of goods and services in an entrepreneurial and innovative way, and ~~use~~reinvests surpluses ~~mainly to achieve~~to further promote its social ~~goal~~aims. It is managed in an accountable and transparent way, in particular by involving workers, customers and stakeholders affected by its business activity.

Amendment 57 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) ‘Social enterprise’ means an enterprise whose primary objective is to achieve a positive social impact rather than generate profit for owners and stakeholders. It operates in the market through the production of goods and services in an entrepreneurial and innovative way, and uses surpluses mainly to achieve ~~social goal~~appropriate social goals, in particular in the context of local needs. It is managed in an accountable and transparent way, in particular by involving workers, customers and stakeholders affected by its business activity.

Amendment 58 #

Jens NILSSON

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) ‘'Social enterprise’' means an enterprise whose primary objective is to achieve social impact rather than generate profit for owners and stakeholders. It operates in the market producing social benefit for the community, through the production of goods and services of general interest and the organisation of the production process in a democratic and participatory way, involving internal stakeholders and the community itself. It operates in the market in an entrepreneurial and innovative way, and uses surpluses mainly to achieve social goals. It is managed in an accountable and transparent way~~, in particular by involving workers, customers and stakeholders affected by its business activity~~.

Amendment 59 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) ‘'Microfinance’' includes guarantees, counter-guarantees, microcredit, equity and quasi-equity extended to persons and micro-enterprises which have no or insufficient credit standing and have no or insufficient capital resources and therefore no access to credit.

Amendment 60 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. The Programme shall be made up of the following ~~three~~four complementarity axes:

Amendment 61 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) The Progress axis, which shall support the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Union policy in the fields of employment ~~and~~, social p~~olicy and legislation on working conditions~~rotection, social inclusion, working conditions legislation and combating poverty and shall promote evidence-based policy-making and ~~innovation~~social progress, in partnership with the social partners, civil society organisations, local and regional authorities and other interested parties;

Amendment 62 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) The Progress axis, which shall support the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Union employment and social policy and legislation on working conditions and shall promote evidence-based policy-making and innovation, in partnership with local and regional governments, the social partners, civil society organisations and other interested parties;

Amendment 63 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) The Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship axis, which shall ~~facilitate access to finance for entrepreneurs, especially those furthest from the labour market, and social enterprises~~help increase the access to, and the availability of, microfinance for persons who have lost or are at risk of losing their jobs, or who have difficulties entering or re- entering the labour market, as well as for persons who are facing the threat of social exclusion or vulnerable persons who are in a disadvantaged position with regard to access to the conventional credit market, and for micro-enterprises which employ those persons, as well as enterprises in the social economy.

Amendment 64 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) The Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship axis, which shall facilitate access to finance for entrepreneurs, especially those furthest from the labour market, and social enterprises, paying particular attention to the specific needs of the outermost regions and the most remote regions.

Amendment 65 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) The Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship axis, which shall facilitate access to finance for entrepreneurs, especially those furthest from the labour market, young people and social enterprises.

Amendment 66 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(ca) The Youth Initiative axis, which shall improve the employment and educational situation of young people, in particular those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Amendment 67 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2

2. The common provisions laid down in Articles 1 to 14 shall apply to all ~~three~~four axes set out in points (a), (b), (c) and (ca) of paragraph 1, to each of which specific provisions shall also apply.

Amendment 68 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) Strengthen ownership of the Union objectives in the employment, social and working conditions fields among key Union ~~and~~, national, regional and local policy- makers, as well as other interested parties in order to bring about concrete and coordinated actions at both Union and Member State level;

Amendment 69 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) Strengthen ownership of the Union objectives in the employment, social and working conditions fields among key Union and national policy-makers, as well as other interested parties in order to bring about concrete and coordinated actions at both Union and Member State level, thereby boosting public and comprehensive stakeholder confidence;

Amendment 70 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) Support the development of adequate, decent, accessible and efficient social protection systems and labour markets ~~and facilitate policy reform, by promoting~~in order to ensure social inclusion and a high level of high-quality employment and facilitate policy reform where necessary, by promoting participation of all relevant stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations and vulnerable people such as those experiencing poverty and social exclusion, disabled people, migrants and ethnic minorities, as well as good governance, mutual learning and social innovation;

Amendment 71 #

Wojciech Michał OLEJNICZAK

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) Mo~~dernise Union law in line with the Smart Regulation principles and ensure that~~nitor the progress on the social objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy and Union policies as well as Union law on matters relating to working conditions ~~is effectively applied~~;

Amendment 72 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) Promote workers’ geographical mobility and boost employment opportunities by developing Union labour markets that are open and accessible to all, as well as provide the necessary retraining opportunities for workers in branches and sectors affected by restructuring and mass redundancies resulting in particular from the negative effects of globalisation;

Amendment 73 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) Promote workers’ geographical mobility and boost employment opportunities by developing Union labour markets that are open and accessible to all, with particular attention being paid to young people facing serious difficulties in finding a job opportunity;

Amendment 74 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)

(ea) Combat poverty and social exclusion by supporting the activities of civil society organisations, social partners, social enterprises and social economy organisations, and public bodies.

Amendment 75 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)

(eb) Ensure a good transition from education to decent employment, prevent early-school leaving and promote the quality of traineeships and apprenticeships.

Amendment 76 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a

(a) Promote equality between women and men ~~and~~by gender mainstreaming, implementing positive action to promote gender equality, combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation and fulfil the obligation under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities with regard inter alia to education, work and employment and accessibility;

Amendment 77 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 a (new)

Article 4a Partnership principle To ensure that the Programme meets the needs and requirements of beneficiaries and in order to promote good governance, mutual learning and social innovation, the Commission and the Member States shall apply the partnership principle throughout the lifecycle and at all levels of the Programme. To that end, the Commission and the Member States shall ensure that civil society organisations, including social partners, which represent the target groups of the Programme, and local and regional authorities are involved in strategic decisions and the development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and dissemination of the Programme's axes. Sufficient financial resources shall be allocated to ensuring the effective application of the partnership principle, as well as to the capacity- and competence-building activities of the social partners and of civil society organisations, including at local and regional level, which represent the Programme's target groups.

Amendment 78 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a

(a) 60 % to the Progress axis, of which at least 1750 % shall be allocated to ~~promoting social experimentation as a method for testing and evaluating innovative solutions with a view to scaling them up~~social protection, social inclusion and the reduction and prevention of poverty;

Amendment 79 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a

(a) 560% to the Progress axis, of which at least 1750% shall be allocated to ~~promoting social experimentation as a method for testing and evaluating innovative solutions with a view~~social protection, social inclusion and the reduction and prevention of poverty, at least 10% to fighting youth unemployment and at least 25% to promoting social policy experimentation; funding shall be made available to scmal~~ing them up~~l, medium-sized and large projects;

Amendment 80 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a

(a) 60% to the Progress axis, of which at least 175% shall be allocated to promoting social experimentation as a method for testing and evaluating innovative solutions with a view to scaling them up, and 15% to youth employment policies;

Amendment 81 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b

(b) 1520% to the EURES axis, of which at least 40% shall be allocated to targeted mobility schemes, at least 20% to cross- border partnerships, and at least 15% to the training and qualification of EURES personnel;

Amendment 82 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b

(b) 159% to the EURES axis, of which at least 40% shall be allocated to targeted mobility schemes, at least 20% to cross- border partnerships and at least 15% to the training and qualification of EURES personnel;

Amendment 83 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c

Amendment 84 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c

(c) 20% to the Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship axis, of which at least 45% shall be allocated to microfinancing and at least 45% to social entrepreneurship.

Amendment 85 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)

25 % of the budget for this Programme shall be allocated to promoting social policy experimentation and at least another 10 % shall be allocated to fighting youth unemployment and exclusion; funding shall be made available to small, medium-sized and large projects alike;

Amendment 86 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. In addition to the financial appropriations mentioned in paragraph 1, funding shall be provided for the Youth Initiative axis set out in point (ca) of Article 3(1). Over the Programme period, from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020, financial appropriations dedicated to this axis shall amount to [EUR XXX] million.

Amendment 87 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3

3. ~~The Commission may make use of the appropriations~~A maximum of 2 % of the financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1 ~~to finance technical and/or administrative assistance, in particular relating to auditing, outsourcing of translation, meetings of experts, and information and~~shall be attributed to the implementation of the Programme to cover, for example, the expenditure related to technical and/or administrative assistance, translation, tenders, expert meetings, communication ~~activities~~ for the mutual benefit of the Commission and the beneficiaries.

Amendment 88 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point d a (new)

(da) Monitoring the impact of policies implemented with regard to the most vulnerable groups;

Amendment 89 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point d b (new)

(db) Monitoring of the impact of implemented policies with regards to improving working conditions;

Amendment 90 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c

Amendment 91 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b

(b) Capacity-building of regional, local and national administrations and specialist services responsible for promoting geographical mobility designated by the Member States and microcredit providers,

Amendment 92 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b

(b) Capacity-building of national and regional administrations, ands well as specialist services responsible for promoting geographical mobility designated by the Member States and microcredit providers,;

Amendment 93 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b a (new)

(ba) Capacity-building of social partner organisations, Non-Governmental Organizations and actors of the social economy;

Amendment 94 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c

Amendment 95 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c

Amendment 96 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point d

(d) Networking and cooperation among specialist bodies, national, regional and local authorities, civil society and social partner organisations and employment services at European level;

Amendment 97 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point f

(f) Exchange of personnel between regional, local and national administrations.

Amendment 98 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 4

4. Actions to promote, as a choice, the mobility of individuals in the Union~~, in particular the development of a~~ and to remove obstacles to mobility for citizens deciding to move: (a) Information and counselling of jobseekers, mobile workers, cross-border workers as well as organisations representing their interests, and employers; training for those administering cross-border benefits; (b) Advancement of the multilingual digital platform for the clearance of job vacancies and applications, and targeted mobility schemes to fill vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified and/or to help specific groups of workers such as young people.

Amendment 99 #

Alain CADEC

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Amendment 100 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 5

5. Support to microfinance and social enterprises, and support to persons who have no or insufficient credit standing and have no or insufficient capital resources and therefore no access to credit, in particular through the financial instruments provided for under Title VIII of Part one of Regulation XXX/2012 [New Financial Regulation] on the financial rules applicable to the annual budget of the Union, and grants.

Amendment 101 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7

Actions eligible under the Programme may be implemented jointly with other Union instruments, in particular financial instruments, provided that such actions meet the objectives of both the Programme and the other instruments concerned. In this connection, due account shall be taken of synergies with the EU Structural Funds, with specific reference to the complementarity between the Programme and the European Social Fund, in particular with a view to achieving the goal of inclusive growth and eradicating poverty.

Amendment 102 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, in accordance with the partnership principle, shall ensure that activities carried out under the Programme are consistent with, and complementary to other Union action, in particular under the European Social Fund (ESF) and in such areas as social dialogue, justice and fundamental rights, equal opportunities, education, vocational training, children's rights and well-being, and youth policy, migration policy, research and innovation, entrepreneurship, health, working conditions, enlargement and external relations, and general economic policy.

Amendment 103 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2

2. The activities supported by the Programme shall comply with Union and national law, including state aid rules, and ILO Conventions.

Amendment 104 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. The actions implemented shall further comply with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Amendment 105 #

Alain CADEC

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1

1. The results of the actions implemented under the Programme shall be suitably communicated and disseminated to all stakeholders in order to maximise their impact, sustainability and Union added value.

Amendment 106 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1

1. A mid-term evaluation of the Programme in cooperation with the Strategic Advisory Board referred to in Article 26d shall be carried out by the end of 2017 to measure progress made in meeting its objectives, to determine whether its resources have been used efficiently and to assess its Union added value. The Strategic Advisory Board referred to in Article 26d shall be involved in the whole evaluation process.

Amendment 107 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article -1 (new)

Article -1 Thematic Sections The pluriannual working programme of the Progress axis should support actions in one or more of the following thematic sections: (a) Employment; (b) Social protection, social inclusion and the reduction and prevention of poverty; (c) Working conditions and health and safety at work; Moreover, it should include the following horizontal priorities : (a) Social policy experimentation; (b) Fighting youth unemployment and exclusion; (c) Promoting equal opportunity between women and men; (d) Combating discrimination based on gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation and fulfilling the obligation under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; (e) Protecting children's rights and well- being.

Amendment 108 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

In addition to the general objectives set out in Article 4, the specific objectives of the Progress axis shall be to support the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy, the European Platform Against Poverty and other relevant Flagship Initiatives and engagement in the reinforced social Open Method of Coordination ("OMC"). The specific objectives shall:

Amendment 109 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) Develop and disseminate high-quality comparative analytical knowledge in order to ensure that Union ~~employment and social policy and working conditions legislation~~policy in the fields of employment, working conditions, social protection, social inclusion and combating discrimination and multiple discrimination, poverty and housing exclusion, youth unemployment and youth poverty, poverty amongst migrants and ethnic minorities, child poverty and energy poverty, as well as legislation in those areas are based on sound evidence and are relevant to ~~needs,~~people's needs, social challenges and social conditions in the individual Member States and the other participating countries;

Amendment 110 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) Facilitate effective and inclusive information-sharing, mutual learning and dialogue ~~on Union employment and social policy and working conditions legislation~~, within the framework of the European Employment Strategy and the Open Method of Coordination ("OMC") in the field of social protection and inclusion and by networking amongst specialised bodies, including the social partners and civil society organisations, on Union policy in the fields of employment, social protection, social inclusion, working conditions legislation, combating discrimination and multiple discrimination, combating poverty and housing exclusion, protecting children's rights and well-being, combating youth unemployment and youth poverty, helping the integration of migrants and the improvement of the situation of asylum- seekers at Union, national and international level in order to assist the Member States and the other participating countries in developing their policies and in implementing Union law;

Amendment 111 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) Facilitate effective and inclusive information-sharing, mutual learning and dialogue on Union employment and social policy and working conditions legislation at Union, national, regional, local, and international level in order to assist the Member States and the other participating countries in developing their policies and in implementing Union law;

Amendment 112 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) Facilitate effective and inclusive information-sharing, mutual learning and dialogue on Union employment and social policy and working conditions legislation at Union, national, regional and international level in order to assist the Member States and the other participating countries in developing their policies and in implementing Union law;

Amendment 113 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point b

b. Facilitate effective and inclusive information-sharing, mutual learning and dialogue on Union employment and social policy and working conditions legislation at Union, national, regional and international level in order to assist the Member States and the other participating countries in developing their policies and in implementing Union law;

Amendment 114 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

(ba) Support for active engagement of all relevant actors in the follow up of Union priorities that have already been agreed, such as active inclusion, combating discrimination and multiple discrimination, homelessness and housing exclusion, child poverty, energy poverty, youth poverty and unemployment, and poverty amongst migrants, improving the situation of asylum seekers and ethnic minorities, implementing the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020, implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Joint Action on Mental Health and Joint Action on Health Inequalities.

Amendment 115 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point b b (new)

(bb) Fostering the prevention culture in the field of health and safety at work and promotion of both mental and physical health within a work setting.

Amendment 116 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) Provide Union ~~and~~ national, regional and local organisations with financial support to step up their capacity to develop, promote and support the implementation of Union employment and social policy and working conditions legislation.

Amendment 117 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) Provide Unational and ~~nat~~regional organisations in the Union with financial support to step up their capacity to develop, promote and support the implementation of Union employment and social policy and working conditions legislation.

Amendment 118 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point e

(e) Non-governmental organisations, ~~and in particular~~including those organised at national level and those organised at Union level;

Amendment 119 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article -1 (new)

Article -1 Thematic sections The EURES axis shall include actions in the following fields: (a) Information services, counselling and job-matching for mobile workers and employers; (b) Targeted mobility schemes; (c) Transnational, sectoral and cross- border cooperation; (d) Evaluation of activities and placements, as a cross-cutting section; (e) "Your first EURES-job" for young job-seekers.

Amendment 120 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) Ensure that job vacancies and applications, and any related information are transparent for the potential applicants and the employers; this shall be achieved through the identification and ongoing compilation of new job opportunities at European level in the public or private sector, promoting their exchange and dissemination at transnational, interregional and cross- border level using standard interoperability forms; the EURES network should become the true European portal for citizens' geographical mobility;

Amendment 121 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) Ensure that job vacancies and applications, and any related information are transparent for the potential applicants and the employers, and provide mentoring to empower people, especially the low skilled; this shall be achieved through their exchange and dissemination at transnational, interregional and cross- border level using standard interoperability forms;

Amendment 122 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) Develop services for the recruitment and placing of workers in employment through the clearance of job vacancies and applications at European level; this shall cover all phases of placement, ranging from pre-recruitment preparation to post- placement assistance with a view to the applicant’s successful integration into the labour market; such services shall include targeted mobility schemes to fill vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified and/or help particular groups of workers such as young people, including minors (though only to a very limited extent).

Amendment 123 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

(ba) Develop a targeted job mobility scheme for transnational recruitment and job placements in order to help young people find a job in another Member State (the action "Your first EURES job") through the clearance of job vacancies and applications at Union level; this shall cover all phases of placement, ranging from pre-recruitment preparation to post- placement assistance with a view to the applicant's successful integration into the labour market;

Amendment 124 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – introductory part

1. Increase access to, and the availability of, microfinance, while cutting administrative bureaucracy, for:

Amendment 125 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a

(a) persons who have lost or are at risk of losing their jobs, or who have difficulty in entering or re-entering the labour market, ~~persons~~as well as persons who are at risk of social exclusion and vulnerable persons who are in a disadvantaged position with regard to access to the conventional credit market and who wish to start up or develop their own micro-enterprises, including self- employment, without any discrimination regarding age;

Amendment 126 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a

(a) persons who have lost ~~or are at risk of losing~~ their jobs, or who have difficulty in entering or re- entering the labour market, young people, persons at risk of social exclusion and vulnerable persons who are in a disadvantaged position with regard to access to the conventional credit market and who wish to start up or develop their own micro-enterprises;

Amendment 127 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b

(b) micro-enterprises, especially ~~those~~in the social economy, as well as micro- enterprises which employ persons as referred to in point (a);

Amendment 128 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

1a. In order to ensure complementarity, these actions will be closely coordinated with those undertaken in the framework of cohesion policy.

Amendment 129 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2

2. To reach out to the final beneficiaries and create ~~competitive,~~ viable micro- enterprises, public and private bodies that carry out activities as referred to in paragraph 1(a) shall cooperate closely with organisations, including civil society organisations, representing the interests of the final beneficiaries of microcredit and with organisations, in particular those supported by the ESF, which provide mentoring and training programmes to such final beneficiaries.

Amendment 130 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 3

3. Public and private bodies that carry out activities as referred to in paragraph 1(a) shall adhere to high standards concerning governance, management and customer protection in line with the principles of the European Code of Good Conduct for Microcredit Provision and shall seek to prevent persons and undertakings from becoming over-indebted, aiming instead at earning a decent income from the activity.

Amendment 131 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 a (new)

Article 26 a Thematic sections The Youth Initiative axis for people aged under 25 years shall include actions in following fields: (a) Preventing early-school leaving especially through reintegration into training, (b) Developing skills that are relevant to the labour market in order to bring together more closely worlds of employment, education and training, (c) Supporting a first work experience and on-the-job training in order to offer the opportunity to young people to acquire both the relevant skills and work experience, (d) Access to the labour market: getting a (first) job;

Amendment 132 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 b (new)

Article 26 b Specific objectives In addition to the general objectives set out in Article 4, the specific objectives of the Youth Initiative axis shall be to: (a) Support the creation of specific innovative programmes in order to fight youth unemployment and promote the transition of young people from education to decent work, in particular those in deprived areas and regions with exceptionally high youth unemployment; in this context special attention shall be paid to young people with fewer opportunities, including young women, young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) and young people from ethnic minorities, who might all face multiple discrimination; (b) Support the exchange of best practice and mutual learning in the field of fighting youth unemployment, including the possibility of introducing a youth guarantee which would offer every young person in Europe a job, further education or work-focused training at the latest four months after leaving education or after becoming unemployed; improving the quality of traineeships and apprenticeships and reducing early school leaving; (c) Provide policy-makers with financial support to test social and labour market policy approaches designed to fight youth unemployment, to promote the transition of young people from education to decent employment, improve the quality of traineeships and apprenticeships, reduce early school leaving and make the relevant knowledge and expertise accessible; (d) Provide Union, national and regional organisations with financial support to step up their capacity to develop, promote and support activities in order to fight youth unemployment, to promote the transition of young people from education to decent employment, improve the quality of traineeships and apprenticeships, reduce early school leaving and make the relevant knowledge and expertise accessible.

Amendment 133 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 c (new)

Article 26 c Participation 1. Participation in the Youth Initiative axis shall be open to the following countries: (a) Member States; (b) EFTA and EEA member countries, in accordance with the EEA Agreement; (c) Candidate countries and potential candidate countries, in accordance with the general principles and the general terms and conditions laid down in the framework agreements concluded with them on their participation in Union programmes. 2. The Youth Initiative axis shall be open to all public and/or private bodies, actors and institutions, and in particular: (a) National, regional and local authorities; (b) Public employment services; (c) The social partners; (d) Youth organisations and other non- governmental organisations at all political levels; (e) Higher education institutions and research institutes; (f) Experts in evaluation and in impact assessment; 3. For the purpose of the implementation of the Youth Initiative axis, the Commission shall establish cooperation with the Union Agencies referred to in Article 16(2a). The Commission may also establish cooperation with international organisations referred to in Article 16(3) and with third countries not participating in the Programme as provided for in Article 16(4).

Amendment 134 #

Proposal for a regulation
Chapter 3 a (new)

Youth Initiative Axis

source: PE-488.021

2012/04/16 ITRE 36 amendments...

Amendment 12 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) The European Platform against Poverty and Social Exclusion and the Innovation Union flagship initiatives identify social innovation as a powerful tool for addressing the social challenges arising from population ageing, poverty, unemployment, new work patterns and life styles, and citizens' expectations regarding social justice, education and health care. The Programme should support action to step up social innovation in policy areas falling within its scope in the public, private and third sectors, taking due account of the role of regional and local authorities. In particular, it should help identify, ~~evaluat~~analyse and scale up innovative solutions and practice through social experimentation to assist the Member States more effectively in reforming their labour markets, enterprise policy and social protection policies. It should also act as a catalyst for transnational partnerships and networking between public, private and third-sector actors as well as supporting their involvement in designing and implementing new approaches to tackling pressing social needs and challenges.

Amendment 13 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)

(5a) It is necessary to consolidate the social dimensions of the single market. Given the need to enhance confidence in the single market and the free movement of services through respect for workers’ rights, it is necessary to ensure equal status for the right of both workers and entrepreneurs to freedom of movement throughout the territory of the European Union.

Amendment 14 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8

(8) ~~Ensuring that minimum standards are in place and that working conditions improve constantly~~Strong health and safety policies for workers in the Union is a central feature of Union social policy. The Union has an important role to play both in ensuring that the legislative framework is adapted, in line with ‘Smart Regulation’ principles, to evolving work patterns and new health and safety risks ~~and in financing measures to improve compliance with Union rules on the protection of workers' rights~~.

Amendment 15 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)

(8a) Improving compliance with Union rules on the protection of workers' rights will help solve the problem of unfair competition evident in some markets for services and help fight the phenomenon of mail box companies within the Union.

Amendment 16 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

(11) In accordance with Articles 45 and 46 of the Treaty, Regulation (EU) No 492/2011 lays down provisions intended to achieve freedom of movement for workers by ensuring close cooperation between the Member States and with the Commission. EURES should promote better functioning ~~of th~~and more flexible labour markets by facilitating transnational geographical mobility of workers, providing greater transparency on the labour market, ensuring the clearance of vacancies and applications for employment and supporting activities in the areas of recruitment, advice and guidance services at national and cross-border level, thereby contributing to the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy.

Amendment 17 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

(12) EURES' scope should be widened to develop and support targeted mobility schemes at Union level with a view to filling vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified. In the light of high youth unemployment and in accordance with Article 47 of the Treaty, the scheme should especially facilitate mobility among young workers in the Union.

Amendment 18 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14

(14) Lack of access to credit is one of the main obstacles to business creation, especially among people furthest from the labour market. Union and national efforts in this area need to be stepped up in order to increase the supply of microfinance and meet demand from those who need it most, and in particular unemployed and vulnerable people who wish to start up or develop a micro-enterprise, including on a self-employed basis, but do not have access to credit. As a first step, in 2010 the European Parliament and the Council set up the Facility. It is also important for the credit offered to be made more flexible through non-bank institutions and for it to be adequate to cover the technological modernisation and improvements needed to safeguard the liquidity and independence of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

Amendment 19 #

Judith A. MERKIES

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – point d a (new)

(da) Social experimentation shall provide innovative answers to social needs and shall take place in defined contexts, enabling monitoring and evaluation, thereby reducing social costs as well as the risks of investment.

Amendment 20 #

Judith A. MERKIES

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) The Progress axis, which shall support the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Union employment and social policy and legislation on working conditions and shall promote evidence-based policy-making and innovation, in partnership with the social partners, civil society organisations and other interested parties. It shall focus on developing common European strategies to really improve employment and social policy and working conditions in Europe;

Amendment 21 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) The Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship axis, which shall facilitate access to finance for entrepreneurs, especially those furthest from the labour market, and social enterprises, especially cooperatives, mutuals and micro-enterprises.

Amendment 22 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) Support the development of adequate, ~~access~~more flexible and efficient social protection systems and labour markets and facilitate policy reform, by promoting good governance, mutual learning and social innovation;

Amendment 23 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) PConsolidate the single market by promoteing workers’ geographical mobility and boost employment opportunities by developing Union labour markets that are open and accessible to all by respecting and guaranteeing freedom of movement and workers’ rights throughout the territory of the European Union;

Amendment 24 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a

(a) Promote equality between women and men and combat discrimination based on sex, ~~racial or ethnic origin~~ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, age or, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression;

Amendment 25 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a

(a) 650 % to the Progress axis~~, of which at least 17 % shall be allocated to promoting social experimentation as a method for testing and evaluating innovative solutions with a view to scaling them up~~;

Amendment 26 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c

Amendment 27 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3

3. The Commission may make use of the appropriations referred to paragraph 1 to finance technical and/or administrative assistance, in particular relating to auditing, outsourcing of translation, meetings of experts, and information and communication activities for the mutual benefit of the Commission and the beneficiaries, thereby ensuring that the control of spending is strengthened.

Amendment 28 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c

Amendment 29 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a

(a) Exchanges, identification and dissemination of good practice, innovative approaches and experience, peer reviews, benchmarking and mutual learning at European level;

Amendment 30 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point b

(b) Important Council Presidency events, conferences and seminars duly justified;

Amendment 31 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point c

Amendment 32 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point d

(d) Networking and cooperation among specialist bodies and other relevant stakeholders, national, regional and local authorities, and employment services at European level;

Amendment 33 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, shall ensure that activities carried out under the Programme are consistent with, and complementary to other Union action, in particular under the European Social Fund (ESF) and in such areas as social dialogue, justice and fundamental rights, education, vocational training and youth policy, research and innovation, entrepreneurship, health, enlargement and external relations, and general economic policy as well as the needs of the internal market, thereby strengthening its good functioning.

Amendment 34 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13

With a view to regular monitoring of the Programme and making any adjustments needed to its policy and funding priorities, the Commission shall draw up ~~bie~~anniual monitoring reports and send them to the European Parliament and the Council. Such reports shall cover the Programme's results and the extent to which gender equality and anti-discrimination considerations, including accessibility issues, have been addressed through its activities. The report shall be published and made available for the public in the interests of better transparency.

Amendment 35 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1

1. A mid-term evaluation of the Programme shall be carried out by the end of 2017 to measure progress made in meeting its objectives, to determine whether its resources have been used efficiently and to assess its Union added value. The report shall be forwarded after that evaluation to the European Parliament and to the Council. The report shall be published and made available for the public in the interests of better transparency.

Amendment 36 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2

2. ~~Two~~One years after the expiry of the Programme at the latest, the Commission shall carry out an ex-post evaluation measuring its impact and Union added value and shall forward a report on that evaluation to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Following the evaluation, the Commission may recommend continuation of the programme, two years after expiry thereof at the latest.

Amendment 37 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2

2. Two years after the expiry of the Programme at the latest, the Commission shall carry out an ex-post evaluation measuring its impact and Union added value and shall forward a report on that evaluation to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. The report shall be published and made available for the public in the interests of better transparency.

Amendment 38 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2

2. Two years after the expiry of the Programme at the latest, the Commission shall carry out an independent ex-post evaluation measuring its impact and Union added value and shall forward a report on that evaluation to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.

Amendment 39 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – point b

(b) Facilitate effective and inclusive information-sharing, mutual learning and dialogue on Union employment and social policy and working conditions legislation at Union, national and international level in order to assist the Member States and the other participating countries in developing their policies and in properly implementing Union law;

Amendment 40 #

Judith A. MERKIES

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – point d a (new)

(da) Develop common European strategies to really improve employment and social policy and working conditions in Europe.

Amendment 41 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point d

(d) The social partners and relevant business interests;

Amendment 42 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 4

4. The Commission may cooperate with third countries not participating in the Programme. Representatives of such third countries may attend events of mutual interest (such as conferences, workshops and seminars) that take place in countries participating in the Programme and the cost of their attendance may be co~~ver~~- financed by the Programme.

Amendment 43 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) the annual work plans, including the criteria for the selection of beneficiaries following calls for proposals. The criteria for the selection of beneficiaries should take into account the needs of the internal market.

Amendment 44 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – point b a (new)

(ba) Provide full and timely information for those seeking work in another Member State regarding legislation and recruitment conditions.

Amendment 45 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2

2. To reach out to the final beneficiaries and create competitive, viable micro- enterprises, public and private bodies that carry out activities as referred to in paragraph 1(a) shall cooperate closely with organisations representing the interests of the final beneficiaries of microcredit and with organisations, in particular those supported by the ESF, which provide mentoring and training programmes to such final beneficiaries. The training programmes should take into account the needs of the internal market.

Amendment 46 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1

1. The international financial institutions and, where relevant, the fund managers shall send the Commission annual implementation reports setting out the activities granted support and covering their financial implementation and the allocation and accessibility of funding and investment by Member State, sector and type of beneficiary, applications accepted or rejected and contracts concluded by the public and private bodies concerned, actions funded and the results, including in terms of social impact, employment creation and sustainability of the businesses support granted.

Amendment 47 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2

2. The information provided in these annual implementation reports shall feed into the ~~bie~~anniual monitoring reports provided for in Article 13. Such monitoring reports shall include the annual reports provided for in Article 8(2) of Decision No 283/2010/EU.

source: PE-487.704

2012/04/26 EMPL 288 amendments...

Amendment 20 #

Carl HAGLUND

Draft legislative resolution
Paragraph 1 b

1b. Reiterates its position that, regardless of realisable savings and reallocations, sufficient additional resources are needed in the next Multiannual Financial Framework to enable the Union to fulfil its existing policy priorities and the new tasks provided for by the Treaty of Lisbon, notably social inclusion, as well as to respond to unforeseen events; points out that Parliament called in its resolution of 8 June 2011 on "Investing in the future: a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for a competitive, sustainable and inclusive Europe" for a level of resources for the next MFF of at least 5 % extra compared to the 2013 level ; challenges the Council, if it does not share this approach, to clearly identify which of its political priorities or projects could be dropped altogether, despite their proven European added value;

Amendment 21 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) In line with the Europe 2020 Strategy, the Programme should pursue a coherent approach to promoting employment and combating social exclusion and poverty. Its implementation should be rationalised and simplified, notably through a set of common provisions including, inter alia, general objectives, typology of actions, monitoring and evaluation arrangements. The Programme should also focus on small, medium and large projects with clear EU added value ~~in order to reach critical mass and reduce administrative burden~~while aiming at ensuring that the administrative burden is at the lowest possible level for both the beneficiaries and the Commission. In addition, greater use should be made of simplified cost options (lump-sum and flat- rate financing) in particular for the implementation of mobility schemes. The Programme should be a one-stop shop for microfinance providers, providing financing for micro- credit, capacity building and technical assistance. Lastly, the Programme should provide for budgetary flexibility through ~~the establishment of a reserve to be allocated on an annual basis in order to respond to policy priorities~~allowing the possibility of shifting funds between the axes of the programme.

Amendment 22 #

François ALFONSI

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

Amendment 23 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) In line with the Europe 2020 Strategy, the Programme should pursue a coherent approach to promoting employment and combating social exclusion and poverty. Its implementation should be rationalised and simplified, notably through a set of common provisions including, inter alia, general objectives, typology of actions, monitoring and evaluation arrangements. The Programme should also focus on ~~large~~ projects with clear EU added value in order to reach critical mass and reduce administrative burden for both the beneficiaries and the Commission. In addition, greater use should be made of simplified cost options (lump-sum and flat- rate financing) in particular for the implementation of mobility schemes. The Programme should be a one-stop shop for microfinance providers, providing financing for micro-credit, capacity building and technical assistance. ~~Lastly, the Programme should provide for budgetary flexibility through the establishment of a reserve to be allocated on an annual basis in order to respond to policy priorities.~~

Amendment 24 #

Anne E. JENSEN

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) Social enterprises ~~are a cornerstone of~~play a role in Europe’s pluralist social market economy. They can act as drivers of social change by offering innovative solutions, and therefore make a valuable contribution to meeting the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy. The programme should improve social enterprises’ access to finance and thereby contribute to the Social Business Initiative launched by the Commission.

Amendment 25 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18

Pursuant to Articles 8 and 10 of the Treaty, the Programme should support the mainstreaming of gender equality and anti- discrimination objectives in all its activities. Regular monitoring and evaluation should be carried out to assess the way in which gender equality and anti- discrimination issues are addressed in the Programme's activities, and, in order to minimise its impact on the Programme budget, gender and anti-discrimination spending should be moved to the Rights and Citizenship Programme.

Amendment 26 #

François ALFONSI

Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1

1. This Regulation establishes a European Union Programme for Social Change and Innovation (hereinafter ‘the Programme’) which aims to contribute to the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy, its headline targets, flagship initiatives and Integrated Guidelines by providing financial support for the European Union's objectives in terms of promoting a high level of employment, guaranteeing adequate social protection, combating social exclusion and poverty and improving working conditions.

Amendment 27 #

Anne E. JENSEN

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c

c) Modernise Union law in line with the Smart Regulation principles and ensure that Union law on matters relating to working conditions is effectively applied, with due account being given to the division of responsibilities between legislators and the social partners;

Amendment 28 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

ca) Construct and promote systems and regulations which support the development of the SME sector;

Amendment 29 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a

(a) 60% to the Progress axis,, of which at least 1~~7% shall be allocated~~5%, but no more than 20 % shall be allocated, within its different policy areas, to promoting social experimentation as a method for testing and evaluating innovative solutions with a view to scaling them up;

Amendment 30 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 (new)

The indicative percentages may be modified for the second half of the programming period, following a mid- term evaluation of the Programme by the Commission, to be published not later than the end of 2017.

Amendment 31 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2

~~The remaining 5% shall be apportioned among the axes on an annual basis in line with policy priorities.~~deleted

Amendment 32 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2

~~The remaining 5% shall be apportioned among the axes on an annual basis in line with policy priorities~~In order to make effective use of funds, an adequate level of flexibility in shifting funds between the axes shall be ensured.

Amendment 33 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3

3. The Commission may make use of up to 1,5% of the appropriations referred to in paragraph 1 to finance technical and/or administrative assistance, in particular relating to auditing, outsourcing of translation, meetings of experts, and information and communication activities for the mutual benefit of the Commissoperational expenditures for the support of the implementation ~~and~~of the ~~beneficiaries~~Programme.

Amendment 34 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b

(b) Only those Council Presidency events, conferences and seminars; directly responding to the goals of the programme.

Amendment 35 #

François ALFONSI

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point d

(d) Networking and cooperation among specialist bodies, national, regional and local authorities, civil society and social partner organisations and employment services at European level;

Amendment 36 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1

Actions eligible under the Programme may be implemented jointly with other Union instruments, provided that such actions meet the objectives of both the Programme and the other instruments concerned. The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, shall ensure that clear demarcation lines are established between interventions under other instruments (e.g. ESF or ERDF) and the Programme in order to avoid overlapping support and to ensure synergy.

Amendment 37 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1

With a view to regular monitoring of the Programme and making any adjustments needed to its policy and funding priorities, the Commission shall draw up biennial monitoring reports and send them to the European Parliament and the Council. Such reports shall cover the progress made in the implementation of the Programme's, the results achieved and the extent to which gender equality and anti- discrimination considerations, including accessibility issues, have been addressed through its activities.

Amendment 38 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1

1. A mid-term evaluation of the Programme shall be carried out no later than by the end of 2017 to measure progress made in meeting its objectives, to determine whether its resources have been used efficiently and to assess its Union added value. The Commission may, on the basis of the evaluation, propose the transfer of appropriations between the Programme’s axes.

Amendment 39 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 a (new)

Article 19a Where activities under the PROGRESS axis are financed following a call for proposals, they may receive Union co- financing which shall not exceed, as a general rule, 80 % of the total eligible expenditure. Any financial support in excess of this ceiling may be granted un duly justified exceptional circumstances.

Amendment 40 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 a (new)

Article 21a Where activities under EURES axis are financed following a call for proposals, they may receive Union co-financing which shall not exceed, as a general rule, 95 % of the total eligible expenditure. Any financial support in excess of this ceiling may be granted only in duly justified exceptional circumstances.

Amendment 126 #

Proposal for a regulation
Title

Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on a European Union Programme for Social ~~Change~~Progress, Solidarity, Employment and Innovation

Amendment 127 #

Proposal for a regulation
Title

Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on a European Union Programme for ~~Social Change~~Employment, Social Progress and Innovation

Amendment 128 #

Proposal for a regulation
Title

Proposal for a ~~REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL~~regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on a European Union Programme for Social ~~Change~~Progress and Innovation

Amendment 129 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1

(1) In line with the Commission Communication ‘A budget for Europe 2020’4 , which recommends rationalising and simplifying the Union's funding instruments and sharpening their focus both on Union added value and on impacts and results, this Regulation establishes a European Union Programme for Social ~~Change~~Progress, Solidarity, Employment and Innovation (hereinafter ‘the Programme’) to provide for the continuation and development of activities carried out on the basis of Decision No 1672/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 establishing a Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity – Progress5 , Regulation No 492/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on freedom of movement for workers within the Union6 and Commission Decision 2003/8/EC of 23 December 2002 implementing Regulation No 1612/1968 as regards the clearance of vacancies and applications for employment7 and Decision No 283/2010/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 March 2010 establishing a European Progress Microfinance Facility for employment and social inclusion8 (hereinafter ‘the Facility’).

Amendment 130 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1

(1) In line with the Commission Communication ‘A budget for Europe 2020’4, which recommends rationalising and simplifying the Union’s funding instruments and sharpening their focus both on Union added value and on impacts and results, this Regulation establishes a European Union Programme for ~~Social Change~~Employment, Social Progress and Innovation (hereinafter ‘the Programme’) to provide for the continuation and development of activities carried out on the basis of Decision No 1672/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 establishing a Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity – Progress5, Regulation No 492/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on freedom of movement for workers within the Union6 and Commission Decision 2003/8/EC of 23 December 2002 implementing Regulation No 1612/1968 as regards the clearance of vacancies and applications for employment7 and Decision No 283/2010/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 March 2010 establishing a European Progress Microfinance Facility for employment and social inclusion (hereinafter ‘the Facility’).

Amendment 131 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1

(1) In line with the Commission Communication ‘A budget for Europe 2020’4 , which recommends rationalising and simplifying the Union's funding instruments and sharpening their focus both on Union added value and on impacts and results, this Regulation establishes a European Union Programme for Social ~~Change~~Progress and Innovation (hereinafter ‘the Programme’) to provide for the continuation and development of activities carried out on the basis of Decision No 1672/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 establishing a Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity – Progress5 , Regulation No 492/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on freedom of movement for workers within the Union6 and Commission Decision 2003/8/EC of 23 December 2002 implementing Regulation No 1612/1968 as regards the clearance of vacancies and applications for employment7 and Decision No 283/2010/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 March 2010 establishing a European Progress Microfinance Facility for employment and social inclusion8 (hereinafter ‘the Facility’).

Amendment 132 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3

(3) In accordance with Article 148(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Council adopted guidelines for employment policies on 21 October 2010, which, together with the broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and of the Union adopted in accordance with Article 121 of the Treaty, comprise the Europe 2020 integrated guidelines. The Programme should contribute to a~~pply~~chieving the Europe 2020 integrated guidelines, and in particular Guidelines 7, 8 and 10, while supporting implementation of the flagship initiatives, with special regard to the European Platform against Poverty and Social Exclustargets with special regard to poverty reduction, an ~~Agenda for New Skills and Jobs, and Youth on the Mo~~d employment objectives.

Amendment 133 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3

(3) In accordance with Article 148(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Council adopted guidelines for employment policies on 21 October 2010, which, together with the broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and of the Union adopted in accordance with Article 121 of the Treaty, comprise the Europe 2020 integrated guidelines. The Programme should contribute to applying the Europe 2020 integrated guidelines, and in particular Guidelines 7, 8 and 10, while supporting implementation of the flagship initiatives, with special regard to the European Platform against Poverty and Social Exclusion, an Agenda for New Skills and Jobs, and Youth on the Move, as well as the Youth Opportunities Initiative.

Amendment 134 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

(4) The European Platform against Poverty and Social Exclusion and the Innovation Union flagship initiatives identify social innovation as a powerful tool for addressing the social challenges arising from population ageing, poverty, unemployment, new work patterns and life styles, and citizens' expectations regarding social justice, education and health care. The Programme should support action to step up social innovation in policy areas falling within its scope and which warrant greater attention, such as combating poverty and social exclusion, fostering social inclusion and improving access to health care and training for disadvantaged people, in the public, private and third sectors, taking due account of the role of regional and local authorities. In particular, it should help identify, evaluate and scale up innovative solutions and practice through social experimentation to assist the Member States more effectively in reforming their labour markets and social protection policies. It should also act as a catalyst for transnational partnerships and networking between public, private and third-sector actors as well as supporting their involvement in designing and implementing new approaches to tackling pressing social needs and challenges.

Amendment 135 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4

Amendment 136 #

Jutta STEINRUCK, Evelyn REGNER

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)

(4a) Progress towards a social and environmental sustainable development in Europe will need the anticipation and development of new skills and competencies, improving the conditions for job creation, the quality of employment and working conditions through accompanying education, labour market and social policies in the transformation of industries and services towards that end. The Programme should therefore contribute to promoting the creation of sustainable 'green' and 'white' high quality employment, the anticipation and development of new skills and competencies for new high quality jobs by linking employment and social policies with industrial and structural policies supporting a transition towards a resource-efficient and low carbon economy. In particular, the Programme should act as a catalyst for exploring the job creation potential of public sector led green and social investments and of local and regional employment initiatives.

Amendment 137 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)

(4a) The Programme should pay particular attention to the territorial dimension of unemployment, poverty and exclusion, especially rising inequalities between and within regions, between rural areas and cities as well as within cities.

Amendment 138 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

Amendment 139 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) In line with the Europe 2020 Strategy, the Programme should pursue a coherent approach to promoting employment and combating social exclusion and poverty. Its implementation should be rationalised and simplified, notably through a set of common provisions including, inter allia, general objectives, typology of actions, monitoring and evaluation arrangements. The Programme should also focus on small, medium and large projects with clear EU added value ~~in order to reach critical mass and reduce~~while maintaining the lowest possible level of administrative burden for both the beneficiaries and the Commission. In addition, greater use should be made of simplified cost options (lump-sum and flat- rate financing) in particular for the implementation of mobility schemes. The Programme should be a one-stop shop for microfinance providers, providing financing for micro- credit, capacity building and technical assistance. Lastly, the Programme should provide for budgetary flexibility through ~~the establishment of a reserve to be allocated on an annual basis in order to respond to policy priorities~~enabling the transfer of appropriations between the axes of the Programme.

Amendment 140 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) In line with the Europe 2020 Strategy, the Programme should pursue a coherent, innovative and adaptable approach to promoting employment and combating social exclusion and poverty. Its implementation should be rationalised and simplified, notably through a set of common provisions including, inter allia, general objectives, typology of actions, monitoring and evaluation arrangements. The Programme should also focus on large projects with clear EU added value in order to reach critical mass ~~and~~, reduce the administrative burden and make matters simpler and more comprehensible for both the beneficiaries and the Commission. In addition, greater use should be made of simplified cost options (lump-sum and flat- rate financing) in particular for the implementation of targeted mobility schemes. The Programme should be a one- stop shop for microfinance providers~~, providing financing for micro-credit, capacity building and~~ and ‘social enterprises’, providing a suitable level of financing for micro-credit, and financing for social entrepreneurship, facilitating access to borrowing, building their capacity and providing technical assistance. Lastly, the Programme should provide for budgetary flexibility through the establishment of a reserve, of a maximum amount to be defined, and to be allocated on an annual basis in order to respond to policy priorities set by the Commission after consulting the Member States and Parliament.

Amendment 141 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) In line with the Europe 2020 Strategy, the Programme should pursue a coherent approach to promoting employment and combating social exclusion and poverty. Its implementation should be rationalised and simplified, notably through a set of common provisions including, inter allia, general objectives, typology of actions, monitoring and evaluation arrangements. The Programme should also focus on large projects with clear EU added value in order to reach critical mass and reduce administrative burden for both the beneficiaries and the Commission, while at the same time ensuring transparency of proceedings. In addition, greater use should be made of simplified cost options (lump-sum and flat- rate financing) in particular for the implementation of mobility schemes. The Programme should be a one-stop shop for microfinance providers, providing financing for micro- credit, capacity building and technical assistance. Lastly, the Programme should provide for budgetary flexibility through the establishment of a reserve to be allocated on an annual basis in order to respond to policy priorities.

Amendment 142 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5

(5) In line with the Europe 2020 Strategy, the Programme should pursue a coherent approach to promoting sustainable employment and combating social exclusion and poverty. Its implementation should be rationalised and simplified, notably through a set of common provisions including, inter alia, general objectives, typology of actions, monitoring and evaluation arrangements. The Programme should also focus on large projects with clear EU added value in order to reach critical mass and reduce administrative burden for both the beneficiaries and the Commission. In addition, greater use should be made of simplified cost options (lump-sum and flat- rate financing) ~~in particular for the implementation of mobility schemes~~. The Programme should be a one-stop shop for microfinance providers at community level, providing financing for micro-credit, capacity building and technical assistance. Lastly, the Programme should provide for budgetary flexibility through the establishment of a reserve to be allocated on an annual basis in order to respond to policy priorities.

Amendment 143 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6

(6) The Union should equip itself with a sound analytical basis to support policy- making in the employment and social area. Such an evidence base adds value to national action by providing a Union dimension and comparison for data- gathering and the development of statistical tools and methods and common indicators with a view to composing a full picture of the situation in the fields of employment, social policy and working conditions across the Union and ensuring high-quality evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of programmes and policies with a view to achieving the Europe 2020 Strategy objectives.

Amendment 144 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6

(6) The Union should equip itself with a sound analytical basis, especially focussing on the impact of the crisis, to support policy- making in the employment and social area. Such an evidence base adds value to national action by providing a Union dimension and comparison for data- gathering and the development of statistical tools and methods and common indicators with a view to composing a full picture of the situation in the fields of employment, social policy and working conditions across the Union and ensuring high-quality evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of programmes and policies.

Amendment 145 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7

(7) The Union is uniquely placed to provide a Union platform for policy exchanges and mutual-learning between the Member States ~~in the employment and social areas~~via social experimentation at local, regional or national level in the employment and social areas (concerning social inclusion, job insecurity, health care, etc.). Knowledge of the policies carried out in other countries increases the range of options available to policy- makers, ~~triggers~~paves the way for innovative policy developments and ~~encourages~~ national reform.

Amendment 146 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7

(7) The Union is uniquely placed to provide a Union platform for policy exchanges and mutual-learning between the Member States in the areas of employment ~~and social areas~~, social protection, social inclusion and social entrepreneurship. Knowledge of policies applied in other countries and of their results broadens the range of options available to policy- makers, triggers new policy developments and encourages national reform.

Amendment 147 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8

(8) Ensuring that minimum standards, as defined by the OECD and the ILO, and as enshrined in the Charter of Human Rights, are in place and that working conditions improve constantly in the Union is a central feature of Union social policy. The Union must also ensure that all companies active on its territory apply these standards. The Union has an important role to play both in ensuring that the legislative framework is adapted, in line with ‘Smart Regulation’ principles, to evolving work patterns and new health and safety risks and in financing measures to improve compliance with Union rules on the protection of workers' rights.

Amendment 148 #

Thomas HÄNDEL, Gabriele ZIMMER, Patrick LE HYARIC

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8

(8) Ensuring that minimum acceptable standards are in place and that working conditions improve constantly in the Union is a central feature of Union social policy. The Union has an important role to play both in ensuring that the legislative framework is adapted, in line with ‘Smart Regulation’ principles, to evolving work patterns and new health and safety risks and in financing measures to improve compliance with Union rules on the protection of workers' rights.

Amendment 149 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8

(8) Ensuring that minimum standards are in place and that working conditions improve constantly in the Union is a central feature of Union social policy. The Union has an important role to play both in ensuring that the legislative framework is adapted, in line with ~~‘Smart Regulation’~~'good work' principles, to evolving work patterns and new health and safety risks and in financing measures to improve compliance with ILO labour standards, the UN and ILO 'Decent Work' Agenda and Union rules on the protection of workers' rights.

Amendment 150 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9

(9) Civil society organisations ~~active at various levels c~~including social partners play a key role in promoting quality employment and combating social exclusion and p~~lay an important role in meeting~~overty as well as in fighting unemployment, and should be closely associated in all actions designed to meet the objectives of the Programme. Civil society organisations active at various levels should be fully involved in order to reach the objectives of the Programme~~, by~~. Therefore, they shall participat~~ing~~e in the ~~policy- making process and contributing to social innovation~~development, monitoring, evaluation, field testing, dissemination and mutual learning of new policies. High-quality partnerships should be forged at all levels. The partnership principle should be strengthened and extended as the guiding principle to all sections of the Programme.

Amendment 151 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9

(9) CSocial partners and civil society organisations ~~active at various levels can play an important role in~~play a key role in promoting quality employment and combating social exclusion and poverty as well as in fighting the crisis, and should be closely associated in all actions designed to meet~~ing~~ the objectives of the Programme~~, by participating in the policy- making process and contributing to social innovation~~. Therefore, social partners and civil society organisations should participate in the development, evaluation, field testing and dissemination of new policies. High- quality partnerships should be forged at all political levels. The partnership principle should be strengthened and extended as the guiding principle to all sections of the Programme.

Amendment 152 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9

(9) Civil society organisations and social partners active at various levels can play an important role in meeting the objectives of the Programme, by participating in the policy-making process and contributing to social innovation.

Amendment 153 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10

(10) The Union is committed to strengthening the social dimension of globalisation firstly by striving to limit the social cost of globalisation to its citizens, and secondly by promoting decent work and labour standards internationally, either directly vis-à-vis third countries or indirectly through cooperation with international organisations. Accordingly, suitable relations need to be developed with third countries not participating in the Programme in order to help achieve its objectives, having regard to any agreements of relevance between such countries and the Union. This may involve the attendance of representatives of these third countries at events of mutual interest (such as conferences, workshops and seminars) that take place in countries participating in the Programme. In addition, cooperation should be developed with the international organisations concerned, and in particular the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), with a view to implementing the Programme in a way that takes the role of such organisations into account.

Amendment 154 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10

(10) The Union is committed to combating social dumping and strengthening the social dimension of globalisation by promoting decent work and labour standards internationally, either directly vis-à-vis third countries or indirectly through cooperation with international organisations. Accordingly, suitable relations need to be developed with third countries not participating in the Programme in order to help achieve its objectives, having regard to any agreements of relevance between such countries and the Union. This may involve the attendance of representatives of these third countries at events of mutual interest (such as conferences, workshops and seminars) that take place in countries participating in the Programme. In addition, cooperation should be developed with the international organisations concerned, and in particular the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), with a view to implementing the Programme in a way that takes the role of such organisations into account.

Amendment 155 #

Georges BACH

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

(11) In accordance with Articles 45 and 46 of the Treaty, Regulation (EU) No 492/2011 lays down provisions intended to achieve freedom of movement for workers by ensuring close cooperation between the Member States and with the Commission. EURES should promote better functioning of the labour markets by facilitating transnational geographical mobility of workers, providing greater transparency on the labour market, ensuring the clearance of vacancies and applications for employment and supporting activities in the areas of recruitment, advice and guidance services at national and cross-border level, thereby contributing to the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy. The EU initiative 'Your first EURES job' should make it easier for young people to access employment opportunities and take up a job in another Member State, as well as encouraging employers to create job openings for young mobile workers, which should have a positive impact on high youth unemployment.

Amendment 156 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11

(11) In accordance with Articles 45 and 46 of the Treaty, Regulation (EU) No 492/2011 lays down provisions intended to achieve freedom of movement for workers by ensuring close cooperation between the Member States and with the Commission. EURES should promote better functioning of the labour markets by facilitating transnational geographical mobility of workers, providing greater transparency on the labour market, and ensuring equal treatment for cross-border workers in both social and tax-related terms, ensuring the clearance of vacancies and applications for employment and supporting activities in the areas of recruitment, advice and guidance services at national and cross-border level, thereby contributing to the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy.

Amendment 157 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

(12) EURES' scope should be widened to develop and support targeted mobility schemes at Union level with a view to filling vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified. In accordance with Article 47 of the Treaty, the scheme should facilitate mobility among young workers.deleted

Amendment 158 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

(12) EURES’ scope should be widened to develop and support targeted mobility schemes at Union level with a view to filling vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified and to stepping up and increasing the number of cross-border EURES partnership projects. In accordance with Article 47 of the Treaty, the scheme should facilitate mobility among young workers, without overlooking the importance of helping them find a first job, most often near their home, with a view to offering them the chance of job mobility in the future.

Amendment 159 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13

~~(13) The Europe 2020 Strategy, and in particular Guideline 7, identifies self- employment and entrepreneurship as crucial to achieving smart, sustainable and inclusive growth9 .~~deleted

Amendment 160 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14

(14) Lack of access to credit is one of the main obstacles to business creation, especially among people furthest from the labour market. Union and national efforts in this area need to be stepped up in order to increase the supply of microfinance and meet demand from those who need it most, and in particular unemployed and vulnerable people who wish to start up or develop a micro-enterprise, including on a self-employed basis, but do not have access to credit. As a first step, in 2010 the European Parliament and the Council set up the Facility. Since those most in need of microcredit are generally unaware of this form of Community-supported financing, there is a need for thorough, effective information in the Member States on applying for the European Progress Microfinance Facility.

Amendment 161 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14

(14) Lack of access to credit is one of the main obstacles to business creation, especially among people furthest from the labour market. Union and national efforts in this area need to be stepped up in order to increase the supply of microfinance, facilitate access to borrowing and meet demand from those who need it most, and in particular unemployed and vulnerable people who wish to start up or develop a micro-enterprise, including on a self- employed basis, but do not have access to credit. As a first step, in 2010 the European Parliament and the Council set up the Facility.

Amendment 162 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14

(14) Lack of access to credit is one of the main obstacles to business creation, especially among people furthest from the labour market. Union and national efforts in this area need to be stepped up in order to increase the supply of microfinance and meet demand from those who need it most, and in particular unemployed and ~~vulnerable~~socially disadvantaged people who wish to start up or develop a micro-enterprise, in particular in the 'white economy', including on a self-employed basis, but do not have access to credit. As a first step, in 2010 the European Parliament and the Council set up the Facility.

Amendment 163 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14

(14) Lack of access to credit is one of the main obstacles to business creation, especially among people furthest from the labour market. Union and national efforts in this area need to be stepped up in order to increase the supply of microfinance and meet demand from those who need it most, and in particular unemployed and financially vulnerable people who wish to start up or develop a micro-enterprise, including on a self-employed basis, but do not have access to credit. As a first step, in 2010 the European Parliament and the Council set up the Facility.

Amendment 164 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)

(14a) Corresponding mentoring and training programmes should be provided, which should be constantly updated and made accessible on the central information platform.

Amendment 165 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15

(15) Making microfinance more available on the Union’s young microfinance market calls for the institutional capacity of microfinance providers, and in particular non-bank microfinance institutions, to be stepped up in line with the Commission Communication 'A European Initiative for the development of micro-credit'10. Care must be taken to ensure that the annual amount of the budget appropriation, increased by the reinvested capital, which is granted to the European Progress Microfinance Facility at least matches the annual amount of the appropriation granted for the period from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2013.

Amendment 166 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15

Amendment 167 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) The Social ~~enterprises are~~Economy is a cornerstone of Europe's ~~pluralist social market economy. They~~social models. It can act as a drivers of social ~~change~~progress by offering innovative solutions, and therefore make a valuable contribution to ~~meeting the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy~~promoting inclusive labour markets and social services accessible to all. The programme should improve the social e~~nterprise~~conomy organisations' access to finance ~~and thereby contribute to the Social Business Initiative launched by the Commission11~~ .

Amendment 168 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) Social enterprises are a cornerstone of Europe’s pluralist social market economy. They can act as drivers of social change by offering innovative solutions, and therefore make a valuable contribution to meeting the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy. The programme should improve social enterprises’ access to finance and thereby contribute to the Social Business Initiative launched by the Commission11. At the same time, in view of the serious economic crisis that has struck the Union, it needs to be acknowledged that the revival of the EU economy cannot depend solely on promoting social enterprises but that support for enterprises in the traditional sense of the word also needs to be promoted.

Amendment 169 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16

(16) Social enterprises are a cornerstone of Europe’s pluralist social market economy, and play an important role in ensuring greater social convergence in Europe. They can act as drivers of social change by offering innovative solutions, and therefore make a valuable contribution to meeting the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy. The programme should improve social enterprises’ access to finance and thereby contribute to the Social Business Initiative launched by the Commission11.

Amendment 170 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17

(17) In order to capitalise on the experience of international financial institutions, and in particular the European Investment Bank Group, action involving microfinance and the social e~~ntrepreneurship~~conomy should be implemented by the Commission indirectly by entrusting budget implementations tasks to financial institutions in accordance with the financial regulation. Using Union resources concentrates leverage from ~~international~~ financial institutions and other investors, unifies approaches and thus improves access to finance for micro- enterprises, including the self-employed and social e~~nterprise~~conomy organisations. The Union contribution thus assists in the development of the ~~emerging social business sector~~social economy and the microfinance market in the Union and encourages cross- border activities. The Union's actions should be complementary to the Member States' use of financial instruments for microfinance and the social economy. The entities entrusted with the implementation of the actions should ensure added value and avoid duplication of financing through Union resources.

Amendment 171 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17

(17) In order to capitalise on the experience of international financial institutions, and in particular the European Investment Bank Group, action involving microfinance and social entrepreneurship should be implemented by the Commission indirectly by entrusting budget implementations tasks to financial institutions in accordance with the financial regulation. Using Union resources concentrates leverage from ~~international~~ financial institutions and other investors, unifies approaches and thus improves access to finance for micro- enterprises, including the self-employed and social enterprises. The Union contribution thus assists in the development of the emerging social business sector and the microfinance market in the Union and encourages cross- border activities. The Union's actions should be complementary to the Member States' use of financial instruments for microfinance and social entrepreneurship. The entities entrusted with the implementation of the actions should ensure added value and avoid duplication of financing through Union resources.

Amendment 172 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17

(17) In order to capitalise on the experience of international financial institutions, and in particular the European Investment Bank Group, action involving microfinance and social entrepreneurship should be implemented by the Commission indirectly by entrusting budget implementations tasks to financial institutions in accordance with the financial regulation. Using Union resources concentrates leverage from international financial institutions and other investors, unifies approaches and thus improves access to finance ~~for micro- enterprises, including~~ and the outreach of microfinance to particular at- risk groups and young people. It further s~~elf-employed and social enterprise~~upports the development of entrepreneurship, the social economy and micro-enterprises which have no or insufficient credit standing and have no or insufficient capital resources and therefore no access to credits. The Union contribution thus assists in the development of the emerging social business sector and the microfinance market in the Union and encourages cross- border activities.

Amendment 173 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17

(17) In order to capitalise on the experience of international financial institutions, and in particular the European Investment Bank Group, action involving microfinance and social entrepreneurship should be implemented by the Commission indirectly by entrusting budget implementations tasks to financial institutions in accordance with the financial regulation. Using Union resources concentrates leverage from international financial institutions and other investors, creates synergies between Member State and Community action, unifies approaches and thus improves access to finance for micro- enterprises, including the self-employed and social enterprises. The Union contribution thus assists in the development of the emerging social business sector and the microfinance market in the Union and encourages cross- border activities.

Amendment 174 #

Jutta STEINRUCK, Elisabeth SCHROEDTER, Karima DELLI, Marian HARKIN, Philippe BOULLAND, Pervenche BERÈS

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 a (new)

(17a) The Commission will revise the rules governing the cross-border operation of online platforms specialising in microcredit in order to remove the obstacles to financing micro-enterprises within the EU internal market.

Amendment 175 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 a (new)

(17a) In line with the Europe 2020 strategy, the Programme should tackle the problem of youth unemployment. Despite some positive signs of recovery in 2009, the employment growth was too weak to produce a steady reduction in the high unemployment rate. The average unemployment spells have lengthened, and youth unemployment figures have risen in many Member States, reaching more than 40% in some of them. Although the situation in European countries differs considerably, the average youth unemployment rate in the EU is more than twice as high as the adult unemployment rate. Moreover there are large regional disparities. Especially in rural areas, youth unemployment is raising. Young people aged under 25 years should therefore be given a future and the perspective to play a key role in developing society and economy in Europe, which is of particular importance in this time of crisis.

Amendment 176 #

Jutta STEINRUCK, Elisabeth SCHROEDTER, Karima DELLI, Marian HARKIN, Philippe BOULLAND, Pervenche BERÈS

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 b (new)

(17b) Tackling youth unemployment and the precariousness of young workers would not only reduce societal costs but also promote social inclusion. Therefore, the Programme should put a special focus on youth employment, by introducing a Youth Initiative axis, which aims at improving the transition from education to decent employment as well as working conditions of young people and reduce early school leaving.

Amendment 177 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 a new

(17a) The microfinance facility should have a long-lasting impact, reach to the potential beneficiaries and serve as a proactive element for both economic and local development policies. The actions involving microfinance and social entrepreneurship should be accompanied with mentoring and training programmes in order to maximise the chances of creating viable micro-enterprises. For this purpose a clear part of the budget needs to be assigned to such measures.

Amendment 178 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 b (new)

(17b) The Commission and the Member States should take a rights-based approach to training and employment. The qualitative aspect of decent work for young people, including remuneration for internships and apprenticeships should not be compromised , and the core labour standards and other standards related to the quality of work, such as working time, wage, social security, and occupational health and safety, should be central considerations in the efforts that are made.

Amendment 179 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 c (new)

(17c) Actions of the Programme should support the Member States in creating efficient incentives, such as employment subsidies or insurance contributions for young people that will guarantee decent living and working conditions. Such incentives should encourage public and private employers to hire and train young people, to invest both in quality job creation for young people and in continuous training and upgrading of their skills during employment, and to support entrepreneurship as choice among youth. The Programme should also point to the special role and importance of small enterprises regarding training, expertise and traditional know- how, as well as ensure that young people have access to microfinance. The Programme should facilitate the exchange of best practice between the Member States in all these areas.

Amendment 180 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 d (new)

(17d) Actions of the Programme should support the Member States and labour market actors to implement the Youth Guarantee ensuring that young people are either in a job, education or (re-)training within four months of leaving school, especially for early leavers from education and training and other vulnerable youth. The Programme should facilitate the exchange of best practice between the Member States in this area.

Amendment 181 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18

(18) Pursuant to Articles 8 ~~and 10~~ of the Treaty, the Programme ~~should support the mainstreaming of gender equality and anti-discrimination objectives in all its activities~~ensures that the implementation of its priorities contributes to the promotion of equality between women and men. Evaluations have shown the importance of taking the gender aspect into account in all dimensions of the Programme, while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality. Regular monitoring and evaluation should be carried out to assess the way in which gender equality ~~and anti- discrimination~~ issues are addressed in the Programme's activities.

Amendment 182 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18

(18) Pursuant to Articles 8 and 10 of the Treaty, the Programme should support the mainstreaming of gender equality and anti- discrimination objectives in all its activities. Regular monitoring and evaluation should be carried out to assess the way in which gender equality and anti- discrimination issues are addressed by the Commission, either directly or indirectly, in the Programme's activities.

Amendment 183 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 a (new)

(18a) Pursuant to article 10 of the Treaty, the Programme should ensure that the implementation of its priorities contributes to combating discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation and fulfil the obligation under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities with regard inter alia to education, work and employment and accessibility. The Programme should contribute to EU strategies implementing these principles. Regular monitoring and evaluation should be carried out to assess the way in which anti-discrimination issues are addressed in the Programme's activities.

Amendment 184 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 b (new)

(18b) Pursuant to Article 3 of the Treaty and the Article 24 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the Programme shall ensure the protection of children's rights.

Amendment 185 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19

(19) Pursuant to Article 9 of the Treaty, the Programme should ensure that the requirements linked to the promotion of a high-level of employment, a guarantee of adequate social protection whilst respecting national traditions, and the fight against social exclusion are taken into account in defining and implementing the Union’s policies and activities.

Amendment 186 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19

(19) Pursuant to Article 9 of the Treaty, the Programme should ensure that the requirements linked to the promotion of a high-level of sustainable employment, a guarantee of adequate social protection and the fight against social exclusion are taken into account in defining and implementing the Union's policies and activities.

Amendment 187 #

Ramon TREMOSA i BALCELLS

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19 a (new)

(19a) The Programme should be implemented in such a way so as to facilitate participation of the competent authority or authorities of each Member State in meeting its objectives.

Amendment 188 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21

(21) Since the objectives of this Regulation cannot be sufficiently achieved at Member State level and can therefore, by reason of their scale and effects, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union, particularly by reallocating unused resources from the Cohesion Fund in each Member State. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve those objectives.

Amendment 189 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 a (new)

(23a) In order to ensure an appropriate response to changing needs and corresponding policy priorities during the whole duration of the Programme, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the allocation of funds to the Programme axes, using the 5 % reserve, and to individual sections within the axes on an annual basis. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert and social partner level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and Council.

Amendment 190 #

Thomas HÄNDEL, Gabriele ZIMMER, Patrick LE HYARIC

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 a (new)

(23a) In order to ensure appropriate response to the changed needs and corresponding policy priorities during the whole duration of the Programme, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the allocation of funds to individual sections within the axes of the Programme and of the adoption of multiannual work plans. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing-up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and Council.

Amendment 191 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24

(24) Implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission with a view to ensuring there are uniform conditions for implementing actions under the EURES and the Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship axes of the Programme.deleted

Amendment 192 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25 a (new)

(25a) With regard to the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Programme, the Commission should be assisted, in a consultative capacity, by a strategic advisory board chaired by the Commission and composed of representatives of Member States and other participating countries, trade unions, employers' organisations, civil society organisations and financing institutions, organised at Union level, which are directly or indirectly involved in the implementation of Programme activities.

Amendment 193 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1

1. This Regulation establishes a European Union Programme for Social ~~Change~~Progress, Solidarity, Employment and Innovation (hereinafter ‘the Programme’) which aims to contribute to the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy, its headline targets ~~and Integrated Guidelines~~, flagship initiatives, Integrated Guidelines and the Youth Opportunities Initiative by providing financial support for the European Union's objectives in terms of promoting a high level of high-quality employment, guaranteeing adequate and decent social protection, combating social exclusion and poverty ~~and~~, improving working conditions and improving the employment and educational situation of young people.

Amendment 194 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1

1. This Regulation establishes a European Union Programme for ~~Social Change~~Employment, Social Progress and Innovation (hereinafter ‘the Programme’) which aims to contribute to the improvement, by means of innovative action, and to the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy, its headline targets and Integrated Guidelines by providing financial support for the European Union’s objectives in terms of promoting a high level of employment, guaranteeing adequate social protection, combating social exclusion and poverty and improving working conditions.

Amendment 195 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1

1. This Regulation establishes a European Union Programme for Social Change and Innovation (hereinafter ‘the Programme’) which aims to contribute to the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy, its headline targets and Integrated Guidelines by providing financial support for the European Union’s objectives in terms of promoting a high level of employment, guaranteeing adequate social protection whilst respecting national traditions, combating social exclusion and poverty and improving working conditions.

Amendment 196 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1

1. This Regulation establishes a European Union Programme for Social ~~Change~~Progress and Innovation (hereinafter ‘the Programme’) which aims to contribute to the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy, its headline targets and Integrated Guidelines by providing financial support for the European Union's objectives in terms of promoting a high level of employment, guaranteeing adequate social protection, combating social exclusion and poverty and improving working conditions.

Amendment 197 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) ‘'Social e~~nterprise’ means an enterprise whose primary objective is to achieve social impact rather than generate pr~~conomy' means the sector of economic activity producing goods and providing services composed of a set of organisations that do not belong to the public sector or the for-profit private sector. These organisations operate under democratic control of it ~~for owners and stakeholders. It operates in the market through the production of goods and services in an entrepreneurial and innovative way, and uses surpluses mainly to achieve social goals. It is~~s membership, combine the interests of members and users and/or the general interest and use the surpluses of its economic activity in pursuit of sustainable development and social objectives, services of interest to members or to general public, including voluntary not-for-profit organisations that are producers of non-market services for households. Organisations of the social economy (e.g. cooperatives, mutual societies and associations) are managed in an accountable and transparent way, in particular by involving workers, customers and stakeholders affected by ~~its business~~their activityies.

Amendment 198 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) ‘'Social enterprise’' means an ~~enterprise whose primary objective i~~undertaking that is not listed on a regulated market as defined in point (14) of Article 4 (1) of Directive 2004/39/EC, which either has an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million, or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million, which is not itself a collective investment undertaking and which: (i) in accordance with its articles of association, statutes or any other statutory document establishing the business, has tohe achieve ~~social impact~~ment of measurable, positive social impacts as a primary objective rather thaen generateing profit for its owners, members and stakeholders~~. It operates in the market through the~~, where: – the undertaking provides innovative services or goods with a high social return and/or – the undertaking employs an innovative method of production of goods ~~and~~or services ~~in an entrepreneurial and innovative way, and uses surpluses mainly to achieve social goals. It~~that embodies its social objective; (ii) reinvests its profits in the first place to achieve its primary objective and has in place predefined procedures and rules for any circumstances in which profits are distributed to shareholders and owners, in order to ensure that any distribution of profits does not undermine the primary objective; (iii) is managed in an accountable ~~and~~, transparent and democratic way, in particular by involving workers, customers and/or stakeholders affected by its business activityies.

Amendment 199 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) ‘Social enterprise’ means an ~~enterprise~~operator in the social economy whose primary ~~objective~~goal is to achieve social ~~impact~~objectives rather than generateing profit for its owners, members and s~~tak~~hareholders. It operates in the market through the production of goods and services in an entrepreneurial and innovative way, and ~~uses surpluses mainly~~mainly reinvests profits to achieve its social ~~goal~~objectives. It is managed in an accountable and transparent way, in particular by involving workers, customers and stakeholders affected by its ~~business~~ activity.

Amendment 200 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) ‘Social enterprise’ means an enterprise whose primary objective is to achieve social impact, rather than simply generate profit for owners and stakeholders~~. It operates in the market~~, or mainly reinvest surpluses through the production of social goods and services in an entrepreneurial, profit-oriented and innovative way~~, and uses surpluses mainly to achieve social goals~~. It is managed in an accountable and transparent way, in particular ~~by involving~~through the involvement and/or participation of workers, customers and stakeholders affected by its business activity.

Amendment 201 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) ‘Social enterprise’ means a~~n enterprise whose primary objective is to achieve social impact rather than generate profit for owners and stakeholder~~ socially responsible enterprise whose priorities concern society as much as business, and create operational models for social progress. It operates in the market through the production of goods and services in an entrepreneurial and innovative way, and uses surpluses mainly to achieve social goals. It is managed in an accountable and transparent way, in particular by involving workers, customers and stakeholders affected by its business activity.

Amendment 202 #

Nadja HIRSCH

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) ‘'Social enterprise’' means an enterprise whose primary ~~objective is to achieve social impact~~goal is to achieve social objectives by solving societal problems for example in the areas of education, family, environment, poverty and integration rather than generateing profit for ~~own~~its owners, members and stakeholders. It operates in the market through the production of goods and services in an entrepreneurial and innovative way~~, and uses surpluses mainly to achieve social goals.~~ It is managed in an accountable and transparent way, inf p~~articular~~ossible by involving workers, customers and stakeholders affected by its business activity.

Amendment 203 #

Riikka PAKARINEN

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) ‘Social enterprise’ means an enterprise whose primary objective is to achieve social impact rather than generate profit for owners and stakeholders. It operates in the market through the production of goods and services in an entrepreneurial and innovative way, and uses surpluses mainly to achieve social goals. It is managed in an accountable and transparent way, in particular by involving workers, customers and stakeholders affected by its business activity.Does not affect English version.)

Amendment 204 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) ‘Microcredit’ means a loan of up to EUR 25 000, which can be revised upwards depending on the economic climate.

Amendment 205 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) ‘'Microfinance’' includes guarantees, counter-guarantees, microcredit, equity and quasi-equity extended to persons and micro-enterprises, which have no or insufficient credit standing and have no or insufficient capital resources and therefore no access to credits.

Amendment 206 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) 'Social innovation' means new interventions that are social both in their ends and their means and provide more effective, efficient, sustainable and/or just responses to social needs that are unmet or insufficiently met in terms of combating poverty and social exclusion, promoting a high level of quality employment and decent work, guaranteeing adequate and poverty preventing social protection, and improving working conditions, thereby contributing to social progress. Social innovation shall improve the quality of life and work. It shall not be judged primarily on the basis of economic criteria but, rather, on the basis of its added value for society as a whole.

Amendment 207 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) ‘Social innovation’ means a ground- breaking social initiative or project, drawn up specifically to address in a meaningful way social needs that have been ignored or insufficiently dealt with, such as help finding a first job, social exclusion, combating poverty or access to health care for disadvantaged people.

Amendment 208 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d b (new)

(db) 'Social policy experimentation' means project-based field testing of social innovations in order to gather evidence on their effectiveness and feasibility, such projects being limited in time and including a variety of actors of all sizes. The results of the experiments shall help to determine whether and under which conditions social innovations can be implemented on a wider scale. Social policy experimentation shall aim at improving the life of beneficiaries by tailored services or products and shall be developed with the direct involvement of stakeholders and beneficiaries. It requires long-term and sustainable financing of pilot projects, monitoring and evaluation and it shall aim at ensuring the scaling-up of effective approaches.

Amendment 209 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d b (new)

(db) ‘Social experimentation’ means promoting and financing projects that are innovative in terms of their approach to society and their implementation method, that facilitate access to employment, improve jobseekers’ living conditions, combat social exclusion and poverty, and whose positive results could be more widely publicised at European level.

Amendment 210 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. The Programme shall be made up of the following ~~three~~four complementarity axes:

Amendment 211 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) The Progress axis, which shall support the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Union policy in the fields of employment ~~and~~, social p~~olicy and legislation on~~rotection, social inclusion, combating poverty and working conditions legislation and shall promote evidence-based policy- making and ~~innovation~~social progress, in partnership with the social partners, civil society organisations and other interested parties;

Amendment 212 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) The Progress axis, which shall support the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Union employment and social policy and legislation on working conditions ~~and shall promote evidence~~, social protection, combating poverty and access to health care for disadvantaged people, and shall promote evidence- and social experimentation-based policy-making and innovation, in partnership with the social partners, civil society organisations and other interested parties;

Amendment 213 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) The Progress axis, which shall support the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Union employment ~~and social polic~~policy, social policy, social inclusion policy and policy in the area of combating poverty and legislation on working conditions and shall promote evidence-based policy-making and innovation, in partnership with the social partners, civil society organisations and other interested parties;

Amendment 214 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) The EURES axis, which shall support activities carried out by the EURES network, i.e. the specialist services designated by the EEA Member States and the Swiss Confederation, together with other interested parties, to develop information exchanges and dissemination and other forms of cooperation, such as cross-border partnerships, as well as individual counselling and information for jobseekers, mobile workers and employers to promote workers’' voluntary geographical mobility on a fair basis and to contribute to a high level of high- quality employment;

Amendment 215 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) The EURES axis, which shall support activities carried out by the EURES network, i.e. the specialist services designated by the EEA Member States and the Swiss Confederation, together with other interested parties, to develop information exchanges and dissemination and other forms of cooperation, such as cross-border partnerships, to promote ~~workers’~~targeted geographical mobility for workers;

Amendment 216 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) The Microfinance and Social E~~ntrepreneurship~~conomy axis, which shall facilitate access to finance for entrepreneurs, especially those furthest from the labour market, and social enterprises. (Horizontal amendment: the term 'Social entrepreneurship' should be replaced with 'Social Economy' through the whole document.)

Amendment 217 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) The Microfinance and Social E~~ntrepreneurship~~conomy axis, which shall facilitate access to finance for entrepreneurs, especially those furthest from the labour market, and social e~~nterprises.~~conomy organisations. (Horizontal amendment: the term 'social enterprises' should be replaced with 'social economy organisations ' through the whole document.)

Amendment 218 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) The Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship axis, which shall ~~facilitate access to finance for entrepreneurs, especially those furthest from the labour market, and social enterprises~~help increase access to, and availability of, microfinance for persons who have lost or are at risk of losing their job, or who have difficulties entering or re-entering the labour market, as well as persons who are facing the threat of social exclusion or vulnerable persons who are in a disadvantaged position with regard to access to the conventional credit market, and for micro-enterprises which employ those persons, as well as enterprises in the social economy.

Amendment 219 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) The Microfinance and Social E~~ntrepreneurship~~conomy axis, which shall facilitate access to, and increase the availability of, finance for potential entrepreneurs, especially ~~those furthest from the labour market, and social enterprise~~unemployed, socially excluded and vulnerable people, as well as existing micro-enterprises and social economy organisations.

Amendment 220 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) The Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship axis, which shall facilitate access to ~~finance~~a suitable level of finance – which can be revised upwards depending on the economic climate – for entrepreneurs, especially those hitherto furthest from the labour market, and for start-up or existing social enterprises.

Amendment 221 #

Jutta STEINRUCK, Elisabeth SCHROEDTER, Karima DELLI, Marian HARKIN, Philippe BOULLAND, Pervenche BERÈS

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(ca) The Youth Initiative axis, which shall improve the employment and educational situation of young people, in particular those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Amendment 222 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(ca) The Youth Initiative axis, which shall improve the employment and educational situation of young people, in particular those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Amendment 223 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2

2. The common provisions laid down in Articles 1 to 14 shall apply to all ~~three~~four axes set out in points (a), (b), (c) and (c a) of paragraph 1, to each of which specific provisions shall also apply.

Amendment 224 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) Strengthen ownership of the Union objectives in the fields of employment, social ~~and working conditions fields among key Union and national policy-makers, as well as other interested parties in order to~~protection and inclusion, combating poverty and improving working conditions among policy-makers at all levels, social partners as well as civil society organisations and public bodies in order to meet the social objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy and bring about concrete and coordinated actions at both Union and Member State level;

Amendment 225 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) Strengthen ownership of the Union objectives in the employment, social and working conditions fields among key Union and national policy-makers, as well as other interested parties in order to bring about concrete and coordinated actions at both Union and Member State level; promote the recognition and appreciation of the social added value offered by social enterprises as part of the social market economy in Europe;

Amendment 226 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) ~~Strengthen ownership of the Union obje~~Bring about concrete and coordinated activeons in the employment, social, social exclusion and working conditions fields, at both Union and Member State level, by strengthening ownership among key Union and national policy-makers, as well as other interested parties ~~in order to bring about concrete and coordinated actions at both Union and Member State level~~, of the Union’s objectives in these fields and promoting close collaboration with the social partners concerned;

Amendment 227 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b

Amendment 228 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) Support the development of adequate, accessible and efficient social protection systems and labour markets ~~and facilitate policy reform, by promoting~~in order to ensure social inclusion and a high level of high-quality employment and facilitate policy reform where necessary, by promoting the participation of all relevant stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations and people experiencing poverty and social exclusion, as well as good governance, mutual learning and social innovation;

Amendment 229 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) Support the development of adequate, accessible and efficient high quality social protection systems ~~and labour markets and facilitate policy reform, by promoting~~, protecting beneficiaries from poverty, and inclusive labour markets in order to ensure social inclusion and a high level of high-quality employment and facilitate social progress, by promoting participation of all relevant stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations and people experiencing poverty and social exclusion as well as good and decent work, good governance, mutual learning and social innovation;

Amendment 230 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) SPromote social governance by targeting greater social convergence, stimulating social innovation and supporting the development of adequate, accessible, equitable and efficient social protection systems and labour markets, and facilitate policy reform, by promoting good governance, mutual learning and social innovation;

Amendment 231 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) Mo~~dernise Union law in line with the Smart Regulation principles and ensure~~nitor the progress on the social objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy and the EU policies as well as thate Union law on matters relating to working conditions ~~is effectively applied~~;

Amendment 232 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) ~~Modernis~~Improve Union law in line with the ~~Smart Regulation~~"good work" principles and ensure that Union law on matters relating to working conditions is effectively applied;

Amendment 233 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) Modernise Union law in line with the Smart Regulation principles – and not at the expense of transparency – and ensure that Union law on matters relating to working conditions is effectively applied;

Amendment 234 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(ca) Construct and promote systems and regulations which support the development of the SME sector;

Amendment 235 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(ca) Promote the creation of sustainable 'green' and 'white' high quality jobs and the anticipation and development of new skills and competencies towards that end by linking employment and social policies with industrial and structural policies supporting a transition towards a resource-efficient and low carbon economy and a environmental and social sustainable development;

Amendment 236 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) Promote workers’ geographical mobility and boost employment opportunities by developing Union labour markets that are open and accessible to all; the promotion of such mobility must not, however, detract from the fact that workers in the Union should have work opportunities in their own Member States too; any desire they might have to seek work in other Member States must be the consequence of their free choice rather than an obligation dictated by a lack of job prospects in their own Member State of origin; the promotion of mobility should not, therefore, make it easier for workers to 'flee' from Member States with higher unemployment rates to the more prosperous Member States, since this could deprive Member States in difficulty of the resources they need to overcome the crisis;

Amendment 237 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) ~~Promo~~Facilitate workers' voluntary geographical mobility, especially in border regions by supporting cross-border partnerships, cross-border social dialogue and also counselling and information for jobseekers, mobile workers and employers, and boost employment opportunities by developing ~~Union~~high-quality inclusive labour markets that are open and accessible to all;

Amendment 238 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) Promote ~~workers’~~all initiatives on first jobs and returning the unemployed to work, workers’ targeted geographical mobility and boost employment opportunities by developing Union labour markets that are open and accessible to all;

Amendment 239 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) Promote workers' geographical mobility and boost employment opportunities by developing European Union labour markets that are open and accessible to all;

Amendment 240 #

Thomas MANN

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) Promote workers’ geographical and cross-border mobility and boost employment opportunities by developing Union labour markets that are open and accessible to all;

Amendment 241 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e

(e) Promote employment and social inclusion by increasing the availability and accessibility of microfinance for ~~vulnerable groups and~~unemployed, socially excluded and vulnerable people who wish to start up a micro-enterprise as well as for existing micro-enterprises, and by increasing access to finance for the social e~~nterprises.~~conomy organisations;

Amendment 242 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e

(e) Promote employment and social inclusion (e.g. for people with disabilities or low skills, or people affected by personal or professional problems) by increasing the availability and accessibility of microfinance for ~~vulnerable~~disadvantaged groups and micro-enterprises, and by increasing access to finance for social enterprises.

Amendment 243 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)

(ea) Combat poverty and social exclusion by supporting the activities of civil society organisations, social partners, social enterprises and social economy organisations, and public bodies.

Amendment 244 #

Jutta STEINRUCK, Elisabeth SCHROEDTER, Karima DELLI, Marian HARKIN, Philippe BOULLAND, Pervenche BERÈS

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)

Improve the knowledge and understanding of the situation prevailing in the Member States and in other participating countries through analysis, evaluation and close monitoring of strategies and their implementation.

Amendment 245 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)

(ea) Ensure a good transition from education to decent employment, prevent early-school leaving and promote quality of traineeships and apprenticeships.

Amendment 246 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)

(eb) Ensure a good transition from education to decent employment, prevent early-school leaving and promote quality of traineeships and apprenticeships.

Amendment 247 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a

Amendment 248 #

Ramon TREMOSA i BALCELLS

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a

(a) Promote equality between women and men and combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, language, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation;

Amendment 249 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b

(b) ~~Ensure that the requirements linked to the~~In defining and implementing the Union's policies and activities, promot~~ion of~~e a high-level of employment, a guarantee of adequate social protection and ~~the~~ fight against social exclusion ~~are taken into account in defining and implementing of the Union's policies and activities~~.

Amendment 250 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b

(b) Ensure that the requirements linked to the promotion of a high-level of employment, measures to prevent and combat long-term unemployment, a guarantee of adequate social protection and the fight against social exclusion are taken into account in defining and implementing of the Union's policies and activities.

Amendment 251 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Support those social enterprises which provide vocational education for young people in order to get professional qualifications requested on the labour market.

Amendment 252 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 b (new)

2b. To set up coordinated actions between education, labour market and social protection system both at national and cross-border level.

Amendment 253 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 a (new)

Article 4 a Partnership principle To ensure that the Programme meets beneficiaries' needs and requirements and in order to promote good governance, mutual learning and social innovation, the Commission and the Member States shall apply the partnership principle throughout the lifecycle at all levels of the Programme. To that end, the Commission and the Member States shall ensure that civil society organisations, including social partners, which represent the target groups of the Programme are involved in strategic decisions, the development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and dissemination of the Programme's axes. A sufficient amount of financial resources shall be allocated to the effective application of the partnership principle, as well as to the capacity- and competence building activities of the social partners and of civil society organisations which represent the target groups of the Programme.

Amendment 254 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1

1. The financial appropriations for implementing the Programme over the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020 shall amount to ~~EUR 958.19 million14~~at least EUR 1 000 million14 taking into account the employment situation and the constraints in the multiannual financial framework currently being negotiated.

Amendment 255 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1

1. The financial appropriations for implementing the Programme over the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020 shall amount to [EUR ~~958.19~~XXX] million14 .

Amendment 256 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part

~~The following indica~~Over the entivre per~~centages shall be~~iod of the Programme, the financial breakdown allocated to the axes set out in Article 3 (1) (a), (b) and (c) shall be as follows:

Amendment 257 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a

(a) 60% to the Progress axis~~, of which at least 17% shall be allocated to promoting social experimentation as a method for testing and evaluating innovative solutions with a view to scaling them up~~;

Amendment 258 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a

(a) 60% to the Progress axis, of which at least 1750% shall be allocated to ~~promoting social experimentation as a method for testing and evaluating innovative solutions with a view to scaling them up~~social protection, social inclusion and the reduction and prevention of poverty;

Amendment 259 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a

(a) 60% to the Progress axis, of which at least 1760% shall be allocated to ~~promoting social experimentation as a method for testing and evaluating innovative solutions with a view~~social protection, social inclusion and the reduction and prevention of poverty and at least 15 % to fighting youth unemployment; at least 15% up to a maximum of 17% of the budget for this axis shall be allocated to promoting social policy experimentation; funding shall be made available to scmal~~ing them up~~l, medium-sized and large projects alike;

Amendment 260 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a

(a) 60% to the Progress axis, of which at least 1720% shall be allocated to promoting social experimentation as a method for testing and evaluating innovative solutions with a view to scaling them up;

Amendment 261 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b

Amendment 262 #

Thomas HÄNDEL, Gabriele ZIMMER, Patrick LE HYARIC

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b

(b) 158% to the EURES axis;

Amendment 263 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b

(b) 15% to the EURES axis, of which at least 10% shall be allocated to targeted mobility schemes, at least 40% to cross- border partnerships, and at least 20% to the training and qualification of EURES personnel;

Amendment 264 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b

(b) 15 % to the EURES axis, prioritising ‘Your first Eures job’ in particular, and allocating at least 20 % to transnational partnerships;

Amendment 265 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c

Amendment 266 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)

25% of the budget for this Programme shall be allocated to promoting social policy experimentation and at least 10% to fighting youth unemployment and exclusion; funding shall be made available to small, medium-sized and large projects alike;

Amendment 267 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2

The remaining 52% shall be apportioned among the axes on an annual basis in line with policy priorities jointly set by the European Parliament and the Council on a proposal from the Commission.

Amendment 268 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2

The remaining 5 % shall be apportioned among the axes on an annual basis in line with policy priorities proposed by the Commission and agreed to by Parliament and the Council.

Amendment 269 #

Jutta STEINRUCK, Elisabeth SCHROEDTER, Karima DELLI, Marian HARKIN, Philippe BOULLAND, Pervenche BERÈS

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. In addition to the financial appropriations mentioned in paragraph 1, funding shall be provided for the Youth Initiative axis set out in Article 3 (1) (ca). Over the Programme period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020 financial appropriations dedicated to this axis shall amount to [EUR XXX] million.

Amendment 270 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment 271 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3

3. The Commission may make use of the appropriations referred to paragraph 1 to finance technical and/or administrative assistance, in particular relating to auditing, outsourcing of translation, meetings of experts, and information and communication activities for the mutual benefit of the Commission and the beneficiaries, and strengthen checks on expenditure. These appropriations shall be limited and capped.

Amendment 272 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

The following types of actions in its field of expertise may be financed under the Programme:

Amendment 273 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a

(a) Gathering of data and statistics, ~~as well as development of common methodologies,~~ classifications, indicators and benchmarks;

Amendment 274 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c

Amendment 275 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c

(c) Evaluations and impact assessments and an appraisal of the effectiveness of measures relating to objectives in the areas of employment, social cohesion and progress;;

Amendment 276 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point d a (new)

(da) Monitoring of the impact of implemented policies with regards to the most vulnerable groups;

Amendment 277 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point d b (new)

(db) Monitoring of the impact of implemented policies with regards to improving working conditions;

Amendment 278 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point e a (new)

(ea) specific innovative actions in the fields of employment, social exclusion, access to healthcare for disadvantaged people, working conditions and social affairs.

Amendment 279 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a

(a) Exchanges and dissemination of good practice, innovative approaches and experience, peer reviews, benchmarking and mutual learning at European level so that, in successfully promoting employment strategies, social exclusion and poverty may be effectively tackled;

Amendment 280 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b

~~b) Council Presidency events, conferences and seminars;~~deleted

Amendment 281 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c

~~c) Training of legal and policy practitioners, and EURES advisers;~~deleted

Amendment 282 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c

(c) Training of legal ~~and policy practitioners, and~~practitioners and of all those actively involved in implementing the ‘European Union Programme for Social Change and Innovation’, especially EURES advisers;

Amendment 283 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c

Amendment 284 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d

(d) Drafting and publication of guides, reports and educational materials and measures relating to information, communication, and media coverage of initiatives supported by Progress;

Amendment 285 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point e

~~(e) Information and communication activities;~~deleted

Amendment 286 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point e a (new)

(ea) Formulation and dissemination of a set of social criteria applicable on a voluntary basis by all undertakings within the European Union which could be accorded a designation such as that referred to in Article 16.

Amendment 287 #

Evelyn REGNER

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point f a (new)

(fa) Enhancing knowledge and understanding amongst policy makers and other stakeholders regarding development and implementation of policies that promote quality employment, good working conditions, inclusive labour markets, social protection and inclusion, and combat of poverty.

Amendment 288 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point f a (new)

(fa) Fostering the prevention culture in the field of health and safety at work and promotion of both mental and physical health within a work setting;

Amendment 289 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b

~~(b) Capacity-building of national administrations and specialist services responsible for promoting geographical mobility designated by the Member States and microcredit providers,~~deleted

Amendment 290 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b

(b) Capacity-building of ~~national~~ administrations and specialist services responsible for promoting geographical mobility designated by the Member States a~~nd microcredit providers,~~s well as capacity-building of microcredit providers and providers of financing for social enterprises;

Amendment 291 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b a (new)

(ba) Capacity-building of social partner organisations, Non-Governmental Organizations and actors of the social economy;

Amendment 292 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b a (new)

(ba) Capacity-building of social partner organisations and civil society organisations;

Amendment 293 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point d

~~(d) Networking and cooperation among specialist bodies, national, regional and local authorities, and employment services at European level;~~deleted

Amendment 294 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point d

(d) Networking and cooperation among specialist bodies, national, regional and local authorities, civil society and social partner organisations and employment services at European level;

Amendment 295 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 4

4. Actions to promote mobility of individuals in the Union, in particular the development of a multilingual digital platform for the clearance of job vacancies and applications, and targeted mobility schemes to fill vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified and/or to help specific groups of workers such as young people, in the awareness that the promotion of geographical mobility among young people should not facilitate trends such as 'brain drains' from Member States that are having greater difficulty to the more prosperous Member States. Such brain drains could undermine the ability of the Member States in difficulty to overcome the crisis; geographical mobility must not, therefore, become the only option available to young people, but should complement the increase in work opportunities in the Member State of origin of those same young people.

Amendment 296 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 4

4. Actions to promote mobility of individuals in the Union~~, in particular the development of a~~ as a choice and to remove mobility obstacles for citizens deciding to move: (a) Information and counselling of jobseekers, mobile workers, cross-border workers as well as organisations representing their interests, and employers; training for those administering cross-border benefits; (b) Advancement of the multilingual digital platform for the clearance of job vacancies and applications, and targeted mobility schemes to fill vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified and/or to help specific groups of workers such as young people.

Amendment 297 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Amendment 298 #

Thomas MANN

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 4

4. Actions to promote mobility of individuals in the Union, focusing in particular on cross-border workers and on the development of a multilingual digital platform for the clearance of job vacancies and applications, and targeted mobility schemes to fill vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified and/or to help specific groups of workers such as young people.

Amendment 299 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a (new)

(a) Actions to promote the mobility of individuals in the Union, in particular the development of a multilingual digital platform for the clearance of job vacancies and applications, and targeted mobility schemes to fill vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified and/or to help specific groups of workers such as young people and those seeking their first job.

Amendment 300 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b (new)

(b) Training of EURES legal practitioners and policy advisers;

Amendment 301 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point c (new)

(c) Capacity-building of national administrations and specialist services responsible for promoting targeted geographical mobility designated by the Member States;

Amendment 302 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point d (new)

(d) Networking of, and cooperation among, specialist bodies, national, regional, and local authorities, and employment services at European level;

Amendment 303 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)

4a. Actions to support the access to specialized professional qualification courses, in order to better help specific groups of workers or unemployed people.

Amendment 304 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 5

5. Support to microfinance and social enterprises in particular through the financial instruments provided for under Title VIII of Part one of Regulation XXX/2012 [New Financial Regulation] on the financial rules applicable to the annual budget of the Union, and grants.The following types of actions may be financed under the heading of ‘microfinance and social enterprises’:

Amendment 305 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 5

5. Support to microfinance and social enterprises, and support to persons who have no or insufficient credit standing and have no or insufficient capital resources and therefore no access to credits, in particular through the financial instruments provided for under Title VIII of Part one of Regulation XXX/2012 [New Financial Regulation] on the financial rules applicable to the annual budget of the Union, and grants.

Amendment 306 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a (new)

(a) Support to microfinance and social enterprises in particular through the financial instruments provided for under Title VIII of Part one of Regulation (EU) No XXX/2012 [New Financial Regulation] on the financial rules applicable to the annual budget of the Union, and grants.

Amendment 307 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point b (new)

(b) Capacity-building of national administrations and specialist services responsible for the recognition and promotion of microcredit providers designated by the Member States.

Amendment 308 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)

5a. Support the micro-enterprises and social enterprises, through the financial instruments, to provide vocational training for young and/or unemployed people.

Amendment 309 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7

Actions eligible under the Programme may be implemented jointly with other Union instruments, provided that such actions meet the objectives of both the Programme and the other instruments concerned. It is essential that clear demarcation lines are established between interventions under other instruments (e.g. ESF or ERDF) and the Programme in order to avoid overlapping support and to ensure synergy.

Amendment 310 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, shall ensure that activities carried out under the Programme are consistent with, and complementary to other Union action, in particular under the European Social Fund (ESF) and in such areas as social dialogue, justice and fundamental rights, education, vocational training and youth policy, research and innovation, entrepreneurship, health, enlargement and external relations, and general economic policy, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Horizon 2020 programme for research and innovation, the Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Amendment 311 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, in line with the partnership principle, shall ensure that activities carried out under the Programme are consistent with, and complementary to other Union action, in particular under the European Social Fund (ESF) and in such areas as social dialogue, justice and fundamental rights, equal opportunities, education, vocational training, children's rights and well-being, and youth policy, migration policy, research and innovation, entrepreneurship, health, working conditions, enlargement and external relations, and general economic policy.

Amendment 312 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, will ensure that activities carried out under the Programme are consistent with, complementary to and do not duplicate other Union action, in particular under the European Social Fund (ESF) and in such areas as social dialogue, justice and fundamental rights, education, vocational training and youth policy, research and innovation, entrepreneurship, health, enlargement and external relations, and general economic policy. The Commission will ensure that the Member States give funding from the ESF to organisations offering training and mentoring programmes to the final beneficiaries of microcredit; in addition, it will encourage the Member States to grant interest subsidies from ESF funds to recipients of EU microcredit. The activities supported by the programme shall comply with Union and national law, including state aid rules.

Amendment 313 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, shall ensure that activities carried out under the Programme are consistent with, and complementary to, other Union action, in particular within the Structural Funds, under the European Social Fund (ESF), under the ERDF and specific SME programmes, and in such areas as social dialogue, justice and fundamental rights, education, vocational training and youth policy, research and innovation, entrepreneurship, health, enlargement and external relations, and general economic policy.

Amendment 314 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1

Amendment 315 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2

2. The activities supported by the Programme shall comply with Union and national law, including state aid rules, and ILO Conventions.

Amendment 316 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. The actions implemented shall further comply with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Amendment 317 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1

1. The results of the actions implemented under the Programme shall be regularly and suitably communicated and disseminated to citizens, the EESC, and representatives of SMEs, the social partners, and the European Parliament in order to maximise their impact, sustainability and Union added value.

Amendment 318 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1

~~1. The results of the actions implemented under the Programme shall be suitably communicated and disseminated in order to maximise their impact, sustainability and Union added value.~~does not affect the English

Amendment 319 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13

With a view to regular monitoring of the Programme and making any adjustments needed to its policy and funding priorities, the Commission shall draw up ~~bie~~anniual monitoring reports and send them to the European Parliament and the Council and to the CoR and the EESC for information. Such reports shall cover the Programme’s qualitative and quantified results and the extent to which gender equality and anti- discrimination considerations, including accessibility issues, have been addressed through its activities. The reports shall be published and made publicly accessible in order to enhance transparency.

Amendment 320 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13

With a view to regular monitoring of the Programme and making any adjustments needed to its policy and funding priorities, the Commission shall draw up an initial monitoring report after 1 year and thereafter biennial monitoring reports and send them to the European Parliament and the Council. Such reports shall cover the Programme's results and the extent to which gender equality and anti- discrimination considerations, including accessibility issues, have been addressed through its activities.

Amendment 321 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13

Amendment 322 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 13

With a view to regular monitoring of the Programme and making any adjustments needed to its policy and funding priorities, the Commission shall draw up biennial monitoring reports and send them to the European Parliament and the Council. Such reports shall cover the progress made in the implementation of the Programme's, the results achieved and the extent to which gender equality and anti-discrimination considerations, including accessibility issues, have been addressed through its activities.

Amendment 323 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1

1. A mid-term evaluation of the Programme in cooperation with the Strategic Advisory Board referred to in article 26d shall be carried out by the end of 2017 to measure progress made in meeting its objectives, to determine whether its resources have been used efficiently and to assess its Union added value. The Strategic Advisory Board referred to in article 26d shall be involved in the whole evaluation process.

Amendment 324 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1

1. A mid-term evaluation of the Programme shall be carried out by the end of 2017 at the latest to measure progress made in meeting its objectives, to determine whether its resources have been used efficiently and to assess its Union added value. The Commission may, on the basis of the review, propose the transfer of appropriations between the Programme’s axes.

Amendment 325 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 a (new)

Article 14 a Thematic sections and financing 1. The Progress axis shall support actions in one or more of the thematic sections listed in points (a), (b) and (c). Over the entire period of the Programme, the breakdown of the allocation referred to in Article 5(2)(a) between the different sections shall respect the following lower limits: (a) employment, within which at least 10% of the allocation to this section shall be spent to fight youth unemployment; (b) social protection, social inclusion and the reduction and prevention of poverty: 50%; (c) working conditions: 10%. 2. Within the activities in the three thematic sections, at least 25% of the allocation referred to in Article 5(2)(a) shall be spent on social policy experimentation over the entire period of the programme. 3. The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred upon the Commission in accordance with Article 26e concerning the allocation of funds to individual sections within the axis. The Commission is entitled to establish the overall allocation to section (a) and to increase or decrease the allocations to sections (b) and (c) referred to in paragraph 1 by up to 5%, taking due account of specific needs and policy priorities in the areas covered by the Progress axis.

Amendment 326 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 a (new)

Article 14 a Thematic Sections The pluriannual working programme of the Progress axis should support actions in one or more of the following thematic sections: a) Employment; b) Social protection, social inclusion and the reduction and prevention of poverty; c) Working conditions and health and safety at work; Moreover, it should include the following horizontal priorities : a) Social policy experimentation; b) Fighting youth unemployment and exclusion; c) Promoting equal opportunity between women and men; d) Combating discrimination based on gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation and fulfil the obligation under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; e) Protecting children's rights and well- being.

Amendment 327 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

In addition to the general objectives set out in Article 4, the specific objectives of the Progress axis shall be to support the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy, the European Platform Against Poverty and other relevant Flagships Initiatives and the engagement in the reinforced social OMC. The specific objectives shall:

Amendment 328 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) Develop and disseminate high-quality comparative analytical knowledge in order to ensure that Union ~~employment and social policy and working conditions legislation~~policy in the fields of employment, working conditions, social protection, social inclusion and combating discrimination and multiple discrimination, combating poverty and housing exclusion, combating youth unemployment and youth poverty, poverty amongst migrants and ethnic minorities, child poverty, energy poverty as well as legislation in those areas are based on sound evidence and are relevant to ~~needs,~~people's needs, social challenges and social conditions in the individual Member States and the other participating countries;

Amendment 329 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) Develop and disseminate high-quality comparative analytical knowledge in order to ensure that Union ~~employment and social policy and working conditions legislation are based on sound evidence and are relevant to~~social policy, to combat exclusion and as regards both access to health care for the most deprived and employment, and working conditions legislation are based on local, regional, or national evidence and are fully suited to the needs of job-seekers and/or employees and to the needs, challenges and conditions inaffecting citizens of the individual Member States and other participating countries;

Amendment 330 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) Develop and disseminate high-quality comparative analytical knowledge in order to ensure that Union employment and social policy and working conditions legislation are based on sound evidence and ~~are relevant to~~effectively correspond to the needs, challenges and conditions in the individual Member States and the other participating countries;

Amendment 331 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) Facilitate effective and inclusive information-sharing, mutual learning and dialogue ~~on Union employment and social policy and working conditions legislation~~, within the framework of the European Employment Strategy and the Open Method of Coordination in the field of social protection and inclusion and by networking amongst specialised bodies, including the social partners and civil society organisations, on Union policy in the fields of employment, social protection, social inclusion, working conditions legislation, combating discrimination and multiple discrimination, combating poverty and housing exclusion, protecting children's rights and well-being, combating youth unemployment and youth poverty, helping the integration of migrants and the improvement of the situation of asylum- seekers at Union, national and international level in order to assist the Member States and the other participating countries in developing their policies and in implementing Union law;

Amendment 332 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) fFacilitate effective and inclusive information-sharing, ~~mutual learning and dialogue on Union employment and social policy~~focusing on innovative actions to promote access to employment and to a first job in particular, mutual learning and dialogue on Union social policy, measures to combat exclusion, and information campaigns on the usefulness of a label for the socially most virtuous enterprises in Europe and on working conditions legislation at Union, national and international level in order to assist the Member States and the other participating countries in developing their policies and in implementing Union law;

Amendment 333 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) Facilitate effective and inclusive information-sharing, mutual learning and dialogue ~~on Union employment and social policy and working conditions legislation~~, within the framework of the European Employment Strategy and the Open Method of Coordination in the field of social protection and inclusion and by networking amongst specialised bodies, including the social partners and civil society organisations, on Union policy in the fields of employment, working conditions, social protection, social inclusion and combating poverty as well as legislation in those areas at Union, national and international level in order to assist the Member States and the other participating countries in developing their policies and in implementing Union law;

Amendment 334 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

(ba) Support for active engagement of all relevant actors in the follow up of already agreed Union priorities, such as active inclusion, combating discrimination and multiple discrimination, combating homelessness and housing exclusion, child poverty, energy poverty, youth poverty and unemployment, and poverty amongst migrants, improving the situation of asylum seekers and ethnic minorities, implementing the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020, implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Joint Action on Mental Health and Joint Action on Health Inequalities.

Amendment 335 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point b b (new)

(bb) Fostering the prevention culture in the field of health and safety at work and promotion of both mental and physical health within a work setting.

Amendment 336 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) Provide policy-makers with financial support to ~~test social and labour market policy reforms~~anticipate and develop the job creation potential and skills needs for a transition towards a resource-efficient and low carbon economy as well as environmental and social sustainable development, to test social and labour market policies accordingly to deliver on improving the quality of jobs and social protection, build up the main actors' capacity to design and implement social policy experimentation linked to those objectives and social progress, and make the relevant knowledge and expertise accessible;

Amendment 337 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) Provide ~~policy-make~~national, regional, or local actors with financial support to test social and labour market policy reforms, build up the main actors’ capacity to design and implement social experimentation, and make the relevant knowledge and expertise accessible;

Amendment 338 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) pProvide Union ~~and nation~~organisations and national, regional, or local organisations with financial support to step up their capacity to develop, innovative social experimentation and promote and support the implementation of ~~Union~~social policy, of policy to combat exclusion, of employment ~~and social~~ policy, and of Union working conditions legislation.

Amendment 339 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) Provide ~~Union and national organisation~~organisations at all levels with financial support to step up their capacity to develop, promote and support the implementation of Union ~~employment and social policy and working conditions legislation~~policy in the fields of employment, working conditions, social protection, social inclusion and combating poverty as well as legislation in those areas.

Amendment 340 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 a (new)

In addition to the general objectives set out in Article 4, the specific objectives of the Progress axis shall be to: (a) establish a social label to identify enterprises which endeavour to satisfy social criteria more ambitious than the minimum legal standards in order to progress towards a European social model capable of offering better social protection to employees and meeting the aspirations of consumers and of financial institutions wishing to invest in socially responsible enterprises; (b) establish funding to serve as a ‘personal contribution’ of the recipients when they approach financial institutions; (c) set up one-stop shops bringing together employment services and all other related social services (NGOs, voluntary organisations, social partners, etc.) in the world of work (training, apprenticeship, redeployment, etc.) and in the social field (housing, health, transport, etc.); (d) promote teleworking; (e) encourage and support all initiatives by schools and training centres aiming to work more closely with employment services in order to gear training courses to sectors suffering a shortage of skilled labour; (f) set up business incubators enabling resources to be pooled for start-up purposes, and promote enterprise creation systems by providing technical and financial support and offering the possibility of sponsorship; (g) improve the information provided to citizens on European programmes to assist job-seekers; (h) support initiatives enabling the individual circumstances and the environment of unemployed persons seeking work to be taken into account (mobility assistance, loan of a vehicle, assistance for the purpose of learning to drive, welfare benefits, etc.); (i) combat exclusion and poverty, not least by enabling the most deprived to gain access to health care.

Amendment 341 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point b

(b) EPublic and private employment services;

Amendment 342 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. For the purposes of implementing this Programme, the Commission shall establish cooperation with the European foundations and agencies dealing with social affairs and ensure that this Programme is consistent with, and complementary to, the Grundtvig and Leonardo programmes.

Amendment 343 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 4

Amendment 344 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 a (new)

Article 19 a Thematic sections and financing 1. The EURES axis shall support actions in one or more of the thematic sections listed in points (a), (b) and (c). Over the entire period of the Programme, the breakdown of the allocation referred to in Article 5(2)(b) between the different sections shall respect the following lower limits: (a) Information services, counselling and job-matching for mobile workers and employers: 15%; (b) Targeted mobility schemes: 20%; (c) Transnational, sectoral and cross- border cooperation: 40%. 2. The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred upon the Commission in accordance with Article 26e concerning the allocation of funds to individual sections within the axis. The Commission is entitled to increase or decrease the allocations to sections (a), (b) and (c) referred to in paragraph 1 by up to 5%, taking due account of specific needs and policy priorities in the areas covered by the EURES axis.

Amendment 345 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 a (new)

Article 19 a Thematic Sections Article 19a Thematic sections The EURES axis shall include actions in the following fields: (a) Information services, counselling and job-matching for mobile workers and employers; (b) Targeted mobility schemes; (c) Transnational, sectoral and cross- border cooperation; (d) Evaluation of activities and placements, as a cross-cutting section; (e) Your first EURES-job for young job- seekers.

Amendment 346 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) Ensure that information and advice on job vacancies and applications, and any related information such as living and working conditions including social legislation, labour law and collective agreements in force, as well as opportunities to acquire new skills are transparent for the potential applicants and the employers; this shall be achieved through their exchange and dissemination at transnational, interregional and cross- border level using standard interoperability forms, as well as by individual counselling;

Amendment 347 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) Ensure that job vacancies and applications, and any related information are transparent for the potential applicants and the employers; this shall be achieved through their exchange and dissemination at transnational, interregional and cross- border level using standard interoperability forms; ensure that targeted mobility does not impede access to local employment through training geared to sectors suffering a labour shortage;

Amendment 348 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point a

Amendment 349 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) Develop ~~services for the recruitment and placing of workers in employment through the clearance of~~recruitment services, including ‘one-stop shop’ guidance and training, and services for the placing of workers in employment in order to meet the specific needs of job-seekers, in particular to facilitate administrative formalities and enable skills to be matched with job vacancies and applications at European level; this shall cover all phases of placement, ranging from pre-recruitment preparation to post- placement assistance with a view to the applicant’s successful integration into the labour market; such services shall include targeted mobility schemes to fill vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified and/or help particular groups of workers such as young people. It shall be ensured in particular that these recruitment and placement services do not encourage the ‘brain drain’.

Amendment 350 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) Develop services for the recruitment and placing of workers in sustainable employment through the clearance of job vacancies and applications at European level; this shall cover all phases of placement, ranging from pre-recruitment preparation to post- placement assistance with a view to the applicant's successful integration into the labour market; such services shall include targeted mobility schemes to fill vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified and/or help particular groups of workers such as young people.

Amendment 351 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

(ba) Develop a targeted job mobility scheme for the transnational recruitment and job placements in order to help young people find a job in another Members State (action "Your first EURES job") through the clearance of job vacancies and applications at European level; this shall cover all phases of placement, ranging from pre-recruitment preparation to post-placement assistance with a view to the applicant's successful integration into the labour market;

Amendment 352 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 a (new)

Article 20 a Specific actions In addition to types of actions set out in Article 6, the specific actions under the EURES axis may include: (a) Development of cross-border- partnerships, where requested by services territorially responsible for the border regions; counselling and information possibilities before, during and after the mobility experience for jobseekers, mobile workers, including cross-border workers, seasonal workers, migrant workers, posted workers, and employers in order to promote voluntary geographical mobility on a fair basis; drafting and dissemination of information material to inform jobseekers, mobile workers, employers and EURES advisers on labour law, social security and working conditions in cross-border regions and other Member States; (b) Development and implementation of targeted mobility schemes in cooperation with the Advisory Committee on Freedom of Movement of Workers; (c) Evaluation of activities and placements facilitated by EURES, taking into account qualitative and quantitative criteria alike, focussing on incoming and outgoing placements in individual Member States as well as aggregated placement figures at Union level, thereby taking the changing labour market situations and related mobility patterns into account; development of indicators in cooperation between the Commission, the Member States and the social partners to evaluate the quality of employment and working conditions with regard to EURES jobs.

Amendment 353 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 a (new)

Article 20 a Specific actions In addition to actions of the types set out in Article 6, specific actions under the EURES axis may include: (a) development of cross-border cooperation; provision of a multilingual digital platform for job vacancies and applications; counselling possibilities before, during and after the mobility experience so as to promote geographical mobility on a fair basis; drafting and dissemination of information material.

Amendment 354 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 b (new)

Article 20 b Mobility schemes 1. Targeted mobility schemes can be designed for specific groups of workers, certain sectors, occupations, countries or group of countries wherever a clear economic need is identified and Union- wide recruitment could provide added value, for example in the area of bottleneck vacancies and niche vacancies for which recruitment difficulties have been identified. The Advisory Committee on Freedom of Movement of Workers will be regularly consulted with regard to the schemes. 2. Targeted mobility schemes shall be based on the principle of ‘fair mobility’, fully respecting applicable labour standards and legal requirements. Accordingly, the schemes should ensure that the employment they arrange is in jobs with secure working conditions and fair pay based on collective agreements or minimum wages. 3. The implementing organisations delivering services to jobseekers and employers in the framework of targeted mobility schemes shall be selected in open call for proposals to which employment services may apply, provided that they are committed to the principle of fair mobility. 4. Strong coordination of the targeted mobility schemes must be ensured, as well as full respect for applicable labour law and standards.

Amendment 355 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 b (new)

Article 20 b Monitoring of the Brain Drain In order to detect and prevent negative effects of geographical mobility on individual Member States or specific economic sectors the Commission shall, in accordance with Article 12 of Regulation 492/2011, regularly monitor mobility patterns, especially those of skilled workers. In the event of emerging labour market distortions, the Commission shall consider presenting proposals to the European Parliament and Council to counteract such developments.

Amendment 356 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – point b

(b) EPublic and private employment services;

Amendment 357 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – point c

(c) SRegional and local authorities, social partner organisations and other ~~interested partie~~regional and local organisations and interested parties involved in cross-border partnerships.

Amendment 358 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – point c

Amendment 359 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 a (new)

Article 21 a Thematic sections and financing 1. The Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship axis shall support actions in one or more of the sections listed in points (a) and (b). Over the entire period of the Programme, the breakdown of the allocation referred to in Article 5(2)(c) between the different sections shall respect the following lower limits: (a) Microfinance for vulnerable groups and micro-enterprises: 45%; (b) Social entrepreneurship: 45%. 2. The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred upon the Commission in accordance with Article 26e concerning the allocation of funds to individual sections within the axis. The Commission is entitled to increase or decrease the allocations to sections (a) and (b) referred to in paragraph 1 by up to 5%, taking due account of specific needs and policy priorities in the areas covered by the Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship axis.

Amendment 360 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a

Amendment 361 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a

(a) persons who have lost or are at risk of losing their jobs, or who have difficulty in entering or re-entering the labour market, persons at risk of social exclusion and ~~vulnerable~~disadvantaged persons who are in a disadvantaged position with regard to access to the conventional credit market and who wish to start up or develop their own micro-enterprises and are thus reliant on start-up capital;

Amendment 362 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a a (new)

(aa) the creation and development of micro-enterprises, applying microfinance arrangements enabling the maximum amount to be raised according to the economic situation;

Amendment 363 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b

(b) micro-enterprises, especially those which employ ~~persons as referred to in point (a)~~vulnerable persons who are in a disadvantaged labour market position;

Amendment 364 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b

(b) micro-enterprises, especially ~~those~~in the social economy, as well as micro- enterprises which employ persons as referred to in point (a);

Amendment 365 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)

2a. Establish microfinance or funding to serve as a ‘personal contribution’ of the recipients when they approach financial institutions;

Amendment 366 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)

2a. Support the setting up and development of micro-enterprises benefiting from micro-finance, amongst others by ensuring accompanying mentoring and training.

Amendment 367 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point 3

3. Support the development of social enterprises and of enterprises awarded a label in recognition of their consistent efforts to fulfil a given number of predetermined ambitious social criteria, in particular by facilitating access to finance.

Amendment 368 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 a (new)

In order to ensure complementarity, the Commission and the Member States will closely coordinate in their respective area of competence these actions with those undertaken in the framework of cohesion policy and at national level. Such actions shall aim to stimulate the supply of funded risk sharing instruments, such as guarantees and counter-guarantees, equity and debt finance.

Amendment 369 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

1a. In order to ensure complementarity, these actions will be closely coordinated with those undertaken in the framework of cohesion policy.

Amendment 370 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. Participation under the Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship axis shall be open to public and private bodies established at national, regional or local level and to social enterprises and organisations in the countries referred to in Article 16(1) and providing in those countries:

Amendment 371 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) financing for social enterprises and those awarded a label in recognition of their consistent efforts to fulfil a given number of predetermined ambitious social criteria.

Amendment 372 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2

Amendment 373 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1

1. In order to implement the instruments and grants referred to in Article 6(5), the Commission may conclude agreements with the entities listed in Article 55(1) (b) (iii) and (iv) of Regulation XXX/2012 [New Financial Regulation 2012] on the financial rules applicable to the annual budget of the Union, and in particular with the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund. Such agreements shall set out detailed provisions on implementing the tasks entrusted to those financial institutions, including provisions specifying the need to ensure additionality and coordination with existing Union and national financial instruments and to apportion the resources in a balanced way among the Member States and the other participating countries. Financial instruments, such as funded risk- sharing instruments like guarantees and counter-guarantees, equity instruments and debt instruments, may be delivered ~~through investment in a dedicated investment vehicle~~by a fund, which can be co-financed by financial institutions, or by direct conversion of the Programme funds into financial instruments such as guarantees.

Amendment 374 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. The fund shall provide loans, risk- sharing instruments and equity capital for intermediaries and/or direct financing for social enterprises. Equity capital can be provided amongst others in the form of open equity participations, dormant holdings, shareholder loans as well as combinations of different types of equity participations issued to the investors.

Amendment 375 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – Paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. The conditions, such as interest rates, for micro-credits directly or indirectly supported in the framework of this axis shall be reasonable and proportionate with regard to underlying risks and actual costs related to a credit as well as with regard to the attractiveness of loans for borrowers.

Amendment 376 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1

1. The international financial institutions and, where relevant, the fund managers shall send the Commission and Parliament annual implementation reports setting out the activities granted support and covering their financial implementation and the allocation and accessibility of funding and investment by sector and type of beneficiary, applications accepted or rejected under each axis and contracts concluded by the public and private bodies concerned, actions funded and the results, including in terms of social impact, employment creation and sustainability of the businesses support granted.

Amendment 377 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1

1. The international financial institutions and, where relevant, the fund managers shall send the Commission annual implementation reports setting out the activities granted support and covering their financial implementation and the allocation and accessibility of funding and investment by sector and type of beneficiary, applications accepted or rejected and contracts concluded by the public and private bodies concerned, actions funded and the results, including in terms of social impact, employment creation and sustainability of the businesses ~~support granted~~granted support. The Commission shall regularly send those reports to the European Parliament for information.

Amendment 378 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2

Amendment 379 #

Jutta STEINRUCK, Elisabeth SCHROEDTER, Karima DELLI, Marian HARKIN, Philippe BOULLAND, Pervenche BERÈS

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2

2. The information provided in these annual implementation reports shall feed into the ~~biennial~~ monitoring reports provided for in Article 13. Such monitoring reports shall include the annual reports provided for in Article 8(2) of Decision No 283/2010/EU.

Amendment 380 #

Proposal for a regulation
Chapter III a (new)

Chapter III a (new) Youth Initiative Axis

Amendment 381 #

Jutta STEINRUCK, Elisabeth SCHROEDTER, Karima DELLI, Marian HARKIN, Philippe BOULLAND, Pervenche BERÈS

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 a (new)

1. The Youth Initiative axis for people aged under 25 years shall support actions in one or more of the thematic sections listed in points (a), (b) and (c). Over the entire period of the Programme, the breakdown of the allocation referred to in Article 5(2a) between the different sections shall respect the following lower limits: a) Preventing early-school leaving especially through reintegration into training: 30%; b) Developing skills that are relevant to the labour market in order to bring together more closely worlds of employment, education and training: 20%; c) Supporting a first work experience and on-the-job training in order to offer the opportunity to young people to acquire both the relevant skills and work experience: 20%; d) quality of traineeships and apprenticeships: 20%. 2. Within the activities in the three thematic sections, at least 25% of the allocation referred to in Article 5(2a) shall be spent on social policy experimentation over the entire period of the programme. 3. The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred upon the Commission in accordance with Article 26e concerning the allocation of funds to individual sections within the axis. The Commission is entitled to increase or decrease the allocations to sections (a), (b) and (c) referred to in paragraph 1 by up to 5%, taking due account of specific needs and policy priorities in the areas covered by the Youth Initiative axis.Article 26 a Thematic sections and financing

Amendment 382 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 a (new)

Article 26 a Thematic sections and financing 1. The Youth Initiative axis for people aged under 25 years shall support actions in one or more of the thematic sections listed in points (a), (b) and (c). Over the entire period of the Programme, the breakdown of the allocation referred to in Article 5(2a) between the different sections shall respect the following lower limits: a) Preventing early-school leaving especially through reintegration into training: 30%; b) Developing skills that are relevant to the labour market in order to bring together more closely worlds of employment, education and training: 20%; c) Supporting a first work experience and on-the-job training in order to offer the opportunity to young people to acquire both the relevant skills and work experience: 20%; d) quality of traineeships and apprenticeships: 20%.

Amendment 383 #

Jutta STEINRUCK, Elisabeth SCHROEDTER, Karima DELLI, Marian HARKIN, Philippe BOULLAND, Pervenche BERÈS

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 a (new)

Article 26 a (new) Thematic sections The Youth Initiative axis for people aged under 25 years shall include actions in following fields: a) Preventing early-school leaving especially through reintegration into training, b) Developing skills that are relevant to the labour market in order to bring together more closely worlds of employment, education and training, c) Supporting a first work experience and on-the-job training in order to offer the opportunity to young people to acquire both the relevant skills and work experience, d) Access to the labour market: getting a (first) job;

Amendment 384 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 b (new)

transition of young people from education to decent employment in particular in deprived areas and regions with exceptionally high youth unemployment; in this context special attention shall be paid to young people with fewer opportunities, including young women, young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) and young people from ethnic minoriArticle 26 b Specific objectives In addition to the general objectives, who might all face multiple discrimination; (b) Support the exchange of best practice and mutual learning in the field of fighting youth unemployment, including the possibility of introducing a youth guarantee which would offer every young person in Europe a job, further education or work-focused training at the latest four months after leaving education or after becoming unemployed; improving the quality of traineeships and apprenticeships and reducing early school leaving; (c) Provide policy-makers with financial support to test social and labour market policy approaches designed to fight youth unemployment, to promote the transition of young people from education to decent employment, improve the quality of traineeships and apprenticeships, reduce early school leaving and make the relevant knowledge and expertise accessible; (d) Provide Union, national and regional organisations with financial support to step up their capacity to develop, promote and support activities in order to fight youth unemployment, to promote the transition of young people from education to decent employment, improve the quality of traineeships and apprenticeships, reduce early school leaving and make the relevant knowledge and expertise accessible. set out in Article 4, the specific objectives of the Youth Initiative axis shall be to: (a) Support the creation of specific innovative programmes in order to fight youth unemployment and promote the

Amendment 385 #

Jutta STEINRUCK, Elisabeth SCHROEDTER, Karima DELLI, Marian HARKIN, Philippe BOULLAND, Pervenche BERÈS

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 b (new)

Article 26 b (new) Specific objectives In addition to the general objectives set out in Article 4, the specific objectives of the Youth Initiative axis shall be to: (a) Support the creation of specific innovative programmes in order to fight youth unemployment and promote the transition of young people from education to decent employment in particular in deprived areas and regions with exceptionally high youth unemployment; in this context special attention shall be paid to young people with fewer opportunities, including young women, young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) and young people from ethnic minorities, who might all face multiple discrimination; (b) Support the exchange of best practice and mutual learning in the field of fighting youth unemployment, improving the quality of traineeships and apprenticeships and reducing early school leaving, by exchanging best practice experiences of existing projects in the participating countries; (c) Provide policy-makers with financial support to test social and labour market policy approaches designed to fight youth unemployment, to promote the transition of young people from education to decent employment, improve the quality of traineeships and apprenticeships, reduce early school leaving and make the relevant knowledge and expertise accessible; (d) Provide Union, national and regional organisations with financial support to step up their capacity to develop, promote and support activities in order to fight youth unemployment, to promote the transition of young people from education to decent employment, improve the quality of traineeships and apprenticeships, reduce early school leaving and make the relevant knowledge and expertise accessible;

Amendment 386 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 c (new)

Article 26 c Participation 1. Participation in the Youth Initiative axis shall be open to the following countries: (a) The Member States; (b) The EFTA and EEA member countries, in accordance with the EEA Agreement; (c) The candidate countries and potential candidates, in accordance with the general principles and the general terms and conditions laid down in the framework agreements concluded with them on their participation in Union programmes. 2. The Youth Initiative axis shall be open to all public and/or private bodies, actors and institutions, and in particular: (a) National, regional and local authorities; (b) Public employment services; (c) The social partners; (d) Youth organisations and other non- governmental organisations at all political levels; (e) Higher education institutions and research institutes; (f) Experts in evaluation and in impact assessment; 3. For the purpose of the implementation of the Youth Initiative axis, the Commission shall establish cooperation with the EU Agencies referred to in Article 16(2a). The Commission may also establish cooperation with international organisations referred to in Article 16(3) and with third countries not participating in the Programme as provided for in Article 16(4).

Amendment 387 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 d (new)

Article 26 d Implementation of the Programme 1. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 26e in order to adopt the multiannual work plans for the Programme, laying down medium-term policy and funding priorities. 2. The multiannual work plans shall be implemented through annual work programmes. 3. The multiannual work plans and annual work programmes shall cover all axes of the Programme.

Amendment 388 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 e (new)

Article 26 e Delegation of powers to the Commission The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 26f concerning the allocation of funds to individual sections within the axes as stipulated in Articles 14a, 19a, 21a and 26a, and the adopt multiannual work plans as stipulated in Article 26d.

Amendment 389 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 f (new)

Article 26 f Exercise of the delegation 1. The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article. 2. The delegation of power referred to in Article 26e shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of seven years from ...* and for the duration of the Programme. 3. The delegation of power referred to in Article 26e may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or on a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force. 4. As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council. 5. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 26e shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or the Council. _______________ * OJ please insert the date of entry into force of this Regulation.

Amendment 390 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 g (new)

Article 26 g Strategic Advisory Board 1. The Commission shall establish a strategic advisory board to advise it, in a consultative capacity, in steering the implementation of the Programme, as well as its monitoring and evaluation. Where necessary the advisory board may set up working groups on specific aspects of the Programme. 2. The strategic advisory board and the working groups shall be chaired by the Commission and composed of representatives of Member States and other participating countries, trade unions, employers' organisations and civil society organisations, organised at Union level, which are directly or indirectly involved in the implementation of Programme activities. 3. The strategic advisory board and the working groups shall: (a) deliver its opinion on the draft multiannual work plans; (b) deliver its opinion on draft annual work programmes; (c) advise the Commission with regard to monitoring and evaluating the Programme, as set out in Articles 13 and 14 respectively. 4. The Commission may consult the strategic advisory board on questions other than those referred to in paragraph 3.

Amendment 391 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 h (new)

Article 26 h Implementing powers conferred on the Commission 1. The annual work plans referred to in Article 26d shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 26i(3): 2. All other measures necessary for the implementation of the Programme shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 26i(2).

Amendment 392 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 i (new)

committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. 2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply. 3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011Article 26 i Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee. That committee shall ~~apply.~~be a

source: PE-487.817

2012/08/05 CONT 7 amendments...

Amendment 17 #

Jens GEIER

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)

(5a) Taking into account the limited funds available to the programme and the allocation of these funds to different axes, funding priority should be given to the development of structures with a clear multiplier effect which will benefit further projects and initiatives. Because the scope of this programme partially overlaps with that of the European Social Fund, measures should be put in place that seek to avoid double-financing of the same activities and initiatives. Because the activities carried out under the directly managed programme partially overlap with those of the European Social Fund, which is under shared management, measures should be put in place that do not duplicate or double-finance activities under different management modes.

Amendment 18 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)

(5a) Taking into account the limited funds available to the programme and the pre- allocation of these funds to the various axes, funding priority should be given to the development of structures with a clear multiplier effect which will benefit further projects and initiatives, thereby adding more value to the investment. Appropriate measures should also be put in place to avoid any possibility of overlap and/or double-financing with other funds or programmes, in particular the European Social Fund.

Amendment 19 #

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12

(12) EURES’ scope should be widened to develop and support targeted mobility schemes at Union level with a view to filling vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified. In accordance with Article 47 of the Treaty, the scheme should facilitate mobility among young workers. To enable it to achieve its objectives, it would be advisable for the three axes that make up the programme to retain a degree of financial independence.

Amendment 20 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3

3. The Commission may, without exceeding 3% except in duly justified cases, make use of the appropriations referred to in paragraph 1, to finance technical and/or administrative assistance, in particular relating to auditing, outsourcing of translation, meetings of experts, and information and communication activities for the mutual benefit of the Commission and the beneficiaries.

Amendment 21 #

Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall take appropriate preventive measures ~~ensuring~~and shall carry out effective checks to ensure that, when actions financed under this Regulation are implemented, the financial interests of the Union are protected against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities, by effective checks and, if irregularities are detected, by the recovery of amounts wrongly paid and, where appropriate, by effective, proportional and deterrent penalties, in accordance with Article 325 of the Treaty, Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities’ financial interests and the Financial Regulation.

Amendment 22 #