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CoR contribution to the draft regulation
to defend the interests of local ans regional authorities in the legislative process and propose amendments in their favour

the Europeam Parliament took over completely the proposals of AM1 of the opinion as regards the overal budget of the EMFF
the proposals of the CoR on EMFF implementation in outermost regions are taken over in amendments 11 and 12 of the EP
further texts are taken overartially or in spirit and remain a subject of the trlogue discussions, susch as the updates and upgrades of ships, regional operational programmes and specific conditions for implementation

THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS



- considers that, because of the need to finance an emerging blue economy, maritime surveillance and numerous projects relating to protection of the marine environment, in addition to fisheries and aquaculture, the overall budget of the EMFF should have been increased to the minimum threshold of 1% of the post-2020 multi-annual financial framework, by adding a further 0.47% of funding for the integrated maritime policy to the 0.53% of appropriations currently allocated to fisheries and aquaculture.

- proposes that national operational programmes include an action plan or a regional operational programme for subnational authorities with competences in fisheries and maritime affairs. Such regional operational programmes, as a part of the national programming, will allow for smarter spending and create opportunities for regional specialisation strategies under the EMFF.

- approves of the increased use of simplified cost options, i.e. flat-rate reimbursement, standard scales of unit costs and flat rates designed to cut the red tape encumbering beneficiaries

- reiterates the position of the CoR that the EMFF should support the integrated maritime policy and growth of the blue economy through regional platforms for funding of innovative projects.

- proposes amendments that prevent loopholes allowing EMFF funding for parties that have committed infringements: The Committee takes the position that no parties should be funded under the EMFF if they have seriously infringed the provisions of Community environmental protection legislation.

- calls for single application form for measures under the EMFF: In order to lower the administrative burden on small-scale coastal fishers, action plans shall propose a simplified single application form for measures under the EMFF. Unlike fishing companies, small-scale fishers are mostly individuals, who do not have the administrative capacity to fill out complex application papers. A simplified single application form will greatly improve their chances of accessing funding.