EN
NAT-VI/004
6th meeting of the NAT Commission
24 November 2015
AMENDMENTS
DRAFT OPINION
Commission for Natural Resources
Innovation and modernisation of the rural economy
_________________
Rapporteur: Randel Länts (EE/PES)
Member of Viljandi City Council
_________________
COR-2015-02799-00-00-AMC-TRA Ams. 1-15 (EN)
ORDRE D'EXAMEN DES AMENDEMENTS
ORDER OF EXAMINATION OF AMENDMENTS
Auteur
Author
CdR n°
CoR point no
Am. 1
7
Modifier
Amend
BANASZAK Adam
HATCH Arnold
Am. 2
PETERSEN Karsten Uno
BILLE Kirstine Helene
MADSEN Henrik Ringbæk
Am. 3
BILLE Kirstine Helene
MADSEN Henrik Ringbæk
PETERSEN Karsten Uno
Am. 4
BALAS TORRES Rosa
Am. 5
LIELMEŽS Aleksandrs
MAKSIMOVS Sergejs
Am. 6
BALAS TORRES Rosa
Am. 7
BANASZAK Adam
HATCH Arnold
Am. 8
BALAS TORRES Rosa
Am. 9
BALAS TORRES Rosa
Am. 10
TÖGEL Tilman
Am. 11
BANASZAK Adam
HATCH Arnold
Am. 12
TÖGEL Tilman
Conséquence sur les Position
autres amendements rapporteur
Impact on other Position of
amendments
rapporteur
8
Modifier
Amend
9
Modifier
Amend
13
Ajouter
Add
15
Modifier
Amend
16
Modifier
Amend
16
Modifier
Amend
17
Ajouter
Add
21
Ajouter
Add
26
Supprimer
Delete
26
Modifier
Amend
32
Modifier
Amend
COR-2015-02799-00-00-AMC-TRA Ams. 1-15 (EN)
du Résultat
Outcome
the
Auteur
Author
CdR n°
CoR point no
Am. 13
PETERSEN Karsten Uno
BILLE Kirstine Helene
MADSEN Henrik Ringbæk
Am. 14
SÄLLSTRÖM Marie
ÅGREN WIKSTRÖM Åsa
DRENJANIN Jelena
GONZALEZ WESTLING
Xamuel
Am. 15
BANASZAK Adam
HATCH Arnold
Conséquence sur les Position
autres amendements rapporteur
Impact on other Position of
amendments
rapporteur
38
Modifier
Amend
39
Modifier
Amend
39
Ajouter
Add
COR-2015-02799-00-00-AMC-TRA Ams. 1-15 (EN)
du Résultat
Outcome
the
AMENDMENT 1
Innovation and modernisation of the rural economy
Adam Banaszak
Arnold Hatch
NAT-VI/004
Point 7
Amend text as follows:
Draft opinion
In comparison with the previous period, funding
available under the CAP has been cut by 11.1%.
Eleven Member States have already decided to
compensate for this change by transferring funds
from the first to the second pillar, while five of
them – including four central and east European
countries – have decided to do the opposite.
However, these funds continue to be dedicated
more to bringing in revenue than to modernising
and stimulating rural areas.
Amendment
In comparison with the previous period, funding
available under the CAP has been cut by 11.1%.
Eleven Member States have already decided to
compensate for this change by transferring funds
from the first to the second pillar, while five of
them – including four central and east European
countries which receive direct payments below
the EU average – have decided to do the opposite.
However, these funds continue to be dedicated
more to bringing in revenue than to modernising
and stimulating rural areas.
Reason
Factual change.
Am. 1
COR-2015-02799-00-00-AMC-TRA
AMENDMENT 2
Innovation and modernisation of the rural economy
Karsten Uno Petersen
Kirstine Helene Bille
Henrik Ringbæk Madsen
NAT-VI/004
Point 8
Amend as follows:
Draft opinion
It is impossible to envision a genuine policy for
rural development without taking all the
stakeholders into account. Member States should
decide to dedicate a significant portion of their
budget for rural development programmes to
social integration, the fight against poverty and the
promotion
of
rural
economic
growth.
Unfortunately, most of their budgetary resources
are currently directed towards agriculture.
Amendment
It is impossible to envision a genuine policy for
rural development without taking all the
stakeholders into account. Member States should
be encouraged to focus on social integration, the
fight against poverty and the promotion of rural
economic growth in their rural development
programmes.
Reasons
Nowadays, needs vary from one Member State to another, which influences how resources are used. It is
therefore more a question of being flexible than of earmarking funding.
Am. 2
COR-2015-02799-00-00-AMC-TRA
AMENDMENT 3
Innovation and modernisation of the rural economy
Kirstine Helene Bille
Henrik Ringbæk Madsen
Karsten Uno Petersen
NAT-VI/004
Point 9
Amend as follows:
Draft opinion
Only 6% of the EAFRD budget is put towards the
LEADER programme, which will not be sufficient
to revive investment. Meanwhile, the LEADER
programme has helped to create 150 000 jobs
since 1991 and it is one of the very few
instruments that stimulates employment, thereby
helping to preserve and enhance the
socio-economic fabric.
Amendment
6% of the EAFRD budget is put towards the
LEADER programme, which in some Member
States may not be sufficient to revive investment.
Meanwhile, the LEADER programme has helped
to create 150 000 jobs since 1991 and it is an
important
instrument
that
stimulates
employment, thereby helping to preserve and
enhance the socio-economic fabric in rural areas.
Reasons
It should be up to each Member State to decide whether to increase the proportion of funding earmarked
for the LEADER programme. There is no point in all the Member States using the initiative, as they
have different priorities in relation to the ERDF and ESF.
Am. 3
COR-2015-02799-00-00-AMC-TRA
Rosa Balas Torres
AMENDMENT 4
Innovation and modernisation of the rural economy
NAT-VI/004
Point 13
Insert a new point:
Draft Opinion
Amendment
It should be emphasised that European funds for
territorial cooperation can help to pool human
and technical resources in cross-border zones for
the development of rural areas located in border
regions.
Reasons
Many rural areas in Europe are located in border zones and the economic development of these regions
can thus be confronted with the difficulties specific to borders. European cross-border territorial
development funds are an essential tool in this respect.
Am. 4
COR-2015-02799-00-00-AMC-TRA
AMENDMENT 5
Innovation and modernisation of the rural economy
Aleksandrs Lielmežs
Sergejs Maksimovs
NAT-VI/004
Point 15
Amend as follows:
Draft Opinion
Population decline and the exodus of young people
from rural areas to towns and cities is a serious
problem throughout Europe. The main reasons for
leaving are a lack of jobs, low wages and a general
lack of appeal. At the same time, rural
businesspeople complain that they are unable to
find new, skilled young workers. Therefore rural
vocational training must be rapidly improved, both
in terms of initial vocational training, which
evidently does not correspond to the needs of
businesses, and in terms of further vocational
training.
Amendment
Population decline and the exodus of young people
is a serious problem throughout Europe. The main
reasons for leaving are a lack of jobs, low wages
and a general lack of appeal. At the same time,
rural businesspeople complain that they are unable
to find new, skilled workers. Therefore rural
vocational training must be rapidly improved, both
in terms of initial vocational training, which
evidently does not correspond to the needs of
businesses, and in terms of further vocational
training.
Reason
56% of the EU's cities and towns are small and medium in size (5 000 to 100 000 inhabitants), so we
need to bear in mind the rural exodus to towns and cities of all sizes, including small ones. We should
also avoid discriminating on the grounds of age, since it is not only young workers that rural businesses
employ.
Am. 5
COR-2015-02799-00-00-AMC-TRA
Rosa Balas Torres
AMENDMENT 6
Innovation and modernisation of the rural economy
NAT-VI/004
Point 16
Amend as follows:
Draft Opinion
Vocational training institutions in rural areas must
develop much more effective approaches to
involving local small businesses in the
development of curricula – they often lack
significant administrative and financial resources
for cooperation with educational institutions.
Training in areas where there is a need for it must
be provided flexibly, rapidly and on a scale that is
appropriate to a given region. It is, of course, more
difficult to provide vocational training in rural
areas than in urban areas, because learners are
widely dispersed in terms of where they live and
have different needs. One of the easiest ways to
engage educational institutions and businesses is
to take on trainees; however, without external
support this may be too burdensome for small
businesses. Consideration should be given to plans
for supporting companies that take on trainees.
Regional vocational training institutions and other
educational institutions should be provided with
comprehensive resources and should have clear
missions relating to further training and retraining.
Meanwhile, civil society has helped set up the
necessary institutions in some areas, and these
experiences should be shared with other areas.
Amendment
Vocational training institutions in rural areas must
develop much more effective approaches to
involving local small businesses in the
development of curricula – they often lack
significant administrative and financial resources
for cooperation with educational institutions.
Training in areas where there is a need for it must
be provided flexibly, rapidly and on a scale that is
appropriate to a given region. It is, of course, more
difficult to provide vocational training in rural
areas than in urban areas, because learners are
widely dispersed in terms of where they live and
have different needs. One of the easiest ways to
engage educational institutions and businesses is
to take on trainees; however, without external
support this may be too burdensome for small
businesses. Consideration should be given to plans
for supporting companies that take on trainees and
pay them a decent wage. Regional vocational
training institutions and other educational
institutions
should
be
provided
with
comprehensive resources and should have clear
missions relating to further training and retraining.
Meanwhile, civil society has helped set up the
necessary institutions in some areas, and these
experiences should be shared with other areas.
Reasons
It is important to emphasise that traineeships should offer decent working conditions. This will also
make rural areas more attractive to young people and help stop them leaving for the cities.
Am. 6
COR-2015-02799-00-00-AMC-TRA
AMENDMENT 7
Innovation and modernisation of the rural economy
Adam Banaszak
Arnold Hatch
NAT-VI/004
Point 16
Amend text as follows:
Draft opinion
Vocational training institutions in rural areas must
develop much more effective approaches to
involving local small businesses in the
development of curricula – they often lack
significant administrative and financial resources
for cooperation with educational institutions.
Training in areas where there is a need for it must
be provided flexibly, rapidly and on a scale that is
appropriate to a given region. It is, of course, more
difficult to provide vocational training in rural
areas than in urban areas, because learners are
widely dispersed in terms of where they live and
have different needs. One of the easiest ways to
engage educational institutions and businesses is
to take on trainees; however, without external
support this may be too burdensome for small
businesses. Consideration should be given to plans
for supporting companies that take on trainees.
Regional vocational training institutions and other
educational institutions should be provided with
comprehensive resources and should have clear
missions relating to further training and retraining.
Meanwhile, civil society has helped set up the
necessary institutions in some areas, and these
experiences should be shared with other areas.
Amendment
Vocational training institutions in rural areas must
develop much more effective approaches to
involving local small businesses in the
development of curricula – they often lack
significant administrative and financial resources
for cooperation with educational institutions.
Training in areas where there is a need for it must
be provided flexibly, rapidly and on a scale that is
appropriate to a given region. It is, of course, more
difficult to provide vocational training in rural
areas than in urban areas, because learners are
widely dispersed in terms of where they live and
have different needs. One of the easiest ways to
engage educational institutions and businesses is
to take on trainees; however, without external
support this may be too burdensome for small
businesses. Consideration should be given to plans
for supporting companies that take on trainees and
offer genuine prospects for their long-term
employment. Regional vocational training
institutions and other educational institutions
should be provided with comprehensive resources
and should have clear missions relating to further
training and retraining. Meanwhile, civil society
has helped set up the necessary institutions in
some areas, and these experiences should be
shared with other areas.
Reason
Support for traineeship programmes which do not lead to sustainable employment would not ameliorate
the economic situation of young people.
Am. 7
COR-2015-02799-00-00-AMC-TRA
Rosa Balas Torres
AMENDMENT 8
Innovation and modernisation of the rural economy
NAT-VI/004
Point 17
Insert a new point:
Draft Opinion
Amendment
Forestry also has positive externalities that go far
beyond its direct economic impact, given that it
helps to conserve the natural heritage, preserve
the environment, prevent forest fires and, in
general, protect Europe's ecological richness.
Reasons
Since the previous point of the opinion refers to the economic importance of forestry, it is necessary to
underline the other - mainly environmental - positive externalities generated by this activity.
Am. 8
COR-2015-02799-00-00-AMC-TRA
Rosa Balas Torres
AMENDMENT 9
Innovation and modernisation of the rural economy
NAT-VI/004
Point 21
Insert a new point:
Draft Opinion
Amendment
Given that many rural areas face problems in
terms of physical accessibility that can prevent
them from developing their full economic
potential, public funds also need to take account
of connecting rural and urban areas effectively
through fast transport networks that also respect
the environment they have to pass through.
Reasons
In order to meet the aim of territorial cohesion and tap the potential of rural areas, they need to be well
connected via fast, environmentally sustainable infrastructures that respect their surroundings.
Am. 9
COR-2015-02799-00-00-AMC-TRA
Tilman Tögel
AMENDMENT 10
Innovation and modernisation of the rural economy
NAT-VI/004
Point 26
Delete the point.
Draft opinion
to strive to provide more funds to stimulate rural
areas in order to avoid an agricultural surplus
while also limiting the transfer of funds from the
second to the first pillar;
Amendment
Reason
In order to counter adverse trends in the market, it is crucial that agricultural policy be systematically
focused on the market, which is governed by supply and demand. Shifting funds from the first to the
second CAP pillar does not achieve this effect.
Am. 10
COR-2015-02799-00-00-AMC-TRA
AMENDMENT 11
Innovation and modernisation of the rural economy
Adam Banaszak
Arnold Hatch
NAT-VI/004
Point 26
Amend text as follows:
Draft opinion
to strive to provide more funds to stimulate rural
areas in order to avoid an agricultural surplus
while also limiting the transfer of funds from the
second to the first pillar;
Amendment
to strive to provide more funds to stimulate rural
areas in order to avoid an agricultural surplus
while also ensuring some flexibility in terms of
transfer of funds between pillars to allow for
better spending based on priorities of Member
States;
Reason
Transfers of some funds between pillars are necessary in both directions depending on the level of direct
payments and Member States' priorities.
Am. 11
COR-2015-02799-00-00-AMC-TRA
Tilman Tögel
AMENDMENT 12
Innovation and modernisation of the rural economy
NAT-VI/004
Point 32
Amend as follows:
Draft opinion
to work towards gearing agricultural innovation
programmes and scientific research primarily to
areas with livestock farming, natural handicaps
and small agricultural holdings;
Amendment
to work towards gearing agricultural innovation
programmes and scientific research to a
practice-based solution to social challenges, and
to securing the quickest possible widespread
application of new knowledge on the ground;
Reason
The challenges facing agriculture are many. They cannot be reduced to just livestock farming,
handicapped areas and small agricultural holdings. They also differ widely from region to region, so the
subsidiarity principle also needs to be applied systematically here.
Am. 12
COR-2015-02799-00-00-AMC-TRA
AMENDMENT 13
Innovation and modernisation of the rural economy
Karsten Uno Petersen
Kirstine Helene Bille
Henrik Ringbæk Madsen
NAT-VI/004
Point 38
Amend as follows:
Draft opinion
Amendment
to work towards earmarking some ESF funding to work towards using ESF funding for vocational
for vocational training in rural areas;
training in rural areas;
Reasons
Individual Member States may have different challenges and needs, so it does not make sense to work
towards earmarking funds.
Am. 13
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AMENDMENT 14
Innovation and modernisation of the rural economy
NAT-VI/004
Marie Sällström
Åsa Ågren Wikström
Jelena Drenjanin
Xamuel Gonzalez Westling
Point 39
Amend as follows:
Draft opinion
Amendment
to enhance cooperation between businesses and to encourage cooperation between businesses and
regional educational and vocational training regional educational and vocational training
institutions;
institutions;
Reason
Education and training are a national competence, but the EU can encourage more cooperation.
Am. 14
COR-2015-02799-00-00-AMC-TRA
AMENDMENT 15
Innovation and modernisation of the rural economy
Adam Banaszak
Arnold Hatch
NAT-VI/004
Point 39
New point:
Draft opinion
Amendment
to reiterate its call for the need to educate society
as a whole about the importance of preserving
rural areas for the general public [1];
[1] NAT-V/029
Reason
The goal is to create general awareness of the importance of rural areas.
_____________
Am. 15
COR-2015-02799-00-00-AMC-TRA