European Parliament: Plenary Sitting

European Parliament
2019-2024
Plenary sitting
A9-0290/2023
11.10.2023
***I
REPORT
on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council
establishing the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) and
amending Directive 2003/87/EC, Regulations (EU) 2021/1058, (EU)
2021/1056, (EU) 2021/1057, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU)
2021/1060, (EU) 2021/523, (EU) 2021/695, (EU) 2021/697 and (EU) 2021/241
(COM(2023)0335 – C9-0209/2023 – 2023/0199(COD))
Committee on Budgets
Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
Rapporteur: José Manuel Fernandes, Christian Ehler(Joint committee

procedure – Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure)
Rapporteurs for the opinions of associated committees pursuant to Rule 57 of

the Rules of Procedure:
Eva Maria Poptcheva, Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, Committee on Employment and Social Affairs
Tiemo Wölken, Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food

Safety
Rovana Plumb, Committee on Regional Development
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PR_COD_1amCom
Symbols for procedures

* Consultation procedure
*** Consent procedure
***I Ordinary legislative procedure (first reading)
***II Ordinary legislative procedure (second reading)
***III Ordinary legislative procedure (third reading)
(The type of procedure depends on the legal basis proposed by the draft act.)
Amendments to a draft act

Amendments by Parliament set out in two columns
Deletions are indicated in bold italics in the left-hand column. Replacements

are indicated in bold italics in both columns. New text is indicated in bold
italics in the right-hand column.
The first and second lines of the header of each amendment identify the
relevant part of the draft act under consideration. If an amendment pertains to
an existing act that the draft act is seeking to amend, the amendment heading
includes a third line identifying the existing act and a fourth line identifying
the provision in that act that Parliament wishes to amend.
Amendments by Parliament in the form of a consolidated text
New text is highlighted in bold italics. Deletions are indicated using either
the ▌symbol or strikeout. Replacements are indicated by highlighting the
new text in bold italics and by deleting or striking out the text that has been
replaced.
By way of exception, purely technical changes made by the drafting
departments in preparing the final text are not highlighted.
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CONTENTS
Page
DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION .................................5
OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC AND MONETARY AFFAIRS ..........90
OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS ..........122
OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND

FOOD SAFETY .....................................................................................................................139
OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT.....................146
LETTER OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS ...............................................185
LETTER OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

.................................................................................................................................................188
PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE .................................................................191
FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE ..................................193
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DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION
establishing the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) and amending
Directive 2003/87/EC, Regulations (EU) 2021/1058, (EU) 2021/1056, (EU) 2021/1057,
(EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) 2021/1060, (EU) 2021/523, (EU) 2021/695,
(EU) 2021/697 and (EU) 2021/241
(COM(2023)0335 – C9-0209/2023 – 2023/0199(COD))
(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)
The European Parliament,
– having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council

(COM(2023)0335),
– having regard to Article 294(2) and Articles 177(1), 164, 173(3), 178(1), 175(3),
192(1), 182(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to
which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C9-0209/2023),
– having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
– having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure,
– having regard to the joint deliberations of the Committee on Budgets and the Committee
on Industry, Research and Energy;
– having regard to the opinions of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, the
Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the Committee on the Environment,
Public Health and Food Safety and the Committee on Regional Development,
– having regard to the letters from the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee
on Agriculture and Rural Development.
– having regard to the report of the of the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on
Industry, Research and Energy (A9-0290/2023),
1. Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;
2. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces,

substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;
3. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the
national parliaments.
Amendment 1
Proposal for a regulation

Title
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Text proposed by the Commission Amendment
on the proposal for a regulation of the on the proposal for a regulation of the
European Parliament and of the Council European Parliament and of the Council
establishing the Strategic Technologies for establishing the Strategic Technologies for
Europe Platform (‘STEP’) and amending Europe Platform (‘STEP’) and amending
Directive 2003/87/EC, Regulations (EU) Directive 2003/87/EC, Regulations (EU)
2021/1058, (EU) 2021/1056, (EU) 2021/1058, (EU) 2021/1056, (EU)
2021/1057, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 2021/1057, (EU), (EU) 2021/1755, No
223/2014, (EU) 2021/1060, (EU) 1303/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU)
2021/523, (EU) 2021/695, (EU) 2021/697 2021/1060, (EU) 2021/523, (EU)
and (EU) 2021/241 2021/695, (EU) 2021/697 and (EU)
2021/241
Amendment 2

Recital 2
(2) The EU industry has proven its (2) The EU industry has proven its
inbuilt resilience but is being challenged. inbuilt resilience but its competitiveness
High inflation, labour shortages, post- must also be ensured in the future. High
COVID supply chains disruptions, rising inflation, labour shortages, post-COVID
interest rates, and spikes in energy costs supply chains disruptions, Russia’s war of
and input prices are weighing on the aggression against Ukraine, rising interest
competitiveness of the EU industry. This is rates, and spikes in energy costs and input
paired with strong, but not always fair, prices are weighing on the competitiveness
competition on the fragmented global of the EU industry and have highlighted
market. The EU has already put forward the importance for the Union to secure its
several initiatives to support its industry, open strategic autonomy and reduce its
such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40 strategic dependence on third countries in
the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net various sectors. This is paired with strong,
Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary but not always fair, competition on the
Crisis and Transition Framework for State fragmented global market. The EU has
aid,43 and REPowerEU.44 While these already put forward several initiatives to
solutions provide fast and targeted support, support its industry, such as the Green Deal
the EU needs a more structural answer to Industrial Plan,40 the Critical Raw
the investment needs of its industries, Materials Act41 , the Net Zero Industry
safeguarding cohesion and the level Act42 , the new Temporary Crisis and
playing field in the Single Market and to Transition Framework for State aid43, and
reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies. the Recovery and Resilience Facility43a, as
amended by REPowerEU.44 While these
solutions provide fast and targeted support,
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the EU needs a more structural answer to
the investment needs of its industries,
safeguarding cohesion, creating quality
jobs, and the level playing field in the
Single Market, facilitating access to
funding and reducing the EU’s strategic
dependencies. The adaptation of new,
different State aid frameworks has
facilitated the potential allocation of
substantial volumes of state aid. Under
more adverse circumstances, this situation
possesses the capacity to undermine the
efficacy of the internal market.
__________________ __________________
40Communication on A Green Deal 40Communication on A Green Deal
Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age,
COM(2023) 62 final. COM(2023) 62 final.
41 COM(2023) 160 final 41 COM(2023) 160 final
43Communication on a Temporary Crisis 43Communication on a Temporary Crisis
and Transition Framework for State Aid and Transition Framework for State Aid
measures (OJ C 101, 17.3.2023, p. 3). measures (OJ C 101, 17.3.2023, p. 3).
43aRegulation (EU) 2021/241 establishing
the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ
L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17).
44
Regulation (EU) 2023/435 as regards 44
Regulation (EU) 2023/435 as regards
REPowerEU (OJ L 63, 28.2.2023, p. 1). REPowerEU (OJ L 63, 28.2.2023, p. 1).
Amendment 3

Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) The Single Market has brought

significant economic, social, and political
advantages to the entire Union, including
its citizens and businesses. While these
benefits are widely recognised, it is
imperative to continue finding solutions to
further harness its untapped societal
potential. The Commission
communication of 16 March 2023 entitled
“The Single Market at 30” paves the long-
term strategic direction of the Single
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Market. The future Single Market must
remain adaptable in the face of evolving
geopolitical dynamics, technological
advancements, and the green and digital
transitions, while fostering the resilience
of health systems in the face of an ageing
population and contributing to enhance
the Union’s long-term competitiveness
and productivity.
Amendment 4
Recital 3
(3) The uptake and scaling up in the (3) The uptake and scaling up of digital
Union of deep and digital technologies, technologies, net-zero technologies and
clean technologies, and biotechnologies biotechnologies and life sciences will be
will be essential to seize the opportunities essential to reduce the Union’s strategic
and meet the objectives of the green and dependencies, seize the opportunities and
digital transitions, thus promoting the meet the objectives of the green and digital
competitiveness of the European industry transitions, thus securing the sovereignty
and its sustainability. Therefore, immediate and strategic autonomy of the Union and
action is required to support the promoting the competitiveness of the
development or manufacturing in the European industry and its sustainability.
Union of such technologies, safeguarding Therefore, immediate action is required to
and strengthening their value chains support the development or manufacturing
thereby reducing the Union’s strategic in the Union of such technologies,
dependencies, and addressing existing safeguarding and strengthening their
labour and skills shortages in those sectors supply chains, thereby reducing the
through trainings and apprenticeships and Union’s strategic dependencies, and
the creation of attractive, quality jobs addressing existing labour and skills
accessible to all. shortages in the relevant sectors through
lifelong learning, trainings and
apprenticeships and the creation of
attractive, quality jobs accessible to all.
Amendment 5

Recital 4
(4) There is a need to support critical (4) There is a need to support critical
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technologies in the following fields: deep technologies in the following fields: digital
and digital technologies, clean technologies, net-zero technologies, and
technologies, and biotechnologies biotechnologies and life science, including
(including the respective critical raw medicinal products on the Union List of
materials value chains), in particular Critical Medicinal Products established
projects, companies and sectors with a pursuant to Article 6 of Regulation (EU)
critical role for EU’s competitiveness and 2022/123 of the European Parliament and
resilience and its value chains. By way of of the Council44a and their components,
example, deep technologies and digital and the respective supply chains of those
technologies should include technologies, in particular in projects,
microelectronics, high-performance companies and sectors with a critical role
computing, quantum technologies (i.e., for EU’s competitiveness and resilience.
computing, communication and sensing For reasons of legal clarity and
technologies), cloud computing, edge coherence, the definition of digital
computing, and artificial intelligence, technologies should be aligned with the
cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G definition contained in Decision (EU)
and advanced connectivity and virtual 2022/2481 of the European Parliament
realities, including actions related to deep and of the Council44b and the definition of
and digital technologies for the net-zero technologies is aligned with the
development of defence and aerospace definition in Regulation (EU) .../... [Net-
applications. Clean technologies should Zero Industry Act]. In the absence of a
include, among others, renewable energy; definition of biotechnologies in Union
electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; law, this Regulation should take over the
electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- OECD definition. Life sciences should
biological origin; sustainable alternative include the application of scientific
fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon knowledge to fields such as biology,
capture, utilisation and storage; energy zoology, botany, ecology, physiology,
efficiency; hydrogen and its related biochemistry, microbiology,
infratructure; smart energy solutions; pharmacology, agronomy, medicine.
technologies vital to sustainability such as Critical medicinal products, including
water purification and desalination; active pharmaceutical ingredients, as
advanced materials such as listed in the Union List of Critical
nanomaterials, composites and future Medicinal Products, should be covered as
clean construction materials, and well. The Union’s open strategic
technologies for the sustainable autonomy and competitiveness cannot be
extraction and processing of critical raw enhanced without strengthening the
materials. Biotechnology should be supply chains in the technology sectors
considered to include technologies such covered by this Regulation. Financial
as biomolecules and its applications, support to projects along the supply chain
pharmaceuticals and medical for the manufacturing of critical
technologies vital for health security, crop technologies therefore also contribute to
biotechnology, and industrial the STEP objectives. Technologies should
biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, be considered critical when they bring an
and biomanufacturing. The Commission innovative, cutting-edge element with
may issue guidance to further specify the significant economic potential to the
scope of the technologies in these three Single Market or contribute to the
fields considered to be critical in prevention or reduction of Union
accordance with this Regulation, in order dependencies. The Commission should
to promote a common interpretation of the adopt a delegated act, at the latest two
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projects, companies and sectors to be months after the entry into force of this
supported under the respective Regulation, to further specify the scope of
programmes in light of the common the technologies in these three sectors
strategic objective. Moreover, technologies considered to be critical in accordance with
in any of these three fields which are this Regulation, in order to promote a
subjects of an Important Project of common interpretation of the projects,
Common European Interest (IPCEI) companies and sectors to be supported
approved by the Commission pursuant to under the respective programmes in light
Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be of the common strategic objective to
deemed to be critical, and individual reduce critical dependencies. When
projects within the scope of such an defining strategic dependencies, the
IPCEI should be eligible for funding, in Commission should build upon the
accordance with the respective assessments conducted in recent years.
programme rules, to the extent that the When defining strategic dependencies, the
identified funding gap and the eligible Commission should build upon the
costs have not yet been completely assessments conducted in recent years.44b
covered. The Commission should review the
delegated act in light of the findings of its
interim evaluation report drawn up in
accordance with this Regulation and
adapt it to the then prevailing market
conditions. As the Net-Zero Industry Act
creates a comprehensive understanding of
those European industries that are
deemed necessary to reach the climate
targets in 2050, Strategic Projects as
identified under Regulation (EU) .../...
[Net-Zero Industry Act] that comply with
the resilience or competitiveness criteria
of the Net-Zero Industry Act, in the spirit
of the critical aspects of all technology
projects under this Regulation, should be
considered to fulfill the STEP objectives.
The same should apply to Strategic
Projects identified under Regulation (EU)
.... [Critical Raw Materials Act].
________________
44a Regulation (EU) 2022/123 of the
European Parliament and of the Council
of 25 January 2022 on a reinforced role
for the European Medicines Agency in
crisis preparedness and management for
medicinal products and medical devices
(OJ L 020 31.1.2022, p. 1)
44bDecision (EU) 2022/2481 of the
of 14 December 2022 establishing the
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Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030
(OJ L 323, 19.12.2022, p. 4).
44cCommission Staff Working document
on Strategic dependencies and capacities
(SWD(2021)352) and Commission Staff
Working Document on EU strategic
dependencies and capacities: second stage
of in-depth reviews (SWD(2022)41),
Commission Staff Working document
2023 Annual Single Market Report:
Single Market at 30 (SWD(2023)26).
Amendment 6

Recital 5
(5) Strengthening the manufacturing (5) Strengthening the manufacturing

capacity of key technologies in the Union capacity of technologies in the relevant
will not be possible without a sizeable sectors identified under this Regulation in
skilled workforce. However, labour and the Union will not be possible without a
skills shortages have increased in all sizeable skilled workforce. However,
sectors including those considered key for labour and skills shortages, which have
the green and digital transition and increased in all sectors including those
endanger the rise of key technologies, also considered key for the green and digital
in the context of demographic change. transition, are expected to increase further
Therefore, it is necessary to boost the in light of demographic change and
activation of more people to the labour endanger the rise of technologies in the
market relevant for strategic sectors, in relevant sectors identified under this
particular through the creation of jobs and Regulation. Therefore, it is necessary to
apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged boost the activation of more people to the
persons, in particular, young people not in labour market relevant for relevant sectors,
employment, education or training. Such in particular through investments in
support will complement a number of other learning and life-long learning, the
actions aimed at meeting the skills needs enhancement of relevant skills, the
stemming from the transition, outlined in creation of quality jobs and apprenticeships
the EU Skills Agenda.45 for young, disadvantaged persons not in
employment, education or training. Such
support will complement a number of other
actions aimed at meeting the skills needs
stemming from the transition, outlined in
the EU Skills Agenda.45Those actions
have an important role to play in
promoting a mind-set of reskilling and
upskilling, boosting the competitiveness of
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Union undertakings, in particular SMEs,
and contributing to the creation of quality
jobs with a view to realising the full
potential of the green and digital
transition in a socially fair, inclusive and
just manner.
__________________ __________________
45Communication on a European Skills 45Communication on a European Skills
Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, Agenda for sustainable competitiveness,
social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) social fairness and resilience, COM(2020)
274 final. 274 final.
Amendment 7

Recital 6
(6) The scale of investments needed (6) Significant investments will be

for the transition require a full required over the coming years to
mobilisation of funding available under strengthen the open strategic autonomy of
existing EU programmes and funds, the Union in a comprehensive way, to
inclusive those granting a budgetary preserve its competitiveness in the global
guarantee for financing and investment market and to achieve the green and
operations and implementation of financial digital transitions. Existing EU
instruments and blending operations. Such programmes and funds, including those
funding should be deployed in a more granting a budgetary guarantee for
flexible manner, to provide timely and financing and investment operations and
targeted support for critical technologies in implementation of financial instruments
strategic sectors. Therefore, a Strategic and blending operations, should contribute
Technologies for Europe Platform to addressing those goals. In addition to
(‘STEP’) should give a structural answer its full mobilisation, Union funding should
to the Union investment needs by helping be deployed in a more flexible manner, to
to better channel the existing EU funds provide timely and targeted support for
towards critical investments aimed at technologies in relevant sectors,
supporting the development or reinforcing the financing for Union-wide
manufacturing of critical technologies, and cross-border projects. Therefore, a
while preserving a level playing field in the Strategic Technologies for Europe
Single Market, thereby preserving cohesion Platform (‘STEP’) should help to better
and aiming at a geographically balanced channel existing Union funds towards
distribution of projects financed under the critical investments aimed at supporting the
STEP in accordance with the respective development or manufacturing of
programme mandates. technologies in relevant sectors, while
preserving a level playing field in the
Single Market, thereby preserving cohesion
and aiming at a geographically balanced
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distribution of projects financed under the
STEP in accordance with the respective
programme mandates. While being open to
every Member State, STEP should put
specific emphasis on net-zero industry
valleys as defined under Regulation (EU)
.../... [Net-Zero Industry Act], on projects
in territories included in the Territorial
just transition plans as referred to in
Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1056,
on less developed and transition regions
as well as more developed regions in
Member States whose average GDP per
capita is below the EU average of the EU-
27 measured in purchasing power
standards (PPS) and calculated on the
basis of Union figures for the period
2015-2017.
Amendment 8

Recital 7
(7) The STEP should identify resources (7) The STEP should identify available
which should be implemented within the resources within existing Union
existing Union programmes and funds, the programmes and funds, namely InvestEU,
InvestEU, Horizon Europe, European Horizon Europe, EU4Health, Digital
Defence Fund and Innovation Fund. This Europe, the European Regional
should be accompanied by providing Development Fund (ERDF), the Cohesion
additional funding of EUR 10 billion. Of Fund, the Just Transition Fund (JTF),
this, EUR 5 billion should be used to the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+),
increase the endowment of the Innovation the Recovery and Resilience Facility
Fund46 and EUR 3 billion to increase the (RRF), the European Defence Fund, and
total amount of the EU guarantee available the Innovation Fund, for projects
for the EU compartment under the contributing to the STEP objectives. This
InvestEU Regulation to EUR 7,5 billion,47 should be accompanied by providing
taking into account the relevant additional Union funding of EUR 13
provisioning rate. EUR 0.5 billion should billion. Of this, EUR 5 billion should be
be made available to increase the financial used to increase the endowment of the
envelope under the Horizon Europe Innovation Fund46 and EUR 4,2 billion to
Regulation,48 which should be amended increase the total amount of the EU
accordingly; and EUR 1.5 billion to the guarantee available for the EU
European Defence Fund.49 compartment under the InvestEU
Regulation47 to EUR 10,5 billion, taking
into account the relevant provisioning rate.
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EUR 1,3 billion should be made available
to increase the financial envelope under the
Horizon Europe Regulation,48 which
should be amended accordingly; and EUR
2,5 billion to the European Defence
Fund.49
__________________ __________________
46 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a 46 Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a
scheme for greenhouse gas emission scheme for greenhouse gas emission
allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, allowance trading (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003,
p. 32). p. 32).
47Regulation (EU) 2021/523 establishing 47Regulation (EU) 2021/523 establishing
the InvestEU Programme (OJ L 107, the InvestEU Programme (OJ L 107,
26.3.2021, p. 30). 26.3.2021, p. 30).
Horizon Europe (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. Horizon Europe (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p.
1). 1).
the European Defense Fund (OJ L 170, the European Defence Fund (OJ L 170,
12.5.2021, p. 149.) 12.5.2021, p. 149.)
Amendment 9

Recital 8
(8) A Sovereignty Seal should be (8) A Sovereignty Seal should be

awarded to projects contributing to the awarded to projects contributing to the
STEP objectives, provided that the project STEP objectives, taking into account the
has been assessed and complies with the contribution of the projects to the
minimum quality requirements, in strengthening and structuring of local
particular eligibility, exclusion and award industrial networks and their contribution
criteria, provided by a call for proposals to jobs, provided that the project has been
under Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe assessed and complies with the minimum
programme,50 the EU4Health quality requirements, in particular
programme,51 the European Defence Fund eligibility, exclusion and award criteria,
or the Innovation Fund, and regardless of provided by a call for proposals under
whether the project has received funding Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe
under those instruments. These minimum programme,50 the EU4Health
quality requirements will be established programme,51 the European Defence Fund,
with a view to identify high quality the Innovation Fund, or the cohesion
projects. This Seal should be used as a policy funds, and regardless of whether the
quality label, to help projects attract public project has received funding under those
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and private investments by certifying its instruments. These minimum quality
contribution to the STEP objectives. requirements will be established with a
Moreover, the Seal will promote better view to identify high quality projects.
access to EU funding, notably by Strategic projects as identified under
facilitating cumulative or combined Regulation (EU) .../... [Net-Zero Industry
funding from several Union instruments. Act] that comply with the resilience or
competitiveness criteria of the Net-Zero
Industry Act are considered to contribute
to the objectives of this Regulation, by
either reducing or preventing strategic
dependencies or bringing an innovative,
cutting-edge element to the Single
Market. Therefore, these Strategic
Projects under the Regulation (EU).../...
[Net-Zero Industry Act] should be
awarded a Sovereignty Seal. Equally, as
all Strategic Projects identified under the
Regulation (EU) .../... [Critical Raw
Materials Act] aim at fulfilling the
objectives of this Platform, and should be
awarded a Sovereignty Seal as well. To
promote projects that will eventually
contribute to the reduction of European
strategic dependence from third countries,
the Seal should be awarded only to
projects managed by legal entities
established inside the Union or a third
country associated to the relevant
programme. In the same spirit, if the
project is managed by multiple legal
entities, the Seal should only be awarded
to the project, if at least one independent
legal entity is established in a Member
State and at least two other independent
legal entities are established in different
Member States or associated countries.
This Seal should be used as a quality label,
to help projects attract public and private
investments by certifying its contribution
to the STEP objectives. Moreover, the Seal
will promote better access to EU funding,
notably by facilitating cumulative or
combined funding from several Union
instruments. Member States should also be
encouraged to take into account the
Sovereignty Seal when granting financial
support through their own programmes.
__________________ __________________
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the Digital Europe Programme (OJ L 166, the Digital Europe Programme (OJ L 166,
11.5.2021, p. 1). 11.5.2021, p. 1).
51 Regulation (EU) 2021/522 establishing a 51 Regulation (EU) 2021/522 establishing a
Programme for the Union’s action in the Programme for the Union’s action in the
field of health, EU4Health Programme (OJ field of health, EU4Health Programme (OJ
L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 1). L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 1).
Amendment 10

Recital 9
(9) To that end, it should be possible to (9) To that end, it should be possible to
rely on assessments made for the purposes rely on assessments made for the purposes
of other Union programmes in accordance of other Union programmes in accordance
with Articles 126 and 127 of Regulation with Articles 126 and 127 of Regulation
(EU, Euratom) 2018/1046,52 in order to (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 ,52 in order to
reduce administrative burden for reduce administrative burden for
beneficiaries of Union funds and encourage beneficiaries of Union funds and encourage
investment in priority technologies. investment in priority technologies.
Provided they comply with the provisions Provided they comply with the provisions
of the RRF Regulation,53 Member States of the RRF Regulation,53 Member States
should consider including actions awarded should consider including projects awarded
the Sovereignty Seal when preparing their the Sovereignty Seal when revising their
recovery and resilience plans and when recovery and resilience plans and when
proposing their Recovering and Resilience deciding on investment projects to be
Plans and when deciding on investment financed from their share of the
projects to be financed from its share of the Modernisation Fund. The Sovereignty Seal
Modernisation Fund. The Sovereignty Seal should also be taken into account by the
should also be taken into account by the Commission in the context of the
Commission in the context of the procedure provided for in Article 19 of the
procedure provided for in Article 19 of the EIB Statute and of the policy check laid
EIB Statute and of the policy check laid down in Article 23 of the InvestEU
down in Article 23 of the InvestEU Regulation. In addition, the implementing
Regulation. In addition, the implementing partners should be required to examine
partners should be required to examine projects having been awarded the
projects having been awarded the Sovereignty Seal in case they fall within
Sovereignty Seal in case they fall within their geographic and activity scope in
their geographic and activity scope in accordance with Article 26(5) of that
accordance with Article 26(5) of that Regulation. Authorities in charge of
Regulation. Authorities in charge of programmes falling under STEP should
programmes falling under STEP should consider to support for strategic projects
also be encouraged to consider support for identified in accordance with Regulation
strategic projects identified in accordance (EU) .../... [Net Zero Industry Act] and
PE752782v02-00 16/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
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with the Net Zero Industry and the Critical Regulation .../... [Critical Raw Materials
Raw Materials Acts that are within the Act] that are within the scope of Article 2
scope of Article 2 of the Regulation and of this Regulation and for which rules on
for which rules on cumulative funding may cumulative funding may apply.
apply.
__________________ __________________
52 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 on 52 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 on
the financial rules applicable to the general the financial rules applicable to the general
budget of the Union (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, budget of the Union (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018,
p. 1). p. 1).
the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L
57, 18.2.2021, p. 17). 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17).
Amendment 11

Recital 9a (new)
(9a) To ensure open strategic

autonomy and enhance the market
valorisation of R&I results in critical
technologies, the Union must act as a
standards-setter as outlined in the
Commission communication of 2
February 2022 entitled “An EU Strategy
on Standardisation Setting global
standards in support of a resilient, green
and digital EU single market”. Therefore,
projects that include standardisation
efforts in their proposal should be
favoured in all the Union programmes
providing funding under STEP.
Moreover, it is imperative that projects
under STEP consider standardisation in
their implementation, in order to
accelerate and scale upthe deployment of
a particular technology across the Single
Market. Additionally, aligning
international standards with European
interests can ensure technological
leadership and a level playing field
globally. The Commission and Member
States should undertake specific efforts to
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support projects under STEP to actively
engage in the development of standards
and within national, European and,
where appropriate, international
standardisation.
Amendment 12

Recital 9b (new)
(9b) Since trust is crucial element for

investments, a governance structure
should be put in place to ensure that
STEP is implemented in an effective,
efficient, fair and transparent manner. To
that end, the Commission should set up a
STEP Committee composed of experts on
the various technologies covered by this
Regulation as well as on the Union
programmes and funds which provide
financial support for the Platform. The
STEP Committee should be charged with
the awarding and promotion of the
Sovereignty Seal and the management of
the Sovereignty Portal and take on a
coordinating role between the various
networks and stakeholders that are
relevant to achieve the objectives of the
platform. Given that the technologies
covered by this Regulation are constantly
evolving, an Industrial Advisory Group on
Strategic Technologies should be set up to
assist the Commission by offering advice
on latest technological developments and
challenges faced by the sectors concerned.
This Group should be composed of
representatives of Union industry of the
sectors covered by this Regulation.
Geographical balance within the
Industrial Advisory Group should be
taken into account.
PE752782v02-00 18/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
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Amendment 13

Recital 10
(10) A new publicly available website (10) A new publicly available website
(the ‘Sovereignty Portal’) should be set up (the ‘Sovereignty Portal’) should be set up
by the Commission to provide information by the Commission to provide information
on available support to companies and on available support for projects
project promoters seeking funds for STEP contributing to the STEP objectives. To
investments. To that end, it should display address the needs of companies and
in an accessible and user-friendly manner project promoters seeking funds for STEP
the funding opportunities for STEP projects under Union funding
investments available under the EU budget. programmes, the Sovereignty Portal
This should include information about should display in an accessible and user-
directly managed programmes, such as friendly manner the funding opportunities
Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe for STEP investments available under the
programme, the EU4Health programme, EU budget. This should include
and the Innovation Fund, and also other information about the directly managed
programmes such as InvestEU, the RRF, Union programmes Horizon Europe,
and cohesion policy funds. Moreover, the Digital Europe, EU4Health, the European
Sovereignty Portal should help increase the Defence Fund and the Innovation Fund,
visibility for STEP investments towards and other Union funding sources, that is
investors, by listing the projects that have InvestEU, the Recovery and Resilience
been awarded a Sovereignty Seal. The Facility, and cohesion policy funds. In
Portal should also list the national order to increase the usefulness of the
competent authorities responsible for Sovereignty Portal for project promoters,
acting as contact points for the the Portal should include a rapid
implementation of the STEP at national simulator to give guidance on which
level. Union programme or fund an individual
project may be eligible for, without
disclosing confidential business
information and being legally binding.
Moreover, the Sovereignty Portal should
help increase the visibility for STEP
investments towards investors, by listing
the projects that have been awarded a
Sovereignty Seal. The publication of
information as regards projects related to
security and defence should be assessed
on a case-by-case basis and be limited to
projects where the publication is deemed
necessary by the project promoter or the
Commission. Due attention should be
paid to the need to protect confidentiality
of security of information in defence
matters. The Portal should also list the
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national competent authorities responsible
for acting as contact points for the
implementation of the STEP at national
level. The Commission should ensure the
complementarity of the Portal with similar
platforms, including the NZIA Platform,
and should avoid red tape and
administrative burdens.
Amendment 14

Recital 10a (new)
(10a) The Commission should monitor

the implementation of the Platform
objectives to track progress towards the
Union’s policy objectives. The monitoring
should be conducted in a manner that is
targeted and proportionate to the activities
carried out under the Platform to avoid
overregulation and administrative burden,
in particular for the beneficiaries of
funding. In order to ensure accountability
to Union citizens, the Commission should
report annually to the European
Parliament and to the Council on the
progress of the implementation of the
Platform objectives under each of the
programmes and funds, on the overall
expenditure of the STEP financed under
the respective programmes and funds, and
on the performance of the STEP based on
the performance indicators provided for
by those programmes. Furthermore,
information should be provided on the
Platform's qualitative and quantitative
contribution to cross-border projects and
to projects per Member State.
Amendment 15

Recital 11
PE752782v02-00 20/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
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(11) While the STEP relies on the (11) While the STEP relies on the
reprogramming and reinforcement of reprogramming and reinforcement of
existing programmes for supporting existing programmes for supporting
strategic investments, it is also an strategic investments, and reducing the
important element for testing the feasibility Union dependencies, it is also an
and preparation of new interventions as a important element for testing the feasibility
step towards a European Sovereignty Fund. and preparation of new interventions
The evaluation in 2025 will assess the providing the necessary structural answer
relevance of the actions undertaken and to the Union’s investment needs. In
serve as basis for assessing the need for an particular, it can be considered as a step
upscaling of the support towards strategic towards the establishment of a European
sectors. Sovereignty Fund that could contribute to
shaping and strengthening a European
industrial policy by providing increased
funding to European industry in the
Multiannual Financial Framework post
2027. The interim evaluation in 2025 will
assess the relevance of the actions
undertaken and provide an update on the
state of the dependencies of the Union and
the most strategic sectors to strengthen its
autonomy in a comprehensive way. In the
interim evaluation, the Commission
should also assess the feasibility of
expanding the Sovereignty Portal to
combine all existing publically available
websites and provide information on
Union programmes and funds under
direct, shared and indirect management
in one single Portal. It should and serve as
a basis for assessing the need for an
upscaling of the support towards strategic
sectors in the post-2027 multiannual
financial framework, with a view to better
addressing the identified challenges and
meeting the policy objectives of the Union
in this field.
Amendment 16

Recital 12
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(12) Directive 2003/87/EC54 should be (12) Directive 2003/87/EC54 should be

amended to allow for additional financing amended to allow for additional financing
with a financial envelope for the period with a financial envelope for the period
2024-2027 of EUR 5 billion. The 2024-2027 of EUR 5 billion to be provided
Innovation Fund supports investments in from the European Union’s general
innovative low-carbon technologies, which budget. The Innovation Fund supports
is a scope that is to be covered by the investments in innovative low-carbon
STEP. The increase in volume of the technologies, which is a scope that is to be
Innovation Fund should therefore allow to covered by the STEP. The increase in
provide financing responding to the volume of the Innovation Fund should
objective of supporting the development or therefore allow to provide financing
manufacturing in the Union of critical responding to the objective of supporting
clean technologies. In line with the the development or manufacturing in the
objectives of ensuring cohesion and Union of net-zero technologies. In line
promoting the Single Market, and in order with the objectives of ensuring economic,
to support the green transition and the social and territorial cohesion and
development of clean technologies promoting the Single Market, and in order
throughout the Union, the additional to support the green transition and the
financial envelope should be made development of net-zero technologies
available through calls for proposals open throughout the Union, the additional
to entities from Member States whose financial envelope should be made
average GDP per capita is below the EU available through calls for proposals for
average of the EU-27 measured in Strategic Projects as defined in
purchasing power standards (PPS) and Regulation EU (.../...) [Net-Zero Industry
calculated on the basis of Union figures for Act], provided they either comply with the
the period 2015-2017. resilience or competitiveness criteria in
the selection process of strategic projects.
Until 31 December 2025, the financial
envelope should be available in equal
parts to entities from Member States
whose average GDP per capita is below the
EU average of the EU-27 measured in
purchasing power standards (PPS) and
calculated on the basis of Union figures for
the period 2015-2017 and to entities from
all Member States. Technical assistance
to Member States with a low level of
participation as provided for in the latest
revision of the ETS Directive should be
maintained throughout those calls for
proposals.
__________________ __________________
PE752782v02-00 22/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
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p. 32). p. 32).
Amendment 17

Recital 13
(13) In order to extend support (13) In order to extend support

possibilities for investments aimed at possibilities for investments aimed at
strengthening industrial development and strengthening industrial development and
reinforcement of value chains in strategic reinforcement of value chains in strategic
sectors, the scope of support from the sectors, the scope of support from the
ERDF should be extended by providing for ERDF should be extended by providing for
new specific objectives under the ERDF, new specific objectives under the ERDF,
without prejudice to the rules on eligibility without prejudice to the rules on eligibility
of expenditure and climate spending as set of expenditure and climate spending as set
out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and out in Regulation (EU) 2021/106055 and
Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic Regulation (EU) 2021/105856 . In strategic
sectors, it should also be possible to sectors, it should also be possible to
support productive investments in support productive investments in
enterprises other than SMEs, which can enterprises with a focus on SMEs and
make a significant contribution to the midcaps and which can make a significant
development of less developed and contribution to the development of less
transition regions, as well as in more developed and transition regions, as well as
developed regions of Member States with a in more developed regions of Member
GDP per capita below the EU average. States with a GDP per capita below the EU
Managing authorities are encouraged to average. Managing authorities are
promote the collaboration between large encouraged to promote the collaboration
enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, between large enterprises and local SMEs,
innovation and technology ecosystems. supply chains, innovation and technology
This would allow reinforcing Europe’s ecosystems. This would allow reinforcing
overall capacity to strengthen its position Europe’s overall capacity to strengthen its
in those sectors through providing access position in those sectors through providing
to all Member States for such investments, access to all Member States for such
thus counteracting the risk of increasing investments, thus counteracting the risk of
disparities. increasing disparities. The resources
programmed for these new specific
objectives should be limited to a
maximum of 20% of the initial allocation
of the ERDF in accordance with
Regulation (EU) 2021/1058.
_________________ _________________
55Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down 55Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down
common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, common provisions (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021,
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p. 159). p. 159).
56Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the 56Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the
European Regional Development Fund and European Regional Development Fund and
on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224, on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 224,
24.6.2021, p. 31). 24.6.2021, p. 31).
Amendment 18

Recital 14
(14) The scope of support of the JTF, (14) The scope of support of the JTF,
laid down in Regulation (EU) 2021/1056,57 laid down in Regulation (EU) 2021/1056,57
should also be extended to cover should also be extended to cover
investments in clean technologies investments in net-zero technologies and
contributing to the objectives of the STEP addressing shortages of labour and skills
by large enterprises, provided that they are in support of these investments,
compatible with the expected contribution contributing to the objectives of the STEP
to the transition to climate neutrality as set by enterprises with focus on SMEs and
out in the territorial just transition plans. mid-caps, provided that they are
The support provided for such investments compatible with the expected contribution
should not require a revision of the to the transition to climate neutrality as set
territorial just transition plan where that out in the territorial just transition plans. In
revision would be exclusively linked to the the context of support for enterprises
gap analysis justifying the investment other than SMEs, consideration should
from the perspective of job creation. also be given to investments contributing
to the creation of apprenticeships and jobs
or providing education or training for
new skills. The support provided for such
investments should not require a revision
of the territorial just transition plan.
_________________ _________________
the Just Transition Fund (OJ L 231, the Just Transition Fund (OJ L 231,
30.6.2021, p. 1). 30.6.2021, p. 1).
Amendment 19

Recital 14a
PE752782v02-00 24/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
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(14a) Member States should have the

possibility to transfer all or part of their
provisional allocation from the resources
of the BAR to the ERDF or ESF+,
provided that they are to support
productive investments, which can make a
significant contribution to the
development of less developed and
transition regions, as well as in more
developed regions of Member States with
a GDP per capita below the EU average,
including in those regions and local
communities that are most adversely
affected by the withdrawal of the United
Kingdom from the Union. The
investments contributing to the objectives
of the STEP to be funded under the
ERDF and ESF+ and the BAR can serve
similar purposes and have similar content
since both aim ultimately to allow
reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to
strengthen its position in certain sectors
through providing access to Member
States for such investments, thus
counteracting the risk of increasing
disparities and mitigating negative
impacts on economic, social and
territorial cohesion.
Amendment 20

Recital 14b
(14b) Member States should also have

the possibility to transfer all or part of
their provisional allocation from the
resources of the BAR to the JTF, provided
that these resources are to support actions
that are compliant with approved
Territorial Just Transition Plans,
including in the just transition regions
that are - directly or indirectly - most
RR\1287923EN.docx 25/193 PE752782v02-00
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affected by the withdrawal of the United
Kingdom from the Union. Both JTF and
the BAR can contribute to the objectives
of STEP since both aim to ultimately
allow regional economic diversification
and reinforce Europe’s overall capacity to
strengthen its position in certain sectors
through providing access to Member
States to investments, thus counteracting
the risk of increasing disparities and
mitigating negative impacts on economic,
social and territorial cohesion.
Amendment 21

Recital 16
(16) In order to help accelerate (16) In order to help accelerate

investments and provide immediate investments and provide immediate
liquidity for investments supporting the liquidity for investments supporting the
STEP objectives under the ERDF, the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the
ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount
of exceptional pre-financing should be of exceptional pre-financing should be
provided in the form of a one-off payment provided in the form of a one-off payment
with respect to the priorities dedicated to with respect to the priorities dedicated to
investments supporting the STEP investments supporting the STEP
objectives. The additional pre-financing objectives. The additional pre-financing
should apply to the whole of the JTF should apply to the whole of the JTF
allocation given the need to accelerate its allocation given the need to accelerate its
implementation and the strong links of the implementation and the strong links of the
JTF to support Member States towards the JTF to support Member States towards the
STEP objectives. The rules applying for STEP objectives. The rules applying for
those amounts of exceptional pre-financing those amounts of exceptional pre-financing
should be consistent with the rules should be consistent with the rules
applicable to pre-financing set out in applicable to pre-financing set out in
Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to
further incentivise the uptake of such further incentivise the uptake of such
investments and ensure its faster investments and ensure its faster
implementation, the possibility for an implementation, the possibility for an
increased EU financing rate of 100% for increased EU financing rate of up to 100%
the STEP priorities should be available. for the STEP priorities should be available.
When implementing the new STEP When implementing the new STEP
objectives, managing authorities are objectives, managing authorities are
encouraged to apply certain social criteria encouraged to apply certain social criteria
PE752782v02-00 26/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
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or promote social positive outcomes, such and promote social positive outcomes,
as creating apprenticeships and jobs for such as creating apprenticeships and
young disadvantaged persons, in particular quality jobs for young disadvantaged
young persons not in employment, persons, in particular young persons not in
education or training, applying the social employment, education or training,
award criteria in the Directives on public applying the social award criteria in the
procurement when a project is Directives on public procurement when a
implemented by a body subject to public project is implemented by a body subject to
procurement, and paying the applicable public procurement, and paying the
wages as agreed through collective applicable wages as agreed through
bargaining. collective bargaining.
_________________ _________________
the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ
L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21). L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).
Amendment 22

Recital 18
(18) The regulatory framework for the (18) The regulatory framework for the
implementation of the 2014-2020 implementation of the 2014-2020
programmes has been adapted over the past programmes has been adapted over the past
years to provide Member States and years to provide Member States and
regions with additional with additional regions with additional flexibility in terms
flexibility in terms of implementation rules of implementation rules and more liquidity
and more liquidity to tackle the effects of to tackle the effects of the COVID-19
the COVID-19 pandemic and the war or pandemic and the war or aggression
aggression against Ukraine. These against Ukraine. These measures require
measures, introduced at the end of the sufficient time and administrative
programming period, require sufficient resources to be fully exploited and
time and administrative resources to be implemented; also at a time where Member
fully exploited and implemented; also at a States will focus resources on revising the
time where Member States will focus 2021-2027 operational programmes linked
resources on revising the 2021-2027 to the STEP objectives. With a view to
operational programmes linked to the alleviate the administrative burden on
STEP objectives. With a view to alleviate programme authorities and to prevent
the administrative burden on programme possible loss of funds at closure for purely
authorities and to prevent possible loss of administrative reasons, the deadlines for
funds at closure for purely administrative the administrative closure of the
reasons, the deadlines for the programmes under the 2014-2020 period
administrative closure of the programmes should be extended in Regulation (EU) No
under the 2014-2020 period should be 1303/201361 and Regulation (EU) No
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extended in Regulation (EU) No 223/201462 . More specifically, the
1303/201361 and Regulation (EU) No deadline for the submission of that final
223/201462 . More specifically, the payment application should be extended by
deadline for the submission of that final 12 months. Furthermore, the deadline for
payment application should be extended by the submission of the closure documents
12 months. Furthermore, the deadline for should also be extended by 12 months.
the submission of the closure documents Consequently, Member States should be
should also be extended by 12 months. In able to submit the final payment
the context of this amendment, it is application by 30 June 2025 and the
appropriate to clarify that distribution of documents referred to in Article 138 of
food and material bought until the end of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 by 15
the eligibility period (end-2023) may February 2026, in order to give Member
continue after that date. In order to ensure a States sufficient time to finalise the
sound implementation of the EU budget process linked to the closure of projects.
and respect for the payment ceilings, In the context of this amendment, it is
payments to be made in 2025 should be appropriate to clarify that distribution of
capped at 1 % of the financial food and material bought until the end of
appropriations from resources under the the eligibility period (end-2023) may
Multiannual Financial Framework per continue after that date. In order to ensure a
programme. Amounts due exceeding the sound implementation of the EU budget
ceiling of 1% of programme appropriations and respect for the payment ceilings,
per fund for 2025 would not be paid in payments to be made in 2025 should be
2025 nor in subsequent years but only used capped at 10% of the financial
for the clearance of pre-financing. Unused appropriations from resources under the
amounts shall be decommitted in Multiannual Financial Framework per
accordance with the general rules for programme. Amounts due exceeding the
decommitment at closure. ceiling of 10% of programme
appropriations per fund for 2025 would not
be paid in 2025 nor in subsequent years but
only used for the clearance of pre-
financing. Unused amounts shall be
decommitted in accordance with the
general rules for decommitment at closure.
Taking into account the specific
challenges of the outermost regions as
defined in Article 349 TFEU, specific
derogation should be provided as regards
the deadline for the final application for
an interim payment for the final
accounting year and the interim payments
in 2025 should be capped at 15%.
__________________ __________________
61 Regulation (EU) 1303/2013 laying down 61 Regulation (EU) 1303/2013 laying down
p. 320). p. 320).
62Regulation (EU) 223/2014 on the Fund 62Regulation (EU) 223/2014 on the Fund
for European Aid on the Most Deprived for European Aid on the Most Deprived
PE752782v02-00 28/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
EN
(OJ L 72, 12.3.2014, p. 1). (OJ L 72, 12.3.2014, p. 1).
Amendment 23

Recital 19
(19) InvestEU is the EU flagship (19) InvestEU is the EU flagship

programme to boost investment, especially programme to boost investment, especially
the green and digital transition, by the green and digital transition, by
providing demand-driven financing, providing demand-driven financing,
including through blending mechanisms, including through blending mechanisms,
and technical assistance. Such approach and technical assistance. Such approach
contributes to crowd in additional public contributes to crowd in additional public
and private capital. Given the high market and private capital. Given the high market
demand of InvestEU guarantee, the EU demand of InvestEU guarantee, the EU
compartment of InvestEU should be compartment of InvestEU should be
reinforced to correspond to the objectives reinforced to correspond to the objectives
of the STEP. This will, among other things, of the STEP. This will, among other things,
reinforce InvestEU’s existing possibility to reinforce InvestEU’s existing possibility to
invest in projects forming part of an IPCEI, invest in projects forming part of an IPCEI,
within the identified critical technology within the identified relevant technology
sectors. In addition, Member States are sectors. To ensure a full absorption of
encouraged to contribute to the InvestEU available funds and provided that
Member State compartment to support implementing partners do not have
financial products in line with the STEP sufficient capacity to absorb the 25 % of
objectives, without prejudice to applicable the EU guarantee that is earmarked for
State aid rules. It should be possible for them, the Commission may exceptionally
Member States to include as a measure in grant more than 75 % of the EU
their recovery and resilience plans a cash guarantee to the EIB Group. In this
contribution for the purpose of the Member context, the Commission should
State compartment of InvestEU to support encourage and assist the implementing
objectives of the STEP. That additional partners other than the EIB Group to
contribution to support objectives of the absorb in full the funding that is available
STEP could reach up to 6% of their to them. In addition, Member States are
recovery and resilience plan’s total encouraged to contribute to the InvestEU
financial allocation to the Member State Member State compartment to support
compartment of InvestEU. Additional financial products in line with the STEP
flexibility and clarifications should also be objectives, without prejudice to applicable
introduced to better pursue the objectives State aid rules. It should be possible for
of the STEP. Member States to include as a measure in
their recovery and resilience plans a cash
contribution for the purpose of the Member
State compartment of InvestEU to support
objectives of the STEP. That additional
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contribution to support objectives of the
STEP could reach up to 6% of their
recovery and resilience plan’s total
financial allocation to the Member State
compartment of InvestEU. Additional
flexibility and clarifications should also be
introduced to better pursue the objectives
of the STEP. In general, the Commission
and all authorities in charge of
programmes contributing to the
implementation of STEP should be
encouraged to ensure consistency,
coherence, complementarity and synergy
among sources of funding with the STEP
objectives.
Amendment 24

Recital 20
(20) Horizon Europe is the EU’s key (20) Horizon Europe is the EU’s key
funding programme for research and funding programme for research and
innovation, and its European Innovation innovation, and its European Innovation
Council (EIC) provides for support for Council (EIC) provides for support, in
innovations with potential breakthrough particular for innovations with potential
and disruptive nature with scale-up breakthrough and disruptive nature with
potential that may be too risky for private scale-up potential that may be too risky for
investors. Additional flexibility should be private investors. Additional flexibility
provided for under Horizon Europe, so that should be provided for under Horizon
the EIC Accelerator can provide equity- Europe, so that the EIC Accelerator can
only support to non-bankable SMEs, provide equity-only support to non-
including start-ups, and non-bankable bankable SMEs, including start-ups, and
SMEs and small mid-caps, carrying out non-bankable SMEs and small mid-caps,
innovation in the technologies supported carrying out innovation, in particular to
by the STEP and regardless of whether those working on the technologies
they previously received other types of supported by the STEP, and regardless of
support from the EIC Accelerator. The whether they previously received other
implementation of the EIC Fund is types of support from the EIC Accelerator.
currently limited to a maximum In the implementation of the EIC Fund the
investment amount of EUR 15 million Commission limited the investments of the
except in exceptional cases and cannot Fund to a maximum investment amount of
accommodate follow-on financing rounds EUR 15 million except in exceptional
or larger investment amounts. Allowing for cases and this limited the Fund from
equity-only support for non-bankable effectively accommodating follow-on
PE752782v02-00 30/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
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SMEs and small mid-caps would address financing rounds or larger investment
the existing market gap with investments amounts. Allowing for equity-only support
needs in the range of EUR 15 to 50 for non-bankable SMEs and small mid-
million. Moreover, experience has shown caps would address the existing market
that the amounts committed for the EIC gap, in particular for investments needs in
Pilot under Horizon2020 are not fully used. the range of EUR 15 to 50 million.
These unused funds should be made Moreover, experience has shown that the
available for the purposes of the EIC amounts committed for the EIC Pilot under
Accelerator under Horizon Europe. The Horizon2020 are not fully used. In
Horizon Europe Regulation should also be accordance with Article 15(3) of
amended to reflect the increased envelope Regulation (EU) 2018/1046, those unused
for the European Defence Fund. funds should be made available for the
purposes of the EIC Accelerator under
Horizon Europe. The Horizon Europe
Regulation should also be amended to
reflect the increased envelope for the
European Defence Fund.
Amendment 25

Recital 20a (new)
(20a) The EIC plays a pivotal role in

offering initial funding to fast growing
startups and small mid-caps. With its
specialised knowledge, the EIC is ideally
positioned to enhance funding
opportunities for companies seeking
capital for scaling up beyond the initial
innovation stage. However, the
implementation of the EIC Accelerator so
far has shown that the ambitious and
transformative nature of the EIC as the
investor of reference for breakthrough
innovation in Europe through the EIC
Fund, has created implementation
challenges and legal uncertainty for the
implementing entities, in particular
regarding the role of the EIC and the
SME Executive Agency. Considering the
central role of the EIC Fund in the
success of STEP, the relevant legislative
provisions on the functioning of the EIC
should be clarified. In the process of
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further improving the functioning of the
EIC, establishment of an independent
Union body pursuant to Article 187
TFEU as the main entity responsible for
implementing the EIC should be
considered.
Amendment 26

Recital 21
(21) The European Defence Fund is the (21) The European Defence Fund is the
leading programme for enhancing the leading programme for enhancing the
competitiveness, innovation, efficiency and competitiveness, innovation, efficiency and
technological autonomy of the Union’s technological autonomy of the Union’s
defence industry, thereby contributing to defence industry, thereby contributing to
the Union’s open strategic autonomy. The the Union’s open strategic autonomy. The
development of defence capabilities is development of defence capabilities is
crucial, as it underpins the capacity and the crucial, as it underpins the capacity and the
autonomy of the European industry to autonomy of the European industry to
develop defence products and the develop defence products and the
independence of Member States as the end- independence of Member States as the end-
users of such products. The additional users of such products. The additional
envelope should therefore be made envelope should therefore be made
available to support actions in the field of available to support projects in the field of
deep and digital technologies contributing deep and digital technologies contributing
to the development of defence applications. to the development of defence applications.
Amendment 27

Recital 21a
(21a) To maximise the impact of the

loan support available under Regulation
(EU) 2021/241 of the European
Parliament and of the Council [RRF] in
pursuit of the objectives laid down in
Article 4 of that Regulation, Member
States should be able to request additional
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funding in the form of loans, drawn from
the loan support remaining available
under that Regulation after 1 September
2023, with a view to contributing the
proceeds of those loans in the form of
cash to the Member State compartment of
InvestEU to support objectives of the
STEP. Member States should be able to
request such loan support until 15
December 2023.
Amendment 28

Article 1 – paragraph 1
This Regulation establishes a Strategic This Regulation establishes a Strategic

Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’ Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’
or ‘the Platform’) to support critical and or ‘the Platform’) to support strategic
emerging strategic technologies . technologies and their respective supply
chains in relevant sectors, thereby
supporting the implementation of the
established by Decision EU) 2022/2481 of
the European Parliament and of the
Council1a, Regulation (EU) .../... [Net-
Zero Industry Act ] and Regulation (EU)
.../... [Critical Raw Materials Act].
__________________
1aDecision (EU) 2022/2481 of the
of 14 December 2022 establishing the
Amendment 29

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. To strengthen European 1. To strengthen European industrial
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sovereignty and security, accelerate the sovereignty and security, reduce the
Union’s green and digital transitions and Union’s strategic dependencies, accelerate
enhance its competitiveness, reduce its the Union’s green and digital transitions
strategic dependencies, favour a level and enhance its competitiveness, favour a
playing field in the Single Market for level playing field in the Single Market for
investments throughout the Union, and investments throughout the Union, foster
promote inclusive access to attractive, cross-border participation, including of
quality jobs, the Platform shall pursue the SMEs, strengthen economic, social and
following objectives: territorial cohesion and solidarity among
Member States and regions, promote
inclusive access to attractive, quality jobs
and to facilitate access to finance for
project promoters, streamlining the
procedures and reducing the
administration burden thereof, the
Platform shall pursue the following
objectives:
Amendment 30

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
(a) supporting the development or (a) supporting the development or

manufacturing throughout the Union, or manufacturing throughout the Union, or
safeguarding and strengthening the safeguarding and strengthening the
respective value chains, of critical respective supply chains as referred to in
technologies in the following fields: paragraph 4 of technologies in the
following sectors:
Amendment 31

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
(i) deep and digital technologies (i) digital technologies, including

multi-country projects as defined in
Article 2, point (2) of Decision (EU)
2022/2481 of the European Parliament
and of the Council and contributing to
the targets and objectives of the Digital
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Decade Policy Programme 2030
established by that Decision;
Amendment 32

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
(ii) clean technologies (ii) net-zero technologies as defined in

Article 3, point (...) of Regulation (EU)
.../...[Net-Zero Industry Act];
Amendment 33

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
(iii) biotechnologies (iii) biotechnologies, as defined in the

Annex to this Regulation and life science,
including medicinal products on the
Union List of Critical Medicinal Products
and their components;
Amendment 34

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) addressing shortages of labour and (b) addressing shortages of labour and
skills critical to all kinds of quality jobs in skills critical to all kinds of quality jobs in
support of the objective under point (a). support of the objective set out in point (a),
in particular through lifelong learning
and in close cooperation with social
partners and education and training
initiatives already in place, including the
European Net Zero Industry Academies
established pursuant to Article 23 of
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Regulation (EU) .../... [Net-Zero Industry
Act];
Amendment 35

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point ba (new)
(ba) fostering deep-tech innovation, in

support of the objective set out in point
(a), which has the potential to deliver
transformative solutions, rooted in cutting
edge science, technology and engineering,
including innovation combining advances
in the physical, biological and digital
spheres.
Amendment 36

2. The technologies referred to in 2. The technologies, including their

point (a) of the first paragraph, shall be supply chains, referred to in point (a) of
deemed to be critical where they meet at the first paragraph, shall be deemed to be
least one of the following conditions: critical where they meet at least one of the
following conditions:
Amendment 37

Article 2 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2(new)
By ... [two months after the entry into

force of this Regulation], the Commission
shall adopt a delegated act, to supplement
this Regulation by defining how the
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technologies, including their supply
chains, referred to in paragraph 1, point
(a), of this Article can meet the conditions
of this paragraph. The delegated act shall
be reviewed in light of the interim
evaluation report referred to in Article 8.
Amendment 38

3. Where an Important Project of deleted

Common European Interest (IPCEI)
approved by the Commission pursuant to
Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU relates to
any of the technology fields referred to in
point (a) of paragraph 1, the relevant
technologies shall be deemed to be
critical.
Amendment 39

4. The value chain for the 4. The supply chain for the
manufacturing of critical technologies manufacturing of technologies referred to
referred to in the first paragraph relates to in paragraph 1 relates to final products, as
final products, as well as key components, well as components, machinery and critical
specific machinery and critical raw raw materials as set out in Annex II to
materials primarily used for the production Regulation (EU) .../... [Critical Raw
of those products. Materials Act] which are indispensable
for the production and functioning of
those products.
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Amendment 40

Article 2 – paragraph 4a (new)
4a. Strategic projects as identified

under Regulation (EU) .../... [Net-Zero
Industry Act], that comply with either the
resilience criteria as defined in Article
10(1)(a) of that Regulation or with the
competitiveness criteria as defined in
Article 10(1)(b) of that Regulation in the
selection process of net-zero strategic
projects, and and (EU) .... [Critical Raw
Materials Act]) shall be considered to
fulfil the objectives of the STEP Platform
as referred to in paragraph 1 of this
Article.
Amendment 41

Article 2 – paragraph 4b (new)
4b. When implementing programmes

and activities to achieve the objectives
under this Regulation, the Commission
and Member States shall put specific
emphasis on supporting Net-Zero
Industry Valleys as defined in Regulation
(EU) .../... [Net-Zero Industry Act]
projects in territories included in the
Territorial just transition plans as
referred to in Article 11 of Regulation
(EU) 2021/1056. and in less developed
and transition regions, as well as more
developed regions in Member States
whose average GDP per capita is below
the EU average of the EU-27 measured in
calculated on the basis of Union figures
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for the period 2015-2017.
Amendment 42

1. Implementation of the Platform 1. Financial support for the

shall be supported, in particular, through: implementation of the Platform shall be
provided from existing Union
programmes and funds. To reinforce their
ability to deliver on the STEP objectives,
additional funding shall be provided to
the following Union programmes and
funds:
Amendment 43

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) a Union guarantee referred to in (a) a Union guarantee referred to in

Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/523 Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/523
with the indicative amount of EUR 7 500 with the indicative amount of EUR 10 500
000 000 That guarantee shall be 000 000, which shall be implemented in
implemented in accordance with accordance with that Regulation;
Regulation (EU) 2021/523;
Amendment 44

(b) an amount of EUR 500 000 000 in (b) an amount of EUR 1 300 000 000
current prices of the financial envelope in current prices of the financial envelope
referred to in point (i) of Article 12(2)(c) of referred to in point (i) of Article 12(2)(c) of
Regulation (EU) 2021/695. That amount Regulation (EU) 2021/695, which shall be
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shall be implemented in accordance with implemented in accordance with that
Regulation (EU) 2021/695; Regulation;
Amendment 45

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) an amount of EUR 5 000 000 000 (c) an amount of EUR 5 000 000 000
in current prices of the financial envelope in current prices of the financial envelope
referred to in the sixth subparagraph of referred to in the sixth subparagraph of
Article 10a(8) of Directive 2003/87/EC. Article 10a(8) of Directive 2003/87/EC,
That amount shall be implemented within which shall be implemented within the
the Innovation Fund in accordance with the Innovation Fund in accordance with the
rules of Article 10a(8) of Directive rules of Article 10a(8) of Directive
2003/87/EC and Commission Delegated 2003/87/EC and Commission Delegated
Regulation [2019/856]. Regulation (EU) 2019/856.
Amendment 46

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) An amount of EUR 1 500 000 000 (d) An amount of EUR 2 500 000 000
refered to in Article 4(1) of Regulation referred to in Article 4(1) of Regulation
(EU) 2021/697. That amount shall be (EU) 2021/697, which shall be
implemented in accordance with implemented in accordance with that
Regulation (EU) 2021/697. Regulation.
Amendment 47

Article 4 – title
Sovereignty Seal and cumulative funding Sovereignty Seal, combined and
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cumulative funding
Amendment 48

1. The Commission shall award a 1. The Commission shall award a

Sovereignty Seal to any action contributing Sovereignty Seal to any project
to any of the Platform objectives, provided contributing to any of the Platform
the action has been assessed and complies objectives, provided that the project has
with the minimum quality requirements, in been assessed and complies with the
particular eligibility, exclusion and award minimum quality requirements, in
criteria, provided by a call for proposals particular eligibility, exclusion and award
under Regulation (EU) 2021/695, criteria, provided by a call for proposals
Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Regulation under Regulation (EU) 2021/695,
(EU) 2021/697, Regulation (EU) 2021/522, Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Regulation
or Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) (EU) 2021/697, Regulation (EU) 2021/522,
2019/856. Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 or
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU)
2019/856, or has been identified as a
strategic project as defined in Regulation
(EU) .../... ('Net Zero Industry Act'), if
that project complies with either the
resilience criteria as defined in Article
10(1), point (a), of that Regulation or with
the competitiveness criteria as defined in
Article 10(1)(b) of the NZIA Regulation
in the selection process of net-zero
strategic projects, or as defined in
Regulation (EU) .../... ('Critical Raw
Materials Act'). Those calls for proposals
shall be continuously open .
Amendment 49

Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. When assessing whether a project

contributes to any of the Platform
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objectives in accordance with paragraph
1, the Commission shall take into account
the contribution of the project to the
strengthening and structuring of local
networks of industrial actors and its
contribution to the creation of jobs.
Amendment 50

Article 4 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. The Sovereignty Seal shall be

valid for the period of the implementation
of the project, during which there shall be
a commitment from the company not to
relocate the project outside of the
Union. If a project has not started
withinfive years of the award of the
Sovereignty Seal, it can be reviewed for
the purpose of compatibility with STEP
strategic priorities. When conducting the
above-mentioned review, the Commission
shall ensure that all projects comply with
Union’s and national labour law, social
rights and workers’ rights, as well as
applicable collective agreements.
Amendment 51

Article 4 – paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. The Sovereignty Seal shall not be

awarded to projects managed by a legal
entity established in a third country that is
not associated to the Union programme
concerned or, where it is established in
the Union or in an associated country that
has its executive management structures
in a non-associated country.
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Amendment 52

Article 4 – paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Projects managed by legal entities

forming a consortium shall be awarded a
Sovereignty Seal only if at least one
independent legal entity forming that
consortium is established in a Member
State and at least two other independent
legal entities forming that consortium are
established in different Member States or
associated countries.
Amendment 53

2. The Sovereignty Seal may be used 2. The Sovereignty Seal shall be used
as a quality label, in particular for the as a quality label, in particular for the
purposes of: purposes of:
Amendment 54

(a) receiving support for the action (a) receiving support for the project
under another Union fund or programme in under another Union fund or programme in
accordance with the rules applicable to that accordance with the rules applicable to that
fund or programme, or fund or programme, or
Amendment 55

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(b) financing the action through (b) financing the project through
cumulative or combined funding with cumulative or combined funding with
another Union instrument in line with the another Union instrument in line with the
rules of the applicable basic acts. rules of the applicable basic acts.
Amendment 56

3. When revising their recovery and 3. When revising their recovery and
resilience plans in accordance with resilience plans in accordance with
Regulation (EU) 2021/241, Member States Regulation (EU) 2021/241, Member States
shall, without prejudice to the provisions of shall, without prejudice to the provisions of
that Regulation, consider as a priority that Regulation, consider as a priority
action which have been awarded a projects, which have been awarded a
Sovereignty Seal in accordance with Sovereignty Seal in accordance with
paragraph 1. paragraph 1.
Amendment 57

4. When deciding on investment 4. When deciding on investment

projects to finance from their respective projects to finance from their respective
shares of the Modernisation Fund in shares of the Modernisation Fund in
accordance with Article 10d of Directive accordance with Article 10d of Directive
2003/87/EC, Member States shall consider 2003/87/EC, Member States shall consider
as a priority project for critical clean those projects for net-zero technologies as
technologies which have received the a priority as defined in the Regulation
Sovereignty Seal in accordance with (EU) .../... [Net-Zero Industry Act] which
paragraph 1. In addition, Member States have received the Sovereignty Seal in
may decide to grant national support to accordance with paragraph 1. In addition,
projects with a Sovereignty Seal Member States may decide to grant
contributing to the Platform objective national support to projects with a
referred to in Article 2(1), point (a)(ii). Sovereignty Seal contributing to the
Platform objective for net-zero
technologies as defined in the Regulation
Regulation (EU) .../... [Net-Zero Industry
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Act].
Amendment 58

5. Under Regulation (EU) 2021/523, 5. Under Regulation (EU) 2021/523,

the Sovereignty Seal shall be taken into the Sovereignty Seal shall be taken into
account in the context of the procedure account in the context of the procedure
provided for in Article 19 of the European provided for in Article 19 of the European
Investment Bank Statute and of the policy Investment Bank Statute and of the policy
check as laid down in Article 23(3) of that check as laid down in Article 23(3) of that
Regulation. In addition, the implementing Regulation. In addition, the implementing
partners shall examine projects having partners shall examine in a timely manner
been awarded the Sovereignty Seal in case projects having been awarded the
they fall within their geographic and Sovereignty Seal in case they fall within
activity scope as laid down in Article 26(5) their geographic and activity scope as laid
of that Regulation. down in Article 26(5) of that Regulation.
Amendment 59

Article 4 a (new)
Article 4a
STEP Committee
1. The Commission shall set up a
STEP Committee composed of
Commission experts on the technologies
referred to in Article 2(1) , point (a) and
on the Union programmes and funds
from which the Platform is financially
supported.
2. The STEP Committee shall have
the following tasks:
(a) to award and promote the
Sovereignty Seal referred to in Article
4(1) and to liaise with managing
authorities responsible for calls for
proposals and calls for tender to increase
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the funding opportunities across
programmes for projects that have been
awarded the Sovereignty Seal, without
interfering in the selection procedures;
(b) to award the Sovereignty Seal to
projects funded by the Cohesion policy
funds that contribute to the Platform
objectives as set out in Article 2 of this
Regulation;
(c) to set up and manage the
Sovereignty portal in accordance with
Article 6;
(d) to liaise with other existing
structures, especially the Net-Zero Europe
Platform established in accordance with
Regulation (EU) .../... [Net Zero Industry
Act] and the Critical Raw Materials
Board established pursuant to Regulation
(EU) .../... [Critical Raw Materials Act],
national competent authorities designated
in accordance with Article 6(4) of this
Regulation, implementing partners and
the Industrial Advisory Group referred to
in paragraph 3 of this Article, with a view
to coordinating and exchanging
information about the financial needs of,
the existing bottlenecks and the best
practices for projects across the Union;
(e) to foster contacts across sectors
referred to in Article 2, making particular
use of existing industrial alliances,
networks and structures, such as the
European Institute of Innovation &
Technology (EIT) and the Joint
Undertakings.
3. The Commission shall set up an
Industrial Advisory Group on Strategic
Technologies composed of representatives
of Union industry to advise and assist it
on the implementation of the Platform in
the relevant sectors.
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Amendment 60

Article 5
Article 5 deleted
Monitoring of implementation
1. The Commission shall monitor the
implementation of the Platform and
measure the achievement of the Platform
objectives set out in Article 2. The
monitoring of implementation shall be
carried out under the Platform.
2. The monitoring system of the
Commission shall ensure that data for
monitoring the implementation of the
activities carried out under the Platform
and the results of those activities are
collected efficiently, effectively and in a
timely manner.
3. The Commission shall report on
the expenditure financed by the Platform.
It shall, as appropriate, report on the
achievements related to each of the
specific Platform objectives.
Amendment 61

1. The Commission shall establish a 1. The Commission shall establish a

dedicated publicly available website (the dedicated publicly available website (the
‘Sovereignty portal’), providing investors ‘Sovereignty portal’), providing
with information about funding information about funding opportunities
opportunities for projects linked to the for projects linked to the Platform
Platform objectives and grant visibility to objectives and granting visibility to those
those projects, in particular by displaying projects, in particular by displaying the
the following information: following information:
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Amendment 62

(a) ongoing and upcoming calls for (a) information about Union
proposals and calls for tender linked to programmes and funds within the scope
the Platform objectives under the of this Regulation and (ongoing and
respective programmes and funds, upcoming calls for proposals and calls for
tender linked to the Platform objectives
under the respective programmes and
funds;
Amendment 63

(d) contacts to the national competent (d) contact details of the national
authorities designated in accordance with competent authorities designated in
paragraph 4; accordance with paragraph 4;
Amendment 64

3a. The Sovereignty Portal shall

include a rapid simulator to provide
project promoters, especially SMEs,
guidance on the Union programme or
fund for which their particular project
may be eligible. The simulator shall not
require project promoters to provide
confidential business information and its
results shall not be legally binding on the
authorities responsible for the awarding
of funding
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Amendment 65

4a. For projects related to security and

defence, information shall be be displayed
only on a case-by-case basis, if deemed
necessary by the project promoter or the
Commission, taking into consideration the
confidentiality of security of information in
defence matters.
Amendment 66

Article 7 – title
Annual report Monitoring and annual reporting
Amendment 67

1. The Commission shall provide an 1. The Commission shall monitor the

annual report to the European Parliament implementation of the Platform and
and the Council on the implementation of measure the achievement of the objectives
the Platform. of the Platform laid down in Article 2.
The monitoring of the implementation
shall be targeted and proportionate to the
activities carried out under the Platform.
Amendment 68

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1a. The Commission shall design the

monitoring system in such a way that data
for monitoring the implementation of
activities carried out under the Platform
and the results of those activities is
collected efficiently, effectively and in a
timely manner. To that end, proportionate
reporting requirements shall be imposed
on the beneficiaries of funding.
Amendment 69

1b. The Commission shall provide an

annual report to the European Parliament
and to the Council on the implementation
of the Platform. The annual report shall
be made publicly available.
Amendment 70

2. The annual report shall include 2. The annual report shall include
consolidated information on the progress consolidated information on the progress
made in implementing the Platform made in implementing the Platform
objectives under each of the programmes objectives under each of the programmes
and funds. and funds as well as qualitative and
quantitative information on the
Platform's contribution to cross-border
projects and to projects per Member State.
Amendment 71

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(a) overall expenditure of the STEP (a) overall expenditure of the STEP
financed under the respective programmes; financed under the respective programmes
and funds;
Amendment 72

Article 7 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
(ba) an impact assessment determining

how the accumulated projects under
STEP contribute to the Union’s strategic
objectives on ensuring long-term
competitiveness;
Amendment 73

Article 7 – paragraph 3 – point b b (new)
(bb) an analysis of the geographical

and technological distribution of the
projects that have been awarded the
Sovereignty Seal.
Amendment 74

1. By 31 December 2025, the 1. By 31 December 2025, the

Commission shall provide the European Commission shall provide the European
Parliament and the Council with an Parliament and the Council with an interim
evaluation report on the implementation of evaluation report on the implementation of
the Platform. the Platform, on the state of dependencies
of the Union, and on the sectors of
strategic importance for its sovereignty,
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for the purpose of informing the decision-
making process on the post-2027
multiannual financial framework in a
timely manner.
Amendment 75

2. The evaluation report shall, in 2. The interim evaluation report shall,

particular, assess to which extent the in particular, assess to which extent the
objectives have been achieved, the STEP has contributed to the achievement
efficiency of the use of the resources and of the objectives, the efficiency of the use
the European added value. It shall also of the resources and the European added
consider the continued relevance of all value of the Platform. It shall also provide
objectives and actions, in view of their an overview of the regions for which the
potential upscaling. programmes have been amended,
including information on relevant aspects
of the partnership principle, consider the
continued relevance of all objectives and
projects, in view of their potential
upscaling, and assess the feasibility of
combining all existing publicly available
websites managed by the Commission and
providing information on Union
programmes and funds under direct,
shared and indirect management in a
single portal, to bring Union funding
opportunities closer to potential
beneficiaries and enhance transparency
towards Union citizens.
Amendment 76

3. Where appropriate, the evaluation 3. Where appropriate, the interim

shall be accompanied by a proposal for evaluation report shall be accompanied by
amendments of this Regulation. a proposal for amendments of this
Regulation or by a legislative proposal for
a fully-fledged European Sovereignty
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Fund, with the aim of helping to shape
and strengthen a European industrial
policy and to reduce strategic
dependencies of the Union, and which
ensures the correct functioning of the
single market, while avoiding market
distortions and creating a level playing
field in the Union and third countries.
Where the Commission chooses not to
present a legislative proposal for a
European Sovereignty Fund, it shall
provide reasons for its decision in its
interim evaluation report.
Amendment 77

3a. At the end of the implementation

of the Union programmes and funds from
which the Platform is financially
supported, but no later than 31 December
2031, the Commission shall provide the
European Parliament and the Council
with a final evaluation report on
implementation of the Platform. The final
evaluation report shall be accompanied by
a thorough assessment of differentiated
territorial impacts and effects on cohesion
resulting from the implementation of the
Platform.
Amendment 78

Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10a – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 6
In addition to the allowances referred to in In addition to the allowances referred to in

the first to fifth subparagraphs of this the first to fifth subparagraphs of this
paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also
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implement a financial envelope for the implement a financial envelope for the
period from 1 January 2024 to 31 period from 1 January 2024 to 31
December 2027 of EUR 5 000 000 000 in December 2027 of EUR 5 000 000 000 in
current prices for supporting investments current prices for supporting investments
contributing to the STEP objective referred contributing to the STEP objective for net-
to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation zero technologies as defined in [Article 3,
.../...63 [STEP Regulation]. This financial point (a)] of Regulation (EU) .../... [Net-
envelope shall be made available to Zero Industry Act] by making this
support investments only in Member States financial envelope available for Strategic
whose average GDP per capita is below Projects as defined in [Article 2, point (e)]
the EU average of the EU-27 measured in the Regulation (EU) .../... [Net-Zero
purchasing power standards (PPS) and Industry Act], provided that they comply
calculated on the basis of Union figures with the resilience or competitiveness
for the period 2015-2017 criteria laid down in Article 10 (1), point
(a) or (b), of Regulation (EU) …/... [Net-
Zero Industry Act]. Until 31 December
2025, the financial envelope shall made
available in equal parts to support
investments in:
(a) Member States whose average GDP
per capita is below the Union average of
the EU-27 measured in purchasing power
standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis
of Union figures for the period 2015-2017;
and
b) all Member States.
From 1 January 2026, unused funds of
the financial envelope shall be made
available to support these investments in
all Member States.
__________________ __________________
62aRegulation (EU) .../... of the European
Parliament and the Council of ....
establishing the Strategic Technologies
for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) and
amending Directive 2003/87/EC,
Regulations (EU) 2021/1058, (EU)
2021/1056, (EU) 2021/1057, (EU) No
1303/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU)
2021/1060, (EU) 2021/523, (EU)
2021/695, (EU) 2021/697 and (EU)
2021/241 (OJ L ..., ...., p. ...).
63Regulation …/… of the European
Parliament and of the Council … [insert
full title and OJ reference].
PE752782v02-00 54/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
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Amendment 79

Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 2Directive 2021/1058/EC
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ix
(ix) supporting investments contributing (ix) supporting investments contributing

to the STEP objective referred to in Article to the STEP objective referred to in Article
2(1), point (a)(ii) of Regulation .../... 2 of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation]
[STEP Regulation]
Amendment 80

Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Article 3 – paragraph 1a
(3) In Article 3, the following (3) In Article 3, the following

paragraph 1a is inserted: paragraph 1a is inserted:
‘The resources under the specific objective 1a The resources under the specific
referred to in Article 3(1), first objective referred to in Article 3(1), points
subparagraph, points (a)(vi) and (b)(ix) (a)(vi) and (b)(ix) shall be programmed
shall be programmed under dedicated under dedicated priorities corresponding to
priorities corresponding to the respective the respective policy objective and shall be
policy objective. limited to a maximum of 20% of the
initial allocation of the ERDF.
The Commission shall pay 30 % of the The Commission shall pay 30 % of the
ERDF allocation to that priority as set out ERDF allocation to the priorities referred
in the decision approving the programme to in the first subparagraph as set out in
amendment as exceptional one-off pre- the decision approving the programme
financing in addition to the yearly pre- amendment as exceptional one-off pre-
financing for the programme provided for financing in addition to the yearly pre-
in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) financing for the programme provided for
2021/1060 or in Article 51(2), (3) and (4) in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU)
of Regulation (EU) 2021/1059. The 2021/1060 or in Article 51(2), (3) and (4)
exceptional pre-financing shall be paid by of Regulation (EU) 2021/1059. The
31 December 2024, provided the exceptional pre-financing shall be paid by
Commission has adopted the decision 31 December 2024, provided the
approving the programme amendment by Commission has adopted the decision
31 October 2024. approving the programme amendment by
31 October 2024.
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In accordance with Article 90 (5) of In accordance with Article 90 (5) of
Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 and Article Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 and Article
51(5) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1059, the 51(5) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1059, the
amount paid as exceptional pre-financing amount paid as exceptional pre-financing
shall be cleared no later than with the final shall be cleared no later than with the final
accounting year. accounting year.
In accordance with Article 90(6) of In accordance with Article 90(6) of
Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, any interest Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, any interest
generated by the exceptional pre-financing generated by the exceptional pre-financing
shall be used for the programme concerned shall be used for the programme concerned
in the same way as the ERDF and shall be in the same way as the ERDF and shall be
included in the accounts for the final included in the accounts for the final
accounting year. accounting year.
In accordance with Article 97(1) of In accordance with Article 97(1) of
Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the
exceptional pre-financing shall not be exceptional pre-financing shall not be
suspended. suspended.
In accordance with Article 105 (1) of In accordance with Article 105 (1) of
Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the pre- Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the pre-
financing to be taken into account for the financing to be taken into account for the
purposes of calculating amounts to be de- purposes of calculating amounts to be de-
committed shall include the exceptional committed shall include the exceptional
pre-financing paid. pre-financing paid.
By way of derogation from Article 112 of By way of derogation from Article 112 of
Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the maximum Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the co-
co-financing rates for dedicated priorities financing rates for dedicated priorities
established to support the STEP objectives established to support the STEP objectives
shall be increased to 100 %.’ referred to in Article 2 of Regulation…/…
[STEP Regulation] may all be increased
up to 100 %.’
Amendment 81

Article 5 – paragaph 2 – point e
(e) when they contribute to the specific (e) when they contribute to the specific
objective under PO 1 set out in Article objective under PO 1 set out in Article
3(1), first subparagraph, point (a)(vi) or to 3(1), first subparagraph, point (a)(vi) or to
the specific objective under PO 2 set out in the specific objective under PO 2 set out in
point (b)(ix) of that subparagraph, in less point (b)(ix) of that subparagraph, in less
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developed and transition regions, as well as developed and transition regions, as well as
more developed regions in Member States more developed regions in Member States
whose average GDP per capita is below the whose average GDP per capita is below the
EU average of the EU-27 measured in EU average of the EU-27 measured in
purchasing power standards (PPS) and purchasing power standards (PPS) and
calculated on the basis of Union figures for calculated on the basis of Union figures for
the period 2015-2017. the period 2015-2017, while preserving a
focus on SMEs and mid-caps.
Point (e) shall apply to Interreg Point (e) shall apply to Interreg
programmes where the geographical programmes where the geographical
coverage of the programme within the coverage of the programme within the
Union consists exclusively of categories of Union consists exclusively of categories of
regions set out in that point. regions set out in that point.
Amendment 82

Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 6Regulation (EU) 2021/1058
Annex 1 – Table 1
Text proposed by the Commission
(6) In Annex I, Table I, the following row is added under policy objective 1:
(vi) supporting Any RCO listed for Any RCR listed for
investments contributing specific objectives (i), specific objectives (i),
to the STEP objectives (iii) and (iv) (iii) and (iv)
referred to in Article 2 of
Regulation .../... [STEP RCO125 Firms:
Regulation] Enterprises supported
linked primarily to deep
and digital technologies
productive investments
RCO126 Firms:
Enterprises supported
linked primarily to clean
technologies productive
investments
RCO127 Firms:
linked primarily to
biotechnologies
[These indicators are to

be reported as subsets of
RC001-RCO04]
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Amendment
(vi) supporting investments Any RCO listed for Any RCR listed for
contributing to the STEP objectives specific objectives (i), specific objectives (i),
referred to in Article 2 of Regulation (iii) and (iv) (iii) and (iv)
.../... [STEP Regulation]
RCO125 Firms:
linked primarily to
digital technologies
RCO126 Firms:
linked primarily to net-
zero technologies
RCO127 Firms:
linked primarily to
biotechnologies

RC001-RCO04]
Amendment 83

Annex 1 – Table 1
(ix) supporting Any RCO listed for Any RCR listed for
to the STEP objectives (iii), (iv) and (vi) under (iii) and (iv) under policy
referred to in Article 2 of policy objective 1 objective 1
Regulation .../... [STEP
Regulation] RCO125 Firms:
and digital technologies
RCO126 Firms:
technologies productive
investments
PE752782v02-00 58/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
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RCO127 Firms:
linked primarily to
biotechnologies

RC001-RCO04]
Amendment
(ix) supporting Any RCO listed for Any RCR listed for
to the STEP objectives (iii), (iv) and (vi) under (iii) and (iv) under policy
referred to in Article 2 of policy objective 1 objective 1
Regulation] RCO125 Firms:
linked primarily to
RCO126 Firms:
zero technologies
RCO127 Firms:
linked primarily to
biotechnologies

RC001-RCO04]
Amendment 84

Article 2
In accordance with the second In accordance with the second

subparagraph of Article 5(1) of Regulation subparagraph of Article 5(1) of Regulation
(EU) 2021/1060, the JTF shall contribute (EU) 2021/1060, the JTF shall contribute
RR\1287923EN.docx 59/193 PE752782v02-00
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to the specific objective of enabling to the specific objective of enabling
regions and people to address the social, regions and people to address the social,
employment, economic and environmental employment, economic and environmental
impacts of the transition towards the impacts of the transition towards the
Union’s 2030 targets for energy and Union’s 2030 targets for energy and
climate and a climate-neutral economy of climate and a climate-neutral economy of
the Union by 2050, based on the Paris the Union by 2050, based on the Paris
Agreement. The JTF may also support Agreement. The JTF may also support
investments contributing to the STEP investments contributing to the STEP
objective referred to in Article 2(1), point objective referred to in Article 2 of
(a)(ii) of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation].
Regulation].
Amendment 85

Article 8 – paragraph 2 – new subparagraph
The JTF may also support productive The JTF also supports productive
investments in enterprises other than investments in enterprises, with a focus on
SMEs contributing to the STEP objectives SMEs and mid-caps, contributing to the
referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...65 STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of
[STEPRegulation]. That support may be Regulation .../...65 [STEP Regulation]. That
provided irrespective of whether the gap support may be provided irrespective of
analysis was carried out in accordance with whether the gap analysis was carried out in
Article 11(2)(h) and irrespective of its accordance with Article 11(2)(h) and
outcome. Such investments shall only be irrespective of its outcome. Such
eligible where they do not lead to investments shall only be eligible where
relocation as defined in point (27) of they do not lead to relocation as defined in
Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. point (27) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU)
The provision of such support shall not 2021/1060. Apprenticeships and jobs,
require a revision of the territorial just education or training for new skills shall
transition plan where that revision would be considered in the awarding decision.
be exclusively linked to the gap analysis. The provision of such support shall not
require a revision of the territorial just
transition plan.
_________________ _________________
65Regulation …/… of the European 65Regulation …/… of the European
Parliament and of the Council … [insert Parliament and of the Council … [insert
full title and OJ reference]. full title and OJ reference].
PE752782v02-00 60/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
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Amendment 86

Article 10 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 6
Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the maximum Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the maximum
co-financing rates for dedicated priorities co-financing rates for dedicated priorities
shall be increased to 100 %. referred to in Article 2 of Regulation
…/… [STEP Regulation] may be
increased up to 100 %.
Amendment 87

Article 12a
In addition to the pre-financing for the In addition to the pre-financing for the
programme provided for in Article 90(1) programme provided for in Article 90(1)
and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060,
where the Commission approves an where the Commission approves an
amendment of a programme including one amendment of a programme including one
or more priorities dedicated to operations or more priorities dedicated to operations
supported by the ESF+ contributing to the supported by the ESF+ contributing to the
STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of
Regulation .../...66[STEP Regulation], it Regulation .../..66 [STEP Regulation], it
shall make an exceptional pre-financing of shall make an exceptional pre-financing of
30% on the basis of the allocation to those 30% on the basis of the allocation to those
priorities. The exceptional pre-financing priorities. This exceptional pre-financing
shall be paid by 31 December 2024, shall also benefit operations which
provided the Commission has adopted the contribute to the deployment of the
decision approving the programme learning programmes of the European
amendment by 31 October 2024. Net Zero Industry Academies as well as
the training of young people and the
skilling, upskilling and reskilling of
workers in net-zero technologies. The
exceptional pre-financing shall be paid by
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31 December 2024, provided the
Commission has adopted the decision
approving the programme amendment by
31 October 2024.
Amendment 88

Article 12a – paragraph 1 – sixth subparagraph
shall be increased to 100 %. referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...
[STEP Regulation] may be increased up to
100 %.’
Amendment 89

Article 13 – Paragraph 1 – Point 4
Annex 1 – Table 1
(4) In the Annex I, Table 1, the following rows are added:

Coefficient for the
Coefficient for the
calculation of support to
INTERVENTION FIELD calculation of support to
climate change
environmental objectives
objectives
Support for the 0% 0%

145a development of skills or
access to employment in
deep and digital
PE752782v02-00 62/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
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technologies,
biotechnologies.

development of skills or
145b
clean technologies.
Productive investments 100% 40%

in large enterprises
188
technologies.
189 Productive investments 100% 40%

in SMEs linked primarily
to clean technologies.

linked primarily to
biotechnologies.

to biotechnologies.

and digital technologies.

to deep and digital
technologies.
Amendment

Coefficient for the
Coefficient for the
calculation of support to
INTERVENTION FIELD calculation of support to
climate change
environmental objectives
objectives

digital technologies.
145a
(contributing to STEP
objectives in Article 2
of Regulation .../...
[STEP Regulation]).

145b access to employment in
net-zero technologies.
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[STEP Regulation]).

zero technologies.
[STEP Regulation]).

to net-zero technologies.
[STEP Regulation]).

linked primarily to
biotechnologies.
[STEP Regulation]).

to biotechnologies.
[STEP Regulation]).

linked primarily to
[STEP Regulation]).

to deep and digital
technologies.
Amendment 90

Article 13 – Paragraph 1 – Point 5
Annex 1 – Table 6
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(5) In Annex I, Table 6, the following row is added:

11 Contributing to skills 0% 0%
and jobs in deep and
digital technologies,
clean technologies,
biotechnologies
Amendment

11 Contributing to skills 0% 0%
and jobs in digital
technologies, net-zero
technologies
objectives in Article 2 of
Regulation]).
Amendment 91

Article 14 – Paragraph 1 – Point -1a
Annex 2 – point 29
(-1a) In Article 2, point (29) is inserted:

‘(29) 'accounting year', means, for the
purposes of Part Three and Part Four, the
period from 1 July to 30 June, except for
the first accounting year of the
programming period, in respect of which it
means the period from the start date for
eligibility of expenditure until 30 June
2015. The final accounting year shall be
from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025;’
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Amendment 92

Article 14 – Paragraph 1 – Point -1b
Article 24 – paragraph 1a(new)
(-1b) In Article 24 the following

paragraph (1a) (new) is inserted:
‘1a. By way of derogation from Article
60(1) and the first and fourth
subparagraphs of Article 120(3), a co-
financing rate of up to 100 % may be
applied to expenditure declared in the
final accounting year for one or more
priority axes in a programme supported
by the ERDF, the ESF or the Cohesion
Fund. By way of derogation from Article
30(1) and (2) and Article 96(10), the
application of the co-financing rate of up
to 100 % shall not require a Commission
decision approving a programme
amendment. The Member State shall
notify the revised financial tables to the
Commission following approval by the
monitoring committee. The co-financing
rate of up to 100 % shall apply only if the
financial tables are notified to the
Commission before the submission of the
final application for an interim payment
for the final accounting year in
accordance with Article 135(2).’
Amendment 93

Article 14 – Paragraph 1 – Point -1c
(-1c) In Article 65, paragraph 2 is
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replaced by the following:
'2. Expenditure shall be eligible for a
contribution from the ESI Funds if it has
been incurred by a beneficiary and paid
between the date of submission of the
programme to the Commission or from 1
January 2014, whichever is earlier, and
31 December 2024. In addition,
expenditure shall only be eligible for a
contribution from the EAFRD if the
relevant aid is actually paid by the paying
agency between 1 January 2014 and 31
December 2024.
Amendment 94

Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 1 - introductory part
(1) In Article 135, the following (1) Article 135 is amended as follows:
paragraph 6 is added
(a) The following paragraph 6 is
added:
Amendment 95

(a) The following paragraph 6 is

added:
‘6. By way of derogation from ‘6. By way of derogation from
paragraph 2, the deadline for the paragraph 2, the deadline for the
submission of the final application for an submission of the final application for an
interim payment for the final accounting interim payment for the final accounting
year shall be 31 July 2025. The last year shall be 31 July 2025. The last
application for interim payment submitted application for interim payment submitted
by 31 July 2025 shall be deemed to be the by 31 July 2025 shall be deemed to be the
final application for an interim payment for final application for an interim payment for
the final accounting year. the final accounting year.
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Amounts from resources other than Amounts from resources other than
REACT-EU reimbursed by the REACT-EU reimbursed by the
Commission as interim payments in 2025 Commission as interim payments in 2025
shall not exceed 1 % of the total financial shall not exceed 10 % of the total financial
appropriations to the programme appropriations to the programme
concerned by Fund, REACT-EU resources concerned by Fund, REACT-EU resources
excluded. Amounts that would be due to be excluded. Amounts that would be due to be
paid by the Commission in 2025 exceeding paid by the Commission in 2025 exceeding
this percentage shall not be paid and shall this percentage shall not be paid and shall
be used exclusively for the clearing of pre- be used exclusively for the clearing of pre-
financing at closure.’ financing at closure.’
Amendment 96

(b) The following paragraph 6a is

added:
‘6a. For the outermost regions as
defined in Article 349 TFEU, by way of
derogation from paragraph 2 the deadline
for the submission of the final application
for an interim payment for the final
accounting year shall be 30 June 2025.
The last application for interim payment
submitted by 31 December 2025 shall be
deemed to be the final application for an
interim payment for the final accounting
year.
Amounts from resources other than
REACT-EU reimbursed by the
Commission as interim payments in 2025
shall not exceed 15 % of the total
financial appropriations to the
programme concerned by Fund, REACT-
EU resources excluded. Amounts that
would be due to be paid by the
Commission in 2025 exceeding this
percentage shall not be paid and shall be
used exclusively for the clearing of pre-
financing at closure’
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Amendment 97

Article 138 – subparagraph 2
‘By way of derogation from the deadline ‘By way of derogation from the deadline
set out in the first subparagraph, Member set out in the first subparagraph, Member
States may submit the documents referred States may submit the final
to under points (a), (b) and (c) for the final implementation report for the operational
accounting year by 15 February 2026.’ programme according to Article 141 and
the documents referred to under points (a),
(b) and (c) for the final accounting year by
15 February 2026.’
Amendment 98

Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point 2a
(2a) In Article 141, paragraph 1 is

‘1. In addition to the documents
referred to in Article 138, for the final
accounting year from 1 July 2024 to 30
June 2025, Member States shall submit a
final implementation report for the
operational programme or the last annual
implementation report for the operational
programme supported by the EMFF.’
Amendment 99

Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
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The EU guarantee for the purposes of the The EU guarantee for the purposes of the
EU compartment referred to in Article EU compartment referred to in Article
9(1), point (a), shall be EUR 33 652 310 9(1), point (a), shall be EUR 36 652 310
073 in current prices. It shall be 073 in current prices. It shall be
provisioned at the rate of 40 %. The provisioned at the rate of 40 %. The
amount referred to in Article 35(3), first amount referred to in Article 35(3), first
subparagraph, point (a), shall be also taken subparagraph, point (a), shall be also taken
into account for contributing to the into account for contributing to the
provisioning resulting from that provisioning resulting from that
provisioning rate.; provisioning rate.;
Amendment 100

Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point aa
(aa) In paragraph 1, the following fourth

subparagraph is inserted:
'An additional amount of the EU
guarantee may also be provided in the
form of cash by Member States to the
Member State compartment to support the
objectives referred to in Article 2 of
Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation] using
the proceeds of loans granted to Member
States pursuant to Article 33a of
Regulation 2021/241 [RRF Regulation].’
Amendment 101

Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
An amount of EUR 18 827 310 073 in An amount of EUR 21 827 310 073 in
current prices of the amount referred to in current prices of the amount referred to in
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the first subparagraph of paragraph 1 of the first subparagraph of paragraph 1 of
this Article shall be allocated for the this Article shall be allocated for the
objectives referred to in Article 3(2).; objectives referred to in Article 3(2).;
Amendment 102

Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point b – subparagraph 2
(4a) In Article 9(1), a new

subparagraph is added in point (b):
'The additional amount provided by a
Member State in the form of cash under
the fourth subparagraph of Article 4(1)
shall be earmarked for projects
contributing to the objectives referred to
in Article 2 of Regulation .../... [STEP
Regulation].
Amendment 103

Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 4b
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – point h
(4b) In Article 10, a new point (h) is

inserted in paragraph 3:
'(h) any contribution in the form of
cash to the Member State compartment
made with the proceeds of RRF loans
pursuant to Article 33a of Regulation
2021/241 [RRF Regulation]';
Amendment 104

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Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point b – point viii
(5a) In Article 11(1) a new item (viii) is

inserted in point (b):
'(viii) monitoring the implementation
and the consistency with the national
recovery and resilience plans of the STEP
projects financed with the proceeds of
RRF loans.'
Amendment 105

(6) Article 13 is replaced by the (6) Article 13 is amended as follows:

following:
(a) paragraph 4 is replaced by the
following:
‘4. At least 75 % of the EU guarantee ‘4. 75 % of the EU guarantee under the
under the EU compartment as referred to in EU compartment as referred to in Article
Article 4(1), first subparagraph, amounting 4(1), first subparagraph, amounting to
to at least EUR 25 239 232 554, shall be EUR 27 489 232 554, shall be granted to
granted to the EIB Group. The EIB Group the EIB Group. The EIB Group shall
shall provide an aggregate financial provide an aggregate financial contribution
contribution amounting to at least EUR 6 amounting to at least EUR 6 872 308 138.
309 808 138. That contribution shall be That contribution shall be provided in a
provided in a manner and form that manner and form that facilitates the
facilitates the implementation of the implementation of the InvestEU Fund and
InvestEU Fund and the achievement of the the achievement of the objectives set out in
objectives set out in Article 15(2).’; Article 15(2).’;
Amendment 106

Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 - point b (new)
PE752782v02-00 72/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
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(6b) paragraph 5 is replaced by the

following:
5. The remaining 25 % of the EU '5. The remaining 25 % of the EU
guarantee under the EU compartment shall guarantee under the EU compartment shall
be granted to other implementing partners, be granted to other implementing partners,
which shall also provide a financial which shall also provide a financial
contribution to be determined in the contribution to be determined in the
guarantee agreements. guarantee agreements. Where the
Commission determines that national
promotional banks or institutions do not
make full use of the remaining 25 % of
the EU guarantee under the EU
compartment, the excess amount may
exceptionally be granted to the EIB
Group.’
Amendment 107

Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point c (new)
(c) the following paragraph 5a is

inserted:
5a. Where applicable, the Commission
shall justify its decision pursuant to
paragraph 5 to grant the EIB Group more
than 75% of the EU guarantee in the
Annual Report to the European
Parliament referred to in article 7 of
Regulation.../... [STEP Regulation]. The
European Commission shall also inform
of any actions aiming to increase the
absorption capacity of the other
implementing partners.
Amendment 108

Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point d (new)
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(d) the second subparagraph of paragraph

7 is replaced by the following:
Contracts between the implementing
partner and the final recipient or the
financial intermediary or other entity
referred to in point (a) of Article 16(1)
under the EU guarantee referred to in the
first subparagraph of Article 4(2) shall be
signed at the latest two years after the
approval of the relevant financing or
investment operation by the implementing
partner. In other cases, contracts between
the implementing partner and the final
recipient or the financial intermediary or
other entity referred to in point (a) of
Article 16(1) shall be signed by 31
December 2028.
Amendment 109

Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point e (new)
(e) the following paragraph 6a is inserted:

‘6a. The EIB Group shall aim to preserve
a geographical balance, particularly with
regard to cross-border projects.’
Amendment 110

Article 25 – paragraph 2 - point (j)
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‘(j) provide advisory support to equity fund ‘(j) provide advisory support to equity fund
managers active in the areas referred to in managers and other relevant stakeholders
point (e) of Article 8(1).’ active in the areas referred to in point (e) of
Article 8(1), including, regarding the
valuation of intangible assets.’
Amendment 111

Annex I – point (e)
(e) up to EUR 7 500 000 000 for (e) up to EUR 10 500 000 000 for
objectives referred to in Article 3(2), point objectives referred to in Article 3(2), point
(e). (e).
Amendment 112

Annex II – point 16
(16) scaling up, deployment and large- (16) development or manufacturing of

scale manufacturing of the critical the technologies referred to in Article 2(1),
technologies referred to in Article 2(1), point (a) of Regulation .../... [STEP
point (a) of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation], as well as the respective
Regulation], as well as the respective value supply chain referred to in Article 2(2) of
chain referred to in Article 2(4) of that that Regulation.
Regulation.
Amendment 113

Annex III – point 9 – point 7a.1
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7a.1 Investment mobilised by '7a.1 Investment mobilised by

technology area: i) deep and digital technology area: i) digital technologies and
technologies, ii) clean technologies and iii) ii) net-zero technologies and iii)
biotechnologies. biotechnologies.’
Amendment 114

Annex III – point 9 – 7a.2
7a.2 Number of enterprises supported by '7a.2 Number of enterprises supported by

technology area: i) deep and digital technology area: i) digital technologies, ii)
technologies, ii) clean technologies and iii) net-zero technologies and iii)
biotechnologies. biotechnologies.’
Amendment 115

Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point -1b (new)
(1a) In Article 7, paragraph 10 shall be

’10. As part of the general Union objective
of mainstreaming climate actions into
Union sectoral policies and Union funds,
actions under this Programme shall
contribute at least 35 % of the expenditure
to climate objectives where appropriate.
Climate mainstreaming shall be adequately
integrated in R&I content. For the
implementation of this objective, the
Commission may rely on the 'Do No
Significant Harm' principle in
accordance with Article 17 of Regulation
(EU) 2020/852 to ensure that climate
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spending does not adversely affect other
environmental objectives and that
investments in other environmental
objectives are in line with the climate
objective. The use of this principle shall
be limited to calls for proposals for
projects which directly relate to
environmental objectives, as defined in
Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of
the European Parliament and of the
Council, and which aim to fund activities
close to market deployment. The use of
the principle shall be accompanied by
detailed guidance from the Commission
on how compliance with the principle
shall be evaluated in the context of the
specific call in which the principle is used.
Amendment 116

Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point -1b (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – points b and c
(-1) in Article 9(1), points (b) and (c)

are replaced by the following:
(b) autonomy; ‘(b) autonomy, particularly for the
implementation of equity support in order
to ensure market-conform investment
timelines as well as risk-taking as referred
to in point (c);
(c) ability to take risk; (c) ability to take more risk than the
market standards, particularly by
providing patient investment to non-
bankable innovations.’
Amendment 117

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1. The financial envelope for the 1. The financial envelope for the
implementation of the Programme for the implementation of the Programme for the
December 2027 shall be EUR 86 623 000 December 2027 shall be EUR 87 423 000
000 in current prices for the specific 000 in current prices for the specific
programme referred to in point (a) of programme referred to in point (a) of
Article 1(2) and for the EIT and EUR 9 Article 1(2) and for the EIT and EUR 10
453 000 000 in current prices for the 453 000 000 in current prices for the
specific programme referred to in point (c) specific programme referred to in point (c)
of Article 1(2). of Article 1(2).
Amendment 118

(b) in paragraph 2, points (b) and (c) (b) in paragraph 2, point (c) is replaced
are replaced by the following: by the following:
‘(b) EUR 46 628 000 000 for Pillar II ‘(c) EUR 13 237 000 000 for Pillar III
'Global Challenges and European 'Innovative Europe' for the period 2021 to
Industrial Competitiveness' for the period 2027, of which:
2021 to 2027, of which:
(i) EUR 6 775 000 000 for cluster (i) EUR 10 052 000 000 for the EIC;
'Health';
(ii) EUR 1 350 000 000for cluster (ii) EUR 459 000 000 for European
'Culture, Creativity and Inclusive innovation ecosystems;
Society';
(iii) EUR 1 276 000 000 for cluster (iii) EUR 2 726 000 000 for the EIT;’
'Civil Security for Society';
(iv) EUR 13 229 000 000 for cluster
'Digital, Industry and Space';
(v) EUR 13 229 000 000 for cluster
'Climate, Energy and Mobility';
(vi) EUR 8 799 000 000 for cluster
'Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources,
Agriculture and Environment';
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(vii) EUR 1 970 000 000 for the non-
nuclear direct actions of the JRC;
(c) EUR 13 237 000 000 for Pillar III
'Innovative Europe' for the period 2021 to
2027, of which:
(i) EUR 10 052 000 000 for the EIC;
(ii) EUR 459 000 000 for European

innovation ecosystems;
(iii) EUR 2 726 000 000 for the EIT;’
Amendment 119

Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – introductory part
(3) In Article 48, the following point (3) Article 48 is amended as follows:
(d) is added in the first subparagraph:
Amendment 120

Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a (new)
Article 48 – paragraph 1– subparagraph 2 – point c
(3a) in paragraph 1, second

subparagraph, point (c) is replaced by the
following:
(c) equity-only support to non- ‘(c) equity-only support to non-
bankable SMEs, including start-ups, which bankable SMEs, including start-ups,
have already received a grant-only carrying out breakthrough and disruptive
support, may also be provided. non-bankable innovation may also be
provided;’
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Amendment 121

Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b (new)
Article 48 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point d – point c
(3b) in paragraph 1, second

subparagraph, point (d) is added:
(d) equity-only support required for (d) equity-only support required for
scale-up to non-bankable SMEs, including scale-up to non-bankable SMEs, including
start-ups, and non-bankable small mid- start-ups, and non-bankable small mid-
caps, including entities which have already caps, including entities which have already
received support in line with points (a) to received support in line with points (a) to
(c), carrying out breakthrough and (c), carrying out breakthrough and
disruptive non-bankable innovation in the disruptive non-bankable innovation in the
critical technologies referred to in Article technologies referred to in Article 2(1)(a)
2(1)(a) of Regulation .../... [STEP of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation],
Regulation], financed under Article 3(b) of financed under Article 3(b) of that
that Regulation. Regulation.
Amendment 122

Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c (new)
Article 48 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3 a (new)
(c) the following subparagraph is

added :
‘When providing equity support, the EIC
shall strive to crowd-in other investors.
However, in order to effectively support
non-bankable innovation, equity support
can be provided without crowding in other
investors, particularly for but not limited
to breakthrough and disruptive non-
bankable innovation in the technologies
referred to in Article 2(1)(a) of Regulation
.../... [STEP Regulation].
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Amendment 123

Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point d (new)
(d) paragraph 3 is replaced by the

following:
3. A single award decision shall cover ‘3. A single award decision, which
and provide funding for all forms of Union shall be based on the outcome of the
contribution provided under EIC blended evaluation process referred to in
finance. paragraph 4 and in accordance with
paragraph 8 shall cover and provide
funding for all forms of Union contribution
provided under EIC blended finance. The
single award decision shall lead to a
single contract covering all forms of
Union contribution provided by the
decision.’
Amendment 124

Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point e (new)
(e) in paragraph 8, the first

subparagraph is replaced by the
following:
For a proposal having passed the ‘For a proposal having passed the
evaluation, independent external evaluation, the independent external
experts shall propose a corresponding experts referred to in paragraph 4 shall
propose a corresponding Accelerator
Accelerator support, based on the risk
support, based on the risk incurred and the
incurred and the resources and time resources and time necessary to bring and
necessary to bring and deploy the deploy the innovation to the market. The
innovation to the market. Commission may reject, for justified
reasons, a proposal retained by
independent external experts, including
due to non-compliance with the objectives
of Union policies. The Programme
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Committee shall be informed of the
reasons for such a rejection.’
Amendment 125

Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point f (new)
(f) in paragraph 11, the first

subparagraph is replaced by the
following:
The contract for the selected action shall ‘The contract for the selected action, which
establish specific measurable milestones shall comprise a single contract in
and the corresponding pre-financing and accordance with paragraph 3, shall
payments by instalments of the Accelerator establish specific measurable milestones
support. and the corresponding prefinancing and
payments by instalments of the Accelerator
support.’
Amendment 126

1. In accordance with Article 12(1) of 1. In accordance with Article 12(1) of

Regulation (EU) 2021/695, the financial Regulation (EU) 2021/695, the financial
envelope for the implementation of the envelope for the implementation of the
Fund for the period from 1 January 2021 to Fund for the period from 1 January 2021 to
31 December 2027 shall be EUR 9 453 000 31 December 2027 shall be EUR 10 453
000 in current prices. 000 000 in current prices.
Amendment 127

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(a) EUR 3 151 000 000 for research (a) EUR 3 484 000 000 for research
actions; actions;
Amendment 128

(b) EUR 6 302 000 000 for (b) EUR 6 969 000 000 for
development actions. development actions.
Amendment 129

(c) Paragraph 5 is added: (b) Paragraph 5 is added:

‘An amount of EUR 1 500 000 in current ‘An amount of EUR 2 500 000 in current
prices of the amount referred to in prices of the amount referred to in
paragraph 2 shall be allocated to calls for paragraph 2 shall be allocated to calls for
proposals or awards of funding supporting proposals or awards of funding supporting
(a)(i) of Regulation .../...11 [STEP (a)(i) of Regulation .../...11 [STEP
Regulation].’ Regulation].’
Amendment 130

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(1) In Article 7, the following paragraph 3 (1) In Article 7, the following paragraph 3
is added: is added:
‘3. Without prejudice to paragraph 3. Without prejudice to paragraph
2, Member States may also propose to 2, Member States may also propose to
include in their recovery and resilience include in their recovery and resilience
plan, as estimated costs, the amount of the plan, as estimated costs, the amount of the
cash contribution for the purpose of the cash contribution for the purpose of the
Member State compartment pursuant to the Member State compartment pursuant to the
relevant provisions of the InvestEU relevant provisions of the InvestEU
Regulation exclusively for measures Regulation exclusively for measures
supporting investment operations supporting investment operations
contributing to the contributing to the
STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 STEP objectives referred to in Article 2
of Regulation.../... 71 [STEP Regulation]. of Regulation.../... 71 [STEP Regulation].
Those costs shall not exceed 6 % of the Those costs shall not exceed 6 % of the
recovery and resilience plan’s total recovery and resilience plan’s total
financial allocation, and the relevant financial allocation, and the relevant
measures, as set out in the recovery and measures, as set out in the recovery and
resilience plan, shall respect the resilience plan, shall respect the
requirements of this Regulation.’ requirements of this Regulation. This
limitation shall not apply to the cash
contributions made pursuant to Article
33a.’
Amendment 131

(2a) A new chapter is added:

‘CHAPTER VIIa
EXCEPTIONAL USE OF RRF LOANS
NOT REQUESTED BY MEMBER
STATES
Article 33a
1. The difference between the maximum
amount available for loan support to
Member States in accordance to article
6(1)(b) and the total amount requested by
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the Member States before 1 September
2023 shall be made available to all
Member States for the implementation of
investments contributing to the objectives
referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...
[STEP Regulation] through the Member
State compartment of InvestEU. The
maximum allocation for each Member
State shall be made in accordance to the
allocation key defined in Article 11 of this
Regulation.
2. Until 31 December 2023, upon request
from a Member State, the Commission
shall grant the Member State concerned a
loan for the purpose referred to in
paragraph 1.
3. A Member State may request loan
support until 15 December 2023 for the
purpose referred to in paragraph 1.
4. The Member State concerned shall use
the proceeds of the loan to make a cash
contribution to its Member State
compartment of InvestEU to support
objectives of the STEP, according to
article 4(1) of Regulation 2021/523
[InvestEU Regulation].
Amendment 132

Article 19a
Article 4a
Article 19a
Amendments to Regulation (EU)
2021/1755 [BAR]
Regulation (EU) 2021/1755 is amended as
follows:
Article 4a is amended as follows:
Article 4a
Transfer to the Recovery and Resilience
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Facility, the European Regional
Development Fund, the European Social
Fund Plus or the Just Transition Fund
1. By 1 March 2023, Member States may
submit to the Commission a reasoned
request to transfer to the Recovery and
Resilience Facility established by
Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European
and of the Council all or part of the
amounts of their provisional allocation set
out in the implementing act of the
Commission referred to in Article 4(5). If
the transfer request is approved, the
Commission shall amend the implementing
act in order to reflect the adjusted amounts
following the transfer.
2. By 30 September 2024, Member States

may submit to the Commission a reasoned
request to transfer to the European
Regional Development Fund established
by Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 of the
European and of the Council, or the
European Social Fund Plus established
or the Just Transition Fund established
all or part of the amounts of their
provisional allocation set out in the
implementing act of the Commission
referred to in Article 4(5) for the purposes
of supporting operations contributing to
the STEP objectives referred to in Article
2 of Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation].
If the transfer request is approved, the
Commission shall amend the
implementing act in order to reflect the
adjusted amounts following the transfer.
3. Where a transfer under paragraphs 1 or
2 affects the instalments already paid or to
be paid as pre-financing, the Commission
shall amend the implementing act referred
to in Article 9(1) accordingly for the
Member State concerned. Where
appropriate, the Commission shall recover,
in accordance with the Financial
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Regulation, all or part of the 2021
and 2022 instalments paid to that Member
State as pre-financing. In that case the
recovered amounts shall be transferred to
the Recovery and Resilience Facility for
the exclusive benefit of the Member State
concerned.
4. Where a Member State chooses to
transfer all or part of its provisional
allocation to the Recovery and Resilience
Facility in accordance with this Article, the
amounts to be spent for the purposes of
Article 4(4), first subparagraph, shall be
proportionately reduced.
5. Where a Member State chooses to
transfer all of its provisional allocation to
the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the
European Regional Development Fund,
the European Social Fund Plus or the
Just Transition Fund in accordance with
paragraphs 1 or 2, Article 10(1) shall not
apply.
6. Article 10(2) shall not apply to the
amounts transferred to the Recovery and
Resilience Facility, the European
Regional Development Fund, the
European Social Fund Plus or the Just
Transition Fund in accordance with
paragraphs 1 or 2.
Amendment 133

Annex
Annex
Definition of biotechnologies
(Article 2(1), point (a)(iii))
Biotechnologies 1a means:
The application of science and technology

to living organisms, as well as parts,
products and models thereof, to alter
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living or non-living materials for the
production of knowledge, goods and
services.
The OECD list-based statistical definition
of biotechnology contains:
 DNA/RNA: Genomics,
pharmacogenomics, gene probes, genetic
engineering, DNA/RNA
sequencing/synthesis/amplification, gene
expression profiling, and use of antisense
technology, large-scale DNA synthesis,
genome- and gene-editing, gene drive.
 Proteins and other molecules:
Sequencing/synthesis/engineering of
proteins and peptides (including large
molecule hormones); improved delivery
methods for large molecule drugs;
proteomics, protein isolation and
purification, signalling, identification of
cell receptors.
 Cell and tissue culture and
engineering: Cell/tissue culture, tissue
engineering (including tissue scaffolds
and biomedical engineering), cellular
fusion, vaccine/immune stimulants,
embryo manipulation, marker assisted
breeding technologies, metabolic
engineering.
 Process biotechnology techniques:
Fermentation using bioreactors,
biorefining, bioprocessing, bioleaching,
biopulping, biobleaching,
biodesulphurisation, bioremediation,
biosensing, biofiltration and
phytoremediation, molecular aquaculture.
 Gene and RNA vectors: Gene
therapy, viral vectors.
 Bioinformatics: Construction of
databases on genomes, protein sequences;
modelling complex biological processes,
including systems biology.
 Nanobiotechnology: Applies the
tools and processes of
nano/microfabrication to build devices for
studying biosystems and applications in
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drug delivery, diagnostics, etc.
__________________
1aOECD (2018). "Revised proposal for
the revision of the statistical definitions of
biotechnology and nanotechnology", p. 8,
Box 1, OECD Science, Technology and
Industry Working Papers, No. 2018/01,
Paris. https://doi.org/10.1787/085e0151-
en
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OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC AND MONETARY AFFAIRS
European Parliament
2019-2024
Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
2023/0199(COD)
3.10.2023
OPINION
of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
for the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on Industry, Research and
Energy
2021/1056, (EU) 2021/1057, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU)
2021/1060, (EU) 2021/523, (EU) 2021/695, (EU) 2021/697 and (EU) 2021/241
(COM(2023)0335 – C9-0209/2023 – 2023/0199(COD))
Rapporteur for opinion (*): Eva Maria Poptcheva
(*) Associated committee – Rule 57 of the Rules of Procedure
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AMENDMENTS
The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs calls on the Committee on Budgets and
the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, as the committees responsible, to take the
following into account:
Amendment 1
Recital 2
inbuilt resilience but is being challenged. inbuilt resilience but is being challenged.
High inflation, labour shortages, post- High inflation, labour shortages, post-
COVID supply chains disruptions, rising COVID supply chains disruptions, rising
interest rates, and spikes in energy costs interest rates, and spikes in energy costs
and input prices are weighing on the and input prices are weighing on the
competitiveness of the EU industry. This is competitiveness of the EU industry. This is
paired with strong, but not always fair, paired with strong, but not always fair,
competition on the fragmented global competition on the fragmented global
market. The EU has already put forward market. The EU has already put forward
several initiatives to support its industry, several initiatives to support its industry,
such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40 such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40
the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net
Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary
Crisis and Transition Framework for State Crisis and Transition Framework for State
aid,43 and REPowerEU.44 While these aid,43 and the Recovery and Resilience
solutions provide fast and targeted support, Facility, as amended by REPowerEU.44
the EU needs a more structural answer to While these solutions provide fast and
the investment needs of its industries, targeted support, the EU needs a more
safeguarding cohesion and the level structural answer to the investment needs
playing field in the Single Market and to of its industries, safeguarding cohesion and
reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies. the level playing field in the Single Market
facilitating access to funding and
reducing the EU’s strategic dependencies.
STEP is a first step towards these
structural solutions, however emphasizes
the need for a fully-fledged European
Sovereignty Fund with a sizable budget
and reminds the crucial role of Own
resources in providing the resources
needed to build the resilience of European
industry in a context of intense global
competition for critical technologies.
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__________________ __________________
44
Amendment 2
Recital 3
(3) The uptake and scaling up in the (3) The uptake and scaling up in the
Union of deep and digital technologies, Union of deep and digital technologies,
clean technologies, and biotechnologies clean technologies, and biotechnologies
will be essential to seize the opportunities will be essential to seize the opportunities
and meet the objectives of the green and and meet the objectives of the green and
digital transitions, thus promoting the digital transitions, thus promoting the
competitiveness of the European industry competitiveness of the European industry
and its sustainability. Therefore, immediate and its sustainability. Therefore, immediate
action is required to support the action is required to support the
development or manufacturing in the development or manufacturing in the
Union of such technologies, safeguarding Union of such technologies, safeguarding
and strengthening their value chains and strengthening their value chains
thereby reducing the Union’s strategic thereby reducing the Union’s strategic
dependencies, and addressing existing dependencies, and addressing existing
labour and skills shortages in those sectors labour and skills shortages in those sectors
through trainings and apprenticeships and through trainings and apprenticeships and
the creation of attractive, quality jobs the creation of attractive, quality jobs
accessible to all. accessible to all, while maintaining a level
playing field in the Single Market.
Amendment 3
Recital 6
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(6) The scale of investments needed for (6) The scale of investments needed for
the transition require a full mobilisation of the transition require a full mobilisation of
funding available under existing EU funding available under existing EU
programmes and funds, inclusive those programmes and funds, inclusive those
granting a budgetary guarantee for granting a budgetary guarantee for
financing and investment operations and financing and investment operations and
implementation of financial instruments implementation of financial instruments
and blending operations. Such funding and blending operations. Such funding
should be deployed in a more flexible should be deployed in a more flexible
manner, to provide timely and targeted manner, to provide timely and targeted
support for critical technologies in strategic support for critical technologies in strategic
sectors. Therefore, a Strategic sectors. Therefore, a Strategic
Technologies for Europe Platform Technologies for Europe Platform
(‘STEP’) should give a structural answer to (‘STEP’) should give a structural answer to
the Union investment needs by helping to the Union investment needs by helping to
better channel the existing EU funds better channel the existing EU funds
towards critical investments aimed at towards critical investments (including
supporting the development or non-bankable investments) aimed at
manufacturing of critical technologies, supporting the development or
while preserving a level playing field in the manufacturing of critical technologies,
Single Market, thereby preserving cohesion while preserving a level playing field in the
and aiming at a geographically balanced Single Market, thereby preserving cohesion
distribution of projects financed under the and aiming at a geographically balanced
STEP in accordance with the respective distribution of projects financed under the
programme mandates. STEP in accordance with the respective
programme mandates.
Amendment 4
Recital 6 a (new)
(6 a) In view of the scale, required speed

and depth of the transition to a net zero
economy, it is clear that an increase in
public and private investments is required.
STEP will help kick start public and
private investment in strategic
technologies, and must be designed in
such a way as to crowd in further public
and private investments through all the
tools available.
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Amendment 5
Recital 6 b (new)
(6 b) The proposal for a Strategic

Technologies for Europe Platform is a
good opportunity to effectively use and
rise absorption rates of the existing
Union’s programmes and funds. It could
set an example of a unified funding
architecture instead of overlapping
programmes which are created for every
new challenge.
Amendment 6
Recital 7
(7) The STEP should identify resources (7) The STEP should identify resources
which should be implemented within the which should be implemented within the
existing Union programmes and funds, the existing Union programmes and funds, the
InvestEU, Horizon Europe, European InvestEU, Horizon Europe, European
Defence Fund and Innovation Fund. This Defence Fund and Innovation Fund. This
should be accompanied by providing should be accompanied by providing
additional funding of EUR 10 billion. Of additional funding of EUR 13 billion. Of
this, EUR 5 billion should be used to this, EUR 5 billion should be used to
increase the endowment of the Innovation increase the endowment of the Innovation
Fund46 and EUR 3 billion to increase the Fund46 and EUR 4.2 billion to increase the
total amount of the EU guarantee available total amount of the EU guarantee available
for the EU compartment under the for the EU compartment under the
InvestEU Regulation to EUR 7,5 billion,47 InvestEU Regulation to EUR 10.5 billion,47
taking into account the relevant taking into account the relevant
provisioning rate. EUR 0.5 billion should provisioning rate. EUR 1.3 billion should
be made available to increase the financial be made available to increase the financial
envelope under the Horizon Europe envelope under the Horizon Europe
Regulation,48 which should be amended Regulation,48 which should be amended
accordingly; and EUR 1.5 billion to the accordingly; and EUR 2.5 billion to the
European Defence Fund.49 European Defence Fund.49
__________________ __________________
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p. 32). p. 32).
the InvestEU Programme (OJ L 107, the InvestEU Programme (OJ L 107,
26.3.2021, p. 30). 26.3.2021, p. 30).
Horizon Europe (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. Horizon Europe (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p.
1). 1).
the European Defense Fund (OJ L 170, the European Defense Fund (OJ L 170,
12.5.2021, p. 149.) 12.5.2021, p. 149.)
Amendment 7
Recital 8

STEP objectives, provided that the project STEP objectives, provided that the project
has been assessed and complies with the has been assessed and complies with the
minimum quality requirements, in minimum quality requirements, in
particular eligibility, exclusion and award particular eligibility, exclusion and award
criteria, provided by a call for proposals criteria, provided by a call for proposals
under Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe under Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe
programme,50 the EU4Health programme,50 the EU4Health
programme,51 the European Defence Fund programme,51 the European Defence Fund
or the Innovation Fund, and regardless of or the Innovation Fund, and regardless of
whether the project has received funding whether the project has received funding
under those instruments. These minimum under those instruments. The Commission
quality requirements will be established should ensure that any future changes to
with a view to identify high quality the mentioned regulations regarding the
projects. This Seal should be used as a minimum quality requirements provided
quality label, to help projects attract public by each call for proposals aim to preserve
and private investments by certifying its their alignment. These minimum quality
contribution to the STEP objectives. requirements will be established with a
Moreover, the Seal will promote better view to identify high quality projects. This
access to EU funding, notably by Seal should be used as a quality label, to
facilitating cumulative or combined help projects attract public and private
funding from several Union instruments. investments by certifying its contribution
to the STEP objectives. Moreover, the Seal
will promote better access to EU funding,
notably by facilitating cumulative or
combined funding from several Union
instruments. Member States are also
encouraged to take into account the
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Sovereignty Seal when granting national
support to projects.
__________________ __________________
11.5.2021, p. 1). 11.5.2021, p. 1).
L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 1). L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 1).
Amendment 8
Recital 8 a (new)
(8 a) In view of the Union de-risking

and economic security objectives, the
Commission should take into
consideration possible risks related to
links between the action and third country
entities, such as IP theft, technology
transfer of critical technologies, and
geopolitical interference, when awarding
a Sovereignty Seal.
Amendment 9
Recital 10
on available support to companies and on available support to companies and
project promoters seeking funds for STEP project promoters seeking funds under EU
investments. To that end, it should display funding programmes. This Sovereignty
in an accessible and user-friendly manner Portal should bring EU funding
the funding opportunities for STEP opportunities closer to the citizens and
investments available under the EU businesses. For this purpose, the Portal
budget. This should include information should become a single and common
about directly managed programmes, such online platform, where all available EU
as Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe funding opportunities are displayed in a
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programme, the EU4Health programme, comprehensive, accessible and user-
and the Innovation Fund, and also other friendly manner. It seeks to solve an
programmes such as InvestEU, the RRF, existing market failure, namely an
and cohesion policy funds. Moreover, the asymmetry of information problem, that
Sovereignty Portal should help increase the hampers the effective and efficient
visibility for STEP investments towards implementation of EU funds. This Portal
investors, by listing the projects that have should include information about directly
been awarded a Sovereignty Seal. The managed programmes, including but not
Portal should also list the national limited to Horizon Europe, the Digital
competent authorities responsible for Europe programme, the EU4Health
acting as contact points for the programme, the European Defense Fund
implementation of the STEP at national and the Innovation Fund, and also other
level. programmes under shared or indirect
management, such as InvestEU, the RRF,
and cohesion policy funds. The
Sovereignty Portal should also include a
self-assessment tool and information on
any open calls as a means to facilitate
access to EU funding. The Sovereignty
Portal shall display a list of programmes
that have been awarded funds under any
EU funding programme. Moreover, the
Sovereignty Portal should help increase the
visibility for STEP investments towards
investors, by listing the projects that have
been awarded a Sovereignty Seal. The
Portal should also list the national
competent authorities responsible for
acting as contact points for the
implementation of the STEP at national
level. The Commission should ensure that
already existing Portals (such as, the
InvestEU Portal) cease to exist once they
have been integrated in the common
Sovereignty Portal.
Amendment 10
Recital 10 a (new)
(10 a) The Commission should monitor

the implementation of the Platform
objectives to track progress towards the
Union’s policy objectives. The monitoring
should be conducted in a manner that is
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carried out under the Platform to avoid
overregulation and administrative burden,
in particular for the beneficiaries of
funding. In order to ensure accountability
to the Union’s citizens, the Commission
should report annually to the European
Parliament and to the Council on the
progress of implementation of the
Platform objectives under each of the
programmes and funds, on the overall
expenditure of the STEP financed under
the respective programmes and funds, and
on the performance of the STEP based on
the performance indicators provided for
by those programmes. Furthermore,
information should be provided on the
Platform's qualitative and quantitative
contribution to cross-border projects and
to projects per Member State.
Amendment 11
Recital 11
strategic investments, it is also an strategic investments, it is also an
important element for testing the feasibility important element for testing the feasibility
and preparation of new interventions as a and preparation of further interventions,
step towards a European Sovereignty including the establishment of a fully-
Fund. The evaluation in 2025 will assess fledged European Sovereignty Fund. The
the relevance of the actions undertaken and evaluation in 2025 will assess the
serve as basis for assessing the need for an relevance of the actions undertaken and
upscaling of the support towards strategic serve as basis for assessing the need for
sectors. this Fund and will outline the necessary
steps towards strategic sectors introducing
such a fund.
Amendment 12
Recital 12
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2024-2027 of EUR 5 billion. The 2024-2027 of EUR 5 billion. The
Innovation Fund supports investments in Innovation Fund supports investments in
innovative low-carbon technologies, which innovative low-carbon technologies, which
is a scope that is to be covered by the is a scope that is to be covered by the
STEP. The increase in volume of the STEP. The increase in volume of the
Innovation Fund should therefore allow to Innovation Fund should therefore allow to
provide financing responding to the provide financing responding to the
objective of supporting the development or objective of supporting the development or
manufacturing in the Union of critical manufacturing in the Union of critical
clean technologies. In line with the clean technologies. In line with the
objectives of ensuring cohesion and objectives of ensuring social, geographical
promoting the Single Market, and in order and economic cohesion and promoting the
to support the green transition and the Single Market, and in order to support the
development of clean technologies green transition and the development of
throughout the Union, the additional clean technologies throughout the Union,
financial envelope should be made the additional financial envelope should be
available through calls for proposals open made available through calls for proposals
to entities from Member States whose open to entities from Member States whose
average GDP per capita is below the EU average GDP per capita is below the EU
average of the EU-27 measured in average of the EU-27 measured in
purchasing power standards (PPS) and purchasing power standards (PPS) and
calculated on the basis of Union figures for calculated on the basis of Union figures for
the period 2015-2017. the period 2015-2017.
__________________ __________________
p. 32). p. 32).
Amendment 13
Recital 13

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enterprises other than SMEs, which can enterprises other than SMEs, which can
make a significant contribution to the make a significant contribution to the
development of less developed and development of less developed and
transition regions, as well as in more transition regions, as well as in more
developed regions of Member States with a developed regions of Member States with a
GDP per capita below the EU average. GDP per capita below the EU average.
Managing authorities are encouraged to However, even if this possibility exists, it
promote the collaboration between large is of the utmost importance that SMEs are
enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, not excluded from the programme
innovation and technology ecosystems. funding, and a significant and
This would allow reinforcing Europe’s proportionate part of it should still be
overall capacity to strengthen its position allocated to them. Managing authorities
in those sectors through providing access are encouraged to promote the
to all Member States for such investments, collaboration between large enterprises and
thus counteracting the risk of increasing local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and
disparities. technology ecosystems, and to ensure that
SMEs still have effective access to the
programme. These changes would allow
reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to
strengthen its position in those sectors
through providing access to all Member
States for such investments, thus
disparities.
__________________ __________________
p. 159). p. 159).
24.6.2021, p. 31). 24.6.2021, p. 31).
Amendment 14
Recital 19
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(19) InvestEU is the EU flagship (19) InvestEU is the EU flagship

programme to boost investment, especially programme to boost investment, especially
the green and digital transition, by the green and digital transition, by
providing demand-driven financing, providing demand-driven financing,
including through blending mechanisms, including through blending mechanisms,
and technical assistance. Such approach and technical assistance. Such approach
contributes to crowd in additional public contributes to crowd in additional public
and private capital. Given the high market and private capital. Given the high market
demand of InvestEU guarantee, the EU demand of InvestEU guarantee, the EU
compartment of InvestEU should be compartment of InvestEU should be
reinforced to correspond to the objectives reinforced to correspond to the objectives
of the STEP. This will, among other things, of the STEP. This will, among other things,
reinforce InvestEU’s existing possibility to reinforce InvestEU’s existing possibility to
invest in projects forming part of an IPCEI, invest in projects forming part of an IPCEI,
within the identified critical technology within the identified critical technology
sectors. In addition, Member States are sectors. In addition, Member States are
encouraged to contribute to the InvestEU encouraged to contribute to the InvestEU
Member State compartment to support Member State compartment to support
financial products in line with the STEP financial products in line with the STEP
objectives, without prejudice to applicable objectives, without prejudice to applicable
State aid rules. It should be possible for State aid rules. It should be possible for
Member States to include as a measure in Member States to include as a measure in
their recovery and resilience plans a cash their recovery and resilience plans a cash
contribution for the purpose of the Member contribution for the purpose of the Member
State compartment of InvestEU to support State compartment of InvestEU to support
objectives of the STEP. That additional objectives of the STEP, including
contribution to support objectives of the measures aiming to channel all necessary
STEP could reach up to 6% of their resources to non-bankable and cross-
recovery and resilience plan’s total border critical projects as the former
financial allocation to the Member State potentially offer a higher reward and
compartment of InvestEU. Additional would pave the way for future EU
flexibility and clarifications should also be leadership in those sectors, and the latter
introduced to better pursue the objectives would contribute to the cohesion of the
of the STEP. Union. That additional contribution to
support objectives of the STEP could reach
up to 10% of their recovery and resilience
plan’s total financial allocation to the
Member State compartment of InvestEU.
Additional flexibility and clarifications
with regards to cross-border critical
projects should also be introduced to better
pursue the objectives of the STEP.
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Amendment 15
Recital 19 a (new)
(19 a) The Commission and all

authorities in charge of programmes
falling under STEP should in any case be
encouraged to ensure consistency,
coherence, complementarity and
synergies among sources of funding with
the STEP objectives.
Amendment 16
(a) a Union guarantee referred to in (a) a Union guarantee referred to in

Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/523 Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/523
with the indicative amount of EUR 7 500 with the indicative amount of EUR 10 500
000 000 That guarantee shall be 000 000 That guarantee shall be
implemented in accordance with implemented in accordance with
Regulation (EU) 2021/523; Regulation (EU) 2021/523;
Amendment 17
(b) an amount of EUR 500 000 000 in (b) an amount of EUR 1 300 000 000
current prices of the financial envelope in current prices of the financial envelope
referred to in point (i) of Article 12(2)(c) of referred to in point (i) of Article 12(2)(c) of
Regulation (EU) 2021/695. That amount Regulation (EU) 2021/695. That amount
shall be implemented in accordance with shall be implemented in accordance with
Regulation (EU) 2021/695; Regulation (EU) 2021/695;
Amendment 18
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(d) An amount of EUR 1 500 000 000 (d) An amount of EUR 2 500 000 000
refered to in Article 4(1) of Regulation refered to in Article 4(1) of Regulation
(EU) 2021/697. That amount shall be (EU) 2021/697. That amount shall be
implemented in accordance with implemented in accordance with
Regulation (EU) 2021/697. Regulation (EU) 2021/697.
Amendment 19

Sovereignty Seal to any action contributing Sovereignty Seal to any action contributing
to any of the Platform objectives, provided to any of the Platform objectives, as
the action has been assessed and complies referred to in paragraph 2a, provided the
with the minimum quality requirements, in action has been assessed and complies with
particular eligibility, exclusion and award the minimum quality requirements, in
under Regulation (EU) 2021/695, criteria, provided by a call for proposals
Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Regulation under Regulation (EU) 2021/695,
(EU) 2021/697, Regulation (EU) 2021/522, Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Regulation
or Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) (EU) 2021/697, Regulation (EU) 2021/522,
2019/856. or Commission Delegated Regulation (EU)
2019/856.
Amendment 20
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
The Sovereignty Seal shall be valid for the

period of the implementation of the
project, during which there shall be a
commitment from the company not to
relocate the project outside of the Union .
If a project having been awarded the seal
has not started after five years it can be
reviewed for the purpose of compatibility
with STEP strategic priorities. When
conducting the above-mentioned review,
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the Commission shall ensure that all
projects do comply with Union’s and
national labour laws, social rights and
workers’ rights, as well as applicable
collective agreements.
Amendment 21
3. When revising their recovery and 3. When revising their recovery and
resilience plans in accordance with resilience plans in accordance with
Regulation (EU) 2021/241, Member States Regulation (EU) 2021/241, Member States
shall, without prejudice to the provisions of shall, without prejudice to the provisions of
that Regulation, consider as a priority that Regulation, consider as a priority the
action which have been awarded a actions that have been awarded a
paragraph 1. paragraph 1.
Amendment 22

as a priority project for critical clean as a priority the projects for critical clean
technologies which have received the technologies which have received the
paragraph 1. In addition, Member States paragraph 1. In addition, Member States
may decide to grant national support to may decide to grant national support to
projects with a Sovereignty Seal projects with a Sovereignty Seal
contributing to the Platform objective contributing to the Platform objective
referred to in Article 2(1), point (a)(ii). referred to in Article 2(1), point (a)(ii).
Amendment 23
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5. Under Regulation (EU) 2021/523, 5. Under Regulation (EU) 2021/523,

the Sovereignty Seal shall be taken into the Sovereignty Seal shall be taken into
account in the context of the procedure account in the context of the procedure
provided for in Article 19 of the European provided for in Article 19 of the European
Investment Bank Statute and of the policy Investment Bank Statute.
check as laid down in Article 23(3) of that
Regulation. In addition, the implementing
partners shall examine projects having
been awarded the Sovereignty Seal in case
they fall within their geographic and
activity scope as laid down in Article 26(5)
of that Regulation.
Amendment 24
Article 4 a (new)
Article 4 a
STEP Committee
1. The Commission shall set up a STEP
Committee composed of Commission
experts on the technologies referred to in
Article 2(1), point (a) and on the Union
programmes and funds form which the
Platform is financially supported.
2. The STEP Committee shall have the
following tasks:
(a) to provide first point of contact support
to project promoters, including by
advising on funding possibilities and by
coordinating with responsible
Commission services;
(b) to award and promote the Sovereignty
Seal referred to in Article 4(1) and to
liaise with managing authorities
responsible for calls for proposals and
calls for tender to increase the funding
opportunities across programmes for
projects that have been awarded the
Sovereignty Seal, without interfering in
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the selection procedures;
(c) to liaise with other existing structures,
especially the Net-Zero Europe Platform
established in accordance with Regulation
(EU) .../... [Net Zero Industry Act] and the
Critical Raw Materials Board established
pursuant to Regulation (EU) .../...
[Critical Raw Materials Act], national
competent authorities designated in
accordance with Article 6(4) of this
Regulation, implementing partners and
the European Advisory Group referred to
in paragraph 3 of this Article, with a view
to coordinating and exchanging
information about the financial needs of,
the existing bottlenecks and the best
practices for projects across the Union;
(d) to foster contacts across sectors
referred to in Article 2, making particular
use of existing industrial alliances,
networks and structures, such as the
European Institute of Innovation &
Technology (EIT) and the Joint
Undertakings;
3. The Commission shall set up a
European Advisory Group on Strategic
Technologies composed of representatives
of Union industry and trade unions to
advise and assist it on the implementation
of the Platform in the relevant sectors.
Amendment 25

‘Sovereignty portal’), providing investors ‘Sovereignty portal’), where information
with information about funding about all EU funding programmes under
opportunities for projects linked to the direct, shared or indirect management is
Platform objectives and grant visibility to displayed.
those projects, in particular by displaying
the following information:
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Amendment 26
(a) ongoing and upcoming calls for deleted

proposals and calls for tender linked to
the Platform objectives under the
respective programmes and funds;
Amendment 27
(b) projects that have been awarded a deleted

Sovereignty Seal quality label in
accordance with Article 4;
Amendment 28
(c) projects that have been identified deleted

as strategic projects under the [Net-Zero
Industry Act] and the [Critical Raw
Materials Act], to the extent that they fall
within the scope of Article 2;
Amendment 29
(d) contacts to the national competent deleted

authorities designated in accordance with
paragraph 4;
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Amendment 30
2. The Sovereignty portal shall also 2. The Sovereignty portal shall project
display information about the promoters to find available EU funding
implementation of the Platform and in programmes that are relevant for their
relation to Union budget expenditure as project. With this aim, the Sovereignty
referred to in Article 5, as well as the Portal shall include:
performance indicators defined under the
respective programmes.
Amendment 31
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a (new)
(a) information about all EU funding

programmes and access to any open calls
for proposals and calls for tender, and
Amendment 32
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point b (new)
(b) a self-assessment tool for project

promoters, which will gather information
about the particular project in order to
highlight the relevant EU funding
programmes under direct, shared or
indirect management, for which the
project could be eligible.
Amendment 33
2 a. The Sovereignty Portal shall also
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display an up to date list of projects that
have been awarded funds under any EU
funding programme, as well as those
projects that have been awarded a
Sovereignty Seal according to Article 4 of
this Regulation. The Portal shall allow
public and private investors to filter the
listed projects.
Amendment 34
3. The Sovereignty portal shall be 3. The Sovereignty portal shall be

launched at the [date of the entry into force launched not later than 6 months after the
of this Regulation] and shall be updated by [date of the entry into force of this
the Commission regularly. Regulation] and shall be updated by the
Commission regularly.
Amendment 35
2 a. The evaluation report shall assess

whether Union funding programmes have
sufficient scale to prevent the
fragmentation of the Single Market
following the loosening of state aid
restrictions. The evaluation shall outline
the necessary steps to introduce a
European Sovereignty Fund, with a view
to preventing the fragmentation of the
Single Market and reducing strategic
dependencies of the Union.
Amendment 36
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3. Where appropriate, the evaluation 3. Where appropriate, the evaluation

shall be accompanied by a proposal for report shall be accompanied by a proposal
amendments of this Regulation. for amendments of this Regulation or by a
new legislative proposal.
Amendment 37
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – first subparagraph
The EU guarantee for the purposes of the The EU guarantee for the purposes of the
EU compartment referred to in Article EU compartment referred to in Article
9(1), point (a), shall be EUR 33 652 310 9(1), point (a), shall be EUR 36 652 310
073 in current prices. It shall be 073 in current prices. It shall be
provisioned at the rate of 40 %. The provisioned at the rate of 40 %. The
amount referred to in Article 35(3), first amount referred to in Article 35(3), first
subparagraph, point (a), shall be also taken subparagraph, point (a), shall be also taken
into account for contributing to the into account for contributing to the
provisioning resulting from that provisioning resulting from that
provisioning rate.; provisioning rate.;
Amendment 38
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – second subparagraph
the first subparagraph of paragraph 1 of the first subparagraph of paragraph 1 of
this Article shall be allocated for the this Article shall be allocated for the
objectives referred to in Article 3(2).; objectives referred to in Article 3(2).;
Amendment 39
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1a A new paragraph 8a is added:

‘Implementing partners shall award at
least 30% of the overall amount available
under the STEP policy window to SMEs.'
Amendment 40
4. At least 75 % of the EU guarantee 4. 75 % of the EU guarantee under the

under the EU compartment as referred to in EU compartment as referred to in Article
Article 4(1), first subparagraph, amounting 4(1), first subparagraph, amounting to
to at least EUR 25 239 232 554, shall be EUR 27 489 232 554, shall be granted to
granted to the EIB Group. The EIB Group the EIB Group. The EIB Group shall
shall provide an aggregate financial provide an aggregate financial contribution
contribution amounting to at least EUR 6 amounting to EUR 6 872 308 138. That
309 808 138. That contribution shall be contribution shall be provided in a manner
provided in a manner and form that and form that facilitates the
facilitates the implementation of the implementation of the InvestEU Fund and
InvestEU Fund and the achievement of the the achievement of the objectives set out in
objectives set out in Article 15(2).; Article 15(2).;
Where the implementing partners do not
make full use of the remaining 25 % of
the EU guarantee under the EU
compartment, the Commission may
determine that they do not have sufficient
absorption capacity and exceptionally
allow the EIB Group to be temporarily
granted the excess amount.
Amendment 41
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
Article 13
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(6 a) In Article 13, the following

paragraph shall be inserted:
"6a The EIB Group shall ensure that:
(a) at least, 40% of the EU guarantee
granted to the EIB Group will support
investment on non-bankable projects;
(b) at least, 35% of the EU guarantee
granted to the EIB Group will support
cross-border projects."
Amendment 42
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 b (new)
Article 13
(6 b) In Article 13, the following

“6a. The EIB Group shall aim for
preserving a geographical balance,
particularly with regards to cross-border
projects.”
Amendment 43
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 c (new)
(6 c) Article 13(5) shall be replaced by

the following:
"The remaining 25 % of the EU
guarantee under the EU compartment
shall be granted to other implementing
partners, unless the Commission adopts
the decision referred to in paragraph 4.
The implementing partners shall also
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provide a financial contribution to be
determined in the guarantee agreements."
Amendment 44
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 d (new)
Article 13
(6 d) In Article 13, the following

"5a The Commission shall mention and
justify any decision to allow the EIB
Group to be granted more than 75% of
the guarantee in the Annual Report to the
European Parliament referred to in
article 7 of Regulation.../... [STEP
Regulation]. The European Commission
shall also inform of any actions aiming to
increase the absorption capacity of the
other implementing partners."
Amendment 45
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point 6 e (new)
(6 e) In Article 19(1), the second sub-

paragraph shall be replaced by the
following:
"The implementing partner shall have
appropriate exposure at its own risk to
financing and investment operations
supported by the EU guarantee, unless
exceptionally the policy objectives
targeted by the financial product to be
implemented are of such nature that the
implementing partner could not
reasonably contribute its own risk-bearing
capacity to it. The EU guarantee will
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cover up to 70% of the risk exposure in
projects that fall under the STEP policy
window."
Amendment 46
Article 25 – point j
(j) provide advisory support to equity (j) provide advisory support to equity
fund managers active in the areas referred fund managers and other relevant
to in point (e) of Article 8(1). stakeholders active in the areas referred to
in point (e) of Article 8(1), including,
regarding the valuation of intangible
assets.
Amendment 47
(9 a) Article 26(1) shall be replaced by

the following:
‘(j) provide advisory support to equity
fund managers active in the areas
referred to in point (e) of Article 8(1).’
"The Commission shall establish the
InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Portal
shall be an easily accessible and user-
friendly project database that provides
relevant information for each project. The
Commission shall ensure the InvestEU
Portal ceases to exist once it is integrated
in the common Sovereignty Portal, as
referred to in Article 6 of the [STEP
Regulation]."
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Amendment 48
Annex I – point e
(e) up to EUR 7 500 000 000 for (e) up to EUR 10 500 000 000 for
(e). (e).
Amendment 49
1. The financial envelope for the 1. The financial envelope for the
implementation of the Programme for the implementation of the Programme for the
December 2027 shall be EUR 86 623 000 December 2027 shall be EUR 87 423 000
000 in current prices for the specific 000 in current prices for the specific
programme referred to in point (a) of programme referred to in point (a) of
Article 1(2) and for the EIT and EUR 9 Article 1(2) and for the EIT and EUR 10
453 000 000 in current prices for the 453 000 000 in current prices for the
specific programme referred to in point (c) specific programme referred to in point (c)
of Article 1(2). of Article 1(2).
Amendment 50
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b – introductory part
(b) in paragraph 2, points (b) and (c) (b) in paragraph 2, point (c) is replaced
are replaced by the following: by the following:
Amendment 51
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(b) EUR 46 628 000 000 for Pillar II deleted

'Global Challenges and European
Industrial Competitiveness' for the period
2021 to 2027, of which:
(i) EUR 6 775 000 000 for cluster
'Health';
(ii) EUR 1 350 000 000for cluster
'Culture, Creativity and Inclusive
Society';
(iii) EUR 1 276 000 000 for cluster
'Civil Security for Society';
(iv) EUR 13 229 000 000 for cluster
'Digital, Industry and Space';
(v) EUR 13 229 000 000 for cluster
'Climate, Energy and Mobility';
(vi) EUR 8 799 000 000 for cluster
'Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources,
Agriculture and Environment';
(vii) EUR 1 970 000 000 for the non-
nuclear direct actions of the JRC;
Amendment 52
Article 4
1. In accordance with Article 12(1) of 1. In accordance with Article 12(1) of

Regulation (EU) 2021/695, the financial Regulation (EU) 2021/695, the financial
envelope for the implementation of the envelope for the implementation of the
Fund for the period from 1 January 2021 to Fund for the period from 1 January 2021 to
31 December 2027 shall be EUR 9 453 000 31 December 2027 shall be EUR 10 453
000 in current prices. 000 000 in current prices.
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Amendment 53
Article 4
(a) EUR 3 151 000 000 for research (a) EUR 3 485 000 000 for research
actions; actions;
Amendment 54
Article 4
(b) EUR 6 302 000 000 for (b) EUR 6 968 000 000 for
development actions. development actions.
Amendment 55
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c
Article 4
paragraph 2 shall be allocated to calls for paragraph 2 shall be allocated to calls for
proposals or awards of funding supporting proposals or awards of funding supporting
(a)(i) of Regulation .../...70 [STEP (a)(i) of Regulation .../...70 [STEP
Regulation]. Regulation].
__________________ __________________
Amendment 56
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Article 7
3. Without prejudice to paragraph 2, 3. Without prejudice to paragraph 2,

Member States may also propose to Member States may also propose to
include in their recovery and resilience include in their recovery and resilience
plan, as estimated costs, the amount of the plan, as estimated costs, the amount of the
cash contribution for the purpose of the cash contribution for the purpose of the
Member State compartment pursuant to the Member State compartment pursuant to the
relevant provisions of the InvestEU relevant provisions of the InvestEU
Regulation exclusively for measures Regulation exclusively for measures
supporting investment operations supporting investment operations
contributing to the STEP objectives contributing to the STEP objectives
referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...71 referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...71
[STEP Regulation]. Those costs shall not [STEP Regulation]. Those costs shall not
exceed 6 % of the recovery and resilience exceed 10 % of the recovery and resilience
plan’s total financial allocation, and the plan’s total financial amount, and the
relevant measures, as set out in the relevant measures, as set out in the
recovery and resilience plan, shall respect recovery and resilience plan, shall respect
the requirements of this Regulation. the requirements of this Regulation.
__________________ __________________
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PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION
Title Establishing the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’)

and amending Directive 2003/87/EC, Regulations (EU) 2021/1058,
(EU) 2021/1056, (EU) 2021/1057, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No
223/2014, (EU) 2021/1060, (EU) 2021/523, (EU) 2021/695, (EU)
2021/697 and (EU) 2021/241
References COM(2023)0335 – C9-0209/2023 – 2023/0199(COD)
Committees responsible BUDG ITRE

Date announced in plenary 13.7.2023 13.7.2023
Opinion by ECON
Date announced in plenary 13.7.2023
Associated committees - date announced 13.7.2023
in plenary
Rapporteur for the opinion Eva Maria Poptcheva

Date appointed 19.7.2023
Rule 58 – Joint committee procedure

Discussed in committee 25.9.2023
Date adopted 2.10.2023
Result of final vote +: 36

–: 5
0: 0
Members present for the final vote Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou, Marek Belka, Isabel Benjumea
Benjumea, Stefan Berger, Gilles Boyer, Jonás Fernández, Claude
Gruffat, José Gusmão, Eero Heinäluoma, Michiel Hoogeveen, Danuta
Maria Hübner, Ondřej Kovařík, Georgios Kyrtsos, Aušra Maldeikienė,
Csaba Molnár, Caroline Nagtegaal, Denis Nesci, Luděk Niedermayer,
Piernicola Pedicini, Lídia Pereira, Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, Eva Maria
Poptcheva, Antonio Maria Rinaldi, Dorien Rookmaker, Joachim
Schuster, Ralf Seekatz, Irene Tinagli, Inese Vaidere, Marco Zanni
Substitutes present for the final vote Damien Carême, Herbert Dorfmann, Gianna Gancia, Johan Nissinen,
René Repasi
Substitutes under Rule 209(7) present Clara Aguilera, Sara Cerdas, Ana Collado Jiménez, Klára Dobrev,
for the final vote Paola Ghidoni, Maria Noichl, Nikos Papandreou
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FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION
36 +
ECR Denis Nesci
ID Gianna Gancia, Paola Ghidoni, Antonio Maria Rinaldi, Marco Zanni
PPE Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou, Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, Ana Collado Jiménez, Herbert Dorfmann,
Danuta Maria Hübner, Aušra Maldeikienė, Luděk Niedermayer, Lídia Pereira, Inese Vaidere
Renew Gilles Boyer, Ondřej Kovařík, Georgios Kyrtsos, Caroline Nagtegaal, Eva Maria Poptcheva
S&D Clara Aguilera, Marek Belka, Sara Cerdas, Klára Dobrev, Jonás Fernández, Eero Heinäluoma, Csaba Molnár,
Maria Noichl, Nikos Papandreou, René Repasi, Joachim Schuster, Irene Tinagli
The Left José Gusmão
Verts/ALE Damien Carême, Claude Gruffat, Piernicola Pedicini, Kira Marie Peter-Hansen
5 -
ECR Michiel Hoogeveen, Johan Nissinen, Dorien Rookmaker
PPE Stefan Berger, Ralf Seekatz
0 0
Key to symbols:
+ : in favour
- : against
0 : abstention
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OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS
European Parliament
2019-2024
Committee on Employment and Social Affairs
2023/0199(COD)
3.10.2023
OPINION
of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs
Energy
Establishing the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) and
2021/1056, (EU) 2021/1057, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU)
2021/1060, (EU) 2021/523, (EU) 2021/695, (EU) 2021/697 and (EU) 2021/241
(COM(2023)0335 – C9-0209/2023 – 2023/0199(COD))
Rapporteur for opinion: Marie-Pierre Vedrenne
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AMENDMENTS
The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs calls on the Committee on Budgets and
the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, as the committees responsible, to take the
Amendment 1

Recital 2
inbuilt resilience but is being challenged. inbuilt resilience but is being challenged.
High inflation, labour shortages, post- High inflation, labour shortages and skills
COVID supply chains disruptions, rising mismatches, post-COVID supply chains
interest rates, and spikes in energy costs disruptions, rising interest rates, and spikes
and input prices are weighing on the in energy costs and input prices are
competitiveness of the EU industry. This is weighing on the competitiveness of the EU
paired with strong, but not always fair, industry. This is paired with strong, but not
competition on the fragmented global always fair, competition on the fragmented
market. The EU has already put forward global market. The EU has already put
several initiatives to support its industry, forward several initiatives to support its
such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40 industry, such as the Green Deal Industrial
the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net Plan,40 the Critical Raw Materials Act41 ,
Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary the Net Zero Industry Act42 , the new
Crisis and Transition Framework for State Temporary Crisis and Transition
aid,43 and REPowerEU.44 While these Framework for State aid,43 and
solutions provide fast and targeted support, REPowerEU.44 While these solutions
the EU needs a more structural answer to provide fast and targeted support, the EU
the investment needs of its industries, needs a more structural answer to the
safeguarding cohesion and the level investment needs of its industries,
playing field in the Single Market and to safeguarding cohesion and the level
reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies. playing field in the Single Market and to
reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies.
The Union should promote a global
economic system based on open and
rules-based trade, respecting and
advancing social, environmental and
economic sustainability, including the
promotion of quality jobs.
__________________ __________________
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44
Amendment 2

Recital 3
and its sustainability. Therefore, immediate and its sustainability. Therefore, immediate
action is required to support the action is required to support the
development or manufacturing in the development or manufacturing in the
Union of such technologies, safeguarding Union of such technologies, safeguarding
and strengthening their value chains and strengthening their value chains
thereby reducing the Union’s strategic thereby reducing the Union’s strategic
dependencies, and addressing existing dependencies, especially on undemocratic
labour and skills shortages in those sectors regimes, and addressing existing labour
through trainings and apprenticeships and and skills shortages in those sectors
the creation of attractive, quality jobs through training and apprenticeships, the
accessible to all. cooperation with education and training
providers and the creation of attractive,
quality jobs accessible to all. Such
measures could help overcome structural
differences between regions and help
address the issue of brain drain, as well as
social inequalities, including inequalities
between women and men.
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Amendment 3

Recital 5
(5) Strengthening the manufacturing (5) Strengthening the manufacturing

capacity of key technologies in the Union capacity of key technologies in the Union
will not be possible without a sizeable will not be possible without a sizeable
skilled workforce. However, labour and skilled workforce. However, labour and
skills shortages have increased in all skills shortages and skills mismatches
sectors including those considered key for have increased in all sectors including
the green and digital transition and those considered key for the green and
endanger the rise of key technologies, also digital transition and endanger the rise of
in the context of demographic change. key technologies, also in the context of
Therefore, it is necessary to boost the demographic change. Therefore, it is
activation of more people to the labour necessary to address the root causes of
market relevant for strategic sectors, in such shortages and mismatches, close the
particular through the creation of jobs and gap between workers´ skills and labour
apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged market needs and boost the integration of
persons, in particular, young people not in more people into the labour market
employment, education or training. Such relevant for strategic sectors, in particular
support will complement a number of other through the promotion of social dialogue,
actions aimed at meeting the skills needs the creation of quality jobs and paid or
stemming from the transition, outlined in remunerated apprenticeships for young,
the EU Skills Agenda.45 and disadvantaged persons in particular,
young people not in employment,
education or training (NEETs) and young
people with disabilities. At the same time,
it is necessary to increase the
attractiveness of technical careers,
especially among women. It is therefore
essential to support the integration of
women in line with the European Strategy
for Gender Equality and to address
educational and occupational gender
stereotypes. Such support will complement
a number of other actions aimed at meeting
the skills needs stemming from the
transition, outlined in the EU Skills
Agenda.45 In this regard, the European
Year of Skills 2023 has an important role
to play to further promote a mind-set of
reskilling and upskilling, boost the
competitiveness of Union undertakings, in
particular SMEs, and contribute to the
creation of quality jobs with a view to
realising the full potential of the green
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and digital transition in a socially fair,
inclusive and just manner.
__________________ __________________
Amendment 4

Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) The Commission communication

entitled ‘Long-term competitiveness of the
EU: looking beyond 2030’ aims to
rationalise and simplify reporting
requirements by 25 % for each of the
green, digital and economic thematic
areas, and the Commission plans to
present a proposal for achieving this by
autumn 2023. The Commission should
demonstrate this commitment swiftly,
thereby improving the competitiveness of
all undertakings in the EU, including
small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs), and enhancing the basic
conditions for social justice and
prosperity. It should be recalled that
SMEs are the backbone of social
cohesion.
Amendment 5

Recital 6
(6) The scale of investments needed for (6) The scale of investments needed for
the transition require a full mobilisation of the transition require a full mobilisation
funding available under existing EU and effective use of funding available
programmes and funds, inclusive those under existing EU programmes and funds,
granting a budgetary guarantee for inclusive those granting a budgetary
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financing and investment operations and guarantee for financing and investment
implementation of financial instruments operations and implementation of financial
and blending operations. Such funding instruments and blending operations. Such
should be deployed in a more flexible funding should be deployed without
manner, to provide timely and targeted unnecessary administrative burden and
support for critical technologies in strategic contribute to the Commission Better
sectors. Therefore, a Strategic Regulation agenda by reducing the
Technologies for Europe Platform regulatory burden on EU undertakings. It
(‘STEP’) should give a structural answer to should be deployed in a more flexible
the Union investment needs by helping to manner, to provide timely and targeted
better channel the existing EU funds support for critical technologies in strategic
towards critical investments aimed at sectors. Therefore, a Strategic
supporting the development or Technologies for Europe Platform
manufacturing of critical technologies, (‘STEP’) should give a structural answer to
while preserving a level playing field in the the Union investment needs by helping to
Single Market, thereby preserving cohesion better channel the existing EU funds
and aiming at a geographically balanced towards critical investments aimed at
distribution of projects financed under the supporting the development or
STEP in accordance with the respective manufacturing of critical technologies,
programme mandates. while preserving a level playing field in the
Single Market, thereby preserving cohesion
and aiming at a geographically balanced
distribution of projects financed under the
STEP in accordance with the respective
programme mandates. Any project
financing under the STEP should be in
line with the principles of the European
Pillar of Social Rights.
Amendment 6

Recital 8

awarded to projects contributing to the awarded to projects contributing to the two
programme,50 the EU4Health programme,50 the EU4Health
programme,51 the European Defence Fund programme,51 the European Defence Fund
or the Innovation Fund, and regardless of or the Innovation Fund, and regardless of
whether the project has received funding whether the project has received funding
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under those instruments. These minimum under those instruments. These minimum
quality requirements will be established quality requirements will be established
with a view to identify high quality with a view to identify high quality
projects. This Seal should be used as a projects. This Seal should be used as a
quality label, to help projects attract public quality label, to help projects attract public
and private investments by certifying its and private investments by certifying its
contribution to the STEP objectives. contribution to the STEP objectives.
Moreover, the Seal will promote better Moreover, the Seal will promote better
access to EU funding, notably by access to EU funding, notably by
facilitating cumulative or combined facilitating cumulative or combined
funding from several Union instruments. funding from several Union instruments.
__________________ __________________
11.5.2021, p. 1). 11.5.2021, p. 1).
L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 1). L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 1).
Amendment 7

Recital 15
(15) The ESF+,58 being the main EU (15) The ESF+,58 being the main EU
Fund for investment in people, provides a Fund for investment in people, provides a
key contribution to promote the key contribution to promote the
development of skills. In order to facilitate development of skills. In order to facilitate
the use of that Fund for the STEP the use of that Fund for the STEP
objectives, it should be possible to use the objectives, it should be possible to use the
ESF+ to cover investments aimed at ESF+ to cover investments aimed at
achieving a skilled and resilient workforce achieving a skilled and resilient workforce
ready for the future world of work. ready for the future world of work while
supporting individual growth and choices
of workers.
__________________ __________________
L 231 30.6.2021, p.21). L 231 30.6.2021, p.21).
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Amendment 8

Recital 16

implementation, the possibility for an implementation, the possibility for an
increased EU financing rate of 100% for increased EU financing rate of 100% for
the STEP priorities should be available. the STEP priorities should be available.
When implementing the new STEP When implementing the new STEP
objectives, managing authorities are objectives, managing authorities should
encouraged to apply certain social criteria apply social award criteria and promote
or promote social positive outcomes, such social positive outcomes, such as creating
as creating apprenticeships and jobs for paid or remunerated apprenticeships and
young disadvantaged persons, in particular quality jobs for young disadvantaged
young persons not in employment, persons, in particular young persons not in
education or training, applying the social employment, education or training,
award criteria in the Directives on public applying the social award criteria in the
procurement when a project is Directives on public procurement when a
implemented by a body subject to public project is implemented by a body subject to
procurement, and paying the applicable public procurement, and paying the
wages as agreed through collective applicable wages as agreed through
bargaining. collective bargaining.
__________________ __________________
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L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21). L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).
Amendment 9

1. To strengthen European 1. To strengthen European

sovereignty and security, accelerate the sovereignty and security, accelerate the
Union’s green and digital transitions and Union’s green and digital transitions and
enhance its competitiveness, reduce its enhance its competitiveness, reduce its
strategic dependencies, favour a level strategic dependencies, favour a level
playing field in the Single Market for playing field in the Single Market for
investments throughout the Union, and investments throughout the Union, and
promote inclusive access to attractive, promote inclusive access to training and
quality jobs, the Platform shall pursue the attractive, quality jobs for all, the Platform
following objectives: shall:
Amendment 10

(a) supporting the development or (a) support the development or

manufacturing throughout the Union, or manufacturing throughout the Union, or
safeguarding and strengthening the safeguard and strengthen the respective
respective value chains, of critical value chains, of critical technologies in the
technologies in the following fields: following fields:
Amendment 11

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
(ii) clean technologies (ii) clean technologies, including those

listed in [Regulation 2023/0081]
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Amendment 12

(b) addressing shortages of labour deleted

and skills critical to all kinds of quality
jobs in support of the objective under
point (a).
Amendment 13

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
While pursuing this objective, the

Platform shall contribute, including
through training and lifelong learning
activities, to addressing shortages of
labour and skills critical to all kinds of
quality jobs related to technologies listed
under points (i), (ii) and (iii) and apply
social award criteria in order to
contribute to the achievement of social
positive outcomes. Addressing the skills
shortages in these technologies shall be
made, where applicable, in close
cooperation with the social partners and
with existing education and training
initiatives, in particular the European Net
Zero Industry Academies, not least by
using the learning programmes developed
by them.
Amendment 14

4 a. The social award criteria referred

to in paragraph 1 shall include
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compliance with Union and national
labour and social law as well as with
applicable collective agreements. They
shall also include well-defined objectives
in terms of skilling, upskilling and
reskilling workers, and the promotion of
inclusive labour markets through
measures aiming to improve gender
equality and diversity at work, such as via
the inclusion of people with disabilities or
young people not in education, training or
employment (NEETs), or at developing
quality and remunerated or paid
apprenticeships. Notwithstanding
Directive 2014/24/EU, the social award
criteria shall also be part of any public
procurement assessment and selection
procedures where a project supported by
the Platform is implemented.
Amendment 15


to any of the Platform objectives, provided to the Platform objectives and
the action has been assessed and complies requirements defined in Article 2,
with the minimum quality requirements, in provided the action has been assessed and
particular eligibility, exclusion and award complies with the minimum quality
criteria, provided by a call for proposals requirements, in particular eligibility,
under Regulation (EU) 2021/695, exclusion and award criteria, provided by a
Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Regulation call for proposals under Regulation (EU)
(EU) 2021/697, Regulation (EU) 2021/522, 2021/695, Regulation (EU) 2021/694,
or Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) Regulation (EU) 2021/697, Regulation
2019/856. (EU) 2021/522, or Commission Delegated
Regulation (EU) 2019/856.
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Amendment 16

6. Strategic projects identified in 6. Strategic projects complying with

accordance with the [Net Zero Industry the objectives and requirements referred
Act] and the [Critical Raw Materials Act] to Article 2 and identified in accordance
within the scope of Article 2 that receive a with the [Net Zero Industry Act] and the
contribution under the Programmes refered [Critical Raw Materials Act] that receive a
to in Article 3 may also receive a contribution under the Programmes refered
contribution from any other Union to in Article 3 may also receive a
programme, including Funds under shared contribution from any other Union
management, provided that the programme, including Funds under shared
contributions do not cover the same costs. management, provided that the
The rules of the relevant Union programme contributions do not cover the same costs.
shall apply to the corresponding The rules of the relevant Union programme
contribution to the strategic project. The shall apply to the corresponding
cumulative funding shall not exceed the contribution to the strategic project. The
total eligible costs of the strategic project. cumulative funding shall not exceed the
The support from the different Union total eligible costs of the strategic project.
programmes may be calculated on a pro- The support from the different Union
rata basis in accordance with the programmes may be calculated on a pro-
documents setting out the conditions for rata basis in accordance with the
support. documents setting out the conditions for
support.
Amendment 17


‘Sovereignty portal’), providing investors ‘Sovereignty portal’) accessible to all
with information about funding users including users with disabilities,
opportunities for projects linked to the providing investors with information about
Platform objectives and grant visibility to funding opportunities for projects linked to
those projects, in particular by displaying the Platform objectives and grant visibility
the following information: to those projects, in particular by
displaying the following information:
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Amendment 18

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) ongoing and upcoming calls for

proposals and calls for tender linked to
the European Net Zero Academies, the
deployment of their learning programmes
and other training initiatives in net-zero
technologies;
Amendment 19

In addition to the pre-financing for the In addition to the pre-financing for the
programme provided for in Article 90(1) programme provided for in Article 90(1)
and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060,
where the Commission approves an where the Commission approves an
amendment of a programme including one amendment of a programme including one
or more priorities dedicated to operations or more priorities dedicated to operations
supported by the ESF+ contributing to the supported by the ESF+ contributing to the
STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of
Regulation .../...66 [STEP Regulation], it Regulation .../...66 [STEP Regulation], it
shall make an exceptional pre-financing of shall make an exceptional pre-financing of
30% on the basis of the allocation to those 30% on the basis of the allocation to those
priorities. The exceptional pre-financing priorities. This exceptional pre-financing
shall be paid by 31 December 2024, shall also benefit operations which
provided the Commission has adopted the contribute to the deployment of the
decision approving the programme learning programmes of the European
amendment by 31 October 2024. Net Zero Academies as well as the
training of young people and the skilling,
upskilling and reskilling of workers in
net-zero technologies. The exceptional
pre-financing shall be paid by 31
December 2024, provided the Commission
has adopted the decision approving the
programme amendment by 31 October
2024.
__________________ __________________
66 Regulation …/… of the European 66 Regulation …/… of the European
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(This amendment applies throughout the
text. Adopting it will necessitate
corresponding changes throughout.)
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(EU) 2021/1056, (EU) 2021/1057, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No
223/2014, (EU) 2021/1060, (EU) 2021/523, (EU) 2021/695, (EU)
2021/697 and (EU) 2021/241

Opinion by EMPL
in plenary
Rapporteur for the opinion Marie-Pierre Vedrenne



–: 5
0: 4
Members present for the final vote João Albuquerque, Atidzhe Alieva-Veli, Dominique Bilde, Vilija
Blinkevičiūtė, Milan Brglez, David Casa, Ilan De Basso, Margarita de
la Pisa Carrión, Klára Dobrev, Jarosław Duda, Loucas Fourlas, Cindy
Franssen, Helmut Geuking, Alicia Homs Ginel, Agnes Jongerius, Irena
Joveva, Radan Kanev, Ádám Kósa, Stelios Kympouropoulos, Katrin
Langensiepen, Elena Lizzi, Jörg Meuthen, Max Orville, Sandra Pereira,
Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, Dragoş Pîslaru, Dennis Radtke, Elżbieta
Rafalska, Daniela Rondinelli, Pirkko Ruohonen-Lerner, Mounir
Satouri, Monica Semedo, Beata Szydło, Romana Tomc, Marianne Vind,
Maria Walsh
Substitutes present for the final vote Abir Al-Sahlani, Rosa D’Amato, Carina Ohlsson, Marie-Pierre
Vedrenne
Substitutes under Rule 209(7) present Predrag Fred Matić, Matjaž Nemec, João Pimenta Lopes, Michaela
for the final vote Šojdrová
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35 +
NI Ádám Kósa, Jörg Meuthen
PPE David Casa, Jarosław Duda, Loucas Fourlas, Cindy Franssen, Helmut Geuking, Radan Kanev, Stelios
Kympouropoulos, Dennis Radtke, Michaela Šojdrová, Romana Tomc, Maria Walsh
Renew Atidzhe Alieva-Veli, Irena Joveva, Max Orville, Dragoş Pîslaru, Monica Semedo, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne
S&D João Albuquerque, Vilija Blinkevičiūtė, Milan Brglez, Ilan De Basso, Klára Dobrev, Alicia Homs Ginel,
Agnes Jongerius, Predrag Fred Matić, Matjaž Nemec, Carina Ohlsson, Daniela Rondinelli, Marianne Vind
Verts/ALE Rosa D'Amato, Katrin Langensiepen, Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, Mounir Satouri
5 -
ECR Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Pirkko Ruohonen-Lerner
ID Dominique Bilde
The Left Sandra Pereira, João Pimenta Lopes
4 0
ECR Elżbieta Rafalska, Beata Szydło
ID Elena Lizzi
Renew Abir Al-Sahlani
Key to symbols:
+ : in favour
- : against
0 : abstention
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OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND
FOOD SAFETY
European Parliament
2019-2024
Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
2023/0199(COD)
3.10.2023
OPINION
of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
for the Committee on Budgets Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
2021/1056, (EU) 2021/1057, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU)
2021/1060, (EU) 2021/523, (EU) 2021/695, (EU) 2021/697 and (EU) 2021/241
(COM(2023)0335 – C9-0209/2023 – 2023/0199(COD))
Rapporteur for opinion: Tiemo Wölken
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AMENDMENTS
The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety calls Committee on
Budgets and the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, as the committee responsible,
to take the following into account:
Amendment 1

Recital 12

2024-2027 of EUR 5 billion. The 2024-2027 of EUR 5 billion stemming
Innovation Fund supports investments in from the multiannual financial
innovative low-carbon technologies, which framework. The Innovation Fund supports
is a scope that is to be covered by the investments in innovative low-carbon
STEP. The increase in volume of the technologies, which is a scope that is to be
Innovation Fund should therefore allow to covered by the STEP. The increase in
provide financing responding to the volume of the Innovation Fund should
objective of supporting the development or therefore allow to provide financing
manufacturing in the Union of critical responding to the objective of supporting
clean technologies. In line with the the development or manufacturing in the
objectives of ensuring cohesion and Union of critical clean technologies. Calls
promoting the Single Market, and in order for proposals should be designed and
to support the green transition and the aligned to deliver on the Union objectives
development of clean technologies set out for domestic manufacturing
throughout the Union, the additional capacity in key industrial value chains. In
financial envelope should be made line with the objectives of ensuring
available through calls for proposals open cohesion and promoting the Single Market,
to entities from Member States whose and in order to support the green and just
average GDP per capita is below the EU transition and the development of clean
average of the EU-27 measured in technologies throughout the Union, 75%
purchasing power standards (PPS) and the additional financial envelope should be
calculated on the basis of Union figures for made available through calls for proposals
the period 2015-2017. open to entities from Member States whose
average GDP per capita is below the EU
average of the EU-27 measured in
the period 2015-2017.
_________________ _________________
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p. 32). p. 32).
Amendment 2


as a priority project for critical clean as a priority project for critical clean
technologies which have received the technologies which have received the
paragraph 1. In addition, Member States paragraph 1 and that particularly
may decide to grant national support to emphasize a just and inclusive transition.
projects with a Sovereignty Seal In addition, Member States may decide to
contributing to the Platform objective grant national support to projects with a
referred to in Article 2(1), point (a)(ii). Sovereignty Seal contributing to the
Platform objective referred to in Article
2(1), point (a)(ii).
Amendment 3

Directive 2003/87/CE
Article 10a – paragraph 8 – sub paraph 6
In addition to the allowances referred to in In addition to the allowances referred to in

the first to fifth subparagraphs of this the first to fifth subparagraphs of this
paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also paragraph, the Innovation Fund shall also
implement a financial envelope for the implement a financial envelope for the
December 2027 of EUR 5 000 000 000 in December 2027 of EUR 5 000 000 000 in
current prices for supporting investments current prices, as provided in Regulation
contributing to the STEP objective referred (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093, for supporting
to in Article 2, point (a)(ii) of Regulation investments contributing to the STEP
.../...63 [STEP Regulation]. This financial objective referred to in Article 2, point
envelope shall be made available to (a)(ii) of Regulation .../...63 [STEP
support investments only in Member States Regulation]. 75% of this financial envelope
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whose average GDP per capita is below the shall be made available to support
EU average of the EU-27 measured in investments only in Member States whose
purchasing power standards (PPS) and average GDP per capita is below the EU
calculated on the basis of Union figures for average of the EU-27 measured in
the period 2015-2017 purchasing power standards (PPS) and
the period 2015-2017.
In addition, in the calls for proposals
dedicated for this financial envelope,
special attention shall be given to the
projects' ability to promote a just and
inclusive transition in the Member States,
while implementing the objectives and
criteria of the Innovation Fund as laid
down in this paragraph (i.e. Article 10a(8)
of ETS-Directive) and aiming for a
geographical balance of financial
support.
_________________ _________________
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(EU) 2021/1056, (EU) 2021/1057, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No
223/2014, (EU) 2021/1060, (EU) 2021/523, (EU) 2021/695, (EU)
2021/697 and (EU) 2021/241

Opinion by ENVI
in plenary
Rapporteur for the opinion Tiemo Wölken



–: 8
0: 8
Members present for the final vote Catherine Amalric, Mathilde Androuët, Maria Arena, Margrete Auken,
Marek Paweł Balt, Aurélia Beigneux, Monika Beňová, Hildegard
Bentele, Sergio Berlato, Alexander Bernhuber, Malin Björk, Michael
Bloss, Pascal Canfin, Sara Cerdas, Mohammed Chahim, Tudor
Ciuhodaru, Nathalie Colin-Oesterlé, Maria Angela Danzì, Bas
Eickhout, Cyrus Engerer, Pietro Fiocchi, Heléne Fritzon, Malte Gallée,
Gianna Gancia, Catherine Griset, Anja Hazekamp, Martin Hojsík, Pär
Holmgren, Jan Huitema, Karin Karlsbro, Petros Kokkalis, Marian-Jean
Marinescu, Liudas Mažylis, Tilly Metz, Silvia Modig, Alessandra
Moretti, Ljudmila Novak, Grace O’Sullivan, Nikos Papandreou, Jutta
Paulus, Stanislav Polčák, Jessica Polfjärd, Frédérique Ries, Sándor
Rónai, Maria Veronica Rossi, Silvia Sardone, Christine Schneider,
Günther Sidl, Ivan Vilibor Sinčić, Nils Torvalds, Edina Tóth, Petar
Vitanov, Alexandr Vondra, Pernille Weiss, Emma Wiesner, Michal
Wiezik, Tiemo Wölken
Substitutes present for the final vote Radan Kanev, Ondřej Knotek
Substitutes under Rule 209(7) present Laura Ballarín Cereza, Javier Moreno Sánchez, Eugen Tomac
for the final vote
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46 +
ID Gianna Gancia, Maria Veronica Rossi, Silvia Sardone
NI Maria Angela Danzì
PPE Radan Kanev, Marian-Jean Marinescu, Liudas Mažylis, Ljudmila Novak, Eugen Tomac
Renew Catherine Amalric, Pascal Canfin, Martin Hojsík, Jan Huitema, Karin Karlsbro, Ondřej Knotek, Frédérique
Ries, Nils Torvalds, Emma Wiesner, Michal Wiezik
S&D Maria Arena, Laura Ballarín Cereza, Marek Paweł Balt, Monika Beňová, Sara Cerdas, Mohammed Chahim,
Tudor Ciuhodaru, Cyrus Engerer, Javier Moreno Sánchez, Alessandra Moretti, Nikos Papandreou, Sándor
Rónai, Günther Sidl, Petar Vitanov, Tiemo Wölken
The Left Malin Björk, Anja Hazekamp, Petros Kokkalis, Silvia Modig
Verts/ALE Margrete Auken, Michael Bloss, Bas Eickhout, Malte Gallée, Pär Holmgren, Tilly Metz, Grace O'Sullivan,
Jutta Paulus
8 -
ECR Sergio Berlato, Pietro Fiocchi
PPE Hildegard Bentele, Alexander Bernhuber, Stanislav Polčák, Jessica Polfjärd, Christine Schneider, Pernille
Weiss
8 0
ECR Alexandr Vondra
ID Mathilde Androuët, Aurélia Beigneux, Catherine Griset
NI Ivan Vilibor Sinčić, Edina Tóth
PPE Nathalie Colin-Oesterlé
S&D Heléne Fritzon
Key to symbols:
+ : in favour
- : against
0 : abstention
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OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
European Parliament
2019-2024
Committee on Regional Development
2023/0199(COD)
25.9.2023
OPINION
of the Committee on Regional Development
Energy
Establishing the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) and
2021/1056, (EU) 2021/1057, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU)
2021/1060, (EU) 2021/523, (EU) 2021/695, (EU) 2021/697 and (EU) 2021/241
(COM(2023)0335 – C9-0209/2023 – 2023/0199(COD))
Rapporteur for opinion: Rovana Plumb
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SHORT JUSTIFICATION
Context of the legislative proposal
The EU with its European internal market has significant assets to attract sustainable
investments, and the Union has proven its commitment to build favourable conditions for the
development of businesses, in particular those contributing to the green and digital transition.
In the light of the challenges that the EU industry has been confronted with over the last
years, the European Commission decided to propose a structural tool allowing for a common
EU funding for this purpose, and put forward the proposal for a Strategic Technologies for
European Platform (‘STEP’).
The proposed financing relies on the already existing financial instruments, which include,
besides instruments such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the Innovation Fund,
InvestEU, or Horizon Europe, also the cohesion policy funds. REGI rapporteur for opinion
expresses her support for the objectives of the proposal, and for the contribution to them that
can be delivered by the cohesion policy. REGI committee confirmed the Rapporteur’s
position in its vote on the legislative opinion.
Choice of the respective instrument
Commission proposed that the support for the strategic sectors from the cohesion policy be
delivered via the creation of a new dedicated priority in the European Regional Development
Fund (ERDF), the Cohesion Fund (CF), and the Just Transition Fund (JTF).
As concerns the support from the ERDF and CF, new dedicated specific objectives,
supporting investments contributing to STEP objective, are added. Rapporteur agrees with
this approach, as it will allow for the use of the cohesion policy framework for the support of
the strategic investments. Nevertheless, the position of the committee is to limit the use of
resources for the STEP objectives to a maximum of 20% of the initial ERDF allocation.
Considering incentives that accompany the use of the cohesion policy funds for the STEP
objectives, this is deemed necessary in order not to undermine other cohesion policy
objectives.
Rapporteur is also in favour of the use of the JTF resources for the STEP objectives, and
proposes, based on a compromise reached in REGI, to extend the scope of the support from
the JTF to include not only clean technologies, but also investments to address shortages of
skills and labour in the key sectors.
Preserving the territorial, economic and social cohesion
Rapporteur is convinced that new EU financial or economic policy tools should by no means
harm the objective of the economic, territorial and social cohesion, in line with the principle
‘do no harm to cohesion’. Cohesion remains a key EU objectives, enshrined in the Treaty.
Rapporteur proposes therefore to add the preservation and strengthening of the cohesion and
of the solidarity among the Member States and regions to the STEP objectives, to streamline
this concern into the new financial tool.
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REGI committee also adopted amendments in this sense in the provisions related to the
reporting and the evaluation of the platform, in order to make sure that the cohesion
objectives as well as the partnership principle are effectively respected, and that the related
monitoring is put in place.
Opening investments to large companies
Commission proposed to allow, in the context of the STEP proposal, for the support of the
large companies in the less developed and transition regions, as well as in the more developed
regions of the Member States with the per capita GDP below the EU average. Rapporteur
recognises the need for the inclusion of also the large companies in the support for industry in
the field of critical technologies, as they are often particularly well placed to develop these
technologies. Nevertheless, the Rapporteur insists on a particular focus that needs to be put on
the support for the SMEs and midcap companies, considering their importance for the EU
market and particular needs and challenges they face. REGI opinion reflects this position.
Incentives for the use of the support to STEP objectives
Commission proposal foresees, by way of an incentive for the use of the support for the STEP
objectives, an exceptional pre-financing in 2024 at the level of 30% for the STEP priority
under the ERDF. Commission also proposed that an exceptional 30% pre-financing be paid
under the JTF. Additionally, the co-financing rate for the STEP objectives financed under the
ERDF-CF Regulation and the JTF Regulation can be increased up to 100%. Rapporteur
supports the introduction of these incentives, and her position was endorsed by the REGI
committee.
Extension of the administrative deadlines for the 2014-2020 period and derogation for
the outermost regions
Rapporteur considers that in view of the exceptional circumstances and of the increased
pressure on the managing authorities in the context of the closure of programmes under the
2014-2020 period, it is necessary to extend the applicable deadlines. Accordingly, she
proposed to extend the final accounting year of this period by 12 months, until end of June
2025, as well as the co- financing of up to 100% in the final accounting year of this period.
Rapporteur also took into account particular difficulties faced by the outermost regions and
endorsed specific derogations, to alleviate structural challenges they are facing.
AMENDMENTS
The Committee on Regional Development calls on the Committee on Budgets and the
Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, as the committees responsible, to take the
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Amendment 1

Recital 2
(2) The EU industry has proven its (2) High inflation, labour shortages,
inbuilt resilience but is being challenged. post-COVID supply chains disruptions,
High inflation, labour shortages, post- rising interest rates, and spikes in energy
COVID supply chains disruptions, rising costs and input prices are weighing on the
interest rates, and spikes in energy costs competitiveness of the EU industry. This is
and input prices are weighing on the paired with strong, but not always fair,
competitiveness of the EU industry. This is competition on the fragmented global
paired with strong, but not always fair, market. The EU has already put forward
competition on the fragmented global several initiatives to support its industry,
market. The EU has already put forward such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40
several initiatives to support its industry, the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net
such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan,40 Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary
the Critical Raw Materials Act41 , the Net Crisis and Transition Framework for State
Zero Industry Act42 , the new Temporary aid,43 and REPowerEU.44 While these
Crisis and Transition Framework for State solutions provide fast and targeted and, in
aid,43 and REPowerEU.44 While these some cases, temporary support, by
solutions provide fast and targeted support, adapting frameworks for state aid, the EU
the EU needs a more structural answer to needs a more structural answer to the
the investment needs of its industries, investment needs of its industries,
safeguarding cohesion and the level safeguarding cohesion and the level
playing field in the Single Market and to playing field in the Single Market and to
reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies. reduce the EU’s strategic dependencies.
__________________ __________________
44
Amendment 2

Recital 2 a (new)
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(2a) STEP, in order to reach the goal

of structural investments in critical
technologies in high technology industry
and to avoid overlaps, has to be closely
coordinated with the existing EU
initiatives to support the industry.
Amendment 3

Recital 3
and its sustainability. Therefore, immediate and its sustainability and at the same time
action is required to support the to further preserve economic, social and
development or manufacturing in the territorial cohesion and solidarity among
Union of such technologies, safeguarding Member States and their regions, as well
and strengthening their value chains as to reduce disparities in the development
thereby reducing the Union’s strategic of various regions. Therefore, immediate
dependencies, and addressing existing action is required to support the
labour and skills shortages in those sectors development or manufacturing in the
through trainings and apprenticeships and Union of such technologies, safeguarding
the creation of attractive, quality jobs and strengthening their value chains
accessible to all. thereby reducing the Union’s strategic
dependencies, and addressing existing
labour and skills shortages in those sectors
through trainings and apprenticeships and
the creation of attractive, quality jobs
accessible to all.
Amendment 4

Recital 4
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(4) There is a need to support critical (4) As dependence on the global

technologies in the following fields: deep market has exposed EU industry to
and digital technologies, clean shortages which has led to chain
technologies, and biotechnologies disruptions and even stoppages of
(including the respective critical raw industrial processes, there is a need to
materials value chains), in particular support critical technologies in the
projects, companies and sectors with a following fields: deep and digital
critical role for EU’s competitiveness and technologies, clean technologies, and
resilience and its value chains. By way of biotechnologies (including the respective
example, deep technologies and digital critical raw materials value chains in all of
technologies should include them), in particular projects, companies
microelectronics, high-performance and sectors with a critical role for EU’s
computing, quantum technologies (i.e., competitiveness, resilience and its value
computing, communication and sensing chains, and the entire CCS value chain, as
technologies), cloud computing, edge well as technologies which can be utilized
computing, and artificial intelligence, in replacing critical non-renewable
cybersecurity technologies, robotics, 5G materials with renewable materials,
and advanced connectivity and virtual sustainable recovery and other
realities, including actions related to deep processing. By way of example, deep
and digital technologies for the technologies and digital technologies
development of defence and aerospace should include pharmaceuticals,
applications. Clean technologies should photonics, advanced materials
include, among others, renewable energy; technologies, microelectronics,
electricity and heat storage; heat pumps; semiconductors, semiconductor
electricity grid; renewable fuels of non- equipment, communication technologies,
biological origin; sustainable alternative high-performance computing, quantum
fuels; electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon technologies (i.e., computing,
capture, utilisation and storage; energy communication and sensing technologies),
efficiency; hydrogen and its related cloud computing, edge computing, and
infratructure; smart energy solutions; artificial intelligence, cybersecurity
technologies vital to sustainability such as technologies, robotics, 5G, 6G and others
water purification and desalination; and advanced connectivity and virtual
advanced materials such as nanomaterials, realities, including actions related to deep
composites and future clean construction and digital technologies for the
materials, and technologies for the development of defence and aerospace
sustainable extraction and processing of applications, as well as applications to
critical raw materials. Biotechnology deliver healthcare, such as digital medical
should be considered to include devices. Clean technologies should include,
technologies such as biomolecules and its among others, renewable energy as
applications, pharmaceuticals and medical batteries, solar panels, wind turbines,
technologies vital for health security, crop electrolysers; electricity and heat storage;
biotechnology, and industrial heat pumps; electricity grid; geothermal
biotechnology, such as for waste disposal, energy; renewable fuels of non-biological
and biomanufacturing. The Commission origin; all sustainable fuel technologies,
may issue guidance to further specify the including biofuels for road transport;
scope of the technologies in these three electrolysers and fuel cells; carbon capture,
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fields considered to be critical in utilisation and storage; energy efficiency;
accordance with this Regulation, in order biolubricants; green hydrogen and its
to promote a common interpretation of the related infrastructure; smart energy
projects, companies and sectors to be solutions; cutting-edge solutions
supported under the respective implemented for leak detection and repair
programmes in light of the common inspections carried out along renewable
strategic objective. Moreover, technologies gases and water transport and distribution
in any of these three fields which are networks; technologies vital to
subjects of an Important Project of sustainability such as water efficiency,
Common European Interest (IPCEI) purification and desalination technologies;
approved by the Commission pursuant to technologies related to circular economy,
Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be such as high quality recycling, resource
deemed to be critical, and individual and material efficiency; advanced
projects within the scope of such an IPCEI materials such as nanomaterials,
should be eligible for funding, in composites and future clean construction
accordance with the respective programme materials, and technologies for the
rules, to the extent that the identified sustainable extraction and processing of
funding gap and the eligible costs have not critical raw materials; technologies
yet been completely covered. supporting construction of roads with
negative carbon footprint and
development of new green road
stabilisation solutions. Biotechnology
should be considered to include
technologies such as biomolecules and its
applications, pharmaceuticals and medical
technologies and medical devices vital for
health security, crop biotechnology, and
industrial biotechnology, such as for waste
disposal, and biomanufacturing. The
Commission should, at the latest one
month after the entry into force of this
regulation, issue guidance to further
specify the scope of the technologies in
these three fields considered to be critical
in accordance with this Regulation, in
order to promote a common interpretation
of the projects, companies and sectors to be
supported under the respective
programmes in light of the common
strategic objective. Moreover, technologies
in any of these three fields which are
subjects of an Important Project of
Common European Interest (IPCEI)
approved by the Commission pursuant to
Article 107(3), point (b) TFEU should be
deemed to be critical, and individual
projects within the scope of such an IPCEI
should be eligible for funding, in
accordance with the respective programme
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rules, to the extent that the identified
funding gap and the eligible costs have not
yet been completely covered.
Amendment 5

Recital 5
(5) Strengthening the manufacturing (5) Strengthening the development and

capacity of key technologies in the Union manufacturing capacity of key
will not be possible without a sizeable technologies in the Union will not be
skilled workforce. However, labour and possible without a sizeable skilled
skills shortages have increased in all workforce, including with digital,
sectors including those considered key for engineering and other technical
the green and digital transition and knowledge. However, labour and skills
endanger the rise of key technologies, also shortages have increased in all sectors
in the context of demographic change. including those considered key for the
Therefore, it is necessary to boost the green and digital transition and endanger
activation of more people to the labour the rise of key technologies, also in the
market relevant for strategic sectors, in context of demographic change, especially
particular through the creation of jobs and in disadvantaged regions, including rural
apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged and remote areas and islands, which
persons, in particular, young people not in suffer from brain drain. Therefore, it is
employment, education or training. Such necessary to boost the activation of more
support will complement a number of other people to the labour market relevant for
actions aimed at meeting the skills needs strategic sectors, in particular through
stemming from the transition, outlined in quality and inclusive skilling, upskilling
the EU Skills Agenda.45 and re-skilling measures, and to help
develop young persons´ practical skills,
through the creation of jobs and
apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged
persons, in particular, young people not in
employment, education or training.
Fostering information and social dialogue
with companies is indispensable.
Consequently, it is necessary for the
authorities to provide information
concerning skills development and EU-
funded opportunities, as well as to
encourage cooperation, mobility
programmes and exchange of knowledge
and best practices. Such support will
complement a number of other actions
aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming
from the transition, outlined in the EU
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Skills Agenda.45
__________________ __________________
Amendment 6

Recital 8

programme,50 the EU4Health programme,50 the EU4Health programme,51
programme,51 the European Defence Fund the European Defence Fund or the
or the Innovation Fund, and regardless of Innovation Fund, and regardless of whether
whether the project has received funding the project has received funding under
under those instruments. These minimum those instruments. The verification of the
quality requirements will be established eligibility and evaluation criteria by
with a view to identify high quality competent authorities should be done in
projects. This Seal should be used as a transparent and fair way. These minimum
quality label, to help projects attract public quality requirements will be established
and private investments by certifying its with a view to identify high quality
contribution to the STEP objectives. projects. This Seal should be used as a
Moreover, the Seal will promote better quality label, to help projects attract public
access to EU funding, notably by and private investments by certifying its
facilitating cumulative or combined contribution to the STEP objectives.
funding from several Union instruments. Moreover, the Seal will promote better
access to EU funding, notably by
facilitating cumulative or combined
funding from several Union instruments.
__________________ __________________
11.5.2021, p. 1). 11.5.2021, p. 1).
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L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 1). L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 1).
Amendment 7

Recital 9
(9) To that end, it should be possible to (9) To that end, it should be possible to
rely on assessments made for the purposes rely on assessments made for the purposes
of other Union programmes in accordance of other Union programmes in accordance
with Articles 126 and 127 of Regulation with Articles 126 and 127 of Regulation
(EU, Euratom) 2018/1046,52 in order to (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046,52 in order to
reduce administrative burden for reduce administrative burden for
beneficiaries of Union funds and encourage beneficiaries of Union funds and encourage
investment in priority technologies. investment in priority technologies.
Provided they comply with the provisions Provided they comply with the provisions
of the RRF Regulation,53 Member States of the RRF Regulation,53 Member States
should consider including actions awarded should consider including actions awarded
the Sovereignty Seal when preparing their the Sovereignty Seal when preparing their
recovery and resilience plans and when recovery and resilience plans, when
proposing their Recovering and Resilience proposing or revising their Recovering and
Plans and when deciding on investment Resilience Plans and when deciding on
projects to be financed from its share of the investment projects to be financed from its
Modernisation Fund. The Sovereignty Seal share of the Modernisation Fund. The
should also be taken into account by the Sovereignty Seal should also be taken into
Commission in the context of the account by the Commission in the context
procedure provided for in Article 19 of the of the procedure provided for in Article 19
EIB Statute and of the policy check laid of the EIB Statute and of the policy check
down in Article 23 of the InvestEU laid down in Article 23 of the InvestEU
Regulation. In addition, the implementing Regulation. In addition, the implementing
partners should be required to examine partners should be required to examine
projects having been awarded the projects having been awarded the
Sovereignty Seal in case they fall within Sovereignty Seal in case they fall within
their geographic and activity scope in their geographic and activity scope in
accordance with Article 26(5) of that accordance with Article 26(5) of that
Regulation. Authorities in charge of Regulation. Authorities in charge of
programmes falling under STEP should programmes falling under STEP should
also be encouraged to consider support for also be encouraged to consider support for
strategic projects identified in accordance strategic projects identified in accordance
with the Net Zero Industry and the Critical with the Net Zero Industry and the Critical
Raw Materials Acts that are within the Raw Materials Acts that are within the
scope of Article 2 of the Regulation and for scope of Article 2 of the Regulation and for
which rules on cumulative funding may which rules on cumulative funding may
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apply. apply.
__________________ __________________
52 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 on 52 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 on
the financial rules applicable to the general the financial rules applicable to the general
budget of the Union (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, budget of the Union (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018,
p. 1). p. 1).
the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L
57, 18.2.2021, p. 17). 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17).
Amendment 8

Recital 10
on available support to companies and on available support to companies, with a
project promoters seeking funds for STEP focus on SMEs and mid-caps and project
investments. To that end, it should display promoters seeking funds for STEP
in an accessible and user-friendly manner investments. To that end, it should display
the funding opportunities for STEP in an accessible and user-friendly manner,
investments available under the EU budget. in all official EU languages, the funding
This should include information about opportunities for STEP investments
directly managed programmes, such as available under the EU budget. This should
Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe include information about directly
programme, the EU4Health programme, managed programmes, such as Horizon
and the Innovation Fund, and also other Europe, the Digital Europe programme, the
programmes such as InvestEU, the RRF, EU4Health programme, and the Innovation
and cohesion policy funds. Moreover, the Fund, and also other programmes such as
Sovereignty Portal should help increase the InvestEU, the RRF, and cohesion policy
visibility for STEP investments towards funds. Moreover, the Sovereignty Portal
investors, by listing the projects that have should help increase the visibility for STEP
been awarded a Sovereignty Seal. The investments towards investors, by listing
Portal should also list the national the projects that have been awarded a
competent authorities responsible for Sovereignty Seal. The Portal should also
acting as contact points for the list the national competent authorities
implementation of the STEP at national responsible for acting as contact points for
level. the implementation of the STEP at national
level. The Portal should provide an
interactive component, enabling users to
introduce their project specifications and
receive personalised advice.
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Amendment 9

Recital 11
strategic investments, it is also an strategic investments, it is also a critical
important element for testing the element for testing the feasibility and
feasibility and preparation of new preparation of new interventions as a
interventions as a step towards a European possible step towards the creation of a
Sovereignty Fund. The evaluation in 2025 dedicated European Sovereignty Fund. The
will assess the relevance of the actions European Sovereignty Fund should
undertaken and serve as basis for assessing strengthen the Union´s strategic
the need for an upscaling of the support autonomy in key sectors while supporting
towards strategic sectors. the completion of green and digital
transition. The evaluation in 2025 will
assess the relevance of the actions
undertaken and serve as basis for assessing
the need for an upscaling of the support
towards strategic sectors.
Amendment 10

Recital 13

enterprises other than SMEs, which can enterprises with a focus on SMEs and
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make a significant contribution to the midcaps and which can make a significant
development of less developed and contribution to the development of less
transition regions, as well as in more developed and transition regions,
developed regions of Member States with a territories defined in just transition plans,
GDP per capita below the EU average. as well as in more developed regions of
Managing authorities are encouraged to Member States with a GDP per capita
promote the collaboration between large below the EU average. Managing
enterprises and local SMEs, supply chains, authorities are encouraged to promote the
innovation and technology ecosystems. collaboration between large enterprises and
This would allow reinforcing Europe’s local SMEs, supply chains, innovation and
overall capacity to strengthen its position technology ecosystems. This would allow
in those sectors through providing access reinforcing Europe’s overall capacity to
to all Member States for such investments, strengthen its position in those sectors
thus counteracting the risk of increasing through providing access to all Member
disparities. States for such investments, thus
disparities. The resources programmed for
these new specific objectives should be
limited to a maximum of 20% of the
initial allocation of the ERDF.
__________________ __________________
p. 159). p. 159).
24.6.2021, p. 31). 24.6.2021, p. 31).
Amendment 11

Recital 14
(14) The scope of support of the JTF, (14) The scope of support of the JTF,
laid down in Regulation (EU) 2021/1056,57 laid down in Regulation (EU) 2021/1056,57
should also be extended to cover should also be extended to cover projects
investments in clean technologies to address shortages of labour and skills
contributing to the objectives of the STEP critical to quality jobs in support of the
by large enterprises, provided that they are STEP objectives and to promote
compatible with the expected contribution investments in clean technologies
to the transition to climate neutrality as set contributing to the objectives of the STEP
out in the territorial just transition plans. by enterprises with focus on SMEs and
The support provided for such investments mid-caps, provided that they are
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should not require a revision of the compatible with the expected contribution
territorial just transition plan where that to the transition to climate neutrality as set
revision would be exclusively linked to the out in the territorial just transition plans .
gap analysis justifying the investment The support provided for such investments
from the perspective of job creation. should not require a revision of the
territorial just transition plan.
__________________ __________________
the Just Transition Fund (OJ L 231, the Just Transition Fund (OJ L 231,
30.6.2021, p. 1). 30.6.2021, p. 1).
Amendment 12

Recital 16

implementation, the possibility for an implementation, the possibility for an EU
increased EU financing rate of 100% for financing rate of up to 100% for the STEP
the STEP priorities should be available. priorities should be available. When
When implementing the new STEP implementing the new STEP objectives,
objectives, managing authorities are managing authorities are encouraged to
encouraged to apply certain social criteria apply certain social criteria or promote
or promote social positive outcomes, such social positive outcomes, such as creating
as creating apprenticeships and jobs for paid apprenticeships and quality jobs for
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young disadvantaged persons, in particular young disadvantaged persons, in particular
young persons not in employment, young persons not in employment,
education or training, applying the social education or training, applying the social
award criteria in the Directives on public award criteria in the Directives on public
procurement when a project is procurement when a project is
implemented by a body subject to public implemented by a body subject to public
procurement, and paying the applicable procurement, and paying the applicable
wages as agreed through collective wages as agreed through collective
bargaining. bargaining.
__________________ __________________
L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21). L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).
Amendment 13

Recital 18
(18) The regulatory framework for the (18) The regulatory framework for the
implementation of the 2014-2020 implementation of the 2014-2020
programmes has been adapted over the past programmes has been adapted over the past
years to provide Member States and years to provide Member States and
regions with additional with additional regions with additional flexibility in terms
flexibility in terms of implementation rules of implementation rules and more liquidity
and more liquidity to tackle the effects of to tackle the effects of the COVID-19
the COVID-19 pandemic and the war or pandemic and the war of aggression
aggression against Ukraine. These against Ukraine. These measures,
measures, introduced at the end of the introduced at the end of the programming
programming period, require sufficient period, require sufficient time and
time and administrative resources to be administrative resources to be fully
fully exploited and implemented; also at a exploited and implemented; also at a time
time where Member States will focus where Member States will focus resources
resources on revising the 2021-2027 on revising the 2021-2027 operational
operational programmes linked to the programmes linked to the STEP objectives.
STEP objectives. With a view to alleviate With a view to alleviate the administrative
the administrative burden on programme burden on programme authorities and to
authorities and to prevent possible loss of prevent possible loss of funds at closure for
funds at closure for purely administrative purely administrative reasons, the
reasons, the deadlines for the deadlines for the administrative closure of
administrative closure of the programmes the programmes under the 2014-2020
under the 2014-2020 period should be period should be extended in Regulation
extended in Regulation (EU) No (EU) No 1303/201361 and Regulation (EU)
1303/201361 and Regulation (EU) No No 223/201462 . More specifically, the
223/201462 . More specifically, the deadline for the submission of that final
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deadline for the submission of that final payment application should be extended by
payment application should be extended by 12 months. Furthermore, the deadline for
12 months. Furthermore, the deadline for the submission of the closure documents
the submission of the closure documents should also be extended by 12 months.
should also be extended by 12 months. In Therefore, Member States may submit the
the context of this amendment, it is final payment application by June 30,
appropriate to clarify that distribution of 2025 and the final documents by 15
food and material bought until the end of February 2026, in order to give Member
the eligibility period (end-2023) may States sufficient time to finalise the
continue after that date. In order to ensure a process linked to the closure of projects.
sound implementation of the EU budget In the context of this amendment, it is
and respect for the payment ceilings, appropriate to clarify that distribution of
payments to be made in 2025 should be food and material bought until the end of
capped at 1 % of the financial the eligibility period (end-2023) may
appropriations from resources under the continue after that date. In order to ensure a
Multiannual Financial Framework per sound implementation of the EU budget
programme. Amounts due exceeding the and respect for the payment ceilings,
ceiling of 1% of programme appropriations payments to be made in 2025 should be
per fund for 2025 would not be paid in capped at 10% of the financial
2025 nor in subsequent years but only used appropriations from resources under the
for the clearance of pre-financing. Unused Multiannual Financial Framework per
amounts shall be decommitted in programme. Amounts due exceeding the
accordance with the general rules for ceiling of 10% of programme
decommitment at closure. appropriations per fund for 2025 would not
be paid in 2025 nor in subsequent years but
only used for the clearance of pre-
financing. Unused amounts shall be
decommitted in accordance with the
general rules for decommitment at closure.
In this context, a specific derogation
provision should be made for the
outermost regions.
__________________ __________________
p. 320). p. 320).
62Regulation (EU) 223/2014 on the Fund 62Regulation (EU) 223/2014 on the Fund
for European Aid on the Most Deprived for European Aid on the Most Deprived
(OJ L 72, 12.3.2014, p. 1). (OJ L 72, 12.3.2014, p. 1).
Amendment 14

Article 2 – title
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STEP objectives STEP objectives and eligibility
Amendment 15

1. To strengthen European 1. In order to strengthen European

sovereignty and security, accelerate the industrial sovereignty and security, to
Union’s green and digital transitions and accelerate the Union’s socially balanced
enhance its competitiveness, reduce its green and digital transitions and enhance
strategic dependencies, favour a level its competitiveness, cohesive development
playing field in the Single Market for of its regions, reduce its strategic
investments throughout the Union, and dependencies, ensure a level playing field
promote inclusive access to attractive, in the Single Market for investments
quality jobs, the Platform shall pursue the throughout the Union, especially of SMEs
following objectives: and mid-caps, to foster cross-border
participation, and to promote inclusive
access to attractive, quality jobs, reduce
brain drain, the Platform shall pursue the
following objectives:
Amendment 16

(a) supporting the development or (a) supporting the development or

manufacturing throughout the Union, or manufacturing of coherent and connected
safeguarding and strengthening the critical technologies or related services
respective value chains, of critical throughout the regions of the Union,
technologies in the following fields: including through establishment of new
production facilities or safeguarding and
strengthening the respective value chains,
of critical technologies in the following
fields, while respecting the “do no
significant harm” principle within the
meaning of Article 9 of Regulation (EU)
2021/1060:
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Amendment 17

(ba) preserving and strengthening

economic, social and territorial cohesion
and solidarity among Member States and
regions.
Amendment 18

(a) bring an innovative, cutting-edge (a) bring an innovative, cutting-edge

element with significant economic element with significant economic, digital,
potential to the Single Market; ecological and social potential to the
regions in the Single Market;
Amendment 19

(b) contribute to reduce or prevent (b) contribute to reduce or prevent

strategic dependencies of the Union. strategic dependencies of the Union, its
Member States and regions in the fields
referred to in the first paragraph.
Amendment 20

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4. The value chain for the 4. For the manufacturing of critical

manufacturing of critical technologies technologies referred to in the first
referred to in the first paragraph relates to paragraph, the supply chain covers final
final products, as well as key components, products, key components designed and
specific machinery and critical raw primarily used as direct input for the
materials primarily used for the production production of those products, and critical
of those products. raw materials primarily used for the
production of those products, critical
supply lines related to manufacturing, as
well as related services ranging from raw
material to end user.
Amendment 21

4a. Non-associated third-country

entities are not eligible for support under
this regulation, i.e. legal entity that is
established in a non-associated third
country or, where it is established in the
Union or in an associated country that
has its executive management structures
in a non-associated third country.
Amendment 22

4b. By way of derogation from the

preceding paragraph, a legal entity
established in the Union or in an
associated country and controlled by a
non-associated third country or a non-
associated third-country entity shall be
eligible to be a recipient or subcontractor
involved in an action only if guarantees
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approved by the Member State or the
associated country in which it is
established in accordance with its
national procedures are made available to
the Commission. Those guarantees may
refer to the legal entity’s executive
management structure established in the
Union or in an associated country. If
considered to be appropriate by the
Member State or associated country in
which the legal entity is established, those
guarantees may also refer to specific
governmental rights in the control over
the legal entity. The guarantees provide
assurances that participation in an action
of such a legal entity is not contrary to the
objectives set out in Article 2 of this
Regulation.
Amendment 23

Article 4 – title
Sovereignty Seal and cumulative funding Sovereignty Seal
Amendment 24


to any of the Platform objectives, provided to any of the Platform objectives, provided
the action has been assessed and complies the action has been presented by a Member
with the minimum quality requirements, in State, assessed and complies with the
particular eligibility, exclusion and award minimum quality requirements, in
under Regulation (EU) 2021/695, criteria, as well as conditionalities, as
Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Regulation defined in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060
(EU) 2021/697, Regulation (EU) 2021/522, and provided by a call for proposals under
or Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) Regulation (EU) 2021/695, Regulation
PE752782v02-00 166/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
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2019/856. (EU) 2021/694, Regulation (EU) 2021/697,
Regulation (EU) 2021/522, or Commission
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/856.
Amendment 25

(b) financing the action through (b) financing the action through
cumulative or combined funding with combined funding with another Union
another Union instrument in line with the instrument in line with the rules of the
rules of the applicable basic acts. applicable basic acts.
Amendment 26

7. The award of a Sovereignty Seal 7. The award of a Sovereignty Seal is

and provision of cumulative funding is without prejudice to applicable State aid
without prejudice to applicable State aid rules and to the Union’s international
rules and to the Union’s international obligations.
obligations.
Amendment 27

1. The Commission shall monitor the 1. The Commission shall monitor the
implementation of the Platform and implementation of the Platform and
measure the achievement of the Platform measure the achievement of the Platform
objectives set out in Article 2. The objectives set out in Article 2. The
monitoring of implementation shall be monitoring of implementation shall be
targeted and proportionate to the activities targeted and proportionate to the activities
carried out under the Platform. carried out under the Platform, using
existing reporting channels and data, the
monitoring of which shall be further
RR\1287923EN.docx 167/193 PE752782v02-00
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rationalised.
Amendment 28

3. The Commission shall report on the 3. The Commission shall report

expenditure financed by the Platform. It annually on the expenditure financed by
shall, as appropriate, report on the the Platform. It shall, as appropriate, report
achievements related to each of the specific on the achievements related to each of the
Platform objectives. specific Platform objectives and in
particular on objective set out in Art. 2(1)
point (ba) to ensure that the
implementation of the Platform does not
harm cohesion within the EU.
Amendment 29

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) practical guidelines to facilitate

access to programmes and funds;
Amendment 30

2. The annual report shall include 2. The annual report shall include
consolidated information on the progress consolidated information on the progress
made in implementing the Platform made in implementing the Platform
objectives under each of the programmes objectives under each of the programmes
and funds. and funds. It shall include qualitative and
quantitative information on how the
objectives of the Article 174 TFEU are
being met, as well as a comprehensive and
transparent analysis on the usage of
PE752782v02-00 168/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
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funds.
Amendment 31

(ba) the number of approved projects

by Member State, as well as the amount
dedicated to them.
Amendment 32

2. The evaluation report shall, in 2. The evaluation report shall provide

particular, assess to which extent the an overview of the Member States and
objectives have been achieved, the their regions where the programmes have
efficiency of the use of the resources and been amended, including information on
the European added value. It shall also relevant aspects of the partnership
consider the continued relevance of all principle as set out in Article ... of
objectives and actions, in view of their Regulation (EU) ..../... and, in particular,
potential upscaling. assess to which extent the objectives have
been achieved, the efficiency of the use of
the resources and the European added
value, and contribution to the goals of the
Article 174 TFEU. It shall also consider
the continued relevance of all STEP
objectives and actions, in view of their
potential upscaling. It shall be
accompanied by a thorough economic,
social and environmental assessment of
differentiated territorial impacts and
effects for cohesion in the implementation
of the Platform.
Amendment 33

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Article 3 – paragraph 1a – subparagraph 1
The resources under the specific objective The resources under the specific objective
referred to in Article 3(1), first referred to in Article 3(1), first
subparagraph, points (a)(vi) and (b)(ix) subparagraph, points (a)(vi) and (b)(ix)
shall be programmed under dedicated shall be programmed under dedicated
priorities corresponding to the respective priorities corresponding to the respective
policy objective. policy objective and shall be limited to a
maximum of 20 % of the initial allocation
of the ERDF.
Amendment 34

The Commission shall pay 30 % of the The Commission shall pay 30 % of the
ERDF allocation to that priority as set out ERDF allocation to the priority
in the decision approving the programme contributing to the STEP objectives
amendment as exceptional one-off pre- referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...
financing in addition to the yearly pre- [STEP Regulation] as set out in the
financing for the programme provided for decision approving the programme
in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) amendment as exceptional one-off pre-
2021/1060 or in Article 51(2), (3) and (4) financing in addition to the yearly pre-
of Regulation (EU) 2021/1059. The financing for the programme provided for
exceptional pre-financing shall be paid by in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU)
31 December 2024, provided the 2021/1060 or in Article 51(2), (3) and (4)
Commission has adopted the decision of Regulation (EU) 2021/1059. The
approving the programme amendment by exceptional pre-financing shall be paid by
31 October 2024. 31 December 2024, provided the
Commission has adopted the decision
approving the programme amendment by
31 October 2024.
Amendment 35

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[STEP Regulation] may be increased up
to 100 %.
Amendment 36

Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e
when they contribute to the specific when they contribute to the STEP
objective under PO 1 set out in Article objectives referred to in Article 2 of
3(1), first subparagraph, point (a)(vi) or to Regulation .../... [STEP Regulation] under
the specific objective under PO 2 set out in PO 1 or under the specific objective under
point (b)(ix) of that subparagraph, in less PO 2 in less developed and transition
developed and transition regions, as well as regions, as well as more developed regions
more developed regions in Member States in Member States whose average GDP per
whose average GDP per capita is below the capita is below the EU average of the EU-
EU average of the EU-27 measured in 27 measured in purchasing power
purchasing power standards (PPS) and standards (PPS) and calculated on the basis
calculated on the basis of Union figures for of Union figures for the period 2015-2017,
the period 2015-2017. while preserving a focus on the SMEs and
mid-caps.
Amendment 37

3a. In order to contribute to the specific 3a. In order to contribute to the specific
RR\1287923EN.docx 171/193 PE752782v02-00
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objectives under PO 1 set out in Article objectives under PO 1 set out in Article
3(1), first subparagraph, point (a)(vi) and 3(1) and under PO 2 set out in Article 3(2),
under PO 2 set out in point (b)(ix) of that the ERDF shall also support training, life-
subparagraph, the ERDF shall also long learning, reskilling and education
support training, life-long learning, activities.
reskilling and education activities.
Amendment 38

In accordance with the second In accordance with the second

subparagraph of Article 5(1) of Regulation subparagraph of Article 5(1) of Regulation
(EU) 2021/1060, the JTF shall contribute (EU) 2021/1060, the JTF shall contribute
to the specific objective of enabling to the specific objective of enabling
regions and people to address the social, regions and people to address the social,
employment, economic and environmental employment, economic and environmental
impacts of the transition towards the impacts of the transition towards the
Union’s 2030 targets for energy and Union’s 2030 targets for energy and
climate and a climate-neutral economy of climate and a climate-neutral economy of
the Union by 2050, based on the Paris the Union by 2050, based on the Paris
Agreement. The JTF may also support Agreement. The JTF may also support
objective referred to in Article 2(1), point objective referred to in Article 2(1), point
(a)(ii) of Regulation .../... [STEP (a)(ii) and point (b) of Regulation .../...
Regulation]. [STEP Regulation].
Amendment 39

The JTF may also support productive The JTF also supports productive
investments in enterprises other than investments in enterprises, with a focus on
SMEs contributing to the STEP objectives the SMEs and mid-caps, contributing to
referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...65 the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2
[STEPRegulation]. That support may be of Regulation .../...65 [STEPRegulation].
PE752782v02-00 172/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
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provided irrespective of whether the gap That support may be provided irrespective
analysis was carried out in accordance with of whether the gap analysis was carried out
Article 11(2)(h) and irrespective of its in accordance with Article 11(2)(h) and
outcome. Such investments shall only be irrespective of its outcome. Such
eligible where they do not lead to investments shall only be eligible where
relocation as defined in point (27) of they do not lead to relocation as defined in
Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. point (27) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU)
The provision of such support shall not 2021/1060, where apprenticeships and
require a revision of the territorial just jobs, in particular for young and
transition plan where that revision would disadvantaged persons, or young persons
be exclusively linked to the gap analysis. not in employment, education or training
for new skills are key part of the project.
The provision of such support shall not
require a revision of the territorial just
transition plan.
__________________ __________________
Amendment 40

[STEP Regulation] may be increased up to
100 %.
Amendment 41

Article 2 – point 45
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(45) ‘Seal of Excellence’ means the (45) ‘Seal of Excellence’ means the
quality label attributed by the Commission quality label attributed by the Commission
in respect of a proposal, which shows that in respect of a proposal, which shows that
the proposal which has been assessed in a the proposal which has been assessed in a
call for proposals under a Union instrument call for proposals under a Union instrument
is deemed to comply with the minimum could not be funded due to lack of budget
quality requirements of that Union available for that call for proposals, and
instrument, but could not be funded due to might receive support from other Union or
lack of budget available for that call for national sources of funding, if it complies
proposals, and might receive support from with respective criteria and conditions; or
other Union or national sources of funding; the ‘Sovereignty Seal’ referred to in Article
or the ‘Sovereignty Seal’ referred to in 4 of Regulation .../...67 [STEP Regulation].’
Article 4 of Regulation .../...67 [STEP
Regulation].
__________________ __________________
Amendment 42

Annex 1 – table 1
Coefficient for the

Coefficient for the
calculation of
calculation of
INTERVENTION FIELD support to
support to climate
environmental
change objectives
objectives

development of
145a skills or access to
employment in
deep and digital
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technologies,
biotechnologies.

development of
skills or access to
145b
employment in
clean
technologies.
Productive 100% 40%

investments in
large enterprises
188
linked primarily to
clean
technologies.
189 Productive 100% 40%

investments in
SMEs linked
primarily to clean
technologies.
investments in
large enterprises
linked primarily to
biotechnologies.
investments in
SMEs linked
primarily to
biotechnologies.
investments in
large enterprises
linked primarily to
deep and digital
technologies.
investments in
SMEs linked
primarily to deep
and digital
technologies.
RR\1287923EN.docx 175/193 PE752782v02-00
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Amendment
Coefficient for the

Coefficient for the
calculation of
calculation of
INTERVENTION FIELD support to
support to climate
environmental
change objectives
objectives
development of
skills or access to
employment in
deep and digital
technologies,
biotechnologies
145a
(contributing to
the STEP
objectives of
Article 2 of
Regulation ... /. ..
[STEP
Regulation/).
development of
skills or access to
employment in
clean technologies
(contributing to
145b
the STEP
objectives of
Article 2 of
[STEP
Regulation/).
Productive 100% 40%

investments in
large enterprises
linked primarily to
clean technologies
(contributing to
188
the STEP
objectives of
Article 2 of
[STEP
Regulation/).
PE752782v02-00 176/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
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investments in
SMEs linked
primarily to clean
technologies.
investments in
large enterprises
linked primarily to
biotechnologies
(contributing to
the STEP
objectives of
Article 2 of
[STEP
Regulation/).
investments in
SMEs linked
primarily to
biotechnologies
(contributing to
the STEP
objectives of
Article 2 of
[STEP
Regulation/).
investments in
large enterprises
linked primarily to
deep and digital
technologies
(contributing to
the STEP
objectives of
Article 2 of
[STEP
Regulation/).
investments in
SMEs linked
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primarily to deep
and digital
technologies
(contributing to
the STEP
objectives of
Article 2 of
[STEP
Regulation/).
Amendment 43

Annex 1 – table 6
11 Contributing to 0% 0%
skills and jobs in
deep and digital
technologies,
clean
technologies,
biotechnologies
Amendment
11 Contributing to 0% 0%
skills and jobs in
deep and digital
technologies,
clean
technologies,
biotechnologies
(contributing to
the STEP
objectives in
PE752782v02-00 178/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
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Article 2 of
Regulation ... /.
..[STEP
Regulation]).
Amendment 44

Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point -1 (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 2 – point 29
Present text Amendment
(-1) In Article 2, paragraph (29) is

(29) 'accounting year', means, for the (29) 'accounting year', means, for the
purposes of Part Three and Part Four, the purposes of Part Three and Part Four, the
period from 1 July to 30 June, except for period from 1 July to 30 June, except for
the first accounting year of the the first accounting year of the
programming period, in respect of which it programming period, in respect of which it
means the period from the start date for means the period from the start date for
eligibility of expenditure until 30 June eligibility of expenditure until 30 June
2015. The final accounting year shall be 2015. The final accounting year shall be
from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024; from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025;
(https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02013R1303-
20230301)
Amendment 45

Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point -1 a (new)
(-1a) In Article 24 the following

paragraph (1a) is inserted:
1a. By way of derogation from Article
60(1) and the first and fourth
subparagraphs of Article 120(3), a co-
financing rate of up to 100 % may be
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applied to expenditure declared in the
final accounting year for one or more
priority axes in a programme supported
by the ERDF, the ESF or the Cohesion
Fund. By way of derogation from Article
30(1) and (2) and Article 96(10), the
application of the co-financing rate of up
to 100 % shall not require a Commission
decision approving a programme
amendment. The Member State shall
notify the revised financial tables to the
Commission following approval by the
monitoring committee. The co-financing
rate of up to 100 % shall apply only if the
financial tables are notified to the
Commission before the submission of the
final application for an interim payment
for the final accounting year in
accordance with Article 135(2).
Amendment 46

Amounts from resources other than Amounts from resources other than
REACT-EU reimbursed by the REACT-EU reimbursed by the
Commission as interim payments in 2025 Commission as interim payments in 2025
shall not exceed 1 % of the total financial shall not exceed 10 % of the total financial
concerned by Fund, REACT-EU resources concerned by Fund, REACT-EU resources
excluded. Amounts that would be due to be excluded. Amounts that would be due to be
paid by the Commission in 2025 exceeding paid by the Commission in 2025 exceeding
this percentage shall not be paid and shall this percentage shall not be paid and shall
be used exclusively for the clearing of pre- be used exclusively for the clearing of pre-
financing at closure. financing at closure.
Amendment 47

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(1a) In Article 135 the following

paragraph 6a is added:
6a. For the outermost regions as
defined in Article 349 TFEU, by way of
derogation from paragraph 2 the deadline
for the submission of the final application
for an interim payment for the final
accounting year shall be 30 June 2025.
The last application for interim payment
submitted by 31 December 2025 shall be
deemed to be the final application for an
interim payment for the final accounting
year. Amounts from resources other than
REACT-EU reimbursed by the
Commission as interim payments in 2025
shall not exceed 15 % of the total
financial appropriations to the
programme concerned by Fund, REACT-
EU resources excluded. Amounts that
would be due to be paid by the
Commission in 2025 exceeding this
percentage shall not be paid and shall be
used exclusively for the clearing of pre-
financing at closure.
Amendment 48

By way of derogation from the deadline set By way of derogation from the deadline set
out in the first subparagraph, Member out in the first subparagraph, Member
States may submit the documents referred States may submit the final
to under points (a), (b) and (c) for the final implementation report for the operational
accounting year by 15 February 2026. programme according to Article 141 and
the documents referred to under points (a),
(b) and (c) for the final accounting year by
15 February 2026.
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Amendment 49

Present text Amendment
(2a) In Article 141, the first paragraph

is replaced by the following:
1. In addition to the documents referred to 1. In addition to the documents referred to
in Article 138, for the final accounting year the Article 138, for the final accounting
from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, Member year from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025,
States shall submit a final implementation Member States shall submit a final
report for the operational programme or the implementation report for the operational
last annual implementation report for the programme or the last annual
operational programme supported by the implementation report for the operational
EMFF. programme supported by the EMFF.
(https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02013R1303-
20230301#tocId198)
Amendment 50

Amounts reimbursed by the Commission Amounts reimbursed by the Commission

as interim payments in 2025 shall not as interim payments in 2025 shall not
exceed 1 % of the total financial exceed 15 % of the total financial
concerned. Amounts that would be due to concerned. Amounts that would be due to
be paid by the Commission in 2025 be paid by the Commission in 2025
exceeding this percentage shall not be paid exceeding this percentage shall not be paid
and shall be used exclusively for the and shall be used exclusively for the
clearing of pre-financing at closure.’ clearing of pre-financing at closure.’
PE752782v02-00 182/193 RR\1287923EN.docx
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(EU) 2021/1056, (EU) 2021/1057, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No
223/2014, (EU) 2021/1060, (EU) 2021/523, (EU) 2021/695, (EU)
2021/697 and (EU) 2021/241

Opinion by REGI
in plenary
Rapporteur for the opinion Rovana Plumb



–: 5
0: 4
Members present for the final vote Matteo Adinolfi, François Alfonsi, Pascal Arimont, Adrian-Dragoş
Benea, Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, Erik Bergkvist, Stéphane Bijoux,
Franc Bogovič, Vlad-Marius Botoş, Rosa D’Amato, Mircea-Gheorghe
Hava, Krzysztof Hetman, Manolis Kefalogiannis, Ondřej Knotek,
Elżbieta Kruk, Cristina Maestre Martín De Almagro, Nora Mebarek,
Alin Mituța, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Andżelika Anna Możdżanowska,
Denis Nesci, Niklas Nienass, Younous Omarjee, Alessandro Panza,
Marcos Ros Sempere, André Rougé, Susana Solís Pérez, Irène Tolleret
Substitutes present for the final vote Daniel Buda, Carlos Coelho, Ciarán Cuffe, Hannes Heide, Rovana
Plumb, Stanislav Polčák, Peter Pollák, Bronis Ropė
Substitutes under Rule 209(7) present Lina Gálvez Muñoz, Elsi Katainen, Maite Pagazaurtundúa
for the final vote
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24 +
ECR Elżbieta Kruk, Andżelika Anna Możdżanowska, Denis Nesci
PPE Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, Franc Bogovič, Daniel Buda, Carlos Coelho, Mircea-Gheorghe Hava, Krzysztof
Hetman, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Peter Pollák
Renew Vlad-Marius Botoş, Elsi Katainen, Alin Mituța, Susana Solís Pérez, Irène Tolleret
S&D Adrian-Dragoş Benea, Erik Bergkvist, Hannes Heide, Cristina Maestre Martín De Almagro, Nora Mebarek,
Rovana Plumb, Marcos Ros Sempere
The Left Younous Omarjee
5 -
Verts/ALE François Alfonsi, Ciarán Cuffe, Rosa D'Amato, Niklas Nienass, Bronis Ropė
4 0
ID Matteo Adinolfi, Alessandro Panza, André Rougé
Renew Ondřej Knotek
Key to symbols:
+ : in favour
- : against
0 : abstention
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20.8.2023
LETTER OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Mr Cristian-Silviu Buşoi
Chair
Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
BRUSSELS
Subject: Opinion on Establishing the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’)
and amending Directive 2003/87/EC, Regulations (EU) 2021/1058, (EU)
2021/1056, (EU) 2021/1057, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU)
2021/1060, (EU) 2021/523, (EU) 2021/695, (EU) 2021/697 and (EU) 2021/241
(COM(2023)0335 – 2023/0199(COD) –C9-0209/2023))
Dear Chair,
Under the procedure referred to above, the Committee on Foreign Affairs has been asked to
submit an opinion to your Committee. During the meeting of 18 July 2023, the Coordinators
of the Committee on Foreign Affairs decided to send the opinion to the Subcommittee on
Security and Defence. The Subcommittee on Security and Defence decided via a written
procedure on 14 July 2023 to send the opinion in the form of a letter.
The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted the opinion by Nathalie Loiseau, SEDE Chair as
rapporteur at its meeting of 20 September 20231 and called on the Committees responsible to
incorporate the following suggestions into its report.
Yours sincerely,
David McAllister
SUGGESTIONS
Rapid geopolitical changes and a constantly evolving threat landscape create heightened risks
for the Union’s security. Before February 2022, Europe was already facing the most complex
1 The following were present for the vote: The following were present for the final vote: Alviina Alametsä, Anna Bonfrisco, Reinhard Bütikofer, Alexander
Alexandrov Yordanov, Traian Băsescu, Vladimír Bilčík, Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz, Katalin Cseh, Angel Dzhambazki, Gheorghe Falcă, Michael
Gahler, Sunčana Glavak, Giorgos Georgiou, Raphaël Glucksmann, Klemen Grošelj, Bernard Guetta, Dietmar Köster, Andrey Kovatchev, Andrius
Kubilius, Georgios Kyrtsos, David Lega, Miriam Lexmann, Nathalie Loiseau, Leopoldo López Gil, Antonio López-Istúriz White, David McAllister,
Vangelis Meimarakis, Dace Melbārde, Thierry Mariani, Marisa Matias, Sven Mikser, Alessandra Moretti, Javier Nart, Matjaž Nemec, Jan-Christoph
Oetjen, Carina Ohlsson, Juozas Olekas, Demetris Papadakis, Kostas Papadakis, Nikos Papandreou, Tonino Picula, Manu Pineda, Hermann Tertsch,
Thijs Reuten, Isabel Santos, Mounir Satouri, Jordi Solé, Andreas Schieder, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Viola von Cramon-Taubadel, Hilde Vautmans,
Anders Vistisen, Thomas Waitz, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Javier Zarzalejos, Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez, Željana Zovko, Mick Wallace
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combination of both military and non-military threats since the end of the Cold War. With
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine security and defence is now clearly one of the
most challenging and urgent priorities for the Union and our citizens.
While the EU has already put forward several initiatives to support Member States and
industry to identify priorities, Russia’s war against Ukraine has shown a clear need for a more
structured approach to developing defence capabilities and meet the investment demands of
Europe’s industries. This need is especially evident for the European defence industry, which
has also benefitted from recent initiatives in support of Member States identifying defence
capability priorities (EDIRPA) and industries capacity to step-up ammunition production
(ASAP). While these initiatives are welcome, they are admittedly of small magnitude in terms
of budget.
The time has come to take these efforts to the next level to increase Europe’s open strategic
autonomy, including by mobilising the necessary funding for the development of future
capabilities that are needed for the longer-term security of Europe. In light of the security
challenges brought by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, we should adapt
our defence industry to the realities of the return of high-intensity conflict on our continent.
There is a need to look at longer-term solutions for European industry, to make sure it is
strengthened in order to adapt to future risks, and prevent European companies from
relocating overseas in search of needed structured investments.
This backdrop demonstrates the urgency to strengthen EU sovereignty now. It is regrettable

that there has been no proposal to date for a dedicated EU Sovereignty Fund to address
critical dependencies, after repeated calls by the Parliament. AFET/SEDE believe the STEP
regulation is a welcome initiative, but believes there is a clear and growing need for more and
structured funding to reinforce European defence.
The European Defence Fund (EDF), though regrettably still underfinanced, is widely
considered a success and has demonstrated the added value of EU-level action in European
defence. Considering the allocation of EDF funds has also been used to fund new initiatives
like ASAP and IRIS2, a top-up of EUR 1.5 billion to the fund is therefore a minimum
welcome proposal, but it is still far from the EUR 13 billion originally requested by the
Parliament. A war in Europe should be a wake-up call that we need a structured and
sustainable response now.
For that reason, AFET/SEDE focusses the main amendments on reinstating the European
Parliament’s original budget as well as on some additional amendments to take into account
the specificity of the defence sector, in particular when it comes to security of information.
AFET/SEDE therefore propose to amend the top-up of the EDF, and call for an additional
EUR 2.5 billion instead of the EUR 1.5 billion as suggested in the STEP proposal.
1. The above mentioned elements should be properly reflected in Article 3 by amending

1(d) as follows:
“(d) An amount of EUR 2 500 000 000 in current prices of the financial envelope
refered to in Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/697.”
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2. In addition, Article 18 should be amended as follows
(a) Paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:
“1. In accordance with Article 12(1) of Regulation 2021/695, the financial

envelope for the implementation of the Fund for the period from 1 January 2021 to
31 December 2027 shall be EUR 10 453 000 000 in current prices.”
(b) Paragraph 2, points (a) and (b) are replaced by the following:
“(a) EUR 3 484 000 000 in current prices for research actions;
(b) EUR 6 969 000 000 in current prices for development actions.”
3. Article 6 should include the following new paragraph:
“(new paragraph) 5. For projects related to security and defence, displaying of

information should only be done on a case-by-case basis, if deemed necessary by the
project or the Commission, taking into consideration the confidentiality of security
of information in defence matters.”
4. In recital 4, the proposal should clarify the sensitivity and dangers of investing in
biotech through defence funds, considering that technology bears a considerable bio-
weapon proliferation risk.
“(4) ... Biotechnology should be considered ... such as for waste disposal, and
biomanufacturing. Special attention should be paid to investments in biotech
through defence funds, considering the sensitivity and dangers of biotech in bio-
weapon proliferation and the need to uphold international law. The Commission may
issue guidance...”
5. At the end of recital 8, the proposal should clarify that the application of the
Sovereignty Seal should take into account the peculiarities of security and defence
when developing technologies, such as security of information.
“(8) ... notably by facilitating cumulative or combined funding form several Union
instruments. The application of the Sovereignty Seal should take into account the
specificity of security and defence when developing technologies, such as security of
information.”
6. In recital 10, the proposal should include the following new sentence:
“(10) ... Moreover, the Sovereignty Portal should help increase the visibility for STEP
investments towards investors, taking into account security of information when
related to security and defence, by listing projects the projects that have been
awarded a Sovereignty Seal.”
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6.9.2023
LETTER OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Mr Johan Van Overtveldt,

Chair
Committee on Budgets
Mr Cristian-Silviu Buşoi
Chair
Committee on the on Industry, Research and Energy
IPOL-COM-AGRI D(2023) 30955
Subject: Opinion on Establishing the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’)
and amending Directive 2003/87/EC, Regulations (EU) 2021/1058, (EU)
2021/1056, (EU) 2021/1057, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU)
2021/1060, (EU) 2021/523, (EU) 2021/695, (EU) 2021/697 and (EU) 2021/241
(COM 2023/0335 – 2023/0199(COD))
Dear Chairs,
At their meeting of 28 June 2023, AGRI Coordinators decided to issue an opinion in the form
of a letter to your respective Committees, the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on
Industry, Research and Energy, as lead committees on the following Commission proposal:
European Commission Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council
establishing the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) and amending Directive
2003/87/EC, Regulations (EU) 2021/1058, (EU) 2021/1056, (EU) 2021/1057, (EU) No
1303/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) 2021/1060, (EU) 2021/523, (EU) 2021/695, (EU)
2021/697 and (EU) 2021/241 (2023/0199 (COD)).
The AGRI Committee acknowledges the European Commission proposal on STEP of 20 June
2023, which aims to support European leadership on critical and emerging strategic
technologies.
The AGRI Committee welcomes the proposal’s objective to enhance European competitiveness
and resilience in strategic sectors while reducing dependencies on the EU economy.
Furthermore, the AGRI Committee recognises the urgent need to provide immediate and
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targeted support for the development and manufacturing of critical technologies, as well as
safeguarding and strengthening value chains. This is particularly important for ensuring a
competitive and productive agriculture sector and for fostering dynamic rural development,
among other matters.
With regard to the availability of resources for funding programmes and actions, the AGRI
Committee asks that the responsible Committees call on the European Commission to identify
additional Union funding, rather than reallocating it from other existing programmes to
contribute to STEP objectives.
Therefore, the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform should identify resources within the
existing Union budget to finance programmes, initiatives, and funds in relevant sectors with
new money.
As AGRI committee Chair, I would like to ask the BUDG and ITRE committees, the
responsible committees, to take due account of the suggestions mentioned in this opinion in the
form of a letter, pursuant to Rule 56, in their report on the STEP proposal.
Yours sincerely,
Norbert Lins
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PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

(EU) 2021/1056, (EU) 2021/1057, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No
223/2014, (EU) 2021/1060, (EU) 2021/523, (EU) 2021/695, (EU)
2021/697 and (EU) 2021/241
Date submitted to Parliament 21.6.2023

Committees asked for opinions AFET ECON EMPL ENVI

Date announced in plenary 13.7.2023 13.7.2023 13.7.2023 13.7.2023
REGI AGRI
13.7.2023 13.7.2023
Associated committees ENVI EMPL ECON REGI
Date announced in plenary 13.7.2023 13.7.2023 13.7.2023 13.7.2023
Rapporteurs José Manuel Christian Ehler

Date appointed Fernandes 17.7.2023
17.7.2023


–: 6
0: 15
Members present for the final vote Rasmus Andresen, Pietro Bartolo, Nicola Beer, Hildegard Bentele, Tom
Berendsen, Maria da Graça Carvalho, David Cormand, Josianne
Cutajar, Nicola Danti, Pascal Durand, Christian Ehler, José Manuel
Fernandes, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, Jens Geier, Vlad Gheorghe,
Nicolás González Casares, Niclas Herbst, Hervé Juvin, Andrius
Kubilius, Janusz Lewandowski, Margarida Marques, Eva Maydell,
Iskra Mihaylova, Siegfried Mureşan, Dan Nica, Niklas Nienass, Lefteris
Nikolaou-Alavanos, Johan Nissinen, Mikuláš Peksa, Clara Ponsatí
Obiols, Manuela Ripa, Robert Roos, Bogdan Rzońca, Nils Ušakovs,
Pernille Weiss, Carlos Zorrinho
Substitutes present for the final vote Marek Paweł Balt, Ana Collado Jiménez, Jakop G. Dalunde, Matthias
Ecke, Jonás Fernández, Henrike Hahn, Alicia Homs Ginel, Othmar
Karas, Marian-Jean Marinescu, Younous Omarjee, Mauri Pekkarinen,
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Eva Maria Poptcheva, Marcos Ros Sempere, Emma Wiesner, Angelika
Winzig
Substitutes under Rule 209(7) present João Albuquerque, Petras Auštrevičius, Gilles Boyer, Isabel García
for the final vote Muñoz, Ska Keller, Katrin Langensiepen, Miriam Lexmann, Tilly Metz,
Hannah Neumann, Rovana Plumb, Domènec Ruiz Devesa, Helmut
Scholz, Salima Yenbou
Date tabled 11.10.2023
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FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE
43 +
PPE Hildegard Bentele, Tom Berendsen, Maria da Graça Carvalho, Ana Collado Jiménez, Christian Ehler, José
Manuel Fernandes, Niclas Herbst, Othmar Karas, Andrius Kubilius, Janusz Lewandowski, Miriam Lexmann,
Eva Maydell, Siegfried Mureşan, Pernille Weiss, Angelika Winzig
Renew Petras Auštrevičius, Nicola Beer, Gilles Boyer, Nicola Danti, Vlad Gheorghe, Iskra Mihaylova, Mauri
Pekkarinen, Eva Maria Poptcheva, Salima Yenbou
S&D João Albuquerque, Marek Paweł Balt, Pietro Bartolo, Josianne Cutajar, Pascal Durand, Matthias Ecke, Jonás
Fernández, Isabel García Muñoz, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, Jens Geier, Nicolás González Casares, Alicia
Homs Ginel, Margarida Marques, Dan Nica, Rovana Plumb, Marcos Ros Sempere, Domènec Ruiz Devesa,
Nils Ušakovs, Carlos Zorrinho
6 -
ECR Johan Nissinen, Robert Roos
NI Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos
PPE Marian-Jean Marinescu
The Left Younous Omarjee, Helmut Scholz
15 0
ECR Bogdan Rzońca
NI Hervé Juvin, Clara Ponsatí Obiols
Renew Emma Wiesner
Verts/ALE Rasmus Andresen, David Cormand, Jakop G. Dalunde, Henrike Hahn, Ska Keller, Katrin Langensiepen, Tilly
Metz, Hannah Neumann, Niklas Nienass, Mikuláš Peksa, Manuela Ripa
Key to symbols:
+ : in favour
- : against
0 : abstention
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Rapporteur: José Manuel Fernandes, Christian Ehler(Joint committee

Rapporteurs for the opinions of associated committees pursuant to Rule 57 of

Tiemo Wölken, Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food

Symbols for procedures

Amendments to a draft act

Deletions are indicated in bold italics in the left-hand column. Replacements

Amendments by Parliament in the form of a consolidated text

PE752782v02-00 2/193 RR\1287923EN.docx

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION .................................5

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC AND MONETARY AFFAIRS ..........90

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS ..........122

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT.....................146

LETTER OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS ...............................................185

LETTER OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE .................................................................191

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE ..................................193

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(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council

– having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure,

1. Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

2. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces,

Proposal for a regulation

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Proposal for a regulation

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment

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Proposal for a regulation

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment

(2a) The Single Market has brought

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Text proposed by the Commission Amendment

Proposal for a regulation

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment

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Proposal for a regulation

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment

(5) Strengthening the manufacturing (5) Strengthening the manufacturing

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Proposal for a regulation

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment

(6) The scale of investments needed (6) Significant investments will be

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Proposal for a regulation

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment

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Proposal for a regulation

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment

(8) A Sovereignty Seal should be (8) A Sovereignty Seal should be

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Proposal for a regulation

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment

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Proposal for a regulation

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment

(9a) To ensure open strategic