Regulation (EU) 2020/559

What it is

to introduce specific measures in favour of the poorest to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. PROPOSED ACT: Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council. ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the European Parliament decides in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure on an equal footing with the Council. BACKGROUND: the crisis caused by the COVID 19 epidemic is increasing the risks for the most vulnerable, in particular the most deprived, and may in particular disrupt the support provided by the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD). The European Parliament adopted a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 223/2014 as regards the introduction of specific measures for addressing the COVID-19 crisis. The proposal aims to introduce amendments to the Regulation on the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) in order to minimise the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the most deprived EU citizens. The European Parliament adopted its position at first reading under the ordinary legislative procedure by means of an urgent procedure. The amending Regulation: introduce the possibility, on an exceptional basis, to request for a co-financing rate of 100 % to be applied for the accounting year 2020 to 2021; provide for sufficient flexibility for Member States to adjust their support schemes to the current context based on consultations with partner organisations, including by allowing alternative schemes of delivery, such as through vouchers or cards in electronic or other form, and by allowing Member States to amend certain elements of the operational programme without requiring the adoption of a Commission decision; provides for costs to be eligible in cases where the supply of food or basic material assistance is delayed, or where operations are suspended or not fully implemented; the cost of purchasing material and personal protective equipment for partner organisations shall be considered as an eligible cost; provides for specific measures that reduce the administrative burden on authorities and provide flexibility regarding compliance with certain legislative requirements, in particular those relating to monitoring, control and audit. In order to be able to safely assist the most vulnerable people, it shall be possible to provide the necessary protective materials and equipment to partner organisations outside the technical assistance budget. Expenditure for operations supported under those measures shall be eligible as of 1 February 2020. The proposal is part of the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative+ (CRII+) package, which also includes specific measures aimed at 1) introducing more flexibility in the use of EU funds and 2) mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the fisheries and aquaculture sector .

Frequently asked