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:
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.