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Cross-border cooperation, economic and social cohesion: European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC)

2004/0168(COD)

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Jan OLBRYCHT (EPP-ED, PL) making some amendments to the Commissions proposals. The resolution was adopted with 662 votes in favour, 31 against and 15 abstentions.

Parliament changed the name of the grouping from "European grouping of cross-border cooperation (EGCC)" to "European grouping of territorial cohesion (EGTC)". It stated that the EGTC should support European territorial co-operation in three areas: cross-border, inter-regional or trans-national.

Amendments proposed by the MEPs specify that these conventions will be transferred to the European Commission and to the Committee of the Regions and that the Commission will kept a public register of all conventions relative to EGCCs.

The EGTC will be subject to the law governing the operation of associations of the State designated by its members.

In addition to Member States and/or local public bodies, the EGTC may be made up of other bodies acting on a not-for-profit basis, in which regional/local authorities and Member States participate.

Agreements on border, interregional or supranational cooperation between Member States and/or regional and local authorities may continue to be applied.

Parliament added an operative clause stating that the competent authority of the Member State whose law is applicable must have a right of supervision over the EGTC's management of public funds, both national and Community. The competent authority of the Member State whose law is applicable shall inform the other Member States affected by the convention of the results of any checks carried out.

Parliament specified that no financial liability will fall on Member States that are not members of the EGTC, even though their regional, local or public bodies are participating as members. This, however, is without prejudice to the financial responsibility of Member States in relation to Community funds operated by the EGTC.

Finally, where border regions have experienced prolonged periods of civil or military conflict, the EGTC may also have the objective of promoting reconciliation and assisting with peace-building programmes.