Chair of Permanent of COREPER I ambassador Arūnas Vinčiūnas noted the importance of completing the inter-institutional negotiations regarding the European Fund for aid to the most deprived persons as soon as possible, so that the Fund can start functioning in time as of January 2014.
"We all understand the urgency of our decisions, so that the Fund can be operational in due time. It is essential to ensure continuity to the support of the most deprived and so the most vulnerable people of our societies. The timely adoption of this Regulation is also much awaited by the partner organizations - NGOs and charity organisations providing the assistance for those in need. When the Food distribution program for the most deprived ends on 31st December, 2013, the support should not be interrupted, especially in winter time."
Taking into account the diversity of social systems within the EU, the Council suggests to broaden the scope of the Fund, so it would finance not only food and basic goods but also social inclusion activities, and it is up to each Member State to define the most deprived persons. The Council foresees mandatory participation of all Member States in the Fund.
In the period of 7 years (2014-2020) almost 3,5 billion euros will be distributed through the Fund.
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Background:
European Commission initiated the Proposal of this Regulation in October, 2012. The EMPL Committee of the European Parliament voted its position on this Proposal 20 May, 2013. The vote of the European Parliament took place on 12 June 2013. The Fund will be financed from the EU Structural Funds. After agreeing on FEAD Regulation the horizontal decisions (Common Provision Regulation(CPR)) on these funds can be finalised. The Multiannual Financial Framework (2014-2020) foresees a mandatory (of 2,5 billion) and a voluntary part (of 1 billion) funding to the FEAD.
The first informal trilogue is scheduled for 16 October, the co-legislators will seek to reach a first reading agreement.
