Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, in a written answer to a parliamentary question, clarified that the Commission assesses Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) milestones and targets strictly against the specific requirements defined in each national plan's Council Implementing Decision, rather than evaluating broader environmental outcomes. This approach applies equally to low-emission zone investments, where the milestone is considered fulfilled if the defined elements—such as physical investments or enabling legislation—are completed, regardless of progress on other linked milestones.
The answer, responding to a question by S&D MEP Sandra Gómez López, confirms that RRF funds are released only after satisfactory fulfilment of relevant milestones and targets. Dombrovskis noted that Article 24(6) of the RRF Regulation allows for full or partial suspension of financial contributions if milestones are not met. He also reminded that Member States remain responsible for ensuring RRF measures comply with EU and national law, including environmental legislation.
No concrete proposals or new commitments The answer contains no numerical targets, deadlines, or new structures. It reiterates existing procedures without announcing any additional verification mechanisms or consequences beyond the regulation's standard provisions. The Commission's stance suggests a procedural, rather than outcome-based, approach to assessing RRF-funded low-emission zones, potentially limiting accountability for actual emissions reductions.
Policy orientation and institutional follow-up The answer signals a cautious, rule-bound approach, prioritising legal compliance over environmental effectiveness. No immediate institutional follow-up is indicated; the Commission appears to rely on existing monitoring and suspension mechanisms. The response may disappoint MEPs seeking stronger environmental conditionality, but it aligns with the RRF's design as a performance-based instrument focused on predefined milestones.
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