This Thematic Group (TG) will provide an opportunity to examine the practical challenges facing the implementation of the CAP Strategic Plans (CSPs). It will identify how these have been, and can be, overcome through some form of simplification, while upholding the CAP’s objectives.
Hae mukaan: Thematic Group on Effective Approaches for Simplification within the CAP
Simplification has been an ongoing exercise across the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) over recent programming periods. The rules governing support for CAP Strategic Plans (CSPs) in this programming period require Member States to take appropriate measures to reduce the administrative burden and ensure simplification in the implementation of the CAP when pursuing the CAP objectives. Following widespread farmer protests in early 2024, the European Commission opened a consultation process which led to a Simplification package of short- and medium-term measures. Since then, the momentum for simplification has continued, with the European Commission emphasising the importance of ensuring existing rules are fit for purpose, and focused on reducing administrative burdens and simplifying legislation. The intention is to place simplification at the core of the upcoming vision for the future of European agriculture.
Simplification is defined as the minimisation of costs that are not strictly necessary for the achievement of the objectives of the CAP, and the adoption of measures that reduce the administrative burden for the administration and beneficiaries. Simplification implies that additional administrative costs without added value for achieving CAP objectives should be avoided. Core elements of simplification may relate to different aspects of CAP design and implementation, including governance mechanisms, application processes, implementation (e.g. shifting more towards outcome-focused schemes), reporting requirements, control requirements, use of digital tools and information flows.
To ensure that simplification becomes a tangible and impactful reality, this Thematic Group (TG) aims to foster a focused and practical discussion, leading to the development of concrete proposals that address the specific needs and challenges of CAP simplification for farmers, other beneficiaries under CAP and national authorities, while upholding its objectives.
This TG is an opportunity for you to be part of a committed group of experts and relevant stakeholders that will examine the practical challenges facing the implementation of the CSPs, where complexity or administrative burdens will be considered, and identify how these have been and can be overcome through some form of simplification. This should promote more effective and efficient implementation of the CSPs without undermining the achievement of the priorities identified within the CSPs or creating trade-offs between costs for administrations and beneficiaries.
Objectives
The objectives of this TG are to:
- Explore and interrogate specific elements requiring simplification as identified through the Expressions of Interest (EoI) with a view to developing concrete proposals for addressing these elements, taking into account already existing solutions.
- Identify and create examples and case studies of simplification that can be shared and potentially replicated by Member States.
The TG will consist of a small (around 40) but dedicated cross-section of informed and engaged stakeholders, including policymakers and administrators at regional and national levels (e.g. Managing Authorities, Paying Agencies), beneficiaries, such as farmers and farmers’ organisations, advisers, researchers, National CAP Networks and other agricultural and environmental stakeholders. Participants will commit to engaging in two meetings and related activities, ensuring diverse perspectives and active contributions to achieving the TG’s objectives.
- The first meeting will take place online on 02 April 2025.
- The second meeting will take place in person, in Brussels, on 12 June 2025.
Kustannuksien korvaaminen
There is no charge for attendance at these meetings. However, for the in-person meeting, travel and accommodation costs may be covered for TG members representing farmers, farmers’ organisations, LEADER Local Action Groups, European and national non-governmental organisations, and researchers/Universities. All other TG members will need to pay for their own travel and accommodation costs.
The meetings will be held in English without interpretation.