>> Read the legal proposals presented on 12 October 2011
Since its creation, the CAP has always been adapted to respond to the challenges of its time. Significant reforms have been made in recent years, notably in 2003 and during the CAP Health check in 2008, to modernise the sector and make it more market-oriented. The Europe 2020 strategy offers a new perspective. In this context, through its response to the new economic, social, environmental, climate-related and technological challenges facing our society, the CAP can contribute more to developing intelligent, sustainable and inclusive growth. The CAP must also take greater account of the wealth and diversity of agriculture in the EU’s 27 Member States.
Before setting down any initial policy guidelines for this strategic sector, Commissioner Cioloş launched on 12 April 2010 a public debate on the Common Agricultural Policy’s future, objectives, principles and contribution to the ‘Europe 2020’ strategy to inform the preparatory work for the decision-making process.
In addition to how the CAP can contribute to developing the Europe 2020 strategy, the public debate centred around four main questions:
- Why do we need a European Common Agricultural Policy?
- What are society’s objectives for agriculture in all its diversity?
- Why should we reform the CAP and how can we make it meet society’s expectations?
- What tools do we need for tomorrow’s CAP?
This public debate stayed open for contributions until 11 June 2010. An independent body produced a summary of these contributions (Summary report 
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document.write('') - Executive summary of contributions [179 KB] document.write(''); document.write('')). On 19-20 July 2010, the European Commission held a conclusive conference on the public debate.
Based on the outcome of the public debate and exchanges with the Council and the European Parliament, the Commission presented on 18 November 2010 a Communication on "The CAP towards 2020" which outlines options for the future CAP and launches the debate with the other institutions and with stakeholders.
On 12 October 2011 the Commission presented a set of legal proposals designed to make the CAP a more effective policy for a more competitive and sustainable agriculture and vibrant rural areas.
Following a debate in the European Parliament and the Council, the approval of the different regulations and implementing acts is expected by the end of 2013, with a view to having the CAP reform in place as from 1st January 2014.
>> Watch Commissioner Cioloş' presentation of the reform 
[53 MB]
The proposals will very soon be available on this page.
>> Read the proposal on rules for direct payments
>> Read the proposal on a Single CMO
>> Read the proposal on support for rural development
>> Read the proposal on financing, management and monitoring
>> Read the proposal on fixing certain aids and refunds
>> Read the proposal on the application of direct payments in respect of the year 2013
>> Read the proposal on the regime of the single payment scheme and support to vine-growers
>> Read the Impact Assessment report: Full text - Executive summary - Annexes
>> Read the citizens' summary [17 KB]
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>> Watch the slide show [2 MB]
>> Read the press release
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>> Read the background memo
>> Watch Commissioner Cioloş' presentation at the European Parliament (COMAGRI)
>> Read Commissioner Cioloş' speech et the European Parliament (COMAGRI)
>> Watch Commissioner Cioloş' press conference
10 key points of the reform
Watch the video clips with Commissioner Cioloş' statements on the key points (in French with English subtitles).
- More targeted income support in order to stimulate growth and employment
[7 MB]
- More responsive and adequate crisis management tools in order to meet new economic challenges [5 MB]
- 'Green' payments for long-term productivity and for preserving ecosystems [10 MB]
- Additional investment in research and innovation [9 MB]
- A more competitive and balanced food chain [6 MB]
- Encouraging agri-environmental initiatives [7 MB]
- Aid for young farmers setting up [5 MB]
- Rural employment and entrepreneurship stimulated [6 MB]
- Better account taken of fragile areas [7 MB]
- A simpler and more efficient CAP [8 MB]
What happens next?
Following a debate in the European Parliament and the Council, the approval of the different regulations and implementing acts is expected by the end of 2013, with a view to having the CAP reform in place as from 1st January 2014.
