The European Commission is quite critical, in its observations letters to EU Member States, of the lack of ambition of the strategic plans implementing the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) from 1 January 2023.
With regard to France’s strategic plan, the main grievances concern the lack of results indicators and ambition on the ecological transition. The architecture of the eco-schemes is criticised, as well as the amounts allocated to agri-environmental measures, which are considered to be too unambitious in terms of water conservation and biodiversity. The eco-scheme measures on crop rotation are considered insufficient, as is the development of support in Natura 2000 areas. In addition, the Commission suggests strengthening measures related to the reduction of pesticides and fertilisers, the fair redistribution of aid, the improvement of animal welfare and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the livestock sector.
With regard to the observations concerning Finland (https://aeur.eu/f/14p ) and Sweden (https://aeur.eu/f/14o ), the Commission notes a lack of environmental ambition. Sweden is criticised for insufficient proposals on protecting biodiversity, reducing livestock emissions, and increasing carbon sequestration.
And for Finland, the proposed plan would not show any increased environmental ambition compared to the current period with regard to peatland protection, nutrient pollution, water quality, and biodiversity. In addition, Finland is asked to take the necessary measures to reduce methane emissions from livestock. The Commission calls on both countries to provide risk management tools, in particular for climate change.
The Netherlands is asked (https://aeur.eu/f/14q ) to better demonstrate the increased ambition of the planned green architecture with regard to environmental and climate-related targets (using qualitative and quantitative elements such as financial allocation and indicators). The Commission considers that what is proposed does not go far enough to meet the environmental, biodiversity and climate challenges.
On 31 March, the Commission services sent observations letters on 19 draft CAP strategic plans (see EUROPE 12925/17). These letters will be officially published at the end of April, once the Commission has received the responses from the countries in question. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)