On Monday, 26 January, the European Commission adopted a generally positive report on how the new delivery model for the 2023–2027 common agricultural policy (CAP) operates. This model marks a turning point by favouring a performance-based approach rather than strict compliance with detailed rules.
One of the key elements is the introduction of eco-schemes, which encourage farmers to adopt environmentally-friendly practices. According to the report (https://aeur.eu/f/khr ), 47% of European farmers benefited from these eco-schemes in 2024, covering 58% of the EU’s utilised agricultural area (UAA)—far exceeding initial projections.
The satellite area monitoring system has been rolled out across the board, making it possible to verify compliance with eligibility conditions without on-the-spot controls.
According to the European Commission, 33% of the CAP budget goes towards combating climate change; 39%, towards protecting biodiversity; and 20%, towards improving air quality. These measures could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year by 2027.
According to the report, Member States’ strategic plans support ‘European Green Deal’ objectives, and notable progress has been made: sales of antimicrobials for farm animals have dropped 25% since 2018, the use of nitrogen fertilisers has fallen 9%, and 11% of UAA was converted to organic farming in 2023. Despite this progress, certain objectives—such as a 50% reduction in [the use of] pesticides or the conversion to organic farming—will require additional effort. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)