The Mid Term Review of the Common Agricultural Policy: The Future of Rural Development

Since the launch of Agenda 2000 in July 1997, rural development has gained political prominence as the second pillar of CAP. According to the European Commission’s recent Mid-Term Review, it will become even more important in the future not only because of its financial impact but also because of its reliance on novel and untested instruments such as modulation and cross-compliance support flexibility. In addition, it will fuel the discussion on the re-nationalisation of some elements of the CAP – the quintessential Community policy. This article will analyse the various aspects of the already fierce debate on these instruments which will certainly generate winners and losers among the Member States