The EAFRD within the Common Agricultural Policy after 2020. How do evaluators evaluate the European draft regulations?
Abstract
The working paper "The EAFRD within the Common Agricultural Policy post 2020" assesses the legislative proposals of the EU Commission on the basis of a longstanding and profound evaluation experience. The benchmark is the potential contribution to improvements in implementation issues and a stronger focus on public goods like protection of natural resources and animal welfare as well as stimulating rural development. The first conclusion is ambivalent. The new distribution of roles between EU and member states opens up opportunities. The latter will be given more leeway but also responsibility in the design of their CAP strategic plans and their delivery systems. However, the arrangements for the proposed CAP strategic plan at Member State level do not adequately take into account the specific situation of federal states. focus on public goods like protection of natural resources and animal welfare as well as stimulating rural development. The first conclusion is ambivalent. The new distribution of roles between EU and member states opens up opportunities. The latter will be given more leeway but also responsibility in the design of their CAP strategic plans and their delivery systems. The "focus on result" approach remains a rather empty buzzword. In essence, it is based on the already existing monitoring system. However, as a key element of the annual performance clearance, it will in future be linked with increased data quality requirements and sanctions. Significant investments are necessary, for example, in IT systems. These efforts might take up the probable "return of invest" to reduce the burden on administrations by more appropriate management and control systems. Regarding the content design, the CAP Strategic Plan for the EAFRD does provide only little new impulses and requirements for future key issues. It is up to the Member States how ambitiously they shape their plan. By linking with sanctions, the performance framework can, contrary to its objectives, have a rather counterproductive effect.