Simplification has been an ongoing exercise across the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) over recent programming periods. The rules governing support for CAP Strategic Plans (CSPs) in this programming period require Member States to take appropriate measures to reduce the administrative burden and ensure simplification in the implementation of the CAP when pursuing the CAP objectives. Following widespread farmer protests in early 2024, the European Commission opened a consultation process which led to a Simplification package of short- and medium-term measures. Since then, the momentum for simplification has continued with the European Commission emphasising the importance of ensuring existing rules are fit-for-purpose, are focused on reducing administrative burdens and simplifying legislation, including it in its vision for agriculture and food.

Simplification is defined as the minimisation of costs that are not strictly necessary for the achievement of the objectives of the CAP, and the adoption of measures that reduce the administrative burden for the administration and beneficiaries. Simplification implies that additional administrative costs without added value for achieving CAP objectives should be avoided. Core elements of simplification may relate to different aspects of CAP design and implementation, including governance mechanisms, application processes, implementation (e.g. shifting more towards outcome focused schemes), reporting requirements, control requirements, use of digital tools and information flows.

In the first meeting we will look at practical challenges of CSP implementation resulting from administrative complexity or burden and identify how these challenges have been or can be overcome through simplification.

The first meeting aimed to: