National Networks (NN) have a key role in steering and driving forward the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). They engage stakeholders, strengthen their capacity, and inform the public and potential beneficiaries about the CAP and its funding opportunities.
Primarily established at the national level, with some also supported by regional structures, these networks serve as essential platforms for facilitating collaboration and information exchange. The NNs support the enhanced design and implementation of the CAP by promoting the exchange of good practices and innovative solutions across the EU.
There are 28 NNs in total – one in each Member State, except for Belgium where there are two: one in Wallonia and one in Flanders. NNs are operationalised through a Network Support Unit (NSU). The NSUs are established at the central operations level, often within the Managing Authority, but sometimes outsourced as an organisation or coalition of governmental and civil society institutions.
The CAP National Networks’ objectives as defined by Article 126 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, are to:
- increase the involvement of all relevant stakeholders in the implementation of CAP Strategic Plans and, where relevant, in their design;
- accompany the Member States’ administrations in the implementation of CAP Strategic Plans and the transition to a performance-based delivery model;
- contribute to improving the quality of implementation of CAP Strategic Plans;
- contribute to the information of the public and potential beneficiaries on the CAP and funding opportunities;
- foster innovation in agriculture and rural development and support peer-to-peer learning and the inclusion of, and the interaction between, all stakeholders in the knowledge-exchange and knowledge-building process;
- contribute to monitoring and evaluation capacity and activities; and
- contribute to the dissemination of CAP Strategic Plans results.
NNs are represented in different governance bodies of the EU CAP Network. Cooperation between NNs is well established and they work collaboratively on different activities and projects. During National Networks Meetings, organised twice a year by the EU CAP Network, NNs exchange and share best practices.
Individual NN profiles provide local contact details and information about the structure and functioning of the NNs and their NSUs. The NN profiles also include sections on the main NN objectives, membership, regional representation, governance and thematic priorities.