CAP networking updates – winter 2025
The EU CAP Network team reports from two recent networking cluster meetings in Lithuania and Portugal, discussing preparations for the future CAP and generational renewal.
Over the past few months, networking for CAP implementation has advanced thanks to networking events organised by the National Networks (NNs) for colleagues from other countries. The EU CAP Network reports from two networking cluster meetings in Lithuania and Portugal, both held on 22-23 October 2025, and dedicated respectively to the role of NNs in the preparation of the future programming period, and to youth and generational renewal.
Nordic-Baltic cluster meeting
The Latvian NN organised an in-person meeting for the Nordic-Baltic Cluster in Kuldiga, where a key point on the agenda was the preparations for the CAP post-2027.
In this framework, Latvia is hosting Ministers’ Dialogues, consultation events designed to engage multiple CAP stakeholders in discussions that clarify policy complexities, identify actionable steps, build synergies and foster compromise. The events are structured around priorities identified for the next programming period and allow for shared reflection, testing and evaluation of new proposals, as well as fostering networking.
In Finland, stakeholder consultations were organised by regional authorities to gather input for strategic planning. An important player is the Finnish Rural Policy Council, composed of diverse stakeholders, which provides a long-term vision spanning 20 years and whose work supports compromise-building and informed policy development.
NNs also shared experiences on engagement with network partners and stakeholders – a key challenge, as revealed by the survey run by the EU CAP Network in preparation for the 6th NN meeting.
Another key topic on the agenda of this networking cluster meeting was stakeholder involvement. NNs routinely exchange experiences and methods, which include working groups to foster dialogue and cooperation among different ministries (e.g. in Latvia), study visits to other countries to learn about specific aspects of the CAP implementation, regular evaluations of living conditions in rural areas (e.g. Sweden) that can help adjust national policies, as well as the involvement of rural stakeholders in the definition of the NNs' annual work plans (e.g. Finland).
The Finnish NN also mentioned their training initiative for ‘local activators’, selected from among the Finnish-speaking and the Swedish-speaking population, who are trained to host multi-actor labs in their regions to mobilise local stakeholders to design, prepare, and implement their own CAP-funded projects.
As stakeholder involvement is a key challenge for most NNs, exchanges on these types of initiatives are most welcome in the framework of the networking discussions organised by the EU CAP Network.
Youth cluster meeting in Portugal
The NN thematic cluster on Youth and Generational Renewal, led by the Portuguese NN, has been active since May 2023. After 18 online meetings, the NN took the initiative to organise an in-person event in Porto. Four other NNs were represented (Hungary, Poland, Denmark and Spain), as well as the EU CAP Network and Rural Youth Europe. The key topic of the meeting was: 'How can the NNs approach Gen Z better?'
- Learn about the EU CAP Network’s Thematic Group ‘Gen Z: leading generational renewal in farming’
NNs shared their activities so far on youth and generational renewal and discussed relevant outcomes. A survey by the Polish NN has revealed that young people in rural areas share the same needs and interests as their urban peers, while specific work with agricultural schools in Portugal has highlighted that students need more information about the CAP.
NNs also shared examples of how the CAP is used to support generational renewal. This is happening in the form of farm transfer interventions by the Ministry of Agriculture in Hungary, while in Spain, the project RETA, which started as an Operational Group and then developed into a private foundation, has already supported 27 young entrants into farming through farm incubators. In Denmark, LEADER is funding a shared youth space in a rural area – essential to retain young people and foster networking and cooperation.
- Learn how LEADER is quietly helping to ensure the next generation has both the right and the reasons to stay in rural areas
A panel discussion with representatives of a Portuguese youth association, a vocational school of agriculture, and a LAG delivered the following key messages that can guide NNs’ work and improve the connection with ‘Gen Z’:
- demonstrating the role of the CAP in real life is essential
- focus on mobility, housing and basic services in rural areas
- use the language of young people
- acknowledge that ‘rural youth’ and ‘young farmers’ are not the same – they have different age boundaries and realities
NNs developed some proposals for concrete actions that will be shared with colleagues from other countries. A key idea put forward is to map (rural) youth organisations active in each country and connect with them to develop joint activities that can help NNs connect better with younger people. Highlights of the meeting – including some nice images from the field visits – are presented in a final video created by the Portuguese NN.
- From LEADER to generational renewal, from AKIS to communications: here is what keeps the National Networks busy
Keep an eye on the next EU CAP Network newsletters for more updates about networking for the CAP implementation!
