Key areas for CAP Simplification – practical examples and new ideas for solutions

CAP simplification can be 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. The process implies that additional administrative costs without added value for achieving CAP objectives should be avoided.

Despite progress with the CAP's performance-based model and the CAP Strategic Plans (CSPs), CAP beneficiaries and administrations have continued to face challenges with the level of bureaucracy associated with the implementation of their CSPs. Calls for greater simplification continue to be made to address areas where complex rules cause issues with no perceived benefit in terms of outcomes. Some of these are Member State-specific, whereas others are more generic.

This document presents a synthesis of practical approaches to simplification within the CAP that were discussed in the context of the EU CAP Network’s Thematic Group (TG) on Effective Approaches for Simplification within the CAP. It outlines key areas where simplification can significantly reduce administrative burden for beneficiaries and administrations, while maintaining the integrity and objectives of the policy.

The main areas for simplification were identified in the process for the expression of interest for the TG, with more than 130 submissions received, and were subsequently refined and complemented by the 40 selected TG members. The discussions of the TG were informed by the EU CAP Network's Study on simplification and administrative burden for farmers and other beneficiaries under the CAP.

This briefing includes existing simplification examples that have the potential for replication, as well as new proposals co-developed by the members of the TG. The focus is on concrete options and real-life practices that can be implemented under the current legal framework, as well as possible new approaches to inspire further development in future policy cycles.

The document provides a by no means exhaustive list of simplification examples and approaches, but reflects the discussions among TG members, and aims to showcase different options for simplification (existing solutions and new proposals). This should allow Managing Authorities (MAs) and others to gain inspiration from other countries for their own simplification activities and enable the replication of successful approaches. The report concludes with a section on the potential for simplification beyond the requirements of the CAP in view of streamlining legislation.