Developments and Prospects of the Common Agricultural Policy

The aim of the book is to present an overview of the main developments of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and to outline its prospects taking into account the priorities of the Commission and the endless negotiations within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The book consists of ten sections. In the first section an overview of the main developments of the CAP takes place in relation with the EU budget. The percentage was decreased from 70% in the 1970s to 34% over the period 2007-1013. The main reform occurred in 1972 which put emphasis from price support to farm support. Some developments of the CAP took place with the enlargement of the EU with 10+2 new member states, the contribution of which in agriculture is much higher then in the EU-15. The process of the CAP reform was continued with Mid-Term CAP reform in 2003 which shows that minor changes occur in the old member states. Regarding the agricultural income of the new member states will increase not because of the reform of the CAP but due to its application.