Commission simplifies Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to support farmers and enhance competitiveness
The European Commission put forward a large package of measures targeting the administrative burden, controls, implementation, crisis response and investment needs of the agri-food sector. The proposed changes are expected to save up to EUR 1.58 billion annually for farmers and EUR 210 million for national administrations.
© European Union, 2025
This new set of concrete legislative changes includes targeted solutions – based on operational experience and extensive feedback from stakeholders and EU Member States – covering:
- Simplified payment scheme for small farmers;
- Simplified environmental requirements and controls;
- Strengthened crisis management and simpler procedures for national administrations;
- Enhanced competitiveness and digitalisation.
The legislative proposal will now be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council for adoption.
Alongside changes to the main CAP rules, the Commission will propose later this year further simplification measures, including for areas outside agriculture, aimed at reducing reporting and control burden – see the roadmap.
This initiative is part of a broader simplification effort aligned with the EU's Competitiveness Compass and supports the competitiveness, resilience and digitalisation of the agricultural sector, as well as young and organic farmers specifically. It is a key deliverable of the Vision for Agriculture and Food presented by the Commission in February 2025.