To simplify the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and boost farmers' competitiveness, the European Commission is presenting today a large package of measures targeting the administrative burden, controls, implementation, crisis response and investment needs of the sector. The changes could save up to €1.58 billion annually for farmers and €210 million for national administrations, while making payments, certain requirements, and crisis tools more flexible and easier to manage. 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.

Farmers across the EU are subject to heavy administrative obligations that often fail to reflect the realities on the ground. This regulatory burden is time consuming and generates costs for farmers and national administrations. It leads to lower acceptance of obligations and may also discourage investment.

To address these challenges, the Commission is now proposing targeted solutions through a set of concrete legislative changes based on operational experience and extensive feedback from stakeholders and Member States.