Dialogos

European Court of Auditors Identifies Risks in Commission's CAP Proposal

Published February 10, 2026, 17:04
European Court of Auditors Identifies Risks in Commission's CAP Proposal

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) has raised significant concerns regarding the European Commission's proposal for the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period 2028-2034. The ECA warns of risks related to funding, accountability, and the management of the policy. The abolition of the dedicated agricultural fund and its integration into a single European Fund is considered a structural change with potential negative consequences, while the complexity of the national plan approval processes may cause delays. The ECA emphasizes that the overall CAP funding will only be determined after the approval of national plans, making long-term planning and comparison with the current framework difficult. Furthermore, it warns that increased flexibility for Member States should not undermine the common CAP objectives or create unfair competition. The traceability of funds to the final beneficiary is considered by the ECA as an essential prerequisite for sound financial management. ECA member Iliana Ivanova warned of the complexity of the decision-making process and the risk of delays in funding, as well as the potential for unequal competition between Member States. Ms. Ivanova stressed the need for clarity, predictability, and fairness in the CAP to effectively support farmers and rural communities. She considered the Commission's proposal not yet ready for implementation, emphasizing that simplification should not come at the expense of accountability and transparency.