Summary

The common agricultural policy (CAP) is a key European Union policy area, making up 31% of the EU budget. The new CAP for the period 2023-2027 aims for increased environmental and climate ambition, it builds on Plans defined by each member state. European Court of Auditors (ECA) assessed whether the 2023-2027 CAP strategic plans provide a sound basis for creating a greener CAP. Auditors conclude that the Plans are greener than in the previous CAP, but do not match the EU’s ambitions for the climate and the environment, and that key elements for assessing green performance are missing. ECA recommends that the Commission promote exchanges of “green” good practice in the Plans, estimate the CAP’s contribution to the Green Deal targets and strengthen the future CAP monitoring framework for the climate and the environment.