France's CAP implementation deemed unsuitable by Court of Auditors

The French Court of Auditors (Cour des comptes) has issued a critical report regarding France's implementation of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The institution describes the current national strategic plan as a “complex and unsuitable framework” that fails to address necessary economic and environmental transformations.

According to the report, France has not utilized the increased flexibility (subsidiarity) granted to member states since 2023 to reorient its agricultural policy. Instead, the government has largely maintained a focus on broad income support. The Court noted that while other nations, such as Italy, have prioritized rural development, France's budgetary tools remain insufficiently targeted to act as effective economic levers.

The report highlights several areas of concern, including stagnant agricultural production volumes and a degrading trade balance with the EU. Furthermore, the promised simplification of administrative procedures for farmers has not materialized; instead, administrative burdens remain high or are increasing due to national decision-making processes. The Court recommends shifting toward a system of targeted aid that focuses on investment, risk management, and facilitating the installation of new farmers.