Press Release: Much remains to be done to improve competitiveness of agriculture in candidate countries, independent study says

The restructuring of agriculture is a major challenge for candidate countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEECs). Although the picture varies from country to country, most CEECs are struggling to compete with the EU-15 and the restructuring process is far from over, according to a study released by the Directorate General for Agriculture on 6 November 2001. In the medium term after accession, the study does not consider it possible to maintain two different sets of agricultural policies for new and old members. According to the report, the key question is therefore how to achieve a successful transition towards full application of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the CEECs. Immediate introduction of full direct income payments would not be appropriate, at least in a transition phase. They would consolidate current dualistic structures without ensuring the investment and restructuring necessary to improve the competitiveness of CEEC agriculture to EU-15 levels.

http://ec.europa.eu/comm/agriculture/publi/reports/ceeccomp/index_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/comm/agriculture/publi/reports/ceeccomp/index_en.htm

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