Both the European Union (EU) and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are undergoing transformation. A widening of the EU to Central and Eastern European Countries will be at the forefront of the discussion in the coming years. Integrating additional countries has been a stepwise process since the start of the European Economic Community with six countries in 1958. The CAP still plays a central role in EU politics, not only because of its high budget share, but also in determining the entry conditions of new member states and the adjustment processes towards an integrated market.
The shift to a more market-oriented agricultural policy gained momentum in the European Union through the MacSharry reform. This policy change made it possible to finalize the Uruguay Round of the GATT. The implementation of the GATT/WTO agreement is almost complete, while discussion on the ideas and agenda for the next WTO-round has begun.
Implementation of Agenda 2000 and widening the EU to Central and Eastern European Countries, are important steps for the near future.
After a comprehensive description and evaluation of the current state of the CAP and its context, the second part of the course concerns developments in Central and Eastern European Countries in relation to possible future EU membership. It is the special theme of this course programme and will be considered both from a general perspective and an agricultural policy perspective.
The course is aimed at government officials, specialized persons in business and organizations, researchers at universities or institutes and university and professional teachers, all of whom have a strong interest in the CAP and the widening of the European Union.