The first Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was launched in 1962. It concerns the relationship between European society, agriculture, farmers and of course, their animals. It has been updated over the years and the latest reform is currently underway. Member States have submitted their national strategic plans, highlighting how they intend to use the CAP at national level.

The national strategic plans are available to view on the website of the European Commission. The Intergroup will hear from Deputy Director General, Mr Pierre Bascou, DG AGRI, European Commission, who will give an overview of the inclusion of animal welfare related aspects in the Member States’ National Strategic Plans. 

Mr Andreas Manz, Farm Policy Coordinator, Four Paws has prepared an in-depth analysis of the Member States’ use of the national strategic plans to protect animal welfare, and he will be presenting this analysis in a short overview format on Thursday. For example, the echo-schemes are a new tool that Member States’ can use and he will be turning the Intergroup’s attention to how the Member States are intending to do so. Mr Manz will also look at the opportunities still available to Member States to further their use of the CAP to improve animal welfare.  

This Intergroup session will take place on Thursday the 7th of April at 10 AM in room LOW R3.1 in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. There will be interpretation in English, French, German, Italian and Polish. It will be live-streamed on the web. We hope to see you there for a lively discussion!