Reforming the Common Agricultural Policy perspective of 2013 and beyond

This paper deals first with the history of the Common Agricultural Policy, its goals, principlesand tools. In the second part, it deals with the future: what are the main topics which are discussedand could define the guidelines of the CAP after 2013? The evolution of the CAP is permanent and isfollowing the evolution of European society in general. Its goals and tools are adapted to Europeancitizens’ expectations about agriculture. The future is never certain, but the main items which willinfluence the future are presented below.