Evaluating the Effects of the EU Common Agriculture Policy in a New Member State: The Case of the Czech Republic

Abstract

This article examines the impact of the CAP on the Czech Republic. Specifically, it focuses on implementation of the CAP and its economic, social and political effects, as well as the domestic debate about CAP reform. It argues that CAP implementation has gone fairly smoothly and the economic and social effects of the CAP have been generally positive or at least neutral. It also argues that while the CAP has had only a minimal impact on domestic politics, the domestic politics of agriculture could inhibit a strong Czech position in favour of CAP reform, even though the Czech Republic would generally benefit from further liberalization of the CAP.

Keywords:

• Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
• Czech Republic
• accession
• CAP reform

Notes

¹ This and following figures were converted from Czech crowns (CZK) to Euros using ECB yearly average exchange rates.

² Calculations based on CZSO (2006c).

³ The average size of farms in the Czech Republic is far above the EU norm; the great majority (92.2 per cent) of Czech farms use more than 50 hectares of agricultural land (MZE, undated).