As the largest absolute contributor to the EU Budget and the third largest CAP beneficiary, Germany represents a powerful actor in the current and future discussions on European agricultural policy. However, the government's position on CAP reform has not been entirely consistent. For example, the German Government's submission to the 2008 consultation on the EU Budget stressed the importance of 'enhancing the international competitiveness and economic performance of rural regions'. However Germany argued strongly against higher rates of modulation (which would have shifted additional funds to rural development) in the Health Check negotiations under pressure from farming representatives and amidst concerns about increasing national co-financing commitments.

The Ecologic Institute has published a policy brief entitled 'German Perspectives on the Current CAP Reform'. The report outlines the positions and relative influence of the main German policy actors and stakeholders in the post-2013 CAP reform debate drawing on published responses to the 2008 Health Check agreement and discussions on the EU Budget Review. Drawing on this analysis, the policy brief discusses the government's likely position in future discussions on CAP reform in Brussels.

The report concludes that 'No major approaches towards substantial shifts of funding from pillar one to pillar two can therefore be expected from the current government' which is perceived as being close to the German farming unions and industry. However, elections to the German Federal Parliament are due to take place in September later this year, which could, in principle, result in a more progressive government stance on CAP reform i.e. one with greater emphasis on targeting funds the social and environmental performance of agriculture, as advocated by many NGOs.

For further information, the policy brief can be downloaded here.