L'Union européenne et l'Europe centrale et orientale. Politique agricole et incidences commerciales

During the "pre-accession" period, the European Union grants to the Central and Eastern European countries tariff preferences on agri-food products, mostly subject to quantitative limits. However, the CEECS have not so far taken full advantage of these concessions, while exports by the EU to the CEECS are increasing significantly. As regards agricultural policy in an enlarged Union, there is a difference of opinion between those who put in question the CAP, stressing the excessive cost of applying it in the CEECS, and those who reject such an approach, considering that the 1992 MacSharry reform is working. Indeed, while the CAP is not in crisis, the Commission is unlikely to propose radical reform. The CEECS, however, need dear guidance, especially as regards price policy, the role of compensatory payments and production quotas. The Commission must work out a strategy to this effect.