Luchino Ferraris
The legislative proposal for the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2021–2027, published by the European Commission in June 2018, introduces a number of important features for the support of European rural areas. While the success of the proposed modifications—inspired primarily by subsidiarity, simplification and the so-called “delivery model”—depends on a number of factors, this article will specifically focus on one, i.e. the relationship between the institutional actors involved. Consequently, the main question is to what extent the new approach carries with it a paradigm shift in regard to the concept of shared management of rural development between the Commission and Member States. This will also reveal whether the post-2020 CAP is marked by a “renationalisation” of rural policy in Europe, or whether the key principles inspiring the reform signify a new step for EU integration. Following a comparative analysis of the current regime and the one enshrined in the new legislative proposal, selected groups of provisions will be taken as case studies to assess both the nature and extent of the change.