Evaluation support study on the impact of the CAP on territorial development of rural areas. Socioeconomic aspects

This study is an evaluation of the Common Agricultural Policy’s (CAP) impact on balanced territorial development (BTD) of rural areas across EU-28: socio-economic aspects. The main focus of the study is on territorial development of rural areas, which are investigated through the analysis of socio-economic aspects and social inclusion. The evaluation work starts with a causal analysis which intended to scope and select the CAP measures and instruments considered to have a direct impact on the general objective of BTD in rural areas. The work is then articulated around five evaluation criteria: effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, relevance, European added value. Several methods have been applied to gather and analyse both quantitative and qualitative information. Sixteen evaluation study questions have been answered by using quantitative methods such as input-output analysis, clustering, and statistical regressions, as well as qualitative methods, including case studies, literature review and the observation of development trends over the programming period. According to the evaluation study findings, the issues and needs faced by rural regions in the EU-28 are significant. The evaluation’s quantitative and case study findings indicate that the impact of the CAP in supporting BTD through the improvement of socioeconomic aspects and social inclusion varies according to the characteristics of the rural region and the policy mix applied. Pillar I instruments, in particular direct payments, have been found to positively impact regional employment and reinvestment. Pillar II measures, some of which are specifically designed to address socio-economic issues, demonstrate also positive effects.