The Paris Declaration

This is the style of the Paris Declaration: “Because agriculture is about our conception of our future in Europe and of the future of Europe in the world.” Confusing? The more so, the better in this case! The declaration is not meant to speak to readers’ intelligence, but to their emotions - and especially to their fears about market volatility, food insecurity, health crises, and even a loss of independence for the EU in the world. In some way, the incoherence and generality of this declaration is good news: the group of the 22 member states is dysfunctional and unlikely to find any substantial common position against CAP reform.

Let us take a more detached view of the issues and juxtapose what the CAP delivers/should deliver according to the Paris Declaration and according to research findings.

The Paris Declaration says: In the face of climate change, global political and food insecurity, the volatility of global market prices and the resurgence of health crises, only an ambitious, continent-wide policy can safeguard Europe’s independence. ... It is the very preservation of agricultural potential that is at stake.
But research shows: Europe could produce more food, waste less food and import more food should the need arise, so that food shortages are most unlikely
→ Read more about food security.

The Paris Declaration says: We must assure farmers a stable, decent income in the face of growing market volatility.
But research shows: Social policies should be targeted at the poor and not at farmers, and not be financed by the EU. Also, governmental income stabilization undermines farmers' self-reliance, the better way is to help poor farmers cope with the risks.
→ Read more about farm income and income stabilization.

The Paris Declaration says: A European food model … with a supply of food that is at the same time, safe, healthy, balanced, of high quality and accessible to all.
But research shows: The CAP has minor effects on the kind and quality of food we eat – but it raises consumer prices, hitting especially poor households.
→ Read more about healthy and safe food and consumer prices.