Agricultural Policy and Enlargement of the European Union

The European Union could soon have up to ten new members from Central and Eastern Europe. Harmonisation of agricultural policies will be one of the most difficult chapters in the accession negotiations. The outcome will have an important influence on the adjustment of Central and Eastern European agriculture and the development of these transition economies in a wider EU. This raises questions like: What are the current and future key issues in EU agricultural policy? What guidance is provided by the experience gained in previous enlargements? And to what extent are negotiating countries constrained by international commitments within the World Trade Organisation? After a comprehensive description and evaluation of current EU agricultural and trade policy, the second part of the book looks at developments in Central and Eastern European countries in relation to future EU membership. Fifteen well-known specialists have contributed their up-to-date knowledge to this book. It is aimed at students and lecturers in agricultural and rural policy and in European integration, as well as government officials, agribusiness executives and organisations with a strong interest in agricultural policy and the widening of the European Union.