Does the Common Agricultural Policy 2023–2027 support the restoration of freshwater ecosystems?

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a key lever to support the transition towards sustainable agricultural production in Europe. However, successive reforms have been incremental and modest with regard to environmental objectives. This contribution presents an assessment of the choices made by Member States in their CAP Strategic Plans (CSPs), directing the EUR 307 billion in funding to support agriculture and rural areas for the period 2023–2027. The focus is on the different funding instruments supporting the restoration of freshwater ecosystems, in particular addressing the impact of drainage, restoring wetland and floodplain connectivity, and increasing landscape-scale water retention. A detailed mapping of farm practices supported by CAP funding – i.e. conditionality, eco-schemes, rural development (Environment and Climate measures), and investments – is presented. Results show that interventions to reduce the impact of drainage, restore wetland and floodplain connectivity, and increase landscape-scale water retention remain limited in scope. Illustrative examples of good practice are highlighted, along with recommendations for improved implementation of the CAP in the current programming period and the next round of reform. CAP 2023–2027 offers opportunities for wetland and freshwater ecosystem restoration. Member State choices show limited ambition and do not fully exploit the potential of the CAP to support restoration efforts. Good practices where the CAP supports wetland and freshwater ecosystem restoration are identified. Better metrics and performance-based incentives are needed to improve outcomes.