ELF papers

The long-term sustainability of European agriculture depends not only on policy support through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) but also on private and public investment, generational renewal, and innovative business models. While CAP has been a lifeline for farmers, there remains a critical gap in long-term investment, particularly for new entrants and young farmers facing high upfront costs, low profit margins, and financial instability.

Agriculture is an intersection of many political issues. On one hand, it is a deeply cultural issue connected to old traditions, the landscapes of old tales and the food of our grandmothers. On another, it is the ecosystem of economic activity that fuel rural areas, provide nutrition to growing populations and ensure trade worth millions of euros every year. Finally, the practice and policy of agriculture make us question the rights we have in relation to nature, as guardians or equals, in producing or preserving.

L’Afrique et l’UE se sont engagées dans des discussions approfondies sur la nécessité d’une collaboration équitable et ont souligné l’importance de parvenir à un partenariat équitable. Il est temps pour nous, les libéraux, d’agir et d’aller au-delà du dialogue. Les auteurs espèrent que les libéraux des deux continents pourront s’inspirer des idées contenues dans cette publication.

Africa and the EU have engaged in extensive discussions about the need for fair collaboration and have highlighted the importance of achieving an equitable partnership between them. It is time for us to take liberal action and move beyond dialogue. The authors hope that liberals on both continents can take the ideas in this publication and turn them into policies.

As global democracy faces mounting threats, civil society remains a crucial pillar for defending liberty, human rights, and the rule of law. ELF’s Policy Paper explores how the European Union can reinforce its commitment to civil society both within and beyond its borders.

The New Growth Plan (NGP) for Moldova exemplifies the gradual integration approach, combining conditional funding with sectoral integration to drive reforms and socio-economic convergence. To assess the effectiveness of this plan, the paper examines what gradual integration entails for Moldova and compares its NGP with that of the Western Balkans.

The EU Justice Scoreboard, however, reveals significant disparities and weaknesses, including perceived judicial independence issues, governmental interference and pressure from economic interests. Inefficiencies in case resolution are exacerbated by inadequate digital infrastructure and frequent legal framework changes, which hinder access to justice.

As the liberal world order teeters on the edge of collapse, a chorus of unease is echoing across Europe. By now it is clear that the era of farming out hard security is over, and EU leaders acknowledge that they must rise to the demands of hard power global
competition.

Embedding future-oriented spending principles will enhance Europe’s financial sustainability and strategic autonomy.

Ensuring a safe and inclusive political landscape for women is essential not only for gender equality but also for the integrity and resilience of democratic institutions across Europe.