Strategic Environmental Assessment Services for EU Common Agricultural Policy Framework

In July 2025 the European Commission published a set of draft Regulations regarding the future European Budget and EU-funded programmes for the next multiannual financial framework (MFF). This includes the regulations which set out the requirements for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post 2027, when the current CAP Strategic Plan is scheduled to end.

The regulations set out the framework for the new CAP, which represents a major departure from the previous programme period. All EU funds are subject to consolidation into a new “National and Regional Partnership Plan”, the “NRP Plan”.

The main objectives of the CAP for the period post-2027 are set out in the NRP Regulation article 3 to further improve the sustainable development of farming, food and rural areas and to contribute to achieving the stated objectives.

The successful tenderer/consortia will be required to compile; (a) an appropriately scaled Strategic Environmental Assessment of the draft CAP Chapter of the NRP Plan for the period 2028-2034 which fully complies with the principles and requirements of Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment and the European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (S.I.

No. 435 of 2004), as amended; (b) a screening for Appropriate Assessment (AA) of the draft CAP Chapter of the NRP Plan for the period 2028-2034 which complies with the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No.

477 of 2011); (c) subject to the results of the AA screening process, an AA of the draft draft CAP Chapter of the NRP Plan for the period 2028-2034 which complies with the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011); Tenderers should note that there is no guarantee that the Assessment referred to at (d) will be required.

On receipt of the Screening Report referred to at (c), the Contracting Authority will make a decision on whether the successful tenderer will be requested to proceed with the assessment referred to at (d).

(d) the successful tenderer shall ensure timely, proactive, and effective engagement with the Contracting Authority, including the acknowledgment and provision of substantive responses to all reasonable requests for information, clarification, progress updates, or inputs within 72 hours, unless otherwise agreed in writing, in order to support effective programme delivery.

Please refer to the RFT documents for further information.