Grogrund för konflikt- En idéanalys av EUs gemensamma jordbrukspolitik CAP

Sammanfattning: This thesis seeks to broaden and deepen the understanding of the ideological motives and driving forces of the European Union. By analyzing the legal framework of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) this thesis seeks to examine whether expressions of liberal or mercantilist views can be detected in the material. Despite a liberal rhetoric conducted by the European Union regarding trade policies and the single market, the Common Agricultural Policy has been accused of protectionist tendencies. The focus of the study is the legal framework of the common agricultural policy consisting of four regulations which set out on the different elements of the CAP framework. The study furthermore examines the legal basis for the common agricultural policy established in the treaty on the functioning of the European Union. The results of the thesis show that there can be found both liberal and mercantilist undertones in the legal framework of CAP, illustrating a tension between opposing political ideas in the policies of the common agricultural policy. Despite criticism and conflict seemingly derived from the legal framework these opposing ideas are withheld why the conclusion of the thesis is that the opposing ideas might be a result of contradictive and comprehensive ideals.