Following their introduction in 1992, direct payments have become one of the main instruments
of the Common Agricultural Policy. The aim of this study is to analyse potential scenarios of
harmonization of direct payments in the CAP post-2013. In doing so, we use the CAPRI model, which
represents the functioning of agricultural markets at the global level and simultaneously models CAP
measures at the EU regional level. Results suggest that while a flatter rate of direct payments would have
minor impacts on agriculture at the EU level, it would imply substantial redistributive effects, both across
regions and Member States
