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The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has been subject to incremental reforms since the mid-1980s, and the 1999 reforms build on those agreed in 1992. However agri-environmental measures still represent less than 10% of CAP expenditure. A clear review of the environmental implications of the 1999 reforms will only be possible when all the Member States have decided how to implement and fund the Rural Development Regulation and apply environmental conditions to CAP payments.

Findings from a social survey conducted in the United Kingdom are analyzed and their policy implications are discussed. The survey focused on the issue of happiness. The article concludes that the government analysis suggests that happiness should be achieved through alteration of social relationships and personal views, rather than policies which target inequities that cause unhappiness.