Comparative Analysis of EAFRD's Measure 121 (“Modernization of agricultural holdings”) Implementation in Romania and Poland

Measure 121, “Modernization of agricultural holdings”, is one of the most important EAFRD's measures, directly addressing the main rural activity: agriculture.The comparative analysis is based on the important similarities between Romania and Poland, concerning rural areas and development priorities.In Poland, the most important issues were solved by reducing bureaucracy, increasing regions’ autonomy, promoting organizations providing assistance and consulting services and state's active involvement in the support of private co-financing. Also, preference for a larger number of small projects at the expense of a small number of large projects provides more homogeneous development of rural areas and promotes entrepreneurship. Elements of this model should be implemented in Romania, to increase EU funds absorption rate and to achieve rural development goals.