The Groupe de Bruges is an independent network and think tank on European agricultural and rural development policies. Members are individuals that do not represent their country or region, lobby group or political organisation. We view the function of the Groupe de Bruges in the light of global and European developments concerning agriculture and countryside. This function was and will remain to provide an independent, positive and constructive criticism of the CAP. This is the core business of the GdB. What is the added value of the GdB? - To contribute to better European policies on agriculture, food systems, rural development and environment in an independent way, that is not connected to specific sectoral, territorial or political interests. This will remain the core-business of the GdB. - To raise public awareness. European citizens are not and don’t feel involved in the debate on European agricultural and rural development policy. - To serve as a platform for stake-holders in the debate. Because of the Groupe de Bruges' independent position it can serve as a save haven where conflicting parties could be invited to discuss their views outside of the normal ‘battlegrounds’ and in this way focus more on what they share in common than what divides them or to offer them new points of view to approach the problem. - To serve as a knowledge provider.