Abstract
The article explores the interconnection between the reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2023–2027 and the fundamental legislative changes in spatial planning and construction in the Slovak Republic since 2022. The CAP reform introduced an integrated strategic framework that merges direct payments and rural development, requiring alignment of national strategies with the European Union’s environmental and climate objectives. In Slovakia, a parallel reform of spatial planning and construction legislation has taken place, culminating in the adoption of Act No. 200/2022 Coll. on Spatial Planning and the new Construction Act No. 25/2025 Coll. The new legal provisions introduce an integrated procedure for construction intentions, digitalisation of administrative processes, and decentralisation of executive powers through the establishment of new regional offices with extended competences. The authors highlight the benefits of the new system (faster permitting processes, simplified administration) as well as potential risks (tight deadlines for municipalities, legal uncertainty post-2032). They underline the need to harmonise spatial planning tools with CAP objectives, particularly concerning land use, nature conservation, and infrastructure, in order to prevent conflicts between legislation and rural development strategies. The article also aims to analyse the challenges in implementing the environmental goals of the CAP, which are often inadequately fulfilled due to poorly designed eco-schemes and inconsistent funding. The article also includes a comparison of various EU member states’ approaches to CAP implementation.