3.1.4. Policy instruments to promote environmental sustainability in the CAP 2014-22 States, agri-environmental objectives were pursued through the combined and complementary effects of cross-compliance, Green Direct Payment (the so-called greening) and the second pillar voluntary Constraints (ANC), Natura 2oo0 areas, forestry measures and investments which are beneficial for the go beyond the legal minimum requirements. Cross-compliance represents the compulsory basic layer of environmental requirements and obligations to be met to receive CAP funding (OECD, 2023[1o]). In the and 7 good agricultural and environmental conditions (GAEC) standards. In Romania SMR and GAEC from May 2015. Order No. 352/636/54/2015 defined the specification of each SMR and GAEC. APIA is the Paying Agency responsible for the control of GAEC and SMR standards, verification of some SMR norms