The objective of this study is to empirically analyse the effectiveness of agricultural policies, given the general economic and structural conditions under which the policies operate. The effectiveness of policies is measured in terms of their impacts on the stated policy objectives. The analysis is carried out at the EU15 level and the time period analysed ranges from 1975 to 2007. The analysis suggests that structural economic development has to some extent outpaced the effects of agricultural policies. Structural and economic factors have developed at a significantly faster pace compared to agricultural policies. However, the implemented policy reforms in the EU have improved the policy effectiveness.