Ukraine commits to align its agricultural standards with the EU by 2028

At a meeting of the EU Council in Luxembourg on October 27, Ukraine reaffirmed its commitment to align national agricultural standards with those of the European Union by 2028. The issue was discussed during a session attended by Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Taras Kachka, together with EU agriculture ministers.

EU Commissioner for Agriculture Christoph Hansen said he had a “very good discussion” with Kachka, who also held productive talks with several EU agriculture ministers. Hansen underlined the ministers’ unwavering support for Ukraine and expressed hope that an updated EU-Ukraine trade agreement would bring greater predictability to the agricultural sector, which has faced “some turbulence” during the period of autonomous trade measures for Ukraine. “The new deal offers a more stable solution for the future,” the Commissioner noted.

According to Hansen, the EU side has consistently emphasized the importance of compliance with EU production standards, including the use of plant protection products, animal welfare, and other key elements. “Ukraine has committed to achieving full alignment with our production standards by 2028. This is very important,” he said, noting that such compliance is a crucial step on Ukraine’s path toward EU accession.

Hansen also highlighted the mutual benefits of two-way agricultural trade, pointing to the dairy, meat, and other sectors that “gain significant advantages” from exports to Ukraine.

Danish Agriculture Minister Jakob Jensen echoed this view, stressing that agricultural trade remains a vital source of income for Ukraine’s economy, especially amid ongoing Russian attacks. “In today’s discussions, we explored both opportunities and challenges related to Ukraine’s gradual integration into the EU agricultural market. The Danish Presidency is particularly focused on how the EU can help Ukraine meet production standards and support it throughout this process,” Jensen said.

Before the meeting, Taras Kachka emphasized that Ukraine continues to develop its agricultural sector and is committed to bringing it into full compliance with EU standards as part of its broader integration efforts.

Tags: Ukraine, EU, agricultural sector