Ukraine seeks full agricultural sector integration into EU single market

Ukraine is seeking full integration of its agricultural sector into the European Union’s single market after accession. Any transitional mechanisms should be justified, proportionate and time-limited, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Vsevolod Chentsov said.

According to Chentsov, any special arrangements for a limited list of sensitive agricultural products, including their parameters and duration, should be defined as part of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations. Such arrangements could also include support tools to help the sector adapt and expand its opportunities in external markets.

He noted that the EU currently runs a significant trade surplus with Ukraine, while economic interdependence and complementarity continue to deepen despite the war. In his view, integration of Ukraine’s agricultural sector could further strengthen mutual benefits for both sides.

Ukraine’s agricultural sector could also contribute to several of the EU’s strategic goals, including food security, strategic autonomy, decarbonization and the competitiveness of the European food industry.

Chentsov stressed that discussions about integrating Ukraine’s agricultural sector into the EU should focus not only on potential risks but also on strategic opportunities for the European market. Ukrainian officials have also said that Kyiv would not accept a membership model involving permanent restrictions on sales of certain agri-food products to the EU.

Tags: Ukraine, EU, agri-food, agricultural export