Ukraine’s EU accession will strengthen Europe’s agricultural potential — EU Commissioner

Ukraine’s accession to the European Union could significantly strengthen the EU’s agricultural potential and food self-sufficiency. This was stated by European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen in an interview with BFMTV. According to him, Ukraine’s agricultural sector is strategically important not only for ensuring Europe’s food security but also for supplying food to regions of the world that depend on imports.

At the same time, the scale of Ukraine’s agricultural production raises concerns among European farmers. Hansen described Ukraine as a major agricultural powerhouse whose integration could significantly reshape competition within the EU market. Therefore, one of the key challenges will be the gradual alignment of production standards and competitive conditions between Ukrainian and European farmers.

The EU Commissioner stressed that Ukraine must bring its agricultural production into compliance with EU standards by 2028. Otherwise, Brussels reserves the right to review the established trade quotas. According to Hansen, harmonizing requirements will be a challenging process but an essential step toward further integration of Ukrainian agricultural products into the European market.

He also noted that Ukraine’s accession could involve lengthy transition periods for agriculture. Such mechanisms are being considered as part of the EU’s preparations for future enlargement. Their aim is to ensure the gradual integration of Ukraine’s agricultural sector without placing sudden pressure on European producers or creating excessive barriers for Ukraine.

Hansen identified protein crops, particularly soybeans, as one of the most promising areas for cooperation. The EU currently relies heavily on imports of these products from the US and Brazil, while Ukraine could expand soybean production and supplies to the European market. According to the Commissioner, this approach could reduce the EU’s dependence on imports and create additional opportunities for Ukrainian farmers.

Tags: Ukraine, EU, agricultural sector