Ukrainian farmers support a predictable, transparent and economically stable process of Ukraine's accession to the European Union but are increasingly concerned about what they see as an excessively protectionist approach to integrating Ukrainian agriculture.
This was stated by the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club (UCAB).
The association emphasised that Ukraine's agricultural sector sees its future within the EU and is prepared for the profound transformation required to become an integral part of the European agricultural system. UCAB also welcomed the European Commission's efforts to prepare for future enlargement.
"We recognise the legitimate concerns of European farmers regarding future enlargement. Ukrainian agricultural businesses are equally interested in avoiding market shocks. This is why UCAB has consistently advocated an open and structured dialogue with European farmers, EU institutions and Member States to jointly develop a model for the future enlarged European agricultural market," the association said.
However, UCAB warned that the European Commission's proposed strategy creates a fundamental contradiction by introducing special safeguards for certain Ukrainian agricultural sectors while simultaneously requiring full compliance with EU agricultural and food safety regulations.
"Ukrainian agricultural producers cannot be expected to bear the full economic cost of alignment with EU standards while being denied the corresponding perspective of full participation in the EU Single Market," UCAB explained.
The association noted that once Ukrainian producers adopt European standards, returning to previous production models will become practically impossible, while their competitiveness in traditional third-country markets will decline.
For this reason, UCAB and other leading Ukrainian agricultural associations have proposed a structured transition period of up to 10 years following Ukraine's accession to the EU.
The proposed model would allow Ukraine and the EU to gradually align regulatory requirements, market access and agricultural support mechanisms while avoiding disruptions to both markets.
"Transition should facilitate integration – not become a mechanism for permanently excluding Ukrainian agriculture from the Internal Market," the association said.
UCAB also stressed that discussions about Ukraine's future EU membership must take into account the realities facing the country's agricultural sector during the war.
Agricultural production, infrastructure and logistics continue to suffer from Russian attacks, while renewed disruptions to maritime transport significantly restrict access to global markets. At the same time, access to the EU market and transit opportunities through EU territory remain limited.
The association argued that Europe should develop a model for agricultural development together with Ukraine rather than a model designed to protect European agriculture from Ukraine.
"Without first developing a comprehensive vision of EU agriculture with Ukraine as a future Member State – taking into account production structures, supply chains, market balances and regulatory adaptation – designing long-term restrictions specifically for Ukrainian agriculture risks creating discriminatory outcomes," UCAB warned.
It emphasised that restrictions should be based on evidence-based assessments of actual risks rather than treated as the starting assumption for Ukraine's integration.
Ukrainian agricultural producers are calling for businesses and industry associations to be directly involved in discussions on integration and the relevant EU accession negotiations.
"Our common objective should be to develop a workable model for an enlarged European agricultural sector that addresses the legitimate concerns of European farmers while unlocking Ukraine’s contribution to Europe’s food security, economic resilience and global competitiveness," UCAB concluded.
