In Brussels, with support from Renew Europe, the European Parliament hosted a roundtable titled “Integration of Ukrainian and EU Agricultural Sectors: Challenges and Ways Forward.”
Participants, including Members of the European Parliament, European Commission representatives, relevant associations, and Ukrainian business leaders, emphasized that integrating Ukraine into the European food security architecture is a strategic priority. Ukraine was represented by Taras Vysotskyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture.
Key outcomes from the event include:
- Strengthening institutional cooperation between Ukraine and the European Commission;
- Developing a model for gradual, phased integration of Ukraine into the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP);
- Beginning work on a joint timetable for harmonizing standards on plant protection products;
- Continuing dialogue at the level of DG AGRI and DG SANTE.
Taras Vysotskyi stressed that Ukrainian agriculture is a modern, export-oriented sector with strong ties to the European market and growing partnerships in Asia and Africa. Ukrainian producers already comply with many EU standards for food safety and traceability, particularly for grain and oilseed exports. The next step is integration into the EU CAP, which will increase the competitiveness of Ukrainian farmers and strengthen European food security.
Vysotskyi highlighted that Ukrainian farmers are prepared to meet EU standards, with phased implementation, transitional periods, and support instruments to help modernize the sector.
European parliamentarians confirmed their commitment to building an integrated, sustainable, and competitive European food system while integrating Ukraine into the CAP. Ukraine remains a key global food producer and exporter, with an average annual agricultural export of $23.4 billion over the past three years. The EU is the main market for Ukrainian food, accounting for roughly 50% of exports.
Background:
- DG AGRI (Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development) – EU Commission body responsible for CAP implementation, agricultural market regulation, subsidies, rural development, and sustainability standards.
- DG SANTE (Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety) – Ensures that all food produced or imported into the EU meets strict quality and traceability standards from farm to table
