Implementation of the joint Ukrainian-Danish Strategic Sector Cooperation (SSC) project in the field of food and agriculture was discussed during a meeting between Deputy Minister Taras Vysotskyi and a delegation from the Kingdom of Denmark.
The parties reviewed the implementation of the SSC Work Plan, discussed the results of completed activities, and identified cooperation priorities for the second half of 2026 and 2027.
“Cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark is one of the most successful examples of practical support for reforms in Ukraine’s agricultural sector on its path toward European Union membership. The exchange of experience is especially valuable for us, as it helps implement European approaches in the areas of food safety, animal health, plant protection and state control. Our common task is not only to continue existing projects but also to develop new areas of cooperation in line with Ukraine’s needs and the requirements of European legislation,” said Taras Vysotskyi.
The participants also noted the results of cooperation launched after the signing of the intergovernmental agreement between Ukraine and Denmark in 2023. Within the framework of the project, a number of expert missions, study visits, webinars and consultations involving Ukrainian and Danish specialists have already been held. These activities covered issues including state control, laboratory operations, veterinary medicine, food safety, animal health, seed production and phytosanitary measures.
Following the main meeting, a session of the Coordination Working Group was held, during which the parties agreed in detail on the schedule of future activities.
In particular, the second half of 2026 will include expert missions in three key areas:
- food safety, including border control issues;
- animal health and welfare, with a focus on preparedness to respond to outbreaks of particularly dangerous diseases;
- phytosanitary measures, plant passports and seed certification.
Special attention during the planning process was paid to harmonizing Ukrainian legislation with EU legislation, developing the official control system, improving cooperation between regulatory authorities and customs services, and introducing modern European approaches to state supervision.
Following the meeting, the Ukrainian and Danish sides confirmed their readiness to update the SSC project document in line with new cooperation priorities and to continue joint work on reforming Ukraine’s food safety system and developing the agricultural sector in accordance with European Union standards.
The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Economy and the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, SSC Ukraine Food Project Programme Head Camilla Brask Andersen, SSC Ukraine Food Project Programme Head Annette Sørensen Haurum, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in Ukraine Anne Marie Medsen, and Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in Ukraine Poul Jakob Erikstrup.
