Ukraine says it is targeting EU accession in 2027. That year is mentioned in multiple statements as a political goal or the moment when the country wants to be technically ready for membership. President Zelensky also said this on Thursday during a visit to Austria.
At the same time, some Ukrainian agricultural statements claim that accession in 2027 is not feasible because agriculture cannot yet comply with all the strict European rules.
Within the European Union, therefore, alternatives to a rapid full accession are being discussed. One model emerging is one in which Ukraine moves step by step closer to membership.
This phased model means that in an initial phase Ukraine may participate in certain EU structures, but will not yet receive all the rights that come with full membership.
Agriculture plays a central role in this discussion. Agriculture is mentioned as one of the most sensitive dossiers in the accession talks with Ukraine.
Neighboring Poland says it supports Ukraine’s European ambitions but attaches conditions to them. According to Polish statements, agreements are needed to protect domestic food and agricultural markets.
Concerns about market disruption also appear in comments from other neighboring countries. They explicitly point to the impact Ukrainian agricultural production could have on existing EU markets.
Ukraine has pressed for temporary exceptions upon accession in talks in Warsaw and Brussels. These are not general exemptions but limited and defined components.
Specifically, environmental and agricultural rules are being named for which Ukraine wants a phased introduction. How quickly and under what conditions Ukraine can actually join remains a subject of debate.