The main agricultural organizations of Ukraine have presented a joint position in Brussels on the conditions for integrating their sector into the European Union. They advocate for speedy accession and an adaptation period of at least ten years.
According to the organizations, such a period is necessary for the agricultural sector to gradually adjust to European regulations. The changes include environmental standards, rules for fertilizers and plant protection products, and other production requirements.
The sector points out that these adjustments require substantial investments and structural changes in their country. Without sufficient time and support, the transition could have significant economic consequences for farmers and the food industry.
Promotion
In their proposal, the agricultural organizations also already request access to subsidy funds from the European agricultural policy. According to them, EU subsidies are needed to enable modernization, infrastructure, and other adaptations in their industry. At the same time, they state that their food and agricultural products that fully comply with European standards should receive free access to the EU market.
While the agricultural sector advocates for a gradual transition, the European Commission has confirmed that Ukraine is technically ready to open accession negotiations on six clusters of policy areas.
The Commission states that the preparatory screening of Ukrainian legislation has been completed. This marks an important phase of the accession process and according to Brussels, the next step can now be taken.
However, the final decision to actually open negotiations lies with the governments of the 27 EU countries. They must consent separately.
Meanwhile, the discussion about the timing of possible accession remains open. President Zelensky believes that the EU must make a decision in 2027. The European Commission emphasizes that no exact date can be set and that the process remains dependent on further political decisions.
It became clear just this week during a meeting of the EU countries' ambassadors that there is not yet unanimity on accelerated admission of Ukraine in 2027. An official decision on this must be made at the EU summit on March 19.