European officials acknowledge that Ukraine's accession has consequences beyond the necessary reforms in Kiev. The size of the large Ukrainian agricultural sector makes it clear that adjustments will also be needed within the EU itself. It is not simply a standard enlargement, so to speak.
Ukrainian officials indicate that in talks with European representatives it is openly stated that Ukraine cannot be compared to smaller countries that joined earlier. The scale and structure of the agricultural sector put pressure on existing European agreements and EU policy frameworks.
At the same time, it is acknowledged that concerns within the EU countries partly arose from the image that Ukraine itself has conveyed for years. Ukraine was presented as an agricultural superpower, which led EU partners to believe that the sector would dominate the European market.
According to some Ukrainian representatives, that image is exaggerated. Ukraine is not at the top in Europe in terms of the size of its agricultural exports. They argue that this contextualization should help make the accession debate more realistic and remove inflated expectations and fears from the discussion.
What remains true is that Ukraine is particularly strong in the production of grains and oilseeds and operates competitively at an international level. At the same time, it is acknowledged that the Ukrainian agricultural sector is less strong in creating high added value within the agricultural chain.
The preparation for EU accession is described by Ukrainian representatives themselves as incomplete. The overall readiness is estimated at about forty to forty-five percent. Only a limited number of negotiation chapters score above average.
According to those involved, reforms would be possible under normal circumstances within a few years, but time is needed for both legislation and implementation. Quick solutions are not expected. Some sources mention possible accession in 2028.
The discussion about the scale and consequences for both European and Ukrainian agriculture shows that accession is not a simple tick-box exercise, but a process that impacts existing relationships. Both Ukraine and the EU recognize that mutual adjustment is inevitable, and that the outcome will be decisive for the future of European agricultural policy.