Ukraine’s dairy sector obtains roadmap for European integration into the EU market

The Ukrainian dairy industry has received a practical plan to prepare for operating under European Union rules. A Roadmap for the integration of Ukraine’s dairy sector into the EU was presented in Kyiv, setting out the key stages for harmonising Ukrainian legislation, veterinary and phytosanitary requirements, as well as food safety standards with European norms.

The document is intended to serve as a tool for preparing the sector for full integration into the EU single market and for enhancing the competitiveness of Ukrainian dairy products.

During the presentation, Taras Vysotskyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, emphasised that the roadmap had already been aligned with the National Plan for the Adaptation of Legislation to EU Law and the European Union’s technical benchmarks. Its implementation requires constant coordination among the state, business and relevant associations.

“The roadmap is already a practical tool for the entire sector. It contains clear deadlines, a list of regulatory changes and implementation priorities. Today, most Ukrainian producers of milk and dairy products already have the potential to be part of EU production chains – both in terms of raw material quality and the quality of finished products. Our task is to help the remaining enterprises follow this path and ensure the full implementation of European standards,” said Taras Vysotskyi.

According to him, the roadmap will serve as a key guide to facilitate the work of the relevant working group and ensure systematic monitoring of the implementation of tasks relating to the alignment of legislation with EU standards, the introduction of veterinary and phytosanitary requirements, and food safety standards.

During the forum, participants also discussed mechanisms for cooperation between government bodies, businesses, industry associations and international partners to accelerate the integration of Ukraine’s dairy sector into the EU single market.

Background information

The roadmap was developed by the Committee on European Integration of the Ukrainian Dairy Industry Association in partnership with the Ukrainian Association of Milk Producers, with the support of the Swiss-Ukrainian QFTP (Quality Food Trade Programme), the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ukraine, and coordinated by Prospex International.