Bilateral meetings between Ukraine and European Commission on Chapter 11, Agriculture and Rural Development, begin
Screening meetings between the Ukrainian delegation and the European Commission on Chapter 11 “Agriculture and Rural Development” have started in Brussels. The Ukrainian delegation is led by Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Denys Bashlyk. Among the delegation members is Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka.
Denys Bashlyk opened the meeting with an introductory speech, expressing gratitude to the European Commission for its ongoing support, noting that this partnership has played a crucial role in Ukraine’s European integration process.
“Ukraine is undertaking something truly historic – pursuing EU accession while resisting a full-scale war. This demonstrates our unwavering resolve to firmly anchor Ukraine in the European family despite extraordinary challenges,” Denys Bashlyk emphasised.
The Deputy Minister highlighted that the war has caused over EUR 74 billion in damages and losses to the agricultural sector, with 20% of agricultural land lost or contaminated, and one in five farmers currently defending Ukraine in the ranks of the Armed Forces. Additionally, Ukraine, like EU countries, faces long-term challenges such as periodic droughts, climate change impacts, and an ageing rural population.
Despite these challenges, Ukraine is actively reforming its agricultural sector, aligning national legislation with EU regulations. In 2024, the agricultural sector accounted for approximately 15% of GDP and nearly 60% of export revenues. Since the onset of the war, over 230 million tonnes of agricultural products have been exported, generating more than USD 81 billion in foreign currency revenue. According to Denys Bashlyk, this underscores that Ukrainian agriculture is not only a cornerstone of the national economy but also a guarantor of global and European food security.
“Ukraine’s integration is not a one-way process; it is a mutually beneficial endeavour. By joining the EU, Ukraine will bring not only its vast agricultural potential but also resilience, innovation, and steadfast commitment to shared values. Together, we can strengthen Europe’s food security, enhance the competitiveness of the single market, and contribute to sustainable development across the continent,” Denys Bashlyk stressed.
Background
In September 2025, official screening for Ukraine’s EU accession is taking place under Cluster 5 “Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion Policy.” This includes screenings for three negotiation chapters: Chapter 11 “Agriculture and Rural Development,” Chapter 12 “Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Policy,” and Chapter 13 “Fisheries and Aquaculture.”
Cluster 5 is the final of six clusters in the bilateral screening meetings. The results of the screening will inform the development of a plan for further implementation of EU regulations into Ukrainian legislation. The screening marks the beginning of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations.