Ukraine deepens dialogue with the European Parliament on integration into the EU's Common Agricultural Policy

A round table discussion entitled “Integration of the agricultural sectors of Ukraine and the EU: challenges and ways forward” was held in Brussels with the support of Renew Europe in the European Parliament.

Among the participants who emphasized that Ukraine's inclusion in the European food security architecture is a strategic issue were members of the European Parliament, representatives of the European Commission, relevant associations, and Ukrainian businesses. The Ukrainian side was represented by Taras Vysotskyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine.

Following the event, it is envisaged to:

• strengthen institutional cooperation between Ukraine and the European Commission;
• develop a model for the gradual and phased integration of Ukraine into the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy);
• begin work on a joint schedule for the adaptation of standards for plant protection products;
• continue dialogue at the level of DG AGRI та DG SANTE .

"Ukraine's agriculture sector is modern and export-oriented, maintaining strong ties with the European market and expanding partnerships in Asia and Africa. Ukrainian producers already comply with many EU standards on food safety and traceability, particularly for grain and oilseed exports. The next step is to integrate the agricultural sector into the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. This will increase the competitiveness of Ukrainian farmers in the European market and strengthen Europe's food security," Taras Vysotskyi emphasized.

The Deputy Minister noted that Ukrainian farmers were committed to meeting European standards. In particular, an individual approach within the framework of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was important. This involved the phased introduction of standards, transition periods, and support instruments that would enable Ukrainian farmers to modernize.

For their part, European parliamentarians confirmed their intention to build an integrated, sustainable, and competitive European food system by integrating Ukraine into the CAP. Ukraine, in particular, remains one of the key producers and global exporters of food: the average annual volume of agricultural exports over the previous three years was USD 23.4 billion. In addition, the EU remains the main market for Ukrainian food products: the share of products exported to the EU is about 50%.

Background information

DG AGRI (Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development) is the European Commission's Directorate-General responsible for the formulation and implementation of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). DG AGRI sets the rules for the EU agricultural market, the system of subsidies and support for farmers, the development of rural areas, and requirements for environmentally friendly production.

DG SANTE (Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety) is the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety. DG SANTE ensures that all food products produced or imported into the EU are safe, meet strict quality standards, and can be traced at all stages of production – from farm to table.