Ukraine outlines 2026 priorities in EU accession negotiations on agricultural chapters

Ukraine is moving to a more practical phase of EU accession negotiations, with clear priorities for 2026, deadlines for meeting key benchmarks, and the preparation of negotiating positions across sectoral chapters. Further steps were discussed at a meeting of the Interagency Working Group on Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations and the alignment of national legislation with European Union law. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka.

The session was attended by representatives of the European Union’s Working Party on Enlargement (COELA), central executive authorities, and experts.

Taras Vysotskyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, presented the state of preparations and priorities for implementing the acquis under Negotiating Chapter 12 – Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Policy. This chapter covers a wide range of issues, including food safety, plant health, animal welfare, GMOs, and the system of official controls. It is one of the largest and most complex chapters, requiring simultaneous legislative updates, institutional development, and the introduction of modern control mechanisms.

Ukraine has already met 11 key benchmarks in this area, while the National Programme envisages 130 targets, including the implementation of 177 EU legal acts.

Among the priorities are the completion of harmonisation of animal welfare legislation, development of the official control system, reform of competent authorities, and the introduction of European approaches to plant protection products.

“Chapter 12 is one of the most difficult and resource-intensive in the negotiating process. It involves legislative changes, institutional reform, and the implementation of practical mechanisms in line with EU standards. Our task is to ensure the implementation of European norms in a way that strengthens the competitiveness of Ukraine’s agricultural sector, fisheries, and aquaculture,” emphasised Taras Vysotskyi.

Denys Bashlyk, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, presented Ukraine’s main positions on Chapter 11 – “Agriculture and Rural Development”. This chapter is key to Ukraine’s integration into the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and provides for the creation of systems for managing state support, controlling the use of EU funds, and developing digital infrastructure for agricultural policy.

In 2026, the main focus will be on launching the Paying Agency, implementing the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS), establishing a system for managing EU funds, and developing digital solutions based on the State Agrarian Register. In total, the chapter includes 46 targets, encompassing the implementation of 67 EU acquis acts.

“2026 should become the practical stage of Ukraine’s integration into the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy. Our task is to launch the key institutions and digital systems that will ensure transparent management of support for the agricultural sector and effective integration into EU policies,” noted Denys Bashlyk.

At the same time, significant challenges remain, including the need for substantial financial resources, development of IT infrastructure, training of qualified personnel, and strengthening institutional capacity.