European Commission recognizes Ukraine's good progress in agriculture and rural development
The European Commission has noted good progress by Ukraine in agriculture and rural development. This is stated in the 2026 Ukraine Report, part of the annual European Union Enlargement Package.
According to the assessment, Ukraine not only made good progress over the year under negotiating chapter 11, "Agriculture and Rural Development," but also raised its overall level of preparation in this area. Specifically, the assessment rose from between early stage to certain level of preparation.
Agriculture and rural development is among the ten negotiating chapters in which the European Commission noted good or very good progress by Ukraine during the reporting period.
Among the key results, the Commission highlighted the creation of the legislative framework for introducing the mechanisms of the EU Common Agricultural Policy. This includes establishing the legal conditions for the Paying Agency, the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) and the Farm Sustainability Data Network (FSDN).
The Commission also gave a positive assessment of the implementation of the Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development until 2030 and of the work on introducing European tools for managing agricultural support.
"The European Commission's report confirms that Ukraine is steadily moving towards implementing European standards in agricultural policy. Even in the conditions of full-scale war, we continue systemic reforms, build the necessary legislative framework and develop institutions. Our task is to ensure that these mechanisms work fully, so that Ukrainian farmers can operate under transparent and clear rules and the system of state support meets European principles," said Taras Vysotskyi, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.
Digitalization of the agricultural sector remains an important part of European integration changes. In particular, the State Agrarian Register gives agricultural producers access to support programs and is one of the tools for developing a modern system of agricultural policy administration.
The Commission also noted some progress by Ukraine under chapter 12, "Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Policy," and chapter 13, "Fisheries." Under chapter 12, Ukraine keeps a moderate level of preparation, and under chapter 13, some level of preparation. Results include the development of electronic certification, improved veterinary and phytosanitary control, and the introduction of digital tools in fisheries.
At the same time, the Commission set out further priorities for Ukraine. They include ensuring the operational capacity of the Paying Agency, developing systems for administering and controlling agricultural support, and continuing to align national legislation with EU law.
"European integration of the agricultural sector is not only about meeting legislative obligations. It is about building a modern system of governance, supporting producers and developing rural areas. We want Ukrainian farmers to have every opportunity to work effectively in the single European market, and our products to become even more competitive," Taras Vysotskyi stressed.
Overall, the Commission noted Ukraine's progress in a number of negotiating chapters in this year's Report. An increase in the level of preparation was recorded in nine chapters, including agriculture and rural development.
Background
The European Commission's annual report under the EU Enlargement Package assesses candidate countries' progress in meeting the membership criteria and aligning their legislation with EU law. The 2026 report covers the period from September 2025 to September 2026.