The first wave of sensitivity around Ukraine’s agricultural sector in Europe has passed

This was stated by Taras Kachka, Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda.

«Perhaps, when it comes to integration into the internal market, this may even work to our advantage,» he emphasized.

According to the Vice Prime Minister, Ukraine is ready to follow Poland’s path, where farmers began receiving 100% of subsidies only 10 years after accession. Kachka noted that Kyiv does not plan to spend years agreeing on all the details before signing an agreement. Instead, Ukraine proposes a mechanism for gradual integration after official accession.

The Vice Prime Minister believes that Europe is also ready to negotiate.

«We understand, after the discussions we had in 2023 with our Polish colleagues, with all neighboring countries and with the European Union in general, that we passed the first emotional wave of sensitivity a long time ago. Now there is an understanding that it is possible to find a very, very delicate balance. And we will find it, because everyone sees both the challenges and the opportunities. And there are actually many opportunities, since Ukraine contributes a great deal of positive value to the European Union’s food systems,» Taras Kachka explained.

He also paid special attention to the competitiveness of Ukrainian producers and noted that the experience of the past 20 years of integration has been optimistic.

The official is convinced that Ukraine is already effectively part of the EU internal market, while businesses perceive the need for investment in modernization as a necessary cost.