Swift Opening of the Agricultural Cluster in EU Negotiations Will Benefit Ukraine

This opinion was expressed by Oleksandra Avramenko, Chair of the European Integration Committee of the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club association, during an expert discussion.

«The sooner the agricultural cluster in negotiations with the EU is opened, the greater the chances are not only to preserve the potential of Ukraine’s agricultural sector, but also to turn adaptation to EU standards into new development opportunities for Ukrainian producers and to strengthen the common agrifood potential of the future enlarged EU,» she noted.

The expert emphasized that the launch of the negotiation process between Ukraine and the European Union is a significant historic step, but only the beginning of a long journey. Both sides are facing changes: Ukraine needs to implement reforms and adapt its legislation, while the EU must transform internally in order to prepare for the accession of a new full-fledged member.

At the same time, Ukraine’s agricultural sector is facing challenges due to the transition from the trade liberalization regime back to the quota system. This has led to a noticeable reduction in export volumes. Ukrainian producers are now forced to look for ways to diversify and redirect exports of grain and value-added products to third-country markets.

Oleksandra Avramenko noted that the accession of new countries gives an impetus to the European agricultural sector by contributing to the development of processing, helping to address market imbalances and reducing imports from third countries. Ukrainian agribusiness is already integrated into European value chains, supplying raw materials for the feed base of livestock complexes in European countries.

«Ukraine is facing a complex process of adapting to EU standards, which will require time, resources and clearly coordinated transitional solutions. That is why the negotiation process on agricultural policy should begin as soon as possible: this will make it possible to discuss sensitive issues in advance, ease tensions and find common ground with European producers,» Oleksandra Avramenko concluded.