Ukraine In The EU Is Not A Zero-Sum Game But A Guarantee Of Global Food Security

This was stated by Alex Lissitsa, President of the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club (UCAB), during a panel discussion at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026.

He noted that today Ukrainian agribusiness operates under unique and extremely challenging conditions. Farmers have to adapt to new threats, develop anti-drone protection for machinery and grain elevators, and invest in the safety of infrastructure and people’s lives.However, despite the war, Ukraine continues to produce, export, and maintain leading positions in global markets, ensuring food security for millions of people worldwide.

Alex Lissitsa emphasized that the Ukrainian agricultural sector still has to challenge widespread myths in Europe that it consists solely of large agricultural holdings allegedly seeking to flood the European market with cheap products.In reality, Ukrainian agriculture is highly diverse: alongside large enterprises, millions of household farms and thousands of small and medium-sized farms are operating.In addition, due to rising logistics costs, local processing facilities, bakeries, and other production businesses are actively developing in the regions, creating new supply chains for quality products for the domestic market.

«Today, European integration is a strategic goal with no alternative for Ukraine’s agricultural sector, the state, and the economy. However, we are moving toward the European Union not as competitors, but as strategic partners. Ukraine’s accession to the EU is not a zero-sum game, but an opportunity to make Europe stronger in global markets and jointly guarantee global food security.At the same time, Ukraine is not asking for concessions or special treatment. Farmers are ready to meet all European requirements, but they need a transparent and predictable path to membership and a clear roadmap,» Alex Lissitsa summarized.