Ukraine rejects EU membership with permanent limits on farm exports
Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotskyi says Ukraine is open to transition periods, but any such arrangements must have an end date.
Ukraine would not agree to join the EU on terms that permanently curbed its food sales within the bloc, Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotskyi said. His comments followed the European Commission’s backing for such restrictions in a review of policies ahead of future enlargement.
The Commission’s proposal envisages substantial restrictions on financial assistance and EU market access for sensitive agricultural goods. It favours supporting Ukraine’s return to established export destinations, including Africa and the Middle East, over allowing unrestricted sales to the bloc.
Vysotskyi distinguished temporary arrangements from lasting restrictions, arguing that the latter would be incompatible with full membership. He confirmed Ukraine’s openness to transition periods. These could involve a gradual introduction of farm support, temporary quotas and safeguards covering sensitive products, but he insisted they must expire.
Ukrainian grain exports reach millions of tons worldwide, while shipments to the EU face strict quotas. Some countries, including Poland, have barred Ukrainian grain imports to shield their farming sectors.
Vysotskyi also argued that Ukraine could reduce the EU’s dependence on third-country supplies of fertilisers, soybeans and lysine for animal feed. He said it could offer EU producers improved access to Black Sea export routes and opportunities for investment in food processing. Ukraine’s goal, he added, was to supply animal feed, ingredients, processed products and biofuels alongside grain and other raw materials.
