Ukraine completes EU accession screening on agriculture chapter

Deputy minister says progress achieved, but ‘a lot of work ahead’ in aligning with EU standards

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – Ukraine and the European Commission concluded screening meetings in Brussels on the negotiating chapter covering agriculture and rural development, the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture said on Monday.

During three days of discussions, Ukraine presented 28 thematic blocks, including reforms in agriculture, digitalization, state support, market regulation, and sector development.

The country also outlined its level of harmonization with EU legislation on horizontal issues, agricultural markets, quality policy, organic production, and product promotion.

“These discussions have shown two key things: we have already made significant progress in approximating agricultural policy to EU standards, but there is still a lot of work ahead. The accession process requires joint efforts and close coordination. Ukraine is ready to follow this path,” Deputy Minister Denys Bashlyk said.

The screening was part of Cluster 5, “Resources, Agriculture, and Cohesion Policy,” the last of six groups in the EU accession process.

Its results will feed into a roadmap for incorporating EU regulations into Ukrainian law, paving the way for formal accession negotiations.

Kaynak: