The process of integrating Ukraine into the European Union will be challenging due to the Ukrainian agricultural sector, which poses certain threats to European farmers. After a series of protests, the issue will be resolved, and Ukraine will join the EU sooner than 2030, stated the EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Kateryna Maternova.
"Agriculture is a lifeline for the Ukrainian economy. It accounts for 60% of exports. In fact, it is one of the key food suppliers worldwide. It has experienced significant disruptions due to the war and the blockade of the Black Sea, until its (maritime movement - IF-U) was restored by the government with the support of international partners. Agriculture has been, is, and will remain a key sector for Ukraine's development," she said at the "Agricultural Sector 2025: Challenges and Opportunities in New Realities" conference in Kyiv on Thursday.
Maternova emphasized that agriculture will always be one of the three most important sectors alongside energy and defense, which will dominate the Ukrainian economy, creating potential for recovery and export.
"It is important to understand that this (the integration of the Ukrainian agricultural sector into the EU - IF-U) will be a delicate discussion. This will be a sensitive sector because your potential is such that it threatens insiders when outsiders have such values and strength. But we will get through this," the EU Ambassador stressed.
The diplomat recalled that when Spain and Portugal joined the European Union, French and Italian winemakers considered it a disaster and believed they would never be able to compete. When Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia entered the EU, there were concerns about plumbers and truck drivers, and protests against it, but the EU endured.
"Your vertically integrated agro-holdings are significantly more productive, and therefore more formidable, than what we have in Europe... It won't be pretty. There will be demonstrations at the borders. There may be certain goods that could have temporary restrictions or limitations on export opportunities. But in the end, the system will adapt to this," she assured.
Commenting on the visit of European leaders to Kyiv on the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine and the simultaneous events in New York regarding the declaration condemning Russian aggression and the voting on it at the UN, Maternova recommended a more optimistic assessment of the international situation.
"Previously, the rhetoric of European countries emphasized that Europe would stand with Ukraine for as long as necessary. This has significantly helped Ukraine defend itself against the enemy. Now these efforts are perceived by the public as a joint endeavor, considering that transatlantic alliances are much weaker than they were just a few weeks ago," the diplomat added.
Maternova reminded that she previously mentioned the year 2030 as the date for Ukraine's accession to the EU (the date stated by former President of the European Council Charles Michel - IF-U), and now discussions suggest that this could happen sooner.
"Your core sector, agriculture, will be the most challenging to discuss. There will be threats, concerns, and demonstrations, but we will overcome this together," summarized the EU Ambassador to Ukraine.