With Agra Europe
“Preparing for a larger European Union”, is the title of the communication adopted on 6 October by the European Commission for its proposals on the future EU enlargements. Brussels details the policy guidelines and the actions needed to prepare the Union for the entry of new countries. For Ukraine, the Commission envisages “targeted measures” to its integration. In particular for the agricultural sector, given the “very high productivity” of Ukrainian agriculture, the European Commission in a press release. The idea is to “limit significantly the financial support as well as market access for the sensitive agricultural products, while helping Ukraine regain access to its traditional export markets in third countries.” The objective is to “protect European farmers,” said Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, according to our colleagues at Agra Europe.
Read also: Ukraine: what conditions apply to the agricultural sector for EU accession?
Safeguard mechanisms for certain sensitive products
For the various enlargements, the European Commission argues that “transitional provisions” could be introduced for agriculture and the movement of products.
Because if enlargements represent a potential for improving the EU’s autonomy in food supply, competition in the single market would intensify for European farmers. This would mean to adapt support mechanisms to agricultural incomes (development of complementary activities, payments for environmental services, …), and the development of “safeguard mechanisms for certain sensitive products.”
Read also: Ukraine’s accession to the EU: major impacts on arable crops
“The CAP will need to target its aid more towards the farmers who need it most”
“The CAP will need to target its aid more towards the farmers who need it most, encourage environmental benefits and social by remunerating ecosystem services, and fostering conditions conducive to the development of rural areas,” argues the working document of the European Commission.
Read also: Chicken: in Ukraine, exports surged by 11,8% in early 2026
