Ukrainian Minister of Agrarian Policy Vitaliy Koval emphasized the need for equal, transparent, and predictable rules in trade between Ukraine and the European Union during a meeting of the EU Council on Agriculture and Fisheries.
This is reported by Business • Media
“Ukraine is not asking for privileges. We are asking for a partnership that works in wartime conditions. This is about equal, transparent, and predictable trade rules that help us endure.”
Losses in the Agricultural Sector Due to Russian Aggression
According to Vitaliy Koval, the war has caused significant damage to the Ukrainian agricultural sector — losses have already exceeded $83.9 billion. In just the past few days, Russia has launched over 900 missile and drone strikes against Ukraine. In the face of such challenges, predictable relations with the EU are crucial, as Ukraine’s agricultural sector accounts for 17.5% of GDP and provides 59% of the country’s total exports.
Position of Poland and Other EU Countries
Polish Minister of Agriculture Czesław Siekierski, whose country currently holds the EU presidency, emphasized that the new trade agreement between Ukraine and the EU must take into account the interests of various member states. Poland is not interested in importing Ukrainian grain, as it is itself an exporter of this product. At the same time, countries like Germany, Spain, and Italy have expressed a desire to import Ukrainian grain.
According to Siekierski, while negotiations on new trade conditions are ongoing, starting June 6, Ukraine and the EU will revert to the rules defined in the Association Agreement. This will mean the introduction of restrictions on the volumes of Ukrainian agricultural exports to the European Union.