Brussels proposes lasting limits on Ukraine’s farm access to the EU market
The European Commission proposes restricting Ukraine’s access to EU farm subsidies and markets after accession, a plan Kyiv says cannot involve permanent limits on food sales. The dispute matters for Ukraine’s membership terms and for European farmers concerned about competition from Ukrainian grain. Kyiv says it will accept temporary restrictions only if they have an end date.
Bottom line — Ukraine’s agriculture minister says a permanent market limit would conflict with the terms of full EU membership.
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According to Ukrainska Pravda, citing an internal Commission document seen by the Financial Times, the EU’s €55 billion annual farm-support budget could be tied to reforms and accession commitments.
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The Commission’s draft would help Ukraine restore access to traditional export markets, according to Ukrainska Pravda.
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Taras Vysotskyi told POLITICO that Ukraine would accept phased-in farm support, temporary quotas and safeguards, provided they have an end date.
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A Commission official told European Pravda the EU plans to negotiate the agricultural conditions with Ukraine and include agreed terms near the end of accession talks.
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Poland, France and Italy are among the member states concerned about competition from Ukrainian grain and oilseed products, according to Ukrainska Pravda.
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Ukrainska Pravda reports the proposals remain drafts and have not been adopted.