Ukraine's Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi has told the Euronews Enlargement Summit that any restrictions on Ukrainian agricultural exports after EU accession must be transitional, not permanent. Speaking in Brussels, he acknowledged the concerns of European farmers but insisted that measures should be targeted, proportionate, and subject to regular review.
“We understand the concerns of European farmers, and we are ready for an open, practical discussion. Transitional measures can be part of enlargement, but they must address specific risks, be appropriate, and have clear review and exit conditions,” Koretskyi said.
His remarks come after the European Commission, under pressure from several member states, proposed excluding some Ukrainian products—notably wheat and other grains—from the EU market even after Kyiv becomes a full member. The proposal has sparked debate among the bloc's twenty-seven capitals, with agricultural heavyweights like Poland and France pushing for safeguards, while others argue that such carve-outs would undermine the integrity of the single market.
Koretskyi was blunt in his opposition to any permanent restrictions. “They cannot become a permanent restriction or a subset of the single market,” he said. He also highlighted the heavy burden on Ukrainian farmers, who must invest significantly to meet EU food standards while rebuilding infrastructure damaged by Russia's ongoing attacks.
Accession momentum
Since Koretskyi took office in July, Ukraine's bid to join the EU has gained momentum. Kyiv has established a joint task force with the European Commission to accelerate negotiations, and Ukraine has joined the group of four accession “frontrunners,” alongside Montenegro, Albania, and Moldova. The Commission is due to publish a roadmap for these candidates on Wednesday, outlining the steps toward membership.
For Koretskyi, EU membership is not just a diplomatic goal but a fundamental driver of Ukraine's resistance. “Ukraine's accession to the EU is the heart of the government policy. It is the hope for a better future and solidarity that brings peace, security, and economic recovery for Ukraine and the continent,” he said.
The prime minister also stressed that Ukraine's entry would strengthen the bloc's security, a point echoed by European troops rehearsing post-war support missions in Poland. He aims to open all remaining negotiating chapters this year and create conditions to start closing several during the Lithuanian presidency in the first half of 2027.
However, the farm export issue remains a sticking point. The EU's proposed safeguards are seen by some as a concession to domestic political pressures, but Koretskyi argues that they must not become a permanent feature of the single market. He called for a “practical discussion” that balances the interests of European farmers with Ukraine's long-term integration.
The debate over agricultural exports is part of a broader conversation about enlargement, which was a key theme at the Brussels enlargement summit. While Ukraine's progress is notable, the path to membership remains complex, with issues ranging from rule-of-law reforms to economic convergence.
Koretskyi's comments also come amid heightened security concerns, as Russia continues its drone and missile barrages across Ukraine. The EU has accelerated financial support, with €45bn in aid being fast-tracked to help Kyiv address its funding gap.
For now, Ukraine's leadership remains focused on the immediate challenges of war and reconstruction, but the vision of EU membership is a powerful motivator. As Koretskyi put it, “It is the hope for a better future.” Whether that future includes unfettered access to European markets will depend on the delicate negotiations ahead.
