In the event of permanent restrictions on the European Union market, Ukraine will refuse to join

Ukraine will not accept a model of accession to the European Union that would permanently limit access for its agricultural products to the EU market, Agriculture Minister Taras Vîsoțki said in an interview with Politico.

The reaction comes after the European Commission presented an analysis on Tuesday regarding the EU’s preparedness for future enlargements. The document proposes significantly limiting financial support and market access for certain agricultural products deemed sensitive and encourages redirecting Ukrainian exports toward traditional markets in Africa and the Middle East.

Vîsoțki said that Ukraine is prepared to accept a transition period, with the gradual introduction of subsidies, temporary quotas, and protection mechanisms for sensitive products. However, the minister stressed that all these measures must have a limited duration and a clear expiration date.

The dispute is taking place amid concerns among some member states, including Poland, about the effects of Ukrainian agricultural imports on European farmers. Ukraine, one of the world’s largest grain exporters, maintains that it can also help reduce the EU’s dependence on imports from third countries, including for fertilizers, soybeans, and lysine.