Andrii Dykun, Chairman of the Ukrainian Agri Council, took part in two important international events: the annual congress of the European Sugar Manufacturers Association (CEFS) in Belgium (on June 5) and the industry congress on the occasion of World Meat Day in Poland (on June 6).

At both events, he participated in panel discussions on global challenges for the agricultural sector, particularly in the areas of livestock farming, the sugar industry, and trade relations between Ukraine and the European Union.

“I used specific examples to explain the importance of strengthening partnerships. It is unity that will strengthen the positions of both the EU and Ukraine in the global food sector. Because together we are much stronger,” emphasized the Chairman of the UAC.

In Poland, the key focus was on sanctions against the Russian agricultural sector.

“It is unacceptable that the EU, now in its fourth year of full-scale war, still imports critical agricultural products from Russia. Moreover, imports of fertilizers from Russia and Belarus have only increased, as European Parliamentarians stated this during the last session of the European Parliament,” he said.

The UAC Chairman also emphasized that the agricultural sector in Ukraine is based on small and medium-sized producers who do not receive state subsidies but traditionally remain profitable and are ready to share their experience with their colleagues in the EU.

During the event in Belgium economic, environmental, and social challenges in the sugar sector were discussed. Andrii Dykun emphasized the unfairness of the restrictions imposed by the EU on Ukrainian sugar imports.

“While Central Asian countries were the main export destination until 2022, these markets have now been lost, and Ukrainian sugar is mainly supplied to the EU. However, even here we face restrictions, despite the fact that our products have a high European component – from seeds to fertilizers and fuel,” he explained.

According to him, in 2024, seeds for the needs of the Ukrainian sugar industry were imported from the EU for almost EUR 44 million.

The UAC proposed creating a joint analytical document on the sugar industry, including Ukraine, to form transparent recommendations and identify the real balance of benefits and interdependence.