The Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC) advocates the gradual integration of Ukraine's agricultural sector into the European Union, with a differentiated approach to producers depending on their level of readiness to work according to European rules. This was stated by Denys Marchuk, Deputy Chairman of the UAC, on the air of the Black Sea Broadcasting Company.

“Ukraine will become a member of the EU one way or another. And the requirements related to European integration are mostly related to the agricultural business. Today, we are discussing with our European partners an option that is an alternative to one-step integration. Producers who are oriented towards the European market and are ready to meet all the requirements should be eligible for a share of European subsidies. Those Ukrainian producers who are not yet ready for the transition will be able to work in other foreign markets. For them, the transition period should be 20-30 years. This is an additional tool that is currently in the focus of negotiations,” emphasized Denys Marchuk.

From the UAC's point of view, a rigid and simultaneous transition to the EU regulatory model without financial compensation will destroy part of Ukraine's production capacity, especially in a war economy. At the same time, Ukrainian farmers have already proven their ability to meet quality standards and ensure stable exports.

“Even during the war, Ukrainian products have proven their quality and competitiveness in foreign markets. We see that it is in demand in the European Union, as well as in Africa and Asia,” added the UAC Deputy Chairman.

The UAC pays special attention to forming alliances with neighbor EU members, including Poland.

“In communicating with our partners from Poland, we emphasize that we are not competitors. We are partners. Through joint projects, we can enter other international markets, such as Africa, where the population will double in the next 50 years,” said Denys Marchuk.

The UAC is convinced that the phased integration model will help strengthen the economic potential of the Ukrainian agricultural sector and contribute to the EU's internal stability.