The Ukrainian delegation and the European Commission have started screening meetings in Brussels under Chapter 11 ‘Agriculture and Rural Development’.
The relevant statement was made by the Ukrainian Economy, Environment and Agriculture Ministry, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
The Ukrainian delegation is led by Economy, Environment and Agriculture Deputy Minister Denys Bashlyk, and also includes Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka.
During his opening remarks, Bashlyk thanked the European Commission for its support and emphasized that such partnership played an important role in the process of European integration.
According to Bashlyk, Ukraine is doing something truly historic – pursuing the EU accession process amid the full-scale war. This demonstrates Ukraine’s unwavering determination to become part of the European family despite extraordinary challenges.
The Ukrainian official mentioned that the country’s agricultural sector suffered over EUR 74 billion in war-related damages. In addition, 20% of farmlands were either lost or contaminated with ordnance, and every fifth farmer has to defend Ukraine in the ranks of the Armed Forces. In the meantime, similarly to EU countries, Ukraine faces global challenges, such as climate change, drought, and the aging of rural population.
Nevertheless, Ukraine’s agriculture continues to reform, namely through the implementation of European standards into national legislation. Last year, the agricultural sector generated about 15% of GDP and provided almost 60% of export revenues.
Since the Russian full-scale invasion started, Ukraine has shipped over 230 million tonnes of agricultural products and earned more than USD 81 billion in export revenues.
As emphasized by Bashlyk, Ukraine’s integration is not a one-sided process, but a mutually beneficial undertaking. By joining the EU, Ukraine will bring not only its vast agricultural potential, but also resilience, innovation and a strong commitment to shared values.
A reminder that, in September 2025, an official screening is taking place with regard to Ukraine’s accession to the EU under Cluster 5 ‘Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion Policy’. As part of this, screenings will be held on three negotiation chapters.
Cluster 5 is the final of six clusters within the framework of bilateral meetings in the screening process. Its results will lead to the development of a plan for further implementation of EU regulations into Ukrainian legislation. The screening procedure is the beginning of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
Photo: Ukrainian Economy Ministry