Screening for EU accession in the home stretch: agrarian policy is the key topic
9 September 2025 11:57
Ukraine is approaching the end of its screening process, one of the key stages of its accession negotiations with the European Union. The last cluster on the schedule is the one covering resources, agriculture, and cohesion policy. This was announced by Taras Kachka, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine – Trade Representative of Ukraine, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
The meetings are held in Brussels in a hybrid format and will last until September 10. The Ukrainian delegation is headed by chief negotiator, Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka. Representatives of the Ministries of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine also take part in the sessions.
“Screening, a basic component of the EU accession negotiations, has reached the home stretch. Together with the European Commission, we have started discussions on the last cluster in our schedule on resources, agriculture and cohesion policy,” he said.
According to Kachka, cluster 5 concerns the most sensitive topics of the negotiations, in particular agricultural policy, which covers support for farmers, rural development, control and administration systems.
“Behind the technical issues lie many policies that we have experienced very well in recent years. The vulnerability of Ukrainian and European farmers makes agricultural issues the most politically sensitive,” the trade representative emphasized.
He emphasized that successful negotiations are only possible if all stakeholders are involved and mutual understanding is reached.
“In this part of the negotiations, the involvement of all stakeholders and mutual understanding between them is especially important. The success of the negotiations will be the integration with the EU that will make us together the most powerful player in the global food system. I believe it is possible,” Kachka summarized.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration reported that the negotiations are on Title 11, Agriculture and Rural Development, which is part of Cluster 5, Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion Policy. This cluster is the final stage of the bilateral meetings within the screening process.
Opening the session, Taras Kachka emphasized the strategic importance of agricultural policy for Ukraine’s integration into the EU.
“For us, this screening session is not the beginning, but the result of many years of cooperation with the European Union. We know our advantages, we know the challenges, and today we have the opportunity to lay the foundation for further integration of the Ukrainian agricultural sector into the EU’s common policy,” Kachka said.
On the first day, September 8, the delegations discussed
- principles, strategy and directions of development of Ukraine’s agricultural policy;
- support schemes for the agricultural sector and other types of assistance;
- national policy to support rural development;
- financing of agricultural expenditures and their monitoring system;
- integrated administration and control system (IACS) and plans for its development;
- the Farm Sustainability Data Network (FSDN) and further steps;
- the issue of processed products.
It is also added that Ukraine has already prepared all the conditions for the opening of three key negotiating clusters – “Fundamentals of the EU accession process”, “Internal Market” and “External Relations” – and is awaiting the decision of the EU Council.
In addition, Ukraine has successfully completed bilateral screening sessions on the Competitiveness and Inclusive Development and Green Agenda and Sustainable Connections clusters.
Ukraine’s accession to the EU
Ukraine applied for membership in the European Union on February 28, 2022, four days after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.
On June 23, 2022, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for Ukraine to be granted immediate candidate status for membership in the European Union. on June 23, 2022, the European Council granted Ukraine the status of candidate for membership in the European Union.
on December 14, 2023, the European Council decided to start negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, and on June 25, 2024, the start of negotiations was officially announced.
Currently, Ukraine’s legislation is being adapted to EU legislation within the framework of the negotiating chapters.
After all the negotiating chapters are closed, the European Commission will assess Ukraine’s readiness for accession.
The European Council and the European Parliament decide on the closure of the negotiations.
All EU members and Ukraine sign and ratify the agreement on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
It should be noted that Hungary has been blocking Kyiv’s accession efforts. For example, in April 2025, the government of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called on Hungarians to vote against Ukraine’s EU membership in a national poll. The results of this vote were announced on June 26, with the Hungarian government claiming that 95% of Hungarians opposed Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
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