Ukraine is ready to discuss transitional mechanisms for integrating the agricultural sector into the EU market

Ukraine is ready to discuss mechanisms for integrating the agricultural sector into the EU single market, in particular the possibility of applying transitional periods.

This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Vsevolod Chentsov, Ukrinform reports.

According to him, Ukraine’s potential as a major producer of agricultural products is well known to European partners, therefore, individual issues of integrating the sector will require negotiations.

Chentsov noted that Ukraine is ready to consider the instruments already available in the EU, in particular transitional periods and other adaptation mechanisms.

At the same time, Kyiv does not support an approach under which Ukraine’s integration as a future EU member would from the very beginning provide for permanent restrictions for the Ukrainian agricultural sector.

“We do not want to start with restrictions for Ukraine as a future full member,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

He also noted that Ukraine, for its part, must comply with the rules in force in the European Union, since all member states must have equal conditions.

Chentsov previously stated that Ukraine considers the starting point to be the full integration of the agricultural sector into the EU single market, and possible transitional mechanisms should be justified, proportionate and limited in time.

USM previously reported that Ukraine would not agree to permanent restrictions on agricultural exports after joining the EU.