Ukraine seeks observer status in EU Common Agricultural Policy reform – Kachka

Ukraine proposes to the European Union to grant it observer status in the process of reforming the Common Agricultural Policy of the EU, reports Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka.

"Taras Kachka presented the current state of Ukraine's agricultural sector, its production forecast, and its bilateral trade volumes. He also outlined Ukraine's vision as part of the EU's common agri-food space. Among the proposals are granting Ukraine observer status in the reform process of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, resuming and expanding the EU-Ukraine agricultural dialogue with an emphasis on innovation, climate-smart agriculture, strategic autonomy, and the exchange of experiences. The goal is to form a European-Ukrainian 'superpower' in the agricultural sector," according to a statement from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister following Kachka's participation in the EU AGRIFISH Council meeting in Luxembourg.

Among the key issues discussed at the meeting was the renewal of the Agreement on a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area between Ukraine and the EU.

"The updated Free Trade Area Agreement is critically important for Ukrainian exporters because it will help stabilize and make more predictable trade flows between Ukraine and the EU. We are part of the European agricultural supply chain, and we are pleased to confirm that Ukrainian agriculture is developing in accordance with EU standards," Kachka emphasized.

At the Council meeting on October 27-28, EU ministers will discuss the draft Common Agricultural Policy after 2027, particularly its "green architecture," as well as the current state of the EU agricultural market and fishing in the Baltic Sea.

"Separately, within the framework of the visit to Luxembourg, Taras Kachka held a meeting with Jacob Jensen, the Danish Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Christophe Hansen, the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food," the report says.

The parties discussed further cooperation in agriculture, food security, veterinary control, and sustainable development. They also considered conducting an agricultural dialogue between Ukraine and the EU regarding trade, experience exchange, and forming a common vision of Europe's strategic autonomy in food.