Taras Vysotsky: Kyiv will refuse EU accession without grain export guarantees

Condition for full status

Ukraine's Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotsky told Politico that Kyiv will not agree to join the European Union unless it receives guarantees of full grain export. According to him, Ukraine cannot accept a membership model under which supplies of certain food products to EU countries remain permanently restricted.

Distinguishing between temporary and permanent measures

Politico notes that the European Commission has already approved such an approach in the context of preparing for the future expansion of the bloc. Minister Vysotsky emphasised the fundamental difference between temporary and permanent restrictions:

«Для нас принципово важливо розрізняти перехідний період і постійні обмеження. До першого ми готові, друге ж суперечить самій суті повноцінного членства в Європейському Союзі» (It is fundamentally important for us to distinguish between a transition period and permanent restrictions. We are ready for the former, while the latter contradicts the very essence of full membership in the European Union), he stressed.

Alternative markets and Ukraine's role

According to the European Commission's proposal, instead of granting full access to the European market, Brussels plans to help Ukraine return to "historical" sales markets, primarily in Africa and the Middle East. However, Taras Vysotsky considers it a mistake to perceive Ukraine exclusively as a threat to European farmers.

The minister is confident that Ukraine is capable of reducing the EU's dependence on imports of fertilisers, soy, and lysine, as well as providing European producers with more convenient access to export routes via the Black Sea.

Prospects for the agricultural sector

Vysotsky added that Ukraine's goal is EU membership that will allow the agricultural sector to supply Europe not only with grain and raw materials, but also feed, ingredients, processed products, and biofuel.

The minister confirmed Kyiv's readiness to cooperate within the framework of transition periods. This includes phased support for the industry, the establishment of temporary quotas, and the introduction of protective measures for sensitive goods. At the same time, all such measures must have a clearly defined end date.