Ukraine is actively preparing to open negotiations on the agricultural cluster within the framework of the accession process to the European Union and has already developed legislative solutions to implement most of the benchmarks defined by the European Commission. This was announced by the Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Taras Vysotsky during an online speech at “2026 Paths to Integration: Mapping the Economic and Environmental Future of Ukrainian Agriculture”, which took place within the framework of the European Forum for the Future of Agriculture.
The official informed the European partners about the progress of Ukraine’s preparations for negotiations under Cluster 5, which covered agricultural policy, food safety and fisheries.
“After screening agricultural legislation in September 2025, Ukraine received 16 benchmarks for opening negotiations in the agricultural sector. We have already analyzed all the requirements, prepared the necessary legislative changes and are working together with the parliament on their adoption. Some of the draft laws have already been registered, several more will be submitted by the end of the year. Until the end of 2026, we plan to form a full package of key legislative initiatives for the further implementation of European norms,” Taras Vysotsky emphasized.
According to him, Ukraine considers the implementation of benchmarks not only as a technical condition for starting negotiations, but also as an important element of modernizing agricultural policy and approaching EU standards.
The Deputy Minister also emphasized that Ukraine was preparing for the negotiation process in close cooperation with agrarian business, specialized associations, parliament and civil society.
“We are convinced that successful European integration is possible only under the condition of open dialogue and joint work of all participants in the process. That is why every legislative step necessary for the implementation of benchmarks and adaptation to EU legislation is discussed with the professional community and industry associations. This allows for the formation of balanced solutions and strengthens Ukraine’s negotiating position,” Taras Vysotsky noted.
He also noted that Ukraine was grateful to the European Union for the start of the opening of negotiation clusters and was counting on the earliest possible transition to negotiations on the agrarian bloc.
The forum participants discussed the prospects for the integration of Ukrainian agriculture into the single European market, the adaptation of sectoral legislation to EU standards, as well as the role of the Ukrainian agricultural sector in ensuring European and global food security.
The event brought together representatives of the government, business, international financial partners and agricultural associations (in particular the Ukrainian Agri Council) around several key priorities. (Economy Ministry)