The EC has started working to integrate the Ukrainian agricultural sector into the EU in preparation for accession negotiations.

The European Commission has started explanatory meetings with Ukrainian representatives regarding the implementation of official screening within the section of negotiations on agriculture and the development of rural areas.

It is noted that the meetings took place a month earlier than planned. The explanatory meetings will continue until the end of May. Ukraine will present its progress, based on which the EC will screen legislation and provide recommendations for opening negotiations on specific sections.

At the same time, the EU ambassador in Kyiv, Katarina Mathernova, drew parallels between the accession processes of Eastern European countries and Ukraine, noting that at one time, Polish plumbers and truck drivers also troubled other EU members. She expressed her belief that similar problems will be a feature during the entire process of Ukraine’s accession and that corrections must be made.

Mathernova emphasized that despite the challenges experienced during the process for the continuation of trade liberalization with Ukraine, there is now an agreement to keep the market open, albeit with some restrictions.