The EU wants Ukraine to reorient its exports to African and Latin American countries, even though a membership date has been established.

After more than ten years of preparing Ukrainian businesses for integration into the EU internal market, Ukraine is now being advised to shift its exports to “developing countries,” said Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Olha Stefanishyna. However, according to her, this represents one of Ukraine’s most significant political challenges on its path to joining the EU.

“It does not make any sense for the EU to turn Ukraine away because of often unfounded figures or political manipulations,” she stated.

Stefanishyna emphasized that now is the ideal time to harness the capabilities of Ukrainian businesses within the EU. She added that Ukraine’s membership in the EU by 2030 is already a de facto conclusion. The seriousness and realism of the EU’s intentions are underscored by the fact that the EU budget for 2026–32/33 is being formulated with Ukraine’s membership in mind, the deputy prime minister explained.

“This goal (2030) is absolutely achievable. We are already integrated into the EU in many sectors, including telecommunications services, trade, transport and customs liberalization, and energy markets,” she added.