Ukraine’s agricultural sector is not an obstacle but an investment in the EU’s competitiveness.

The EU’s future expansion will not weaken, but rather will increase the bloc’s competitive advantages. During European integration, each candidate country must fulfill necessary criteria, including economic requirements. However, in Ukraine’s case, competition in the single market and the EU’s overall competitiveness will continue to grow, said Oliver Röpke, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

“I don’t ignore challenges such as agricultural policy, especially regarding Ukraine. But I don’t think it’s an obstacle, but instead an investment in our competitiveness in the future,” Röpke said.

He notes that ensuring competitiveness is among the highest priorities in the EU’s strategic agenda. The EESC has already presented its proposals to the EU governing bodies.

“One of the biggest obstacles to our competitiveness is the lack of investment. We must look at how to stimulate such investment because the EU needs €800B annually.”