Making Ukraine’s EU Accession a WinWin: Insights From the Agrifood Sector

Agricultural trade has become a central source of political tension in EU-Ukraine relations. This policy brief examines the trade relationship since Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the political tensions triggered by surging Ukrainian agrifood exports, and the long-term implications for both sides. Ukraine faces a substantial harmonisation gap with EU law, particularly in agriculture, but successful integration would benefit both parties. For Ukraine, the European single market offers long-term competitiveness and economic growth. For the EU, Ukrainian agriculture can strengthen supply chain resilience by diversifying the bloc’s import sources and enhance the competitiveness of the EU’s food-processing industry. To unlock these mutual gains, this brief identifies four core priorities: legislative alignment with the EU, capacity building, targeted agricultural finance and support, and structured cooperation with EU institutions.