Brussels eyes agricultural carve-outs from Ukraine's EU membership

The European Commission has proposed to exclude certain agricultural products from the European market and EU funding, even after Ukraine becomes a full member of the bloc. This proposal is part of an enlargement strategy aimed at preparing the Union to better absorb new countries and address concerns from several member states regarding their agricultural sectors.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos stated that Ukraine's agricultural structure and size are unique, necessitating special arrangements to limit financial support and market access for some Ukrainian agricultural products.

Kos explained that the objective is to protect European farmers while Ukraine aims for full membership. The Commission proposes to include this measure in the EU’s common position on agricultural policy during negotiations with Ukraine. The idea is to help Ukraine regain access to its traditional markets, especially in Northern Africa and the Middle East, which have been difficult to reach due to Russia's conflict.

If these regions were deprived of Ukrainian grain, it would substantially harm the food security of importer countries and even risk triggering mass famines.

However, this measure is also intended to address concerns from EU countries like Poland, who fear that Ukraine's agricultural exports could challenge their national farmers and markets. Kyiv applied for EU membership following Russia's war of aggression in 2022, but its accession has been stalled due to opposition from Hungary. However, with the ousting of Viktor Orbán, the accession process is moving forward, with two more accession clusters expected to be opened soon.

Kos emphasized that this does not mean Ukraine will not become an EU member, but special conditions for agriculture have been set. Brussels is aware of Ukraine's size and ongoing war efforts as a challenge to the enlargement process. Nonetheless, Kyiv has been included in a group of four 'frontrunners' that will receive a dedicated roadmap for membership.

The roadmap will outline an indicative timeline for joining the Union and the most important steps to achieve it. Montenegro, Albania, and Moldova are also on this list, with their respective timelines being by 2028, by the end of next year, and by the first half of 2028. For Ukraine, a clear timeline is not apparent due to the war's impact on the peace process with Russia.