Ukraine and the Netherlands Discuss Integration of Ukraine’s Agricultural Sector into the EU within the Third Agricultural Dialogue

On March 30, 2026, Yana Kavushevska, Chairman of the National Association of Sugar Producers of Ukraine, participated in a round-table discussion as part of the Third Ukraine – Netherlands Agricultural Dialogue, held in Breda, the Netherlands.

The event was co-organized by the Dutch Agriculture and Horticulture Association LTO Nederland and the Ukrainian National Agrarian Forum (UNAF), which also includes “Ukrsugar.” The round table was attended by Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Ukraine H.E. Alle Dorhout, as well as representatives of the ministries and embassies of Ukraine and the Netherlands.

The conference aimed to exchange knowledge on Ukraine’s EU accession process and to discuss the adaptation of Ukrainian agricultural producers to EU standards in crop and livestock production. Participants reviewed the current state of Ukrainian agriculture, key challenges, and practical steps necessary to integrate Ukraine’s agricultural sector into the EU internal market.

The event also presented the joint position of Ukrainian agricultural associations on European integration and the expected impacts of this process on the European and Dutch agricultural sectors. Dutch participants shared insights on the practical implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) at the farm level and highlighted the main challenges faced by farmers in the Netherlands.

Key conclusions from the discussions, forming the basis of a joint statement, included:

• Ukraine’s integration into the EU agricultural system has significant potential to strengthen the EU’s food security and strategic autonomy, particularly by expanding production in sectors that are currently underrepresented within the EU.
• The Ukrainian and Dutch agri-food sectors are not competitors but partners. Their complementarity can unlock new synergies, enhance competitiveness, and create value both in Europe and globally. Continued knowledge exchange, particularly regarding EU legislation and its practical application, will be crucial.
• While the full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine continues, maintaining an open but controlled trade in agri-food products between the EU and Ukraine is critical for the economic resilience of Ukraine’s agricultural sector and the economy as a whole. The parties agreed to continue dialogue on trade in sensitive agricultural products, avoiding market distortions.
• Ukraine’s path toward EU membership requires sustained support, carefully planned transition periods, and balanced integration into EU policies, including the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).