Ukraine rejects permanent EU farm export limits

Ukraine's agriculture minister said Wednesday that Kyiv cannot agree to European Union membership if it includes permanent restrictions on farm subsidies and agricultural exports.

Taras Vysotsky was responding after the European Commission proposed a special arrangement that would limit financial support and restrict exports, including wheat, from Ukraine.

“Transitional periods are a normal part of EU enlargement,” Vysotsky said. “Permanent restrictions on access to the single market are an entirely different matter. Ukraine cannot agree to such an approach.”

Vysotsky said the Ukrainian government had not yet received an official proposal. The issue is due to be discussed by EU leaders at a summit next week.

The proposal is aimed at easing concerns among current EU members. Some fear new members could backslide on democracy or draw too heavily on key EU resources.

Ukraine is a major exporter of corn, wheat, colza, sunflower seeds and vegetable oil. It applied to join the EU days after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, gained candidate status a few months later and began accession negotiations in 2024.

Vysotsky said Ukraine understood concerns among European farmers and was open to discussions on adaptation periods, market access and safeguard mechanisms. He rejected permanent restrictions, saying they would contradict the logic of full EU membership.