Ukraine cannot be permanently shut out of EU market, PM says

Ukraine’s PM tells Euronews that EU limits on Ukrainian wheat and grain must be transitional, with clear exit conditions, not a permanent restriction.

Ukraine should face only temporary restrictions on agricultural products after joining the <a href="https://warsaw.today/europe-cannot-lead-without-leaders-voters-choose/” title=”Europe cannot lead without leaders voters choose”>European Union, Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi told the Euronews Enlargement Summit, warning against permanent exemptions from the bloc’s single market.

“We understand the concerns of European farmers, and we are ready for an open, practical discussion. Transitional measures can be part of enlargement, but they must address specific risks. And be appropriate, and have clear review and exit conditions,” Koretskyi said.

Last month, the European Commission proposed excluding some Ukrainian agricultural products, notably wheat and other grains, from the EU market even after Kyiv becomes a full member, following pressure from several member states.

“They cannot become a permanent restriction or a subset of the single market,” the PM added. He noted that Ukrainian farmers will have to invest heavily to meet EU food standards while rebuilding after Russia’s attacks.

Since Koretskyi became PM in July, Ukraine’s accession bid has gained momentum. Kyiv has set up a joint task force with the Commission to speed up negotiations.

Ukraine has recently joined the group of four accession “frontrunners”, alongside Montenegro, Albania and Moldova. The Commission will publish a roadmap for them on Wednesday, setting out the steps towards membership.

For Koretskyi, EU membership is a key reason Ukraine keeps fighting Russia for its freedom, and Kyiv joining the Union will significantly strengthen the bloc’s security.

“Ukraine’s accession to the EU is the heart of the government policy. It is the hope for the better future and solidarity that brings peace, security and economic recovery for Ukraine and the continent,” he said.

The PM wants to open all remaining negotiating chapters this year and create the conditions to start closing several during the Lithuanian presidency in the first half of 2027.

“I realised that these are ambitious objectives. We are not asking for shortcuts. We are asking for credible, merit-based paths with clear milestones and timely decision when those milestones are met,” he said.

Source: www.euronews.com