Ukraine and EU complete screening for final accession negotiation cluster
Photo: Ukraine and the EU complete screening for final cluster of accession negotiations (me.gov.ua)
The Ukrainian delegation and the European Commission have completed screening meetings in Brussels on Negotiation Chapter 11, Agriculture and Rural Development, according to the press service of Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy.
The Ukrainian delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, chief negotiator Taras Kachka. The delegation also included Denis Bashlyk, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine.
During the three days of screening meetings, Ukraine presented 28 thematic blocks covering, among other topics, the state of agricultural reforms, progress in digitalization, government support, market regulation, and development of the agrarian sector.
In addition, Ukraine presented the level of alignment of its legislation with the EU acquis in the following areas:
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Horizontal issues — financial and administrative structures
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Agricultural markets
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Quality policy
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Organic production
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Promotion of agricultural products
"Discussions were also held during which Ukrainian representatives provided detailed explanations of the work carried out. The European Commission positively evaluated the presented materials," the Ministry of Economy noted.
According to Bashlyk, this demonstrates the deep interest of European partners and confirms the scale of further work needed for integration into the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy.
"These discussions showed two key things: we have already made significant progress in aligning our agricultural policy with EU standards, but much work remains ahead. The accession process requires joint efforts and close coordination. Ukraine is ready to follow this path," the Deputy Minister said.
Cluster 5 is the final of six clusters in the bilateral screening meetings. Based on the screening results, a plan will be developed for further implementation of EU regulations into Ukrainian legislation. The screening marks the beginning of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations.
Ukraine’s EU accession
The European Union cannot begin accession negotiations with Ukraine solely due to the position of pro-Russian Hungary, which has vetoed the start of talks.
Lithuania has proposed a plan to launch accession negotiations without Hungary’s consent. According to Vilnius, a technical start of negotiations could be carried out at the level of the 26 other EU member states.
European Council President António Costa has also stated that negotiations on Ukraine’s EU membership should continue despite Hungary’s veto.
Meanwhile, Ukraine expects EU countries to make a decision on the start of accession talks in the near future.
Recently, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Taras Kachka, said that Ukraine has reached the "home stretch" in reviewing its legislation for compliance with EU standards.
