Farm Europe & UCAB launch a structured dialogue on the future of agriculture in an enlarged EU

Posted on - Posted by Farm Europe

Today, Farm Europe and the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club (UCAB) announce the launch of a strategic dialogue and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding formalizing their cooperation, aimed at shaping a common pathway for the future of European and Ukrainian agriculture in the context of the EU enlargement process. While this enlargement offers significant political and geopolitical opportunities, it also raises major structural challenges for both EU and Ukrainian farming sectors. Addressing these challenges requires anticipation, in-depth analysis, strengthened mutual understanding, and the development of converging solutions. 

This dialogue, facilitated by Dacian Cioloș, former Prime Minister of Romania and former European Commissioner for Agriculture, will focus on defining a shared trajectory for agriculture and agri-food value chains. It will aim at maximizing the benefits of integration for both sides, while mitigating potential risks, by building joint recommendations grounded in a common assessment of challenges and opportunities.

The initiative will focus on the most pressing strategic issues to ensure that Ukraine’s integration into the European Union reinforces Europe’s food sovereignty and strengthens the role of farmers in delivering a climate-neutral economy, notably through the development of the bioeconomy.

Key areas of work will include:

  • the definition of a common pathway towards economic and environmental performance for both arable and livestock systems;
  • the socio-economic dimension of agriculture, particularly in areas facing rural exodus; 
  • the digital and climate transitions in agriculture;
  • and an assessment of the resilience of EU and Ukrainian agri-food systems, including lessons learned from wartime conditions.

Through this structured dialogue, Farm Europe and UCAB aim to contribute to a forward-looking, coherent and balanced vision of agriculture in an enlarged European Union.

Dacian Cioloș (Facilitator of the dialogue)

“The enlargement of the European Union to Ukraine is not only a geopolitical decision—it is a transformation of our agricultural model. Agriculture is a major component of strategic autonomy, this chapter cannot be limited to a technocratic and administrative negotiation. It has to be fully part of a political dialogue in which stakeholders discuss and table possible pathways to decision-makers. Therefore, I very much welcome this common initiative and will be delighted to oversee this process and act as a facilitator. ”

Luc Vernet, Secretary General  of Farm Europe

“With this initiative, we want to move beyond short-term debates and posturing. We will contribute to a structured, fact-based reflection on the future of European agriculture. Enlargement must strengthen—not weaken—our collective capacity to produce, to innovate, and to ensure food security. This requires a common approach, clear priorities, and the willingness to invest in the agriculture of tomorrow. I thank UCAB for their willingness to engage with Farm Europe in constructive work. ”

Oleh Khomenko, Executive Director, UCAB (Ukrainian Agribusiness Club)

“Ukraine’s agricultural sector has demonstrated its resilience under extraordinary circumstances. As we move closer to the European Union, it is essential to build a shared understanding with our European partners of common challenges we all face in making sure our sectors remain competitive and deliver the food security Europe and world needs. This dialogue is a key step to ensure that integration creates opportunities for farmers on both sides and contributes to a stronger, more resilient European agri-food system. As agriculture is essential to the Ukrainian economy and given its influence in the world, it will call for a strategic thinking at EU level both before and after the enlargement process.”