KIU Policy Brief
Making Ukraine's EU Accession a Win-Win: Insights form the Agrifood Sector
Agricultural trade has become a central source of political tension in EU-Ukraine relations. The first episode of the KIU Policy Brief by economist and KIU Guest Lecturer Oleh Nivievskyi examines the trade relationship since Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the political tensions triggered by surging Ukrainian agrifood exports, and the long-term implications for both sides.
Ukraine faces a substantial harmonisation gap with EU law, particularly in agriculture. However, successful integration would, according to Oleh Nivievsky, benefit both parties. For Ukraine, the European single market offers long-term competitiveness and economic growth. For the EU, Ukrainian agriculture can strengthen supply chain resilience by diversifying the bloc’s import sources and enhance the competitiveness of the EU’s food-processing industry.
To unlock these mutual gains, this KIU Policy Brief identifies four core priorities: legislative alignment with the EU, capacity building, targeted agricultural finance and support, and structured cooperation with EU institutions.