Representatives of UCAB participated in a working visit to Brussels as part of the APD program

From May 19 to 22, 2025, representatives of Ukrainian agrarian associations, authorities and experts, together with Oleksandra Avramenko, Head of European integration committee UCAB, and Nazar Bobitski, Head of the UCAB European Office, took part in a working visit to Brussels as part of a program organized by the German-Ukrainian Agricultural Policy Dialogue (APD). 

The delegation held a number of meetings with key European institutions, including representatives of the European Commission (DG AGRI, DG NEAR), the European Parliament, powerful EU agrarian associations (COPA-COGECA) and the European Economic and Social Committee.

During the meetings with these institutions, Ukrainian and European experts had the opportunity to discuss both strategic issues —such as the formation of the EU budget for the upcoming period (2027–2034) and the update of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) — and urgent matters, including the future trade regime and the integration of Ukraine’s agricultural sector into the EU. In particular, during one of the meetings with the European Economic and Social Committee, the potential of Ukraine’s agro-industrial complex to strengthen the EU, rather than compete with its market, was actively discussed.

“Ukrainian agrarians want to convey the idea that our sector has a significant potential to complement the European market, not to pose a threat to it. It is important to look for synergies and mutually beneficial partnerships, especially in the context of preparing for the upcoming negotiation process,” said Oleksandra Avramenko, Head of the UCAB European Integration Committee.

Commenting on the results of the trip, Oleksandra Avramenko said: “Such meetings are extremely important for synchronizing our positions and understanding the expectations of the European side on the path of integration of the Ukrainian agricultural sector into the EU. Open dialog and exchange of views are key to developing balanced solutions that take into account the interests of both parties.”

UCAB is grateful to the APD project for organizing the visits, as well as to the representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Social and Economic Committee for their openness to dialogue, the opportunity to share their views and developments on potential solutions for the European integration of the Ukrainian agricultural sector.