Ukrainian Businesses Propose EU Farm Subsidy Delay for Faster Single Market Entry

Anna Derevyanko, Executive Director of the European Business Association (EBA) and head of Global Business for Ukraine, stated that Ukrainian businesses are open to delaying access to EU farm subsidies in exchange for faster entry into the single market. Representing approximately 1,000 companies and two million jobs, including agricultural giants like Kernel and MHP, Derevyanko is in Brussels for the EU–Ukraine Business Summit.

Derevyanko emphasized that the priority has shifted from integration to economic survival amid the war. She believes that sooner EU membership is better, arguing that strong companies will adapt while weaker ones will struggle regardless of the timeline. She also noted that Ukrainian agriculture is resilient and could reshape the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) by 2035 if integrated properly.

Derevyanko warned that if EU accession talks stall and there is no clear European perspective, Ukrainians will question what they are fighting for, leading to dangerous uncertainty and potential loss of the country to the EU, with Russia potentially swallowing Ukraine. She also highlighted Ukraine's potential role in reviving European defense industries, stressing the need for balanced cooperation that protects both sides.