European integration offers Ukraine’s dairy sector an opportunity to operate under the same rules and standards currently in force in the European Union, says Maks Fastеуеv, Advisor to the EU Integration Committee and leading dairy market analyst at Infagro.

Speaking to BiznesCensor, Fasteyev explained that integration would enable access to a “single market” without additional permits, approvals, or delays. At the same time, it would create new investment opportunities for Ukraine’s dairy market and strengthen exports to third countries.

“By focusing on EU integration processes in the sector, we improve our understanding of the requirements that Ukrainian businesses will face during EU accession. By working through these requirements, we can bring Ukraine’s dairy sector closer to the EU single market even without waiting for nationwide implementation processes, most of which are linked to legislative changes,” he noted.

At the same time, Fasteyev emphasised that trade with the EU remains a critical factor for Ukraine’s dairy industry. Over the past two years, following the opening of duty-free and quota-free trade by European partners, Ukrainian exporters have significantly increased trade volumes with the EU. Currently, around 50 dairy processing plants in Ukraine hold the required EU certification (“EU number”), allowing them to supply products to the European market freely.

“Trade is not the only goal,” Fasteyev stressed. “Harmonising requirements, understanding the risks of their implementation for businesses, and developing a transformation roadmap are also among the key objectives of dairy sector EU integration. This comprehensive approach will improve trade both within the EU and in third markets, while also attracting investment to expand production and increase the efficiency of milk processing.”