The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) hosted a high-level meeting focused on the integration of Ukraine’s agri-food sector into the European Union. The event brought together representatives of leading agricultural companies, international partners, and research institutions.
NIBULON was represented at the event by Oleksandr Dovzhenkov, Director of Government Relations. In his speech, he emphasized:
«European conditions for Ukrainian agricultural producers should include not only quality standards, but also access to fair financing. Without this, deep integration will remain on paper. »
He also highlighted the specific challenges faced by Ukrainian farmers in wartime conditions:
«NIBULON, which has suffered more than USD 500 million in losses due to the war, supports deep European integration as a pathway to the development of rural Ukraine, the modernization of logistics, and increased value added. At the same time, we call on international partners to ensure a level playing field for Ukrainian agricultural producers, who operate under far more difficult conditions than their EU counterparts. The sector requires affordable, long-term, and fair financing.»
The event also presented the results of a joint study by IAMO and KSE, highlighting:
- the potential to establish an agri-food bloc controlling up to 30% of global exports;
- the integration of 42 million hectares of agricultural land into the European market;
- prospects for growth in plant-based protein production and bioenergy, as well as in the modernization of logistics and technologies.
In response to these challenges, the EBRD presented the “FAST to EU” programme – a comprehensive initiative to support the agricultural sector on its path toward EU integration. The programme provides for:
- direct financing and grants;
- technical assistance;
- support for policy reforms.
NIBULON is grateful to the EBRD for inviting us to the strategic dialogue and its partnership in advancing a strong, competitive, and European Ukrainian agriculture.
