On November 18-21, UCAB member companies visited the Brussels office of the Association within the framework of the study visit “Ukrainian Agribusiness Days in Brussels”. During the visit, representatives of UCAB members familiarized with the decision-making system within the EU, the influence on this process from business, farmers and NGOs in the EU and beyond. 

During four intense days, the delegation participants discussed with key representatives of the EU institutions:

• the state of EU-Ukraine relations in the context of assistance to Ukraine in the war, post-war reconstruction and preparation for EU membership;
• trade relations and their importance for Ukrainian agribusiness, current regulatory issues and individual cases on access to the EU market;
• application of EU legislation in the field of prevention of deforestation (deforestation), application of plant protection products (PPP).

Also in the focus of discussion were the outcomes of US Presidential Elections and Scenarios of EU response to the new US Administration policies regarding Russo-Ukraine war, China, EU. In addition, the tour participants had the opportunity to ask questions on any topics related to the European integration of the Ukrainian agricultural sector directly to leading experts of public, international and state European organizations.

According to Alex Lissitsa, President of UCAB, this visit played an important role in strengthening the position of Ukrainian agricultural business in the European arena:

“First of all, UCAB members had a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the work of European institutions, establish direct contacts with European partners and discuss the prospects of exporting products to the EU and the challenges of integrating the Ukrainian agribusiness sector into the European space in a frank non-public discussion.

In addition, the visit raised the visibility and strengthened the role of Ukrainian agribusiness and UCAB members among European stakeholders. This was an important step in promoting a positive image of the Ukrainian agribusiness sector, currently under competitive pressure in Europe. And no less important result was the discussion of concrete ideas and proposals for joint measures to lobby the interests of the Ukrainian agribusiness community with partners among European associations”.

UCAB would like to thank for the support in organizing the event the European partner of UCAB Brussels Office - Swedish international government relations and communications company KREAB, in particular Mr. Sebastian Remoy, Executive Vice-President, Head of Global Public Affairs at KREAB. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the speakers, companies and institutions that supported the initiative and made efforts to raise awareness among the representatives of UCAB member companies.