The Union of Dairy Enterprises of Ukraine (UDEU) welcomes the findings of the European Commission’s 2026 Report on Ukraine, published on 4 November as part of the Enlargement Package. The Commission found all remaining clusters ready to be opened. UDEU calls for Cluster 5 «Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion» to be opened as soon as possible: it is the key cluster for the dairy industry, and the industry is ready for it, the Union of Dairy Enterprises of Ukraine reports.
Key points:
- the European Commission found all remaining negotiating clusters with Ukraine ready to be opened;
- UDEU calls for Cluster 5 «Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion» to be opened without delay;
- together with partners, UDEU has developed a Roadmap for the EU integration of the dairy sector for 2026–2030 with more than 80 specific tasks;
- the Roadmap will be updated by the end of November 2026 to reflect the Commission Report’s findings.
How does the Commission assess readiness to open the clusters?
Under Chapter 11 «Agriculture», Ukraine has some level of preparation and has made good progress. Under Chapter 12 «Food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy», it is moderately prepared.
Among the main tasks, the Commission lists:
- aligning animal health legislation;
- fully risk-based official controls;
- a system for handling animal by-products;
- a legal framework for producer organisations;
- shifting farm support to the principles of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP);
- by the end of 2028, meeting commitments under the revised Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) agreement on certain EU production standards.
The industry has a concrete plan
Together with partners, UDEU has developed a Roadmap for the EU integration of the dairy sector for 2026–2030. It is not a declaration but a working tool, which includes:
- 11 thematic areas, from hygiene and raw milk quality to animal welfare, the environment, contractual relations, producer organisations and labelling;
- more than 80 specific tasks with milestones and deadlines;
- a clear division of responsibilities between the state, business, science and industry associations under a RASCI matrix (Responsible — Accountable — Supportive — Consulted — Informed).
By the end of November 2026, the Roadmap will be updated to reflect the findings of the Commission Report.
What changes lie ahead for the industry
UDEU is clearly aware of the changes ahead and sees not only the requirements themselves but also their consequences for farms and enterprises.
For example, moving to the European support model (decoupling and conditionality) means payments will no longer depend on herd size and will instead be linked to compliance with standards. For dairy farming, this transition must be gradual and take into account the instruments the EU provides for sensitive sectors.
Realistic timelines are likewise needed for requirements on raw milk quality, animal welfare and the environment.
UDEU’s position
1. Cluster 5 should be opened without delay: business needs clear guidance for investment.
2. The dairy industry should have a dedicated place in Ukraine’s negotiating position under Chapters 11 and 12.
3. The dairy sector Roadmap can serve as a ready-made basis for this position.
4. Implementation timelines should be based on industry data, and transition periods should be provided where the actual state of farms and enterprises requires them.
5. UDEU supports the adoption of draft law No. 15058-d as a concrete step towards harmonisation with EU law.
UDEU is ready to provide the Government and European partners with expertise, industry data and the Roadmap’s findings, and to join working groups preparing the negotiating position.
