Why the EU must accelerate trade with Ukraine – Politico

The delay in this path could create a space for alternative scenarios – as we can see in Georgia. In June 2014, Georgia signed its Association Agreement with the EU, officially declaring European integration a strategic priority. However, models of foreign trade between 2014 and 2024 show a different reality.

In 2014, the EU’s share on Georgia trade was 32% and 9% of Russia. By 2020, the share of the EU fell at 24% while Russia increased to 14%. In 2024, the share of the EU was around 25% while Russia was estimated at 16%. This change reflects the political course of the Georgian dream party – founded by a Russian billionaire of Georgian origin, Bidzina Ivanishvili – which emphasizes improved relations with Russia and a more cautious approach to the integration of Euro -Atlantic. Consequently, Georgia goes back to post-Soviet space, where Russia remains dominant.

The regime of EU’s autonomous trade measures, which has enabled simplified access to Ukrainian products, will expire on June 5, 2025. As this date approaches, uncertainty is developing on what the future commercial framework will look like, in particular in the midst of internal debates on sensitive goods.

The concerns are focused on products such as sugar, poultry, eggs and bioethanol. Discussions on possible restrictions are fueled by certain associations of the industry defending national agricultural interests. These dynamic risks politicize trade and endangering wider partnership.

In this context, it is essential to protect the strategic framework for cooperation and to avoid actions that could erode mutual trust. The EU, as the main trading partner and politics of Ukraine, has both practical and moral interest to maintain open and predictable access for Ukrainian goods – is the basis of economic integration and reinforce the single market jointly.

It is time to move the story promoted by EU lobbying organizations which reduce the partnership in debates on agricultural competition. Such a narrow focusing distorts the entire image and endangers a relationship that has a value far beyond trade in some products.

From a geopolitical and geo-economic point of view, Ukraine should not only be part of the European economic space, but be systematically and permanent integration. The deepening of integration with Ukraine gives the EU new tools to strengthen its strategic autonomy and compete globally, in particular in the light of the growing challenges of the United States and China.