Ukraine ready to postpone receiving some benefits from EU to speed up its accession – Kachka

Ukraine is ready to postpone receiving some benefits from the European Union in order to speed up its accession to the bloc.

Taras Kachka, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, stated this in an interview with Bloomberg, according to Ukrinform.

Kachka stated that Ukraine is ready to delay receiving subsidies under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for several years to ease concerns surrounding this politically sensitive program.

"This kind of approach is possible, but let's discuss modalities," Kachka said.

It is noted that Ukraine has already had disputes with EU countries, particularly Poland, over the easing of restrictions on Ukrainian agricultural exports. Upon joining the EU, Ukraine would also become eligible for substantial CAP payments, which could further complicate negotiations over the bloc's budget. The program provides financial support to farmers and accounts for a significant share of the EU's long-term budget.

According to Kachka, Ukraine could join the CAP in the next EU budget cycle.

He also noted that Ukraine is ready to quickly meet EU requirements and aims to sign an accession treaty as early as next year—depending on the progress of negotiations. After that, EU member states would still need several years for ratification.

Additionally, Kachka stressed the need for the urgent release of the first tranche of an EU loan worth EUR 90 billion, which had previously been blocked by Hungary. According to him, Ukraine will soon announce the resumption of operations of the Druzhba pipeline, which was damaged by Russia in January.

He emphasized that unlocking the loan is critically important, as part of the funds is planned to be directed toward military needs.

"It's literally a mater of life and death, so we need this money as soon as possible," Kachka said.

As Ukrinform reported, Germany and France have called for granting Ukraine "symbolic" advantages during the preparation stage for EU accession.