On 15 April 2024, in the framework of establishing bilateral cooperation between the committees, the Chairman of the Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy Oleksandr Haidu held an online meeting with the Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture of the Riigikogu of the Republic of Estonia Urmas Kruuse.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the experience of the Republic of Estonia in joining the European Union, the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union and important useful aspects for Ukraine's European integration process on the way to obtaining the status of full membership in the Community.
The Committee's Chairman, Oleksandr Haidu, noted that since June 2022, when Ukraine received the status of a candidate country, an important stage of relations between Ukraine and the European Union has begun, during which Ukraine must fulfil its obligations at all levels, including the legislative level, in accordance with the acquired status.
Despite russia's military aggression against Ukraine, the Committee has been working continuously. At present, the main priority of the Committee's work is the implementation of European standards in agriculture, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, as well as improvement of animal health and welfare, veterinary practice, settlement of the issue of associations of agricultural producers in terms of implementation of the rules on common agricultural markets, production of wine products, and continuation of land reform.
Therefore, for further cooperation between the parliamentary committees, it is important to cooperate with Estonian colleagues in terms of obtaining and applying the experience of EU member states in the process of legislative European integration and preparation for participation in the common European agricultural policy.
The Chairman of the Committee Urmas Kruise noted that the process of Ukraine's European integration should be coordinated at all levels – diplomatic, governmental and legislative.
He also noted that this meeting laid the foundation for further legislative cooperation between the committees in terms of expert dialogues and consultations on agricultural issues, in particular in the area of food safety.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy, ways of its implementation, challenges and impact on small and medium-sized agricultural producers in Estonia.
Urmas Kruuse also spoke about the achievements of dairy farming in Estonia as one of the country's leading industries.
Urmas Kruuse, the Chairman of the Committee, assured of unwavering and comprehensive support for Ukraine, as well as further cooperation between the deputies and committees.