On April 23, 2025, representatives of the Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy took part in the Wine & Spirits Forum 2025: «The European Integration Path of Ukrainian Wines: Challenges and Opportunities»,organized jointly with the Ukrainian Association of Craft Winemakers, Wines of Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
This event is a key occasion for professionals in Ukraine’s winemaking industry, bringing together winemakers and producers of distilled beverages, government representatives, leading experts, and exporters to discuss the European integration of Ukraine’s Wine Law (No. 3928-IX) and the current challenges and prospects for the industry’s development both domestically and internationally.
Chair of the Subcommittee on the Adaptation of Ukrainian Legislation to the Provisions of European Union Law (EU acquis) and the Implementation of Ukraine’s International Legal Obligations in the Sphere of European Integration, Maryna Nikitina, emphasized that in the context of Ukraine’s European integration, this Law was developed as part of the legislative alignment with EU norms. It contains specific provisions aimed at the profound transformation of Ukraine’s winemaking sector.
The Law is based on the relevant EU regulations concerning the common organization of agricultural markets, as well as other legislative acts governing the wine sector. It is a fundamental document that not only harmonizes Ukrainian winemaking legislation with EU standards, but also establishes the institutional framework necessary for the sustainable development of the industry.
Maryna Nikitina also noted that bilateral efforts are already underway with EU Member States to achieve recognition of Ukrainian standards for wine products. This represents a vital component of Ukraine’s integration into the EU single market, particularly in the areas of agriculture and food production.
At the same time, Ukraine is already engaged in negotiations with individual EU Member States—namely France, Italy, Germany, and Spain—on the mutual recognition of standards and certifications for wine products. Such cooperation facilitates the promotion of Ukrainian wines on European markets by reducing regulatory barriers. Notably, some Ukrainian producers are already exporting wine to the EU, having obtained certification in line with European requirements.
Forum participants also discussed Ukraine’s involvement in European initiatives. In particular, Ukraine is engaged in EU technical assistance projects that include training experts and producers on EU standards, joint research initiatives on wine quality, and experience-sharing with winemaking regions across the EU. Additionally, work is underway to harmonize Ukraine’s system of geographical indications (PDO/PGI), a mandatory component for the recognition of wines within the EU.
Attention was also devoted to the issue of small-scale wine production. In particular, the concept of craft producers is gradually acquiring legal definition, enabling the development of a distinct regulatory approach tailored to their specific needs.
It was noted that, within the framework of European integration, a dedicated regulatory framework for craft wine producers is planned. This will facilitate their market access, ensure their recognition within the EU’s geographical indication systems, and reduce bureaucratic burdens through simplified regulatory procedures.
Participants of the forum also included Member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ihor Marchuk; Head of the Secretariat of the Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy Oleksandr Starynets; Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Oksana Osmachko; President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hennadii Chyzhykov; Head of the Agrarian Committee of the Chamber Oleg Yukhnovskyi; Director of the Department of Agrarian Development of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Ihor Vishtak; Head of the Association of Craft Winemakers of Ukraine Svitlana Tsybak; National Expert of the EU IPRSA Project Yuliia Bohdanenko, among others.