International round table in NUBiP: challenges and prospects of European integration of the Ukrainian agricultural sector in the context of the implementation of the European Green course are discussed
International round table in NUBiP: challenges and prospects of European integration of the Ukrainian agricultural sector in the context of the implementation of the European Green course are discussed
May 17, 2025
On May 15, 2025, the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine hosted an international round table on the topic «Integration into the EU: challenges for the Ukrainian agri-food sector within the framework of the European Green course». The event was part of the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet module project – European Green Deal: from theory to practice in the agri-food sector of Ukraine (101176557 – EGDUA – ERASMUS-JMO-2024-HEI-TCH-RSCH).
The event brought together more than 100 participants in a hybrid format: full-time — in the academic building No. 3 of the NUBiP of Ukraine, as well as online via the Zoom platform. Among the guests were representatives of the Ukrainian authorities, international experts, teachers, postgraduates, business practitioners and students.
Opening remarks were made by Dr. Oleksandr LABENKO vice-rector for scientific and pedagogical work and international activities of NUBiP of Ukraine. He stressed the importance of adapting the Ukrainian agricultural sector to EU requirements and the role of the University in this process.
The event was moderated by Dr. Olha TROFIMTSEVA, a well-known Ukrainian politician and expert on agrarian policy. She masterfully conducted the event in a dynamic format, promoting deep and professional discussion.
The program of the event included presentations by leading experts from Ukraine, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. Key topics and speakers included:
Maksym HOPKA a post-graduate student of NUBiP of Ukraine opened the program with a report on the topic «Readiness of the agri-food sector of Ukraine to join the EU and transition to the principles of sustainable development». He presented a comprehensive assessment of the institutional and economic training of the industry.
Dr. Oleksandr PEREKHOZHUK (IAMO, Germany) made a report on the impact of the European Green course on global agricultural trade, revealing both opportunities and potential risks for the export-oriented agricultural economy of Ukraine.
Yana KOSTYUK PhD in sustainable development (Italy), focused on the complex issue of compliance of Ukrainian environmental initiatives with ESG principles, raising the provocative topic "ESG: "green" commitments or "green" laundering?».
Bohdan ZVARUN lawyer, director of Zvarun Law Firm and graduate student of NUBiP, presented a report on «Green EU legislation as a guide for the development of Ukrainian agribusiness». In his presentation, he analyzed in detail the European regulations and prospects for their implementation in the Ukrainian legal field.
Valeria KHINTSYTSKA analyst on sustainability in KERNEL company, shared the view of big business on sustainable transformation «Sustainable development of the Ukrainian agricultural sector: business opportunities and methodological challenges.»
Serhiy KRAVCHUK general director of Hals Agro Company presented the experience of biomethane production in the EU and its prospects in Ukraine.
Volodymyr SALYHA the representative of Carboneg in Ukraine outlined the key issues of working with carbon certificates in the context of European integration.
Andriy HRYSHCHENKO, director of CARBONEX Ukraine and graduate student of NUBiP, presented tools for expanding access of Ukrainian farmers to carbon markets.
Mani VANNAN, founder and CEO of the British CIRCULARITY WATER company, presented innovative solutions in the field of water conservation and renewable energy.
The final report by Taras VYSOTSKY, First Deputy Minister of agrarian policy and food of Ukraine was particularly expected. In his speech, he emphasized that Ukraine's agricultural policy is already adapting to EU requirements, and the implementation of the European Green course should become the basis for long-term economic and environmental growth. He stressed the ministry's role in synchronizing the national agrarian strategy with EU policies, as well as supporting university initiatives such as EGDUA.
After each thematic block, question-and-answer sessions were held, where participants had the opportunity to discuss challenges in depth and share their own experience of adapting to new environmental requirements and European standards, and ask questions to our speakers.
The event was completed by an associate professor Oleksandr FAYCHUK, EGDUA project manager. He thanked the participants for their informative reports and active participation, noting: «The successful implementation of the EGDUA project is based on combining academic science, practical experience and institutional support. We are confidently moving towards the European educational and agricultural space.»
The event confirmed the key role of NUBiP of Ukraine in shaping the environmental consciousness of a new generation of farmers and promoting Ukraine's integration into common European sustainable development processes.
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Oksana YARMOSHENKO,
leading specialist of the department of international relations,
assistant of the department of administrative management
and foreign economic activity
