Slovakia Leads Push for EU Farm Fund to Mitigate Impact of Ukrainian Imports

Slovakia Calls for Dedicated EU Fund

Slovakia, alongside other European Union countries bordering Ukraine, is actively seeking the establishment of a special EU fund designed to safeguard their agricultural sectors from the adverse effects of Ukrainian agricultural imports. Slovak Agriculture Minister Richard Takáč stated in Brussels on September 23, 2025, that the current situation deviates significantly from earlier assurances provided by the European Commission.

Minister Takáč highlighted that while the European Commission had previously indicated a 25% increase in quotas for Ukrainian agricultural goods, recent discussions suggest potential increases of 400% to 500% for products such as honey and sugar. This would allow substantially larger volumes of duty-free Ukrainian products to enter the EU single market.

Concerns Over Standards and Market Impact

A primary concern raised by Slovakia and its allies pertains not only to the volume of imports but also to the disparity in production standards. Minister Takáč emphasized that 'European farmers must comply with strict standards on spraying, fertilizers, and other rules, which Ukrainian farmers do not follow.' This difference in regulatory environments creates what local farmers describe as 'unfair competition,' as Ukrainian producers can offer goods at lower prices due to reduced production costs.

The influx of Ukrainian agricultural products, particularly grain, has led to market saturation in border states, causing prices for local produce to plummet and resulting in significant financial losses for farmers. Ukrainian exporters often find it more profitable to sell their goods directly across the border rather than incurring the higher costs of transportation deeper into Western Europe, further concentrating the impact on neighboring countries.

Previous Measures and Ongoing Demands

The issue of Ukrainian agricultural imports has been a point of contention for some time. In 2023, countries including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, often referred to as the 'frontline five,' implemented unilateral bans on Ukrainian grain imports after an EU-wide temporary ban expired. These actions were taken in response to widespread farmer protests over depressed prices and market disruption.

Slovakia's former Agriculture Minister Jozef Bíreš, in June 2023, deemed a €5 million compensation package from the EU as 'laughable' when compared to the estimated €200 million in losses incurred by Slovak farmers. The Slovak Chamber of Agriculture and Food (SPPK) has also called for a return to pre-war trade conditions and tariffs once the current suspension of customs duties expires on June 5, 2025, arguing that the 'customs holidays' have destabilized EU markets.

Minister Takáč has indicated that Slovakia will exert pressure on the European Commission through both his ministry and the prime minister's office. He stressed the importance of all countries neighboring Ukraine acting jointly on quotas and the creation of the proposed fund, noting agreement with his Polish counterpart, Stefan Krajewski.