The study provides a systematic analysis of key EU requirements in the Water domain, in particular the provisions of the Water Framework Directive and the Nitrates Directive, which form the basis of environmental standards for the agricultural sector. The analysis covers issues of abstraction and special water use, wastewater management, fertiliser and manure use and storage, as well as restrictions on agricultural activities in areas adjacent to water bodies and on sloping land.
A separate section of the study is dedicated to requirements in the Biodiversity domain, including the implementation of the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive, the role of the Emerald Network (with a future transition to NATURA 2000), and the challenges of integrating biodiversity conservation practices into agricultural activities. The analysis identifies regulatory gaps, assesses the institutional capacity of responsible authorities, and examines the level of farmers’ awareness of nature protection regimes.
An important component of the study is the mapping of potential challenges and opportunities related to the implementation of conditionality requirements by agri-food sector companies. This allows for an assessment of the impact of regulatory changes on different types of agricultural holdings, taking into account access to financial resources, technologies, and advisory support.
The core empirical component of the report is based on a survey and interviews with Ukrainian farmers, with findings presented separately for the Water and Biodiversity domains. The study reflects farmers’ views on the practical aspects of complying with the Water Framework, Nitrates, Birds and Habitats Directives, their needs for financial resources, training, new technologies and advisory support, as well as the expected timeframes required to adapt to the new requirements.
Based on the analysis of the EU regulatory framework, the state of implementation in Ukraine, and the results of the farmers’ survey, the study formulates recommendations for Ukraine’s negotiation position within Chapter 11 “Agriculture and Rural Development” and Chapter 27 “Environment and Climate Change” of the EU acquis. The recommendations focus on the gradual establishment of the conditionality system, the alignment of national legislation with SMR and GAEC requirements, the development of monitoring and control systems, and the creation of incentives and support mechanisms for farmers during the pre-accession period.
The study is available in Ukrainian and English, as well as in policy brief format.
