The CEO of BEEHIVE, Semen Gagarin, participated in the presentation of the systemic study “Strategic Guidelines for Deepening Trade and Economic Relations between Ukraine and the European Union in the Context of Ukraine’s Candidate Status for EU Membership”. The event was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration – Minister of Justice of Ukraine Olga Stefanishyna, the leadership of the Federation, CMD-Ukraine, and leading Ukrainian exporters.
Participants discussed the key provisions of the study aimed at strengthening trade ties between Ukraine and the European Union, as well as ways to further integrate Ukraine into the European economic space.
“BEEHIVE, as a leader in the production of high-quality Ukrainian honey, actively supports initiatives that promote the deepening of economic cooperation with EU countries. It is important for the country that we combine Ukrainian traditions with modern technologies, creating products that represent our country with dignity on the international market. We have joined the development of the strategy, particularly in the honey sector, to consider the needs of Ukrainian beekeepers and exporters. Ukraine’s candidate status for EU membership opens new opportunities for domestic exporters, and our company is ready to play an active role in this process,” noted Semen Gagarin.
Currently, about 65% of Ukraine’s total exports are directed to the EU, amounting to €24.5 billion in 2024. Deepening economic integration will strengthen these figures and enhance the competitiveness of Ukrainian products on European markets.
Ukraine is one of the world’s leading honey exporters, with the European Union being the primary market. In recent years, honey exports from Ukraine to the EU have remained stable, although they slightly decreased after the full-scale invasion. Ukraine accounts for more than 28% of the EU’s total honey imports, second only to China. The demand for Ukrainian honey remains high, ensuring prospects for stable production and exports.
The main challenges for honey exports to the EU include restrictive trade measures, particularly tariff quotas. To address these issues, the Ukrainian government should seek to reinstate zero-duty and quota-free honey exports to the EU, as well as support small producers by facilitating apiary registration and modernizing production to meet EU traceability requirements.
Duty-free honey exports from Ukraine will help reduce the average price of honey imports for the EU, creating favorable conditions for European partners and strengthening the competitiveness of Ukrainian products.
BEEHIVE is an example of a successfully implemented investment project that combines modern technologies with long-standing traditions, creating a new story of Ukrainian honey on a global level.