The EU wants Ukraine to reorient its exports to Africa and Latin America

After more than a decade of preparing Ukrainian business for integration into the EU’s internal market, the EU advises Ukraine to reorient its exports to the Third World, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Olha Stefanishyna said at the Exporters Summit 2025. However, according to the official, this is one of the most important political challenges on the path to EU membership.

“In fact, it is impossible to turn Ukraine away from us because of very often unreasonable figures or political manipulations,” she said.

Stefanishyna emphasized that now is the best time to develop the capabilities of Ukrainian business in the European Union. In addition, she said, Ukraine’s membership in the EU in 2030 is a fait accompli. The seriousness and realism of the EU’s intentions is evidenced by the fact that the EU budget for 2026-32/33 is being formed with Ukraine’s membership in mind, the Vice Prime Minister explained.

“This goal (2030) is absolutely realistic. We are already integrated into the EU in many sectors. These include telecommunications services, trade, transport and customs liberalization, and energy markets,” Stefanishyna added.