Key trends in the development of EU agricultural legislation: a general overview

The study is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of EU agricultural legislation, its complex structure and evolution, primarily through the prism of Ukraine’s European integration efforts. It is argued that the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a key legislative document that promotes sustainable agricultural development, environmental protection, and rural development. The article examines the key components of EU agricultural law, its dynamic relationship with social needs and the political agenda of the entire European society. For the period up to 2027, the CAP, which is currently being reformed, is aimed at prioritising environmental sustainability and regional adaptability. It is noted that this strategic shift promotes the introduction of individual approaches to the implementation of agricultural policy, emphasising coherence and efficiency in various European agricultural ecosystems. A central element of this initiative is the allocation of significant EU funds for environmental and climate goals, in line with the overarching Green Deal strategy. The analysis of legislative trends demonstrated the Union’s differentiated approach to the development of a unified agricultural policy. The author argues that environmental and climate initiatives, organic agriculture, and animal welfare measures underline the EU’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, soil quality improvement, and minimising the effects of climate change. Rural development initiatives promote investment in infrastructure and the socio-economic resilience of rural communities. In addition, it is emphasised that strategic actions targeting market support, combating unfair trade and ensuring product quality underline the EU’s commitment to maintaining market stability, transparency and increasing consumer confidence in European products. The comprehensive review identifies the main trends shaping EU agricultural policy, including an increased focus on environmental sustainability, rural diversification, social ethics, and food safety. This reflects the EU’s integrated approach to agricultural governance, which combines economic imperatives with environmental and social considerations. In turn, this will serve as a valuable resource for the national legal system in terms of making informed decisions and aligning national policies with the European acquis.