Earlier in June 2025, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Decision (EU) 2025/1228, amending Council Decision 2003/17/EC to recognise the equivalence of seed certification systems in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine for specific crops.
This decision acknowledges that the field inspections and seed certification systems in Moldova and Ukraine meet EU standards for certain plant species. For Moldova, the equivalence applies to fodder plant crops, while for Ukraine it covers beet, sunflower, swede rape, and soya bean crops.
Following comprehensive audits and reviews by the European Commission—including assessments of national legislation, certification procedures, and compliance with EU directives—both countries were deemed to have robust and reliable systems in place. The recognition is further supported by their participation in the OECD Seed Schemes and the accreditation of national seed laboratories by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA).
The decision allows seeds certified in Moldova and Ukraine to be treated as equivalent to EU-certified seed, facilitating smoother trade and reinforcing agricultural cooperation with these countries.
Euroseeds welcomes the adoption of this decision, having proactively supported the file throughout the legislative process. As the voice of the European seed sector, Euroseeds considers this outcome an important step toward ensuring seed supply stability and fostering international alignment on certification standards.
The updated decision enters into force on the twentieth day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
