Fair Trade – A Path to a Fair Economy and Sustainable Development in Ukraine: A  European Perspective Fair Trade. For some, it’s just a label on a coffee bag. For others, it’s a  philosophy — a set of values about ethics, dignity, and shared growth. And for Ukraine, it can  become a symbol of a new direction: modern, European, built on human rights and  community development. Over the past years, I’ve witnessed Ukraine’s increasing alignment  with EU values — the rule of law, respect for labor, and environmental protection. Fair Trade  is a natural extension of this journey. 

Why does it matter now? Because after years of hardship, Ukraine needs more than  investment — it needs trust. And Fair Trade is about trust. It’s about transparency, fair  conditions, respect for producers — and consumers who choose not only a product, but a  principle. Europe has already made this choice In Switzerland, every second person  regularly buys Fair Trade-labeled products. In Germany and the Netherlands, it’s a state supported system. In these countries, small farmers, artisans, and local cooperatives have  found a way to reach global markets — without middlemen, without manipulation, without  losing their dignity. Why shouldn’t Ukraine follow the same path?  

Ukraine is on its way — not just with slogans, but with action We already see encouraging  steps: • Ukrainian organic producers are regularly showcased at BIOFACH in Germany,  supported by the government and international partners. • The Rekava brand turns coffee  waste into sustainable candles — and consumer habits into conscious choices. • The  humanitarian program “Grain from Ukraine” transforms grain into a mission, not just a  commodity. These are not just scattered initiatives — they’re signals. Ukraine is ready. Ready  to be part of a global ethical economy. 

What can Europe do? Support. Empower. Share. Not only through funds — but through  experience, networks, and systems. So that Fair Trade in Ukraine becomes more than a  buzzword — it becomes a way of doing business. A final thought Fair Trade is not about  charity — it’s about justice. It’s about proving that success doesn’t have to come at the  expense of the vulnerable. And if Ukraine embraces this path, it will show — once again — that it belongs to Europe not just geographically, but in values. — Alex Lenaerts, Belgian  Ambassador to Ukraine (2018–2022)