Actual problems of innovative economy and law

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Legal principles of participation of foreigners in the land market: European experience

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УДК: 349.41:339.92(4)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36887/2524-0455-2025-4-11

Riasnianska Alona,
Ph. D. in Economics, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Land Resources Management, Geodesy and Cadastre,
State Biotechnological University
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1564-6624

The article examines the legal principles governing the participation of foreigners in the agricultural land market within the context of Ukraine’s European integration course. It explores the provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which enshrines the principle of free movement of capital as it directly relates to land sale and purchase transactions. It has been established that EU member states may impose certain restrictions on foreign land ownership only if they pursue a legitimate objective—such as ensuring food security, preventing speculation, preserving land use designation, and supporting local farmers—and if such restrictions comply with the principles of proportionality and non-discrimination. A comparative analysis of the regulation of foreign participation in land markets across EU countries has identified three main models: the liberal model (Netherlands, Belgium), characterized by an open market for all EU residents; the balanced model (Lithuania, Czech Republic, Croatia), which combines openness with professional or environmental requirements; and the protectionist model (Poland, Hungary), focused on safeguarding national farmers and preventing excessive land concentration. The study describes existing EU regulatory mechanisms, including qualification requirements for buyers, land area limits, pre-emptive purchase rights, the reciprocity principle, and the obligation to cultivate land. The article summarizes key aspects of implementing European experience in the third stage of Ukraine’s land reform, such as the gradual opening of the market to foreigners, transitional periods, qualification and professional standards for buyers, control over land concentration, state price monitoring, improvement of lease regulations, and cadastral transparency. It substantiates that adopting these instruments will harmonize Ukrainian land legislation with EU law, protect national interests, and create the foundation for a fair, transparent, and competitive land market in Ukraine.

Keywords: land reform, foreign investors, property rights, European Union, land turnover, legal regulation, European integration.

References.

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The article was received 25.08.2025

Quote article, APA style

Riasnianska A. 25.08.2025. Legal principles of participation of foreigners in the land market: European experience. Actual problems of innovative economy and law. 2025. №4. 46-50 pp. https://doi.org/10.36887/2524-0455-2025-4-11

Quote article, MLA style

Riasnianska A. Legal principles of participation of foreigners in the land market: European experience. Actual problems of innovative economy and law. 25.08.2025. https://doi.org/10.36887/2524-0455-2025-4-11