Vitko D. Determinants of companies’ competitiveness in the agrarian markets of the EU.

The thesis is devoted to the evaluation of the external and internal environment determinants`on the companies` competitiveness in the EU agrarian markets. A wide range of approaches and views on competition and competitiveness have been identified. The theories of international competitiveness have passed four stages in their development. The evolution of concepts took place through the movement between the external capabilities / threats of the firm and its internal strengths and weaknesses. The EU agricultural market is characterized by slow growth and a high level of competition. High level of competition and buyer’s power are main features of the agricultural market in the EU. This is facilitated by the concentration of markets at the level of distribution of agrarian products and the low differentiation of the product itself from producers. The EU countries belong to a group of countries characterized by a highly protectionist trade policy in the agrarian sector in relation to third countries. The two most important types of barriers are identified, which affect the competitiveness of companies in this market: restricting market access (trade policy) and internal support (SAP). The EU is actively using the tools of both policies. It was found that the company's export revenues in the agrarian markets of the EU correlate with the sales of the main products. Moreover, export sales by 102% grow faster than gross revenues in general. There is also a correlation with the company's staff, which can add up to 25% of exports. The strengthening of the role of agrarian products in Ukraine's exports was revealed. The EU is the largest importer of vegetable products from Ukraine. GDP, exchange rate, value added created by the agrarian sector were revealed to have the positive impact on agricultural exports from Ukraine to the EU. The DCFTA became a driver of the Ukrainian agrarian productsexport to the EU markets.