This paper presents the results of research on the specialization and competitiveness of crop production in European Union countries. The Esteban-Marquillas method of competitiveness changes was used for the research. This method indicates specialized countries and the nature of structural changes in the scope of crop production. The research was carried out on the basis of data on the size of crop production. All data was taken from the databases of the Central Statistical Office. The research covers the years 2005-2016. The obtained results distinguish (inseparable) groups of countries specializing in the production of particular cereal species. The following countries specialize in the production of wheat: Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Austria; production of barley wheat: Finland, Great Britain, Germany, Italy and Greece; and rye: Portugal, Spain, France, Great Britain, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia.