Ukraine and Moldova on the Way to European Integration

Abstract

The article examines the European integration path of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova; the dynamics of economic, political, and social relations between the countries and the European Union were followed; the key factors that made it impossible for these states to join the EU from 1991 to 2024 are characterized. The article singles out external and internal factors that contributed to both the rapprochement and distancing of Ukraine and Moldova from the EU member states. The essential role of Russia, which is trying by all possible means to maintain its influence in these countries and prevent their joining the European Union, is also taken into account.

The determining factor of orientation towards the West, and not towards the East, is that Moscow uses dirty tricks to achieve its goals. In particular, political provocations, threats of escalation, nuclear blackmail. Both countries have conflicts with the Russians, such as Transnistria in Moldova and the war in Ukraine started by Russia. Perhaps 200 or 300 years ago, this would have happened, and the Kremlin would have reached its, but modern 21 century changes all rules and possibilities. Therefore, it is only a matter of time before military Russia and its ambitions disappear.

It was concluded that Ukraine and Moldova have come a long way in the direction of the EU, changing their orientations either to Europe or to Russia. Such a frequent change of views was influenced by the change of power in both countries, which focused on both the EU and Russia. In Ukraine, this was due to the fact that some Ukrainian politicians were openly pro-Russian and often acted as puppets of the Kremlin. In Moldova, the situation is somewhat different, in the country, both pro-Moscow and pro-European officials constantly lobbied between the two sides, trying not to quarrel with one or the other. And one cannot reject the Kremlin’s blackmail, threats, and direct aggression. However, all Moscow’s efforts did not come true, both countries were only hardened, consolidated and united by these events in a single desire to forever reject Russia in the past and enter the European future.