Ukrainian Policy of European Integration: Achievements, Difficulties and Prospects of Cooperation With the EU

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the formation and development of the European integration processes of Ukraine and the study of their state in the current conditions. It is noted that for a long time Ukraine was faced with a choice between two integration models - European and Eurasian. After a thorough analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of both options, Ukraine decided to move towards European integration. Such a choice opens up new opportunities for the country for cooperation with developed countries, contributes to economic growth, social progress and strengthening its role in the international arena.

The author notes in the article that cooperation with the European Union, which has been ongoing since independence, has been uneven. In 1994, Ukraine was the first among the former Soviet republics to sign the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU, which opened up prospects for economic benefits. However, the real formation of partnership relations with the European Union began later. In 2017, was an important milestone in the development of relations between Ukraine and the European Union. The introduction of a visa-free regime and the entry into force of the Association Agreement were the result of many years of joint work.

The article shows that 2019 is no less important year in the policy of European integration, in which the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a law on amendments to the Constitution, which enshrined the country’s strategic course towards gaining full membership in the European Union and NATO.

It has been proven that Russia’s armed aggression on Ukrainian territory has become a key factor determining not only the prospects of Ukraine’s accession to the EU, but also the future of the country as a whole. Thus, the President of Ukraine V. Zelenskyy submitted an application for accession to the European Union on February 28, 2022, thus activating the process of European integration in the country. Already on March 1, the European Parliament, by an overwhelming majority, recommended granting Ukraine the status of candidate for EU accession.

The article analyzes the positive and negative impact of European integration on the development of the state, and identifies the main direction of reforms.