Abstract
The author has analyzed the European Union’s policy towards Ukraine and put forward a thesis that, in view of Russia’s opposition and the lack of progress in internal reforms, Ukraine has no immediate prospects of EU membership. Although Ukraine has been granted political and financial support in the aftermath of the Russian aggression (annexation of Crimea and war in Donbas), the extent of bilateral cooperation is limited to the signing of an Association Agreement and the abolition of the visa requirement for Ukrainian citizens. Economic sanctions against Russia symbolize the unity of EU member states, but remain the only instrument that can stop the neo-imperial intentions of the Russian Federation. This study employs the methods of systemic, institutional and legal analysis and the decision method.
Highlights
Ukraine returned to European politics in December 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union
Ukraine was the first country in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to sign a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) on June 14, 1994, which regulated the principles of future cooperation for at least ten years (Kost,2012, pp. 42–43; Pietnoczka, 2018, p. 153)
During the European Commission summit held in Corfu on June 24–25, 1994, the PCA was recognized as the foundation for mutual relations, but its coming to force was conditional on the closing down of the nuclear power plant in Chernobyl and Kiev’s compliance with the Non-Proliferation
Summary
Ukraine returned to European politics in December 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The new president of Ukraine chose to make his first foreign trip to Brussels to emphasize the importance of the political and, above all, economic ties between Kiev and the European Union He hoped that a free trade zone with the EU would be established and a visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens would soon be introduced. In view of these developments, the Ukrainian elite headed by President Yanukovych realized that Ukraine had to choose a strategic partner and either consistently pursue integration with the EU, or join the customs union with Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia, as offered by Moscow Opting for the former did not guarantee EU membership in the near future, and it meant a long and arduous process of talks, negotiations and, above all, the gradual introduction of high EU standards.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
