THE MENTALITY ASPECTS OF UKRAINE'S EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

Abstract

The article examines the mentality closeness of Ukraine with Western European civilization. The geopolitical position of Ukraine on the border of Europe (West) and Asia (East) complicates the civilizational self-identification of Ukrainians is emphasized. Such features are due, on the one hand, to strong ties with European countries and de facto geographical affiliation with Europe, and on the other – proximity to Eastern civilization and long-term influence of Russia, which led to involvement in Asian civilization. Ukraine has been a part of the European space since the adoption of Christianity is substantiated. Its European essence has been historically shaped by geographical location, inclusion in European civilization by economic and cultural ties. The basic values and features of the Ukrainian mentality were correlated with the mental principles of the peoples of European countries and it was found that the greatest similarity between Ukraine and European states at the mental level are Ukrainian freedom, individualism and desire for democracy as opposed to Russian despotism and authoritarianism. These features of the Ukrainian mentality have enabled the historical preservation and revival of the Ukrainian nation, help to develop further and become a developed European country not only geographically and economically, but also spiritually is claimed . After all, it is not enough to achieve high economic standards and decent material life as an external form, to integrate into Europe is important at the internal level – values, spiritual and cultural, increase the number of active educated citizens, which is the core of development and progress – actively build civil society. In case of Ukraine's accession to the EU, Europeans will be able to discover Ukraine not only as an arena of political scandals and national upheavals, but also to discover positive mentality traits of Ukrainians – peace and tolerance, emotionality, creativity, high receptivity to new ideas, ability to adapt to different conditions is noted. Keywords: mentality, Ukraine, Europe, civilization theory, European civilization, Eurasian civilization, value system European integration, national identity, civil society.