TRADE AND HOTEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC IN THE CONTEXT OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION: OPPORTUNITIES FOR UKRAINIAN-CZECH COOPERATION (2000–2019)

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to comprehensively analyze the Czech experience of reforming society in the trade and hotel-tourism complex in the context ofEuropean integration during the fi rst two decades of the 21st century (2000–2019). The study reveals the characteristic features of the process of adaptation of Czech society to European standards, the study of the peculiarities of Czech economic reforms and their possible use for Ukraine. Research methodology. The authors of the study used a variety of scientifi c methods that allow for the analysis and generalization of information, as well as to expand knowledge about the interaction between Ukraine and the Czech Republic in the spheres of European integration, trade and tourism. To solve scientifi c problems, the authors of the publication applied general scientifi c methods of cognition: analysis, synthesis, systematicity, /generalization, concreteness, historicism, and the dialectical method. In historical research, the dialectical method is most fully implemented through the principles of historicism, therefore, during the research, the authors preferred historical methods: historicaldescriptive method (historical-genetic, historical-comparative, historical-synthetic), historical-diachronic, empirical analysis method, etc. Scientifi c novelty. The main scientifi c novelty is the analysis of the impact of European integration on the development of trade relations and the hotel and tourism industry of the Czech Republic, as well as the study of the possibilities of cooperation with Ukraine in these areas. In addition, the mentioned topic is relevant in the modern context, where international trade, hotel and restaurant business andtourism are becoming increasingly important elements of economic development. The study of the Ukrainian-Czech perspective in the context of European integration opens up new opportunities for cooperation and development of both countries, as well as complements scientifi c research in the fi eld of international relations, economics and tourism. Conclusions. In the process of European integration, the Czech Republic actively developed its trade andhotel and tourism industries, using various mechanisms of cooperation with the countries of the European Union. This included the implementation of joint projects and programs aimed at developing tourism, improving infrastructure and increasing trade turnover. The Czech Republic has successfully attracted international funds, such as European Union programs, for joint projects with Ukrainian partners, which has contributed to increased investment andmodernization of tourism infrastructure. In addition, cooperation with other EU countries in these areas contributed to increasing the competitiveness of the Czech Republic on the European market.