EUROPEAN INTEGRATION OF UKRAINE: THE PATH TO ASSOCIATION WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION AND PROSPECTS FOR MEMBERSHIP

Abstract

Ukraine's European integration remains a strategic priority of the country's foreign policy, especially after the signing of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union in 2014 and the submission of an application for accession in 2022, as well as through obtaining the status of candidate for membership of the European Union. The article analyzes the key stages of this process, including the results of the annual Ukraine-EU summits, which play an important role in identifying joint achievements and outlining priorities for further cooperation. Within the framework of these meetings, significant agreements were reached, in particular on the visa-free regime, which entered into force in 2017, the deepening of trade relations within the framework of the free trade area, and the strengthening of energy cooperation. Recent years have seen notable progress in a number of areas. For example, Ukraine is gradually adapting its legislation to European standards, which contributes to strengthening the rule of law, decentralization, and increasing transparency in the fight against corruption. Since 2022, in the context of a full-scale war, the European Union has not only supported Ukraine politically and financially, but also granted it the status of a candidate country for membership, which was a historic decision of the summit in June 2022. This recognition is an important milestone on the path to membership, although it requires Ukraine to continue reforms in the fields of justice, economy, and social policy. The Ukraine-EU summits also underlined the desire of both sides to strengthen economic integration. In 2023, significant progress was made on customs cooperation, digitalization, and expanding Ukraine’s participation in EU programs, including Horizon Europe and Digital Europe. Exports of Ukrainian goods to the EU are growing, confirming the importance of the European market for the country’s economic stability. However, the integration process faces numerous challenges, including those related to war and internal political turmoil.