Vztahy Evropské Unie a Ukrajiny

Abstract

This bachelor's thesis examines the relationship between the European Union and Ukraine. The aim of the thesis is to characterize the key steps that Ukraine has taken since gaining independence towards meeting the requirements for EU membership, based on the analysis of available data. The thesis is divided into three parts. The first part focuses on the external relations of the EU, particularly the Common Foreign and Security Policy. The Eastern Partnership can be identified as a key initiative for the relationship between the European Union and Ukraine. The second part of the thesis analyzes the historical and political events in Ukraine, with the Orange Revolution and Euromaidan being key milestones towards integration. The thesis also examines the macroeconomic indicators of Ukraine, including GDP per capita, unemployment rate, inflation, and international trade. The third part emphasizes the significance of the relationship between the EU and Ukraine, especially after the signing of the Association Agreement in 2014 and the Russian invasion in 2022. The EU approved sanctions against Russia and provided financial and military assistance to Ukraine. Trade between the EU and Ukraine significantly increased between 1995 and 2021. Ukraine has also managed to obtain the status of a candidate country for EU membership. The thesis evaluates the support provided by individual states to Ukraine, with the United States, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom being the largest supporters. Key challenges for Ukraine in the context of EU membership include reforms in the fight against corruption, constitutional reform, and changing the oligarchic system. Despite long-term efforts and the speed of reforms, Ukraine's membership in the EU remains a question for the future. The ongoing war conflict complicates and prolongs the accession process, and its successful completion largely depends on the cessation of hostilities.