Obchodní vztahy Ukrajiny s Evropskou unií

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the analysis of the development and structural changes in trade relations between Ukraine and the European Union from 2013 to 2024. Within the context of the implementation of DCFTA agreement and the impacts of the Russian invasion in 2022, the Ukrainian economy is undergoing a radical transformation of trade flows, characterized by a shift away from post-Soviet markets and an increasing dependence on the EU.

The primary objective of this work is to evaluate the development and reorientation of Ukrainian foreign trade by analyzing cooperation with key EU partners - Poland and Germany - while identifying the main barriers and opportunities for the future integration of the Ukrainian economy into the European internal market.

The thesis is structured into five chapters. The first chapter introduces the main objectives of the research. The second chapter examines the theoretical foundations of economic integration and defines the legal framework between the EU and Ukraine. This is followed by an analysis of the historical development of Ukrainian foreign trade, its commodity structure, and the impacts of the armed conflict on the country's trade balance and logistics. The practical section focuses on a comparison of trade relations with Poland and Germany, as well as the impact of the DCFTA 2.0 on the import of sensitive agricultural commodities into the EU.

The research is based on testing two hypotheses. The first hypothesis assumes that the physical destruction of industrial capacity during the war led to the increased dominance of the agro-industrial sector in Ukrainian exports. The second hypothesis assumes that the dominant position of Poland as the most significant EU trade partner of Ukraine stems from its transit function and geographical location rather than internal demand from the Polish economy for Ukrainian imports.

The findings confirm both hypotheses. The agro-industrial sector dominates Ukrainian exports with a share exceeding 50 percent. Poland serves as a strategic transit and re-export hub, while Germany is identified as a key investor.