Ukraine and the European Union: relations and prospects on EU membership

Abstract

This paper analyses the relationship between the European Union and Ukraine from the independence of the country in 1991 until today. The sections are organised according to a timeline from that year until March 2023. The first chapter includes a short review of the relationship before Euromaidan and the preparations for the EU enlargement of 2004. After that, Euromaidan is explained, as it was the event that sparked both the deeper negotiations with the European Union and the turn of events with Russia. Following, chapter three is dedicated to the relations between the EU and Ukraine after Euromaidan, deeply analysing the Association Agreement, including the challenges and issues that it implies, and the constitutional amends made for European Integration under the AA. Chapter four is dedicated to the analysis of the events after the AA. It shortly explains the Russian invasion of Ukraine to then deeply analyse the EU’s response to the invasion, as both an analysis of the acceptance of Ukraine as a candidate state of the EU and the measurements that are required to take in order to be granted full membership, and as a description of the aid that the EU has provided Ukraine since the invasion. This last topic explains the sanctions taken against Russia, and both the refugees and monetary assistance provided. Lastly, a short description of the energy and food crisis is included. The bibliography and notes are embodied after the conclusion, at the end of the document.