With the election of Viktor Juschtschenko as President of Ukraine in December 2004 a new issue has been opened in the integration process of the European Union: Shall the Ukraine become a member in the near future?
While Juschtschenko demands this since his inauguration in January 2005 the EU still reacts very reserved according to that issue. It did not make a final decision yet how to deal with Ukraine in the future.
This research paper is going to show why it is important to give Ukraine enough incentives to go on in renewing its economy and to establish a stable democracy in the former country of the Soviet Union, but why it is much too early to allow the Ukraine to join the EU in the short run (main thesis). It will analyze how the European Union dealt with Ukraine so far and give a recommendation how to go on in the future.
Therefore it is looking in the first chapter at the relations with Ukraine until Juschtschenko was elected as President – because this marks a turning point in Ukrainian politics towards the EU. The second chapter will concentrate on only the last four months and evaluate both the policy of Ukraine towards the EU and the policy of the EU according to the issue of a possible accession of Ukraine. The third and last chapter will start a discussion why or why not the EU should open accession negotiations with Ukraine. It is going to work out the main thesis presented above.
To reconstruct the policy and proof the different facts the author of the research paper used a lot of original documents of the EU as well as articles published in the media. Because this research paper examines a not very well researched topic in EU policies, only a few secondary sources were used.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. The Relations between the European Union and Ukraine from 1991 to 2004
1.1 Early Relations between the EU and Ukraine
1.2 The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and the Common Strategy on Ukraine
1.3 Ukraine as part of the New Neighbourhood Policy of the European Union
1.4 Conclusion on the Relations in the Past between the European Union and Ukraine
2. Recent Developments: Juschtschenko’s Wish to Join the European Union
2.1 New President, New Policy
2.2 A New Action Plan
2.3 Conclusion on Ukraine’s and the EU’s Policies
3. Discussion: Shall the Ukraine join the EU?
Research Objectives and Themes
This research paper examines the feasibility of Ukrainian accession to the European Union in the short term, arguing that while Ukraine requires incentives for reform, it is currently unprepared for membership. The study evaluates the historical and political dynamics between the EU and Ukraine to determine the appropriateness of current policy and future accession prospects.
- Evolution of EU-Ukraine diplomatic and economic relations since 1991.
- Impact of the "Orange Revolution" and the presidency of Viktor Juschtschenko on EU integration efforts.
- Analysis of the New Neighbourhood Policy (NNP) as a framework for cooperation.
- Evaluation of Ukraine's status against the Copenhagen Criteria for EU membership.
- Critical assessment of the necessity for long-term reform versus short-term accession negotiations.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Early Relations between the EU and Ukraine
The dialogue between Ukraine and the European Community (EC) began very shortly after the full independence from the former republic of the USSR in 1991. The first top-level meeting between both took place on September 14th 1992. Leaders of their delegations were the Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk and the President of the EC Commission, Jacques Delor (Chronolgy of Bilateral Relations 2005).
Only one year later a representation of the Commission was opened in Kyiv and the EC and Ukraine began negotiating about an Agreement about Partnership and Cooperation, which was signed in June 1994. The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) was the first big step in the relations between the European Union (EU) and the sovereign state Ukraine. It should “provide and appropriate framework for a political dialogue between the parties”, “promote … harmonious economic relations”, “provide a basis for mutually advantageous economic, social, financial, civil scientific technological and cultural cooperation” and “support Ukrainian efforts to consolidate democracy” (PCA 1994).
In 1995 the Temporary Agreement on Trade and Issues related to Trade is signed, in 1996 Ukraine is recognized by the EU as “a country with an economy in transition”. The first Ukraine-EU Summit takes place in Kyiv one year later.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the context of Viktor Juschtschenko's election and defines the central thesis that immediate EU accession for Ukraine is premature.
1. The Relations between the European Union and Ukraine from 1991 to 2004: Reviews the historical development of bilateral ties, including the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and the integration of Ukraine into the New Neighbourhood Policy.
2. Recent Developments: Juschtschenko’s Wish to Join the European Union: Analyzes the shift in Ukrainian policy under President Juschtschenko and the EU's reserved response and the implementation of a new Action Plan.
3. Discussion: Shall the Ukraine join the EU?: Evaluates Ukraine’s readiness for membership by applying the Copenhagen Criteria and examining the socio-political challenges currently facing the nation.
Keywords
European Union, Ukraine, Viktor Juschtschenko, Accession Negotiations, New Neighbourhood Policy, Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, Copenhagen Criteria, Democracy, Economic Transition, Foreign Policy, Integration, Orange Revolution, Bilateral Relations, Market Economy, Political Reform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The paper examines the relationship between the European Union and Ukraine, specifically focusing on whether it is currently advisable to initiate accession negotiations given the recent political changes in Ukraine.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
Key themes include the history of EU-Ukraine diplomatic relations, the impact of the New Neighbourhood Policy, the political aspirations of President Viktor Juschtschenko, and the structural requirements for EU membership.
What is the main objective or research question?
The main objective is to analyze the viability of Ukraine joining the EU in the short run, arguing that while support for democratization is essential, immediate accession is not feasible.
Which scientific methodology is used?
The author employs a document analysis approach, utilizing original EU policy documents, international media reports, and specialized secondary sources to reconstruct and evaluate the policy landscape.
What topics are addressed in the main body?
The main body covers historical developments from 1991 to 2004, the post-election developments in early 2005 under President Juschtschenko, and a normative discussion based on the Copenhagen Criteria.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Core keywords include EU enlargement, Ukrainian politics, the New Neighbourhood Policy, democratic consolidation, and economic integration.
How does the author evaluate the "New Neighbourhood Policy"?
The author characterizes the NNP as a powerful and wise tool that allows the EU to coordinate relations and foster stability with neighboring countries without the immediate pressure of accession.
What role does the "Copenhagen Criteria" play in the argument?
The criteria serve as the benchmark for evaluating Ukraine's current state, with the author concluding that Ukraine does not yet satisfy the required standards for institutional stability and a functioning market economy.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Christian Pfeiffer (Autor:in), 2005, Why the Ukraine should not be allowed to join the European Union in the Short Run, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/43074
