EU-Ukraine relations

The history of the European Union and Ukraine relations dates back to 1993, when the Parliament of Ukraine declared its intent to develop relations with the EU for the first time. Since then, through numerous stages of negotiations, Ukraine has become an associate member of the Union. Signing a Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement in 2014 gave both sides mutual benefits of political and economic kind. Since the same year, numerous Ukrainian citizens have been enjoying a visa-free regime with the Schengen Area (see infographics).

Despite the current halt in EU-Ukraine cooperation due to the global pandemic, continuing implementing reforms in accordance with the Association Agenda remains a priority for Ukraine. The European direction of Ukrainian future has been approved by most of the population since the start of integration and especially after the Russian occupation of Crimea and the eastern part of Ukrainian territory. Therefore, the peace and unity in Europe celebrated today holds significant meaning for Ukrainian people.

More information on the areas of EU-Ukraine cooperation can be found by following this link: https://www.euneighbours.eu/en/east/stay-informed/publications/facts-and-figures-about-eu-ukraine-relations-0

Article written by the IRTEA’s European Solidarity Corps volunteers – Project “Volunteers United in Diversity”