View source for Ukraine–European Union relations

{{About|bilateral relations|the broad perspective on the accession negotiations between the European Union and Ukraine|Accession of Ukraine to the European Union}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}} 
{{infobox bilateral relations|European Union-Ukraine|European Union|Ukraine|filetype=svg
|envoy1 = 
|envoytitle1 = 
|envoytitle2 = 
|envoy2 = 
|mission1 = European Union Delegation, Kyiv
|mission2 = [[Mission of Ukraine to the European Union|Mission of Ukraine, Brussels]]
}}
{{Politics of Ukraine}}
[[International relations]] between the [[European Union]] (EU) and [[Ukraine]] are shaped through the [[Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement]] and the [[Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area]] (DCFTA). Ukraine is a priority partner within the [[Eastern Partnership]] and the [[European Neighbourhood Policy]] (ENP). The EU and Ukraine developed an increasingly close relationship, going beyond co-operation, to gradual economic integration and deepening of political co-operation.<ref name="EU & Ukraine 17 April 2014 FACT SHEET"/> On 23 June 2022, the [[European Council]] granted Ukraine the status of a candidate for [[Accession of Ukraine to the European Union|accession to the European Union]].<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Ukraine has officially received the status of a candidate for EU membership |url=https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/news/2022/06/23/7141922/ |website=eurointegration.com.ua |language=uk |access-date=2022-06-23}}</ref>

The association agreement was initiated in 2012, but the Ukrainian government suspended [[Plan on Priority Measures for European Integration of Ukraine|preparations]] for signing [[Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement|the association agreement]] on 21 November 2013, during the presidency of  [[Viktor Yanukovych]],<ref name="Ukraine crisis timeline BBC"/><ref>{{cite news | title = Ukraine drops EU plans and looks to Russia | url = http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2013/11/ukraine-drops-eu-plans-looks-russia-20131121145417227621.html | access-date = 24 November 2013 | publisher = [[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] | date = 21 November 2013 | archive-date = 7 April 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140407062021/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2013/11/ukraine-drops-eu-plans-looks-russia-20131121145417227621.html | url-status = live }}</ref> who attended the EU summit in [[Vilnius]] on 28–29 November 2013, where the association agreement was originally planned to be signed.<ref name=FuleIU201113/><ref name=NSEN291113>[http://www.euronews.com/2013/11/29/ukraine-fails-to-sign-landmark-deal-at-eu-summit/ Ukraine fails to sign landmark deal at EU summit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413190006/http://www.euronews.com/2013/11/29/ukraine-fails-to-sign-landmark-deal-at-eu-summit/ |date=13 April 2020 }}, [[Euronews]] (29 November 2013)</ref> The decision to put off signing the association agreement led to the pro-EU [[Euromaidan]] movement.<ref name=OmanEM>{{cite news |url=http://main.omanobserver.om/?p=34172 |title=Ukraine still wants historic pact with EU |work=[[Oman Observer]] |access-date=27 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125161035/http://main.omanobserver.om/?p=34172 |archive-date=25 January 2014 }}<br />[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25307255 Ukraine police dismantle Kiev protest camps] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308073158/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25307255 |date=8 March 2021 }}, [[BBC News]] (9 December 2013)</ref> These led to the removal of Yanukovych and his [[Second Azarov Government|government]] by parliament after the [[2013–2014 Ukrainian revolution]] in February 2014.<ref name="Ukraine crisis timeline BBC"/><ref name="EnUkrRev">{{cite news  | title = Archrival Is Freed as Ukraine Leader Flees  | work = [[The New York Times]]  | date = 22 February 2014  | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/23/world/europe/ukraine.html?_r=0  | access-date = 23 February 2014  | archive-date = 21 December 2019  | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191221235117/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/23/world/europe/ukraine.html?_r=0  | url-status = live  }}</ref>

The political part of the Association Agreement was signed on 21 March 2014, by Prime Minister, [[Arseniy Yatsenyuk]].<ref name="EU & Ukraine 17 April 2014 FACT SHEET">[https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/4081/eu-ukraine-relations-factsheet_en "EU & Ukraine September 30, 2019 FACT SHEET"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413185956/https://eeas.europa.eu/headquart/headquarters-homepage/4081/eu-ukraine-relations-factsheet_en |date=13 April 2020 }}, [[European External Action Service]] (17 April 2014)</ref> Meanwhile, the EU  froze  assets of Russians and Ukrainians suspected of corruption and granted financial aid to Ukraine.<ref name="EU & Ukraine 17 April 2014 FACT SHEET"/><ref name="Ukraine crisis timeline BBC"/><ref name=UEUl13514IU>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/economic/204654.html Ukraine, EU sign documents required for paying 1 bln euro to Kyiv] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413185953/https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/economic/204654.html |date=13 April 2020 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (13 May 2014)</ref> The economic part of the [[Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement]] was signed on 27 June 2014, by the new president, [[Petro Poroshenko]].<ref name="EU signs pacts with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova"/> On 1 January 2016, Ukraine joined the DCFTA with the EU. Ukrainian citizens were granted [[Visa policy of the Schengen Area|visa-free travel]] to the [[Schengen Area]] for up to 90 days during any 180-day period on 11 June 2017, and the Association Agreement formally came into effect on 1 September 2017.<ref name=2017-assoc>{{cite web|url=https://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-3045_en.htm|title=European Commission - EU-Ukraine Association Agreement fully enters into force|website=europa.eu|access-date=14 October 2019|archive-date=14 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014024418/https://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-3045_en.htm|url-status=live}} (Press release)</ref> On 21 February 2019, the [[Constitution of Ukraine]] was amended, the norms on the strategic course of Ukraine for membership in the European Union and [[NATO]] were enshrined in the preamble of the Basic Law, three articles and transitional provisions.<ref>{{cite web|title=The law amending the Constitution on the course of accession to the EU and NATO has entered into force {{!}} European integration portal|url=https://eu-ua.org/novyny/zakon-pro-zminy-do-konstytuciyi-shchodo-kursu-na-vstup-v-yes-i-nato-nabuv-chynnosti|website=eu-ua.org|access-date=2021-03-23|language=uk|archive-date=28 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928024828/https://eu-ua.org/novyny/zakon-pro-zminy-do-konstytuciyi-shchodo-kursu-na-vstup-v-yes-i-nato-nabuv-chynnosti|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-ua.kmu.gov.ua/novyny/zakon-pro-zminy-do-konstytuciyi-shchodo-kursu-na-vstup-v-yes-i-nato-nabuv-chynnosti|title=Закон про зміни до Конституції щодо курсу на вступ в ЄС і НАТО набув чинності &#124; Євроінтеграційний портал|website=eu-ua.kmu.gov.ua|access-date=24 January 2022|archive-date=24 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124141228/https://eu-ua.kmu.gov.ua/novyny/zakon-pro-zminy-do-konstytuciyi-shchodo-kursu-na-vstup-v-yes-i-nato-nabuv-chynnosti|url-status=live}}</ref> On 28 February 2022, during the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]], Ukrainian President [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]] officially signed an EU membership application for Ukraine.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |last1=Treisman |first1=Rachel |title=Ukraine wants to join the EU. Here's how that would work |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/02/28/1083528087/ukraine-european-union |access-date=28 February 2022 |publisher=NPR |date=28 February 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Prime Ministers [[Mateusz Morawiecki]] of [[Poland]], [[Janez Janša]] of [[Slovenia]] and [[Petr Fiala]] of [[the Czech Republic]], all being member states of the European Union, visited [[Kyiv]] and met with [[Ukrainian President]] [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]] to express their solidarity and support during the invasion.

Ukraine shares borders with four EU member states; [[Hungary–Ukraine border|Hungary]], [[Poland–Ukraine border|Poland]], [[Slovakia–Ukraine border|Slovakia]], and [[Romania–Ukraine border|Romania]]—that stretch about {{Convert|2235|km|mi|abbr=}} in total, with 33 border crossings by road, rail, ferry, and walking and bicycle path.

On 14 December 2023, the European Council agreed to open accession negotiations with Ukraine.

== History ==

[[File:Volodymyr Groysman with Jean-Claude Juncker - 2018 (MUS7484) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Ukrainian Prime Minister [[Volodymyr Groysman]] meets with President of the European Commission [[Jean-Claude Juncker]] in [[Brussels]], 24 May 2018.]]
[[File:Візит Зеленського до інституцій ЄС і НАТО у Брюсселі, 2019, 14.jpg|thumb|Ukrainian President [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]] meets with President of the European Council [[Donald Tusk]] in Brussels, 5 June 2019.]]

=== Early relations ===

{{Quote box|width=50%|align=right|quote=The European project has not been completed as yet. It has not been completed because there is no full-fledged participation of Ukraine. We envy [[Poland and the European Union|Poland]], but we believe that Ukraine will be in the European Union.
|source=&ndash;[[Prime minister of Ukraine|PM]] [[Yulia Tymoshenko|Tymoshenko]] during celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the [[Revolutions of 1989#Reform in Poland and Hungary|fall of communism in Poland]] (4 June 2009)<ref>[http://unian.net/eng/news/news-319342.html "Tymoshenko: European project not finished because Ukraine is not there"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215061241/http://unian.net/eng/news/news-319342.html |date=15 December 2009 }}, [[UNIAN]] (4 June 2009)</ref>}}

Ukraine's desire to join the European Union dates back to 1993 when the government declared that integration to the EU was the main foreign policy objective.<ref name="tandfonline.com">{{cite journal|url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09668136.2018.1479734|journal=Europe-Asia Studies|volume=70|date=June 2018|title=The Evolution of the Foreign Policy of Ukraine: External Actors and Domestic Factors|first1=Karina|last1=SHYROKYKH|issue=5|pages=832–850|doi=10.1080/09668136.2018.1479734|s2cid=158408883|access-date=16 September 2021|archive-date=16 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916131637/https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09668136.2018.1479734|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In reality, little was done since Kyiv had to take into account that Russia was its major trade partner and natural gas and [[fossil energy]] supplier.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

The political dialogue between the EU and Ukraine started in 1994 when the [[Partnership and Cooperation Agreement]] (PCA) was signed. That document was focused on economic and social issues and the necessity of conducting public administration reforms and guaranteeing free press and civil rights. The framework set for political discussions was a yearly meeting between EU Troika and Ukrainian leadership and some inter-ministerial consultations. The first EU–Ukraine summit took place in September 1997 in [[Kyiv]]. The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement of 1994 entered into force in 1998 and expired in 2008.<ref name=UW28212EUU>[http://ukrainianweek.com/Politics/73494 "EU-Ukraine Summits: 16 Years of Wheel-Spinning"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413190012/https://ukrainianweek.com/Politics/73494 |date=13 April 2020 }}. ''[[The Ukrainian Week]]'' (28 February 2012)</ref> During the second summit in October 1998 in [[Vienna]], EU–Ukraine relations were defined as a strategic and unique partnershipand Ukraine first declared its desire to acquire associate membership in the EU.<ref name=UW28212EUU /> None of the top-level meetings brought major changes to a reserved EU approach. Leaders focused chiefly on [[post-communism]] economic transition and human rights records as well as on issues connected to the [[Chernobyl nuclear power plant]] and its containment.

In 2002, EU Enlargement Commissioner [[Günter Verheugen]] said that membership within 10 to 20 years was a possibility. The same year [[Ukrainian President]] [[Leonid Kuchma]] stated that Ukraine  would meet all EU membership requirements by 2007–2011.<ref name=UW28212EUU />

=== Post-Orange Revolution relations ===

[[File:Flickr - europeanpeoplesparty - EPP Summit 19 March 2009 (86) (1).jpg|thumb|upright=1.36|Left to right: then Ukrainian Prime Minister [[Yulia Tymoshenko]] and President [[Viktor Yushchenko]] meeting with [[President of the European Council|European Council President]] [[Herman Van Rompuy]] in 2009]]
The [[Orange Revolution]] of late 2004 improved Ukraine's European prospects; the opposition leader [[Viktor Yushchenko]] hinted that he would press the EU for deeper ties and described a four-point plan: acknowledgment of Ukraine as a market economy, entry in the [[World Trade Organization]], associate membership in the European Union, and, finally, full membership.<ref>[http://www.euobserver.com/?sid=24&aid=17977 EUobserver article]<!--Archive link removed as useless: it's the subscriber login page--> (subscription only) {{dead link|fix-attempted=yes|date=March 2022}}</ref> [[Ukrainian President]] Viktor Yushchenko asked [[Brussels]] mid-December 2004 for a clearer indication of Ukraine's prospects for membership, saying that, "The approved Action Plan reflects only the level of Ukraine–EU relations that we could have reached before the [[2004 Ukrainian presidential election|presidential elections in 2004]]."<ref>[http://www.euobserver.com/?sid=24&aid=18004 EUobserver article] <!--Archive link removed as useless: it's the subscriber login page--> (subscription only) {{dead link|fix-attempted=yes|date=March 2022}}</ref>

On 13 January 2005, the [[European Parliament]] almost unanimously (467 votes to 19 in favour) passed a [[motion (democracy)|motion]] stating the wish of the European Parliament to establish closer ties with Ukraine in view of the possibility of EU membership.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//NONSGML+TA+P6-TA-2005-0009+0+DOC+PDF+V0//EN|title=European Parliament resolution on the results of the Ukraine elections (13 January 2005)|access-date=11 June 2017|archive-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413163318/https://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-%2F%2FEP%2F%2FNONSGML+TA+P6-TA-2005-0009+0+DOC+PDF+V0%2F%2FEN|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[European Commission]] stated that future EU membership would not be ruled out.  Several EU leaders stated strong support for closer economic ties with Ukraine.

On 21 March 2005, Polish Foreign Minister [[Adam Daniel Rotfeld]] noted that Poland will, in every way, promote Ukraine's desire to be integrated with the EU, achieve the status of a market-economy country, and join the [[World Trade Organization]]. He also said, "At the present moment, we should talk concrete steps in cooperation instead of engaging in empty talk about European integration." Three days later, a poll of the six largest EU nations conducted by a French research company showed that the European public would be more likely to accept Ukraine as a future EU member than any other country that is not currently an official candidate.

In October 2005, Commission president [[José Manuel Barroso]] said that the future of Ukraine is ''in'' the EU. On 9 November 2005, however, the European Commission in a new strategy paper suggested that the current enlargement agenda ([[Accession of Croatia to the European Union|Croatia]] and in the future the other ex-[[Yugoslavia]]n countries) could block the possibility of a future accession of Ukraine, [[Armenia]], [[Belarus]], [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]], and [[Moldova]]. Commissioner [[Olli Rehn]] said that the EU should avoid overexpansion, adding that the current enlargement agenda is already quite full.<ref>Mark Beunderman (9 November 2005), [http://euobserver.com/9/20289 "Blow to Kiev as Brussels closes door to further enlargement"], ''EUobserver'', {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605073540/http://euobserver.com/9/20289 |date=5 June 2011 }} (subscription only)</ref>

According to the Ukrainian authorities, the ENP is not an adequate political instrument, since joining the EU was one of principal objectives of all governments since 1993.<ref name="tandfonline.com"/> After the [[Orange Revolution]] of 2004 that brought to power [[Viktor Yushchenko]], the EU commission was very slow to react: little progress was made to put the largest European country on a path to eventual membership.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

==== Association negotiations ====

In March 2007, the EU and Ukraine started talks about a new "wider agreement", aiming at offering a legal framework for a closer economic cooperation and a better political dialogue. It was agreed that Ukraine and the EU would start a parallel negotiation concerning setting up a free trade area. Later in 2007, it was announced that this issue would be incorporated into the draft agreement as a separate chapter.

{{Quote box|width=35%|align=left|quote=In our course, aimed at the full return of Ukraine into the united Europe, we do not need alternatives
|source=&ndash;[[President of Ukraine|President]] [[Victor Yushchenko|Yushchenko]] at the XVI Summit of [[Central Europe|Central]] and [[East European]] Heads of States (19 June 2009)<ref>[http://www.unian.net/eng/news/news-321966.html Ukraine should be an integral part of Europe – President Yushchenko] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090622031323/http://www.unian.net/eng/news/news-321966.html |date=22 June 2009 }}, [[UNIAN]] (19 June 2009)</ref>}}

Days before the summit, the Ministers of foreign affairs of Member States agreed during their meeting in [[Avignon]] (France) that association agreement to be signed with Ukraine will have nothing to do with the [[Stabilisation and Association Process|association agreements]] the EU signed with many Eastern European States (from Poland to Romania in the beginning of the 1990s, Western Balkans by the end of the 1990s). Media reported that the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany were strongly opposed to including "Ukraine is a European State" into EU legally binding documents. This was considered a failure of Kuchma-era politician Mr. [[Roman Shpek]], then Ukrainian ambassador to Brussels. He was replaced by Mr. [[Andriy Veselovsky]], a more experienced diplomat.

A ''Joint EU–Ukraine Action Plan'' was endorsed by the European Council on 21 February 2005. It was based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement of 1994 and provided, according to the European Commission, a comprehensive and ambitious framework for joint of work with Ukraine in all key areas of reform.<ref name="ec.europa.eu">{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/ukraine/index_en.htm |title=European Union (EU) and Ukraine |access-date=2017-12-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100422121915/http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/ukraine/index_en.htm |archive-date=22 April 2010 }}</ref>

Talks on a [[Free trade area|free trade agreement]] between Ukraine and the European Union started on 18 February 2008 between the Ukrainian government and the [[European Commissioner for Trade|EU Trade Commissioner]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/|title=Breaking News, World News & Multimedia|access-date=11 June 2017|archive-date=8 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108144641/http://www.nytimes.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Portugal publicly stated it supports Ukraine's EU accession in July 2008.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90853/6435741.html| title =Portugal supports Ukraine's accession bid to NATO, EU| publisher =People's Daily Online| access-date =26 December 2017| archive-date =11 May 2013| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130511212827/http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90853/6435741.html| url-status =live}}</ref>

On 22 July 2008, it was announced that a "[[Stabilisation and Association process|Stabilisation and Association]]"-type agreement would be signed between Ukraine and the EU on 8 September 2008 in [[Évian-les-Bains]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unian.net/eng/news/news-263031.html|title=New enhanced agreement between Ukraine and EU called "Agreement on Association"|access-date=23 October 2014|archive-date=13 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213011615/http://www.unian.net/eng/news/news-263031.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Second Tymoshenko government ===

{{See also|2008 EU–Ukraine Summit}}
On 2 October 2008, Ukraine President Yushchenko announced that the Association agreement between the country and the EU would be signed "within six-eight months". On that day, he met with the King of Sweden [[Charles XVI Gustav]], who paid a state visit to Kyiv. According to Yushchenko, "the agreement is half-ready, and he hopes that there will be a possibility to finalise and sign it under Swedish presidency in the EU." He also welcomed the initiative of [[Eastern Partnership]] suggested earlier by Polish and Swedish Foreign Ministers.
[[File:Msc 2009-Saturday, 08.30 - 11.00 Uhr-Moerk 013 Merkel Tymoshenko.jpg|thumb|left|320px|[[Angela Merkel]] ([[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)|Chancellor of Germany]]) in Conversation with [[Yulia Tymoshenko]] ([[Prime Minister of Ukraine]]) during the [[Munich Security Conference|45th Munich Security Conference]] (7 February 2009)]]
On 20–24 October 2008, the EU and Ukraine held a negotiation round on the free trade area chapter of the Association agreement. According to some Ukrainian media,{{Who|date=December 2013}} the "EU promised to liberalise trade relations". Ukraine's representative told that one must not "focus too much" on negotiation since there is much to be done by the Ukrainian government to meet certain criteria. He also said, that "soon, the Balkans will enter into the European trade space and therefore Ukraine might lose these markets". This was seen as a reason for Ukraine to move forward as least as soon as Balkans, the EU did not comment on that perception.

On 29 October 2008, the EU Commissioner Jacques Barrot and Ukrainian officials met in [[Brussels]] to launch negotiations on visa-free travel. Kyiv had been asking for a "road map" to visa lifting, including travel document security, irregular migration, public order and foreign relations. But the EU justice commissioner avoided to give any specific dates. Moreover, the Ukrainian side argued that the 2007 visa facilitation agreement is not fully implemented by the EU member states. The European Commission representative was quoted as saying that Brussels is ready to impose sanctions against those who do not respect the agreement. Spanish, Dutch, German and Belgian embassies were cited among the most active rule breakers. Making visa processing lengthy and expensive is one of the major agreement violations. On 28 October 2008, [[List of Prime Ministers of Belgium|Belgian PM]] [[Yves Leterme]] told that Ukrainians need to avoid middlemen in visa procedures if they want to reduce their cost. The problem is that some consulates, including Belgian, oblige visa seekers to deal with a middleman.

According to Ukrainian President Yushchenko, some embassies of EU countries often require Ukrainians to present documents, which had not been foreseen in the agreement on simplification of visa regulations. Around five per cent of Ukrainians willing to travel to the EU are denied visas, which, according to Yushchenko, "does not meet the standards of our agreements with the EU."<ref>[http://www.unian.net/eng/news/news-320724.html President requests to push improvement of Ukraine-EU visa relations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615061425/http://www.unian.net/eng/news/news-320724.html |date=15 June 2009 }}, [[UNIAN]] (12 June 2009)</ref>

On 4 June 2009, some media outlets reported that Germany's [[Free Democratic Party (Germany)|Free Democratic Party]] openly stated in its programme that Ukraine has the right for the EU membership in the long term. This was the first major German political party to state this.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/uk/%D0%BF%D1%96%D0%B4%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%BA%D0%B0-%D0%B7-%D0%B1%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BB%D1%96%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D1%96%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%86%D1%8C%D0%BA%D1%96-%D0%BB%D1%96%D0%B1%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D0%B2%D1%81%D1%82%D1%83%D0%BF-%D1%83%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%97%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%B2-%D1%94%D1%81/a-4302635|title=Підтримка з Берліна: німецькі ліберали за вступ України в ЄС &#124; DW &#124; 04.06.2009|publisher=Deutsche Welle|access-date=14 October 2019|archive-date=14 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014025547/https://www.dw.com/uk/%D0%BF%D1%96%D0%B4%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%BA%D0%B0-%D0%B7-%D0%B1%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BB%D1%96%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D1%96%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%86%D1%8C%D0%BA%D1%96-%D0%BB%D1%96%D0%B1%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D0%B2%D1%81%D1%82%D1%83%D0%BF-%D1%83%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%97%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%B2-%D1%94%D1%81/a-4302635|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 16 June 2009, a new practical instrument was adopted—the ''EU-Ukraine Association Agenda''.<ref name="rac.org.ua"/>

In September 2009, high-ranking Ukrainian diplomats proposed that Ukraine apply for EU membership after the [[2010 Ukrainian presidential election|presidential election]] in January 2010, around March 2010, which would mean that the official response to the application would probably take place in early 2011 during the Polish [[presidency of the European Union]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://euobserver.com/9/28676|title=EUobserver / Ukraine diplomats take risk on EU application|date=17 September 2009 |access-date=23 October 2014|archive-date=5 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605122601/http://euobserver.com/9/28676|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Rettman>Rettman, Andrew (17 September 2009) [http://euobserver.com/9/28676 Ukraine diplomats take a risk on EU application] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605122601/http://euobserver.com/9/28676 |date=5 June 2011 }}, [[EUobserver]]</ref> However, this has not happened.

On 5 October 2009, the Chairman of the [[Committee of the Verkhovna Rada on issues of European integration]] [[Borys Tarasyuk|Borys Tarasiuk]] commented "the EU see the implementation of a free visa regime for Ukrainians travelling to [[member states of the European Union]] only as a long-term prospect". Ukrainian politicians continue to insist that the implementation of that free visa regime take place by 2012, when the [[EURO 2012|European Football Championship]] will be held in Ukraine and [[Poland]]. According to Tarasiuk, the main obstacles to the implementation of a free visa regime between Ukraine and EU is the fact that Ukraine "hasn't finished its work on legislation concerning forming a demographic [database], which then could become a good basis for issuing biometric passports" and the fact that there is no general database on the issuing of foreign passports to Ukrainian citizens. According to Tarasiuk the EU fear that this grants the opportunity for mass falsification.<ref>[http://www.kyivpost.com/nation/50110 Tarasiuk: European Union not to implement free visa regime with Ukraine in near future] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008220307/http://www.kyivpost.com/nation/50110 |date=8 October 2009 }}, ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (5 October 2009)</ref>

On 16 December 2009, the [[European Commission President]] [[Jose Manuel Barroso]] stated that "our Ukrainian friends need to do more if they want us to help them more". He also stated that "enlargement is not possible in the current situation".<ref>[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/55208/ Barroso: Ukrainian friends of Europe should do more if they hope for assistance] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212035844/http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/55208/ |date=12 February 2010 }}, ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (16 December 2009)</ref>

==== Eastern Partnership (2009) ====
{{main|Eastern Partnership}}
[[File:European Union Eastern Partnership.svg|thumb|Members of the [[Eastern Partnership]]]]

Ukraine is one of six post-Soviet nations to be invited to cooperate with the EU within the new multilateral framework that the [[Eastern Partnership]] is expected to establish. However, Kyiv pointed out that it remains pessimistic about the "added value" of this initiative. Indeed, Ukraine and the EU have already started the negotiations on new, enhanced political and free-trade agreements (Association and Free-Trade Agreements). Also, there has been some progress in liberalising the visa regime despite persistent problems in the EU Member States' visa approach towards Ukrainians.

That is why Ukraine has a specific view of the Eastern Partnership project. According to the Ukrainian presidency, it should correspond, in case of his country, to the strategic foreign policy objective, i.e. the integration with the EU.<ref name="president.gov.ua"/> Yet, the Eastern Partnership documents (the European Council Declaration of May 2009)<ref name="consilium.europa.eu"/> do not confirm such priorities as political and economic integration or lifting visas.

Ukraine has expressed enthusiasm about the project. Ukraine deputy premier [[Hryhoriy Nemyria|Hryhorii Nemyria]] said that the project is the way to modernise the country and that they welcome the Eastern Partnership policy, because it uses 'de facto' the same instruments as for [[Future enlargement of the European Union|EU candidates]].<ref name="more influ">[http://euobserver.com/9/27827 EU expanding its 'sphere of influence,' Russia says] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605102741/http://euobserver.com/9/27827 |date=5 June 2011 }}, ''[[EU Observer]]'', 21 March 2009</ref>

Under the Eastern Partnership, Poland and Ukraine have reached a new agreement replacing visas with simplified permits for Ukrainians residing within 30&nbsp;km of the border. Up to 1.5&nbsp;million people may benefit from this agreement, which took effect on 1 July 2009.<ref name="borders"/>

=== Viktor Yanukovych presidency ===

{{update section|date=February 2022|comment=French constitutional changes complete/in progress/abandoned?}}
In May 2010, President [[Viktor Yanukovych]] promised to adopt in June 2010 the legislation necessary for creating a free trade zone between Ukraine and the European Union (EU).{{refn|Late September 2013 President Yanukovych stated establishing a free trade zone between Ukraine and the EU "will have a significant positive impact on the [[Great Recession in Europe|economic situation in Europe]] at large and will help the process of Europe's emergence from the crisis" and that according to experts, this establishment would increase the [[EU market]] by almost 7%, the production of goods services in Europe by more than 1%, and the exports of European goods and services to the world markets by almost 1%.<ref>[http://www.interfax.co.uk/ukraine-news/yanukovych-ukraines-domestic-market-accession-to-eu-market-to-help-europe-out-of-crisis/ Yanukovych: Ukraine's domestic market accession to EU market to help Europe out of crisis] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927070959/http://www.interfax.co.uk/ukraine-news/yanukovych-ukraines-domestic-market-accession-to-eu-market-to-help-europe-out-of-crisis/ |date=27 September 2013 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (25 September 2013)</ref>|group=nb}} Yanukovych expected visas between Ukraine and [[Member states of the European Union|EU member states]] to be abolished and that a [[free trade zone]] will be created by March 2011.<ref>[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/politics/detail/67511/ Yanukovych: Laws for creation of Ukrainian-EU free trade zone will be adopted in June], ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (25 May 2010)</ref>

The [[First Azarov government|Azarov Government]] continued to pursue EU-integration. During May and June 2010, both Prime Minister [[Mykola Azarov]] and [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ukraine)|Ukrainian Foreign Minister]] [[Kostyantyn Gryshchenko|Kostiantyn Hryshchenko]] stated that integration into Europe has been and remains the priority of domestic and foreign policy of Ukraine.<ref name=Azarovyes>[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/66824/ Integration into EU unchanged priority of Ukraine's policy, says foreign minister] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612101040/http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/66824 |date=12 June 2010 }}, ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (15 May 2010)</ref><ref name=Azarovyes2>[http://www.interfax.com.ua/eng/main/40400/ Ukraine's plans for EU membership unchanged, says PM] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612161250/http://www.interfax.com.ua/eng/main/40400 |date=12 June 2010 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (3 June 2010)</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/10229626.stm Ukraine's parliament votes to abandon Nato ambitions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100606172535/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/10229626.stm |date=6 June 2010 }}, [[BBC News]] (3 June 2010)</ref> The policies of the Azarov Government do not exclude EU integration, the [[Commissioner for Enlargement|EU Commissioner for Enlargement]] [[Štefan Füle]] stated on 12 May 2010.<ref>[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/66518/ Fule: Deepening of relations between Russia and Ukraine – no threat to EU integration] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100514122827/http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/66518/ |date=14 May 2010 }}, ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (12 May 2010)</ref>

"An action plan for Ukraine toward the establishment of a visa-free regime for short-stay travel" between the [[European Council]] and Ukraine was agreed on 22 November 2010.<ref name="roadmap"/> This roadmap requests major improvements in Ukrainian border control, migration and asylum policies.<ref name="kyivpost.com"/>

Attempts to change the French constitution are currently{{when|date=February 2022}} being carried forward in order to remove the compulsory referendum on all EU accessions of countries with a population of more than 5% of the EU's total population; this clause would apply to Ukraine and Turkey.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euractiv.com/en/enlargement/french-parliament-strikes-blow-turkish-eu-bid/article-172867|title=EurActiv.com – French Parliament strikes blow to Turkish EU bid &#124; EU – European Information on Enlargement & Neighbours<!-- Bot generated title -->|access-date=31 May 2008|archive-date=6 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906034942/http://www.euractiv.com/en/enlargement/french-parliament-strikes-blow-turkish-eu-bid/article-172867|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement ====

{{main|European Union–Ukraine Association Agreement}}
The EU Association Agreement (AA) was initialed on 30 March 2012 in Brussels;<ref>[http://www.ceps.eu/system/files/simplenews/2011/05/NWatch80.pdf European Neighbourhood Watch Issue 80] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913190204/http://www.ceps.eu/system/files/simplenews/2011/05/NWatch80.pdf |date=13 September 2014 }}, [[Centre for European Policy]] (March 2012)</ref> but as of November 2012 the 27 EU governments and the European Parliament had yet to sign the accord.<ref name="DCFTA"/><ref name=KPAANov122012/><ref name=EUobs5112012/> The treatment and sentencing (considered by EU leaders as a politically motivated trial)<ref name=AFP/> of former [[Prime Minister of Ukraine]] [[Yulia Tymoshenko]] have strained the relations between the EU and Ukraine.<ref name=AFP>{{cite web|url=http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/world/13543138/ukrainian-president-visits-blast-scene/|title=The West Australian|website=The West|access-date=11 June 2017}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/news/politics/detail/122991/|title=Kiyv Post|work=Kyiv Post|date=23 February 2012|access-date=23 October 2014|archive-date=14 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314083431/http://www.kyivpost.com/news/politics/detail/122991/|url-status=live}}</ref> The European Union and several of its member states, notably Germany, have been pressuring [[Ukrainian President]] [[Viktor Yanukovich]] and his Azarov Government to halt the detention of Tymoshenko in fear of her degrading health.<ref name=guardian>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/apr/27/ukraine-bomb-blasts-scores-injured|title=The Guardian|first=Miriam|last=Elder|website=[[The Guardian]]|date=27 April 2012|access-date=23 October 2014|archive-date=16 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216223139/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/apr/27/ukraine-bomb-blasts-scores-injured|url-status=live}}</ref> Several meetings with Yanukovich have been deserted by EU leaders, including the German president [[Joachim Gauck]].<ref name=Independent>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/opposition-suggests-government-were-behind-ukraine-bomb-attacks-in-dnipropetrovsk-7684667.html|title=Opposition suggests government were behind Ukraine bomb attacks in Dnipropetrovsk|work=The Independent|date=27 April 2012|access-date=23 October 2014|archive-date=24 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024041327/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/opposition-suggests-government-were-behind-ukraine-bomb-attacks-in-dnipropetrovsk-7684667.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2012/04/28/6963697/ Merkel: Germany tries to negotiate to treat Tymoshenko in Berlin (''"Меркель: Німеччина намагається домовитись про лікування Тимошенко в Берліні"'')] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203091119/http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2012/04/28/6963697/ |date=3 December 2013 }} [[Ukrayinska Pravda]] 28 April 2012</ref>

At the request of opposition politicians in Ukraine, EU government officials boycotted the [[UEFA Euro 2012]] soccer championship in Ukraine.<ref name=EUobs5112012/><ref name=Independent/><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17926935 Tymoshenko:Austria ministers in Euro 2012 boycott] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116072249/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17926935 |date=16 November 2018 }}, [[BBC News]] (2 May 2012)</ref> EU leaders have suggested that the AA, and the [[EU-Ukraine relations#Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA)|Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement]], will not be ratified unless Ukraine addresses concerns over a "stark deterioration of democracy and the [[Judicial system of Ukraine|rule of law]]", including the imprisonment of Tymoshenko and [[Yuriy Lutsenko|Yurii Lutsenko]] in 2011 and 2012.<ref name=KPHS161112/><ref name="KPshelvedEUUKRAgr20712"/><ref name="got4year27212"/>

A 10 December 2012 statement by the [[Council of the European Union#Foreign affairs|EU Foreign Affairs Council]] "reaffirms its commitment to the signing of the already initialed Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, as soon as the Ukrainian authorities demonstrate determined action and tangible progress in the three areas mentioned above, possibly by the time of the [[Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union#Events|Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius in November 2013]]". These three areas are: "Electoral, judiciary and constitutional reforms (in line with international standards are integral parts of it and commonly agreed priorities)."<ref>[http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/134136.pdf Council conclusions on Ukraine 3209th FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting Brussels, 10 December 2012] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228221639/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/134136.pdf |date=28 December 2013 }}, [[Council of the European Union#Foreign affairs|EU Foreign Affairs Council]] (10 December 2012)<br />[http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/eu-could-sign-association-agreement-by-november-2013-317435.html EU could sign association agreement by November 2013] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119201411/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/eu-could-sign-association-agreement-by-november-2013-317435.html |date=19 January 2014 }}, ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (10 December 2012)<br />[http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/eu-expects-ukraine-to-conduct-reforms-that-will-help-implement-association-agreement-317437.html EU expects Ukraine to conduct reforms that will help implement association agreement] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119201406/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/eu-expects-ukraine-to-conduct-reforms-that-will-help-implement-association-agreement-317437.html |date=19 January 2014 }}, ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (10 December 2012)</ref>

Kostiantyn Yelisieiev, Ukraine's Ambassador to the EU, responded in February 2013 by rejecting any preconditions by the EU for signing the AA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euractiv.com/europes-east/ukraine-rejects-pre-conditions-e-news-517934|title=Ukraine rejects pre-conditions for EU deal|date=20 February 2013|access-date=22 February 2013|publisher=EurActiv|archive-date=22 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130222084948/http://www.euractiv.com/europes-east/ukraine-rejects-pre-conditions-e-news-517934|url-status=live}}</ref> However, on 22 February 2013 a resolution was approved by 315 of the 349 registered members of the [[Verkhovna Rada]] stating that "within its powers" the parliament would ensure that 10 December 2012 EU Foreign Affairs Council "recommendations" are implemented.<ref name="VR">[http://www.kyivpost.com/content/politics/parliament-passes-statement-on-ukraines-aspirations-for-european-integration-320792.html Parliament passes statement on Ukraine's aspirations for European integration] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203012956/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/politics/parliament-passes-statement-on-ukraines-aspirations-for-european-integration-320792.html |date=3 December 2013 }}, ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (22 February 2013)</ref> At the 16th EU-Ukraine summit of 25 February 2013,<ref>[http://www.kyivpost.com/content/politics/ukraine-eu-summit-begins-in-brussels-320886.html Ukraine-EU summit begins in Brussels] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314041118/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/politics/ukraine-eu-summit-begins-in-brussels-320886.html |date=14 March 2014 }}, ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (25 February 2013)</ref> [[President of the European Council]] [[Herman Van Rompuy]] followed up on the December 2012 EU Foreign Affairs Council statement by reiterating the EU's "call for determined action and tangible progress in these areas – at the latest by May, this year".<ref name="EUgivesUkraine3months">[http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/eu-to-ukraine-reforms-necessary-for-trade-pact-320910.html EU to Ukraine: Reforms necessary for trade pact] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221063228/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/eu-to-ukraine-reforms-necessary-for-trade-pact-320910.html |date=21 December 2013 }}, ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (25 February 2013)<br />[http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-02-25/ukraine-faces-eu-reform-deadline-as-key-to-association-pact Ukraine Faces EU Reform Deadline as Key to Association Pact] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707211546/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-02-25/ukraine-faces-eu-reform-deadline-as-key-to-association-pact |date=7 July 2014 }}, [[Bloomberg Businessweek]] (25 February 2013)<br />[http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/yanukovych-happy-with-results-of-ukrainian-eu-summit-320915.html Yanukovych happy with results of Ukrainian-EU summit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221063216/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/yanukovych-happy-with-results-of-ukrainian-eu-summit-320915.html |date=21 December 2013 }}, ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (25 February 2013)</ref>

The same day President Yanukovych stated Ukraine will "do its best" to satisfy the EU's requirements.<ref name="EUgivesUkraine3months"/> At the time President Yanukovych was also in negotiations with Russia to "find the right model" for cooperation with the [[Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia]].<ref name="EUgivesUkraine3months"/> But also on 25 February 2013, [[President of the European Commission]] [[José Manuel Barroso]] made it clear that "one country cannot at the same time be a member of a customs union and be in a deep common free-trade area with the European Union".<ref name="EUgivesUkraine3months"/>

To coordinate preparation of Ukraine for European integration, the Government of Ukraine has adopted a [[Plan on Priority Measures for European Integration of Ukraine|Plan on Priority Measures for European Integration of Ukraine for 2013]]. Successful implementation of the plan is assumed as one of the conditions necessary for signing of the Association Agreement, planned for 29 November 2013 during [[Eastern Partnership]] Summit in [[Vilnius]].<ref name=FuleIU201113/><ref>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/154962.html Rybak: Parliament to adopt remaining EU integration laws at autumn session] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016120109/https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/154962.html |date=16 October 2019 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (30 May 2013)</ref>

In March 2013, [[Stefan Fuele]], the EU's Commissioner for Enlargement, informed the European Parliament that while Ukrainian authorities had given their "unequivocal commitment" to address the issues raised by the EU, several "disturbing" recent incidents, including the annulment of Tymoshenko's lawyer [[Serhiy Vlasenko|Serhii Vlasenko]]'s mandate in the [[Verkhovna Rada]] (Ukraine's parliament), could delay the signing of the agreements. However, the next day the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its optimism that they would still be signed in November.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/article_xinhua.asp?id=130797|title=Ukraine optimistic about signing association deal with EU in November|date=14 March 2013|access-date=17 March 2013|publisher=[[Shanghai Daily]]}}</ref>

On 7 April 2013, a decree by President Yanukovych freed Lutsenko from prison and exempted him, and his fellow Minister in the [[second Tymoshenko Government]] [[Heorhiy Filipchuk|Heorhii Filipchuk]], from further punishment.<ref name=Lutpar7413/>

On 3 September 2013, (at the opening session of the Verkhovna Rada after the summer recess) President Yanukovych urged his parliament to adopt laws so that Ukraine will meet the EU criteria and it can sign the Association Agreement in November 2013.<ref name=EUU3913>[http://www.euronews.com/2013/09/03/ukranian-president-asks-for-laws-to-be-passed-to-facilitate-eu-association-/ Ukrainian president asks for laws to be passed to facilitate EU association agreement] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117165954/http://www.euronews.com/2013/09/03/ukranian-president-asks-for-laws-to-be-passed-to-facilitate-eu-association-/ |date=17 November 2020 }}, [[Euronews]] (3 September 2013)<br />[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-russia-yanukovich-idUSBRE9820HG20130903 Ukraine leader urges pro-Europe drive despite Kremlin pressure] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428032305/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-russia-yanukovich-idUSBRE9820HG20130903 |date=28 April 2016 }}, [[Reuters]] (3 September 2013)</ref>

On 18 September, the Ukrainian cabinet unanimously approved the draft association agreement.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine's Cabinet Backs EU Association Agreement|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-eu-membership-association-agreement-government-approve/25109791.html|access-date=20 September 2013|newspaper=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|date=18 September 2013|archive-date=20 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130920084716/http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-eu-membership-association-agreement-government-approve/25109791.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 25 September 2013, [[Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada]] [[Volodymyr Vasylyovych Rybak|Volodymyr Rybak]] stated that he was sure that his parliament would pass all the laws needed to fit the EU criteria for the Association Agreement since, except for the [[Communist Party of Ukraine]],{{refn|The [[Communist Party of Ukraine]] wants Ukraine to join the [[Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia]].<ref name=RyIU25913/><ref>[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/politics/detail/116420/ Communists call for halt to cooperation with IMF] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316215429/http://www.kyivpost.com/news/politics/detail/116420/ |date=16 March 2012 }}, ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (7 November 2011)</ref>|group=nb}} "The Verkhovna Rada has united around these bills."<ref name=RyIU25913>[http://www.interfax.co.uk/ukraine-news/eu-ukraine-association-agreement-to-be-signed-ukraine-to-go-to-europe-speaker-2/ EU-Ukraine Association Agreement to be signed, Ukraine to go to Europe – speaker] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927070845/http://www.interfax.co.uk/ukraine-news/eu-ukraine-association-agreement-to-be-signed-ukraine-to-go-to-europe-speaker-2/ |date=27 September 2013 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (25 September 2013)</ref>

On 20 November 2013, EU's Commissioner for Enlargement Fuele stated he expected that the [[Verkhovna Rada]] would consider and adopt the remaining bills necessary for the signing of the association agreement, planned for 29 November 2013, the next day.<ref name=FuleIU201113/>

==== Suspension of association agreement signature ====

{{See also|Euromaidan}}
[[File:Euromaidan Kyiv 01-12-2013 35.JPG|thumb|280px|[[Euromaidan]] pro-EU protesters in [[Kyiv]], December 2013]]
On 21 November 2013, the [[Verkhovna Rada]] failed to pass any of the six motions on allowing former Prime Minister [[Yulia Tymoshenko]] to receive medical treatment abroad, which was an EU demand for signing the association agreement.<ref name=ALJEUU/><ref name=IU6Tymbills>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/176135.html Cox-Kwasniewski mission to continue until Eastern Partnership Summit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729141721/https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/176135.html |date=29 July 2020 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (21 November 2013)</ref> The same week Tymoshenko had stated that she was ready to ask the EU to drop the demand for her freedom if it meant President [[Viktor Yanukovych]] would sign the association agreement.<ref>[http://www.euronews.com/2013/11/25/jailed-tymoshenko-begins-hunger-strike-over-ukraines-eu-u-turn/ Jailed Tymoshenko on hunger strike over EU U-turn by Ukraine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207110934/http://www.euronews.com/2013/11/25/jailed-tymoshenko-begins-hunger-strike-over-ukraines-eu-u-turn |date=7 December 2013 }}, [[Euronews]] (25 November 2013)</ref> The same day a Ukrainian government decree suspended preparations for signing of association agreement; instead it proposed the creation of a three-way trade commission between Ukraine, the European Union and Russia that would resolve trade issues between the sides.<ref name=ALJEUU/> Prime Minister [[Mykola Azarov]] issued the decree in order to "ensure the national security of Ukraine" and in consideration of the possible ramifications of trade with Russia (and other [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS]] countries<ref name=BIUCISEUaa>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/176144.html Ukraine to resume preparing agreement with EU when compensation for production drop found – Boiko] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125114543/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/176144.html |date=25 January 2014 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (21 November 2013)</ref>) if the agreement was signed on a 28–29 November summit in [[Vilnius]].<ref name=ALJEUU>{{cite web|title=Ukraine drops EU plans and looks to Russia|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2013/11/ukraine-drops-eu-plans-looks-russia-20131121145417227621.html|publisher=[[Al Jazeera English|aljazeera.com]]|access-date=21 November 2013|archive-date=7 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407062021/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2013/11/ukraine-drops-eu-plans-looks-russia-20131121145417227621.html|url-status=live}}<br />[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/176073.html Ukrainian government issues decree to suspend preparations for signing of association agreement with EU] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113084625/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/176073.html |date=13 January 2014 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (21 November 2013)<br />[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/175989.html Rada votes down all bills on allowing Tymoshenko's medical treatment abroad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202223316/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/175989.html |date=2 December 2013 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (21 November 2013)</ref>

The suspension of the association agreement signature initiated [[Euromaidan|a wave of protests]] that would ultimately overthrow Viktor Yanukovych and his government.<ref name="Ukraine crisis timeline BBC"/>

==== Relations since suspension of association agreement till fall of Yanukovych ====

On 2 December 2013, [[President of the European Commission]] [[José Manuel Barroso]] agreed to meet with a delegation from Ukraine to discuss closer ties with the EU but stated there would be no re-opening of negotiations on the proposed Association Agreement.<ref>[http://www.euronews.com/2013/12/02/eu-s-barroso-agrees-to-meet-ukrainian-officials/ EU's Barroso agrees to meet Ukrainian officials] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203015123/http://www.euronews.com/2013/12/02/eu-s-barroso-agrees-to-meet-ukrainian-officials/ |date=3 December 2013 }}, [[Euronews]] (2 December 2013)</ref> The same day [[First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine]] [[Serhiy Arbuzov|Serhii Arbuzov]] announced that Ukraine planned to sign a "roadmap" with the EU. "I'm not talking about the conditions of the association but about the conditions we planned to resolve before signing and after signing."<ref>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/economic/178571.html Ukraine proposes EU develop 'roadmap' for association, estimates needed aid at EUR 10 b - Arbuzov] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205025737/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/economic/178571.html |date=5 December 2013 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (2 December 2013)</ref> Ukraine and the EU started "conducting technical preparations for the upcoming dialogue between Ukraine and the EU on certain aspects of the implementation of an Association Agreement" on 5 December 2013.<ref name=IU51213talks>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/179550.html Kyiv, Brussels conduct technical discussion of future EU-Ukraine dialogue on AA] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902084637/https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/179550.html |date=2 September 2019 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (5 December 2013)</ref> However, on 15 December Fuele said that the Ukrainian government's negotiating position had "no grounds in reality" and that they were suspending further talks.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-eu-trade-talks-suspended-amidst-rallies-1.2465086|title=Ukraine, EU trade talks suspended amidst rallies|date=2013-12-15|access-date=2013-12-24|publisher=[[CBC News]]|archive-date=1 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301202811/http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-eu-trade-talks-suspended-amidst-rallies-1.2465086|url-status=live}}</ref> Barroso said, "We are embarked on a long journey, helping Ukraine to become, as others, what we call now, 'new member states'. But we have to set aside short-term political calculations."<ref>{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Morris |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25154618 |title=BBC News - EU rejects Russia 'veto' on Ukraine agreement |publisher=BBC |date=2013-11-29 |access-date=2013-12-09 |archive-date=3 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003042747/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25154618 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 17 December, Ukraine signed [[17 December 2013 Ukrainian-Russian action plan|a treaty]] with Russia under which Russia will buy $15&nbsp;billion of Ukrainian [[Eurobond (international)|Eurobonds]] and the cost of [[Natural gas in Ukraine#Imports|Russian natural gas supplied to Ukraine]] will be reduced,<ref name="economic mess">[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25430980 Russian bailout masks Ukraine's economic mess] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228161944/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25430980 |date=28 February 2014 }}, [[BBC News]] (18 December 2013)</ref><ref name=FT181213UBdPU>[http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/3b3db13c-67e3-11e3-a905-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2nvq5n9ta Ukraine bailout could derail Putin's drive to boost Russian economy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118225112/https://www.ft.com/content/3b3db13c-67e3-11e3-a905-00144feabdc0#axzz2nvq5n9ta |date=18 January 2020 }}, [[Financial Times]] (18 December 2013)</ref> although Putin stated that "today we have not discussed the issue of Ukraine joining the [[Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia|Customs Union [of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia]]] at all".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.sky.com/story/1183684/russia-and-ukraine-sign-deal-despite-protests|title=Russia And Ukraine Sign Deal Despite Protests|date=2013-12-17|access-date=2013-12-24|publisher=[[Sky News]]|archive-date=25 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225123807/http://news.sky.com/story/1183684/russia-and-ukraine-sign-deal-despite-protests|url-status=live}}</ref>{{refn|Ukraine membership in the [[Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia]] would end the possibility for an Association Agreement according to statements made by [[European Commission President]] [[José Manuel Barroso]] in April 2011.<ref name=ineu2011>[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-25/yanukovych-drives-ukraine-toward-eu-as-russian-gas-deal-looms.html Yanukovych Drives Ukraine Toward EU as Russian Natural Gas Agreement Looms] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224053702/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-25/yanukovych-drives-ukraine-toward-eu-as-russian-gas-deal-looms.html |date=24 December 2014 }}, [[Bloomberg L.P.]] (25 May 2011)</ref>|group=nb}} Three days later, high ranking EU-officials stated that the EU is still ready to sign the Association Agreement "as soon as Ukraine is ready for it", that the agreement was also beneficial for Russia and that the EU "is totally not concerned about the fact that Ukraine is signing agreements with Russia".<ref>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/economic/183240.html EU offer to Ukraine is long-term, says Rompuy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125120907/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/economic/183240.html |date=25 January 2014 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (20 December 2013)</ref><ref>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/183250.html EU reiterates sovereign right of states to make their own decisions without external pressure] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125141137/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/183250.html |date=25 January 2014 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (20 December 2013)</ref><ref>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/183230.html EU-Ukraine partnership treaty not to infringe on Russia's interests, says EU Council president] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125111859/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/183230.html |date=25 January 2014 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (20 December 2013)</ref><ref>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/183200.html EU to sign association agreement with Ukraine as soon as Ukraine is ready for it - Rompuy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125100951/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/183200.html |date=25 January 2014 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (20 December 2013)</ref><ref>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/183201.html EU not concerned about Ukraine's signing agreement with Russia, says Barroso] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125111509/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/183201.html |date=25 January 2014 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (20 December 2013)</ref> On 23 December 2013, Russian presidential aide Yurii Ushakov stated "there is no contradiction" in Ukraine's association with the EU and their observer status in the [[Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia]] and the [[Eurasian Economic Union]].<ref>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/183445.html Ukraine's association with EU doesn't contradict observer status in Customs Union - Kremlin] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224114127/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/183445.html |date=24 December 2013 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (23 December 2013)</ref>

On 20 December 2013, [[Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada]] (Ukraine's parliament) [[Volodymyr Vasylyovych Rybak|Volodymyr Rybak]] did not rule out the possibility of signing an Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU without the creation of a [[European Union free trade agreements|free trade area]] (FTA).<ref>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/183388.html Rybak says EU-Ukraine Association Agreement can be signed without FTA] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224110011/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/183388.html |date=24 December 2013 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (23 December 2013)</ref> On 24 December 2013, [[Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine]] [[Leonid Kozhara]] stated that "at the present time" his Ministry's "and other government agencies' efforts are focused on further negotiations with the EU to provide conditions for implementing the association agreement".<ref>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/183668.html Ukrainian Foreign Ministry continues working on signing of association agreement with EU] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225105055/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/183668.html |date=25 December 2013 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (24 December 2013)</ref> He added that "Ukraine will resume the negotiations on this agreement after the [[Christmas and holiday season|holidays]]" and that the text of the Association Agreement itself would not be changed, but that Ukraine intended to focus on the issues related to its implementation.<ref>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/183673.html Ukraine to resume association agreement talks with EU after winter holidays, says foreign minister] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326153221/https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/183673.html |date=26 March 2020 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (24 December 2013)</ref>

On 15 January 2014, [[Ukrainian Prime Minister]] [[Mykola Azarov]] gave an interagency (ministries and other agencies) working group two months to draw up a plan "on conditions of the implementation of the Association Agreement" for negotiations with the EU.<ref>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/185873.html Ukrainian PM Azarov instructs group to plan talks with EU on association agreement implementation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116133827/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/185873.html |date=16 January 2014 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (15 January 2014)</ref>

=== Euromaidan and ratification of the Association Agreement ===

{{Main|Euromaidan}}
[[File:Euromaidan 01.JPG|thumb|right|Pro-EU demonstration in Kyiv, 27 November 2013]]
[[File:Batumi International Conference, on 19 July 2021 03 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|President of [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] [[Salome Zourabichvili]], President of [[Moldova]] [[Maia Sandu]], President of Ukraine [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]] and [[President of the European Council]] [[Charles Michel]] during the 2021 [[Batumi]] International Conference. In 2014, the EU signed [[European Union Association Agreement|Association Agreements]] with all the three states.]]
Viktor Yanukovych and his [[Second Azarov Government|government]] were removed from their post by parliament after the [[Revolution of Dignity]] in February 2014.<ref name="Ukraine crisis timeline BBC"/><ref name="EnUkrRev" /> Following the ouster of Yanukovych, [[2014 Crimean crisis|Russia invaded Crimea]] and the [[war in Donbas]] started.<ref name="EU & Ukraine 17 April 2014 FACT SHEET"/><ref name="Ukraine crisis timeline BBC"/> In March 2014, the EU condemned the [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|Annexation of Crimea]] by [[Russia]] and Russia's "clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity by acts of aggression by the Russian armed forces". The EU also froze (and tried to recover) "misappropriated Ukrainian state funds" and froze assets and blocked entry into the EU of Russians and Ukrainians deemed responsible for the unrest in Ukraine.<ref name="EU & Ukraine 17 April 2014 FACT SHEET"/><ref name="Ukraine crisis timeline BBC"/> The political part of the [[Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement|Association Agreement]] was signed on 21 March 2014 by new Prime Minister [[Arseniy Yatsenyuk|Arsenii Yatseniuk]], with the remaining parts of the agreement concerning free trade being deferred pending [[2014 Ukrainian presidential election|May elections]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-eu-agreement-idUSBREA2K0JY20140321|title=European Union signs landmark association agreement with Ukraine|publisher=Reuters|date=21 March 2014|access-date=29 March 2014|archive-date=30 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030144219/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-eu-agreement-idUSBREA2K0JY20140321|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="EU & Ukraine 17 April 2014 FACT SHEET"/> Customs duties for Ukrainian exports to the EU were temporarily removed in April 2014.<ref name="EU & Ukraine 17 April 2014 FACT SHEET"/> Financial help was also promised to Ukraine.<ref name="EU & Ukraine 17 April 2014 FACT SHEET"/><ref name="Ukraine crisis timeline BBC"/> Ukraine was granted a [[Macroeconomics|macro-financial]] aid bilateral loan of one billion [[Euro]] in May 2014.<ref name=UEUl13514IU/> Following the election, new [[President of Ukraine]] [[Petro Poroshenko]] and the [[European Union]] signed the economic part of the Association Agreement on 27 June 2014.<ref name="EU signs pacts with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova">[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28052645 EU signs pacts with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627210422/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28052645 |date=27 June 2014 }}, [[BBC News]] (27 June 2014)</ref> [[President of the European Council]] [[Herman Van Rompuy]] described the signing as a "great day for Europe".<ref name="EU signs pacts with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova"/> [[Signature|Signatory]] (then new) [[President of Ukraine]] [[Petro Poroshenko]] called it "Ukraine is underlining its sovereign choice in favour of membership of the EU",<ref name="EU signs pacts with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova"/> and also described it as Ukraine's "first but most decisive step" towards EU membership.<ref name="DW 16.09.2014"/> Poroshenko also set 2020 as a target for an EU membership application.<ref name="Reuters 25 Sep 2014" /> As the [[Voice of America]] reported on 27 June, "Terms of the EU agreements require Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine not enter into similar free trade agreements with the Kremlin."<ref>[https://www.voanews.com/a/poroshenko-signs-ukraine-eu-free-trade-agreement/1946060.html], Voice of America, 27 June 2014</ref> On 16 September 2014, the Verkhovna Rada approved the draft law on ratification of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, which was signed the same day by President Petro Poroshenko.<ref>Shaun Walker in Moscow and Oksana Grytsenko in Kiev. [[theguardian.com]]. [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/16/ukraine-ratifies-eu-integration-deal-autonomy-eastern-regions Ukraine ratifies EU integration deal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209100452/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/16/ukraine-ratifies-eu-integration-deal-autonomy-eastern-regions |date=9 February 2017 }}. Published on 16 September 2014.</ref>

Same year, EU and Ukraine, upon Ukrainian Government's request, agreed to establish [[EU Advisory Mission Ukraine|European Union Advisory Mission Ukraine]] (EUAM Ukraine), which is a civilian [[Common Security and Defence Policy|Common Security & Defence Policy]] mission of the EU for Ukraine's civilian security sector reform that formally began operating in Ukraine on 1 December 2014. EUAM Ukraine, employing over 300 personnel working in main headquarters in Kyiv, as well as in field offices in Lviv, Kharkiv and Odesa and a Mobile Unit today, provides strategic advice and practical support to Ukrainian counterparts. By working with a number of law-enforcement and rule of law agencies (Ministry of Internal Affairs, National Police, National Anti-Corruption Agency, State Border Guard Service, State Bureau of Investigations to name but a few), EUAM Ukraine aims to make civilian security sector more efficient, transparent and enjoying public trust.

The 17th EU-Ukraine summit took place on 27 April 2015 in Kyiv.<ref name="17th EU-Ukraine summit, Ukraine, 27 April 2015">[http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2015/04/27/ 17th EU-Ukraine summit, Ukraine, 27/04/2015] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410111710/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2015/04/27/ |date=10 April 2015 }}. European Council.</ref> During an Eastern Partnership summit in [[Riga]] in May 2015, EU agreed on a €1.8 bln loan to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32843610|title=EU agrees 1.8bn-euro loan to cash-strapped Ukraine|publisher=BBC News|date=22 May 2015|access-date=11 June 2017 |archive-date=12 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512125604/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32843610|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 January 2016, the [[Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area]] between Ukraine and the EU entered into force.  By April 2016, the Association Agreement had been ratified by Ukraine and all EU member states except the Netherlands, which held a [[2016 Dutch Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement referendum|referendum on approval of the treaty]].  Following the rejection of the agreement in the referendum, Prime Minister of the Netherlands [[Mark Rutte]] said that ratification would be put on hold during negotiations with the other parties to the treaty to find a compromise.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-04/07/c_135258542.htm|title=Spotlight: Dutch referendum says "No" to EU-Ukraine deal|date=2016-04-07|access-date=2016-04-20|publisher=[[Xinhua News Agency]]|archive-date=13 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413123408/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-04/07/c_135258542.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://euobserver.com/beyond-brussels/133046|title=Brexit vote will delay decision on EU-Ukraine deal, says Rutte|date=2016-04-14|access-date=2016-04-20|newspaper=[[EUobserver]]|archive-date=15 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415105624/https://euobserver.com/beyond-brussels/133046|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2016, a decision of the heads of state or government of the EU member states was approved which made legally binding interpretations of the agreement to address the concerns raised in the referendum. In particular, it stated that it did not commit the EU to grant Ukraine EU membership candidate status, provide security guarantees, military of financial aid, or free movement within the EU.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/european-council/2016/12/15-euco-conclusions-ukraine/|title=European Council Conclusions on Ukraine (15 December 2016)|date=2016-12-15|access-date=2016-12-15|publisher=[[European Council]]|archive-date=18 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161218113817/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/european-council/2016/12/15-euco-conclusions-ukraine/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>By Gabriela Baczynska and Robert-Jan Bartunek. [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-eu-rutte-idUSKBN14416I EU agrees Dutch demands on Ukraine deal to avoid 'present for Russia'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020015124/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-eu-rutte-idUSKBN14416I |date=20 October 2017 }}. [[Reuters]]. Published on 15 December 2016.</ref> The decision would enter into force if the Netherlands ratified the agreement, which needed to be approved by its parliament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rferl.org/a/eu-netherlands-ukraine-association-agreement/28178787.html|title=Netherlands, EU Reach Deal on Ukraine Association Agreement|date=2016-12-15|access-date=2016-12-15|publisher=[[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]]|archive-date=16 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216052536/http://www.rferl.org/a/eu-netherlands-ukraine-association-agreement/28178787.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In late January 2017, the Dutch government introduced a bill to confirm approval of the agreement.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/400332.html|title=Dutch parliament registers bill to ratify Ukraine-EU deal|website=Interfax-Ukraine|access-date=14 October 2019|archive-date=14 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014025533/https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/400332.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Dutch House of Representatives approved the bill on 23 February 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nltimes.nl/2017/04/06/referendums-threat-democracy-dutch-council-state|title=Referendums a threat to democracy: Dutch Council of State|date=6 April 2017|website=NL Times}}</ref> The Senate approved the bill on 30 May 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eerstekamer.nl/wetsvoorstel/34669_regeling_inwerkingtreding|title=Eerste Kamer der Staten-Generaal - Regeling inwerkingtreding van de goedkeuring Associatieovereenkomst tussen de Europese Unie en de Europese Gemeenschap voor Atoomenergie met Oekraïne (34.669)|website=eerstekamer.nl|access-date=27 October 2017|archive-date=12 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612004852/https://www.eerstekamer.nl/wetsvoorstel/34669_regeling_inwerkingtreding|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the 23rd Ukraine-European Union Summit, on 12 October 2021, the Prime Minister of Ukraine [[Denys Shmyhal]], the [[Vice President of the European Commission]], the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy [[Josep Borrell]] and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Slovenia to Ukraine [[Tomaž Mentsin]] signed an agreement between Ukraine and the European Union and its member states on the [[European Common Aviation Area|Common Aviation Area]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.president.gov.ua/news/u-mezhah-23-go-samitu-ukrayina-yes-pidpisano-nizku-dokumenti-71033|title=У межах 23-го Саміту Україна – ЄС підписано низку документів, зокрема Угоду про Спільний авіаційний простір|publisher=[[Офіс Президента України]]|date=12 October 2020|access-date=14 October 2020|archive-date=12 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012103211/https://www.president.gov.ua/news/u-mezhah-23-go-samitu-ukrayina-yes-pidpisano-nizku-dokumenti-71033|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 27 April 2022, the EU Commission proposed to temporarily drop all its tariffs on imports from Ukraine to help Ukrainian industry weather Russian aggression.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fortune.com/2022/04/27/europe-ukraine-free-trade-tariffs-agriculture-steel-biden-trump/|first=David|last=Meyer|date=27 April 2022|website=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]]|title=Europe throws Ukraine economic lifeline with 'unprecedented' temporary free trade area. Meanwhile, the U.S. still maintains Trump's 25% tariffs on Ukrainian steel}}</ref>

On 29 May 2022, in order to support [[Accession of Ukraine to the European Union|Ukraine's path to the European future]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-29 |title=Embrace Ukraine Campaign Launched In Support of Ukraine's EU Membership |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/embrace-ukraine-campaign-launched-in-support-of-ukraines-eu-membership.html |access-date=2022-05-29 |website=Kyiv Post}}</ref> in particular to obtain the status of a candidate for membership in the European Union on 25–26 June 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Next EU summit to decide on stages of Ukraine's accession to EU |url=https://interfax.com/newsroom/top-stories/78070/ |access-date=2022-05-29 |website=interfax.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Embrace Ukraine campaign launched in support of Ukraine's EU membership |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-society/3495001-embrace-ukraine-campaign-launched-in-support-of-ukraines-eu-membership.html |access-date=2022-05-29 |website=ukrinform.net |language=en}}</ref> the [[Government of Ukraine]] launched a communication campaign «Embrace Ukraine. Strengthen the Union».

== Legal instruments ==

=== Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (1994) ===
The political dialogue between the EU and Ukraine started in 1994 when the [[Partnership and Cooperation Agreement]] (PCA) was signed. That document was focused on economic and social issues as well as on the necessity of improving public government and guaranteeing free press and civil rights. The framework set for political discussions was modest: yearly meeting between EU Troika and Ukrainian leadership and some inter ministerial consultations. The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement of 1994 entered into force in 1998 and expired in 2008. None of the top level meetings brought any major changes to a reserved EU approach. Leaders focused chiefly on [[transition economy|economic transition]] and human rights records as well as on issues connected to the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant|Chernobyl nuclear power plant]] and its containment.

=== European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) ===

{{main|European Neighbourhood Policy}}

{| class="wikitable"  style="text-align:center; font-size:95%; width:100%"
|- style="background:#ececec;"
! style="text-align:left"| <big>ENP partner</big>
! style="width:10%"| [[European Union Association Agreement|EU contract]]
! style="width:10%"| [[Free Trade Agreement|FTA]] provisions
! style="width:10%"| Country Report
! style="width:10%"| Action Plan
! style="width:10%"| Adoption by the EU
! style="width:10%"| Adoption by the ENP partner
! style="width:10%"| AP duration
! style="width:10%"| CFSP invitation{{refn|The EU may invite the ENP partner to align itself with EU declarations in the field of [[Common Foreign and Security Policy]] on a case-by-case basis. Currently, in addition to ENP partners the EU invites for alignment the [[EU candidate countries|candidate countries]], [[Stabilisation and Association process|SAp]] and [[European Free Trade Association|EFTA]] states. Each states decides on a case-by-case basis if to align itself with the particular declaration it is invited to.|group=nb}}
! style="width:10%"| EU aspiration{{refn|The EU takes note of expressed European
aspirations by the ENP partner.|group=nb}}
! style="width:10%"| Sub-group
|-
! style="text-align:left"| [[Ukraine]]{{refn|Ukraine's deputy foreign affairs minister announced that with the adoption of the action plan for the association agreement between EU and Ukraine, the country effectively quits ENP in favour of stronger ties with the EU. The EU ENP website, however, still shows Ukraine as a participating country as of 21 June 2009.<ref>[http://www.radioera.com.ua/eranews/?idArticle=16844 Ukraine Effectively Quit ENP] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723025234/http://www.radioera.com.ua/eranews/?idArticle=16844 |date=23 July 2011}} (ukr)</ref>|group=nb}}
| PCA, March 1998 ||No ||May 2004 ||End 2004 ||21 February 2005 ||21 February 2005 ||3 years
| Yes{{refn|Not envisioned in the Action Plan, but invitations sent and accepted by Ukraine.|group=nb}}
| Yes ||[[Eastern Partnership|East]]
|}
sources: [https://web.archive.org/web/20060220011334/http://europa.eu.int/comm/world/enp/pdf/050523_extra_update_faq.pdf Wayback Machine], [http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/05/1467&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en European Commission - Press release - European Neighbourhood Policy: A year of progress], ENP official page [http://ec.europa.eu/world/enp/index_en.htm EEAS - European External Action Service]

A ''Joint EU–Ukraine Action Plan'' was endorsed by the European Council on 21 February 2005. It was based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement of 1994 and provided, according to the European Commission, a comprehensive and ambitious framework for joint work with Ukraine in all key areas of reform.

==== Eastern Partnership (EaP) ====

{{main|Eastern Partnership}}
The Eastern Partnership is a forum aiming to improve the political and economic trade-relations of the six [[Post-Soviet states]] of "strategic importance"—[[Ukraine]], [[Belarus]], [[Moldova]], [[Azerbaijan]], [[Armenia]] and [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] with the [[European Union]].<ref name="EU funds">[http://euobserver.com/9/27824  EU assigns funds and staff to 'Eastern Partnership'] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605102903/http://euobserver.com/9/27824 |date=5 June 2011}}, ''[[EU Observer]]'', 20 March 2009</ref> The EU draft of the EaP states that, "Shared values including democracy, the [[rule of law]], and respect for human rights will be at its core, as well as the principles of [[market economy]], [[sustainable development]] and [[good governance]]." The Partnership is to provide the foundation for new Association Agreements between the EU and those partners who have made sufficient progress towards the principles and values mentioned.<ref name="EaP core">[http://euobserver.com/24/27799 "Values to form core of EU 'Eastern Partnership'"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090321183930/http://euobserver.com/24/27799 |date=21 March 2009}}, ''[[EU Observer]]'', 18 March 2009</ref>

Ukraine is one of six post-Soviet nations to be invited to cooperate with the EU within the new multilateral framework that the Eastern partnership is expected to establish. However, Kyiv pointed out that it remains pessimistic about the "added value" of this initiative. Indeed, Ukraine and the EU have already started the negotiations on new, enhanced political and free-trade agreements (Association and Free-Trade Agreements). Also, there has been some progress in liberalising the visa regime despite persistent problems in the EU Member States' visa approach towards Ukrainians.

That is why Ukraine has a specific view of the Eastern Partnership Project. According to the Ukrainian presidency, it should correspond, in case of his country, to the strategic foreign policy objective, i.e. the integration with the EU.<ref name="president.gov.ua">http://www.president.gov.ua {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225203232/https://www.president.gov.ua/ |date=25 December 2018}}, 24 March 2009</ref> Yet, the Eastern Partnership documents (the European Council Declaration of May 2009)<ref name="consilium.europa.eu">{{Cite web |url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/ueDocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/en/er/107589.pdf | title=Joint Declaration of the Prague Eastern Partnership Summit | publisher=Council of the European Union | date=7 May 2009 | access-date=21 November 2022 |archive-date=8 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208205022/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/er/107589.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> do not confirm such priorities as political and economic integration or lifting visas.

Ukraine has expressed enthusiasm about the project. Ukraine deputy premier [[Hryhoriy Nemyria|Hryhorii Nemyria]] said that the project is the way to modernise the country and that they welcome the Eastern Partnership policy, because it uses 'de facto' the same instruments as for [[Future enlargement of the European Union|EU candidates]].<ref name="more influ" />

Under the Eastern Partnership, [[Poland]] and [[Ukraine]] have reached a new agreement replacing visas with simplified permits for Ukrainians residing within 30&nbsp;km of the border. Up to 1.5&nbsp;million people may benefit from this agreement which took effect on 1 July 2009.<ref name="borders">{{cite news |url=http://wyborcza.pl/1,91446,6728669,Ukraina__Sikorski__umowa_o_malym_ruchu_granicznym.html |title=Sikorski: umowa o małym ruchu granicznym od 1 lipca |date=17 June 2009 |work=[[Gazeta Wyborcza]] |access-date=17 June 2009 |archive-date=21 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221181720/http://wyborcza.pl/1,91446,6728669,Ukraina__Sikorski__umowa_o_malym_ruchu_granicznym.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Negotiations of an Association Agreement (AA) ===

{{main|European Union Association Agreement}}

An Association agreement (AA) between Ukraine and the EU was negotiated from 2009 to 2011, and should replace the existing PCA. The AA aims for political association and economic integration, includes a "deep and comprehensive [[free trade area]]", and runs parallel to the negotiations for a [[Visa policy in the European Union#Visa exemptions|visa-free regime]]. It does not contain a membership perspective for Ukraine, although it recalls it as "a European country with European identity" and says that "the EU acknowledged the European aspirations of Ukraine".

On 16 June 2009, a new practical instrument was adopted—the ''EU-Ukraine Association Agenda''.<ref name="rac.org.ua">{{Cite web |url=http://www.rac.org.ua/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/enp/EU_Ukraine_Association_Agenda.pdf |title=Partnership Between the European Union and Ukraine: Provisional EU-Ukraine Association Agenda |date=8 July 2009 |access-date=25 June 2009 |archive-date=4 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004212128/http://www.rac.org.ua/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/enp/EU_Ukraine_Association_Agenda.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref> 19 December 2011 EU-Ukraine summit, which was intended to lead to the signature of the Agreement, fell short due to the EU's concerns over the jailing of former premier [[Yulia Tymoshenko]]. The end of negotiations were announced, but the text of the agreement was not signed with EU leaders deciding to wait until the [[2012 Ukrainian parliamentary election|October 2012 Parliamentary elections]] as a test of the vitality of democracy and rule of law in Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/ukraine/press_corner/all_news/news/2011/2011_12_20_01_en.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305001933/http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/ukraine/press_corner/all_news/news/2011/2011_12_20_01_en.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 March 2012|title=Ukraine-EU Summit Joint Statement (20/12/2011)|access-date=23 October 2014}}</ref><ref name=19dec>[http://ukrainianweek.com/Politics/38718 Ukrainian Week] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126115138/http://ukrainianweek.com/Politics/38718 |date=26 January 2013 }}, 20 December 2011</ref> The AA was initialed shortly thereafter, on 30 March 2012.<ref name="DCFTA">{{cite web|url=http://un.ua/eng/article/401526.html|title=Ukraine, EU Initial Deep And Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement With EU|publisher=[[Ukrainian News Agency]]|date=20 July 2012|access-date=29 July 2012|archive-date=28 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728233217/http://un.ua/eng/article/401526.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=KPAANov122012>[http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/eu-criticizes-ukraines-oct-28-parliamentary-election-316005.html "EU criticises Ukraine's Oct. 28 parliamentary election"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113181500/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/eu-criticizes-ukraines-oct-28-parliamentary-election-316005.html |date=13 November 2012 }}, ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (12 November 2012)</ref> Before it enters into force it must be ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament, the European Parliament, and each EU member state.<ref name=KPAANov122012/><ref name=EUobs5112012>[http://euobserver.com/foreign/118094 EU-Ukraine summit 'unlikely' this year] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203032946/http://euobserver.com/foreign/118094 |date=3 December 2013 }}, EU Observer (5 November 2012)</ref> However, EU leaders have suggested that the agreement will not be ratified unless Ukraine addresses concerns over a "stark deterioration of democracy and the [[Judicial system of Ukraine|rule of law]]", including the imprisonment of [[Yulia Tymoshenko]] and [[Yuriy Lutsenko|Yurii Lutsenko]] in 2011 and 2012.<ref name=KPHS161112/><ref name="KPshelvedEUUKRAgr20712"/><ref name="got4year27212"/> In November 2012, [[EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy]] [[Stefan Fule]] stated that the AA, and DCFTA, could be signed in November 2013 if the EU's concerns were addressed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eu-commissioner-eu-ukraine-may-sign-association-agreement-next-year-181497841.html|title=EU Commissioner: EU, Ukraine May Sign Association Agreement Next Year|date=30 November 2012|access-date=31 January 2013|publisher=[[PR Newswire]]|archive-date=27 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527052001/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eu-commissioner-eu-ukraine-may-sign-association-agreement-next-year-181497841.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euractiv.com/europes-east/fuele-pours-cold-water-ukraine-e-news-516374|title=Füle pours cold water on Ukraine's EU hopes|date=30 November 2012|access-date=31 January 2013|publisher=EurActiv|archive-date=22 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122200047/http://www.euractiv.com/europes-east/fuele-pours-cold-water-ukraine-e-news-516374|url-status=live}}</ref>

However, in February 2013 Fule warned Ukraine that the agreements could be abandoned if the required reforms are not made quickly.  He also stated that Ukrainian membership in the [[Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia]] would be incompatible with the agreements with the EU.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2013/2/8/worldupdates/reform-quickly-or-lose-deals-eu-tells-ukraine&sec=Worldupdates|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130413160102/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2013/2/8/worldupdates/reform-quickly-or-lose-deals-eu-tells-ukraine&sec=Worldupdates|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 April 2013|title=Reform quickly or lose deals, EU tells Ukraine|date=8 February 2013|access-date=9 February 2013|last=Auyezov|first=Olzhas|work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref>

==== Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) ====

{{main|Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area}}
While work on signing a deep and comprehensive [[Free trade area|free trade agreement]] between Ukraine and the EU first began in 1999,<ref name=UW28212EUU/> formal negotiations between the Ukrainian government and the [[European Commissioner for Trade|EU Trade Commissioner]] were not launched until 18 February 2008 .<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/02/18/europe/EU-FIN-ECO-EU-Ukraine.php EU launches talks on free trade agreement with Ukraine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518224427/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/02/18/europe/EU-FIN-ECO-EU-Ukraine.php |date=18 May 2011 }}, International Herald Tribune</ref> As of May 2011 there remained three outstanding issues to be resolved in the free trade deal: quotas on Ukrainian grain exports, access to the EU's services market and geographical names of Ukrainian commodities. Aside from these issues, the deal was ready.<ref>[http://www.bilaterals.org/spip.php?article19593 Three outstanding issues remained in FTA agreement between Ukraine, EU, said Ukrainian PM] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203030748/http://www.bilaterals.org/spip.php?article19593 |date=3 December 2013 }}, Bilaterals 31 May 2011</ref> Despite those outstanding issues, Ukraine was ready to sign the agreement as it stood. Although it wanted stronger wording on enlargement prospects and access to the EU market for its truckers, Ukraine had more than many other candidates at the equivalent stage of the process. The finalised agreement was initialed on 19 July 2012.<ref name="DCFTA"/> Ratification of the DCFTA, like the AA, has been stalled by the EU concerns over the [[Judicial system of Ukraine|rule of law in Ukraine]].<ref name=KPHS161112/><ref name="KPshelvedEUUKRAgr20712"/><ref name="got4year27212"/> This includes the application of selective justice, as well as amending electoral laws. As a result, the role of [[Ukrainian oligarchs]] in sanctioning the agreement was also questioned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.publicserviceeurope.com/article/3972/ukraines-eu-deal-good-or-bad-for-the-oligarchs|title=Ukraine's EU deal: good or bad for the oligarchs?|last1=Kościński|first1=Piotr|last2=Vorobiov|first2=Ievgen|date=20 August 2013|access-date=21 August 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826113833/http://www.publicserviceeurope.com/article/3972/ukraines-eu-deal-good-or-bad-for-the-oligarchs|archive-date=26 August 2013}}</ref>

If Ukraine would choose the agreement, the [[Eurasian Economic Commission]]'s [[Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia]] would withdraw from free trade agreements with the country, according to [[Russian president]]ial advisor [[Sergei Glazyev]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://rbth.co.uk/news/2013/08/21/customs_union_may_withdraw_from_fta_with_ukraine_if_kyiv_signs_associati_29076.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131210155941/http://rbth.co.uk/news/2013/08/21/customs_union_may_withdraw_from_fta_with_ukraine_if_kyiv_signs_associati_29076.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 December 2013 |title=Customs Union may withdraw from FTA with Ukraine if Kyiv signs association agreement with EU |work=Interfax |publisher=Russia Beyond the Headlines |date=21 August 2013 |access-date=10 December 2013 }}</ref> However, on 21 November 2013 a Ukrainian government decree suspended preparations for signing the agreement{{refn|Ukrainian Prime Minister [[Mykola Azarov]] stated that the problem that finally blocked the EU deal were conditions proposed for an [[International Monetary Fund]] loan being negotiated at the same time, which would require big budget cuts and a 40% increase in gas bills.<ref name=nyt-20131122>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/23/world/europe/ukraine-blames-imf-for-collapse-of-accord-with-european-union.html |title=Ukraine Blames I.M.F. for Halt to Agreements With Europe |first=David M. |last=Herszenhorn |newspaper=The New York Times |date=22 November 2013 |access-date=10 December 2013 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308162515/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/23/world/europe/ukraine-blames-imf-for-collapse-of-accord-with-european-union.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=telegraph-20131122>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/10469065/Historic-defeat-for-EU-as-Ukraine-returns-to-Kremlin-control.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/10469065/Historic-defeat-for-EU-as-Ukraine-returns-to-Kremlin-control.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Historic defeat for EU as Ukraine returns to Kremlin control |first=Ambrose |last=Evans-Pritchard |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=22 November 2013 |access-date=10 December 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On 7 December 2013 the IMF clarified that it was not insisting on a single-stage increase in natural gas tariffs in Ukraine by 40%, but recommended that they be gradually raised to an economically justified level while compensating the poorest segments of the population for the losses from such an increase by strengthening targeted social assistance.<ref>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/179958.html MF not insisting on single-stage increase in tariffs, says resident representative in Ukraine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125145455/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/179958.html |date=25 January 2014 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (7 December 2013)</ref> The same day IMF Resident Representative in Ukraine [[Jerome Vacher]] stated that this particular IMF loan is worth 4 billion [[US Dollars]] and that it would be linked with "policy, which would remove disproportions and stimulated growth".<ref>[http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/imf_links_loan_amount_to_ukraine_with_reforms_314404 IMF links loan amount to Ukraine with reforms] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125163213/http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/imf_links_loan_amount_to_ukraine_with_reforms_314404 |date=25 January 2014 }}, [[Ukrinform]] (7 December 2013)</ref>|group=nb}} that was scheduled to be signed during a 28–29 November 2013 EU summit in [[Vilnius]], and it was not signed.<ref name=FuleIU201113/><ref name=NSEN291113/><ref name=ALJEUU/><ref name=IU6Tymbills/><ref name=IUYsEpath>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/176156.html Ukraine has no alternative but European integration – Yanukovych] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202231341/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/176156.html |date=2 December 2013 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (21 November 2013)</ref><ref name=Bartable291113>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/177747.html Barroso: EU to continue its dialog with Ukraine on principles of mutual respect, transparency and responsibility] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026043332/https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/177747.html |date=26 October 2020 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (29 November 2013)</ref><ref name=Barsayyes>[http://www.euronews.com/2013/11/29/eu-and-ukraine-say-door-still-open-for-future-trade-pact/ EU and Ukraine say 'door still open' for future trade pact] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023010641/https://www.euronews.com/2013/11/29/eu-and-ukraine-say-door-still-open-for-future-trade-pact |date=23 October 2020 }}, [[Euronews]] (29 November 2013)</ref>{{refn|Ukraine and the EU started "conducting technical preparations for the upcoming dialogue between Ukraine and the EU on certain aspects of the implementation of an Association Agreement" on 5 December 2013.<ref name=IU51213talks/>|group=nb}} The decision to put off signing the association agreement led to [[2013–2014 Ukrainian revolution]].<ref name=OmanEM/>

EU sanctions against Russia related to [[Russian military intervention in Ukraine (2014–present)|its military intervention in eastern Ukraine]] have been extended until July, 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/russia-penalizes-ukraine-because-of-its-imminent-trade-deal-with-eu-1450725567|title=Russia Hits Ukraine With Tariffs Over Imminent Trade Deal With EU|first=Valentina|last=Pop|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=21 December 2015|access-date=11 June 2017 |archive-date=4 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704140101/https://www.wsj.com/articles/russia-penalizes-ukraine-because-of-its-imminent-trade-deal-with-eu-1450725567|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 January 2016, the DCFTA entered into force.

==== Visa liberalisation dialogue and visa-free regime ====

{{See also|Visa policy of the Schengen Area}}
* 2006 [[Readmission Agreement]]
* 2007 [[Visa Facilitation Agreement]]
* 2010 Visa Liberalisation Action Plan

On 22 November 2010, the [[European Council]] and Ukraine announced "an action plan for Ukraine toward the establishment of a [[Visa policy in the European Union#Visa exemptions|visa-free regime]] for short-stay travel".<ref name=roadmap>[http://www.rferl.org/content/article/2227271.html EU, Ukraine Agree On 'Road Map' For Visa-Free Travel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018204137/http://www.rferl.org/content/article/2227271.html |date=18 October 2015 }}, [[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]] (22 November 2010)</ref> This roadmap outlined major improvements in Ukrainian border control, migration and asylum policies.<ref name="kyivpost.com">[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/91142/ Ukraine's visa-free travel action plan with European Union (full text of document)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127000838/http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/91142/ |date=27 November 2010 }}, ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (24 November 2010)</ref> According to ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', for the EU, "the visa-free regimes are a key tool for binding their neighbors closer and for advancing reforms in those countries."<ref name="WSJ 9 June 2016"/> Negotiations for an amendment to the 2007 Visa Facilitation agreement, which expanded the subset of individuals eligible for simplified visa procedures to include students, NGO representatives and holders of official passports, were finalised in December 2011,<ref name=19dec/> and the Visa Facilitation Agreement was ratified by the [[Verkhovna Rada]] on 22 March 2013.<ref>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/145918.html#.UUzzK6nCus0 Verkhovna Rada ratifies Visa Facilitation Agreement with EU] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203003506/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/145918.html#.UUzzK6nCus0 |date=3 December 2013 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (22 March 2013)</ref> On 18 April 2013, the [[European Parliament]] followed suit,<ref name="IU18413EUUV">[http://www.interfax.co.uk/ukraine-news/european-parliament-okays-entry-into-force-of-amendments-to-visa-facilitation-agreement-with-ukraine/ European Parliament okays entry into force of amendments to visa facilitation agreement with Ukraine], [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (18 April 2013)</ref><ref>[http://euobserver.com/opinion/119484 EU and Ukraine: closer ties despite backsliding?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322222127/http://euobserver.com/opinion/119484 |date=22 March 2013 }}, [[EUobserver]] (19 March 2013)</ref> and the [[European Council]] finalised the agreement on 13 May 2013.<ref name="IU18413EUUV"/><ref>[http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/agricult/137095.pdf 3237th Council meeting (page 18)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611235846/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/en/agricult/137095.pdf |date=11 June 2013 }}, [[European Council]] (13 May 2013)</ref>

In December 2011, [[Ukrainian President]] [[Viktor Yanukovych]] expected negotiations for full visa-free travel to be completed by the end of 2014.<ref name=19dec/> The European Commission stated in November 2013 that Ukraine must strengthen its anti-discrimination laws before the visa-free regime is established.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euractiv.com/specialreport-ukraine-way-reform/ukraine-treatment-lgbt-rights-ke-news-531797|title=EU demands more reforms from Ukraine to lift visa barrier [fr]|date=2013-11-20|access-date=2014-01-05|archive-date=10 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210235130/http://www.euractiv.com/specialreport-ukraine-way-reform/ukraine-treatment-lgbt-rights-ke-news-531797|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Verkhovna Rada]] (Ukraine's parliament) adopted the remaining four bills needed for the transition to the second (implementation) phase of the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan in May 2014 (including bills on improving anti-discrimination laws).<ref name="Rada adopts these bills">[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/204598.html Rada adopts all laws needed to implement first phase of action plan on visa liberalization with EU] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514012759/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/204598.html |date=14 May 2014 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (13 May 2014)</ref> When addressing MPs before the vote on these bills [[Verkhovna Rada Chairman]] and acting President<ref name="Ukraine crisis timeline BBC">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26248275|title=Ukraine crisis: Timeline|publisher=BBC News|date=13 November 2014|access-date=11 June 2017 |archive-date=3 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140603193226/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26248275|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Oleksandr Turchynov]] predicted then that "the visa-free regime will be introduced by the end of this year".<ref name="Rada adopts these bills"/> However, Ukraine should have adopted bills that addresses for six conditions{{refn|The six conditions are:<ref name="9nuvfeu15"/>
#1. Security of Documents
#2. Refugee Policy
#3. Fighting Against [[Discrimination in Ukraine|Discrimination]]
#4. Fighting Against Drugs Dealers, Organised [[Crime in Ukraine]] and Terror Acts
#5. Fight Against [[Corruption in Ukraine]]
#6. Safety of Internally Displaced people and Personal Data|group=nb}} needed for the fulfilment of the Visa Liberalization Action Plan before 15 December 2015.<ref name="9nuvfeu15"/> On that day the EU will decide whether the country will get the visa-free regime in 2016.<ref name="9nuvfeu15">[http://uatoday.tv/politics/ukraine-s-eu-visa-free-deal-in-jeopardy-as-reform-deadline-nears-517438.html Ukraine's EU visa-free deal in jeopardy as reform deadline nears] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022100803/http://uatoday.tv/politics/ukraine-s-eu-visa-free-deal-in-jeopardy-as-reform-deadline-nears-517438.html |date=22 October 2015 }}, [[Ukraine Today]] (21 October 2015)<br />[http://uatoday.tv/politics/eu-visa-free-regime-what-should-ukraine-do-to-acheive-this-427878.html EU Visa Free Regime for Ukraine: What needs to be done? (GRAPHICS)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109104159/http://uatoday.tv/politics/eu-visa-free-regime-what-should-ukraine-do-to-acheive-this-427878.html |date=9 November 2015 }}, [[Ukraine Today]] (18 May 2015)</ref> In December 2015, the Commission issued a progress report that found that Ukraine met all the conditions for its citizens be granted visa free travel to the [[Schengen Area]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-15-6367_en.htm|title=Commission Progress Report: Ukraine meets criteria for visa liberalisation|date=2015-12-18|access-date=2016-04-20|publisher=European Commission|archive-date=19 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419213000/http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-15-6367_en.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

The European Commission formally proposed Ukraine be granted visa free travel in April 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-16-1490_en.htm|title=European Commission proposes visa-free travel for citizens of Ukraine|date=2016-04-20|access-date=2016-04-20|publisher=European Commission|archive-date=24 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424103755/http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-16-1490_en.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> This was later delayed by the EU,<ref>Gabriela Baczynska. [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-migrants-eu-visas-idUSKCN0YN56F EU puts brake on visa liberalization for now amid immigration fears] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003120124/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-migrants-eu-visas-idUSKCN0YN56F |date=3 October 2017 }}.  Published on 1 June 2016. Reuters.</ref><ref>Martin Banks. [https://www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/articles/news/poroshenko-brexit-wont-prevent-eu-ukraine-visa-deal Poroshenko: Brexit won't prevent EU-Ukraine visa deal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630192511/https://www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/articles/news/poroshenko-brexit-wont-prevent-eu-ukraine-visa-deal |date=30 June 2016 }} Published on 9 June 2016. ''[[The Parliament Magazine]]''.</ref> postponing the possible date of an agreement to September 2016.<ref name="WSJ 9 June 2016">Valentina Pop and Laurence Norman. [https://www.wsj.com/articles/georgia-kosovo-ukraines-visa-free-access-to-eu-delayed-1465486485 Georgia, Kosovo, Ukraine's Visa-Free Access to EU Delayed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413235349/https://www.wsj.com/articles/georgia-kosovo-ukraines-visa-free-access-to-eu-delayed-1465486485 |date=13 April 2017 }}. ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]''. Published on 9 June 2016.</ref> The [[Committee of Permanent Representatives]] gave its approval in November 2016.<ref name="EC 17 November 2016">{{cite web|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2016/11/17-visa-liberalisation-ukraine/|title=Visas: Council agrees its negotiating position on visa liberalisation for Ukraine|date=2016-11-17|access-date=2016-11-21|publisher=[[Council of the European Union]]|archive-date=22 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122154424/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2016/11/17-visa-liberalisation-ukraine/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Reuters 21 November 2016" /> Visa-free scheme, that will allow Ukrainians with a [[biometric passport]] to visit the Schengen Area for a period of stay of 90 days in any 180-day period, would come into force once it is agreed and formally adopted by the European Parliament and the European Council.<ref name="EC 17 November 2016"/><ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38095930 Ukraine citizens to get visa-free travel to EU] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409061225/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38095930 |date=9 April 2018 }}. [[BBC News]]. Published on 24 November 2016.</ref> In December, the EU agreed that European Commission or an EU state will be able to suspend the visa waiver for Ukrainians for up to nine months in case of emergencies,<ref>Gabriela Baczynska. [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-eu-idUSKBN13X0QI EU unblocks visa-free travel for Ukraine, Georgia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170601183804/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-eu-idUSKBN13X0QI |date=1 June 2017 }}. [[Reuters]]. Published on 8 December 2016.</ref> such as if "[Ukraine fails] to cooperate in taking back illegal migrants, there's a spike in the number of asylum applications, or a security issue arises".<ref>Cynthia Kroet. [http://www.politico.eu/article/eu-moves-forward-on-ukraine-georgia-visa-free-travel/ EU moves forward on Ukraine, Georgia visa-free travel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229032921/http://www.politico.eu/article/eu-moves-forward-on-ukraine-georgia-visa-free-travel/ |date=29 December 2016 }}. [[Politico]]. Published on 8 December 2016.</ref> The visa-free regime deal was agreed by the EU Parliament and Council on 28 February 2017,<ref>[http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/20170228IPR64271/meps-and-council-negotiators-agree-to-waive-eu-visa-requirement-for-ukrainians MEPs and Council negotiators agree to waive EU visa requirement for Ukrainians] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302074601/http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/20170228IPR64271/meps-and-council-negotiators-agree-to-waive-eu-visa-requirement-for-ukrainians |date=2 March 2017 }}. European Parliament News. 28 February 2017.</ref> approved by the MEPs on 6 April<ref>{{cite web|url=https://euobserver.com/foreign/137528|title=Three million Ukrainians can soon visit EU visa-free|access-date=11 June 2017|archive-date=17 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517002119/https://euobserver.com/foreign/137528|url-status=live}}</ref> and by the European Council on 11 May.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-politics/2225579-council-of-eu-finally-approves-visafree-regime-for-ukraine.html|title=Council of EU finally approves visa-free regime for Ukraine - 11.05.2017 11:26 — Ukrinform News|access-date=11 June 2017|archive-date=11 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511111307/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-politics/2225579-council-of-eu-finally-approves-visafree-regime-for-ukraine.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It entered into force on 11 June 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-poroshenko-eu-visa-free-goodbye-ussr/28539873.html|title=Ukrainians Wave 'Final Goodbye To Russian Empire' As Visa-Free Travel To EU Begins|date=2017-06-11|access-date=2017-06-10|publisher=[[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]]|archive-date=10 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610175004/https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-poroshenko-eu-visa-free-goodbye-ussr/28539873.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Energy Charter Treaty and Energy Community ===

{{main|Energy Charter Treaty|Energy Community}}

Both Ukraine and all EU member states are signatories of the [[Energy Charter Treaty]] (ECT), a legally-binding treaty negotiated following the 1991 ''Energy Charter'' political declaration of principles for international energy including trade, transit and investment.<ref name=konoplyanik>
{{cite journal
 |last1       = Konoplyanik
 |first1      = Andrei
 |last2       = Wälde
 |first2      = Thomas
 |year        = 2006
 |title       = Energy Charter Treaty and its Role in International Energy
 |journal     = Journal of Energy & Natural Resources Law
 |publisher   = [[International Bar Association]]
 |volume      = 24
 |issue       = 4
 |pages       = 523–558
 |issn        = 0264-6811
 |url         = http://konoplyanik.ru/ru/publications/articles/410-JENRL-11.2006.pdf
 |access-date  = 8 May 2010
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110819133013/http://konoplyanik.ru/ru/publications/articles/410-JENRL-11.2006.pdf
 |archive-date = 19 August 2011
}}</ref> The ECT was signed in December 1994 and came into effect in April 1998. Ukraine and all EU member states are also signatories of the 1998 Trade Amendment reflecting the change from the [[General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade|GATT]] to the [[World Trade Organization|WTO]].<ref name=konoplyanik/>

After its entry into force, Ukraine held an Observer status for the Treaty establishing the [[Energy Community]] (also referred as ''European Energy Community''), a community established between the [[European Union]] (EU) and a number of third countries in order to extend the [[Energy policy of the European Union|EU internal energy market]] to [[South East Europe]] and beyond.  The Treaty establishing the Energy Community was signed in [[Athens]], [[Greece]], on 25 October 2005, and entered into force on 1 July 2006. Ukraine soon expressed its interest in full membership. Mandated by the Energy Community Ministerial Council, the [[European Commission]] had the first round of formal negotiations with Ukraine in late 2008. After three negotiation rounds, the technical negotiations with Ukraine were concluded in 2009. The Ministerial Council, however, made the membership conditional on legislative amendments. In concrete, it requested Ukraine to revise its gas law so that it complies with EU's Gas Directive 2003/55/EC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32003L0055:EN:HTML|title=Directive 2003/55/EC of 26 June 2003 concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas|access-date=23 October 2014|archive-date=6 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106122530/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32003L0055:EN:HTML|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the amendment of the gas law in July 2010, Ukraine signed the Energy Community Accession Protocol on 24 September 2010,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.energy-community.org/pls/portal/docs/728177.PDF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305152729/https://www.energy-community.org/pls/portal/docs/728177.PDF|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 March 2016|title=Ukraine's Accession Protocol to the Energy Community|access-date=23 October 2014}}</ref> ratified the Treaty on 15 December 2010<ref name=UkrDecrat>[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/92905/ Energy Community congratulates Ukraine on ratifying accession protocol] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127075558/https://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/92905/ |date=27 January 2011 }}, ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (15 December 2010)</ref> and officially acceded the Energy Community on 1 February 2011.

=== Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement ===

{{Main|European Union–Ukraine Association Agreement}}

== Economic relations ==

During the 1990s, Germany, the [[Netherlands]] and Italy remained major trading partners of Ukraine. According to [[Eurostat]], between 2000 and 2007 EU trade in goods with Ukraine more than tripled in value: exports rose from 5.5 bn [[Euro]] to 22.4 bn, while imports increased from 4.8 bn Euro to 12.4 bn. Nevertheless, this increase did not make Ukraine one of the EU's major trading partners. In 2007, Ukraine accounted for only 2% of EU exports and a mere 1% of European Union imports which is toward the bottom of the EU's top 20 trading partners (16th).<ref name=Eurostat>European Commission/Eurostat paper issued before 9 September EU-Ukraine summit in Paris.</ref>

According to the European commission paper, trade with Ukraine is dominated by manufactured goods. Nearly half of the EU exports to Ukraine in 2007 were machinery and vehicles and a further quarter were other manufactured articles. A quite similar structure can be seen in imports: unspecified manufactured articles accounted for two-fifths followed by a crude metal for a further fifth. At the more detailed level, the main EU exports to Ukraine in 2007 were medicine, motor vehicles and mobile phones, while the main imports were iron and steel products, as well as sunflower seed oil, ferro-nickel, iron ores and oil.<ref name=Eurostat/>

Among the EU27 Members States, Germany (5.9 bn Euro or 26% of EU exports) was the largest exporter, followed by [[Poland]] (4.1 bn or 18%). Italy (2.4 bn or 19%) was the largest importer followed by [[Bulgaria]] (1.6 bn or 13%) and Germany (1.3 bn or 11%).<ref name=Eurostat/>

The largest surpluses in trade with Ukraine in 2007 were observed in Germany (+ 4.6 bn Euro) and [[Poland]] (+2.8 bn Euro) while [[Bulgaria]] scored the highest deficit ( -1.4 bn Euro).<ref name=Eurostat/>

=== EU Financial Assistance to Ukraine ===
{{further |List of military aid to Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War |List of humanitarian aid to Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War}}
{{see also |Third-country economic relationships with the European Union}}
For the 2000–2006 budgetary period, the financial assistance of the EU to Ukraine was framed in the [[Technical Assistance to the Commonwealth of Independent States]] (TACIS) programme. Established in 1991, TACIS is a programme of technical assistance that supports the process of transition to [[market economy|market economies]] for the 11 [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS]] countries and [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]].

For the 2007–2013 budgetary period the [[European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument]] (ENPI) covers the ENP countries, and replacing the TACIS funds for Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.enpi-info.eu/index.php?lang_id=450|title=ENPI Info Centre|access-date=23 October 2014|archive-date=15 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215115358/http://www.enpi-info.eu/index.php?lang_id=450|url-status=dead}}</ref>

By May 2014, the EU had disbursed 11 billion Euros in aid to Ukraine.<ref name="twcch">{{cite news |title=Into the Fold or Out in the Cold? NATO Expansion and European Security after the Cold War |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/the-fold-or-out-the-cold-nato-expansion-and-european-security-after-the-cold-war |work=Video: NATO Expansion and European Security after the Cold War |publisher=The Wilson Center |date=2 May 2014}} See Ischinger comments at 1:32:00.</ref>

Ukraine is eligible for horizontal instruments, that cover countries regardless of their region, such as:
* the [[Instrument for Stability]], a new instrument to tackle crises and instability in third countries and address trans-border challenges including [[nuclear safety]] and non-proliferation, the fight against trafficking, organised crime and terrorism;
* the [[Macro-Financial Assistance]] programme
In 2023, the [[European Investment Bank]] (EIB) established the EU for Ukraine Fund to address Ukraine's urgent needs. The fund focuses on renovating municipal facilities, enhancing public services, and providing financial and advisory support to small or large businesses. EU Member States have pledged approximately €400 million to this initiative.<ref name="Bank">{{Cite journal |last=Bank |first=European Investment |date=2024-06-17 |title=The European Investment Bank Group in Ukraine |url=https://www.eib.org/en/publications/20240163-the-eib-group-in-ukraine |language=EN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=EU Member States pledge over €400 million to the EIB's Fund supporting Ukraine |url=https://www.eib.org/en/press/all/2023-272-eu-member-states-pledge-over-eur400-million-to-the-eib-s-fund-supporting-ukraine |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=European Investment Bank |language=en}}</ref>

This Fund is a €50 billion financial aid package from the European Union, and it is set to run from 2024 to 2027.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EU for Ukraine Fund |url=https://www.eib.org/en/products/blending/donor-partnerships/trust-funds/eu-for-ukraine-fund |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=European Investment Bank |language=en}}</ref>

As of 2024, more than 300 hospitals, social housing facilities, schools, and kindergartens have been renovated in 150 cities.<ref name="Bank"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=EIB's EU for Ukraine Fund finances its first project {{!}} EEAS |url=https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/ukraine/eib%E2%80%99s-eu-ukraine-fund-finances-its-first-project_en?s=232 |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=www.eeas.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref>

=== WTO membership of Ukraine (2009) ===

Since 2009, with the accession of [[Ukraine]] to the [[World Trade Organization]], economic relations between the EU and Ukraine have to respect the WTO normative acquis. The EU has always believed that WTO membership can play a key role in supporting Ukraine's economic reform, especially in the context of a transition economy. In joining the WTO, Ukraine benefits from secure access to the markets of all WTO members and commits to providing the kind of stable trade and investment environment that will attract further trade and investment.

== Summits ==
=== EU-Ukraine Summits ===
*1st EU-Ukraine Summit: September 1997 in [[Kyiv]]<ref name=UW28212EUU />
*2nd EU-Ukraine Summit: October 1998 in [[Vienna]]<ref name=UW28212EUU />
*3rd EU-Ukraine Summit: July 1999<ref name=UW28212EUU />
*4th EU-Ukraine Summit: September 2000<ref name=UW28212EUU />
*5th EU-Ukraine Summit: September 2001 in Yalta<ref name=UW28212EUU />
*6th EU-Ukraine Summit: July 2002 in Copenhagen<ref name=UW28212EUU />
*7th EU-Ukraine Summit: October 2003 in Yalta<ref name=UW28212EUU />
*8th EU-Ukraine Summit: July 2004 in the Hague<ref name=UW28212EUU />
*9th EU-Ukraine Summit: December 2005 in Kyiv<ref name=UW28212EUU />
*10th EU-Ukraine Summit: October 2006 in Helsinki<ref name=UW28212EUU />
*11th EU-Ukraine Summit: September 2007 in Kyiv<ref name=UW28212EUU />
*12th [[2008 EU–Ukraine Summit|EU-Ukraine Summit: September 2008 in Paris]]<ref name=UW28212EUU />
*13th EU-Ukraine Summit: December 2009<ref name=UW28212EUU />
*14th EU-Ukraine Summit: November 2010 in Brussels<ref name=UW28212EUU />
*15th EU-Ukraine Summit: December 2011<ref name=UW28212EUU />
*16th EU-Ukraine Summit: 25 February 2013 in Brussels<ref name=UW28212EUU />
*17th EU-Ukraine Summit: 27 April 2015 in Kyiv<ref name="17th EU-Ukraine summit, Ukraine, 27 April 2015"/>
*18th EU-Ukraine Summit: 24 November 2016 in Brussels<ref name="Reuters 21 November 2016"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2016/11/24/|title=EU-Ukraine summit, Brussels, 24/11/2016 - Consilium|website=consilium.europa.eu|access-date=11 June 2017|archive-date=14 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614032514/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2016/11/24/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*19th EU-Ukraine Summit: 12–13 July 2017 in Kyiv<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2017/07/12-13/|title=EU-Ukraine Summit, 12-13/07/2017 - Consilium|website=consilium.europa.eu|access-date=14 October 2019|archive-date=14 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014025531/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2017/07/12-13/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*20th EU-Ukraine Summit: 9 July 2018 in Brussels<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2018/07/09/|title=EU-Ukraine summit, 09/07/2018 - Consilium|website=consilium.europa.eu|access-date=14 October 2019|archive-date=14 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014062730/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2018/07/09/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*21st EU-Ukraine Summit: 8 July 2019 in Kyiv<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.unian.info/politics/10574826-zelensky-juncker-set-date-for-ukraine-eu-summit.html|title=Zelensky, Juncker set date for Ukraine-EU summit|website=[[UNIAN]]|date=5 June 2019|access-date=5 June 2019|archive-date=5 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605091412/https://www.unian.info/politics/10574826-zelensky-juncker-set-date-for-ukraine-eu-summit.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
*22nd EU-Ukraine Summit: 6 October 2020 in Brussels<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3107036-ukraineeu-summit-to-be-held-in-brussels-on-october-6-zelensky.html|title=EU-Ukraine summit to be held in Brussels on Oct. 6 – Zelensky|website=[[Ukrinform]]|date=26 September 2020|access-date=26 September 2020|archive-date=27 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927120810/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3107036-ukraineeu-summit-to-be-held-in-brussels-on-october-6-zelensky.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
*23rd EU-Ukraine Summit: 12 October 2021 in Kyiv<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.president.gov.ua/news/spilna-zayava-za-pidsumkami-23-go-samitu-ukrayina-yevropejsk-71037|title=Спільна заява за підсумками 23-го саміту Україна - Європейський Союз|publisher=[[Office of the President of Ukraine]]|date=12 October 2020|access-date=14 October 2020|archive-date=12 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012103836/https://www.president.gov.ua/news/spilna-zayava-za-pidsumkami-23-go-samitu-ukrayina-yevropejsk-71037|url-status=live}}</ref>
*24th [[2023 EU–Ukraine Summit|EU-Ukraine Summit: 3 February 2023 in Kyiv]]<ref name=UW28212EUU />

=== Other EU summits with notable Ukrainian participation ===
*Eastern Partnership Summit in Prague in May 2009<ref>{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_PRES-09-78_en.htm|title=European Commission - Brussels, 7 May 2009 Joint Declaration of the Prague Eastern Partnership Summit, Prague, 7 May 2009|website=europa.eu|access-date=11 June 2017|archive-date=29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729022637/http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_PRES-09-78_en.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Eastern Partnership Summit in Warsaw in September 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-11-622_en.htm|title=European Commission - - José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission Statement by President Barroso following the Eastern Partnership Summit Eastern Partnership Summit Warsaw, 30 September 2011|website=europa.eu|access-date=11 June 2017|archive-date=4 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104215351/http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-11-622_en.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius in November 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/31799/2013_eap-11-28-joint-declaration.pdf|title=European Eastern Partnership Vilnius, 28 November 2013|access-date=28 May 2020|archive-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223134701/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/31799/2013_eap-11-28-joint-declaration.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga in May 2015
*Eastern Partnership Summit in Brussels on 24 November 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2017/11/24/|title=Eastern Partnership summit, 24/11/2017 - Consilium|website=consilium.europa.eu|access-date=14 October 2019|archive-date=29 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629225649/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2017/11/24/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Representative of Ukraine to the European Union ==

# [[Volodymyr Vasylenko]] (1992–1995)
# [[Ihor Mityukov]] (1995–1997)
# [[Borys Hudyma]] (1997–2000)
# [[Roman Shpek]] (2000–2007)
# [[Andriy Veselovsky|Andrii Veselovsky]] (2008–2010)
# [[Kostiantyn Yelisieiev]] (2010–2015)
# [[Liubov Nepop]] (interim, 2015–2016)
# [[Mykola Tochytskyi]] (2016–present)<ref>[http://www.unian.info/politics/1255892-poroshenko-appoints-new-envoy-to-eu.html Poroshenko appoints new envoy to EU] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205094655/http://www.unian.info/politics/1255892-poroshenko-appoints-new-envoy-to-eu.html |date=5 February 2016 }}, [[UNIAN]] (4 February 2016)</ref>

== Popular support of Ukraine's integration with the European Union ==

In a November 2014 poll by [[Sociological group "RATING"|Rating]] joining the EU was supported by all but two [[Oblasts of Ukraine]] (provinces); in [[Luhansk Oblast]] and [[Donetsk Oblast]] (an area known as [[Donbas]]<ref>[https://www.kyivpost.com/content/politics/poroshenko-bloc-radical-party-and-peoples-front-to-enter-parliament-latest-poll-says-369000.html Poroshenko Bloc, Radical Party and People's Front to enter parliament, latest poll says] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141201042240/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/politics/poroshenko-bloc-radical-party-and-peoples-front-to-enter-parliament-latest-poll-says-369000.html |date=1 December 2014}}, ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (22 October 2014)</ref>) people preferred Ukraine's accession to the [[Eurasian Customs Union]].<ref>{{in lang|uk}} [http://www.pravda.com.ua/rus/news/2014/11/20/7044855/ More and more Ukrainians want NATO and the EU - poll] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206033058/http://www.pravda.com.ua/rus/news/2014/11/20/7044855/ |date=6 December 2014}}, [[Ukrayinska Pravda]] (20 November 2014)</ref>

Traditionally [[Western Ukraine]] is found to be generally more enthusiastic about EU membership than [[Eastern Ukraine]].<ref name=BBCUkrEUJan08/><ref name=RatingJuly12/><ref name="ComRes poll EU-Ukr May 2014"/> In July 2012 and in May 2014 residents of [[West Ukraine]] (74% in July 2012 and 81% in May 2014), [[Central Ukraine]] (59% and 64%) and [[North Ukraine]] (56% and 71%) were the biggest supporters for EU membership.<ref name=RatingJuly12/><ref name="ComRes poll EU-Ukr May 2014"/> A June 2013 poll, on behalf of [[Deutsche Welle]], found that 52% of [[Eastern Ukraine]] was in favor of joining the EU.<ref name=DWpoll613>[http://www.dw.de/ukraine-eu-support-up-again/a-16924061 Ukraine: EU support up again] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130803230032/http://www.dw.de/ukraine-eu-support-up-again/a-16924061 |date=3 August 2013}}, [[Deutsche Welle]] (3 July 2013)</ref> But in a poll by [[ComRes]] (for [[CNN]]) in May 2014 only 19% of Eastern Ukraine considered Ukraine joining the European Union "Good".<ref name="ComRes poll EU-Ukr May 2014"/> The Deutsche Welle poll was limited to respondents no older than 65 years in cities with more than 50,000 people. The May 2014 ComRes poll found out that in the three most eastern [[Oblasts of Ukraine]] (provinces), [[Kharkiv Oblast]], [[Donetsk Oblast]] and [[Luhansk Oblast]], 37% favored an alliance with [[Russia]], 14% backed an alliance with the European Union and 49% stated Ukraine would be better off if it did not ally with either.<ref name="ComRes poll EU-Ukr May 2014"/>

Citizens aged between 20 and 39 appeared to be the strongest supporters of joining the EU in May 2010 and December 2011 (in December 2011 the opinion of the age group 18–29 did not vary from one region to another).<ref name=poll510>[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/66442/ Update: Poll – more than half of Ukrainians support European Union membership] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100514134116/http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/66442/ |date=14 May 2010}}, ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (15 May 2010)</ref><ref name=KDIFEUUKRDec11>[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/119037/ Poll: Less than half of Ukrainians support EU membership] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111218000746/http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/119037/ |date=18 December 2011}}, ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (15 December 2011)</ref> In the May 2014 ComRes poll people aged between 36 and 55 where the strongest supporters of joining the EU.<ref name="ComRes poll EU-Ukr May 2014"/>

Ukraine's EU ambassador, [[Kostiantyn Yelisieiev]], stated in July 2011 that [[Ukrainian oligarchs|business tycoons]] and politicians from [[east Ukraine|Ukraine's Russian speaking east]] were as much pro-EU as the [[West Ukraine|Ukrainian speaking west]] of the country: "If any politician today in Ukraine declared himself to be against European integration, he would be politically dead."<ref name="Yeliseyev">Rettman, Andrew (6 July 2011) [http://euobserver.com/9/32594 Ukraine signals readiness to finalise EU pact] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709222905/http://euobserver.com/9/32594 |date=9 July 2011}}, EU Observer</ref>

According to a poll conducted in February 2015 in all regions of Ukraine except Crimea, 66.4% would have voted in favor of joining the EU and 33.6% against with a turnout of 76.4%.<ref>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/255939.html Support for joining EU rises one year after Revolution of Dignity – poll] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402125108/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/255939.html |date=2 April 2015}}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (19 March 2015)</ref>

91% of Ukrainians support joining the European Union during the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-04-05 |title=Record number of Ukrainians support joining EU, backing for NATO membership falls - poll |language=en |publisher=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/record-number-ukrainians-support-joining-eu-backing-nato-membership-falls-poll-2022-04-05/ |access-date=2022-04-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Support for EU accession hits record high at 91% in Ukraine, while that for joining NATO slides - poll |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-society/3449439-support-for-eu-accession-hits-record-high-at-91-in-ukraine-while-that-for-joining-nato-slides-poll.html |access-date=2022-04-06 |website=ukrinform.net |language=en}}</ref> according to a poll conducted by the [[Rating (sociological group)|Rating Sociological Group]] on 30–31 March 2022.<ref>[https://ratinggroup.ua/research/ukraine/sedmoy_obschenacionalnyy_opros_ukraina_v_usloviyah_voyny_30-31_marta_2022.html Seventh nationwide poll: Ukraine during the war (30-31 March 2022) - Ukraine - Research - Sociological group Rating (ratinggroup.ua)]</ref>
{{Popular support to EU integration of Ukraine in Ukraine}}

== Accession of Ukraine to the European Union ==

{{Main|Accession of Ukraine to the European Union}}
{{See also|Potential enlargement of the European Union}}

[[File:Map of EU states supporting accelerated membership for Ukraine (showing disputed territories).svg|thumb|
{{legend|#009900|[[European Union]] member states}}
{{legend|#66ff66|European Union member states supporting accelerated membership for Ukraine<ref name="Presidents"/><ref name="HU"/>}}{{legend|#ADFF2F|European Union member states supporting accelerated granting of candidate status to Ukraine}}{{Legend|#3366ff|Ukraine}}
{{Legend|#d40000|Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories before 2022 full-scale invasion}}]]

=== 2002–2005 ===
On 12 January 2002, the [[European Parliament]] noted that Ukraine may enter the EU in the future.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libertas-institut.com/de/PDF/Armenia%20ante%20portas.pdf |first1=Hans-Juergen |last1=Zahorka |title=How Could America Approach the European Union?|website=Libertas-institut.com|access-date=16 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041127211407/http://www.libertas-institut.com/de/PDF/Armenia%20ante%20portas.pdf|archive-date=27 November 2004|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2002, EU Enlargement Commissioner Guenther Verheugen said that "the European perspective for Ukraine does not necessarily mean membership in the next 10-20 years, although it is possible". To join the European Union, the applicant state must meet the political and economic conditions commonly known as the [[Copenhagen Criteria]] (adopted at the Copenhagen Summit in 1993), namely a democratic government that recognizes the rule of law and relevant freedoms and institutions. According to the Maastricht Treaty, each current Member State, as well as the European Parliament, must agree on any enlargement.

In 2003, [[Finnish Institute of International Affairs]] (FIIA) published report under the title «Ukraine in Tomorrow's Europe» by Arkady Moshes.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2017-04-28 |title=Arkady Moshes |url=https://www.fiia.fi/en/expert/arkady-moshes |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=FIIA – Finnish Institute of International Affairs |language=en-GB}}</ref> In paper described possible ways to help Ukraine be integrated in EU and vice versa, and how to decrease Russia's influence in Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moshes |first=Arkady |date=2003 |title=Ukraine in Tomorrow's Europe |url=https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/10730/doc_10761_290_en.pdf |publisher=[[Finnish Institute of International Affairs]] |place=Helsinki |type=Report }}</ref><ref name=":2" />

Obtaining the status of a full member of the EU as a strategic goal of Ukraine was first declared by President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko immediately after his election in early 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/economic-and-fiscal-policy-coordination/international-economic-relations/enlargement-and-neighbouring-countries/neighbouring-countries-eu/neighbourhood-countries/ukraine_en|title=Ukraine &#124; European Commission|access-date=14 February 2021|archive-date=4 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304135246/https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/economic-and-fiscal-policy-coordination/international-economic-relations/enlargement-and-neighbouring-countries/neighbouring-countries-eu/neighbourhood-countries/ukraine_en|url-status=live}}</ref> On 13 January 2005, the European Parliament almost unanimously (467 in favor, 19 against) adopted a resolution on the European Parliament's intentions to converge with Ukraine on membership. The European Commission notes that, although a certain preparatory period has yet to pass, the admission of new members is not ruled out. To which President Yushchenko responded with his intention to apply for membership "in the near future".

Several influential EU leaders at the time expressed support for improving ties with Ukraine. In particular, Polish Foreign Minister Adam Rotfeld stated on 21 March 2005 that Poland would support Ukraine's European integration aspirations under any circumstances. In particular, he said: "At this stage, we should focus on concrete steps of cooperation instead of empty talks about pan-European cooperation." Three days later, a survey in the six largest EU countries showed the commitment of EU citizens to accept Ukraine as a full member in the future.

In October 2005, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said that "Ukraine's future is in the EU". However, on 9 October 2005, the European Commission, in a new version of the Development Strategy Paper, stated that the implementation of enlargement plans (Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republics) could block the accession of Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova. Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said the EU should avoid "too much enlargement", stressing that the current enlargement plan looks complete.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://euobserver.com/9/20289|title=Blow to Kiev as Brussels closes door to further enlargement|last1=Beunderman|first1=Mark|date=9 November 2005|publisher=EU observer|access-date=11 February 2018|archive-date=5 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605073540/http://euobserver.com/9/20289|url-status=live}}</ref>

Although Ukrainian officials and political scientists mentioned several specific dates for possible membership, only Ukraine's European Neighborhood Policy has been officially proposed to Ukraine by the EU so far. The presidential administration has been critical of the proposed status of neighborhood relations.

=== 2007–2014 ===

In March 2007, Ukraine was offered a Free Trade Agreement with the EU. Although this proposal provoked a much stronger reaction from the Ukrainian state, it did not contain specific plans for Ukraine's accession to the EU in the near future. Some Western European politicians have spoken of the temporary "fatigue of enlargement" of European institutions. Ukrainian observers identify the so-called "resistance group" of Ukraine's accession to the EU. In particular, when concluding the text of the Enhanced Agreement between Ukraine and the EU in March 2007, references to the prospect of membership were excluded from it. "Any mention of the prospect of Ukraine's accession to the European Union has been excluded from the draft enhanced Ukraine-EU agreement due to France's position", wrote the influential German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Italy's position depends on the domestic political situation of this country. Thus, during the election campaign in this country, the government of Silvio Berlusconi gave diplomatic signals that he was ready to support Ukraine's European integration aspirations. His political opponent Romano Prodi, on the other hand, said that "Ukraine's prospects for joining the EU are the same as in New Zealand".

According to the Eastern Partnership policy, Ukraine can become a member of the European Union.<ref name="euobserver.com">{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Rettman |url=http://euobserver.com/9/31109 |title=EUobserver / EU unlikely to expand into post-Soviet east in next decade |publisher=Euobserver.com |date=22 October 2010 |access-date=7 January 2011 |archive-date=11 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311223450/http://euobserver.com/9/31109 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 27 February 2014 the European Parliament passed a resolution that recognized Ukraine's right to "apply to become a Member of the Union, provided that it adheres to the principles of democracy, respects fundamental freedoms and human and minority rights, and ensures the rule of law".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20140221IPR36637/ukraine-meps-urge-eu-to-help-financial-rescue-but-enact-targeted-sanctions-too|title=Ukraine: MEPs urge EU to help financial rescue, but enact targeted sanctions too &#124; News &#124; European Parliament|date=27 February 2014|website=europarl.europa.eu|access-date=5 February 2020|archive-date=5 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205002611/https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20140221IPR36637/ukraine-meps-urge-eu-to-help-financial-rescue-but-enact-targeted-sanctions-too|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/article/opinion/op-ed/martin-schulz-the-european-parliament-endorses-the-european-perspective-of-ukraine-337794.html|title=Martin Schulz: The European Parliament endorses the European perspective of Ukraine - Feb. 27, 2014|website=Kyiv Post|access-date=5 February 2020|archive-date=11 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711000957/https://www.kyivpost.com/article/opinion/op-ed/martin-schulz-the-european-parliament-endorses-the-european-perspective-of-ukraine-337794.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The European Parliament notes that in accordance with Article 49 of the Treaty with the EU, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, like any other European country, have a European perspective and can apply for EU membership in accordance with the principles of democracy, - said in a resolution of the European Parliament in Brussels, adopted at the last session before the elections to the European Parliament, which took place on 23–25 May 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.trend.az/scaucasus/georgia/2264637.html|title=Georgia can apply for EU membership if it complies with democratic principles|date=18 April 2014|website=Trend.Az|access-date=24 January 2022|archive-date=16 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116013256/https://en.trend.az/scaucasus/georgia/2264637.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 27 June 2014 The President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso stated that the Association Agreement is the beginning of Ukraine's accession to the EU.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unn.com.ua/uk/news/1359053-ugoda-pro-asotsiatsiyu-ye-pochatkom-vstupu-do-yes-zh-barrozu|title=Угода про асоціацію є початком вступу до ЄС – Ж. Баррозу|last1=Шинкарук|first1=Дмитрий|date=27 June 2014|publisher=«Інформаційне агенство Українські національні новини»|access-date=11 February 2018|archive-date=12 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212005453/http://www.unn.com.ua/uk/news/1359053-ugoda-pro-asotsiatsiyu-ye-pochatkom-vstupu-do-yes-zh-barrozu|url-status=live}}</ref> On the same day, EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele stated that he believed in Ukraine's future membership in the EU.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unn.com.ua/uk/news/1359116-yevrokomisar-ua-ne-kintseva-meta-spivrobitnitstva|title=Ш. Фюле: Угода про асоціацію – не кінцева мета співробітництва|last1=Шинкарук|first1=Дмитрий|date=27 June 2014|publisher=«Інформаційне агенство Українські національні новини»|access-date=11 February 2018|archive-date=12 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212005351/http://www.unn.com.ua/uk/news/1359116-yevrokomisar-ua-ne-kintseva-meta-spivrobitnitstva|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2014–2022 ===

In March 2016, [[President of the European Commission]] [[Jean-Claude Juncker]] stated that it would take at least 20–25 years for Ukraine to join the EU and NATO.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/juncker-says-ukraine-not-likely-join-eu-nato-for-20-25-years/27588682.html|title=Juncker Says Ukraine Not Likely To Join EU, NATO For 20-25 Years|date=4 March 2016|publisher=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|language=en|access-date=4 March 2016|archive-date=17 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117030510/http://www.rferl.org/a/juncker-says-ukraine-not-likely-join-eu-nato-for-20-25-years/27588682.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2018, President of Ukraine [[Petro Poroshenko]] said he expects [[Ukraine]] will join the [[European Union]] and the [[NATO|North Atlantic Treaty Organisation]] by 2030.

At the X session of the Ukraine-Poland-Lithuania Interparliamentary Assembly, which ended on 8 June 2019 in Kyiv, the parties signed a final document containing an agreement on the strategy of 2025 and 2027 as a period for Ukraine's possible accession to the EU. In 2027, when Lithuania will hold the EU presidency for the second time, the issue of Ukraine will be the main issue on the agenda. If this opportunity is not used, the next "window" will open in 2039, when Poland will preside over the EU and Lithuania will preside only in 2041.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/news/2019/06/8/7097104/|title=Польща і Литва: 2025-2027 роки - "вікно" для вступу України до ЄС|access-date=14 February 2021|archive-date=29 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129191655/https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/news/2019/06/8/7097104/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 23 July 2020, Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine created a tripartite platform for political, economic, cultural and social cooperation—the [[Lublin Triangle]], which aims to support Ukraine's integration into the EU and NATO.

In February 2021, the leader of the presiding [[Christian Democratic Union of Germany]], [[Armin Laschet]], who was considered a likely successor to Angela Merkel as Chancellor of Germany, supported the idea of EU enlargement and giving Ukraine a European perspective:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.slovoidilo.ua/2021/02/08/novyna/polityka/nastupnyk-merkel-oczinyv-shansy-ukrayiny-staty-chlenom-yes|title=Наступник Меркель оцінив шанси України стати членом ЄС|website=Слово і Діло|access-date=14 February 2021|archive-date=9 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209203143/https://www.slovoidilo.ua/2021/02/08/novyna/polityka/nastupnyk-merkel-oczinyv-shansy-ukrayiny-staty-chlenom-yes|url-status=live}}</ref><blockquote class="templatequote">The question of Ukraine's accession to the EU does not arise at the moment, but it will inevitably arise in the future. We must support Ukraine on its difficult path and at the same time open a European perspective.</blockquote>Quite a few experts believe that in times of deteriorating relations between Russia and the EU,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-world/3189317-rosia-zaavlae-pro-gotovnist-rozirvati-vidnosini-z-es.html|title=Росія заявляє про готовність розірвати відносини з ЄС|access-date=14 February 2021|archive-date=6 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306203508/https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-world/3189317-rosia-zaavlae-pro-gotovnist-rozirvati-vidnosini-z-es.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Ukraine has a window of opportunity to join the European Union. [[Pavlo Klimkin]] noted that Ukraine still does not meet any criteria for joining the European Union, as it does not have an established democracy, rule of law and a full-fledged market economy. According to him, the first chance was lost in early 2005, when Yushchenko was persuaded not to apply, and in 2014 it was much more difficult to do so.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.5.ua/polityka/klimkin-ozvuchyv-umovy-za-iakykh-ukraina-mozhe-staty-chlenom-nato-do-2030-roku-236642.html|title=Клімкін озвучив умови, за яких Україна може стати членом НАТО до 2030 року|access-date=14 February 2021|archive-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307031323/https://www.5.ua/polityka/klimkin-ozvuchyv-umovy-za-iakykh-ukraina-mozhe-staty-chlenom-nato-do-2030-roku-236642.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 11 February 2021, the European Parliament published a report on Ukraine's success in implementing the Association Agreement with the European Union. The document highlights both the main successes of Ukraine on this path, as well as failures or moments that hinder the reform process in the country. In general, the European Union is not yet ready to officially talk about the prospects of Ukraine's accession to the ranks of member states, but Ukraine's European perspective is recognized.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.slovoidilo.ua/2021/02/12/novyna/polityka/konstytuczijna-kryza-korupcziya-oliharxy-yevroparlament-opublikuvav-dopovid-po-ukrayini|title=Конституційна криза, корупція, олігархи: Європарламент опублікував доповідь по Україні|access-date=14 February 2021|archive-date=14 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214223016/https://www.slovoidilo.ua/2021/02/12/novyna/polityka/konstytuczijna-kryza-korupcziya-oliharxy-yevroparlament-opublikuvav-dopovid-po-ukrayini|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, Ukraine was preparing to formally apply for EU membership in 2024, in order to join the European Union in the 2030s.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=У 2024 році Україна подасть заявку на вступ до ЄС|url=https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-polytics/2629440-u-2024-roci-ukraina-podast-zaavku-na-vstup-do-es.html|website=ukrinform.ua|access-date=16 June 2021|archive-date=6 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606180804/https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-polytics/2629440-u-2024-roci-ukraina-podast-zaavku-na-vstup-do-es.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2022–present ===
[[File:European Union future possible members 2.0.svg|thumb|Countries that could join the European Union
{{legend|#003399|Current members}}
{{legend|#46a43b|Candidate countries}}
{{legend|#ffd617|Applicant / potential candidate countries}}
{{legend|#F29527|Membership possible}}
{{legend|#da2131|Membership not possible}}]]
[[File:Заявка України на членство у Європейському Союзі, 1.jpg|thumb|Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy accompanied by [[Ruslan Stefanchuk]] and [[Denys Shmyhal]], showing the application for EU membership candidacy on 28 February 2022]]
[[File:PL Wwa, Ukr - 2022.05.07, PKiN, fot I Nowicka (11).jpg|thumb|Two [[flag of Poland|Ukrainian flags]] next to the flag of [[flag of Poland|Poland]] and the [[Flag of Europe|European Union]] in central [[Warsaw]], May 2022. Fot. [[Ivonna Nowicka]].]]
Following the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]], there were additional calls to start a formal accession process. Ukraine reiterated its desire to become a member of the union,<ref>{{cite news |title=As Russia invades, Ukraine makes appeal for EU membership |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-european-union-membership-appeal-volodymyr-zelenskiy-russia-war/ |access-date=28 February 2022 |work=Politico |date=26 February 2022}}</ref> and President of the European Commission [[Ursula von der Leyen]] stated that Ukraine belongs in the European Union.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine belongs in EU, Commission chief von der Leyen says |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-eu-commission-chief-von-der-leyen-invite/ |access-date=28 February 2022 |work=Politico |date=28 February 2022}}</ref> Slovak prime minister [[Eduard Heger]] expressed support for an accelerated accession process.<ref>{{cite news |title=Slovakia pushes for 'special track' for Ukraine toward joining EU |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/slovakia-pushes-for-new-eu-track-for-ukraine/ |access-date=28 February 2022 |work=Politico |date=27 February 2022}}</ref>

On 28 February, Ukraine officially submitted a letter of application for membership. Due to the ongoing crisis, President [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]] requested immediate admission to the European Union under a special procedure.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Prentice |first=Alessandra |others=Reporting: Zinets, Natalia; Polityuk, Pavel |date=2022-02-28 |title=Ukrainian president signs formal request to join the European Union |language=en |publisher=Reuters |editor-last=Lawson |editor-first=Hugh |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukrainian-president-signs-formal-request-join-european-union-2022-02-28/ |access-date=2022-02-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Zelenskiy Calls For Ukraine's Immediate EU Membership But Bloc Cool On Idea |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-eu-membership-zelenskiy/31728332.html |access-date=28 February 2022 |publisher=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Eight EU states signed a letter supporting an accelerated accession process for Ukraine.<ref name="Presidents">{{cite news |title=Presidents of 8 EU states call for immediate talks on Ukrainian membership |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/presidents-8-eu-states-call-immediate-talks-ukrainian-membership-2022-02-28/ |access-date=28 February 2022 |publisher=Reuters |date=28 February 2022 |language=en}}</ref> On 1 March, Hungarian foreign minister [[Péter Szijjártó]] stated his country would also support an accelerated process.<ref name="HU">{{Cite news |title=Hungary supports bid for Ukraine to become EU member, says minister |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/hungary-supports-bid-ukraine-become-eu-member-minister-2022-03-01/ |publisher=Reuters |date=1 March 2022 |access-date=1 March 2022}}</ref>

On 1 March 2022, the European Parliament, following a debate in which the President of Ukraine addressed and received applause, recommended that Ukraine be made an official "candidate" for EU membership.<ref>{{cite news |title=The European Parliament has recommended that Ukraine be granted EU candidate status |url=https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/news/2022/03/1/7135011// |access-date=1 March 2022 |work=eurointegration|date=1 March 2022 |language=UK}}</ref> The European Parliament has voted to advance Ukraine's membership with 637 voted for, with 13 voted against, and 26 abstained.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-01 |title=European Parliament Votes to Advance Ukraine's Application for EU Membership |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/news/european-parliament-votes-to-advance-ukraines-application-for-eu-membership/ |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=National Review |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Here Are the Members of Parliament Who Voted to Deny Ukraine's EU Admission |url=https://www.newsweek.com/here-are-members-parliament-who-voted-deny-ukraines-eu-admission-1683808 |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=MSN |date=March 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> On 2 March, however, Spanish foreign minister [[José Manuel Albares]] stated that "belonging to the EU is not a capricious process or one that can be done by a mere political decision", reminding that the candidate country "must meet certain social, political and economic standards".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-28 |title=Ucrania reclama a España que apoye de forma "explícita" la reivindicación de adhesión a la UE |url=https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-ucrania-reclama-espana-apoye-forma-explicita-reivindicacion-adhesion-ue-20220228143514.html |access-date=2022-03-02 |publisher=Europa Press}}</ref>

On 7 March, the EU said it will formally assess Ukraine's application.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-examine-ukraine-moldova-georgia-membership-bid/ |title=EU to officially examine Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia's bids to join the bloc |last=Barigazzi |first=Jacopo |website=Politico |date=7 March 2022 |access-date=10 April 2022}}</ref> On 8 April, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief [[Josep Borrell]] visited Kyiv.<ref name="VDL">{{cite news |url=https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-eu-chief-offers-kyiv-fast-track-to-membership/a-61409635 |title=Ukraine: EU chief offers Kyiv fast track to membership |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=8 April 2022 |access-date=10 April 2022}}</ref> Von der Leyen presented president Zelenskyy with a questionnaire for membership.<ref name="VDL"/> Borrell announced that the EU delegation to Ukraine, headed by [[Matti Maasikas]], will return to Kyiv after it was evacuated at the outbreak of war.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-says-resuming-diplomatic-presence-kyiv-2022-04-08/ |title=EU says resuming diplomatic presence in Kyiv |publisher=Reuters |date=9 April 2022 |access-date=10 April 2022}}</ref> On 18 April, Ukraine completed the questionnaire.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 April 2022 |title=Ukraine completes questionnaire for EU membership - official |publisher=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-completes-questionnaire-eu-membership-official-2022-04-18/ |access-date=18 April 2022}}</ref> On 24 May, the Council of the European Union adopted a regulation enabling for temporary trade liberalisation with Ukraine, interrupting all tariffs under Title IV of the association agreement, anti-dumping duties and the enforcement of common rules for imports.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/05/24/ukraine-council-adopts-temporary-trade-liberalisation-with-ukraine/|website=consilium.europa.eu|title=Ukraine: Council adopts temporary trade liberalisation with Ukraine|date=24 May 2022}}</ref>
[[File:Участь_Президента_України_у_пленарному_засіданні_Верховної_Ради_02.jpg|thumb|On 1 July 2022, the [[Flag of Europe|EU flag]] was solemnly brought into the hall of the [[Verkhovna Rada|Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine]], where it will fly from that time on.]]
On 17 June 2022, the EU Commission officially announced its recommendation to grant Ukraine EU candidate status.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/06/17/europe/eu-commission-endorses-ukraine-candidacy-intl/index.html/|publisher=CNN |title=Ukraine's bid to join EU gets major boost as executive backs candidacy|date=17 June 2022}}{{dead link|date=May 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> On 23 June 2022, the [[European Parliament]] adopted a resolution calling for the immediate granting of candidate status for membership in the European Union to Ukraine.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=The European Parliament has supported candidate status for Ukraine and Moldova |url=https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/news/2022/06/23/7141870/ |website=eurointegration.com.ua |language=uk |access-date=2022-06-23}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=2022-06-23 |title=Grant EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova without delay, MEPs demand {{!}} News {{!}} European Parliament |url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20220616IPR33216/grant-eu-candidate-status-to-ukraine-and-moldova-without-delay-meps-demand |access-date=2022-06-23 |website=europarl.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref> On 23 June 2022, the [[European Council]] granted Ukraine the status of a candidate for accession to the European Union.<ref name=":8" /> In January 2023, the prime minister of Ukraine claimed that the country would join the EU "within the next two years", however, this is seen as overly optimistic within the bloc.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-30 |title=Ukraine wants to join EU within two years, PM says |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-eu-membership-two-years-prime-minister-denys-shmyhal/ |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=Politico |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Michel, Zelensky and von der Leyen-Kiev, February 2023.jpg|thumb|230x230px|Ukrainian President [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]] with President of the European Council [[Charles Michel]] and President of the European Commission [[Ursula von der Leyen]] at the 2023 [[2023 EU–Ukraine Summit|EU–Ukraine Summit]] in Kyiv, 3 February 2023]]
On 8 May 2023, the [[President of Ukraine]]<ref>Decree of the President of Ukraine from 8 травня 2023 year №&nbsp;266/2023 [https://www.president.gov.ua/documents/2662023-46697 «Про День Європи»] {{in lang|uk}}</ref> established a decree to celebrate [[Europe Day]] on 9 May, coinciding with [[Member state of the European Union|EU member states]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=President's Decree declares May 9 as Europe Day in Ukraine |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-society/3706199-presidents-decree-declares-may-9-as-europe-day-in-ukraine.html |access-date=2023-05-08 |website=ukrinform.net |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Service |first=RFE/RL's Ukrainian |title=Zelenskiy Declares May 9 'Europe Day' Ahead Of Russia's World War II Anniversary |publisher=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-military-russia-drone-attacks-anniversary/32401350.html |accessdate=2023-05-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Україна щорічно 9 травня відзначатиме День Європи - указ президента |url=https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/news/2023/05/8/7161194/ |accessdate=2023-05-08 |website=eurointegration.com.ua |language=uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|access-date=2023-05-08|author=Julia Mueller|date=2023-05-08|language=en-US|title=Ukraine will now celebrate 'Europe Day' on Russia's 'Victory Day'|url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/3993959-ukraine-will-now-celebrate-europe-day-on-russias-victory-day/|website=The Hill}}</ref> Representative of the European Commission Dana Spinant welcomed Ukraine's decision to start celebrating Europe Day on 9 May, noting that this decision is a reflection of the European identity of the [[Ukrainians|Ukrainian people]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=EU on Ukraine's decision to celebrate Europe Day on 9 May: "Reflection of the European identity of the Ukrainian people" |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/05/8/7401246/ |access-date=2023-05-08 |website=Ukrainska Pravda |language=en}}</ref>

In October 2023, former [[European Commission President]] [[Jean Claude Juncker]] called Ukraine "massively corrupt" at all levels of society. Juncker, a most experienced expert of EU-Ukraine relations said in an article by the [[Augsburger Allgemeine]] that the admission of Ukraine to the EU "would be neither good for the EU nor for Ukraine". Juncker's statements stand in sharp contrast to the acting EU Commission President [[Ursula von der Leyen]]'s drive to allow the opening of accession negotiations for Ukraine to join the EU as soon as December 2023. Membership of Ukraine in the EU is seen as a major factor to win the war against Russia as the country relies on military and economic support from other European nations.<ref>HÜLSEMANN L (5 Oct 2023). [https://www.politico.eu/article/jean-claude-juncker-ukraine-corruption-eu- "Juncker: Ukraine is totallycorrupt"] Politico. 6 Oct 2023.</ref>

On 8 November 2023, the [[European Commission]] recommended starting accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Enlargement: Commission recommends starting accession negotiations with Ukraine, Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and candidate status for Georgia|url=https://commission.europa.eu/news/enlargement-commission-recommends-starting-accession-negotiations-ukraine-moldova-bosnia-and-2023-11-08_en|website=commission.europa.eu|accessdate=2023-11-08}}</ref>  On 14 December 2023, the European Council agreed to open accession negotiations with Ukraine, as well as Moldova.<ref name="bbc1412">{{cite web |title=EU to open membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-67722252 |date=14 December 2023}}</ref>  On 21 June 2024, the European Union agreed to start membership negotiations with Ukraine.<ref name=negopen/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/eu-enlargement-talks-ukraine-moldova-b19ffc535451fb43b75ea5d930359fe2#:~:text=EU%20nations%20agree%20to%20start%20membership%20negotiations%20next%20week%20with%20Ukraine%20and%20Moldova,-1%20of%203&text=BRUSSELS%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20European,West%20and%20mute%20Russia's%20influence|title=EU nations agree to start membership negotiations next week with Ukraine and Moldova|date=21 June 2024|newspaper=AP News}}</ref>  Accession negotiations began on 25 June 2024, at the same time as those with [[Accession of Moldova to the European Union|Moldova]].<ref name=negopen>{{cite web|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/06/25/eu-opens-accession-negotiations-with-ukraine/|title=EU opens accession negotiations with Ukraine|date=2024-06-25|accessdate=2024-07-01|publisher=[[European Union]]}}</ref><ref name="June2024UkrMol">{{cite web |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_24_3461/ |title=Statement by President von der Leyen on opening accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova |date=25 July 2024 |accessdate=2024-06-25 |website=European Commission}}</ref>

== Ukraine's foreign relations with EU member states ==

{{col-begin}}
{{col-4}}
* {{flagicon|Austria}} [[Austria–Ukraine relations|Austria]]
* {{flagicon|Belgium}} [[Belgium–Ukraine relations|Belgium]]
* {{flagicon|Bulgaria}} [[Bulgaria–Ukraine relations|Bulgaria]]
* {{flagicon|Croatia}} [[Croatia–Ukraine relations|Croatia]]
* {{flagicon|Cyprus}} [[Cyprus–Ukraine relations|Cyprus]]
* {{flagicon|Czech Republic}} [[Czech Republic–Ukraine relations|Czech Republic]]
* {{flagicon|Denmark}} [[Denmark–Ukraine relations|Denmark]]
{{col-4}}
* {{flagicon|Estonia}} [[Estonia–Ukraine relations|Estonia]]
* {{flagicon|Finland}} [[Finland–Ukraine relations|Finland]]
* {{flagicon|France}} [[France–Ukraine relations|France]]
* {{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany–Ukraine relations|Germany]]
* {{flagicon|Greece}} [[Greece–Ukraine relations|Greece]]
* {{flagicon|Hungary}} [[Hungary–Ukraine relations|Hungary]]
* {{flagicon|Ireland}} [[Ireland–Ukraine relations|Ireland]]
{{col-4}}
* {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy–Ukraine relations|Italy]]
* {{flagicon|Latvia}} [[Latvia–Ukraine relations|Latvia]]
* {{flagicon|Lithuania}} [[Lithuania–Ukraine relations|Lithuania]]
* {{flagicon|Luxembourg}} [[Luxembourg–Ukraine relations|Luxembourg]]
* {{flagicon|Malta}} [[Malta–Ukraine relations|Malta]]
* {{flagicon|Netherlands}} [[Netherlands–Ukraine relations|Netherlands]]
* {{flagicon|Poland}} [[Poland–Ukraine relations|Poland]]
{{col-4}}
* {{flagicon|Portugal}} [[Portugal–Ukraine relations|Portugal]]
* {{flagicon|Romania}} [[Romania–Ukraine relations|Romania]]
* {{flagicon|Slovakia}} [[Slovakia–Ukraine relations|Slovakia]]
* {{flagicon|Slovenia}} [[Slovenia–Ukraine relations|Slovenia]]
* {{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain–Ukraine relations|Spain]]
* {{flagicon|Sweden}} [[Sweden–Ukraine relations|Sweden]]
{{col-end}}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Europe|European Union|Ukraine|Politics}} 
*[[Accession of Armenia to the European Union]] 
*[[Accession of Georgia to the European Union]] 
*[[Accession of Moldova to the European Union]]
*[[Accession of Ukraine to the European Union]]
*[[Armenia–European Union relations]]
*[[Azerbaijan–European Union relations]]
*[[Association Trio]] 
*[[Eastern Partnership]]
*[[European Political Community]]
*[[Euronest Parliamentary Assembly]]
*[[Georgia–European Union relations]]
*[[Moldova–European Union relations]]
*[[INOGATE]] 
*[[Poland–Ukraine relations]]
*[[Russia–European Union relations]]
*[[Ukraine–NATO relations]] 
*[[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]]
*Borders with EU members
**[[Hungary–Ukraine border]]
**[[Poland–Ukraine border]]
**[[Romania–Ukraine border]] 
**[[Slovakia–Ukraine border]]

== Notes ==

{{Reflist|group=nb}}

== References ==

{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="DW 16.09.2014">[http://www.dw.de/ukraine-ratifies-eu-association-agreement/a-17925681 Ukraine ratifies EU association agreement] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317063405/http://www.dw.de/ukraine-ratifies-eu-association-agreement/a-17925681 |date=17 March 2015 }}. [[Deutsche Welle]]. Published 16.09.2014.</ref>
<ref name="Reuters 25 Sep 2014">Richard Balmforth and Natalia Zinets. [http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-ukraine-crisis-president-idUKKCN0HK0OE20140925 Ukraine president sets 2020 as EU target date, defends peace plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715153205/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-ukraine-crisis-president/ukraine-president-sets-2020-as-eu-target-date-defends-peace-plan-idUKKCN0HK0OE20140925 |date=15 July 2019 }}. [[Reuters]]. Published on 25 Sep 2014. [[Reuters]]. 7 November 2016</ref>
<ref name="Reuters 21 November 2016">Gabriela Baczynska, Philip Blenkinsop. [http://news.trust.org/item/20161117145109-sg5zj EU states conditionally back visa-free travel for Ukraine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121180328/http://news.trust.org/item/20161117145109-sg5zj |date=21 November 2016 }}. [[Thomson Reuters Foundation]]. Published on 17 November 2016.</ref>
<ref name=KPHS161112>[http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukraines-jailed-tymoshenko-calls-off-hunger-strike-316252.html Ukraine's jailed Tymoshenko calls off hunger strike] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125105245/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukraines-jailed-tymoshenko-calls-off-hunger-strike-316252.html |date=25 January 2014 }}, ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (16 November 2012)</ref>
<ref name="KPshelvedEUUKRAgr20712">[http://www.kyivpost.com/content/politics/eu-leaders-ratification-of-association-agreement-a-310272.html EU leaders:Ratification of Association Agreement and DCFTA depends on settlement of Tymoshenko-Lutsenko issue] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404151942/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/politics/eu-leaders-ratification-of-association-agreement-a-310272.html |date=4 April 2014 }}, [[Kyiv Post]] (20 July 2012)</ref>
<ref name=got4year27212>[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/politics/detail/123206/ Ukraine's Lutsenko jailed for 4 years (updated)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429114251/http://www.kyivpost.com/news/politics/detail/123206 |date=29 April 2012 }}, [[Kyiv Post]] (27 February 2012)</ref>
<ref name=Lutpar7413>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22061269 Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych pardons Yulia Tymoshenko allies] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120015412/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22061269 |date=20 January 2016 }}, [[BBC News]] (8 April 2013)<br />[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22057073 Ukrainian leader Yanukovych pardons Tymoshenko ally] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122160854/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22057073 |date=22 November 2018 }}, [[BBC News]] (7 April 2013)<br />[http://www.interfax.co.uk/ukraine-news/ukrainian-president-pardons-lutsenko-and-filipchuk-decree-3/ Ukrainian president pardons Lutsenko and Filipchuk – decree] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112200536/https://interfax.com/ |date=12 November 2020 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (7 April 2013)</ref>
<ref name=FuleIU201113>[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/175853.html "EU Commissioner Fule expects Rada to pass European integration bills on 21 November"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125091913/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/175853.html |date=25 January 2014 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (20 November 2013)</ref>
}}

== Literature ==

{{refbegin}}
* Anatolij Ponomarenko: "Die europäische Orientierung der Ukraine: Dekret des Präsidenten der Ukraine über die Strategie der Integration der Ukraine in die Europäische Union; Partnerschaftsabkommen zwischen der EU und der Ukraine". Zentrum für Europäische Integrationsforschung, Bonn 1999. 42 S. {{ISBN|3-933307-39-2}} {{in lang|de}}
* Dezseri, Kalman [ed.]: Economic and political relations after the EU enlargement: the Visegrad countries and Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, Budapest 2004.
* Wolfgang Tiede and Sabina Krispenz: "Die Ukraine auf dem Weg in die Europäische Union?" ("Ukraine on the way to the European Union?" in Osteuropa-Recht (OER)) 2008 (German Law Journal), vol. 6, pp.&nbsp;417–426.
* Wolfgang Tiede and Christina Schröder: ''Die Ukraine auf dem Weg in die NATO?'' ("Ukraine on the Way to NATO Membership?"), in Osteuropa-Recht (OER) 2009 (German Law Journal), vol. 3, pp.&nbsp;294–304 {{in lang|de}}.
* Andreas Umland: "Europa und die ukrainische Misere: Weil die EU dem Land eine Mitgliedschaft gar nicht in Aussicht stellt, trägt sie zum Chaos in Kiew bei. Ein historischer Fehler", in: [[Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung]], 1 November 2009, p.&nbsp;15 {{in lang|de}}.
* Wolfgang Tiede and Jakob Schirmer: "Strategische Notwendigkeit – Die Östliche Partnerschaft der Europäischen Union" ("The EU's Eastern Partnership"), in "WeltTrends" (Zeitschrift für internationale Politik und vergleichende Studien), 71/2010, pp.&nbsp;10–14 {{in lang|de}}.
* Dmitry Yefremenko. Life after Vilnius. A new geopolitical configuration for Ukraine. - Russia in global affairs. - Vol. 11, No. 3 - July – September 2013. Electronic version: [http://eng.globalaffairs.ru/number/Life-after-Vilnius-16166 Life after Vilnius] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202232010/http://eng.globalaffairs.ru/number/Life-after-Vilnius-16166 |date=2 February 2014 }}
{{refend}}

== Further reading ==

* [[Kyiv Post]] articles on [https://www.kyivpost.com/hot/eu-ukraine-relations/ EU-Ukraine Relations]
* [[Kyiv Post]] articles on [https://www.kyivpost.com/hot/reform-watch/ Reform Watch]

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Relations of the European Union and Ukraine}}
* [http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/ukraine/index_en.htm The European Commission's Delegation to Ukraine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209222137/http://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/ukraine/index_en.htm |date=9 February 2015 }}
* [http://ukraine-eu.mfa.gov.ua/en Mission of Ukraine to the European Union]
* [http://mfa.gov.ua/en# Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine]
* [http://eeas.europa.eu/ukraine/index_en.htm European Union External Action Service: Ukraine]
* [http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/text-of-association-agreement-between-eu-ukraine-317197.html Text of association agreement between EU, Ukraine]

{{Ukraine–European Union relations}}
{{Foreign relations of Ukraine}}
{{Foreign relations of the European Union 2}}
{{EU countries and candidates}}
{{Euromaidan}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ukraine-European Union relations}}
[[Category:Ukraine–European Union relations| ]]
[[Category:Multilateral relations of Ukraine|European Union]]
[[Category:Third-country relations of the European Union]]