European Union Membership Prospects For Ukraine

The topic I have chosen is European Union membership prospects for Ukraine.I believe this topic is important because twenty years ago with the fall of the Soviet Union Ukraine received a chance for democratic development and European integration. Disappearance of the Soviet Union has opened the way for many countries to their own future. However, the transition period became a challenge with which not every country managed to cope yet. Twenty years of transition period from Communism to Democracy were marked by progress and regress, which on the one hand encourages, but on the other sets new challenges to unite Europe.Ukraine became the example of progress and failures during20years of transition.The main aim of this paper is to show the current situation of Ukraine as a non-EU member and to analyze the reasons why Ukraine till now cannot cope with all difficulties which most countries faced after the fall of socialist regime.We will look at three questions which is very important to be mentioned.Firstly, I will discuss the issue of geopolitical position of Ukraine as it is unique and strategic and how it affects foreign policy.Secondly, question of national identity, nation building, language and the model of Ukrainian society is very important and crucial because it builds foreign policy priorities and direction of Ukrainian state, namely it leads to the choice one of major powers: integrating into European institutions or joining the Russian Customs Union or still balancing between two centers?Thirdly, we will look at foreign policy and its constant changes since Ukraine’s independence and during the democratization process. I will try to show what the top priority in foreign policy of Ukraine.The paper comprises the process of Ukraine’s application to the EU, the obstacles of the membership. I will try to explain my opinion as to how Ukraine could make a right choice and what choice is the best and what changes could be done for Ukraine on the way for European integration.