«Східне партнерство» як вимір європейської політики сусідства та діалоговий рівень співробітництва України з ЄС

Abstract

Вивчено актуальну проблему реалізації проекту «Східне партнерство» як виміру Європейської політики сусідства. Розглянуто суспільно-політичні передумови створення проекту, проаналізовано позиції та мотиви держав-ініціаторів; всебічно охарактеризовано суть проекту «Східне партнерство», механізми його реалізації та результати втілення. Значну увагу звернено на аналіз співпраці Європейського Союзу з Україною в межах проекту «Східне партнерство»; висвітлено переваги економічної та політичної євроінтеграції України. Значну увагу звернено на саміт Східного партнерства (м. Вільнюс, 2013 р.); проаналізовано його результати, перспективи подальшої співпраці ЄС з державами-учасницями проекту та з Україною, зокрема. «The Eastern Partnership» is researched as a large-scale project and a regional initiative of the European Union, aimed at expanding and strengthening European integration, activation of the EU cooperation with Eastern European states-partners, holding negotiations between the EU and Ukraine in the economic and political dimensions. This article dwells on the strategy, purposes, and objectives of the initiative regarding both member states and specifically Ukraine. Moreover, the article highlights the evolution and results of the Eastern Partnership project which is considered as an effective political international mechanism. The Eastern Partnership is regarded as the EU aspiration for the institutionalization and liberalization of the neighborhood policy concerning Eastern European countries, as well as the support of those countries’ desire to get closer to democratic values, European standards and norms. The article points out that in the frames of realization of its goals, the project foresees the creation of a new free trade zone, establishment of visa-free regime, cooperation within economic, energy, cultural, educational, and environmental spheres. The article pays a great attention to the analysis of the social political conditions, under which the project was created, as well as to the research of goals, intentions, and positions of interested and engaged in the project subjects. It analyzes, in particular, the motivation of the countries which have initiated the project, Poland and Sweden; it also highlights the positions of France and Russia. The author of the article puts a special focus on the bilateral relations between Ukraine and the EU. In addition to that, one can find here the analysis of advantages and benefits Ukraine could achieve within the economic and political sphere in the frames of realization of the terms of the Eastern Partnership project. Moreover, the article highlights the range of unsolved problems concerning the declared differentiated approach of the EU towards the cooperation with member countries and specifically Ukraine. The position of the Russian Federation on promotion of EU regional programs is discussed as well. It is stated that Russia has a biased view toward the EU integration initiatives and is somewhat opposed to that. The article is largely focused on results and consequences of the Eastern Partnership Summit that was held in Vilnius, on November 28-29, 2013. This important event has grasped attention both of the European society and of the world community. On the basis of results of the Summit, the author analyzes the position of Ukraine concerning the fact that the Ukrainian side unilaterally refused to sign the Association Agreement. The article points out a clear position of the EU towards Ukraine, which is based on the «open-door policy».