Ukraine–European Union relations facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
European Union-Ukraine relations

European Union	Ukraine
Diplomatic Mission
European Union Delegation, Kyiv	Mission of Ukraine, Brussels

The relationship between the European Union (EU) and Ukraine is very important. It is shaped by agreements like the Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). Ukraine is a key partner in programs like the Eastern Partnership and the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). The EU and Ukraine have become much closer over time. This goes beyond just working together to include economic ties and political cooperation. On June 23, 2022, the European Council decided that Ukraine could become a candidate to join the European Union.

The Association Agreement was first planned in 2012. But on November 21, 2013, Ukraine's government, led by President Viktor Yanukovych, stopped preparing to sign it. This decision led to big protests called Euromaidan. These protests eventually led to Yanukovych and his government being removed in February 2014.

The political part of the Association Agreement was signed on March 21, 2014, by Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk. The EU also helped Ukraine with money. The economic part of the agreement was signed on June 27, 2014, by the new president, Petro Poroshenko. On January 1, 2016, Ukraine joined the DCFTA with the EU. Ukrainian citizens were allowed to travel to the Schengen Area without a visa for short visits starting June 11, 2017. The full Association Agreement officially began on September 1, 2017. In February 2019, Ukraine's constitution was changed to show its goal of joining the EU and NATO. On February 28, 2022, during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy officially applied for Ukraine to join the EU. Leaders from Poland, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic visited Kyiv to show their support.

Ukraine shares borders with four EU countries: Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania. These borders are about 2,235 kilometers (1,389 miles) long. There are 33 places to cross the border by road, rail, ferry, or on foot.

On December 14, 2023, the European Council agreed to start talks for Ukraine to join the EU.

How Ukraine and the EU Became Closer

Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman meets with President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels, 24 May 2018

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with President of the European Council Donald Tusk in Brussels, 5 June 2019

Early Steps Towards Partnership

Ukraine has wanted to join the European Union since 1993. At that time, its government said joining the EU was its main goal. But not much happened because Russia was Ukraine's biggest trading partner and energy supplier.

Formal talks between the EU and Ukraine began in 1994. They signed a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). This agreement focused on economic and social issues. It also talked about improving government and protecting free press and civil rights. The first EU–Ukraine meeting of leaders happened in September 1997 in Kyiv. The PCA officially started in 1998 and ended in 2008. In 1998, Ukraine first said it wanted to become an associate member of the EU.

In 2002, an EU official, Günter Verheugen, said Ukraine might join the EU in 10 to 20 years. The same year, Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma said Ukraine would meet all EU requirements by 2007–2011.

After the Orange Revolution

Left to right: Then Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and President Viktor Yushchenko meeting with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy in 2009.

The Orange Revolution in late 2004 made Ukraine's chances of joining the EU better. The new leader, Viktor Yushchenko, wanted stronger ties with the EU. He asked the EU for a clearer sign that Ukraine could become a member.

On January 13, 2005, the European Parliament voted strongly to have closer ties with Ukraine. They saw a possibility of Ukraine joining the EU. Many EU leaders also supported closer economic links.

In October 2005, EU leader José Manuel Barroso said Ukraine's future was "in" the EU. However, in November 2005, the European Commission suggested that adding more countries might make it hard for Ukraine to join soon.

Ukrainian leaders felt that the EU's "European Neighbourhood Policy" was not enough. They wanted to join the EU, which had been a main goal since 1993.

Talks for an Association Agreement

In March 2007, the EU and Ukraine began talks for a new "wider agreement." This agreement aimed for closer economic and political cooperation. They also agreed to start talks about a free trade area.

Some EU countries were careful about saying Ukraine was a "European State" in official documents. This was seen as a setback for Ukraine's goal of joining the EU.

A "Joint EU–Ukraine Action Plan" was approved on February 21, 2005. It aimed to help Ukraine with reforms in many important areas.

Talks for a free trade agreement began on February 18, 2008. Portugal publicly supported Ukraine joining the EU in July 2008.

During Viktor Yanukovych's Presidency

In May 2010, President Viktor Yanukovych promised to pass laws for a free trade zone with the EU. He hoped that visas for Ukrainians traveling to the EU would be removed by March 2011.

The government continued to work towards joining the EU. Both Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and Foreign Minister Kostyantyn Gryshchenko said that joining Europe was a top goal.

On November 22, 2010, the EU and Ukraine agreed on a plan for visa-free travel. This plan required Ukraine to improve its border control and migration policies.

The Association Agreement

The EU Association Agreement (AA) was first agreed upon on March 30, 2012. However, the EU had concerns about how Ukraine was treating some political figures. This included former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. EU leaders said the agreement would not be approved unless Ukraine improved its democracy and rule of law.

On December 10, 2012, the EU said it was ready to sign the agreement. But Ukraine needed to show real progress in reforms, especially in elections, justice, and the constitution.

Ukraine's Ambassador to the EU, Kostiantyn Yelisieiev, at first said Ukraine would not accept any conditions. But on February 22, 2013, Ukraine's parliament agreed to work on the EU's recommendations. President Yanukovych also said Ukraine would "do its best" to meet the EU's requirements.

However, the EU made it clear that Ukraine could not be part of a customs union with Russia and also have a deep free-trade area with the EU.

In March 2013, an EU official warned that the agreements could be stopped if reforms were not made quickly. But Ukraine's Foreign Ministry remained hopeful. On April 7, 2013, President Yanukovych freed Tymoshenko's lawyer, Serhiy Vlasenko, from prison.

On September 18, 2013, Ukraine's cabinet approved the draft association agreement. On November 20, 2013, the EU expected Ukraine's parliament to pass the remaining laws.

Agreement Signing Suspended

Euromaidan pro-EU protesters in Kyiv, December 2013

On November 21, 2013, Ukraine's parliament did not pass laws that would allow former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko to get medical treatment abroad. This was a key demand from the EU. The same day, Ukraine's government stopped preparing to sign the agreement. They suggested a three-way trade group with the EU and Russia instead. This decision was made to protect Ukraine's economy, especially its trade with Russia.

This decision to stop the agreement led to the Euromaidan protests. These protests eventually led to the removal of Viktor Yanukovych and his government.

Euromaidan and Agreement Approval

President of 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 Association Agreements with all the three states.

After the 2013–2014 Ukrainian revolution in February 2014, Viktor Yanukovych's government was removed. This led to conflicts in Ukraine, including the 2014 Crimean crisis. In March 2014, the EU strongly criticized Russia's actions in Crimea.

The political part of the Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement was signed on March 21, 2014, by the new Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk. The economic parts were delayed until after the May elections. The EU temporarily removed customs duties for Ukrainian exports and promised financial help.

On June 27, 2014, President Petro Poroshenko and the EU signed the economic part of the agreement. EU leaders called it a "great day for Europe." President Poroshenko said it was Ukraine's "first but most decisive step" towards EU membership. He aimed for Ukraine to apply for EU membership by 2020.

On September 16, 2014, Ukraine's parliament approved the agreement. President Poroshenko signed it the same day.

The EU also set up the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine) in December 2014. This mission helps Ukraine reform its civilian security services. It works with police and other agencies to make them more effective and trusted.

On January 1, 2016, the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area between Ukraine and the EU officially started. By April 2016, almost all EU countries had approved the Association Agreement. The Netherlands held a vote, and initially, people voted against it. After more talks, the EU made it clear that the agreement did not promise Ukraine EU membership or military aid. The Dutch parliament then approved it in May 2017.

On October 12, 2021, Ukraine and the EU signed an agreement on a European Common Aviation Area. This helps with air travel between them.

In April 2022, the EU suggested temporarily removing all tariffs on imports from Ukraine. This was to help Ukrainian businesses during the conflict.

Important Agreements and Policies

Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (1994)

This was the first big agreement between the EU and Ukraine. It was signed in 1994 and focused on economic and social issues. It also aimed to improve government and protect basic rights. This agreement lasted until 2008.

European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP)

The ENP is a policy that helps the EU work closely with its neighbors. A "Joint EU–Ukraine Action Plan" was approved in 2005. It aimed to help Ukraine with many reforms.

Eastern Partnership (EaP)

Members of the Eastern Partnership

The Eastern Partnership is a program for six former Soviet countries, including Ukraine. It aims to improve political and economic ties with the EU. It focuses on shared values like democracy, rule of law, and human rights.

Ukraine has mixed feelings about this program. It already had talks for new agreements with the EU. But Ukraine also sees it as a way to modernize and welcomes the policy.

Under this partnership, Poland and Ukraine made a new agreement. It allows Ukrainians living near the border to get simplified permits instead of visas. This helps about 1.5 million people.

Association Agreement (AA) Talks

An Association Agreement (AA) was discussed between Ukraine and the EU from 2009 to 2011. It was meant to replace the older PCA. The AA aimed for closer political ties and economic integration. It also included a "deep and comprehensive free trade area." It did not promise Ukraine full EU membership. However, it recognized Ukraine as a "European country with European identity."

The talks were delayed in 2011 due to EU concerns about how Ukraine was treating some political figures. The agreement was formally agreed upon on March 30, 2012. But it needed to be approved by Ukraine's parliament, the European Parliament, and each EU country. The EU continued to ask Ukraine to improve its democracy and rule of law.

In February 2013, an EU official warned that the agreements could be dropped if Ukraine did not make reforms quickly. He also said that Ukraine joining a customs union with Russia would not work with the EU agreements.

Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA)

Work on a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement began in 1999. Formal talks started on February 18, 2008. By May 2011, most of the deal was ready. The final agreement was agreed upon on July 19, 2012.

However, like the AA, the DCFTA's approval was delayed. The EU had concerns about the rule of law in Ukraine.

If Ukraine chose this agreement, Russia said its customs union would end free trade with Ukraine. On November 21, 2013, Ukraine's government stopped preparing to sign the agreement. This decision led to the 2013–2014 Ukrainian revolution.

The DCFTA officially started on January 1, 2016.

Visa-Free Travel

• 2006 Readmission Agreement
• 2007 Visa Facilitation Agreement
• 2010 Visa Liberalisation Action Plan

On November 22, 2010, the EU and Ukraine announced a plan for visa-free travel. This plan required Ukraine to improve its border control and migration policies.

In December 2011, President Viktor Yanukovych hoped for full visa-free travel by the end of 2014. The EU said Ukraine needed to strengthen its anti-discrimination laws. Ukraine's parliament passed the necessary laws in May 2014.

In December 2015, the EU said Ukraine had met all the conditions for visa-free travel. The European Commission officially suggested it in April 2016. The visa-free travel agreement was approved by the EU Parliament and Council in February 2017. It officially started on June 11, 2017. This allows Ukrainians with a special passport to visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days.

Energy Agreements

Both Ukraine and all EU countries are part of the Energy Charter Treaty. This treaty helps with international energy trade, transport, and investment.

Ukraine also joined the Energy Community on February 1, 2011. This group helps extend the EU's energy market to other countries. Ukraine worked to change its laws to meet the Energy Community's rules.

Economic Connections

In the 1990s, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy were Ukraine's main trading partners. Between 2000 and 2007, trade between the EU and Ukraine grew a lot. EU exports to Ukraine more than tripled, and imports also increased.

Manufactured goods are a big part of this trade. The main EU exports to Ukraine in 2007 were medicines, cars, and mobile phones. The main imports were iron and steel products, sunflower oil, and iron ores.

Germany and Poland had the biggest trade surpluses with Ukraine. This means they sold more to Ukraine than they bought.

EU Financial Help to Ukraine

The EU has provided financial help to Ukraine through different programs. From 2000 to 2006, it was through the TACIS program. From 2007 to 2013, it was through the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI).

By May 2014, the EU had given Ukraine 11 billion Euros in aid.

Ukraine can also get help from other EU programs. These include the Instrument for Stability for crises and the Macro-Financial Assistance program.

In 2023, the European Investment Bank (EIB) created the EU for Ukraine Fund. This fund helps Ukraine with urgent needs. It focuses on fixing buildings, improving public services, and supporting businesses. EU countries have promised about €400 million to this fund.

The EU has also planned a €50 billion financial aid package for Ukraine from 2024 to 2027. By 2024, over 300 hospitals, schools, and kindergartens have been fixed in 150 cities.

Ukraine Joins the WTO (2009)

Since 2009, Ukraine has been a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This means that economic relations between the EU and Ukraine follow WTO rules. The EU believes that WTO membership helps Ukraine's economy. It gives Ukraine secure access to markets worldwide. It also helps create a stable environment for trade and investment.

Meetings Between EU and Ukraine Leaders

EU-Ukraine Summits

• 1st EU-Ukraine Summit: September 1997 in Kyiv
• 2nd EU-Ukraine Summit: October 1998 in Vienna
• 3rd EU-Ukraine Summit: July 1999
• 4th EU-Ukraine Summit: September 2000
• 5th EU-Ukraine Summit: September 2001 in Yalta
• 6th EU-Ukraine Summit: July 2002 in Copenhagen
• 7th EU-Ukraine Summit: October 2003 in Yalta
• 8th EU-Ukraine Summit: July 2004 in The Hague
• 9th EU-Ukraine Summit: December 2005 in Kyiv
• 10th EU-Ukraine Summit: October 2006 in Helsinki
• 11th EU-Ukraine Summit: September 2007 in Kyiv
• 12th EU-Ukraine Summit: September 2008 in Paris
• 13th EU-Ukraine Summit: December 2009
• 14th EU-Ukraine Summit: November 2010 in Brussels
• 15th EU-Ukraine Summit: December 2011
• 16th EU-Ukraine Summit: February 25, 2013 in Brussels
• 17th EU-Ukraine Summit: April 27, 2015 in Kyiv
• 18th EU-Ukraine Summit: November 24, 2016 in Brussels
• 19th EU-Ukraine Summit: July 12–13, 2017 in Kyiv
• 20th EU-Ukraine Summit: July 9, 2018 in Brussels
• 21st EU-Ukraine Summit: July 8, 2019 in Kyiv
• 22nd EU-Ukraine Summit: October 6, 2020 in Brussels
• 23rd EU-Ukraine Summit: October 12, 2021 in Kyiv
• 24th EU-Ukraine Summit: February 3, 2023 in Kyiv

Other Important EU Meetings with Ukraine

• Eastern Partnership Summit in Prague in May 2009
• Eastern Partnership Summit in Warsaw in September 2011
• Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius in November 2013
• Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga in May 2015
• Eastern Partnership Summit in Brussels on November 24, 2017

Ukraine's Representatives to the EU

These are the people who have represented Ukraine to the European Union:

1. Volodymyr Vasylenko (1992–1995)
2. Ihor Mityukov (1995–1997)
3. Borys Hudyma (1997–2000)
4. Roman Shpek (2000–2007)
5. Andrii Veselovsky (2008–2010)
6. Kostiantyn Yelisieiev (2010–2015)
7. Liubov Nepop (interim, 2015–2016)
8. Mykola Tochytskyi (2016–present)

Public Support for Ukraine Joining the EU

Many people in Ukraine support joining the European Union. In a November 2014 poll, most regions supported joining the EU. Only in Luhansk Oblast and Donetsk Oblast did people prefer joining a customs union with Russia.

People in Western Ukraine have always been more excited about joining the EU. In July 2012 and May 2014, people in West, Central, and North Ukraine were the biggest supporters. A June 2013 poll showed that 52% of people in Eastern Ukraine also favored joining the EU. However, a May 2014 poll found that only 19% in Eastern Ukraine thought joining the EU was "Good."

Younger people (aged 20-39) were the strongest supporters of joining the EU in 2010 and 2011. In the May 2014 poll, people aged 36-55 were the strongest supporters.

Ukraine's EU ambassador said in 2011 that even business leaders and politicians from eastern Ukraine were pro-EU. He said that any politician against European integration would lose support.

A February 2015 poll showed that 66.4% of Ukrainians would vote to join the EU.

After the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, support for joining the EU grew even stronger. A poll in March 2022 found that 91% of Ukrainians supported it.

Ukraine's Path to Joining the European Union

     European Union member states      European Union member states supporting accelerated membership for Ukraine     European Union member states supporting accelerated granting of candidate status to Ukraine     Ukraine      Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories before 2022 full-scale invasion

Early Discussions (2002–2005)

On January 12, 2002, the European Parliament noted that Ukraine might join the EU in the future. To join, a country must meet certain conditions called the Copenhagen Criteria. These include having a democratic government and respecting human rights.

In 2003, a report suggested ways to help Ukraine join the EU and reduce Russia's influence.

After becoming president in 2005, Viktor Yushchenko made joining the EU a main goal. On January 13, 2005, the European Parliament strongly supported closer ties with Ukraine. President Yushchenko then said he would apply for membership soon.

Many EU leaders supported Ukraine. But in October 2005, the European Commission said that adding more countries might make it hard for Ukraine to join quickly.

Steps Towards Membership (2007–2014)

In March 2007, Ukraine was offered a Free Trade Agreement. This was a step forward, but it did not include specific plans for Ukraine to join the EU soon. Some European politicians felt that the EU was "tired of enlargement."

The Eastern Partnership policy allows Ukraine to become an EU member. On February 27, 2014, the European Parliament said Ukraine has the right to apply for membership. This is if it follows democratic principles and respects human rights.

On June 27, 2014, the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, said the Association Agreement was the start of Ukraine joining the EU.

Recent Developments (2014–2022)

In March 2016, EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said it would take at least 20–25 years for Ukraine to join the EU. In June 2018, President Petro Poroshenko hoped Ukraine would join the EU and NATO by 2030.

In 2019, Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine discussed a plan for Ukraine to possibly join the EU between 2025 and 2027. In 2020, Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine created the Lublin Triangle. This group aims to support Ukraine's integration into the EU and NATO.

In February 2021, a German political leader, Armin Laschet, supported the idea of Ukraine having a "European perspective." Some experts believe that Ukraine has a chance to join the EU now, given the changing relationship between Russia and the EU.

In 2021, Ukraine was preparing to formally apply for EU membership in 2024. The goal was to join the EU in the 2030s.

Applying for Membership (2022–Present)

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy accompanied by Ruslan Stefanchuk and Denys Shmyhal, showing the application for EU membership candidacy on 28 February 2022.

Two Ukrainian flags next to the flag of Poland and the European Union in central Warsaw, May 2022 - fot. Ivonna Nowicka.

After the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, there were more calls for Ukraine to join the EU. Ukraine said it wanted to be a member. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said Ukraine belongs in the EU.

On February 28, Ukraine officially applied for membership. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked for immediate admission. Eight EU countries supported a faster process.

On March 1, 2022, the European Parliament recommended that Ukraine become an official "candidate" for EU membership. They voted strongly in favor. However, some officials noted that joining the EU is a long process with many requirements.

On March 7, the EU said it would officially review Ukraine's application. On April 8, Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv and gave President Zelenskyy a questionnaire for membership. Ukraine completed the questionnaire by April 18.

On June 17, 2022, the EU Commission officially suggested giving Ukraine EU candidate status. On June 23, 2022, the European Council granted Ukraine the status of a candidate for joining the European Union.

On 1 July 2022, the EU flag was solemnly brought into the hall of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, where it will fly from that time on.

In January 2023, Ukraine's prime minister said the country would join the EU "within the next two years." However, many in the EU think this is too quick.

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 EU–Ukraine Summit in Kyiv, 3 February 2023

On May 8, 2023, Ukraine's President decided to celebrate Europe Day on May 9, like EU countries do. This shows Ukraine's European identity.

On November 8, 2023, the European Commission recommended starting talks for Ukraine and Moldova to join. On December 14, 2023, the European Council agreed to open these talks. Accession negotiations officially began on June 25, 2024.

Ukraine's Relations with EU Countries

|