ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses cross-border cooperation between Poland and Ukraine within the new geopolitical situation in Europe. Polish membership in the European Union and transformation of the Polish-Ukrainian border into an external border of the European Union (EU) has unambiguously influenced relations and cooperation patterns within the cross-border region. The chapter provides an overview of previous cooperation patterns and experiences. It also discusses the future prospects of Polish-Ukrainian cross-border cooperation. In doing this, the socioeconomic and political conditions within which cooperation is emerging will be compared for both the Polish and Ukrainian border regions. Poland's eastern neighbour has a lower Growth Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, lower labour costs and mostly lower prices. Its market is not yet saturated even with basic goods and services, which leaves room for the development of cross-border trade but does not ensure its intensification. As Ukraine narrows development and 'governance' gaps with Poland, structural and administrative conditions for more successful cooperation will also improve.
