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UKRAINE gained its independence from the USSR in 1991. It concluded a partnership and co-operation agreement (PCA) with the European Union (EU), which entered into force in 1998. It is also a recipient of financial assistance from the EU under the Technical assistance to the Commonwealth of Independent States programme (now the European neighbourhood policy-ENP), and in 1999 was the focus of an EU common strategy. This is designed to support the democratic and economic transition process in Ukraine; to ensure co-operation in meeting common challenges in the areas of stability and security in Europe, the environment, energy and nuclear safety; to assist Ukraine’s integration into the European and world economies; and to enhance co-operation in the field of justice and home affairs. To date, Ukraine’s relations with the EU have not developed much beyond the PCA, despite the wishes of successive Ukrainian governments for a more advanced form of relationship. However, with enlargement in 2004 meaning that Ukraine now shares a border with the EU, further developments in relations have taken place primarily within the framework of the ENP. Westwardlooking governments in Ukraine, under Viktor Yushchenko’s (2005-10) presidency, expressed strong interest in EU membership sometime in the future. For the moment, however, the focus is on implementing the ENP Action Plan agreed in 2005 and completing negotiations on an association agreement to replace the PCA (which expired in 2008). The new agreement will involve more intense political dialogue, a deep and comprehensive free trade area and strengthened co-operation. Negotiations began in March 2007 and were eventually closed at the end of 2011 (without any agreement being signed). In the mean time, in May 2009 Ukraine became part of the EU’s Eastern partnership. Elections in early 2010 saw the defeat of Yushchenko, his replacement by Viktor Yanukovych and the start of a new period of less ambitious engagement with the EU. In fact, relations soon deteriorated as the EU

strongly criticized the Ukranian Government for its politicization of the country’s judicial system. Particular criticism was reserved for the treatment of the imprisoned former Prime Minister, Yuliya Tymoshenko. The signing of the association agreement was consequently postponed.