Ukraine, the European Union and the Democracy Question

Abstract

Recent political developments in Ukraine call into question its democratisation process. For this reason, it is important to consider EU relations with that country as offering a possible protection against full democratic inversion. Two problems are considered: the continuity of EU policy towards Kyiv; and, the scope for EU influence in furthering democratic standards. In the light of patterns since the Orange Revolution in 2004, the political outlook for EU/Ukraine relations appears unpromising.

Keywords

• Orange Revolution
• democracy
• European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP)
• membership
• Eastern Partnership
• Ukraine.