The European Union invited Ukraine to a dialogue on the 2nd December 1991, a day after Ukrainian people expressed their wish to live in an independent state at a referendum. This event can be considered as the start of the Ukraine-EU relations. These relations have never been simple. Throughout history, there have been both “springs” and “winters”, but at decisive moments, Ukrainian people have defended their democracy and their right to be in the EU.
Ukraine is a priority partner for the EU. Due to current manifestations of terrorism and aggression of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, European countries have changed the direction of their cohesion policies towards Ukraine. The EU provided humanitarian aid to Ukrainian hubs from the first days of the full-scale invasion of Russian troops into Ukraine. Essential goods, medical products, food – all those were provided by European countries throughout these extremely difficult times for Ukraine and its people.
Ukrainians continuously express gratitude for the help and support provided. They are convinced that thanks to such actions, Ukraine will soon claim victory over occupying forces and take an honourable place among the world's leading countries.
Neighbouring countries are not spared from the effects of the war in Ukraine. The transportation of weapons by Russians leads to pollution of the Black Sea, ultimately harming all countries with access to the Black Sea. As such, it is important to discuss similar problems and prepare for the consequences of the war. I believe that after this war, we should establish strong cross-border cooperation with Ukraine’s neighbouring countries.
This new reality requires strategic thinking and bold imagination. The current full-scale war makes it necessary to both critically reconsider things previously perceived as given and also solve problems that have been shelved for a long time. Recently, as the priorities of European countries have changed, significant results can be seen in Ukraine's relations with Romania. A promising start to improving cultural cooperation between Ukraine and its neighbours would be the development of a program of cooperation between Ukraine and Romania within the Black Sea and an encouragement of tourism at the border between Odesa and Romania. Carrying out such actions will allow us to implement tourism between neighbouring countries with much less difficulty.
Until now, Ukrainians have been better at uniting against an enemy compared to implementing reforms. After centuries of Russian oppression, Ukrainian political culture is finally gradually developing. The Ukrainian idea is very resilient, and at the same time, very simple – to create a “normal” nation state, similar to Poland or Lithuania.
Apart from showing aggression in Ukraine, Russia’s actions also affect the entire civilized world. Any further actions of the European Union and Ukraine must be mutually agreed upon – we must unite and become stronger than ever.
Ukrainians are extremely grateful to EU partners for the humanitarian aid and medical equipment, food and other supplies provided. I am convinced that together we will overcome the consequences of this war.
Diana Tsymbal | Edited by Vicky Hristova
