Relations between the European Union (EU) and Ukraine appear to be stuck at the verge of anew era. While a new Association Agreement providing for an unprecedented degree of politicalcooperation and economic integration is ready to enter into force, political developments inUkraine prevent the EU from proceeding with its signature and ratification. This peculiar situationrepresents a crucial test case for the effectiveness of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP).Effectiveness in this case is defined by the objectives that guide the EU in its pursuit of the ENP,and by the degree to which the Union lives up to its capabilities to reach them. In the case ofUkraine, the policy turns out to be largely effective, considering that the EU’s top priority is theavoidance of political and economic risks. However, this focus on risk avoidance severely limitsthe Union’s leverage regarding the attainment of any other policy objectives, most importantlynorm transfer and security cooperation. Consequently, even a largely effective ENP is unlikely tohave a significant impact on the situation in Ukraine and elsewhere as long as the Union does notchange its priorities.
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