The Trade and Economic Cooperation between Ukraine and the EU: Trends, Challenges, and Strategic Perspectives

This article provides a comprehensive study of the current state and prospects of trade and economic interaction between Ukraine and the countries of the European Union in the context of the course towards European integration and ensuring the economic security of the country. Special attention is focused on the analysis of the functioning of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, in particular the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), which has become a key step in bringing Ukraine closer to the European economic space. The main positive outcomes of integration are identified, including the growth of exports to EU countries, structural changes in foreign trade, alignment of standards, and adaptation of the regulatory framework to the requirements of the EU. The study also revealed the main challenges and obstacles complicating the development of cooperation, including: limited access of Ukrainian goods to the EU market, difficulties in customs administration, insufficient investment from European partners, and the negative impact of the full-scale war that has been ongoing since 2022. The dynamics of imports and exports of goods were analyzed, the main commodity categories in mutual trade were outlined, and changes in Ukraine’s economic policy aimed at integration into the EU single market were presented. Based on the analysis conducted, strategic directions for further deepening trade and economic cooperation with the EU were formulated, including: the development of transport and logistics infrastructure; digitalization of foreign economic activity; encouraging the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in exports; attracting foreign investment; and strengthening the State’s role in supporting Ukrainian exporters. The article highlights that economic integration with the EU is not only a tool for economic growth but also an important factor in strengthening national economic security, which is particularly relevant in the context of external threats and global changes.