Європейська політика України: основні етапи, проблеми та перспективи реалізації

The article examines historical, geographical, geopolitical, socio-cultural and mental conditionalities and peculiarities of European policy of Ukraine as a strategic direction of foreign policy from the early days of independence, main phases, contradictions and challenges in implementing its "European choice". Particular attention is paid to the problems of civilizational identity and geopolitical transformation and approximation of Ukraine to European values and standards, as well as the evolution of relations between Ukraine and the European Union. The study highlights the considerable potential of the Ukraine - European Union Association Agreement as a fact and a factor of crucial civilizational choice of Ukraine and the lack of alternatives to its European perspective as a condition of preserving the independence and the territorial integrity, strengthening the democratic national power and enhancing the wellbeing of the Ukrainian citizens.