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European Union, the successor of Attila, Charlemagne, Charles V, Napoleon and Adolph.
History aside, European Union defines "Europe" today as a political reality and intention.
You know that.
Why did the poster not then just say "EU"?
Being part of the EU has nothing to do with being part of Europe. Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and soon the UK are not part of the EU, yet I would never feel they are not "integrated" nor not a "full fledged state."
I know though millions of Ukrainians want that EU permission slip so they can flee Ukraine, their desire for the EU has nothing to do with bettering Ukraine, just for them to leave easier.
Those are the big Russophile areas and, without them, the pro-Russia mafiosos in Kiev can't win any more elections. Getting rid of Donetsk/Luhansk and Crimea is the equivalent of the U.S. losing Texas - the Republicans would struggle to win elections going forward.
I think that the major stumbling block in the process of Ukrainian’s European integration is corruption.
Eastern Europe in general is still suffering from its legacy of corruption. Get rid or corruption and those 2nd world countries can get to 1st world status.
Being part of the EU has nothing to do with being part of Europe. Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and soon the UK are not part of the EU, yet I would never feel they are not "integrated" nor not a "full fledged state."
I know though millions of Ukrainians want that EU permission slip so they can flee Ukraine, their desire for the EU has nothing to do with bettering Ukraine, just for them to leave easier.
You are deliberately missing the point. Ukraine wants to be part of the European Single Market, the final stage after the association agreement which triggered Russia's war on Ukraine. Whether or not that means political EU ascension was not the main cause Ukrainians were fighting for. EU is now a goal, just like NATO is a cause they have taken up but both of those are a result of Russia's war.
You are deliberately missing the point. Ukraine wants to be part of the European Single Market, the final stage after the association agreement which triggered Russia's war on Ukraine. Whether or not that means political EU ascension was not the main cause Ukrainians were fighting for. EU is now a goal, just like NATO is a cause they have taken up but both of those are a result of Russia's war.
Let me ask right away - what does Ukraine have to offer for this mentioned above "European Single Market?"
( Other than cheap labor of course, and fertile lands.)
Now we discuss the situation in 2010s. But what was the history?
Historical reference. If you know it well you needn't read
Spoiler
The Ukrainian principalities were parts of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in XIV-XVII centuries. And they were a part of Europe! As I realize the Poles and the Ukrainians well understood each other. There was no language barrier. The gentry was the same both on the territory of nowadays Ukraine and Poland.
Further the people living on the left bank of Dnepr became dissatisfied in the power of the Polish gentry and attempts to advance Catholicism to Orthodox faith territories. The decisive factor was the battle power of cossacks. As a result
The lands of nowadays Ukraine left the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in the XVII century. They left Europe!
Let me ask right away - what does Ukraine have to offer for this mentioned above "European Single Market?"
( Other than cheap labor of course, and fertile lands.)
Same thing other Eastern European nations had to offer. The above and a growing trading partner. Helping Ukraine's economy improve helps European economy and security. That's kind of the point. It's kind of too late now for debating the pros and cons. Ukraine wants to change itself into a European style of nation and Europe wants Ukraine to not be under the control of a now hostile Russia.
Now we discuss the situation in 2010s. But what was the history?
The lands of nowadays Ukraine left the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in the XVII century. They left Europe!
That is a weak argument that you could say the same thing about many nations of the modern EU.
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