Effects of eu’s norm promotion on changes in cultural values of non-member states: case of Ukraine

Abstract

In recent decade Ukraine, has sought to move toward closer relationship with the EU. It is accepted that the begging of the recent Russia-Ukraine conflict originated when former president Yanukovych refused to sign a long awaited Associational Agreement with the EU on November 21, 2013. That decision let to the popular protests in Kyiv’s Independence Square, called Euromaidan. The brutal police tactics against the peaceful protesters increased the polar disapproval of the government. The unresponsiveness and cynicism of the administration let to the so-called Revolution of Dignity, which deposed Yanukovych and ushered Russia-Ukraine conflict. Since the presidential election in May of 2014 Ukraine has signed the Association Agreement and received a visa free travel program with Europe. A number of domestic reforms aimed at bringing Ukraine closer to EU also followed in the last three years.