The European Parliament in the Ukrainian Association Puzzle

Abstract

This article analyzes the European Parliament’s engagement in EU-Ukraine relations for the main period of the Association Agreement negotiations (2010- 2014). This case study reveals the growing independence and relevance of the European Parliament as an actor in EU external relations. Continuing its traditional role of promoting human rights and the principles of democratic rule, the Parliament attempted the role of agenda-setter, installing these principles in the wider context of EU relations with a target country. Furthermore, its focus on the security aspects after the commencement of the Russian aggression against Ukraine manifests its growing ambition towards a new role in EU foreign policy. Although these claims go far beyond the formal Treaty-based competences, they are in line with the trend of the “creeping parliamentarization” of the CFSP.