Competing paths of regional economic integration in the post-soviet space: legal and political dilemmas for Ukraine

This contribution compares the different paths of regional economic integration in the post-Soviet space and analyzes their implications for Ukraine. First, it examines the legal framework of EU-Ukraine trade relations and the impact of the envisaged establishment of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) in the context of the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP). Second, the various initiatives of regional trade integration with Russia and other post-Soviet republics are scrutinized in light of Ukraine’s legal commitments towards the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the EU. It is argued that the establishment of a DCFTA with the European Union precludes Ukraine’s full participation in the Eurasian Economic Community and the customs union between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan