Річні національні програми як інструмент євроатлантичної інтеграції України

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to demonstrate the institutional consolidation and implementation of Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine by means of the National Annual Programs. Attention is drawn to the fact that the implementation of the Annual National Programs by Ukraine began in 2009 and it is a unique practice in NATO's bilateral relations. The President of Ukraine annually approves the National Annual Program (ANP) and measures to implement it. All Annual NATO-Ukraine National Programs have been in full compliance with standards of NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP). However, there remains a fundamental difference, in particular with regard to the responsibility of an applicant and the Alliance for implementation. Special attention is paid to the current ANP-2018, which not only determines the priorities for 2018, but also the medium-term goals to be achieved by 2020. Traditionally, the ANP is structurally similar to a typical MAP. Five sections are analysed: political and economic, defence/military, resource, security and legal issues. It is proved that in order to switch to the MAP it is necessary not only to mention the corresponding points in the ANP, but also to implement them thoroughly. The Alliance should see and assess the real political aspiration of the Ukrainian authorities and society for complete Euro-Atlantic integration. It is emphasized that the priority task in carrying out the ANP will remain to carry out the activities aimed at preserving international consensus in supporting Ukraine, to prolong sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation to end the armed aggression against Ukraine. It is especially worth noting that the ANP-2018 does not contain direct references to the need for the so-called "Minsk agreements". Cooperation between Ukraine and NATO in the area of strategic communications has become especially important. Thus, there is an objective co-relation between the real content of Ukraine's independence and the realization of its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.