THE COOPERATION OF UKRAINE WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION - THE KEY TO ENERGY SECURITY

The article analyses the energy potential of Ukraine and transit through its territory. It can skillfully use its advantageous geopolitical position. The main directions of energy policy of Ukraine, approved by the energy policy of the European Union, are set. It also analyses the factors that inhibit the process of creating the foundations for the country's EU integration. The main lever in defending Ukraine's energy independence should be its energy transit potential. Ukraine needs to convince the energy suppliers and consumers (EU) that the transit of oil and gas through its territory is a reliable and cost effective. The expansion of cooperation between Ukraine and the EU program "Eastern partnership" is very promising. Ukraine must come up with new initiatives to provide collective energy security of Europe. The abstract logical method has allowed to establish the logical relationships between the policy of the EU and energy security, as well as solving environmental and social problems. With synthesis the factors that impede the process of establishing the foundations of the European integration of Ukraine were investigated. The use of induction and deduction allowed to explore the possibility of using alternative sources of energy, which will improve the energy security of Ukraine and EU countries. The use of expert judgments contributed to the establishment of the strength of the impact energy transit potential of Ukraine to reduce its energy dependence. The method of synthesis has allowed to draw a conclusion regarding the main directions that will ensure sustained development of the society in the countries of the European Union and Ukraine. Results The policy of reducing external dependency is based on providing reliable imports at affordable prices and on a long term basis. For this, the EU intends to use its political and economic impact on the country's suppliers and transit countries through the conclusion of agreements on mutually advantageous exploitation of energy resources based on sustainable prices, market transparency and protection of the environment (Capros et al., 2010). The ways of energy transportation are of fundamental importance. In this case, Ukraine has advantages and can skillfully use its advantageous geopolitical position. The diversification of sources and routes of energy supplies remains the main direction of reducing the energy independence of the EU. The spread of European energy standards in the Ukrainian legislation allows to significantly improve the