Overview

Ukraine remains critical to United States foreign policy objectives due to its strategic position between Europe and Eurasia and its importance for regional stability. Following a particularly difficult transition period from 1991 to 1999, Ukraine has advanced in its transition, particularly in the economic arena. Its progress in establishing a legal and regulatory environment conducive to private sector growth and the creation of a viable market economy is clearly evident. Less certain is whether Ukraine is making as much progress as it could in establishing sound democratic institutions and practices. While there are promising signs of reform in local government, parliament, and the judiciary, corruption and unequal enforcement of the rule of law cast serious shadows over Ukraine’s democratic transition. The media, civil society organizations, political parties and other civic associations are still in a nascent stage of development and many social service providers retain inefficient Soviet-era structures that are unable to meet the needs of the general population.

Ukraine in Action

Replicability and Sustainability in U.S.-Ukraine Partnerships
U.S.-Ukraine Foundation's Community Partnership Program

The E&E Deputy Assistant Administrator gave the keynote luncheon address July 23 in St. Louis at the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation's conference on Replicability and Sustainability in U.S.-Ukraine Partnerships. The U.S.-Ukraine Foundation's Community Partnership Program (CPP), funded by E&E since 1997, currently supports partnerships between 14 U.S. and 14 Ukrainian medium-sized cities and focuses on strengthening local government and promoting citizens' participation at the grassroots level. Read More...