Thematic Priorities For Sustainable Development of Ukraine-Romania Cross-Border Cooperation (The Case Study of Chernivtsi Region)

Стаття висвітлює проблему сталого транскордонного співробітництва як провідної моделі міждержавної співпраці, яка здійснюється в двох або більше сусідніх країнах, що поділяють спільний кордон. Основною метою дослідження є становлення та розвиток геостратегічного, економічного, культурного, наукового потенціалу українсько-румунського співробітництва як основи забезпечення та зміцнення стабільності, безпеки і співробітництва у Європі. Дане дослідження артикулює проблему аспірацій України до утвердження, розвитку та диверсифікації двосторонніх добросусідських відносин з Румунією як на регіональному, так і на міжнародному рівнях. Головною метою статті є розвідка ініціатив України та Румунії щодо гармонізації та дієвої співпраці суб'єктів транскордонного співробітництва для розв'язання спільних проблем прикордонних регіонів, оскільки транскордонне співробітництво між вищезгаданими державами ґрунтується на невичерпних історичних, культурних та духовних зв'язках. Разом з тим, єдність чітких стратегічних пріоритетів України та Румунії є основою для поглиблення транскордонного співробітництва та міжкультурної дипломатії.

Здійснений аналіз на основі методів емпіричного та теоретичного досліджень уможливив дійти висновку, що українсько-румунська транскордонна співпраця впливає не лише на багато- векторну зовнішню політику ЄС та України, але й має довгострокові глобальні перспективи. Важливими постають наступні запитання, що є підґрунтям та причинами низки криз, що виникають на східних кордонах Європейського Союзу? Яким чином транскордонне співробітництво здатне ефективно впливати на протиріччя та розбіжності інтересів прикордонних країн? Дане дослідження висвітлює низку обґрунтувань щодо транскордонного співробітництва між Україною та Румунією як ключового елементу політики ЄС відносно своїх сусідів. Автори глибоко переконані в тому, що транскордонне співробітництво є важливим об'єктом сучасної як регіональної, так і глобальної дієвої політики, адже розвиток транскордонних регіонів інтенсифікує багаторівневу взаємодію між усіма суб'єктами світового співтовариства. Окрім того, предмет дослідження розглядається з різних точок зору, щоб показати різноманітність та складність українсько-румунських відносин з огляду на той факт, що наявність спільного кордону передбачає прийняття спільних рішень. Висновки даного дослідження містять ряд важливих умовиводів щодо подальшого розвитку та посилення співробітництва між Україною та Румунією. Дослідження розкриває переваги Румунії як стратегічного партнера для визначення основних пріоритетів зовнішньої політики України. ukrainian romanian cooperation

Ключові слова: Україна, Румунія, транскордонне співробітництво, міждержавні відносини, Чернівецька область, безпека, Європа.

Introduction

Noteworthy, 2019 marks the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Ukraine-European Union Association Agreement, the Law of Ukraine (from 21.02.2019) that enshrines authorities of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, President of Ukraine and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to implement Ukraine's strategic course towards acquisition of full membership of the European Union. What is more, the Law has become an effective step towards ultimate goal of the European integration of Ukraine. At the same time, European integration aspirations of Ukraine increased the topicality of convergent sustainable cross-border cooperation (CBC) as a distinctive model of coherent interstate collaboration, embedded in the neighboring borderland regions of two or more countries.

According to the latest research, the turn of the 20^th-21^st centuries is considered the age of anxiety, unease and social malaise. Notably, our globe is currently witnessing cultural uncertainties, political cleavages, religious intolerance, economic recession and social injustice that eventually have led to unrests, terroristic attacks and warfare.

In the light of the current reality, the idea of introducing and reinforcing the importance of CrossBorder Cooperation (CBC) sounds quite topical and relevant. This research will consider a number of explanations for Ukraine-Romania Cross-Border Cooperation as a key element of the EU policy towards its neighbors. Our strong conviction is that CBC has a powerful impact not only on the EU and on Ukraine multi-vector foreign policy, but it also has the longer-term global consequences. Besides, the subject of the research is considered from different perspectives in order to show the diversity and complexity of the Ukraine-Romania relations in view of the fact that sharing common borders we are presumed to find common solutions.

The aim of the paper is to investigate sustainable development of Ukraine-Romania cross-border cooperation (CBC) as a distinctive model of interstate collaboration, embedded in the neighboring borderland regions of two countries. The focus of the research revolves around the establishment and further development of geostrategic, economic and cultural capacity of the Ukrainian-Romanian partnership as a fundamental construct in ensuring and strengthening the stability, security and cooperation in Europe. Remarkably, Chernivtsi region is generating considerable interest in terms of UkraineRomania cross-border cooperation.

Since the mid of 1990's several recent reviews and book articles have been dealing with various aspects of thorough studying of topical issues of the border spaces, inter-territorial and cross-border cooperation in the Ukraine-Romania borderline. Scientists' focus has always revolved around the i s- sues of cross-border cooperation as a topical construct for development priorities to enhance and deepen the cooperation environmentally, socially and economically. This perspective is supported by the relevant academic literature of (Purici (2007Purici, §. (2007). Rumuno-ukraynskoe transhranychnoe sotrudnychestvo. Shahy k dobrososedstvu. [Romania-Ukraine Cross-border Cooperation: Towards Neighborhood Policy]. Veche, 6:74-87.); Brie and Horga (2010Brie, M. and Horga, I. (2010). The Romanian-Ukrainian cross-border cooperation at the European instruments.

Ukraine-Romania-Moldova: historical, political and cultural aspects of their relations in the contemporary Eu-ropean processes context, 302-318, Chernivtsi, Bukrek.); Brie (20 06Brie, M. (2006). From smaller to greater Europe: identity of the EU Eastern borders. Eurolimes: From smaller to Greater Europe: Border Identiary Testimonies, [edited by Mircea Brie and Gabor Kosma], 2:8-11. Oradea: Oradea University Press.; 2010Brie, M. (2010). European Instruments of Cross-border cooperation. Case study: the Romanian-Ukrainian border, [online], [Viewed 7 February 2018]. Available from https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/44565/1/ MPRA_paper_44565.pdf.; 20 1 7Brie, M. (2017). The Cross-Border Cooperation between Romania and Ukraine in the Context of the Eastern Partnership (EPP) and Association Agreements. [online]. Europility, 11(2) [Viewed 5 November 2018: Availa-ble from:http://europolity.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Brie_11_2_2017.pdf.); Troyan (20 1 6Troyan, S. (2016). Euroregional format of the Ukrainian-Romanian cross-border cooperation: the historical experience of formation. Romanian-Ukrainian relations. History and Contemporaneity, 475-487. Satu Mare, Muzeului Sдtmдrean, Cluj Napoca, Ecou Transilvan.); Kruglashov (2013Kruglashov, A. (2013). Euroregion Upper Prut: Studies and Activities, Eurolimes, 6:27-39. Kruglashov, A. (2016). Ukraine-Romania Dialogue: Moving ahead from Distrust and Suspicions. in: The Eu-ropean Space Borders and Issues, 319-333. Oradea University Press Debrecen University Press, Oradea, Debre-cen.; 2016¹¹); Pyla (2006Pyla, V. et al. (2006). Suchasna rehionalna polityka i transkordonne spivrobitnytstvo. [Present regional policy and cross-border cooperation]. Khmelnytskyi, HUUP.); Levchuk (2016Levchuk, V. (2016). Cross-border Impact on Cross-border Cooperation. PHD Thesis, Lutsk National Tech-nical University.); Hakman (2010Hakman, S. (2010). The Romanian-Ukrainian cross-border cooperation at the European instruments. Ukraine-Romania-Moldova: historical, political and cultural aspects of their relations in the contemporary European processes context. 273-290. Chernivtsi, Bukrek.; 2012Hakman, S. (2012). Regional experience of implementing the European Neighborhood and Partnership In-strument. In Management and Administration. Collection of scientific works. 2:218-237. Chernivtsi: Bukrek.); Luskalova (2016Luskalova, K. (2016). Ukraine - Romania: modern tendencies of bilateral relations, Zovnishnia polityka i dy- plomatiia: tradytsii, trendy, dosvid. 22:29-34 [External policy and diplomacy; traditions, trends, experience].)) in the domain of the sustainable development of cross-border cooperation as well as the activity and efficiency of the Upper Prut and the Carpathian Euroregions. The past decade has seen a considerable rise in studying of the cross-border cooperation development in the context of EU enlargement (Nechayeva-Yuriychuk (2011Nechayeva-Yuriychuk, N. (2011). National Development beyond the Nation-State: Problems and Prospects. In Ethnicity, Confession and Intercultural Dialogue at the European Union Eastern Border, Supplement of Euro-limes, 433-449. (Edited by Mircea Brie, loan Horga, Sorin §ipo§). Oradea: Oradea University Press.); Melnychuk (2015Melnychuk, L. (2015). The Center for Romanian Studies as a Crucial Step to Effective Ukraine-Romania Re-lations, Modern Historical and Political Issues, 30-31:19-22.; 2017Melnychuk, L. (2017). Prerequisites and Establishment of the Relations between Romania and the European Communities (1960-1970s). Modern Historical and Political Issues, [S.l.], n. 35-36:128-134. ISSN 2617-2372. [Viewed 15 November 2019]. Available from: doi: https://doi.org/10.31861/mhpi2017.35-36.128-134.). A renewed importance in the issue of the national minority was revealed in T. Rendyuk's research (2011Rendiuk, T. (2011). Prykordonne ta rehionalne spivrobitnytstvo mizh Ukrainoiu y Rumuniieiu z pytan natsionalnykh menshyn. [Ukraine-Romania cross-border and regional cooperation in the context of minority issues]. Ukrainskyi istorychnyi zhurnal, 1:123-136.). Furthermore, the problem of national security at the border, in particular in the context of intergovernmental agreements, national legislation on issues of cross-border cooperation, agreements between local authorities and regional cross-border regulatory support are highlighted in the research of Chobal and Lalakulych (2020Chobal, L., & Lalakulych, M. (2020). Problems and prospects of cooperation of the border regions of Ukraine, Romania, Moldova and Slovakia. [online]. Baltic Journal of Economic Studies, 5(5), 189-196. [Viewed 5 March 2020: Available from: https://doi.org/10.30525/2256-0742/2019-5-5-189-196.) and Toca (2012Toca, C. (2012). “Cross-border Cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe. ” Review of: Central European Regional Policy and Human Geography, Year II, no.1, 2012, HU ISSN 2062-8870, HU E-ISSN 2062-8889. In Eurolimes 14, Enlargements, Borders and the Chances of EU Political Priorities, edited by Ariane Landuyt, Dana Pantea, Istvan Polgar, 192-196. Oradea: Oradea University Press.).

Available research includes essential background information detailing in Ukraine-Romania transborder cooperation, ensuring a competitive economy Barbulescu (2016Barbulescu, I. and Brie, M. (2016). Cooperarea transfrontaliera into Romania si Ucraina, respectiv into Romania si Republica Moldova [Romania-Ukraine Cross border Cooperation and respectively Romania- Republic of Moldova]. [online]. Oportunitati si provocari in perioada 2014-2020', [Viewed 1 March 2018]. Available from: http://ier.ro/sites/default/files/pdf/St%202_Cooperarea%20transfrontaliera_final.pdf.), and abovementioned researcher Brie (2017Brie, M. (2017). The Cross-Border Cooperation between Romania and Ukraine in the Context of the Eastern Partnership (EPP) and Association Agreements. [online]. Europility, 11(2) [Viewed 5 November 2018: Availa-ble from:http://europolity.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Brie_11_2_2017.pdf.), furthermore, some scholars forecast its further cooperation progressing and participants' mutual advancement. Theoretical, methodological, conceptual and legal frameworks on providing environmentally friendly long-term solutions for the region were the problems under study of Dumbrava (2013Dumbrava, C. (2013). Rolling Back History: The Romanian Policy of Restoration of Citizenship to Former Citizens. [online]. [Viewed 15 December 2017]: Available from: http://www.citsee.eu/citsee-story/rolling-back- history-romanian-policy-restoration-citizenship-former-citizens.), Dubovich and Vasylyshyn (2016Dubovich, I. and Vasylyshyn, K. (2017). Suchasni ekoloho-ekonomiko-politychni ta pravovi problemy transkordonnoho spivrobitnytstva Ukrainy ta Rumunii. [Current state of ecological, economic, political and legal issues of Ukraine-Romania cross-border cooperation]. Romanian-Ukrainian relations. History and Contempora-neity. 357-367. Satu Mare, Muzeului Satmarean, Cluj Napoca, Ecou Transilvan.). However, few researchers have addressed economic and environmental objectives, notably with the aim of responding to possible environmental emergencies as well as the problem of eco-friendly economy, environmental policy and legal framework to reinforce small-scale cross-border cooperation, by privileging `people to people' relations. Of particular interest for the research is the establishing of cultural and educational Ukraine-Romania cooperation and bridging the gap between the academic and political vision of the problem under study.

Data and Methods

The present study has been developed in two stages and makes use of qualitative methods. The first phase of the research was based on the study of bibliographic materials and sources of secondary data (official studies, evaluation reports, program documents and website, promotional materials), which provided a framework for discussing the relation between cross-border cooperation development. The second stage uses the case study approach, the focus being mainly on the cross-border projects implemented in Chernivtsi region, analyzing their most significant results. It is worth mentioning that the authors used desk research and quantitative research to conclude that Ukraine -Romania CBC has a powerful impact not only on the EU and on Ukraine multi-vector foreign policy, but it also has the longer-term global consequences.

Ukraine-Romania Relations Establishment

Symbolically, 2017 marked the 25^th anniversary of Ukraine-Romania diplomatic relationsUkraine and Romania demonstrate mutual interest in the achievement of new results of cooperation - the

countries celebrate the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations, (2017). [online]. [Viewed 15 February 2017]. Available from:http://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/ukrayina-ta-rumuniya-demonstruyut-obopilnu-

zacikavlenist-u-d-39858.. The then President of Ukraine P. Poroshenko, whilst evaluating the mutually-benefited partnership with Romania as well as highly appreciating our good-neighbor's support and assistance in protecting Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty and struggle against the external aggression, extended his gratitude to the Romanian part for the facilitation in the process of European and Euro-Atlantic integration of our country. Significantly, there is an even stronger emphasis on Romania being the first European state to ratify the Ukraine-EU Association AgreementRomania - Ukraine Relations (2017). [online], [Viewed 21 February 2018]. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romania-Ukraine_relations..

A striking feature of Ukraine is the fact that it serves as a cross-border locally and as a communicative subsystem globally. It is of paramount importance that Ukraine as a distinctive multi -lingual nation-state with poly-ethnic makeup, modelling `marble cake' identity, pol y-mentality, multiculturalism and multi-confessionalism should develop internal discourse for vigorous interethnic communication for national unity, and yield their own values. Furthermore, European Union has considered the importance of Ukraine as an integral part of common European space and elaborated special instruments for development the mutually beneficial relations. The EU and Ukraine have signed bilateral agreements; in addition, Ukraine has joined different European programs of assistance and cooperation. The main goals of this wide range of documents are to stimulate internal transformation of Ukraine as well as Ukraine's political, economic and social system should be complied with the European one. Therefore, there is a necessity to work together within Ukraine-EU dialogue for creating the area of stability, peace and tolerance, sustainable development and overwhelming social and economic progress on the EU external borders (Bohatyrets, 2017)²⁹Bohatyrets, V. (2017). Tolerance as the core-concept of the national reconciliation. Historical Panorama [online]. Available from: http://nbuv.gov.ua/UJRN/Istp_2017_24_9..

It is worth mentioning, experts have always seen Ukraine as an independent European state striving to establish, develop and diversify bilateral good-neighborly relations with Romania both regionally and internationally. In this study we aim to elucidate Ukraine-Romania cross-border cooperation initiatives inasmuch Ukraine-Romania CBC has been generating considerable interest in terms of its inexhaustible historical, cultural and spiritual ties. Furthermore, the similarity of the neighboring states' strategic orientations grounds the basis for development and enhancement of Ukraine- Romania cooperation. It is reasonable to take into account the fact that independent Ukraine has established multifaceted deeply-rooted cooperation with its cross-bordering states, namely, Romania, Moldova, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, etc. The fundamental characteristics of such cooperation lay in multidimensional patterns and partnership agreement tools - sister cities agreements, interregional partnership, and Euro-regional cooperation.

Of particular importance for the research is Chernivtsi region (Ukraine) as it has been identified as a unique land, that historically incorporated Bessarabia and the Northern part of Bukovina, where Ukrainians, Romanians, Moldovans, Poles, Jews, Germans, Russians and other national groups harmoniously blend and coexist. The Chernivtsi region is an active participant in interregional and cross - border cooperation, which is clearly manifested through the prism of implementation of a variety of projects within the framework of border and territorial cooperation programs (Pavliuk, 2018)Pavliuk, M. (2018). Intensification of Trans border Cooperation in the Context of Chernivtsi Region Participa-tion in Romania-Ukraine 2014-2020. Common Operational Program. Modern Historical and Political Issues, [S.l.]. 37-38: 102-108. [online]. ISSN 2617-2372. [Viewed 15 April 2019]. Available from: doi: https://doi.org/10.31861/mhpi2018.37-38.102-108.. It appears that with Romania's accession to NATO and integration to the EU, the Ukrainian-Romanian relations have gained a new perspective. Since 1992, there has been a rapid rise in the UkraineRomania relations establishing. Within the next few years, Romania has gradually become a key strategic partner of Ukraine. On January 8, 1992, Romania recognized Ukraine's independence and later on February 1, 1992 it established diplomatic relations with Ukraine. On September 24, 1992, the Embassy of Ukraine was founded in Romania. In December 2001, the Consulate General of Ukraine was opened in Suceava, but currently it has ceased its activities. The establishment of diplomatic relations stipulated the transformation of the Romanian Consulate General in Kyiv into the Romanian Embassy to Ukraine. Besides, the Consulates General of Romania operate in the cities of Chernivtsi, Odessa and Solotvyno. As far as EU works through European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) to foster stabilization, security and prosperity, it applies the tailor-made approach to assist differentiated partnerships. In terms of Ukrainian-Romanian partnership, legal and contractual feasibility (45 Articles) reinforced the principle of flexibility in accelerating assistance and ensuring better adaption to rapidly evolving political circumstances and priorities t eventually achieve the closest possible political association and the greatest possible degree of economic integration by means of cooperation in all walks of life. Law 129/1997 establishes the cross-border cooperation relations in Romania and Ukraine based on the Treaty of Good Neighborhood and Cooperation between the two states, signed in Constanta on 2 June 1997 and ratified by Romania (Brie, 2017; p. 63)Brie, M. (2017). The Cross-Border Cooperation between Romania and Ukraine in the Context of the Eastern Partnership (EPP) and Association Agreements. [online]. Europolity, 11(2) [Viewed 5 November 2018: Availa-ble from:http://europolity.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Brie_11_2_2017.pdf.

Apropos, the Agreement on the local border traffic, signed in late 2014, created favorable conditions for a simplified border crossing of residents of the border regions of Ukraine and Romania living within a 30-kilometer zone from the common state border. `Residents of the border area will receive free permits for a simplified border crossing with the right to stay in the border zone of another state for up to 90 days each time from the date of crossing the border'. The agreement covers 662 Ukrainian settlements in the Chernivtsi Transcarpathian, Ivano-Frankivsk and Odesa regionsTreaty between Romania and Ukraine on the Romanian-Ukrainian State border regime, collaboration and mutual assistance on border matters, [online], [Viewed 2 February 2017]. Available from:https://treaties.un.org/Pages/showDetails.aspx?objid=08000002800743e5.

The Treaty of Good Neighborhood and Cooperation between the two states, signed in Constanta, aimed at resolving border and related issues. Its 29 articles set out the stances and mutual obligations of both parties in relation to each other. In particular, in the preamble, the parties condemned `unfair acts of totalitarian and military-dictatorial regimes, which in the past negatively affected the relations between the Ukrainians and Romanians. Simultaneously, the parties expressed their conviction that `the elimination of the painful legacy of the past is possible only through the development of frien d- ship relations and cooperation between the two peoples who strive for a united Eu rope'.

In view of that, it is difficult to assess all the efforts of the European Union's policy in CBC and its legal instruments to yield fruitful outcomes in the context of trans-border states. It is obvious, that the European instruments are certainly to have developed an effective legislative and institutional framework to enhance Ukraine-Romania cross-border cooperation.

Cross-Border Cooperation from the Euroregions' perspective

Most experts assert the European neighborhood and partnership instrument to be the crucial point in terms the economic convergence and political cooperation enhancement, providing the favorable conditions and solving common territory issues. Considering the topicality of taking new drastic steps to improve Ukraine geopolitical and geostrategic, economic as well as cultural state of affairs, it aspired to gain trust and reliability as well as strived to be recognized as a full -fledged partner of the European Union. Therefore, its initial step was concluding different agreements with trans-bordering European regions.

The Law of Ukraine `On Cross-Border Cooperation', adopted on June 24, 2004, interprets cross - border cooperation as followed: `... joint actions aimed at deepening economic, social, scientific and technical, cultural and other relations between territorial communities and local executive authorities of Ukraine and territorial communities and relevant authorities of neighboring states within the competence defined by their national legislation'Supreme Council of Ukraine 'On Cross-Border Cooperation, Law of Ukraine on June 24, 2004 № 1861-IV', [online]. Official site of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, [Viewed 3 March 2018]. Available from; http://zakon5.rada. gov.ua/laws/show/1861-15.

Its function suggests the ability to enhance and efficiently use the existing potential of the regions and to combine the potential for solving common problems in the trans-boundary region. Thus, crossborder cooperation proves to be the cooperation of neighboring territories of cross-border states. Trans-frontier co-operation is a push-pull factor in the process of the European integration and the creation of a Europe without internal borders. The main goal for all regions of Ukraine, involved in crossborder cooperation, is establishing of a single economic space for the joint activity of national enterprises and enterprises of neighboring countries, the organization of buffer zones on the way of transfer of productive resources to the internal and external markets, ensuring stabilization and growth of regions.

As far as relations with Ukraine are concerned, we will focus on Euroregion approach that proved to be very successful and with the support of legal provisions adopted by the Council of Europe; in addition, it became possible for local and regional authorities to work autonomously across borders. Geographically, the specificity of cross-border cooperation between Ukraine and Romania accounts for its vast territories, covered by institutionalized Euroregions: the Carpathian (Ukraine - Poland - Slovakia - Hungary - Romania), Lower Danube (Ukraine - Romania -Moldova), the Upper Prut (Ukraine - Romania - Moldova) and the Black Sea (Azerbaijan - Albania - Bulgaria - Greece - Georgia - Moldova - Russian Federation - Romania - Serbia -Turkey - Ukraine).

On February 14, 1993 in the city of Debrecen (Hungary), the state authorities and local governments of the transborder regions of Ukraine, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia created the Carpathian Euroregion (CE). In 1997, the Carpathian Euroregion included the border counties of Romania. The territory of the Euroregion comprises 162 thousand km² with a population of more than 16 million people. Geo-economic benefits of the border areas of the Carpathian Euroregion consist in their location at the crossroads of trans-European and Eurasian trade-economic, transport-infrastructure, production-cooperative, raw-energy and other streams.

One of the advantages of the Ukrainian-Romanian cooperation within the framework of the Carpathian Euroregion (CE) is the co-financing for mirror cross-border projects through the programs of PHARE in Romania and TACIS CBC in Ukraine. The European Commission gives assistance in upgrading facilities border crossing, establishing stable relationships and partnerships, identifying of the participants' weaknesses and strong point of their partners, understanding the motivations and the aims as well as working together to address common challenges in the fields of environment, public health, the prevention of and against organized crime; Ensuring secure and efficient borders. The CE's main objectives are as followed: to facilitate financing and constructing of the international crossing point `Solotvyno-Sigetu Marmatsii' in the Ukrainian-Romanian border area; to hold international fairs and exhibitions in the region borderline; to intensify territorial integration of cross-border, transnational and interregional co-operation areas. The objective is based on further aspects of CBC efficacy such as organizing conferences for discussing common issues; facilitating higher educational establishments' cross-border initiatives; launching the Association of Universities of the Carpathian Euroregion; organizing summer schools to finally promote an increased interaction between people and communities living in the frontier zone. Currently, after the European Union enlargement, in addition to the signing the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine, and its entering into force, the Carpathian Euroregion has been experiencing a turning of its development. Consequently, experts have challenged predominantly politico-declarative Euroregional cooperation to shift its activities to the priorities of economic cooperation and the implementation of specific joint economic transboundary pro- jectsJoint Operational Programme Romania - Ukraine 2014-2020, [online], 2016, [Viewed 1 February 2018]. Available from: http://www.ro-ua-md.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/0-Romania-Ukraine-JOP-approved.pdf, p. 480.. To conclude, we can highlight the positive aspects of the Carpathian E uroregion's effectiveness and functioning. Taking into consideration Ukraine striving for EU integration, we can definitely argue, that new perspectives are open for all the Carpathian Euroregions' actors. Notwithstanding the fact, that it is still facing many common problems of social and economic backwardness, high unemployment, the region's educated and young society brain drain growing regional, the CE is committed to challenge its capacity in meeting the particular needs of transborder residents, businesses, interest groups and other entities.

Another efficient tool of solving ecological bordering infrastructure's development of transportation and communication problems, the issues of rational usage of human resources and providing conditions for the development of national minorities was the establishment of the Upper Prut Euroregion. To the north, the Upper Prut Euroregion (UPR), established in December 22, 2000 in Botosani, brings together Romanian (Botosani and Suceava), Ukrainian Cernaup (Chernivtsi) and Moldovan (Balp and Edinet counties). This Euroregion started due to the Rom anian initiative and were included in the Treaty on good-neighbourly relations and cooperation between Romania and Ukraine on 2 June 1997. Later in October 2003 Ivano-Frankivsk (Ukraine) joined the UPR. The Institute for Regional and Euro-Integration Studies together with the East-West Institute defined the general features of the Upper Prut Euroregion.

Overall, according to Kyfiak ((2008; p.67), the main objectives of the Upper Prut Euroregion are as followed:

1) enhancement and convergence of trade and economic relations; development of cross-border cooperation projects; 2) promotion of local interests of the involved regions by raising economic, cultural, scientific and tourist contacts in neighboring states; 3) application of advanced technologies ; environmental protection, prevention of the Danube, Prut, Siret, Dniester and the Black Sea basins from pollution, 4) prevention from industrial accidents and natural disasters and elimination of their consequences, growth of environmentally friendly industries; 5) harmonization of infrastructure development, including energy safety, transport and communication networks development of cross -border relations and 6) expansion of cooperation in the spheres of legal support, science, education, culture, sports and youth; as well as full equality for the national minorities in accessing services in all walks of life.Kyfiak, V. (2008). Funktsionuvannia yevrorehionu Verkhnii Prut ta yoho rol v intehratsiinykh protsesakh Ukrainy', Ekonomika Ukrainy vol. 6:67..

The objective of the Euroregion Upper Prut is targeting two main problems simultaneously, namely: establishing good-neighborly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between the border administrative units of the Republic of Moldova, Romania and Ukraine, which will promote their sustainable economic and social development and improve interethnic relations. In terms of Ukraine and EU cross-border regional policy and the development of NATO's effective mechanisms to achieve Ukraine secure integration into Europe.

There is still some considerable controversy surrounding the aspect whether the objectives of the Euroregion are implemented properly. Our strong conviction is that the main causes of the complex environmental and economic situation in both Ukraine and Romania are the disregard for the laws of the development of the economy, the inappropriate use of natural resources and the poor protection of the environment. The Ukrainian expert in cross-border cooperation, political scientist Dr.Kruglashov (2013; p.34) Kruglashov, A. (2013). Euroregion Upper Prut: Studies and Activities, Eurolimes, 6:27-39. asserts: `... the CBC agenda and Euroregional cooperation never gained momentum as state policy priority. The above-mentioned difficulties are even more exacerbated by as yet considerable gaps between the legal framework and administrative practices in Romania, Moldavia and Ukraine concerning CBC of local and regional authorities and other actors (businesses, NGOs, media, etc). Existing divergences negatively affect the Euroregion's advancement. Even some projects at the stage of implementation may be scrutinised differently in partner countries by local authorities, making the situation hardly tolerable'.

While it is reasonable to agree that, the EU Enlargement towards Eastern Europe helps overcoming numerous minority conflicts in the area in general, Ukraine-Romania borders including in particular (Pfetsch, 2007, p.18)Pfetsch, F. (2007). Borders Cause of Conflict or Catalyst for Peace? [online]. Eurolimes, 4:16-28. [Viewed 7 March 2018. Available from: http://iser.rdsor.ro/main_page/Documents/Eurolimes/pdf/4_eurolimes.pdf.. As an outstanding Romanian scholar Brie outlined, the Euroregion falls into the category of those with potentially high functional level and requires the identification of solutions for the interconnection of two systems with common traditions, but different stances towards the EU. The main objectives of the UPE were to establish cross-border cooperation, enriched by interregional and international experience, based on the legal framework, enjoying good-neighborly practices as well as financing of cross-border activities. The extension of the European Union favored the development of regional programs designed to stimulate cross-border cooperation between Romania and Ukraine. The implementation of common policies established by the constitutive agreements of the Euroregions, and operational development of cross-border cooperation resulted in the increase of contacts between Romanian and Ukrainian institutions (Brie, 2010; p.310)Brie, M. and Horga, I. (2010). The Romanian-Ukrainian cross-border cooperation at the European instru-ments. Ukraine-Romania-Moldova: historical, political and cultural aspects of their relations in the contempo-rary European processes context, 302-318, Chernivtsi, Bukrek..

To recapitulate, despite criticism that followed the signing of the Treaty, the Euroregion appeared to be a breakthrough, offering solutions to maintaining harmonious rapport with Romanian ethnicity on Ukrainian territory and solving problems of the Northeast part. Importantly, this perspective is supported by the relevant experience in solution of current issues concerning environmental protection and sustainable development of the economy in the Ukraine and Romania border areas. Consequently, Euroregions strategy should be one of the integral constructs of cross-border cooperation to create favorable conditions for the protection, preservation and reproduction of biodiversity, the guarantee of environmental safety and sustainable economic development.

Deepening of Ukraine-Romania cross-border cooperation (Chernivtsi region case study)