The article is devoted to investigation of the political and legal basis of the EU — Ukraine relations, namely according to Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and Association Agreement — in perspective. The Association Agreement determines the principles of political association and economic integration for farther development of the relations. The author critically analyses the European Neighbourhood Policy. The point of the investigation is analysis of the Association Agreement, which is both the legal basis of further EU — Ukrainian relations and strategic checkpoint for system of social and economic reforms within our state including deep and

comprehensive adaptation of the Ukrainian legislation according to the EU standards. The author explains the meaning of the principles of the political association and economic integration. The estimation of reforms which have been carried out in Ukraine as well as determination of tasks which our state is obligated to realize contextually its European integration are also done.