Теоретичні та прикладні питання економіки. Збірник наукових праць.

Випуск 1 (52)

УДК 005.4

JEL F15, P33, O52

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org / 0000-0002-5391-6560

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org /0009-0005-8127-1367

DOI https://doi.org/10.17721/tppe.2026.52.5

I. Kinash, Doctor of Economics, Professor
Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas
iryna.kinash@nung.edu.ua
D. Kashka, PhD Candidate

THE EXPERIENCE OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION OF POLAND AND CROATIA: LESSONS FOR UKRAINE

The article is devoted to the study and systematization of the international experience of the European integration of Poland and Croatia with the aim of implementing it in the context of Ukraine’s current transformation. The choice of these countries as objects of research is обусловлено by the fact that they demonstrate different trajectories of integration into the European Union: Poland as a post-socialist economy with relatively stable institutional development, and Croatia as a state that underwent European integration in the context of post-conflict recovery. Their experience is relevant for Ukraine due to the similarity of transformational processes.

The study identifies universal and specific factors of the successful integration of these countries into the EU. Differences in the integration processes were established. The reason for this lies in the fact that Poland did not experience large-scale military conflicts during the period of gaining independence. This allowed the country to focus primarily on political and economic reforms. In contrast, Croatia underwent the European integration process under conditions of post-war recovery. The research demonstrated positive economic consequences of EU accession for both countries.

Practical conclusions for Ukraine, which can be drawn from the experience of these countries’ accession, were generalized. In particular, the following lessons can be derived from Poland’s experience: the irreversibility and rapid implementation of reforms; the development of effective mechanisms for attracting and utilizing EU financial assistance; ensuring communication with the population regarding the European integration process, its requirements, and opportunities; and preparing mechanisms for retaining and developing the workforce within the country.

The following conclusions arise from Croatia’s experience: carrying out reforms of the judiciary and prosecution system; implementing anti-corruption policies; strengthening the institutional capacity of the state; building the trust of international partners; supporting business development; preparing for competition within the EU market; restoring territories; and integrating war veterans into areas of activity where their experience and competencies can be used most effectively.

The article employs a number of general scientific and special research methods, including analysis and synthesis, generalization, the comparative-historical method, as well as tabular and graphical methods.

Keywords: European Union, processes, adaptation, integration, economic consequences, reforms, challenges, policy, EU market, business, development conditions.

Full Text: PDF

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/tppe.2026.52.5