UDC 330.341.4:332.1:339.9(477)
Habrel, M. S., & Popadynets, N. M. (2015). Strukturni zminy v ekonomitsi rehioniv u konteksti yevropeys'koho vyboru Ukrayiny [Structural changes in the economy of regions in the context of European aspiration of Ukraine]. Rehional'na ekonomika - Regional Economy, 78(4). [in Ukrainian].
Sources: 10

Authors

Resume

Development of Ukraine’s regions economy is characterized by the dynamics of external surrounding as well as the increase of its uncertainty level. Distinct anti-crisis structural policy of a region is the basis for solution of many regional economic and social systems’ problems. In the same time, the signed Agreement on association between Ukraine and EU is the strategic benchmark for structural reforms in the Ukraine’s economy. It defines the qualitatively new relations layout between Ukraine and countries-EU members on the principles of political association and economic integration. Starting with January 1, 2016 economic part of the Agreement comes into force. Therefore, the comprehensive free trade zone between Ukraine na EU stipulated by the Agreement will considerably move Ukraine’s economy closer to the economic system of European Union on the basis of mutual liberalization, primarily in terms of goods, capital and services movement increase, harmonization of approaches and principles the regional branch policies and economic and commercial activity management systems are built on. The article aims to research and analyze structural changes in the economy of Ukraine’s regions and to outline basic elements of structural changes in terms of signing the Agreement on association between Ukraine and EU and its successful implementation. The article estimates structural changes of regions’ economy in terms of signing the Agreement on association between Ukraine and EU. The major problems of regions’ economy structure development are outlined the ways of successful process of the Agreement provisions implementation are proposed, in particular structural reconstruction of regions’ industry and modernization of production on the basis of new technologies, change of proportions in economic activity types of regions, forming of optimal economy territorial structure, restructuring of agrarian sector of regions’ economy, increase of inter-production demand on the products of innovative and investment nature in regions, increase of innovative activity share of small enterprises in the regions, increase of regions’ investment activity and decrease of regional investment disproportions, etc. It is mentioned that in order to conduct positive structural transformations in the economy of Ukraine’s regions, including their adaptation to basic norms of EU functioning, the fundamental changes of economic development priorities of the country in terms of transition from raw materials orientation to innovative type of regions’ economy development are of utmost importance. The available resources (financial, material, organizational, human and humanitarian, etc) to conduct necessary transformations, their sources of origin and mobilization mechanisms should be distinctly defined. Also it should be taken into consideration that successful structural changes in the economy can take place only through significant increase of investment share (over 30% of GDP) due to activation of both internal private and foreign investment. In Ukraine in 2014 the share was less than 15%, testifying to the «wash out» of investment potential and economic renovation potential. In the same time, successfulness of economic measures implementation, stipulated by the Association Agreement, considerably depends on the quality of political authorities’ decisions, including the state apparatus efficiency and extirpation of corruption. On this the aspects will bring Ukrainian economy closer to basic norms of EU functioning.

Keywords:

economy structure, regional structural policy, industry, investment, innovations, Agreement on association between Ukraine and EU, European integration processes