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Abstract:

Apart from dealing with amounting internal pressure the European Union (EU) has been facing an increased number of external challenges that have been waiting to be appropriately addressed. Despite being the most powerful and prominent power in Europe, the EU does not always use the plethora of instruments from its toolbox to tackle emerging issues in either a strong or consistent manner. Explanations as to why this is happening vary on a case-by-case basis. The primary concern of this paper is to analyze the decisions the EU is making in regards to external European issues. More specifically, this paper will scrutinize whether there is either a common solution or an institutional confusion within EU institutions in advancing bilateral relations with Ukraine while addressing a rapidly deteriorating security situation over Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.