Prospects of Ukraine's integration into the EU energy market

Methods. The methods used as the methodological basis of the study were: analysis and synthesis – to determine current trends in the development of the European energy market and Ukraine's place in it; comparative analysis – to assess the strengths and weaknesses of Ukraine's integration into the EU energy market; factor analysis – to identify key factors influencing the integration process; generalization – for processing statistical data on energy exports and imports; regulatory analysis – for developing recommendations on strengthening Ukraine’s energy security and competitiveness in the European energy space. Results. Modern trends in the development of the European energy market are studied, including the growth of demand for renewable energy sources and the reduction of dependence on fossil fuels. Ukraine’s place in the European energy market as a potential supplier of electricity, natural gas and hydrogen is determined. Key challenges related to integration are identified, in particular technical, economic and political barriers. Recommendations are proposed on strengthening Ukraine’s competitive position in the European energy market through infrastructure modernization, implementation of green technologies and harmonization of legislation with European standards. Novelty. An approach to determining the main global trends in the energy sector is proposed, based on a comparative analysis of challenges and opportunities for a country participating as a subject of the European energy market. The weaknesses and strengths of Ukraine’s participation in the European energy market are identified in terms of its economic security and sustainable development. New opportunities and challenges for the export and import of energy carriers are identified. Practical value. The analysis provides an understanding of the state and trends in the development of the Ukrainian and European energy markets, which allows strengthening the place and role of Ukraine in energy relations with European countries, as well as creating conditions for the integration of the Ukrainian energy market into the European one.