The Evolution of Political Communication in the Process of Latvia’s Integration into the EU: Lessons for Ukraine

Abstract

The article deal with the analysis of the experience of external and internal political communication in Latvia in the process of the country’s integration into the EU and the study of the possibilities of using this experience in Ukraine. The starting point of this analysis is the statement that the common values of the EU: human rights, above all the right to life, human dignity, freedom, equality, democracy, and the rule of law constitute the axiological core of this political communication. The Europeanization of the state establishment and the public sphere is the goal of political communication in the process of EU integration. The study focuses on three main participants of political communication: political actors, citizens, and the media. The author analyzes the activities of these actors at the three stages of Latvia’s integration into the EU. In conclusion the article, the author proves that considering the similarity of geopolitical conditions, ethno-demographic differentiation, and foreign policy orientations in Latvia and Ukraine, the experience of Latvian political communication in the process of integration into the EU can be used in Ukraine. Based on an assessment of Latvia’s achievements and miscalculations along this way, he offers a number of recommendations to improve the effectiveness of Ukrainian European integration communication.