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Politicization of EU Development Policy: The Role of EU External Perceptions (Case of Ukraine)

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  • Natalia Chaban
  • Ole Elgström

Abstract

This article highlights the role of external audiences and their perceptions in analysing the politicization of EU development policy. We analyse how EU foreign assistance is understood in two different intermediary arenas of politicization – elites in different societal sectors and media – within Ukraine, a major recipient of EU aid. By investigating to what extent EU assistance is perceived to be politicized, in terms of salience and polarization we contribute to the debate on outside‐in politicization. Applying a perceptual approach to EU foreign policy studies, we focus on Ukrainian images of Self in its relation to the EU as a development actor and on Ukraine's evaluations of EU assistance. We consult the theory of framing and propose an operationalization of salience in terms of visibility, cultural congruence and emotive charge. We use the typology of cognitive, evaluative and affective images from political psychology to operationalize the notion of polarization.

Suggested Citation

  • Natalia Chaban & Ole Elgström, 2021. "Politicization of EU Development Policy: The Role of EU External Perceptions (Case of Ukraine)," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(1), pages 143-160, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jcmkts:v:59:y:2021:i:1:p:143-160
    DOI: 10.1111/jcms.13137
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Friedrich Plank & Niels Keijzer & Arne Niemann, 2021. "Outside‐in Politicization of EU–Western Africa Relations: What Role for Civil Society Organizations?," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(1), pages 161-179, January.
    2. Johanne Døhlie Saltnes & Markus Thiel, 2021. "The Politicization of LGBTI Human Rights Norms in the EU‐Uganda Development Partnership," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(1), pages 108-125, January.
    3. Christine Hackenesch & Julian Bergmann & Jan Orbie, 2021. "Development Policy under Fire? The Politicization of European External Relations," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(1), pages 3-19, January.
    4. Achim Hurrelmann & Anna Gora & Andrea Wagner, 2015. "The Politicization of European Integration: More than an Elite Affair?," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 63(1), pages 43-59, March.
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    1. Johanne Døhlie Saltnes & Markus Thiel, 2021. "The Politicization of LGBTI Human Rights Norms in the EU‐Uganda Development Partnership," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(1), pages 108-125, January.
    2. Natalia Chaban & Ole Elgström, 2026. "European Union Normative Positions, Resilience and Contestation: A Perceptual Approach," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 64(3), pages 1238-1255, May.
    3. Christine Hackenesch & Julian Bergmann & Jan Orbie, 2021. "Development Policy under Fire? The Politicization of European External Relations," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(1), pages 3-19, January.
    4. Natalia Chaban & Ole Elgström, 2023. "Critical Expectation Gaps: Advancing Theorization of the Perceptual Approach in EU Foreign Policy Studies," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 61(4), pages 1047-1064, July.
    5. Anatolie Carbune, 2023. "Shaping Interstate Decision‐Making? Framing as a Persuasive Tactic in Transnational Climate Governance," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 61(5), pages 1143-1160, September.
    6. Aron Buzogány & Mihai Varga, 2025. "Making Markets Through Coalitions: The European Union and the Debate Over Ukraine's National Resources," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 63(1), pages 108-126, January.

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