Nosirev O. Trade and economic activity of Ukraine in the aspect of European integration

The trade and economic activity of Ukraine in the context of the strategy of European integration is investigated. In the paper the trade and economic activities as part of sociogeoprocesses in the regions are characterized, its functions are defined, an integrated parameter of external economic potential and index of integration activity of the regions are proposed. The analysis of export-import activities and investment cooperation between Ukraine and the EU countries in regional context from the perspective of social geography is made. Trade and economic and investment is considered in three dimensions: absolute (pecuniary), regional (by countries and regions) and sectoral (by forms of economic activities). Four clusters of regions of Ukraine by indicators of economic activity are defined and it is found out that in Ukraine there are two strong cores of economic development - the city of Kyiv and triangle Dnipropetrovs'k -Kharkiv-Donetsk, which have significant external economic potential. Applying the methods of factor, cluster, correlation and regression analysis, and methods of spatial three-dimensional modeling, social and geographical analysis of differentiation of Ukrainian regions by external economic potential and index of integration activity is made. The strategic directions and measures for raising the competitiveness of the regions of Ukraine by the intensification of the activization of foreign economic activities and transboundary cooperation are established.