CONCEPTUALIZAREA POLITICII EXTERNE A UNIUNII EUROPENE

Abstract

This paper delves into the European Union’s grand strategy and the spectrum of its capabilities in addressing contemporary challenges. It critically evaluates the conceptual foundations and operational dimensions of EU powers, referencing seminal works by scholars such as John Lewis Gaddis and Colin Gray. The analysis dissects how the EU deploys its economic, civilian, ethical, and military instruments to realize strategic objectives, with a particular focus on the integrationist success of the single market. The research underscores the economic power of the EU, evidenced by the single market’s role in enhancing economic cohesion and resilience. However, it also critiques the rigidity and procedural inertia of EU mechanisms in the face of external geopolitical threats, notably from Russia. The study acknowledges the robustness of the EU’s ethical and civilian powers, despite internal inconsistencies in member states. Ultimately, the paper posits that while the EU’s strategic deployment of its powers has largely ensured regional stability and prosperity, it must continuously evolve to effectively navigate and mitigate emergent global challenges, thereby sustaining its strategic relevance in the 21st century.