THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EU’S STRATEGIC AUTONOMY AMIDST GROWING GEOPOLITICAL TENSIONS

Abstract

The relevance of the research is driven by the global geopolitical shift that forces the European Union to reconsider its traditional reliance on soft power, normative influence, and economic interdependence. In light of rising instability, armed aggression in Europe, and shifting transatlantic relations, the problem of forming European strategic autonomy and becomes a central imperative for the Union's political survival and international agency. This study examines the evolution of the European Union's strategic culture, security strategies, and economic identity as it transitions toward a capability-oriented model of governance. The paper explores the conceptual foundation of strategic autonomy, covering its defense, energy, technological, and trade dimensions. Special attention is given to the institutional mechanisms designed to reduce undesirable external dependencies on major geopolitical rivals, protect critical infrastructure, and strengthen the European defense-industrial base. The discussion encompasses the structural transformation of the internal market, including regulatory shifts, industrial initiatives, and energy supply diversification. Furthermore, the paper addresses the methodological challenges of measuring strategic vulnerabilities. It proposes an enhanced framework – the Strategic Dependency Index, which integrates market concentration, institutional risk metrics of supplying nations, and dynamic changes over time. Through this approach, the study examines the sectoral unevenness of the Union's security exposure across key domain areas, including energy resources, critical raw materials, and high-tech components. The article also considers internal governance bottlenecks, decision-making inertia, and political fragmentation among member states that impede cohesive policy implementation. Finally, the analysis touches upon the restructuring of the European security architecture, discussing the evolving dynamics within traditional alliances and the emerging role of alternative regional security coalitions.