Legal challenges of the post-third wave of democracy: The European Union

Introduction: The development of democracy in the twenty-first century is a key factor determining global relations in the context of globalization. Socio-political transformations are of great importance, as their adequacy affects the duration and effectiveness of the development of societies and the preservation of national identity. Democratization, aimed at establishing a democratic system, has undergone significant changes in different historical periods, including the French Revolution. The purpose of this paper is to identify the legal challenges of the third wave of democracy in the European Union (EU) and ways to address them.Methods: To study the legal challenges of the post-third wave of democracy in the European Union, a comprehensive methodology was used that combines various research approaches and tools such as the comparative analysis, systems analysis, historical analysis, and philosophical analysis.Results: The article highlights the current aspects and challenges experienced by the European Union in the period after the third wave of democratic reforms. The authors analyze the development of political and legal systems of the EU countries. In particular, they examine the constitutional reform, the role of the rule of law and the state of civil society in the context of strengthening democracy. Special attention is paid to the role of international organizations in supporting democratic values and strengthening the legal system.Conclusions: This article presents a valuable contribution to understanding the current challenges and prospects for the democracy development in the European Union under conditions of globalization