Retrospective and prospects of the legal framework for European Integration in security and defence

The study addressed the historical background and development of the regulatory framework for European defence policy, starting with the Treaty of Brussels in 1948, and the establishment of the Western Union and the Western European Union. Based on the analysis of such documents as the Maastricht, Amsterdam and Nice Treaties, the mechanisms of defence cooperation within the EU and its main goals, primarily the strengthening of strategic autonomy, were determined. The study also analysed the Berlin-Plus agreement, which established mechanisms for cooperation between the EU and NATO, while promoting the development of independent European defence and security capabilities. The key role of the Lisbon Treaty in formulating the foundations of the EUʼs Common Security and Defence Policy was identified. The importance and prospects of implementing Article 42(7) of the Treaty, which enshrines the principle of mutual assistance of member states in the event of an armed attack, as well as permanent structured cooperation for deeper defence integration, was highlighted. These provisions increase the EUʼs strategic autonomy and consolidate European defence cooperation, defining it as an important component of the EUʼs Common Foreign and Security Policy. The relevance of furt her improving the EU legal framework in response to new threats was determined, in particular, due to Russian aggression in Ukraine, as well as growing tensions in other regions. The need to strengthen legal mechanisms that will ensure more effective decision-making processes within the EU CSDP and strengthen security cooperation among member states was emphasised. The research relevance is determined by the possibility of using its results as a theoretical basis for the development of the EUʼs common defence policy and further integration in the security sector in the context of current geopolitical challenges