EUROPEAN REALITIES OF COLLECTIVE DEFENCE:NATO AND EU RELATIONSHIP ISSUES

Abstract

Given the new geopolitical challenges and threats, the EU is looking for ways to counter them by reforming its security and defence structures and achieving a high level of consolidation in their management. In this context, the construction of a common EU and NATO policy is an important aspect. It has been shown that effective cooperation between NATO and the EU is the key to developing an integrated approach to crisis management and operations that requires the effective use of both military and civilian means; thus the European Security Strategy has been an important step in the significant convergence of NATO and EU positions. It is proposed that Ukraine should agree to NATO’s proposal and adopt an “associated partnership” format, i.e. to pursue the course of possible rapprochement with NATO without formal accession. The development of autonomous European defence structures opens for Ukraine the possibility for further deepening of cooperation with the EU and parallel strengthening of defence capabilities.