EUROPEAN UNITY AND SECURITY: FROM POST-WAR INTEGRATION TO MODERN CHALLENGES IN DEFENSE AND GOVERNANCE

This article examines the historical evolution of European unity and traces the development of the European Union from the aftermath of the Second World War to the present day. Divided into six phases, it highlights the key political, economic, and institutional milestones that have shaped the EU’s path. The study begins with the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community and the formation of the European Economic Community and EURATOM. It examines the challenges of the Cold War era, the influence of key treaties on the deepening of integration, and the expansion of EU competencies. The analysis also covers the post-Lisbon period and looks at issues such as the Eurozone crisis, the migration crisis, Brexit, and the EU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also discusses the adoption of the AI Act in 2024, progress on cybersecurity through the NIS2 Directive, and the increasing recognition of the need for a common defense strategy to ensure the security and stability of the Union. These developments underline the continued need for reforms to strengthen democratic legitimacy, cohesion, and collective security within the Union. It concludes that while the EU has made significant progress towards becoming a true political community, it must continue to adapt and evolve to address its democratic shortcomings and better meet the diverse needs of its member states and citizens. Through strategic reform, enhanced defense cooperation, and a renewed commitment to its founding principles, the EU can strengthen its unity and manage the complexities of the modern age.