TRANSFORMATION OF THE EU FOREIGN ECONOMIC POLICY IN THE CONTEMPORARY SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE

Abstract

The study of the EU’s foreign economic policy is one of the key topics in the modern scientific literature due to the EU’s significant influence on the global economic processes. This article analyzes evolution of the relevant research by Russian and foreign authors, including both modern works and publications of the early 2010s, when this topic began to gain relevance in the context of studying international trade relations. Special attention is paid to the issue of transformation of the EU Commission’s foreign economic policy formulation due to the implementation of the 2021 trade policy strategy, aimed at ensuring «strategic autonomy» of the Union. This article reviews existing discussions regarding the definition of this concept, as well as regarding its main instruments. In conclusion, the author identifies key gaps in respective scientific knowledge and presents directions for further study. It is proposed to investigate the ongoing changes using a paradigmatic research method that is based on the 1993 theory by Peter Hall. A deeper understanding of the EU's trade policy changes will allow Russia to more effectively adapt its behavior in the international arena, as well as its interaction with the other global players.