THE INNOVATION-INVESTMENT AND SECURITY POLICY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION IN THE CONTEXT OF NEW GEOPOLITICAL CHALLENGES: A STRATEGIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

This article is dedicated to analyzing the innovation-investment and security policies of the European Union in the context of geopolitical instability, particularly after 2022, and their influence on strategic planning amid contemporary global challenges. The aim of the research is to examine the evolution of the EU’s innovation-investment policies, the reform of security policies following the outbreak of the full-scale war in Ukraine, and the synergy between these two areas in the face of modern challenges. The relevance of the topic is determined by the necessity for the adaptation of European policies to new realities, such as Russia's aggression, the intensification of tensions between the United States and China, and security threats to the EU, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity and energy. In the course of the study, strategic analysis methods and content analysis of key EU documents were employed, along with a comparative analysis method to evaluate the effectiveness of the initiatives implemented in response to new geopolitical challenges. The impact of the reforms on EU unity was assessed, and key strategies in the fields of innovation, energy, and cybersecurity were identified, alongside strengthening cooperation with NATO and partners amid the war in Ukraine. The results indicate that the integration of security and innovation within EU policy has been significantly strengthened, helping maintain strategic stability amid rapid changes. Key policy areas, such as new financial instruments like the European Defense Innovation Fund, and Ukraine’s role as a potential partner in ensuring security and innovation development, were discussed.