European Integration and Countering Hybrid Threats: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

The relevance of the article’s topic is determined by the non-standard nature of the challenges and threats of today. In the modern world, hybrid threats have become a major challenge for European countries, the European Union, and the world as a whole. Hybrid warfare encompasses various forms and types of aggression that are used to influence a country’s domestic politics, public opinion, and government activities. Hybrid threats are complex and multifaceted phenomena that require a comprehensive and systemic approach to counter them. They can target different spheres of life, such as politics, economy, culture, the information space, and others. Since they have an unpredictable nature, countering them requires the development and implementation of modern strategies and effective tools at both the national and supranational levels. The European Union must develop an effective strategy to counter hybrid threats that would allow it to protect its citizens and prevent the further expansion of these threats. Therefore, the process of Eurointegration is an important element in countering hybrid threats for countries and the region as a whole. The European Union provides significant support in combating hybrid threats, including through cooperation and coordination with member countries. One important element of Eurointegration is the alignment of legislation and security standards among countries. This helps reduce risks and enhance protection against hybrid threats. Collaboration in the field of cybersecurity is also a crucial component of Eurointegration. The development and implementation of joint strategies and tools enhance the effectiveness of countering hybrid threats at the regional level. Furthermore, Eurointegration can assist countries in developing and implementing new strategies and tools to counter hybrid threats, including through financial and technical support. This will enable more effective combat against these phenomena and ensure the security of countries and the region as a whole. The EU’s approach to defining and addressing hybrid threats is outlined in the «Joint Framework on Countering Hybrid Threats - European Union Response» (2016), «Increasing Resilience and Strengthening the Capacity to Address Hybrid Threats» (2018), and the EU Security Strategy (2020). The integrated system for countering hybrid threats encompasses a wide range of measures at both the member state and supranational EU levels, including early detection, analysis, raising awareness, building resilience, prevention, crisis response, and consequence management.