TRANSATLANTIC PARTNERSHIP – POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS AND TRANSFORMATIONS IN THE NEW GEOSTRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

Abstract

Considering a series of events from the last ten years, politically and militarily relevant, International Relations scholars are questioning the robustness of the EuroAtlantic relations. However, such a cooperation, that started decades ago, does not end without serious consequences that can go beyond the area of the involved parties. The main assumption of this article is that, for the short term, no serious transformation – such as a division between the European and the American parties, be it political, military, or economic – can take place in the present security framework – without severe implications for the global order. However, in the longer term, the cooperation can find a rather independent European Union – thought not entirely, capable of defending itself and projecting its military power beyond its borders (European Parliament 2022, 1). For the purpose of this article, there will be analysed the relationship between the European Union and NATO, based on the latest strategic documents adopted in 2022 by the two organizations – EU’s Strategic Compass and NATO’s Strategic Concept, as well as the most recent Joint Declaration signed by the two partners in January 2023. The latter provides common responses to new challenges and joint efforts to promote an international environment based on stability and prosperity, and the condemnation of the actors who cause instability affecting peace and security. The overall objective is to present the ability of the two organisations to adapt to the new challenges and threats in order to achieve their common objectives. The expected outcome of the analysis is to position the Transatlantic Partnership as a fundamental element of stability in the transatlantic area through the implementation of agreed security and defence strategies and objectives.