SECURITY AND DEFENSE DIMENSION OF UKRAINE'S COOPERATION WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION

Abstract

The security and defense components of Ukraine's cooperation with the European Union are covered in the article. The author examines the institutionalization of the security sector in the EU and the state of the organization's cooperation with NATO. The focus is on the active phase of Ukraine's cooperation with the European Union, which chronologically correlates with the hostilities in the Donbas and the occupation of Crimea. The contribution of member states to maintaining stability and peace is considered. The author analyzes the strengthening of practical defense cooperation in the framework of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union. The development of special practices in Ukraine related to resistance to hybrid threats is outlined, namely the experience of combating illegal migration, smuggling, cybercrime, etc. Therefore, the author defends the position of mutual interest of both parties in cooperation and integration. The conclusions summarize the process of optimizing bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and the EU, especially in the context of the positive experience of the domestic defense sector, which can improve the security component of the common European space.