Recent developments both within the European Union (EU) and in its immediate and wider neighbourhood are unprecedented in the history of the organisation due to their scale and accumulation. In addition to the ongoing struggle with the consequences of the financial crisis and the prolonged wait for a clear economic recovery in the EU itself, other problems should be noted, such as the growing terrorist threat and the need for closer coordination of internal affairs, the policy of sanctions against Russia, economic problems in China, the EU's energy dependence and the creation of an energy union, growing Euroscepticism, etc. Two issues have taken on particular significance, namely the mass influx of refugees and the immigration crisis, as well as the economic and political risks associated with the possible exit of the United Kingdom from the EU.

Added to these problems are the increasing difficulties in maintaining so-called European solidarity, perceived as the ability of 28 countries to build unity, within which joint decisions on specific actions are taken. All this means that questions are increasingly being asked about the prospects for deepening or broadening the process of European integration, as well as the role of the EU as a representative of its Member States on the international stage. There is no doubt that the rapidly changing political and economic situation in the world requires the EU to take swift action that will not only respond to current needs but also shape a forward-looking policy capable of meeting future challenges. The European Union needs a new strategic plan that will ensure the socio-economic and political security of its citizens.

In this context, it is extremely important to provide arguments, supported by theoretical knowledge and scientific research, in the discussion on the directions of action taken at the level of Member States and the EU as a whole. The articles will focus on the main objective of identifying the causes of many of the EU's current problems and providing recommendations for decision-makers at national and European level.