| Keywords [eng] |
EU trade policy, protectionism, strategic autonomy, geopolitical tensions, trade law, EU legal framework, value-based trade. ES prekybos politika, protekcionizmas, strateginė autonomija, geopolitinė įtampa, prekybos teisė, ES teisinė sistema, vertybiniais principais grindžiama prekyba. |
| Abstract [eng] |
This thesis examines the European Union’s trade policy in times of growing protectionism and geopolitical tensions. It analyses how the EU adapts its legal and institutional framework to safeguard its economic and strategic interests while remaining committed to its core liberal values, including the rule of law, human rights, labour standards, and environmental protection. The study explores recent legal instruments and policy measures, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the anti-coercion regulation, and sustainability clauses in trade agreements, which demonstrate the Union’s efforts to balance strategic autonomy with openness and multilateral cooperation. The EU’s law-based and value-driven approach allows it to respond effectively to external pressures without disregarding its principles, ensuring that trade relations remain predictable, transparent, and aligned with broader societal goals. At the same time, this approach helps to strengthen trust between the EU and its trading partners. Far from being a weakness, the EU’s commitment to legality, fairness, and strategic foresight stands as one of its greatest strengths, enabling it to adapt to complex global markets while promoting ethical standards. Ultimately, this thesis shows that by combining liberal values with strategic action, the EU can protect its interests, foster resilient trade partnerships, and remain a credible and influential player in conditions of rising protectionism and geopolitical tensions, all while encouraging sustainable and responsible economic practices across the globe and contributing to long-term global economic stability. |
