Regional economic integration as a tool for strengthening Ukraine’s national security

The issue of ensuring national security is gaining special significance, and its effective solution is becoming a critical aspect for the future of the country and the well-being of its citizens. The modern security environment is undergoing large-scale transformations that cover almost all spheres of public life. Sustainable national security is formed in the context of ongoing processes of economic globalization that affect the development trends of countries, so it is advisable to consider regional economic integration as an integral part of the global development of modern civilization. The Baltic-Black Sea space can now become a platform for solving strategic foreign economic problems, protecting national interests, developing joint defense industries, implementing infrastructure and energy projects, and opening up new opportunities for economic development and national security. The purpose of the publication is to study the essence of national security in the realities of geopolitical turbulence and geo-economic competition, to study economic trends that affect Ukraine's national security in the context of the formation of the Baltic-Black Sea region as an alternative integration vector. The paper examines the essence of the categorical concept of “national security”, which is included in official government documents and national security strategies. The influence of economic trends on the national security of Ukraine in the context of the Baltic-Black Sea region and the formation of the Three Seas Initiative is determined. Global and regional economic processes, in particular energy dependence, infrastructure integration, and trade and economic cooperation between the countries of the region are analyzed. The main risks to Ukraine's economic stability related to macroeconomic instability and the consequences of Russian aggression are identified. The results of the study emphasize the importance of regional cooperation for strengthening Ukraine's economic stability and enhancing its geo-economic role. Recommendations are offered to strengthen Ukraine's participation in regional initiatives, such as the development of joint infrastructure projects, diversification of energy sources, and the creation of an effective system of regional economic security. In today's realities, Ukraine's effective integration into regional initiatives helps reduce vulnerability to external challenges and opens up new opportunities for economic development and national security. The key objective of the formation of the Baltic-Black Sea space is to develop economic cooperation and ensure national security of the Black and Baltic Sea countries, promote integration and infrastructure projects, develop foreign trade, supply chains, and trade and economic cooperation between the countries of the region.