THE IMPACT OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION PROCESSES ON THE FOREIGN TRADE RELATIONS OF THE BALTIC STATES AFTER THEIR ACCESSION TO THE EUROPEAN UNION

The article establishes that determining the impact of European integration processes on the foreign trade relations of the Baltic States is a relevant and timely task in the context of both regional and global economic and political changes. The theoretical foundations of determining the impact of integration processes on the foreign trade of the Baltic States after their accession to the European Union are revealed. The essence, main components and interrelationships between them, dynamics of foreign trade of the Baltic countries after their accession to the European Union are considered. The main factors influencing the foreign trade relations of the Baltic States after their accession to the European Union are determined. The general structure of foreign trade of the Baltic States after their accession to the European Union is proposed. The main content of the influence of integration processes on the foreign trade of the Baltic States after their accession to the European Union is revealed. The dynamics of exports and imports of the Baltic States after their accession to the European Union in 2004-2024 is studied. It is determined that during 2004-2024, the Baltic States demonstrated a steady increase in exports, focusing on trade with the European Union and gradually diversifying their markets globally. It is shown that the import of technologies and energy resources has become a key factor for the development of the Baltic States' industry, especially in the context of the transition to green energy and alternative sources. The impact of integration on intra-European trade is identified and the external partners of the Baltic States are considered. The main trends and prospects for the development of foreign trade relations of the Baltic States in the context of the impact of European integration processes are considered. It is shown that future trends in the development of foreign trade of the Baltic States are associated with the further use of technological innovations and diversification of markets, in particular through the intensification of trade with Asia and America. It is established that sanctions and geopolitical tensions have forced the Baltic States to reduce their dependence on the Russian market and increase trade with the European Union and other international partners. Introduction. The process of European integration has had a significant impact on the development of foreign trade relations of the Baltic States — Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which joined the European Union in 2004. This step opened up new opportunities for economic growth, trade development, and foreign investment by providing access to the European Union's single internal market. However, along with the new opportunities, the Baltic states faced a number of challenges, including adaptation to new trade standards, dependence on the EU internal market, and the need to diversify exports. Foreign trade relations have become a key factor in the economic stability of the Baltic States after their exit from the post-Soviet space. The relevance of the article's topic is also due to the rapid changes in the global economy that affect international trade and force the Baltic states to adapt their trade strategies to new challenges. It is important to investigate how membership in the European Union contributes to the growth of foreign trade in the Baltic States. Thus, determining the impact of European integration processes on the foreign trade relations of the Baltic States is a relevant and timely task in the context of both regional and global economic and political changes.