THE PROCESS OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION OF THE BALTIC COUNTRIES AS AN EXAMPLE OF THE TRANSITION FROM POST-SOVIET STATES TO INTEGRATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EUROPEAN STRUCTURES

The article examines the process of European integration of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania after gaining independence in the early 1990s. The main stages of integration are described, including the preparatory phase, signing of the Association Agreements, reforms to meet European standards, as well as accession to the European Union and adaptation to its requirements. Considerable attention is paid to economic transformation, social and cultural aspects of integration, in particular, raising social standards and infrastructure development. Political and military integration, including NATO membership, is also considered. It also analyzes the current challenges faced by the Baltic states, such as economic inequality, demographic changes, and global economic trends.