Zaitseva Anna, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of International Economic Relations and Logistics, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine.

ORCID: 0000-0003-0818-7853
e-mail: glazkova@karazin.ua

Asymmetry of Foreign Economic Cooperation of the Countries of the Danube region in the Context of New Regionalism and European Integration

Abstract. Introduction. The article examines the features of asymmetry in foreign economic cooperation among the Danube region countries in the context of New Regionalism and European integration. The relevance of the study is determined by the increasing role of regional integration processes in shaping the modern architecture of international economic relations and the need to identify disparities in the economic development of the Danube region countries that affect the effectiveness of their cooperation.

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to analyze the asymmetry of foreign economic cooperation among the Danube region countries and to identify prospects for deepening economic interaction under the conditions of strengthening integration processes.

Results. The essence of asymmetric shifts arising as a result of modern interstate economic interaction is revealed, and their impact on the development of foreign economic relations of the Danube region countries is determined. The key factors influencing the development of cooperation are identified, including geographical location, European integration processes, transport and logistics infrastructure development, investment cooperation, and cross-border partnerships. The main trends in foreign economic cooperation are characterized, including the growth of mutual trade, intensification of investment flows, development of logistics corridors, and expansion of production cooperation. The analysis of foreign trade, investment activity, and economic development indicators revealed significant disparities between the countries of the Danube region. It is established that the largest share of trade and investment flows is concentrated in the more developed European Union countries, particularly Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia, while the lower Danube countries demonstrate lower levels of economic activity and integration into global value chains. It is determined that the existing asymmetries are caused by differences in competitiveness, innovation capacity, labor productivity, and the quality of the institutional environment.

Conclusions. It is concluded that reducing economic disparities in the Danube region requires strengthening investment cooperation, modernizing transport infrastructure, supporting innovative projects, and deepening integration mechanisms within the European economic space. These measures will contribute to more balanced foreign economic cooperation and sustainable development of the countries in the Danube region.

Keywords: foreign economic cooperation; Danube region; regional integration; European integration; New Regionalism; foreign trade; export; import; investment; EU countries; asymmetry of foreign economic cooperation.

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