Transformation of the concept of state sovereignty in the context of European integration as a problem of modern political theory and philosophy of law

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of the traditional understanding of state authority under the influence of European integration processes and to determine its significance for the development of contemporary political theory and the philosophy of law. Particular attention is paid to theoretical approaches that reinterpret classical models of public authority and to the emergence of new conceptual frameworks explaining the functioning of political power within multilevel governance systems.

Methods. The methodological basis of the research combines general scientific and specialized approaches. The study employs systemic, comparative legal, historical, and institutional methods. The systemic approach makes it possible to examine state authority as a complex political and legal system interacting with supranational institutions. The comparative method is applied to identify specific features of the relationship between national legal systems and supranational regulatory mechanisms within European integration structures. The institutional method enables the analysis of the role played by political and legal institutions of the European Union in shaping new forms of exercising governmental authority.

Results. The research demonstrates that contemporary integration processes contribute to a gradual transformation of the classical perception of public authority as absolute and indivisible. Within the European integration space a complex structure of multilevel governance is developing, where decision-making competences are distributed among national and supranational institutions. The study confirms that integration mechanisms do not eliminate state autonomy but rather reshape the forms of its realization through institutional cooperation and legal coordination of political decisions. It is also established that current integration dynamics create new patterns of political interdependence combining elements of domestic self-government and supranational regulation.

Conclusions. The findings indicate that contemporary political and legal theory is gradually moving away from the classical model of absolute state authority toward more flexible forms of organizing political power. The results of the study may be useful for further research on political integration and for improving national legal policy in the context of European integration processes.