World in Transition as an International Environment of the European Union

The aim of this article is to make an attempt at characterising the international environment of the EU. The shape and evolution of this environment is of great significance, as the processes taking place in the contemporary world are important factors influencing the course of European integration. The characteristics of the major features of present international relations is followed by the analysis of transformations in the global distribution of power, divided into sections focusing on economic, military and political power.