- Research Article
- 10.32342/3041-2137-2026-1-64-17
RESHORING, REINDUSTRIALIZATION OR RECOLONIZATION: WHAT IS AHEAD FOR EUROPE?
- Jan 02, 2026
- Academy Review
- Anatilii O Zadoia + 1 more +1
The article explores the transformational processes in the economies of the European Union in the context of new geostrategic realities caused by global challenges, the disruption of traditional logistics chains, and increasing dependence on external resources. Special attention is given to the consequences of prolonged deindustrialization and offshoring, during which a significant share of industrial production was relocated outside Europe, primarily to countries with lower production costs, including former colonies. The paper highlights a new perspective on this trend — the concept of recolonization, which refers to the growing economic and industrial dependence of developed countries on regions they once dominated. In the face of disrupted supply chains and mounting global instability, European countries are increasingly recognizing the need for reindustrialization, greater self-sufficiency, and diversification of supply sources. However, the process of reshoring industrial production within the EU is constrained by several factors, including limited resources, strict environmental regulations, labor shortages, and evolving societal values. In this context, the author proposes nearshoring as an alternative strategy — relocating production to neighboring countries that are geographically, economically, and politically close to the EU. The study pays particular attention to Ukraine’s potential as a promising platform for nearshoring investment. The author argues that Ukraine possesses a range of competitive advantages compared to other Eastern European countries, especially in the context of post-war reconstruction and integration into the European industrial space. Nonetheless, the realization of this potential is contingent on the stabilization of the country and the cessation of military conflict. The article emphasizes that EU support for Ukraine is not only crucial for restoring peace and international law, but also instrumental in resolving a number of economic and security issues within the European Union itself.
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