The concept of economic integration and its main characteristics

Introduction. The paper discusses the concept of economic integration and its main characteristics. The purpose of the paper is to study the concept of economic integration and its main characteristics. Results. An analysis of the concepts of integration, economic integration, international economic integration, economic diplomacy, categories to determine the essence of international economic integration was carried out. Objective and subjective prerequisites of integration processes and prerequisites for economic integration are determined. The key competitive advantages of the international and European economic integration of Ukraine, which create self-development opportunities for the country's economy, are identified. Conclusions. The concepts of "integration processes", "economic integration" and "economic diplomacy" are defined. It was found that economic diplomacy and economic integration complement each other and are important in creating a favorable environment for economic development and deepening cooperation between countries. Economic diplomacy and the process of integration are important aspects of international relations, as they contribute to the development and strengthening of economic cooperation between countries.