The objective of this essay is to substantiate the research thesis that one of the most significant challenges facing the European Union (EU) from its international environment is the ongoing transformation of the global order. To support this thesis, it is essential to address two primary research questions: firstly, how these changes are taking place and what are their inherent characteristics, and secondly, to what extent do these changes impact the European Union as a global actor? To investigate this issue, the author employed a research methodology that incorporates the dichotomy between the theories of realism and normativism. This dual-theoretical framework facilitated the drawing of conclusions that substantiate the thesis presented in this work.