Methodological approaches to assessing the efficiency of foreign economic activities at the national level in the conditions of european integration

This article explores methodological approaches to assessing the efficiency of foreign economic activity at the national level in the context of European integration. It emphasizes that foreign economic activity plays a crucial role in a country’s economic development and international competitiveness. The study outlines the differences between evaluating foreign economic activity at the macro and micro levels, highlighting distinct goals, indicators, and tools. At the macro level, foreign economic activity assessment focuses on GDP growth, trade balance, investment flows, and employment. At the micro level, attention is given to profitability, export competitiveness, and logistical performance. The article classifies and systematizes 14 quantitative methods, including index analysis, DEA, SFA, PCA, and panel econometric models. It also reviews qualitative methods such as SWOT analysis, expert surveys, and content analysis. A special emphasis is placed on integrated approaches. The authors highlight the importance of aligning foreign economic activity assessment with EU standards, including transparency, sustainability, and digitalization of trade processes. Key indicators for evaluating integration effectiveness, such as export diversification and compliance with EU regulations, are identified. It suggests a conceptual model for comprehensive foreign economic activity assessment using integrated indices. The need for strategic use of assessment results in public policy and export support programs is underlined. The authors argue that accurate FEA evaluation enhances policy efficiency and international trade performance. The study highlights the relevance of both traditional and modern methods, including machine learning and data mining. Attention is paid to regulatory factors, institutional quality, and geopolitical risks affecting foreign economic activity outcomes. The research stresses the growing role of digital tools and big data in trade analytics. The findings contribute to developing a flexible and practical assessment framework for policymakers and economists. Overall, the paper provides a balanced and multi-level perspective on evaluating national foreign economic activity effectiveness.