Objectives To assess the scholarly contribution, analytical rigor, and relevance of the monograph Morskie aspekty bezpieczeństwa i obrony UE; to evaluate the author’s argument regarding the EU’s developing but limited maritime power; and to situate the work within contemporary research on EU security and defence. Methods The review draws on a close reading and critical analysis of Teresa Usewicz’s monograph, combining assessment of its theoretical framework (principal–agent theory, maritime power, strategic culture), institutional analysis, and evaluation of empirical case studies (EU NAVFOR Atalanta, IRINI). Sources include EU strategic documents, academic literature, and policy materials referenced in the book. Results The monograph successfully demonstrates the EU’s strong regulatory and institutional capacity in the maritime domain and its leadership in maritime safety standards. It highlights the EU’s reliance on coalition frameworks, partner capabilities, and multilateral cooperation, while illustrating operational examples that confirm the Union’s limited hard-power projection at sea. Key strengths include conceptual clarity, precise institutional mapping, and original synthesis of maritime aspects of CSDP. Conclusions The book provides a valuable, well-documented analysis showing that, despite progress in strategy, regulation, and coordination, the EU remains a militarily constrained maritime actor lacking integrated naval capabilities. Its maritime influence relies on norms, multilateral partnerships, and capacity-building rather than hard power. The study fills a gap in Polish scholarship and offers a foundation for further research on EU maritime security, strategic culture, and capability development.