The Economic Partnership Agreements as part of EU development policy

Umowy o partnerstwie gospodarczym jako element polityki rozwojowej UE

Author(s): Bartosz Jankowski / Language(s): / Issue: 01/2015

Keywords: Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA); Cotonou Partnership Agreement; development policy African; Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP); European Union (EU)

This article concerns the subject of Economic Partnership Agreements. The analyzed agreements constitute an essential element of the reform of commercial relations between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States and are a new instrument of the development policy established in 2000 by the Cotonou Partnership Agreement. However, the pro-development character of the Agreements is often challenged. Therefore the purpose of this article is to analyze the Agreements within the context of the development policy of the European Union. The article presents: origins, principles and purposes of the Economic Partnership Agreements, the process of their negotiation, their terms therein and assessment of the potential results of their implementation.

Turkey in the European Union - real perspective or political fiction?

Turcja w Unii Europejskiej – realna perspektywa czy polityczna fikcja?

Author(s): Magdalena Szkudlarek / Language(s): / Issue: 01/2015

Keywords: Turkey; European Union; foreign policy; reopening of accession process

The aim of the article is to attempt an assessment of the change in Turkey’s policy toward the European Union since mid-2013. In the author’s opinion, all the concepts concerning Turkey’s resignation from efforts for membership and its turn toward Muslim countries in the region are precocious and their nature is temporary. A failure of the two main pillars of the foreign policy that has been in force until now – the policy of ‘zero problems with neighbours’ and aspiration to become a regional leader – prompted the government in Ankara to renew its interest in the European perspective. The article also indicates premises of validity of this scenario and the circumstances that will be necessary for its implementation.

The scientific journal

Z kroniki naukowej

Author(s): Paweł Malendowicz,Marta Götz,Witold Nowak,Hanka Dmochowska,Mariusz Menz,Jadwiga Kiwerska,Marek Mazurkiewicz / Language(s): / Issue: 01/2015

Marek Mazurkiewicz - Colloquium Opole 2014. 10 lat razem w Unii Europejskiej. Zagrożenia i szanse Paweł Malendowicz - Społeczne oblicza Europy XXI wieku Mariusz Menz - Edukacja polityczna w Polsce i w Niemczech. Historia, wyzwania, perspektywy Marta Götz - Walny Zjazd Członków Stowarzyszenia Instytut Zachodni Witold Nowak - Jubileusz 70-lecia Instytutu Zachodniego Jadwiga Kiwerska - Wystawa poświęcona 70-leciu Instytutu Zachodniego Hanka Dmochowska - Europejska Nagroda Obywatelska – European Citizen`s Prize 2014

The relocation of economic activity and cohesion in EU Member States

Relokacja działalności gospodarczej a spójność w państwach członkowskich UE

Author(s): Janusz J. Tomidajewicz,Urszula Panicz / Language(s): / Issue: 01/2015

Keywords: delocalization; cohesion; employment; EU member states; relocation

The purpose of this paper is to define delocalization magnitude for cohesion and employment in EU member states. The first part presents general theoretical reflections on the conception of relocation in EU member states. The empirical part of the paper shows directions of delocalization in the EU, and its impact on employment and cohesion. In the results section, it points out that the relocation processes have a varying influence on cohesion, depending on the level of analysis.

The cultural heritage of Gdańsk. The urban complex of downtown Gdańsk and municipal historical policy

Dziedzictwo kulturowe Gdańska. Zespół śródmiejski a miejska polityka historyczna

Author(s): Łukasz Bugalski / Language(s): English,Polish / Issue: 03/2015

Keywords: Gdańsk; municipal historical policy; cultural heritage; urban structure

The current municipal historical policy of Gdańsk focuses on the realization of two crucial museum undertakings purported to be a unique materialization of the city’s cultural heritage. Their underlying narration, which is told from the European perspective, bases on two great events of the 20th century and seems to disregard the cultural heritage encoded in the urban structure of downtown Gdańsk. But it is precisely this specific urban structure that exerts the strongest influence on the local identity of Gdańsk citizens and the quality of their life. So far the discourse on architecture in Gdańsk has been shaped by the dualistic debate between “tradition” and “modernity” founded on the division into pre-war and post-war accomplishments. This relation does not take full advantage of the possible ways of reading the cultural heritage of Gdańsk and should be replaced by at least three narrations: the historic city, Prussian Danzig and Polish Gdańsk. Only a properly deciphered cultural heritage of the urban complex of downtown Gdańsk can serve as a foundation for outlining a new and more mature municipal and spatial policy of Gdańsk.

Berliner Philharmonie (1963). A breakthrough in the conception of the concert hall

Filharmonia Berlińska 1963 – przełomowa wizja architektoniczna

Author(s): Beata Kornatowska / Language(s): English,Polish / Issue: 03/2015

Keywords: Berlin Philharmonic Hall; Hans Scharoun; Berlin Philharmonic; Herbert von Karajan; Berlin Wall; concert hall; Berlin

Whenever improvised music is played, people form a circle – this simple consideration lies at the basis of the idea behind Hans Scharoun’s design of a central terraced concert hall, known as vineyard. Established in 1963, the new home of the Berlin Philharmonic is not only one of the best known concert halls of the world, but also a prototype architectural solution as the vineyard configuration has been adopted and developed in many important subsequent concert hall designs since the 1960s. The article is an attempt to present the specifics of the project and the various contexts that influenced its shape. The subject of discussion are the earlier traditions of the concert hall and the democratic turn made by Hans Scharoun, the situation of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra during the Third Reich and shortly after the war, political and social conditions in Berlin in the 1950s and 60s, controversies and obstacles to implementation of the design, acoustic challenges associated with central terraced configuration and the growing importance of the visual perception of music.

The bourgeois culture of Prussia between tradition and modernity in the years 1780 -1871

Kultura mieszczańska Prus między tradycją a nowoczesnością w latach 1780-1871

Author(s): Dariusz Łukasiewicz / Language(s): English,Polish / Issue: 03/2015

Keywords: Prussia; culture; art; civilization; capitalism; bourgeoisie

The classic interpretation of the history of Prussian culture is rightly associated with militarism and the spiked helmet. The Prussian “spirit of Potsdam” is commonly contrasted with the “spirit of Weimar”, a perspective long exploited in the literature of the subject. However, there are other noteworthy viewpoints. Already in the period of Enlightenment Berlin was a city of the free spirit of learning intellectuals and journalists. Publications on civilizational, social and economic reforms abounded. The 18th century was a period of departure from pre-modern mechanisms of financing art by court, church and municipal patronage. The emerging art market became governed by the demand and taste of the bourgeoisie and subsequently of the general public, although the middle class remained the leading group in this respect, imposing its standards on the lower social strata. Having become wealthy the bourgeoisie began to imitate aristocracy, among others in lavish and luxurious interior decoration, but with an excess characteristic of neophytes. The development of culture in 19th century Prussia was fuelled by enormous technical progress (e.g. the railway) and immense growth of institutions for the spreading of progress and culture (education system, healthcare, pension scheme). The advance of literacy and the press as well as readership (libraries and reading rooms) facilitated the creation of mass political parties and trade unions in addition to the participation of the masses in the political reality through the means of culture. The previous concentration on religious topics waned, giving way to secular themes publicized by serialized novels in popular press. Nevertheless, until the 20th century sacred art continued as a major influence among the lower classes.

The culture of German landed gentry in interwar Greater Poland.

Kultura ziemiaństwa niemieckiego w międzywojennej Wielkopolsce.

Author(s): Anna Nadolska / Language(s): English,Polish / Issue: 03/2015

Keywords: culture of German landed gentry; German minority; Greater Poland; interwar period; cultural identity

The focus of the article is the culture of German landed gentry during the interwar period in Greater Poland. The author analyzes the culture of German landed gentry based on cultural studies, history and sociology and expounds the concept of "German landed gentry." The article also provides information about families of some German landed gentry living in Greater Poland during the interwar period.

Characteristics of names given to children in the village of Krasiejów in the years 1831-1910

Charakterystyka imion nadawanych dzieciom w Krasiejowie w latach 1831-1910

Author(s): Magdalena Moj / Language(s): English,Polish / Issue: 03/2015

Keywords: historical demigraphy; Krasiejów; male and female names; christening

The article presents an analysis of the names given to children in the village of Krasiejów in the years 1831-1910. Through exposition of the issue of the choice of first, second and third names documented in the register books in Krasiejów the author seeks to determine the frequency and scale of conferring particular names as well as the factors that influenced the decision of the parents. The object of the article is to analyze the seasonalness of the occurrence of male and female names, a phenomenon linked directly to the Catholic calendar. The most and least frequent first and second names are discussed. One of the aspects dealt with is the choice of names for illegitimate children.

The literary returns of Eberhard Hilscher as a medium of memory and reconciliation

Literackie powroty Eberharda Hilschera jako medium pamięci i pojednania

Author(s): Gerda Nogal / Language(s): English,Polish / Issue: 03/2015

Keywords: the lost homeland in German literature; memory and identity

The article is an analysis of two prose works of the German writer Eberhard Hilscher: Schwiebuser Geschichten from a volume titled Meine Schwiebuser Verwandten und das polnische Mädchen, published in 2002 and the novel Die Weltzeituhr. Roman einer Epoche, which appeared in print in 1983. The object of the analysis is to examine the correlation between memory and identity. The key reminiscence in the texts studied is the experience of the loss of one’s homeland after the Second World War.

The impact of the Russian language on the language policy of independent Belarus and Moldova

Język rosyjski w polityce językowej niepodległej Białorusi i Mołdawi

Author(s): Magdalena Karolak-Michalska / Language(s): English,Polish / Issue: 03/2015

Keywords: Russian language; Russian minority in Belarus; Russian minority in Moldova; language policy; Russia's ethnopolitics

The purpose of the article is to analyze the position of the Russianlanguage in the policy of independent Belarus and Moldova. The author draws attention to the legal status of Russian and analyzes the number of people who use Russian to communicate in both countries. In considerations on the ethnopolitics of the Russian Federation towards the Russian minority in the CIS countries, attention is focused on the activity of the state to maintain contact with Russians living outside the "historic homeland". Lastly, the author notes that the Russian language plays an important role in shaping the socio-political reality of independent Belarus and Moldova, and its development in these countries corresponds with Russia's policy towards compatriots abroad.

The paradox of cyber development: twice the tech, double the fall?

The paradox of cyber development: twice the tech, double the fall?

Author(s): Miron Lakomy / Language(s): English / Issue: 03/2015

Keywords: cybersecurity; digital revolution; international security; ICT; paradox of cyber development; cyberwarfare

The rising pace of technological development in the 21st century is frequently met by a widespread "folly", to be always up-to-date with the latest trends and fashions, especially in the sensitive and ever changing area of IT. Humanity continues to develop numerous indispensable and useful technological innovations, but concurrently produces numerous inventions whose implementation in various spheres of human life must give rise to objections. We observe an increasing flood of technological innovations and a blind assimilation of all electronic devices, including some which appear to be completely unnecessary. Almost no one asks: where are the boundaries and at what point do hi-tech pursuits cease to make sense? The pace and scope of development raises legitimate doubts, as it is outpacing the growth of deepened intellectual reflection. Therefore, this paper argues that the more ICTs are introduced thoughtlessly into different areas of life, the greater the challenges, resulting from their improper use, we face. Such correlation is visible at a glance, but so far there has been little effort to understand the causes and strategic consequences of this profound paradox of digital revolution.

Multilingualism and politics. Cooperation between the politician and the translator in the European Parliament

Wielojęzyczność a polityka. Współpraca polityka i tłumacza w Parlamencie Europejskim

Author(s): Filip Kaczmarek / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 03/2015

Keywords: multilingualism; translator; European Parliament

The German Question in the 21st Century . A Hegemonist against Its own Will

Kwestia niemiecka w XXI wieku – hegemon wbrew własnej woli

Author(s): Rafał Riedel / Language(s): English,Polish / Issue: 04/2015

Keywords: German question; hegemon

“German question” is de facto a set of questions, dilemmas and fears connected with the role and position of Germany in Europe. The objective of the article is to feature the specifics of the contemporary “German question” as well as discuss it in the light of changing contextual factors – among them, the European integration process. Leadership crisis in the European Union focuses the observers’ attention on the biggest European economy and the expectations towards Berlin get more and more demanding in line with the cumulating challenges facing Europe.

On ne touche pas à l’amitié franco-allemande. German-French Cooperation during the Hollande Administration

On ne touche pas à l’amitié franco-allemande. Współpraca niemiecko-francuska w okresie rządów Françoisa Hollande’a

Author(s): Bogdan Koszel / Language(s): English,Polish / Issue: 04/2015

Keywords: France; Germany; F. Hollande; bilateral cooperation

After power in France was assumed by President F. Hollande in May 2012, the Franco-German cooperation in the European Union weakened but did not translate into cooperation on a bilateral level. The need for close cooperation in order to overcome the eurozone crisis forced Berlin and Paris to correct their individual ambitious plans and work out the necessary compromises. In turn the celebration of the round 50th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty dictated the strategy of developing mutual relations for the next years. In the European Union, both countries are doomed to cooperation, because according to the general opinion Germany and France are still the motor of European integration and a guarantee of its stable development.

Manoeuvring on Three Levels. The Impact of Public Opinion and Media Framing on German Foreign Policy During the Crisis in Ukraine

Manoeuvring on Three Levels. The Impact of Public Opinion and Media Framing on German Foreign Policy During the Crisis in Ukraine

Author(s): Klaus Bachmann / Language(s): English / Issue: 04/2015

Keywords: Germany; Russia; Ukraine; two-level games; Putnam; Schimmelpfennig; community trap; foreign policy; public opinion; Robinson; CNN-effect

German foreign policy during the Ukrainian crisis is best explained as a three level game between a divided public opinion, a hawkish US government and the EU, during which the government of Angela Merkel did its best to avoid sanctions against Russia, because of the anticipated backlash for Germany's economic ties with Russia and for an acquiescent and war-fearing public. During the crisis, several critical moments can be identified, during which public opinion, media coverage and foreign policy changed their mutual relation. First, during the Euromaidan media coverage, policy and public opinion overlapped. This changed dramatically during Russia's invasion and annexation of Crimea, when public opinion started to deviate from the media mainstream and Germany's foreign policy. After the downing of the MH17 flight in July 2014, all three started to converge again. However, whereas most Germans agree with the basic lines of Angela Merkel's policy toward Russia and Ukraine, a large minority regards media coverage as biased and anti-Russian and does not support incremental sectorial sanctions against Russia. Based on an adapted three-level model, the article finds that shifts in German foreign policy during the Ukrainian crisis were triggered on the domestic level by shifts in public rather than popular opinion when external pressure was low or external influences counterbalanced each other.

Public Opinion and Political Elites in Germany towards the Conflict in Ukraine (November 2013 -March 2015)

Opinia publiczna i elity polityczne w Niemczech wobec konfliktu na Ukrainie (listopad 2013-marzec 2015)

Author(s): Malwina Księżniakiewicz / Language(s): English,Polish / Issue: 04/2015

Keywords: conflict in Ukraine 2013-2015; German public opinion; Germany's political elite

Due to democratic transformations in Ukraine in the winter of 2014, the German public opinion began to perceive Ukraine in a positive way. But the traditional relations with Russia continued to influence the attitude of Germany’s political elite and the government of Angela Merkel towards changes in Kiev. A breakthrough in the attitude of the German society followed the Russian annexation of Crimea and the downing of the Malaysian airliner. A particularly critical approach was voiced against Moscow’s support of the separatists in Donbas. Despite the activation of Russia’s supporters (Rußlandvesteher) and opponents of Ukraine, German society positively evaluated the involvement of the Merkel government to resolve the conflict and has expressed growing aversion to Russia and its president.

Expansion of Gazprom on the German Power Market during the Merkel Administration 2005-2015

Ekspansja Gazpromu na niemiecki rynek energetyczny w okresie rządów Angeli Merkel 2005-2015

Author(s): Maciej Paszyn / Language(s): English,Polish / Issue: 04/2015

Keywords: Gazprom; Germany; Russia; gas

The article presents the expansion of the Russian gas potentate, Gazprom, in Germany. Owing to special power relations between Moscow and Berlin, the Kremlin can realize its political and economic goals. Gas trade brings enormous profits to the budget of the Russian Federation, and moreoveris an element of regaining influence over Europe byPutin's team. Through presence at the largest gas market in the EU, a company controlled by the Kremlin can be simultaneously present in the EU energy system. Excellent business relations with Germany resulted in Gazprom being the largest contractor of European gas companies.

Taxonomic Analysis of Labour Market in Light of Demographic Regional Changes Occurring in Poland and Germany

Taxonomic Analysis of Labour Market in Light of Demographic Regional Changes Occurring in Poland and Germany

Author(s): Barbara Jurkowska / Language(s): English / Issue: 04/2015

Keywords: job market; demography; taxonomic analysis; Polish and German regions

The article analyses the job market in the context of demographic changes that affect the regions of Poland and Germany, measures the regions’ development using selected taxonomic methods, explores similarities and differences between them, as well as shows other regional disparities. The study comprised 16 Polish provinces and 16 German states (so-called Länder), a total of 32 regions. Covering an area that is highly diversified not only economically but also demographically and in terms of the job market, the regions are here subjected to a multidimensional statistical analysis.

German Fleets in the 20th Century. From Kaiserliche Marine to Deutsche Marine

Floty niemieckie w XX stuleciu. Od Kaiserliche Marine do Deutsche Marine

Author(s): Roman Kochnowski / Language(s): English,Polish / Issue: 04/2015

Keywords: Germany; navy; armed forces; history; NATO; GDR; FRG

The article presents the development of German States’ fleets in the 20thcentury. It shows their evolution over the last one hundred years. The author focuses on the evolution of the place and role of the German Fleet from the Imperial Navy up to the contemporary Deutsche Marine, which concentrates on performing the tasks of joint forces within NATO. It also shows GDR and FRG fleets during the division of Germany. Contemporary German fleet and the FRG’s armed forces in general are rather modest compared to the economic capacities of today’s Germany. This situation coincides with an atmosphere of increasing pacifism that permeates the German society.