We kindly inform you that, as long as the subject affiliation of our 300.000+ articles is in progress, you might get unsufficient or no results on your third level or second level search. In this case, please broaden your search criteria.

CSD Policy Brief No. 23: Energy Efficiency in Bulgaria: the Case for Market‐Based Approach and Transparency

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): English

Overall, the Bulgarian economy seems to have completed the transition from heavy industry to less energy intensive light industry1 and thus already picked the low hanging fruit of natural gains in efficiency. The country is probably at a point, as some experts2 argue, from which onwards any additional gain in efficiency will have to be attained through advances in technologies of energy production, conversion, transportation, and use which will call for cost‐effective approach and a strong incentive system. At the user end this means fleet replacement by installing more efficient appliances, buying less thirsty vehicles, improving insulation of buildings, lighting improvements, and deploying more efficient production technologies and procedures. In conversion, thermal power plants, boilers, and a plethora of other hardware devices will have to be replaced or updated, along with production methods and procedures. In energy transportation, smart grids, more efficient district heating nets and other solutions will have to be implemented. To execute the tasks, extensive investment in energy efficiency will have to be made over the next decade.

More...

CSD Policy Brief No. 25: The Green Element in the Sustainable Energy Policies of Europe

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): English

Since the definition of the term by the World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland Commission) in 1987, ‘sustainability’ has become one of the most prominent political terms in the international affairs to rule agendas for decades ahead. The series of relevant meetings on the issue of sustainable development and climate change in Rio (1992), Kyoto (1997) and Johannesburg (2002) and Copenhagen (2009), as well as the overwhelming proliferation of green organisations and advocacy groups in Europe, have predisposed the European Union to take the vanguard role in the global effort for more sustainable and greener development. One of the first expected steps to take in that direction was to devise a sound and comprehensive legislation structure governing the European and national energy and environment protection policies in the way that they follow the principles of sustainable development, or namely avoiding degradation of natural resources, protection of the environment, promotion of equitable sharing of the products and resources of prospering economy to all groups of society. // Main purpose of this study is to review and discuss the development of regulation at EU level to guide corresponding national legislation and policies designed to address the challenges of sustainable development, notably those on the environment dimension and as regards to the most relevant economic sector – energy. The paper will briefly examine the development of the idea and strategy for sustainable development in Europe over time, the concrete EU legislation and instruments to facilitate national policies to support such development.

More...

CSD Policy Brief No. 32: A Reinstating the Duty‐Free Trade at Bulgarian Land Borders: potential Setback in the Fight against Organized Crime and Corruption

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): English

KEY POINTS ››› In January 2012, a proposal to amend the Duty Free Trade Act was submitted to the Parliament by an independent MP (Emil Vasilev, formerly of the marginal opposition party Order, Law and Justice). The sole purpose of the proposed amendment is to allow for the reopening of the duty‐free trade outlets at Bulgaria’s land borders with non‐EU countries in the exact same format with the exact same operators as at the time of their closure three years ago; ››› The proposal is a major threat to border security, tax revenues and might undermine the stability of the state budget; ››› The reopening of the duty‐free shops would reverse the progress made in the fight against corruption, organized crime and excise goods smuggling and threatens to re‐kindle political corruption and clientelism.

More...

CSD Policy Brief No. 35: Corruption and anti-Corruption in Bulgaria (2011 – 2012)

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): English

KEY POINTS ››› Following a period of improvement (2009 – 2010), administrative corruption experienced by citizens in Bulgaria is once again on the rise in 2011 – 2012, although still below the levels observed under the previous government (2005 – 2009). The average monthly number of corruption transactions in 2011 was approximately 150,000. ››› Corruption pressure in Bulgaria stems from the very structure of the public administration, and the lack of customer­oriented culture and approach in delivering public services to citizens and businesses. A sustained improvement of the corruption situation is possible only through measures that would systematically change this environment. ››› The scale of corruption in Bulgaria is such that, without a radical administrative reform, even a substantial increase in the capacity and efficiency of law enforcement would not provide sustained decrease of corruption, neither within law enforcement itself nor in the society at large. ››› Administrative corruption experienced by businesses has declined in 2011 – 2012, reaching the lowest levels on record. Although this decline has not been deep enough to produce a marked improvement in the past 3 years, the positive fundamental changes that took place in the business environment and reduced corruption pressure after Bulgaria’s EU accession seem to have taken root.

More...

0.00 €

BEYOND DEPENDENCE: HOW TO DEAL WITH RUSSIAN GAS

Author(s): Pierre Noël / Language(s): English

The gas relationship with Russia has become an extremely contentious issue among EU Member States. It is a major reason for the EU’s failure to develop the common policy approach towards Moscow it so badly needs. Yet the relationship is often misunderstood. Russia is the largest external gas supplier to the EU, but it is far from a monopoly provider. Since 1980, Europe’s diversification of its gas supply has seen Russia’s share of EU gas imports roughly halve, from 80% to 40%. Russian gas represents just 6.5% of the EU primary energy supply, a figure that has remained essentially unchanged over 20 years. And contrary to widely held belief, Russian gas exports to Europe are unlikely to increase significantly in the foreseeable future. So calls for Europe to diversify its energy supply even further miss the point. The problem is divisiveness, not dependence. Russian gas is divisive because Europe’s gas market is dysfunctional and segmented. Most of the EU’s imports of Russian gas go to a few countries in western Europe, where supply is diversified, while several Member States in central and eastern Europe consume relatively little Russian gas but have no other external suppliers. Only the emergence of a single competitive European gas market can create real solidarity between consumers and ‘Europeanise’ the current large bilateral contracts between European importers and Gazprom.To address the specific concerns of central and eastern European Member States, the EU should build on the 2004 directive on security of supply in natural gas, and help these Member States devise and implement national action plans for gas security.

More...

BEYOND MAASTRICHT: A NEW DEAL FOR THE EUROZONE

Author(s): Thomas Klau,François Godement,José Ignacio Torreblanca / Language(s): English

Europe’s Economic and Monetary Union has been an extraordinary achievement. But the events of 2010 have made it apparent that its political governance was designed for fair weather. Having reluctantly taken the first steps this year, European leaders must now make it storm-proof. The move to an agreement to establish a permanent European Stability Mechanism (ESM) to replace the EFSF in 2013 represents a fundamental and encouraging change in the approach of European leaders to the future of the eurozone. But the new model of eurozone governance currently envisaged by the EU, which is based once more on the Maastricht Treaty, will be vulnerable to failure for the same reasons as its predecessors. // If Europe wants to remain a serious player and help shape the twenty-first century, it should instead go beyond Maastricht and finally build a monetary and economic system strong enough to last. There are at least three other solutions – Eurobonds, a euro-TARP and an expansion of the federal budget. Yet each of them is opposed above all by Germany, the eurozone’s dominant power, which feels its robust growth vindicates its own economic model even though its political model for a rule- and sanctions-based governance of the eurozone looks to have failed. // Europe now faces a choice between a future of permanent tensions within the EU and a new grand bargain. Europe needs clearheaded, forward-looking German leadership that would anchor a European Germany in a more German Europe.

More...

SAVING THE EURO: WHAT’S CHINA’S PRICE?

Author(s): François Godement / Language(s): English

Although Europe needs external lending and the show of confidence it brings, its attempt to persuade China and other emerging economies to enlarge the resources of the EFSF is likely to bring only limited results. However, there are various other scenarios under which China and other investors may lend to Europe. The best case scenario from Europe’s point of view is that it would increase the lending capacity of the EFSF or the ECB and turn them into a super borrower and lender. But this scenario is unlikely to become a reality because it requires a “big bang”-like reinvention of European public finance for which there is no commitment. More likely is that the ECB will underwrite a new IMF fund dedicated to the support or rescue of European member states. This would mean a larger Chinese contribution in IMF decisionmaking. Alternatively, China could seek to lend to Europe in renminbi, thus transferring the exchange risk to the European borrower. Such a deal would also offer China an unprecedented guaran-tee against any depreciation of the euro. Finally, the euro could collapse altogether and the IMF could be called in – the worst case scenario. In any case, Europe should acknowledge the interdependence between it and China and therefore its need for external capital.

More...

Albanians and the European Social Model. Towards a redefinition of the social contract

Author(s): Sashenka Lleshaj,Alba Çela / Language(s): English

At the beginning of the year 2014 the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung brought into life, together with leading experts of six distinguished organizations and Think Tanks, a long term project. The aim of this project is to create and stimulate a political and social discussion in Albania about the EU Integration. // The starting point of the contemplation was the perspective that Albania desires to be soon a full EU member, with an economic and social developed society. More than 80% of the population aims at this goal. To reach it Albania must fulfil, inter alia, the minimum social standards of the EU ─ the so called European Social Model (ESM). // The project-path is already part of its objective: active involvement of all actors in one common discourse. It is not about finding quick solutions or just an exchange of statements, it rather aims at developing and building up reciprocal trust. Otherwise stated: this endeavour tries, with this genre of public debates, to ameliorate the rapport of actors - Politics, administration and citizens - and to be conducive for a more efficient cooperation in the organization of a social and democratic society. // ISBN: 978-9928-181-29-9

More...

FINANCIAL COOPERATION BETWEEN ALBANIA AND SERBIA (Policy Brief 2016/06)

Author(s): Elena Pici / Language(s): English

The economic dimension of regional cooperation is a key pillar for achieving an interconnected and developed Western Balkan region.With this regard, strategic policy documents of Western Balkan countries, compiled in collaboration with EU Institutions, underline the objective of establishing a unified regional market in the Balkans.The South East Europe Strategy(SEE 2020), the central platform of economic cooperation in the Western Balkans, focuses on several shared projects in the areas of trade,tourism, transport and energy in order to foster the formation of the regional market.

More...

0.00 €

ECONOMIC Cooperation between Albania and Serbia

Author(s): Elena Pici / Language(s): English

The economic dimension of regional cooperation is a key pillar for achieving an interconnected and developed Western Balkan region. Due to the prolonged economic transition, the high unemployment, especially among the youngsters, and the consideration of WB6 countries as non-functioning market economies, the economic cooperation and integration pillar has in fact topped the agenda of the ‘Berlin Process’ and has consequently received the largest allocation of funds, when compared with the other two –diplomatic and soft- pillars.

More...

0.00 €

A Szabad Demokraták. A Privatizációról, a Kárpótlásról, az Állampolgári vagyonjegyekről

Author(s): Károly Soós,Márton Tardos,Péter Tölgyessy / Language(s): Hungarian

The Booklet published by the political party SZDSZ in 1991 comprises three speeches of SZDSZ-deputies in the Hungarian Parliament regarding the problems of compensation (of property that has been expropriated during Communism), of privatization (by giving security papers to the citizens)

More...

0.00 €

Kosovo Remittance Study

Author(s): Erëblina Elezaj,Faton Bislim,Iris Duri / Language(s): English

Published in July, 2012 by the Prishtina-Office of UNDP // UNDP’s Kosovo Remittance Study (KRS) 2010 provided an initial insight on the flow, use, and effects of remittances in Kosovo, especially on expenditure patterns, reservation wages, and access to education and healthcare. The survey was repeated during the peak period of Diaspora visits to Kosovo, in July-August 2011, in order to conduct a more in-depth analysis of remittances’ impact on the welfare of recipients as well as identify their savings and investment potential. The survey interviewed 8,000 households residing in Kosovo and 656 of their members and relatives (and their households) living abroad.

More...

4.50 €

Abordări ale EXCLUZIUNII SOCIALE în Republica Moldova. Aspecte metodologice şi analitice

Author(s): Maria Vremiş,Viorica Craievschi-Toartă,Anatolii Rojco,Diana Cheianu-Andrei / Language(s): Romanian

Creating the conditions for improving the quality of life of the population by developing an economically competitive society, based on knowledge, capable of sustainable economic growth, jobs and high social cohesion is the fundamental objective of the National Development Strategy for 2008 -2011 (SND) of the Republic of Moldova. However, the problems of poverty continue to persist both nationally and globally, prompting experts in the field to investigate the causes and mechanisms that favor this condition in order to reduce the risks of social exclusion. // PUBLISHED BY UNDP (MOLDOVA), UNIFEM UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT FUND FOR WOMEN, NATIONAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS (MOLDOVA)

More...

0.00 €

Republic of Moldova needs substantial financial support to address rising poverty risks. Public appeal to the international community ahead of the donors’ conference in Bucharest

Author(s): Adrian Lupuşor / Language(s): English

The Republic of Moldova is facing a perfect storm composed of rising energy and food prices, high inflationary expectations ahead of the winter season when gas prices reach maximum highs, war at the border that skyrocketed logistic costs, disrupted value-chains and induced huge uncertainty among firms, households and the government, along with draught and stagnation or even recession for this year. On the background of this difficult environment, the country received a clear European perspective in the form of EU candidate status as a sign of support and credit of trust from the European Union for a series of important reform commitments of the government that are yet to be delivered in such areas as justice, fight against corruption, public administration, state-owned enterprises, and macro-financial stability.Moldova also received important financial assistance from the IMF, EU, and other development partners and, as a result, the massive deficit of about 1 billion EUR planned for 2022 will be financed exclusively from external financial support.

More...

0.00 €

Adaptarea Agendei 2030 de Dezvoltarea durabilă la Contextul Republicii Moldova

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Romanian

In general, the national policy agenda is only partially aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and one third of the SDG targets are not reflected in any way in national policy documents. In total, 169 targets were analyzed, but special emphasis was placed on 126 numerical targets of the Sustainable Development Goals1. Thus, as a result of mapping the national policy agenda and comparing it with the SDGs, we find that only 11% of the SDG targets are aligned with the national policy documents and therefore do not require adjustments to be taken up. At the same time, most of the SDG targets (57%) are only partially aligned with the policy documents of the Republic of Moldova – only some components of these targets are found and therefore the relevant national strategies need to be adjusted to better reflect the spirit and details of the SDG targets. About a third of the SDG targets are not reflected in any way in national policy documents.

More...

0.00 €

Pollution Tax Reform – a Necessary Step to Ensure Green Economic Growth

Author(s): Alexandru Fală / Language(s): English

Moldova's natural resources are in a precarious state. Water is a scarce resource and the country's afforestation rate is extremely low1. This is compounded by inefficient waste management and increased pollution from car emissions. At the same time, the Republic of Moldova fails to explore the potential of fiscal-budgetary instruments in addressing environmental issues. For many years, budget spending on environmental protection has been extremely low. In addition, a number of shortcomings in the regulation of environmental taxes are eroding their ability to stimulate environmentally friendly behaviour of citizens and businesses. The existing system of pollution taxes in the Republic of Moldova is outdated, does not correspond to other countries' practices and is lagging behind other environmental reforms. In this context, this study assesses the national practice in the field of pollution taxes. The study concludes with a set of proposals for making pollution taxes more effective.

More...

0.00 €

Responding to Sousse: Tunisia Needs Sustainable Economic Development Not a Security Crackdown - It is time for the EU to support initiatives tackling the economic stagnation, unreformed security system and marginalization of peripheries that feed rad

Author(s): Jan Daniel / Language(s): English

While Tunisia was widely praised for the progress it has made since the 2011 revolution, two recent terrorist attacks have reminded the world of the challenges that the country faces. Both the attack in the Bardo museum on 18 March 2015 and the shooting in Sousse on 26 June 2015 were committed by young Tunisians with links to Libyan jihadist groups and targeted mainly foreign tourists. The Tunisian government, led by the secularist party Nidaa Tounes, has responded by cracking down on radical Islamist networks and adopting a new counter-terrorism law that has been criticised by human rights groups as granting too many unchecked powers to the authorities. The nascent Tunisian democracy thus has to navigate an increasingly difficult road marked by internal challenges in the form of economic and demographic pressures, militant Islamist opposition and stalling reforms. Instability in the whole North Africa and the Sahel only exacerbate internal issues. It will be very difficult for the Tunisian government to overcome all these challenges alone and it is time for the EU to help preserve the stability of the country.

More...

0.00 €

Material Deprivation and the Outcomes of Elections

Author(s): Alexi Gugushvili / Language(s): English

This study shows that the district level outcomes in the 2012 parliamentary elections in Georgia are significantly associated with the mean household deprivation levels. This effect is statistically significant after controlling for the regional dummies, urbanisation level, current district’s population size, the proportion of orthodox population, local ideological preferences, and the rate of turnout on the election day. The OLS models of the share of received votes in the proportional system and the logit models of the odds of victory of a party candidate in the majoritarian contest both reveal that the districts with the lowest and highest material deprivation levels were more likely to vote for the oppositional coalition. The results are robust even after excluding from the analysis two fraud-prone regions of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli.

More...

0.00 €

Prospect of Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) – Is there a European Way for Georgia?

Author(s): Tamar Khuntsaria / Language(s): English

This paper offers analysis of the possible impediments to concluding a DCFTA with Georgia. My arguments are based on three major factors hindering the process: First and foremost, Georgia’s long term economic development model is uncertain. The country’s ruling elite, dominated by an influential libertarian group, maintains the government’s ambivalent attitude towards the two fundamentally different ‘European’ and ‘Singaporean’ models of country’s development. It is argued here that becoming a second Singapore is an obscure prospect for Georgia and that the best possible alternative for the country’s long-term sustainable development is to follow the European path. Second, the Government of Georgia is unenthusiastic about implementing the EU preconditioned ‘deep and comprehensive’ regulatory reforms due to high convergence costs. Instead of targeting long-term sustainable economic growth, official Tbilisi proceeds with marginal reforms and uses the possibility of the EU approximation as a political tool to sustain the EU’s political support and aid. Third, the EU’s ‘enlargement-lite’ and technocratic policy along with its limited conditionality towards unfulfilled reforms in Georgia further encourages the government’s “selective convergence” and hesitance to decide firmly and ultimately on the European way.

More...

0.00 €

Development and the Role of the State; Visions of Post-Revolutionary Georgian Government

Author(s): Lela Rekhviashvili / Language(s): English

The current research attempts to offer an account of the post-revolutionary ruling elite’s discourse on development and its transformation over time. This is not an attempt to assess what the government did concerning development, but what the government said or promised. Despite the fact that issues like democratization, security, ethnic conflicts, and foreign relations affect developmental outcomes, this paper will limit itself to social and economic targets, reforms and achievements, as communicated by the Georgian government. The questions that the research aims to answer are: What was the developmental trajectory communicated by the Georgian government since 2003 to domestic and international audiences? What kind of role did the Georgian government project in social and economic development? The recent electoral success of the Georgian Dream (GD) coalition placed the former ruling party, the United National Movement (UNM), in opposition. As it is too early to interpret the development discourse of the new government as well as the new opposition, the scope of the current research will be limited to the period since the revolution to September 2012.

More...