A Comparative Study of Child Welfare in Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina

Author(s): Ana M. Gavrilovic,Aleksandar L. Jugovic / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2012

The aim of this paper is to analyze, through comparative perspective, current systems of child welfare in transitional societies of the Southeast Europe: Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. In this paper we used historical, comparative and statistic method. Socio- political characteristics of these states are: mutual history of child welfare systems, transitional metamorphosis of society and social policy, European perspectives and the need for upgraded child welfare. Gavrilovics point out the common past of child welfare systems of these states. In the main part of this work comparative methods are used to analyze current characteristics of child welfare in Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia- Herzegovina. Family and child support measures are taken into account, with special emphasis on child maintenance, maternity and parental leave and services of specialized children’s institutions. Child welfare is analyzed in the context of transitional changes that the South- east European states are undergoing. Analysis of the three basic forms of financial support of families with children showed that transitional changes substantially reduced the number of children benefiting from child maintenance and even more reduced its amount. Maternity leave is recognized as an important measure in family and population policy in all three states, but there are lack of means, compensation amount is under constant pressure to be lowered.

A Critical View to European Union as a Cosmopolitan Democracy: From an Outsider’s View

Author(s): Seyed Vahid Karimi / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 0

European Union is an advance institution. There is no other community to mach its political, economic and international weight. But as an outsider, I do not find it as a cosmopolitan democracy. There are two internal as well as one international reason to prove my argument. First of all there are two schools of thought within the EU, regarding its future direction. There are forces who believe that the political direction of the EU must be Atlantis. There are others who believe that the European Union must, in its political thinking, remain European minded, separate from whatever the American guideline is. The United Kingdom and its allies within European Union support the Atlantis view, where the French and its orbit allies believe that the European Union must be European. So, that means that the liberal forces are put versus the social welfare minded, within the European Union. The second critical view is with regard to the institution itself. The selection of the commission is doubtful, if the stronger and more powerful members of the European Union have the upper hand in its selection. The European Parliament is paralyzed in intervening over agricultural budget. The power of members by ‘qualify majority voting’ - QMV, makes collaboration among the stronger and more powerful members of the EU much easier.

A PROPOSAL FOR INCORPORATING LABOR UTILIZATION FRAMEWORKS INTO THE FORMAL LABOR FORCE STATISTICS

Author(s): HEE-YOUNG SHIN / Language(s): English / Issue: 3/2016

The standard labor force statistics has been widely used as an important indicator of the overall health of an economy, and both economists and economic policy makers in the U.S. have been uncritically relying on the single official unemployment rate whenever they propose and make an important policy decision. The goal of this paper is to revisit some of the limitations in the US formal labor force statistics and propose to incorporate a series of measures for analyzing a certain quality aspect of employment into the government’s formal labor force statistics. The conventional definitions and categories used by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) have many limitations, and are of no use at all in capturing quality aspects of employment. After examining some of these problems, the paper introduces and proposes the International Labor Office (ILO)’s labor (under-)utilization framework to overcome these problems. The labor utilization framework adopted in the ILO’s international conferences emphasizes the importance of capturing quality aspects of labor utilization and introduces the concept of income-, time-, and skill-related labor underutilization. The survey in this paper shows that the ILO’s labor utilization framework is broader in scope and much more consistent in analyzing the labor market performance. The framework also provides better insights into analyzing the labor market dynamics than any other formal labor force statistical frameworks, including the US BLS’s standard labor force statistics. Even though the ILO’s labor utilization framework is in no way a complete solution to the task of analyzing the capitalist labor market dynamics and of constantly improving the government’s labor force statistics, it is far more superior to the conventional unemployment rate and any other narrowly defined labor force statistics. Thus, it is urged that the US BLS should seriously consider incorporating labor utilization framework into its formal labor force statistics.

Acute Coronary Syndrome Treatment Cost Estimation in Selected Health Care Units in Poland – Pilot Survey Results

Author(s): Agnieszka Maciag / Language(s): Croatian / Issue: 1/2010

Background: The circulatory system diseases are one of biggest health problems which still pose a fundamental cause of mortality in developed countries. Among those illnesses important place takes myocardial ischemia. Aim: The main purpose of this article is to evaluate hospitalization costs of a patient with acute coronary syndrome in health care units conducting diagnostic and surgery (coronarography and PTCA) as well as in health centres, where patients are treated exclusively pharmacologically. Methods: There has been prepared and used author's individual questionnaire enabling estimation of both fixed and variable treatment costs per patient. In economic analysis there have been used micro-costing principle, defining every element of used supplies and calculating unit cost. Results: The analysis has shown that fixed costs of one hospitalized patient in a clinic equipped in hemodynamics laboratory are only 33% of all costs. In hospitals which did not carry out surgeries, variable costs (e.g. medicines) were respectively lower, whereas fixed costs were up to 72% of total treatment costs. A great impact on level of costs had two risk factors: smoking tobacco and hypercholesterolemia. Conclusions: Increasing number of carried out angioplasty, raises total treatment costs of acute coronary syndrome. Over half of all hospitalization costs of one patient with myocardial ischemia in hospitals not equipped in hemodynamics laboratories determines for fixed costs.

AKTYWIZACJA ZAWODOWA PRZEZ URYNKOWIENIE. LUDZIE DLA INSTYTUCJI CZY INSTYTUCJE DLA LUDZI (NA PRZYKŁADZIE AKTYWIZACJI ZAWODOWEJ NIEPEŁNOSPRAWNYCH ABSOLWENTÓW SZKÓŁ WYŻSZYCH)

Author(s): Ewa Giermanowska,Mariola Raclaw / Language(s): English / Issue: 4/2016

Poland is a country with very low labour force participation among people with disabilities. On the one hand, changes are visible in the attitudes and behaviour of people with disabilities, especially students and graduates who aim to have a professional career. On the other hand, one can observe a process of gradual withdrawal of families from caring and active support of the disabled. This situation demands certain compensatory measures such us intensification of engagement of relevant institutions and seeking alternative ways of providing care and support. The Polish system of occupational development services for the disabled is complicated and nontransparent for the beneficiaries. It is also inadequate for the growing professional aspirations of people with disabilities. Employees of support institutions tend to follow long-standing routines and patterns of behaviour defined by formal rules, rather than adjusting to the individual needs of the disabled and the changing labour market. Commercialisation of support institutions, within the framework of the new paradigm of social policy, has contributed to economisation of support institutions by focusing on benefits and profits to the institution, rather than the professional development of disabled people. Thus, we have an unfinished process of labour emancipation of disabled university graduates who cannot satisfy their career aspirations.

Aktywne formy przeciwdziałania wykluczeniu społecznemu

Author(s): Marta Danecka / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 47/2016

The article touched a problem of social exclusion in the context of the return to the labor market. The starting point is the lack of activation of people excluded by social assistance. It also stresses the side effects experienced by its protégés: passivity, inheritance lifestyle based on social benefits and lack of motivation to integrate with the local community.The guidelines for the directions of social policies within the EU development model meant that social policy, in particular the so-called activation policy seeks methods to counteract these pathologies. By incorporating social economy entities and non-governmental sector to carry out tasks at the level of social assistance it was given the chance to depart from treating social assistance as an institution of social transfers.Created multisectorial social assistance is based on three pillars: welfare (traditional), pro-employment and reintegration, which is implemented through the creation of social employment institutions. The new system involves conditioning aid. The article presents the basic data ofthe social employment and its beneficiaries. It should be noted that the main problem in the process of activation of the long-term unemployed is very low effectiveness and a very marginal effect of their employment after completing the course. This issue is shown from two perspectives: quantitative – with statistical indicators and qualitative – determination motivation to undertake the activity. There is a statistical picture of two indicators: the completion of training and economic independence. The qualitative perspective is based on the results of surveys dedicated to the theme of client’s attitudes to social and economic activation and their work in the future.

ALBANIANS AND THE EUROPEAN SOCIAL MODEL. Public Administration in Albania: Between Politics and Citizens

Author(s): Elona Dhëmbo / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2014

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

Author(s): Sashenka Lleshaj,Alba Çela / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2014

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.

Ambulant sanctions as an alternative to imprisonment in the European Union

Author(s): Christine M. Graebsch,Sven-U. Burkhardt / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2014

The issue of imprisonment vs. alternative penalties has been debated in various European countries during the last decades, and ambulant sanctions have been heavily on the rise. Community sentences and other alternatives to imprisonment are regarded as modern instruments for the rehabilitation of offenders. The objective of the present study is to examine the scope of application of penalties without deprivation of liberty as compared to imprisonment as well as to identify promising practices of alternative criminal sanctioning in Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Spain and Lithuania. As this study covers several European countries, the comparative perspective suggests itself nearly as a matter of course. In this connection, it seems reasonable to describe the existing ambulant sanctions of the different member states involved, taking into account their legal arrangement and their relation within the system of penal sanctions including their relation to the deprivation of liberty. It in addition appears sensible to describe and compare these ambulant sanctions with reference to their contribution to the re-socialisation or rehabilitation of those subjected to them as well as with special attention to the involvement of civil society in their execution. In a further step, promising practices in connection with ambulant sanctions could be highlighted which may be recommended for imitation by other member states. Such an approach proves to be impossible for multiple reasons, though, and it would be inadequate just to make such an attempt. There are exemplary references to ambulant sanctions in Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Lithuania and Spain. This is due to the fact that scientists from these countries have taken part in the realisation of this project but not necessarily because of specific outstanding features of their sanction systems in comparison with other member states.

Analiza socijalne politike za praksu / u praksi – studija slučaja Srbije

Author(s): Natalija Perišic / Language(s): Serbian / Issue: 2/2017

(Re)newed emphasis on policy analysis worldwide has had its implications in Serbia, especially potentiated by unfinished transition of its social policy. Theoretical perspectives on policy analysis and their adaptations differ among the countries, however, certain common elements of the policy analysis logic can be found. Also, a description of the activities of a policy analyst can be agreed upon, to serve as guidance, for the purpose of its comparing with the actual social policy analysis practice. The experience in social policy analysis in Serbia is presented within the historical context.

Anti-Corruption Reloaded: Assessment of Southeast Europe

Author(s): / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2014

Corruption in Southeast Europe has been in the news, in the focus of public debate, and on the policy agenda of national and international institutions so often and for so long that its scrutiny hardly needs to be justified. It is precisely because it has proven to be such an intractable issue that innovative approaches to its understanding – and hence its reduction – are warranted. The EU accession prospects for the countries in the region – though distant – provide an enabling framework for action but it is local stakeholders, and in particular civil society who can bring about sustained progress in anti-corruption. The Southeast Europe Leadership for Development and Integrity (SELDI) has made the in-depth diagnosing and understanding of corruption and governance gaps in the region one of its main priorities, as a requisite condition for its advocacy of knowledge-driven anticorruption policies. This SELDI report fits in the development and implementation framework of the emerging regional anticorruption policy and infrastructure as exemplified by the SEE2020 Strategy’s Governance Pillar run by the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative. Despite some important achievements – mostly with respect to the stabilisation of democratic institutions, the adoption of laws in key anticorruption areas, a reduction in petty bribery and growing public intolerance of corruption – anticorruption and good governance reforms are not consolidated, corruption among elected politicians and judges seems to be increasing and the enforcement of anticorruption legislation is haphazard. Anticorruption policies and institutions in the region will benefit immensely from the adoption of regular and accurate victimisation-survey based tool for measuring corruption and the rate of progress in good governance, similar to the special Eurobarometer on anticorruption, UNODC’s SEE monitoring of corruption and organised crime, and the Corruption Monitoring System employed by this report.

ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN MACEDONIA AND MEASURES TO REDUCE/CONTROL ITS DEVELOPMENT

Author(s): Golubinka Boshevska,Nikola Panovski / Language(s): English / Issue: 20/2015

Around the Bloc: A Rare Bright Spot in Ukraine’s Fight Against Corruption

Author(s): TOL TOL / Language(s): English / Issue: 08/30/2016

Health Ministry buoyed by better procurement system, but electronic asset declaration hits a snag.

Around the Bloc: Concern Mounts for Nadia Savchenko

Author(s): TOL TOL / Language(s): English / Issue: 03/15/2016

Ukrainian pilot’s trial in Russia described as ‘farce’ by the EU, and a US diplomat.

Around the Bloc: Cossacks Deny Assault on Navalny Group

Author(s): TOL TOL / Language(s): English / Issue: 05/24/2016

Incident comes days after police in southern Russia detained the opposition leader in an anti-terrorist operation.

Around the Bloc: Hostage Standoff in Armenia Turns Violent

Author(s): TOL TOL / Language(s): English / Issue: 07/26/2016

At least 45 injured as protestors attack riot police.

Around the Bloc: Kremlin Outraged at Ukrainian Claim That Russia Linked to Brussels Attacks

Author(s): TOL TOL / Language(s): English / Issue: 03/29/2016

Top official in Kyiv draws harsh response from Russian politicians who also use the opportunity to denounce Western ‘double standards.’

Around the bloc: Putin Threatens Repercussions for Turkey’s Downing of Russian Jet

Author(s): TOL TOL / Language(s): English / Issue: 12/01/2015

Syrian Turkmen fighters, a Turkey-backed rebel group in Syria, claim they shot Russian pilots as they descended by parachute.

Around the Bloc: Questions Surround Firefight on Tajik Border

Author(s): TOL TOL / Language(s): English / Issue: 03/15/2016

Were ‘Taliban’ fighters crossing the Afghan border terrorists, drug smugglers, or both?

Around the Bloc: Romanian Hospital Scandal Takes Deadly Turn

Author(s): TOL TOL / Language(s): English / Issue: 05/31/2016

Central figure in investigation apparently dead in car crash.