Transitions Online - Around the Bloc: Juncker, Soros Targets of Budapest’s New Anti-EU Campaign – 19 February
The European Commission head says Viktor Orban is an 'origin of fake news.'
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The European Commission head says Viktor Orban is an 'origin of fake news.'
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The author notes that nowadays the researchers start to believe that the phenomenon of change in Europe is strongly connected with the construction and development of civil society.Achieving a civil society was one of the fundamental goals of the European Union’s founders.Today, it is still one of the most important tasks for EU supporters.It is closely related to the observance of civil rights in individual countries of the European Union, and sharing similar values by all the Union’s assets. Universal values are becoming increasingly important for EU citizens.According to the author, this has an impact on the formation of Euroregions. Euroregions mean legal and institutional cooperation between cross-border regions of individual countries.This type of cooperation is also part of the phenomenon of civil society.In the further part of the article, the author mentions factors that are indispensable for the creation of a civil society.
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The goal of the article is to evaluate the impact of accession to the European Union (EU) on the complexity of goods in Slovak exports. The traditional theories of trade show that such an engagement in economic integration may lead to specialization in the production of either more or less sophisticated goods, depending on the country’s technological advancement and factor endowment. At the same time, increased FDI flows may stimulate the engagement of a country in international production chains with ambiguous effects on export complexity. Because it is impossible to a priori predict the effect economic integration may have on the complexity, it is reasonable to verify it empirically. The authors used the Synthetic Control Method (SCM) to compare the observed post-accession levels of exports complexity in Slovakia with the counterfactual values of that country remaining outside of the EU.
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The severe material deprivation rate indicates the proportion of the population that cannot fulfil at least four of the nine needs identified as basic ones in the European conditions. Due to being an absolute measure, it is very useful for cross-country comparison. This study attempts to identify country-level factors affecting severe material deprivation rate by the use of the GEE methodology which enables to analyse correlated fractional outcome data. It is found that severe material deprivation rate is affected by such factors as: median equivalised disposable income, relative median at-risk-of-poverty gap, long-term unemployment rate, GDP per capita and share of social protection expenditure in GDP. Results reveal that GEE models with cloglog link function exhibit the best goodness of fit. Due to these models imposing non-constant marginal effects, therefore, changes of the severe material deprivation rates depend on levels of country- level factors.
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The taxation of labour affects labour supply and demand, influencing the decisions of both employees and employers. As the effects of labour taxation are often contradictory, final relationships between the labour tax and other variables are not always transparent. In order to describe (reveal) the relationship between effective taxation of labour and the number of employees as well as between effective taxation of labour and the ratio of employment costs to total company costs, both adjusted for the company size and a country’s economic level, we conducted the empirical analysis of 19 EU countries using the Amadeus dataset of firms for the years 2010 – 2013. We emphasize the data- -oriented discussion about the correct specification of a regression model. Over the whole research period, the results show a negative relationship for the two dependent variables analysed.
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This paper is focused on the impact arising from the conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the European Union and Canada on the Slovak economy, with an emphasis on the automotive industry, machinery industry and electronics industry. Its aim is to estimate the direct as well as indirect effects generated by changes in international trade on Slovakia’s value added, exports and employment, using the multi-regional input- -output model. Based on different variants of development, it is expected that the average impact of CETA on the Slovak economy, as a result of the removal of the tariff barriers, will amount to 0.013% GDP, while the impact on job creation was estimated at 0.012% of the total employment. Removing the tariff barriers should lead to an increase in exports to Canada on average by 8%, in the event of a strong reaction to a price drop even by 18%.
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The aim of this paper is to point to the specificities of economic and political transformations in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) and the Western Balkan in the context of economic and political changes in the global environment that can significantly affect the EU accession process. An analysis of the position of B&H in the group of Western Balkans countries and the perspective of economic growth was conducted by focusing on the political and economic criteria as well as on the current obstacles these countries are facing, specifically, based on their political and economic background and in conditions where external risks are growing. All these countries are commited to implementing structural reforms because the commitment of all the countries towards Europe, which means convergence towards the European countries and a reduction in the size of the GDP per capita. In order to achieve such long-term goals, it is necessary to implement structural reforms that will result in stimulating production, trade, financial flows and reforming the labor market and the public sector. That is why growth of investment and exports is the main determinant of long-term growth. This paper gives an overview of the basic economic features of B&H compared with the other countries that belong to Western Balkan region, as well as projections on the certain macroeconomic indicators in the forthcoming period.
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The EU funds are an important factor in the development process of any new member state of the European Union. As such, EU funds support modernization and help facilitate further economic development in a member state, including its rural regions. The Republic of Croatia, based on NUTS3 classification, is predominantly rural with 79.01% of its territory being rural and 56.07% of population living in rural areas. Therefore, rural development is an integral part of overall economic development of the country. In order to improve competitiveness of Croatian agriculture sector, especially its small family farms, it is crucial to invest in their means of production and modernization of their assets. Funds awarded within the EAFRD framework in The Republic of Croatia tend to facilitate this process and further aid rural development. Croatian Development Index has a very important role in allocation of before mentioned funds. Its values are taken as criteria for state-aided areas, scoring projects (including EAFRD and other EU funds applications) and other aspects of public development policies. As one of the primary goals of Rural Development Programme in the Republic of Croatia, it is especially important to achieve a more balanced territorial development of rural areas given the fact that Croatian rural regions (counties and municipalities) are not equally developed, ensuring job creation and job retention in the process. The existence of disparities in the level of development is not a characteristic that can be found only in the Republic of Croatia, but it is an issue that should be taken into account when devising or reconsidering criteria for allocation of future EU funds in the Republic of Croatia, in order to further reduce regional disparities in the level of development. The aim of this paper is to provide empirical evidence on associations between the indicators of Croatian Development Index and spatial distribution of EU funds awarded within the Rural Development programme in The Republic of Croatia based on available data for the most recent invitation to tender for EAFRD funds.
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One of the main aims of the paper is to estimate how sustainable is the transition of Western Balkans to the European union and to present scenario analysis for this region. The new momentum for real chance of success in accession process towards European Union depends on both economic results and political will of the governing bodies. In this respect, more flexible and differentiated approach towards the Western Balkans is required to enable the exploitation of economic potentials and reduction labour market gaps. Western Balkan Countries’ ability to assume obligations of EU membership are summarized by using selected indicators which indicate the readiness of each country to integrate and to harmonize economic system. Taking into account the six transition qualities (Competitive, Well-governed, Green, Inclusive, Resilient, Integrated),the ranking of the Western Balkans countries was performed. By calculating the Pearson coefficient for economic potential (measured by GDP per capita) and the labour market indicator (Average monthly gross wages) in the period 2012-2017. for six Western Balkan countries, it is concluded that there is strong positive correlation between them. The basic research question which has been tested during the research is whether country rank based on transition qualities, respond to country rank based on labour market indicators (such as Average monthly gross wages).
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It is important for Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also for the European Union, that the negotiation process begins as soon as possible. Real changes in the legal, administrative and political sense commence only with fulfilment of benchmarks for opening and closing of chapters. The negotiation process is also important for learning and progressing in the understanding of European policies which help to strengthen state institutions, democracy and openness to grow and result with stronger economic growth due to an increased level of trust and safety. It is important for the European Union that the country at the very heart of Europe, which belongs to Europe not only geographically, but also historically and in terms of tradition and culture becomes a part of it as soon as possible and also in terms of the standards it applies. In this paper we give an overview of recommendations that the European Commission has provided to Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2002, and it is precisely from the recommendations which are being repeated each year that the most important challenges which Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to solve are still visible. Rule of law, respecting human rights and rights of minorities, as well as the constitutionality of the three nations, in addition to a fast and efficient judicial system and the public sector as a whole are the key elements for fulfilling political, legal and administrative criteria. In terms of GDP per capita in PPS, B&H has been converging during the last ten years, however with a very slow tempo. Thereby in 2005 GDP per capita in PPS amounted to 24 % in relation to EU28, whereas during the last four years it amounted to 29%. At the moment B&H is significantly lagging behind even the least developed Member States and convergence towards the EU average is necessary because on the current level B&H could not equally participate in the EU Single Market, and accession would create more obstacles than advantages. The EU is expected to take a more active approach in solving the challenges of economic convergence of B&H, therefore in this paper is provided and overview of the priorities of the new EU Enlargement Strategy in which support to socioeconomic development is pointed out as one of the initiatives
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European integration is process that has rules which must be followed from all aspirant countries, as well as with a great dedication to the process. Kosovo and its integration into the European Union, has in front very difficult road to be passed. Main objectives of Kosovo is being member of European Union. To achieve that, threshold mentioned in articles 49 and 6 of European Union Treaty should be passed. Being part of European Union, Kosovo must respect all principles mentioned in article 6. Function of rule of law system is very important for economic development of Kosovo and its integration in European Union. Even there exists commitment from Governmental institutions of Kosovo for empowering rule of law, problems and challenges that Kosovo faces in this field are complex and much more in number, and much more must be invested in all types of resources in order to achieve requested corrections. Legal system of Kosovo still can be described as one of the most complex systems and that represents obstructions for security and legal clearance. As multidimensional process, complex and dynamic, integration process is based in the fact that even European Union together with its institutional structures are in ongoing reforms. Reforms process is requested for the reason of continuously integrations processes of new countries in European Union structures. European Union today faces big challenges, in one side there is challenge of democratic, politic and economic control of candidate countries and in other side internal reforms for its own structures. Today, very important issue of Kosovo is European Integration process. Based in main objectives and achievements that Kosovo has made in this direction, large institutional commitment exists for this process. Especially there are many economic challenges for Kosovo including implementation of CEFTA Agreement, as pre-entrance instrument in European Union.
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European integration is largely seen as a process that has delivered stability and peace, as well as the economic prosperity of the Member States of the European Union (EU). It has helped to raise standards of living and build an internal market. But, there are more and more arguments that the EU decision-making system is not effective and the governance model is obsolete. Some are pointing out increasingly rising divergence on crucial EU policy matters. Others are arguing that the EU has been confronted with the challenge of heterogeneity, stressing the issue of immigration as the one of the most contentious policy matters currently facing the EU. Besides those controversial issues inside EU and different positions among member states there is Brexit. The paper analyses in particular the issue of EU economic governance and one of its main pillars – the European Semester. The Country Specific Recommendations, as the integral part of the economic governance model are presented in a view of the new framework envisaged to tighten budgetary coordination and keep the deficit and debt levels in accordance to the EU rules.
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The more competitive external economic environment and challenges brought by a long-term growth can only be solved by investment in research and development, innovations and human capital. Developed countries try to stimulate research and development in all important fields by forming special institutions and organizations, adopting clear policies and concrete measures. The European Union has made smart specialization strategy as platform to focus on development investments in area where Europe has critical mass of knowledge, capacities and competencies that are innovative potential for maintaining the highest positions of competitiveness at world markets. One of the most important tools in implementation of strategy are Centres of competences aimed to increase of small and medium entrepreneurship capacities that are in lack of own capacities for research and development. This paperwork will analyse how much countries are aware of importance and readiness to create national strategy of smart specialization. How ready they are to start transformation of national economies through forming and strengthening innovation chain of value i.e. how ready they are to be lead by the principle: ”Research is transformation of money in knowledge, and innovation is transformation of knowledge in money.” What is current condition and how are perspectives in Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding incentives for innovation and technology development, creating better business conditions of new and growing companies, promoting partnership and synergy in order to create value chains, ensuring continuous modernization of industry and solving social and regional competitiveness that are the main challenges of the EU. Encouragement of growth and competitiveness for economic development and goals of the Europe 2020 Strategy belongs to the most important priorities of the Commission and the EU member countries after crisis. The Europe 2020 Strategy is focused on solving structural disabilities of existing growth models by creating conditions for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.
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Stabile and functional financial sector is important part for stability and development of national economy. Having on mind specific features of financial system in Bosnia and Herzegovina as bank dominated financial sector we will analyse changes in structure of financial sector and behaviour of major sector in financial system in the period from 2005 to 2017. Changes in financial sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina have been analyzed through a series of indicators for major part of financial sector banking and non-banking financial entities. Also, authors will analyses changes which are made in institutional framework for bank and non-bank financial entities towards integration in the EU financial sector.
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Preconditions of the economic growth of the small, open economy are stable and strong currency, favourable business environment and financial stability. Financial and monetary stability is one of the key presumptions of economic growth. Bosnia and Herzegovina in financial system record significant level of eurozation. There are many reasons for eurozation in national economy. Bank deposits and loans are denominated in euro, national currency is fixed to euro through monetary regime currency board. The objective of the paper is to provide conceptual framework of eurozation and to analyse level of eurozation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Authors in paper will analyses economic development and changes in banking sector in condition of eurozation in period before and after financial crisis.
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Romania is currently facing a labour crisis that has not ever known. The phenomenon is not new but has increased gradually so that companies operating in Romania encounter more difficulties in finding staff required for their activity. The reasons for this phenomenon are economic, plus the lack of national policies, that encourage young and skilled workforce to migrate. The article approach the migration of labour from Romania and focus on how this phenomenon affected companies' activities and solutions they initiated to counter the impact of the phenomenon.
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The subject of the article is to analyze the relevant provisions of the Lisbon Treaty in order to show the changes they have introduced for Europarties. The main thesis of the article is that even if the direct influence of the said Treaty on Europarties was negligible, its indirect impact could be significantly greater. The article has been divided into three parts. The first recalled the genesis of the Europarties and outlined the legal framework for their activities until the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon. In the second one – the provisions of the Treaty directly devoted to the Europarties were analyzed. The third part depicted the areas in which – by adopting a specific interpretation of the Treaty provisions – the Europarties may try to exert an indirect influence on the EU decision‑making process, especially a new way of selecting the President of the European Commission.
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One of the instruments introduced into EU law on the basis of the Treaty of Lisbon for the first time, aimed at strengthening the democratic legitimacy of the functioning of the EU, is the European citizens’ initiative (ECI). The regulation on the ECI was adopted and entered into force in 2011 and started to apply from 1 April 2012. It seems, that almost six years of the functioning of the ECI is a sufficient period of time to try to assess its meaning to strengthen the democratic legitimacy of the functioning of the EU. The main aim of the study is to answer the question: whether, taking into account the experiences of the ECI, the European citizens’ initiative contributed to reducing the democratic deficit in the EU and thus to strengthening the legitimization of the European Union institutions and the EU as a whole. The article indicates the objectives of the ECI, which would allow to reduce the democratic deficit in the EU and strengthen the legitimacy of this organization. The most important data illustrating the functioning of the EIO were also presented. The next part of the article is the analysis and assessment of the importance of the ECI in reducing the democracy deficit and strengthening the legitimacy of the EU. The conclusions are included in the summary.
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The article analyses the basic principles of representation in the European Parliament established in the Treaty of Lisbon and applied in the 2014 elections. The author focuses on the size of the parliament and the distribution of seats between the member states. Author also analyses the principle of degressive proportionality. In conclusions, the author states that the main problems with the rules of representation are a consequence of treating the borders of states as the borders of electoral districts.
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The article is an attempt to understand changes in European higher education over the last two decades and to describe them from the perspective of public policies and europeanization processes. This approach was reflected in the development of the OMC and the EHEA. They are the background for the Bologna process. The article attempts to prove that the Bologna Process – in the optics of political science – is an instrument for realizing the values and objectives of European policies, that they are building the European educational and scientific space as one of many EU internal markets.
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