A ‘Last Resort’ or a ‘Bypass’? Development of Enhanced Cooperation and Its Meaning for the Problem of Stagnation of Integration in the European Union

Author(s): Tomasz Kubin / Language(s): English / Issue: 20/2017

Completion of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) was the last successful ‘grand project’ in the European Union (EU). Since then, the EU has either failed or, at most, quite effectively – but only responds to the emerging challenges and problems. At the same time, along with the stagnation in the deepening of integration between all the EU member states, differentiation of integration in the EU is progressing very rapidly. This phenomenon is a consequence of a mainly two processes: reform of theeuro area and the development of the enhanced cooperation. The aim of the article is to try to analyze the problem of whether enhanced cooperation is really treated as a ‘last resort’or, rather, gradually, as a specific ‘bypass’, which make it possible to overcome obstacles relating to launching a new integration projects. The starting point of this analysis is the thesis on the stagnation of integration in the EU, that has been taking place for more than a dozen years. Very synthetically this issue is addressed in the one part of the study. The succeeding two parts concern the development of enhanced cooperation and its importance in overcoming the stagnation of integration in the EU.

A Peculiar Case of Monitoring. Minority Rights in Romania as Seen Through the Lens of the ACFC and the COMEX

Author(s): András Bethlendi,Tibor Toró / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2018

Romania submitted its state report to the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) and the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages (ECRML ) roughly at the same time, however, the evaluation reports of the two bodies took rather different turns. The paper analyzes these two documents comparatively, and contrasts them to the earlier evaluation reports as well. The comparison highlights several textual differences and sheds light on the attitude of the two evaluation committees. The argument of the paper can be summarized in three points: 1) the two reports interpret differently many aspects of minority rights in Romania, and seemingly only in the case of the FCNM did the input of minority NGOs make a difference; 2) the usability of the two reports depends on the context in which one wants to use them: the FCNM report has more of an agenda setting effect, while the ECRML focuses on legally more accurate recommendations; 3) the technical and standardized approach of the Committee of Experts of the ECRML is not always suitable to describe the holistic situation of minority languages in a country.

A POSSIBLE EURO-ATLANTIC COMPREHENSIVE MARITIME SECURITY MODEL

Author(s): Valentin Catalin Vlad / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 0

This article aims to identify the existence, relevance and opportunity of a theoretical security through cooperation model based on the main concepts and theories of the security communities and the appreciation of universally recognized individual and collective values and freedom, in order ultimately to prove the relevance and opportunity of such a comprehensive maritime security model that could be adopted and developed at Euro-Atlantic maritime space as part of the complex process of ensuring regional and international maritime security.The adoption of a comprehensive maritime security through cooperation model centered on ensuring individual and collective security, stability and prosperity is the key element for the legitimacy, credibility and efficiency of the Euro-Atlantic maritime strategies in relation to international treaties, challenges and threats to international maritime security and last but not least with the peculiarities and characteristics of international maritime basins.

A Quintessential Lesson from European Union Integration to African Union

Author(s): Endris Mekonnen Faris,Hasan Korkut / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2016

The African Union -a multipurpose cooperation platform which most believe inspired by the European Union- came to exist to transform the continents fate into a prosperous one. European Union unprecedentedly becomes the crucial factor to speed up the Europe’s integration. European Union is an economic community and was not meant, first, a political one. Hence European Union can be a quintessential lesson for the African Union if the later understands the formers achievement came because of the exclusive emphasis given to the economic approach. The paper empirically argues that economic integration leads to an outright continental political unity. Accordingly the continent’s integration can only be achieved when economic approach is given prior emphasis. The political approach is a default which by nature follows the achievements gained from economic approach.The African Union -a multipurpose cooperation platform which most believe inspired by the European Union- came to exist to transform the continents fate into a prosperous one. European Union unprecedentedly becomes the crucial factor to speed up the Europe’s integration. European Union is an economic community and was not meant, first, a political one. Hence European Union can be a quintessential lesson for the African Union if the later understands the formers achievement came because of the exclusive emphasis given to the economic approach. The paper empirically argues that economic integration leads to an outright continental political unity. Accordingly the continent’s integration can only be achieved when economic approach is given prior emphasis. The political approach is a default which by nature follows the achievements gained from economic approach.

A slack-based measure of agricultural efficiency in the European Union countries

Author(s): Kristína Kocišová,Beata Gavurova,Anna Kotásková / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2018

The main aim of this study is to examine the relative efficiency of agriculture in the European Union using Data Envelopment Analysis for the period 2005- 2015. We have examined the relative efficiency using non-radial and non-oriented slacks-based model (SBM) under the assumption of a variable return to scale. We have looked for causes of inefficiency and have come up with the recommendations how to change input and output variable to reach the efficiency frontier. The results show that, on average, the European Union agricultural sector has been performing efficiently, and its development could be considered as stable. After taking into account the size of the economies in form of gross domestic product in market prices, we can say, that the efficiency was positively affected mainly by the development in large countries. By examining the optimal values for the variables used in the SBM model, it has been found that on average for the movement on the efficiency frontier it is necessary to reduce both inputs (labour and utilised agricultural area) and simultaneously increase both outputs (animal and crop production).

A stratégiától a megvalósítás esélyéig. Az MSZMP/MSZP és az európai integráció 1989-1994

Author(s): Gábor Szilágyi / Language(s): Hungarian / Publication Year: 0

A study on the evolution of tax pressure in Romania

Author(s): Georgeta Vintila,Ioana Laura Tibulca / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2014

Fiscal pressure is often considered a barometer for the impact and level of taxation experienced by individual taxpayers and businesses. In Romania, the study of the tax burden has been and will remain a highly debated topic in a national as well as European context. Thus, in this article, we conducted a descriptive statistical analysis of the evolution of the tax burden in Romania, and showcased the research results in different graphically expressive ways (maps, tables, graphs), all presented from a dual perspective. On the one hand, we followed the impact of taxation on households, and on the other hand, in a broader approach, we highlighted the tax burden reflected at the county and regional level.

A threshold for European aspirations. NATO membership. 2008.

Author(s): Specified No Author / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2007

At a meeting with NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jaap D.H. Scheffer, former Macedonian Prime Minister, Vlado Buckovski, talking about the NATO demands for 110% fair elections in Macedonia, said: “Secretary General, you're asking for miracles. But I accept the miracle.”. This is a regular political joke, especially since the elections of July 2006 were not exactly “110% fair”. Yet, this statement is also indicative from another perspective – it speaks about the political discourse in Macedonia, how things are perceived, referred to and understood. Thus, it seems rather ironic, if unsurprising, that the Macedonian discourse about NATO should revolve around ‘miracles’ – demanding or accepting them. NATO officials have continually emphasized the ‘rational’ nature of NATO, its enlargement and the criteria for enlargement. There should be nothing miraculous about them! When a state is ready, when all necessary reforms and preparations in the defense and political sectors have been completed, it receives an invitation for NATO membership. In the meantime, NATO evaluates the progress of reforms and provides guidelines and recommendations. It is as simple as that.

A too Fast Rising China? European Unions’s Hopes, Fears and Expectations towards Beijing

Author(s): ?erban Filip Cioculescu / Language(s): English / Issue: 1-2/2009

China is probably on its way to become one of the main power-poles in a future likely multipolar world and even if it will be economically stronger than military, international relations history shows us that countries which are wealthy and whose big populations cultivate nationalistic feelings also developed strong military capabilities and tried to increase and protect their “sphere of interests” against possible challengers. Economically, China is the most spectacular “giant” of the planet, with about 9% increase of its GDP in 2006 and 2007, and an economy build on cheap-labour manufactures goods to be exported outside. Exports represent about 40% of the GDP and are seen as vital for a sustained economic growth in the future, thus the Chinese economic foreign policy obviously aims at keeping this rhythm or improving it.

AB Üyesi Geçiş Ekonomisi Ülkelerinde Yolsuzluk Algısı

Author(s): Bahar Yasar,Berna Hizarci Beser / Language(s): Turkish / Issue: 2/2018

The increasing level of corruption is one of the most important problems facing transition economies in the process of adopting the free market economy. Studies that emphasize the level of democratization are among the factors that are effective in reducing corruption in recent years. Transition economies seeking to enter the European Union are taking important steps towards democratization. This study examines the change in corruption perception scores of Poland, Croatia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, before and after accession to the European Union. It is seen that the perception of corruption is relatively lower in transition countries where democratization is high. It is thought that other transition economies will increase their democratization efforts towards membership to the EU and change the perception of corruption.

AB Uyum Yasalarının Türkiye’deki İnsan Haklarının Gelişimine Katkıları

Author(s): Haydar Efe,Seyfi Han / Language(s): Turkish / Issue: 4/2012

After being officially recognized as a candidate for EU membership at the Helsinki Summit of the European Council realized on 11-12 December 1999, Turkey began to accelerate the adoption of its human rights regulations to the EU standards. Besides, Turkey has also made substantial progress by adopting nine harmonization packages concerning the right to live, prevention of torture and maltreatment as well as the rights of freedom of expression, freedom and security, respect for private life, right to a fair trial, freedom of organization and assembly, anti-discrimination and property right. Such amendments carried out in accordance with the Adjustment Laws of the EU present important milestones in raising Turkey’s human rights standards to the level of modern democracies. This study about the examination of the regulations passed because of Adjustment Laws according to the National Programme obligations reveals how the Adjustment Laws contributed to the improvement of the human rights situation in Turkey in the light of critics stated in the Progress Reports. Besides, this study also attempts to reveal dissonant regulations and implementations by comparing the legislation and the implementation of human rights in our country with ECHR decisions and international standards in this context.

ABOUT COMMON CONSOLIDATED CORPORATE TAX BASE AND ITS POSSIBLE EFFECTS ON EU MEMBER STATES

Author(s): Nicoleta Mihaila / Language(s): English / Issue: 4/2018

The current lack of coordination among EU Member States regarding the tax system creates difficulties for companies operating within the European Union, as they face 28 different income tax bases, determining significant costs to ensure administrative compliance, with negative effect on European competitiveness. Therefore, a new approach related to the taxation of companies in EU is necessary to achieve the objective of more equitable and efficient taxation in European countries and to effectively combat tax evasion, namely the introduction of a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB). In our paper we present the basic notion of common consolidated corporate tax base and present some of its effects in the EU countries, including Romania. In our approach, we use a descriptive methodology, using informational sources from the national and international literature.

ABOUT INSTITUTIONAL DEFICIT AND INSTITUTIONAL EXCESS

Author(s): Gratiela-Denisa Iordache / Language(s): English / Issue: 4/2018

The present paper aims to define the concepts of institutional deficit and institutional excess. The clarification of these concepts will be useful in assessing the European Union excess or deficit of institutions in achieving its major objectives. Firstly, I will define the concepts of institutional deficit and institutional excess using the method of sufficiency predicates (logical analysis). Secondly, I will analyse the impact of institutional excess and institutional deficit on achieving Union’s major objectives.

About Security, Democratic Consolidation and Good Governance. Romania within European Context

Author(s): George Poede / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2015

More than a decade has passed since the tragic events that took place in America in the dramatic day of September 9th 2001. For the first time since the end of the second World War, the United States were being attacked on their own territory, without prior notice, by a non-state military force which was globally organised, for religious and ideological reasons. The terrorist attacks planned and executed by the terrorist organisation Al-Qaeda on American military and civilian targets have reconfigured the international security environment. The author remarks that the security of the European continent is inextricably linked to what happens outside its external borders. Transnational organized crime, illegal human trafficking, illegal migration, traffic of drug, weapons, ammunition and portable vectors, the proliferation of illegal trade of radioactive and other "sensible" technologies, the expansion of terrorist networks – they all represent threats to the Eastern border of Romania and concern the security of the EU Eastern neighbourhood.

ACADEMIC MOBILITY AND FINANCIAL STABILITY: A CASE OF ERASMUS STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Author(s): Gulbakyt Kabanbayeva,Maria Gureva,Peter Bielik,Grzegorz Ostasz / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2019

Globalization and digitalization have dramatically changed higher education more than any other sphere of social or economic life. Constant flow of information and free access to all possible data, news, and topics, valuable and fake alike, imposed many challenges for the stakeholders in higher education worldwide. Lecturers and students worldwide became closer thanks to the new technologies, yet they also are drifting apart enclosed in single information bubbles. It is surprising that this digital epoch is seeing an increase in academic mobility worldwide. It appears that young people are willing to leave the comfort of their homes and social networks in order to experience the academic life and culture of other countries. It appears that this trend might also have considerable economic impacts on both sending and receiving countries. Our paper investigates the link between academic mobility and financial stability. We focus on the case study of academic exchange Erasmus program funded by the European Union (EU) and its impact on the financial stability of the Eurozone based on the criteria of the Optimum Currency Area (OCA). Our findings suggest that academic mobility indirectly improves financial stability in four fields: First of all, it enhances future labour mobility. Second, it decreases path-dependence and homogenizes policy preferences. Third, it induces more intensive trade relations. And finally, it increases international solidarity which is very important for such multi-national complex projects as the EU.

Accente geo-economice în politica externă rusă

Author(s): Stanislav Secrieru / Language(s): Romanian / Issue: 1-2/2007

At the beginning of his first term in office, President Putin faced an intricate dilemma. On the one hand, he had to see how Russia - a power in retreat - could stop the decline of its position in the international system. On the other hand, his administration had to establish how to develop and improve Russia’s economic capabilities, which would allow Moscow to play from a ‘solid power’ position. President Putin sought a way out of this double impasse through geo-economical strategies combined with non-aggressive balancing acts, often based upon good personal relations with ‘great power’ leaders. Kremlin’s adherence to this approach increased significantly the economic component (energy politics and economic sanctions) in Russian foreign policy. This article proposes to answer what drives and the way Russia implements its energy policy in relations with EU, US, China, Japan, Middle East countries and the CIS space. Investigation will also focus on political aspects of Russia’s economic sanctions imposed to exsoviet republics and some EU member states.

Accession to the European Union: Advantage or Disadvantage for Czech Companies?

Author(s): Dušan Litva / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2016

In this paper has been studied effects of accession to the EU on Czech companies which were selected and grouped according to 5 parameters: region, legal form, operation area, business sector and size of the company defined by number of employees. Questionnaire containing 14 questions have replied in total 146 respondents. It is possible to conclude that accession to the EU brought more advantages to big global joint- stock companies than to small regional companies which were mostly negative and claimed worsening of business results due to European integration. Most of the 146 respondents asked via questionnaire containing 14 questions did not agree with acceptance of Euro, while those who agreed had been estimated 2020 as ideal year to access Eurozone. Companies in quaternary sector were mostly positive on the opposite to the companies in tertiary sector which were negative. Companies in Prague and Central Bohemia were much more positive towards EU benefits than in rest of the Czech Republic regions.

Action Memo – Final Document of the Young Faces Network Programme 2010 Organized by the Geneva Centre for Democratic Control of the Armed Forces (DCAF)

Author(s): Sonja Zuber / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2011

With the Lisbon Treaty, new challenges have been raised for the national parliaments when it comes to the oversight of the CSDP. Macedonia as a candidate member state must follow the activities in Brussels closely regarding these issues, as alignment to the regulations from the Lisbon treaty should be of a highest priority. This review has brought to light several issues that the committee and Parliament face in the decision-making process regarding sending troops in missions under the CSDP. This memo provides brief description of the cooperation between Macedonia and EU regarding CSDP, identifies the main shortcomings and puts forward several propositions for ensuring close and successful relations between Republic of Macedonia and the EU regarding CSDP. Those propositions are: forming a joint body with the Government and the Ministry of Defence specifically for peace missions and sending troops abroad; propose amendments to the current Law on Defence and institutionalise the process of cooperation with other defence parliamentary committees from the region.

Adaptational difficulties of Polish economic emigrants in the context of globalisation processes

Author(s): Joanna Kozielska / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2017

Guaranteeing the availability of European labour markets constituted a very important element of the Polish foreign policy during the negotiation of conditions under which Poland would become a member of the European Union. At the time of the Polish accession, Poles as citizens of United Europe gained the right to take up legal work in other Member States. This opportunity was taken by Polish young people – “thirdgeneration emigrants” tempted by better earnings and prospects for the future. The proposed text is an attempt to capture migrants’ reality in the context of adaptative difficulties experienced by migrants with regard to globalisation-related transformations and the construct of a global teenager. The research results were obtained from two research projects carried out: (1) a research project carried out under the promotional grant in the years 2008-2012 (National Center for Science in Krakow – NN 106 348 140 (grant manager: Prof. Magdalena Piorunek, PhD) under the title: ‘Polish emigration and reemigration as an experience. Sociological and pedagogical aspect’, the results of which have been published in: Kozielska J., (2014) Post-accession migration. The theoretical and empirical context. Social support. The research sample in the quantitative analysis consisted of 174 persons who emigrated for at least one year and stayed in Poland for at least 6 months from the time of their return to the time of the research. The sample was targeted, and the target group consisted of return emigrants who emigrated during the pre-accession period and decided to stay in a European state rather than a “traditional” country of migration like the United States of America. The quantitative research was supplemented with a qualitative analysis of texts derived from hermeneutic methods, which included online forums (created by and for emigrants, both those who are still abroad and those who are planning to return or have already returned to Poland) and blogs containing fragments of emigrants’ biographies; (2) a research project carried out in London and Scotland under the POSTDOC scholarship of the Adam Mickiewicz University “Unique Graduate = Opportunities. An increase in the didactic potential of the Adam Mickiewicz University through pro-innovative education in English, interdisciplinariness, e-learning, investment in human resources” under the title: ‘Transnational biographical counselling. A paradigm of qualitative research. An in-depth interview – 15 families with children (aged between 3 and 13 years) (2015-2017)’.

Addressing the EU’s East-West Brain Drain: Why a Tax Solution Would Be in Vain

Author(s): József Golovics / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2019

In the 1970s Jagdish Bhagwati proposed the introduction of a brain drain tax to compensate less developed countries for the welfare losses they suffered as a result of outward skilled migration, but the proposal was never implemented. In light of tensions in Europe caused by the mobility of highly-skilled labour from ‘East’ to ‘West’ following the 2004 EU enlargement, this paper re-examines the feasibility of such a proposal within the Union. The disparity between levels of income and economic development in (some of) the ‘new’ and ‘old’ member states, combined with the specific European institutional environment to trigger a brain drain from the accession countries to the EU-15. Mindful of the values and specificities of the EU, I address the question of whether Bhagwati’s brain drain tax could provide a solution to this problem in the European context. Combining empirical research with EU integration theory, I argue that it cannot: implementation would face obstacles even in the limited context of the EU because of the lack of appropriate supranational competences; moreover, the tax– as a compensation mechanism – could not reduce the major differences in development levels, which is the underlying cause of the problem. Nonetheless, addressing this question illuminates broader issues of the politics of enlargement and the inequities of the current EU, in spite of the benefits it has brought to its 2004 and 2007 entrants.