Addressing the Threat of Fraud and Corruption in Public Procurement: Review of State of the Art Approaches

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

The present compendium of selected best practices addresses the threat of fraud and corruption from multiple perspectives, with the underlying purpose of providing practitioners from Romania and Greece with a set of state of the art approaches for addressing the threat of fraud and corruption in the complex multi-layered national public procurement systems. This publication is based on ideas presented at the international seminar EU's Financial Interests under Threat: New Approaches in Assessing the Risks from Public Procurement and EU Funds Fraud, organised on 31 October – 1 November 2013 in Sofia, with the support of the European AntiFraud Office (OLAF).

Престъпления и злоупотреби с обществени поръчки. Наръчник за превенция, противодействие и анализ на рисковете

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

The publication discusses selected internationally recognized standards on approaches, methods and guidelines for countering criminality and corruption practices in the public procurement process. The practical Guide is tailored to aid the work of civil servants, magistrates and practitioners in the area. The publication is based on conclusions from series of seminars, workshops and conferences, involving Bulgarian and Romanian experts, which took place between December 2014 and July 2016 in Romania. The document is part of the initiative “Law, Economy, Competition, and Administration - Developing a Multidisciplinary Approach in the Fight against Public Procurement Criminality (LEAD)”

SYSTEM REZERWY FEDERALNEJ

Author(s): Wojciech Kwiatkowski / Language(s): Polish

Jest to pierwsza w literaturze polskiej książka, w której omówiono w sposób systematyczny kluczowe zagadnienia związane z funkcjonowaniem banku centralnego Stanów Zjednoczonych tj. Systemu Rezerwy Federalnej. Autor przedstawia historię tworzenia banku, jego strukturę organizacyjną, cele i zadania oraz sposoby ich realizacji, a także mechanizmy podejmowania decyzji przez jego organy i zakres ich autonomii w strukturze władzy USA. Książka przynosi wiedzę pozwalającą odrzucić istniejące w sferze publicznej i często bezkrytycznie przyjmowane (także w Polsce) teorie spiskowe dotyczące powstania i funkcjonowania Systemu Rezerwy Federalnej. Ich żywotność wynika zarówno z nieznajomości tego z jakimi kwestiami bank centralny USA musi zmagać się na co dzień w realiach amerykańskich, ale też z niezwykle złożonego systemu polityczno-prawnego Stanów Zjednoczonych.

CSD-Report 05 - Bulgaria’s Capital Markets in the Context of EU Accession: A Status Report

Author(s): Stefan Petranov,Jeffrey Miller / Language(s): English

The objective of this report is to contribute to the discussion on the capital market reform in Bulgaria in preparation for eventual integration into the European Union. The report views the accession issue on two levels. The first one is whether the necessary capital market institutions and legislation are in place, while the second one is whether capital markets function in a manner that supports economic growth and development. The impetus for the development of the capital markets in Bulgaria was the first wave of the mass privatization program. This program was similar to the program implemented earlier in the Czech Republic. At the same time the Czech Republic is among the first countries in transition that has been invited to negotiate accession with the European Union. For these reasons it is useful to compare the process of capital market developments in both countries. However, it should be taken into consideration that because of the problems that have surfaced recently in the Czech capital markets, the Czech example does not necessarily furnish solutions to the problems that are likely to arise. A large number of the companies are listed on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange-Sofia, but in practice the majority of the smaller ones have not been traded at all. While the unadjusted market capitalization figure amounts to roughly 0 million, this includes all investment funds, holding companies and all shares in partially privatized state owned companies. The actual figure for shares not held by the Government and available for trading on the BSE-Sofia is probably closer to 5 million. This works out to 1 per participant in the mass privatization program, which is a little above one-month’s salary. The market also has very low levels of turnover. Turnover figures at the individual company level are available only for trades on the BSE-Sofia. Most company shares have been traded very few times since the stock market opened. Only eight companies have traded shares in more than half of the sessions for which they were registered.

Корпоративно управление и контрол в България

Author(s): Maria Prohaska,Plamen Chipev / Language(s): Bulgarian

This publication aims to present the state and specific problems of corporate governance and control in Bulgaria. It has been prepared as part of the Corporate Governance Initiative Project in Bulgaria with the financial support of the Center for International Private Enterprise of the United States Chamber of Commerce. The main objective of the project is to facilitate the introduction of modern standards of corporate governance and procedures that will ensure accountability and accountability, transparency in the economy and control mechanisms in companies. The publication includes two authors' reports, which analyze the tendencies in corporate governance in Bulgaria after the first wave of mass privatization and the initial stages of concentration of ownership. They present both the main features and problems of corporate governance as well as the structure of forms of corporate control and the expected consequences for the future of corporate governance in Bulgaria.

Заплахите за финансовите интереси на Европейския съюз: оценка на риска от злоупотреби при обществените поръчки и използването на европейските фондове

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

Public procurement is among the governmental activities most vulnerable to corruption and fraudulent activities. Despite the controls in place, a number of government contracts give rise to errors, anomalies, fraud, misuse of public funds or corruption. The present compilation of selected best practices addresses the threat of fraud and corruption in the area of public procurement.

Freedom of Expression, Association and Entrepreneurship in a Captured State: Macedonia in 2015

Author(s): Ana Blazheva,Viktorija Borovska,Kalina Lechevska,Jordan Šišovski / Language(s): English

Вистинската цена на евтината работна сила. Политики за привлекување на странски директни инвестиции во Македонија, 2007-2015 (second revised edition)

Author(s): Branimir Jovanović / Language(s): Macedonian

Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability (IMES 2018)

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

The 6th International Conference Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability (IMES 2018) took place on May 31 – June 1, 2018 at the University of Economics, Prague. The conference was organised by the Department of Entrepreneurship of the University of Economics, Prague, Czech Republic in cooperation with other partners. Sound keynote speakers – Roy Thurik (Erasmus University Rotterdam), Ute Stephan (Aston Business School), Michael Fritsch (Friedrich Schiller University Jena), Stefan Schaltegger (Leuphana University Lüneburg), Marina Dabič (University of Zagreb and Nottingham Trent University), Martin Srholec (CERGE-EI) and Jiří Hnilica (University of Economics, Prague), discussed the trends in the fields of innovation management, entrepreneurship and sustainability. The conference aimed to achieve academic excellence in a regional context and to establish a platform for mutual collaboration, exchange and dissemination of ideas among researchers and professionals. These conference proceedings contain contributions of the conference participants presented during both days of the conference. Authors of papers come from 30 countries all over the world, namely from Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Ghana, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Netherlands, Paraguay, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, USA, Vietnam. All these contributions have successfully passed the doubleblind peer-review process.

TAX EVASION FLAG OF THE CONTEMPORARY ECONOMY

Author(s): Ioana Corina Abrudan / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Tax evasion is considered to be the most widespread economic crime, of major importance, which all states face to a greater or lesser extent. Globalization is the main phenomenon that has made it more difficult to detect and stop tax evasion and tax evasion. The magnitude of this phenomenon has no time and space boundaries. Eradicating tax evasion is virtually impossible, so states are seeking effective measures to curb this worrying phenomenon. Within the European Union, Member States are directly affected by this phenomenon, in particular due to the multiple gaps identified in the economics and legislation of the member countries. Tax evasion has become a topic the European Union has been researching for a long time, which it is trying to combat through EU-wide fiscal policies. Tax policies involve identifying, analyzing, evaluating and monitoring the risks associated with the phenomenon of tax evasion at national and international level.

Европейският енергиен съюз: състояние и перспективи

Author(s): Svetla Boneva,Ivan Tsvetanov,Atanas Atanassov,Ivaylo Toskov / Language(s): Bulgarian

The main objective of this project is to conduct an in-dept analysis on the main dimensions of the European Energy Union as well as to formulate recommendations on the benefits that Bulgaria could derive from its membership in this union and how in particular our country could materialize these benefits. To achieve these goals, we have completed the following research tasks: 1) An overview of the contemporary foreign and Bulgarian specialized economic literature in the relevant field has been conducted; analysis and summarization of the theoretical research in the European Energy Union field; 2) Analysis of the EU energy policy development which led to the establishment of the European Energy Union; 3) Overview of the strategic EU documents pertaining to the European Energy Union; 4) Analysis of the applicable legislative acts regarding the European Energy Union in Bulgaria and the coherence of this legal framework with the European law. Analysis on the national and the European legal framework of the European Energy Union.

Restituirea Taxei pe Valoare adăugată: Analize şi Soluţii

Author(s): Corina Gaibu / Language(s): Romanian

Value added tax is the indirect tax on which the greatest attention is focused, both by the state and by private companies. Its administration is a difficult, painstaking thing, because it requires a lot of time and effort from both taxpayers and the tax service (reports, controls, verifications). The value added tax constitutes over 70% of the fiscal revenues from the state budget. Any deviation in VAT collection has a direct impact on the financing of budget expenditures. The table below shows the importance of value added tax, its share compared to other taxes and duties collected from taxpayers. In the first half of 2009 alone, out of the total of 4 billion lei in taxes and duties levied at customs, value added tax is 2.9 billion, ie over 70% of the total. At the same time, the influence of the crisis on economic activity is being felt. In 2009, compared to the same period of 2008, about 30% less taxes and fees were collected, and respectively in the same proportion the amount of value added tax was modified. The decrease in imports has largely led to a decrease in the value added tax levied at customs.

15. MEĐUNARODNI SIMPOZIJUM O KORPORATIVNOM UPRAVLJANJU

Author(s): / Language(s): Serbian

POSSIBILITY OF RAPID CHANGES IN SMALL ECONOMIES IN CONDITIONS OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Niemiecki dylemat: uwspólnotowienie długów czy interwencje EBC?

Author(s): Konrad Popławski / Language(s): Polish

The financial crisis forced the European Central Bank (ECB) to move away from the three most important paradigms of German monetary policy accepted in the Euro area: the financing ban by the central bank of sovereign debts, an order to exercise by it in the first place to control inflation, and also to demand political independence in decision-making. This situation has been temporarily accepted by the government of Chancellor Angela Merkel, but not by German public opinion, which fears negative consequences ECB policy, primarily a possible increase in inflation. This is why future actions by the federal government will be aimed at restoring and consolidating the role of the ECB – the watchdog originally set out in the treaties low inflation. To achieve this, Germany must take responsibility at least part of the debt of the Eurozone, which the ECB will allow refocus on the conduct of monetary policy.

Mapping of Key Obstacles for Equal Participation of Business Entities in Public Procurement in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Author(s): Nermina Voloder / Language(s): English

The study provides insight into the views and perceptions, as well as the reallife experience of business sector representatives in BiH when it comes to various aspects and phases of public procurement. In that context, this is the first survey study in BiH that identifies key problems in public procurement by relying on the views and experiences of business sector representatives that have participated in public procurement procedures. For the purposes of this report, which presents the main obstacles to the participation of enterprises in public procurement, the respondents answered questions about issues such as availability of public procurement invitations for submitting bids, definitions of eligibility criteria and technical specifications, application of appropriate procedures, transparency of outcomes, legal protection, public procurement contract implementation control, perception of the degree of corruption in public procurement, trust in the fairness and justice of public procurement procedures, etc.

Analysis of Tax Justice in Macedonia

Author(s): Bojana M. Hristovska,Tamara Mijović Spasova / Language(s): English

In the beginning of the 90’s, along with the introduction of the new economic system in the Republic of Macedonia, a new fiscal system was introduced based on the principles of market economy, private property, independence of the economic subjects, etc. As Macedonia was leaving the 90s behind; the principle of allocative neutrality was further incorporated in the current fiscal system, with its greatest incorporation in the reformed tax system of 2007.1 However, this principle was significantly derogated in the recent years, with the very clear example of the incredibly beneficial position of the foreign investments (contrary to the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia), the large subsidies for agriculture, the different taxation of small and large companies, etc.

Economics of Tobacco and Tobacco Taxation. National Study - MACEDONIA

Author(s): Tamara Mijović Spasova / Language(s): English

This document reviews laws and policies related to tobacco control and especially tobacco taxation in the Republic of Macedonia. It also examines current and potential future impact of tobacco laws and policies on domestic consumption of tobacco products. The primary focus is on tobacco taxation and pricing policies as well as on the excise tax revenues collected from the domestic sales of cigarettes and the impact of the changes to the Excise Tax Law in effect until 2023.

Cheltuielile bugetare pentru Poliție: Cât și cum?

Author(s): Iurie Morcotîlo / Language(s): Romanian

The purpose of this study is to cover the analytical gap regarding the real volume of expenditures for the Police.2 In order to calculate what is the real volume of budget expenditures intended for the Police, the study begins with the definition of its institutional limits within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The delimitation and definition of the institutional limits of the Police are important considering that the Police is only one of the components of the Ministry (Chapter 1). Already based on the institutional delimitation, an analysis will be made of the evolution of expenses for the Police, the number of police officers, but also their density per 100 thousand inhabitants. Also, the amount of funding and replenishment of the Police is analyzed in comparison with other countries in the region (Chapter 2). Next is the analysis of the impact of budget expenditures on the improvement of public security and public order services, focusing on the evolution of crime rates (Chapter 3). Finally, the report comes with a summary and a set of strategic recommendations.

Nestandardní měnová politika Evropské centrální banky

Author(s): Oldřich Dědek / Language(s): Czech

The professionalism and prestige of central banks is formed not only in normal times when performing routine tasks of monetary policy, but also, and perhaps above all, when handling extraordinary events with extraordinary means. Therefore, we cannot leave aside the behavior of the European Central Bank (ECB) with its unconventional, unorthodox or, according to the terminology of the ECB itself, non-standard procedures that were deployed against the crisis. The exceptional period of the crisis years caused the monetary policy of the ECB to go beyond the usual terrain in which it operated, and face head-on problems for which standard solutions were not prepared. Compared to other central banks, the years of crisis were doubly difficult for the ECB, because in addition to the financial and economic eurozone, an unprecedented debt crisis also plagued it.

Quo Vadis? Ensuring fair Taxation in the Digital Economy

Author(s): Silke Maes / Language(s): English

The increasing digitalisation of the economy poses fundamental challenges to tax systems. The growing reliance on intangible assets, which are easy to move but hard to value, exacerbates old problems of tax avoidance and competition while also creating new problems as certain activities completely escape taxation. Recently, the emergence of highly profitable digital business models, combined with the covid crisis – which put a financial strain on governments – has led to a renewed interest in fair taxation. As a result, several measures are currently being discussed at the OECD, EU and national levels to ensure that companies pay taxes in the jurisdictions where they generate profits.