CEEOL - Browse Subjects Result

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.

Impact of the Vienna Arbitration on Agriculture, Industry and Infrastructure in Southern Slovakia

Author(s): Miroslav Sabol / Language(s): Slovak Publication Year: 0

The positive developments in the Slovak economy during the economic boom of the second half of 1930s began to be hindered by constitutional and political changes in Central Europe of that period. The prologue to the complete disappearance of the inter-war Czechoslovakia was a short “interlude” of the so-called Second Republic of 1938 – 1939. The extortion of Nazi Germany and the appeasement policy of the European powers led to the Munich Agreement and the Vienna Arbitration in September and November 1938. Under these agreements made “about us without us”, the Czechoslovak Republic had to abandon the border areas to the neighbouring countries, which resulted in a politically, economically and militarily powerless state, left to the “mercy” of Hitler’s Germany.

More...

0.00 €

№68: Longing for a Boom: Prospects for Economic Development in Afghanistan

Author(s): Beata Górka-Winter / Language(s): English

The unrelenting military operations carried out in Afghanistan since the end of the 1970s brought about unprecedented devastation of the existing infrastructure and determined the abject economic condition of this state. Currently, the economic situation is improving, although Afghanistan is still facing a series of structural and other barriers (pervasive corruption, weak economic governance, and a shadow opium economy) to its growth, while reconstruction is still slowed down by continuing military conflict in the country. In the short-term perspective, Afghanistan will not be able to develop without serious economic assistance from donors. However, it may improve its economic standing in the longterm by supporting the development of traditional agricultural economy and creating conditions for local and foreign investors, which may provide capital and necessary know-how for exploring its vast mineral potential.

More...

0.00 €

Cross-border concerted and joint inspections in the fight against undeclared work

Author(s): Ruslan Stefanov,Daniela Mineva,Petar Terziev / Language(s): English

As part of the support team of the European Platform tackling undeclared work, CSD is developing a series of papers, analyses and toolkits, aimed at sharing good practices and experiences among the Member States. Since 2016, the European Platform tackling undeclared work provides an EU-level forum that allows different actors, including social partners and enforcement authorities, such as labour inspectorates, tax and social security authorities, to engage in closer cross-border cooperation and joint activities. The Platform’s 2-year work programme for 2019-2020 includes activities enabling Platform members to deal with undeclared work through a holistic approach. The new work programme is building on work to tackle bogus self-employment and fraudulent letterbox companies. Four sectors that are heavily affected by undeclared work have been identified for specific action: agriculture; aviation; tourism; and the hotel, restaurant and catering sector.

More...

0.00 €

Information Tools and Approaches to Reach Out to Workers and Companies in the Fight against Undeclared Work

Author(s): Ruslan Stefanov,Daniela Mineva / Language(s): English

More...

0.00 €

Zarada na leđima sankcija

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

Kontrasankcije Rusije prema Zapadu ispale su daleko „mekše“ od sankcija koje su ih izazvale, takav je bar moj utisak. Naime, iako mi ovog trenutka teško možemo dimenzionisati efekat zapadnih sankcija na ekonomiju Ruske Federacije, pošto su te sankcije pretežno finansijske prirode i uglavnom tek treba da budu realno aktivirane, ipak možemo proceniti da one lako mogu biti daleko teže od ruske zabrane uvoza hrane iz EU, Švajcarske, SAD, Kanade, Australije, Japana, Norveške i još nekih manjih zemalja.

More...

5.00 €

Poredbeno istraživanje Sretna grada Frane Petrića i Kućnika Josipa Stjepana Reljkovića

Author(s): Zlata Živakoviž Kerže / Language(s): Croatian Publication Year: 0

The reﬂection of the renaissance economic ideas in Slavonia can be traced on certain level in Josip Stjepan Reljković’s Kućnik. The content of that book, which was published in Osĳek in 1796, as well as of the Frane Petrić’s La città felice, which was published in 1551, are highly inﬂuenced by the economic idea of a human as the social being. In the beginning of Reljković’s Kućnik and in Petrić’s La città felice one can easily found statement that economic wealth is foundation for the development of the village as well as of the city. By analyzing these two books, one can argue that there are various topics on “agrarian-economic relations”. Both authors, Reljković and Petrić, by their writings, wanted to educate new generations in order to accomplish basic idea of social community of which foundation would be assurance of primary human components – soul and body. Therefore, the renaissance economic ideas can easily be seen in providing necessities for human diet. Furthermore, Petrić’s work is some sort of a handbook for agriculture and livestock farming which are “a work hard and full of anxieties, and for them you need strong men who can bear it”, while Reljković teaches and cautions Slavonian peasant what “every kućnik” need to know. Finally, the origin of “instructive literature for farmers”, among which is Kućnik, is in the instructive calendars of Johann Colerus (Johann Zorn 1560-1639), and these type of was spread not only in the German speaking areas but also in the whole Europe, it is obvious that these ideas were present in Slavonia in 18th century and that they were spread by the circulation of Reljković’s book.

More...

Financial Mechanisms of the European Union to Support of Agri-Food Niche Companies of Fish Farmers and Foresters in Crises Situations

Author(s): Speranța-Liliana Neagu / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

In a continuous dynamic of climate change affecting farmers and fish farmers and taking into account the current geopolitical context and its negative effects, new European financial solutions should be identified to mitigate or combat them. Research methods used: case study, sociological method and research hypothesis/theory. Ferenda law proposals: 1. amending the Charter of the United Nations (UN)3 ; 2. the creation of an EU financing line for the creation and modernization of niche companies with social and environmental components, with a strong argument for the creation and preservation of public goods; launching proposals for revising the Multiannual Financial Framework, with celerity; 3. New EU support measures through the Social Climate Fund for accidental cases; 4. innovative insurance system.

More...

Анализ на потреблението на биологични продукти в България и страни-членки на ЕС (2019-2025 г.)

Author(s): Kamelia Dragomirova Hadjiilieva-Biedermann / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

The changes in the consumption of organic products is highly dynamic since advent of the market for organic foods and cosmetics. Consumers show a high responsiveness to the actual economic situation, depending on multiple factors. This work focuses on the EU while the Covid-19 pandemic and before the current high inflation period. A short term forecast according the market development is given, based on different variants for motivation and goals of the main players in the market.

More...

Sustainable and Inclusive Transformation of the Bulgarian Rural Areas: Challenges and Prospects

Author(s): Svetlana Aleksandrova-Zlatanska / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The European Green Deal, the “Farm to Fork” strategy, the Long-Term Vision for EU Rural Areas - 2040 are key strategic documents that set out the goals for improving the economic and social well-being of people and for the efficient use of natural resources in rural areas. The processes of urbanization and deterioration of the demographic structure in rural areas deepened the regional imbalance in Bulgaria. Consequently, there is a need to change the traditional model of development to a new one based on digital technologies. The aim is to analyze the extent to which the goals for sustainable, inclusive and carbon neutral development of rural areas can be achieved in Bulgaria.

More...

Аграрно питање у Босни и Херцеговини за време аустроугарске управе

Author(s): Sanja Savić / Language(s): Serbian Publication Year: 0

Although unresolved agrarian relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the conflicts that broke out on that occasion served Austria-Hungary as an excuse to obtain a mandate for occupation at the Berlin Congress, Article XXV of the Berlin Treaty did not formally obliged the Monarchy to resolve this issue. The occupation administration decided to keep the established agrarian relations and Ottoman agrarian regulations. Because it was between two irreconcilable sides, the Austro-Hungarian administration looked at the agrarian question exclusively from a political standpoint. However, for the interested parties, it represented the most significant economic-social, national, and confessional issue. Therefore, the agrarian question represented a suitable tool for creating intolerance among the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which the Austro-Hungarian administration successfully used for its goals. The importance of the agrarian issue was also understood by the political parties formed at the beginning of the 20th century in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it represented one of the most important issues in their political activity. Petar Kočić particularly stood out in the work on its solution. The agrarian issue came before the Bosnian-Herzegovinian Parliament after the government submitted a draft law on the optional settlement of the agrarian relations. The resolution of the agrarian issue was significant not only for its impact on economic and social relations, but also for the political realignments it sparked. This issue was the biggest stumbling block in the cooperation between Serbs and Muslims. On the other hand, the existence of a significant number of serfs among the Catholics should have united Serbian and Croatian politics in the fight for the compulsory purchase of serfs. Political tactics, however, took politics in Bosnia and Herzegovina in a completely different direction. A Croat-Muslim pact is created, and the Serbian Parliamentary Club disintegrates precisely because of internal contradictions regarding the way in which the agrarian issue will be resolved. Despite the differing positions of the Serbian and Muslim parliamentary groups, the regime managed to form the necessary majority in Parliament during the vote. Aside from Croats and Muslims, the law is also supported by some Serbian deputies. The government believed that with a lower interest rate, it would provide the serf with more favorable conditions for redemption, which would further lead to the creation of a free peasant class that would be able to develop agriculture in the county. Solving the agrarian issue by voluntary redemption showed that the Muslims were guided by their economic calculation. Their relations with Serbs and Croats during parliamentary work were motivated solely by the desire to preserve old privileges.

More...

Digital Solutions for the Administration of Land Management Processes in the Republic of Bulgaria

Author(s): Marina Nikolova,Penka Chernaeva,Petar Chernaev / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Due to errors in the administration of processes and delayed digitalization of management processes related to land, as well as a subsidy policy based on outdated data, the confrontation of individual subsectors in the Bulgarian agricultural business is constantly growing. A large part of the information systems, and especially the information, were available at different times to individual economic entities. For the most part, large farmers started the digitalization of their business long before the state administration. The possession of information has created serious advantages. The consolidation of agriculture, and hence all the negative consequences, is also due to this fact. Late implementation of digital solutions for management of agricultural business leads to a decrease in its efficiency. The digitalization of land administration processes by the state has been implemented in slower timeframes, with untimely implementation of effective solutions. Making management decisions „piecemeal“, without connection between individual applications and data, leads to the collection of incomplete and unreliable information, as a result, the agricultural business in Bulgaria has a relatively slow development. It is necessary to build a comprehensive management vision based on information systems and a secure mechanism for control of deviations, and the institutional framework and digital solutions to be synchronized before their design and timely implemented after a thorough analysis, including forecasting the financial economic results of their implementation. At this stage in Bulgaria, digital solutions for control and management by the state are characterized by catch-up, not anticipatory development. The role of the state as an administrator of the relations between owners and users of agricultural land and owning the overall information about the state of the land resource should be a leading one to achieve effective support for access to information and digital solutions. The digitalization of land administration processes by the state is successful and timely when there is a connection between the individual applications and data, and the information collected is complete and reliable.

More...

Personality-Related Determinants of Entrepreneurship in the Light of Own Research in the Agribusiness Sector

Author(s): Barbara Kiełbasa,Marcin Krzysztof Kopyra / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The aim of this article is to identify the personality traits that can characterise entrepreneurial people and to determine what they believe to be important in achieving success. Entrepreneurship is defined very broadly in the literature and researchers consider different approaches to this issue. Certainly, being entrepreneurial is a combination of knowledge, passion, hard work and active learning. What is more, in many studies there are hypotheses indicating a correlation between the possession of certain character traits, or even temperament, and the propensity to start a business. In this article, an analysis of the behavioural and attitude approach to entrepreneurship is undertaken, which means that some personal traits and behaviour of the entrepreneurial person are analysed, as well as their perceptions of the issue. A descriptive-inductive method was used, using simple statistical methods. A survey method was used to obtain empirical data. An online survey form was sent to agribusiness entrepreneurs from Poland, the entrepreneurs were randomly selected. The respondents were primarily active in industries such as fruit, vegetable processing, as well as meat. A total of 57 returns were received between January and March 2023. The questionnaire included questions on personality traits that may be conducive to an entrepreneurial attitude, as well as identifying attitudes towards certain management situations. The respondents rated themselves as extroverted and open-minded, confident in their abilities. Most respondents described themselves as sanguines. A number of scientific studies confirm that sanguines and extroverts are the people who are most successful as entrepreneurs. Considering the statements of the respondents, there was a significant difference in the inconsistency of the responses from those labelled choleric and phlegmatic. The most consistent statements were obtained from sanguinis. Sanguinis were the most likely of all respondents to believe in the strength of their predispositions and character traits. Cholerics, due to their explosive nature and not always good decisions, felt that it was appropriate to monotone external factors, as this was the basis for decision-making. As a result of the survey and the literature review, it can be confirmed that entrepreneurial personality traits play an important role when setting up one's own business and also when continuing to manage it, but also an external situation and business environment play an important role in decision-making process. All these factors should be correlated and a good entrepreneur should be able to use his/her strengths to exploit market opportunities. According to the authors of this article, it is necessary to integrate one's personality traits and aptitudes with market information and ongoing monitoring of the industry to achieve success.

More...

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF AGRICULTURAL AREAS EQUIPPED WITH IRRIGATION SYSTEMS IN ROMANIA

Author(s): Carmelia Mariana Dragomir Bălănică / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

In recent decades, it has become more and more necessary to set up new irrigation systems in areas affected by drought to repair and maintain current equipment in good condition in order to reduce the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to climatic conditions in the context of increasingly obvious global warming. The main purpose of this article is a long-term analysis, 26 years, of the area of land developed with irrigation works and irrigated agricultural area by land use category by region. The data are collected annually by the National Institute of Statistics. The average for the analysed period for the three categories of agricultural land compared are total developed surface – 3,162,759 hectares, developed agricultural surface – 3,062,034 hectares, and arable land – 2,898,772 hectares. The regions with the largest areas arranged for irrigation are South- East, South-Muntenia and South-West Oltenia. The advantages of the rehabilitation and expansion of the irrigation infrastructure in Romania will have a series of significant economic effects on the economic development of farms and a better competitiveness of farmers, but also a greater degree of security for the agricultural sector to face long-term challenges generated by climate change and ensuring food stability and security.

More...

NON-FISCAL TAXES IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA: THEIR ROLE AND IMPACT IN TERMS OF REVENUES TO THE NATIONAL PUBLIC BUDGET

Author(s): Nadejda Berghe / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

“Parafiscal” charges are charges levied by public or private agencies on the production and marketing of agricultural products with a view to financing activities for the benefit of the sector as a whole. The characteristic of parafiscal taxes is the fact that they are - like taxes - mandatory (being established by law) and are tracked and collected through the tax administrations. While the taxes are being collected with the dual purpose of imposing a certain conduct in the social-economic environment and being able to cover the general and common needs of society, parafiscal taxes are collected exclusively for the purpose of ensuring complementary incomes at the disposal of the legal beneficiaries of these funds and only from natural and/or legal persons who are expressly covered by the normative acts by which those taxes were established. On the one hand, the multitude of parafiscal taxes implies a high cost for payers. On the other hand, the economic agents must make serious efforts to be up to date with these taxes and tariffs and, moreover, they must give time to their administration, as the state budget obtained from these taxes is significant.

More...

Digitalization as a Tool for Risk Management in the Agricultural Sector

Author(s): Hristina Harizanova-Bartos / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Risk management is an integral part of the management process of any organization, including in the agricultural sector. The increasing adoption of digital technologies is becoming an essential part of the sector's activities. The aim of this publication is to analyze the opportunities for risk management in the agricultural sector through the introduction of digital activities at both macro and micro levels. Digitalization in agriculture is crucial for managing risks and reducing the negative impact of agricultural activities. It can improve primary production, supply chain, logistics performance, and reduce food losses and waste. However, digitalization may pose risks due to significant investment in digital solutions and lags behind other sectors. Traditional methods often fail to reduce risks, but digital technologies can transform communication channels, build infrastructure, and reduce errors in data entry. By implementing risk management strategies, farmers can obtain more benefits and free up resources for other sectors. At the micro level, new technologies, access to digital markets, and improved risk management are being implemented at the individual farm level, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. The publication includes the following main tasks: 1) a theoretical review of the key risks in the agricultural sector; 2) an analysis of micro and macro risks in the sector that can be managed through digital technologies; and 3) key findings and conclusions. The publication draws its information from both – theoretical sources and agricultural sector research.

More...

Competitiveness of Rural Areas: Methods and Approaches

Author(s): Yovka Bankova,Mariya Peneva / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The study of rural areas’ development is a subject of extensive research and analyses. Globalization and the process of digitalization have significantly increased the intensity and changed the characteristics of competition at any level, starting from firms and moving to the level of regions and countries. Research interest and efforts towards understanding, conceptualizing and evaluating competitiveness at regional level are growing, but yet the number of studies on the topic of rural regions’ competitiveness are quite limited. The paper aims at specifying methods and approaches used so far by studies devoted to regional competitiveness and how they could be applied on the level of rural regions. Three are the main sections of the paper. The first one briefly discusses definitions of regional competitiveness, peculiarities of rural regions, and changes of policies for territorial development. A transformation of rural regions is also underlined. They shift from traditional industrial structure (agriculture and labor extensive manufacturing) towards diversification of economic activities, also through being an option for the location of companies that are digital manufacturers. The second section introduces a classification of methods applied to assess the regional competitiveness. They are divided into two groups regarding the approach on which are based. With the first approach the focus is on the output of the system through different indicators. To this group belong indexes developed by worldwide acknowledged organizations as World Economic Forum, International institute for management development, Food and Agriculture Organization, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, European Commission, and the World Bank, the Index for measuring regional variation and competitiveness (Huovari et al., 2001), Regional competitiveness index (Dijkstra et al, 2023), and DEA method. The second group of methods are more descriptive and they aim at comprehensive analysis to identify the key drivers of regional development, productivity and economic growth. Among them is the Diamond model of Michael Porter (Porter, 1990). The final section discusses the issue of the applicability of methods used on regional level to assess the competitiveness of the rural regions. Conclusions are derived about the appropriateness of the methods for the assessment of rural areas’ competitiveness and a recommendation is given for the benefits of their co-use. One of significant limitations to assess the competitiveness of rural regions is the provision of data. Also, we assume and give some arguments that using a combination of methods, belonging to both groups, would be more effective way to assess the competitiveness of rural regions. The main methods used for the purposes of the research presented in the paper are a desktop research to produce a comprehensive review of the literature, and the methods of analysis and synthesis.

More...

The Role of Smart Agriculture in Empowering Women Farmers for Rural Development: A Case Study of Prishtina Municipality, Kosovo

Author(s): Sokol Sallahu,Diana Kopeva,Ekrem Gjokaj / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The Municipality of Prishtina, located in the heart of Kosovo, embodies significant agricultural potential that can be unlocked through innovative practices. Integrating smart agriculture technologies offer a unique opportunity to revolutionize traditional farming methods and empower women farmers as key stakeholders. Women farmers play a crucial role in food production and security but often face challenges such as limited access to resources, technology, and decision-making power. By leveraging smart agriculture solutions tailored to their needs, we can bridge these gaps and create a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector. Through precision farming techniques, IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, data analytics, and other cutting-edge technologies, women farmers in Prishtina can enhance productivity, optimize resource management, and reduce environmental impact. These advancements streamline farming operations and provide valuable insights, empowering women farmers to make informed decisions and adapt to changing market dynamics. The adoption of smart agriculture practices not only boosts agricultural productivity but also fosters economic growth, improves livelihoods, and strengthens the resilience of rural communities. Focusing on empowering women farmers through smart agriculture can catalyze a ripple effect, uplifting the entire agricultural ecosystem in Prishtina. This study highlights the transformative potential of smart agriculture in empowering women farmers, driving rural development, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the Municipality of Prishtina. It underscores the importance of gender-inclusive approaches in leveraging technology for the betterment of agricultural communities and broader society.

More...

Agricultural Dynamics in The EU and the Raw Material Super Cycle

Author(s): George Guerov,Nadezhda Blagoeva,Vanya Georgieva / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

This study aims to explore the impact of the Raw Material Supercycle (RMSC) on agricultural dynamics in the European Union (EU), focusing on key commodity crops such as wheat, maize, barley, sunflower, and the unorthodox but strategic choice of potatoes. The inclusion of potatoes is particularly relevant due to their dietary significance, adaptability to diverse growing conditions, and their potential as a substitute crop during periods of raw material volatility. The research investigates how global raw material trends influence crop production, e port values, and market structures within the EU. Moreover, it seeks to identify key domestic and policy-driven factors that moderate the RMSC’s effects on the agricultural sector. Methodology: Utilizing a multi-method research approach, the study combines regression models with comparative analysis and trend analysis. Regression models are applied to assess the influence of the RMSC on production volumes and e port values of wheat, maize, barley, sunflower, and potatoes. The study contrasts the performance of these crops during different phases of the super cycle, identifying key dependencies and divergent trends across the EU. Furthermore, the study tracks changes in the areas under harvest, yields, and production levels for each crop, providing a nuanced understanding of agricultural dynamics in light of global raw material fluctuations. Key Findings: The study reveals significant correlation between the RMSC and the performance of EU commodity crops. or instance, while France and Italy continue to dominate the e port market for wheat, Bulgaria has emerged as a rising producer, with strong potential for future dominance in this sector. The choice of potatoes, often overlooked in traditional studies, proved insightful, as their unique growing flexibility and substitutive value contributes to mitigating the impact of raw material price volatility. Moreover, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) plays important, but limited in effects role in moderating the global super cycle’s effects by providing subsidies that buffer internal market dynamics. Originality/Scientific Novelty: This research provides an in-depth analysis of how global raw material cycles influence regional agricultural systems, specifically addressing the unorthodox yet strategic role of potatoes. By integrating crop-specific performance during different RMSC phases, it contributes a new understanding of localized agricultural vulnerabilities and resilience. Practical Value/Implications: The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, particularly in crafting agricultural strategies that can anticipate and mitigate the effects of future super cycle phases. Recommendations include targeted investments in crop diversity and substitutable crops, with implications for strengthening agricultural resilience across the EU.

More...

The Evolution of Associative Forms in Agriculture/Fruit Growing Culture in Romania

Author(s): Nicoleta Marin,Raluca Mitulescu,Iulia Alexandra OPREA,Eliza Gheorghe,Alexandra Rusu / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

In Romania, there is a significant diversity of forms of association that operate in various fields, both based on the activities carried out and on the specifics of the economic branches, at county, regional and national level. This diversity includes, but is not limited to, producer associations, producer groups, cooperatives, branch unions, etc. Over time, the activity of these associative entities has been subject to a legislative framework that has evolved to respond to the specific needs and challenges faced by these organizations. The present study aims to provide a detailed analysis of the evolution of the forms of association in Romania, focusing on identifying the essential similarities and differences between cooperatives and producer groups. This analysis will include an in-depth examination of the organizational structure of cooperatives and producer groups, based on the latest available data on this sector of the economy. In assessing the current state of fruit farms in Romania, a detailed analysis of data from 2005 – 2020 was carried out, considered the most recent source of information at farm level. This assessment was carried out using an approach that considered the legal form of the farms, their physical and economic size, and the development regions in which they are located. Thus, the study will not only bring to the fore relevant information about the fruit sector, but will also contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics and diversity of the forms of association in Romania, providing a solid basis for future research and development in this field. In addition, the analysis will also include aspects related to the impact of climate change on production, as well as consumption trends influencing the fruit market. These elements are essential to outline an overview of the challenges faced by farmers and to identify opportunities for growth and adaptation in the face of global change. We will also examine the role of agricultural policies and subsidies in supporting the sector, highlighting how they can stimulate innovation and sustainability, but also the vocational training of farmers, which has contributed to increasing the number of plantations, the quality of products and their diversification. The importance of European grants thus becomes obvious, as they have not only stimulated the increase in the number of fruit farms, but have also contributed to the development of a more competitive and innovative agricultural economy in Romania.

More...

Sludge from Wastewater Treatment Plants in Bulgaria – Waste or Resource

Author(s): Liliya Ananieva / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Environmental pollution leads to significant economic losses, which arise from the costs of waste treatment and management. The need for sustainable management and effective prevention and control measures is essential to reduce these negative impacts and ensure long-term economic growth and social well-being. At the same time, waste represents an opportunity to generate economic value through recycling, composting and the use of waste as raw materials. The management of waste streams and the market for secondary raw materials presents both significant challenges and many opportunities for the modern world. Proper understanding, sustainable management and appropriate utilization of these resources can initiate a new model of interaction with the environment, which in turn can contribute to achieving significant economic and environmental benefits. The object of this study is the sludge from wastewater treatment plants as part of specific waste streams, as well as their management activities and reporting values presented for a 10-year period within Bulgaria. The aggregates related to the sludge generation and recovery activities of the Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) in Bulgaria have been subject to a dynamic development during the last decade. The focus is on their recovery as a resource and not only as a waste. The thesis that by proper treatment, sludge can be transformed into a resource that can in turn be used appropriately in various processes is discussed. This can reduce the need for primary resources and contribute to the sustainable development of particular economic sectors by, for example, favoring intensive farming/agriculture activities and the implications this brings. The main objective of this paper is to classify the main types of waste streams and to look at the current status of sewage sludge and the opportunities for its reuse in the economic cycle. The main challenges and opportunities in the sector will be identified, as well as current effective management strategies and policies. An overview is also given of the legislative framework for sludge management in Bulgaria and the European Union, which plays a key role in regulating sludge recovery. It is essential to note that, under European legislation, sludge is safe where proper management is in place. With that being said, and in the light of the ongoing trends towards sustainable development, there is an increasing need to focus attention on this direction by applying specific sustainable methods for their recovery. The report highlights the importance of sustainable sludge management, with a strong emphasis on the need to continue efforts for sustainable sludge management in Bulgaria and in general.

More...