Mi, građani Evrope

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

Articles collected in this volume, written mostly in the past five years, attempt to develop themes already articulated in the Les Frontières de la démocratie. The book deals with historical and political borders, as places where citoyenneté and la civilité are being challenged, as loose or firm battle lines where democracy could be tamed or gain new inspiration. It deals with ambiguity of the term »community«, as community of peoples, community of citizens, national community striving to become trans-national on various levels where it is being constructed and sometimes de-constructed. (From Preface)

Pod globalnim šeširom

Author(s): Anđelko Milardović-Ivanković / Language(s): Croatian

The first part of this book gives an account of institutional and substantial changes in Europe, its new wars and new challenges, while the second part focuses on a comparative analysis of different transitions. The third part is dedicated to changes in the Croatian society and the transformation the state is going to. Finally, a synthesis of globalization processes is given, as well as projections of futures scenarios for development of transition and globalization processes.

Globalization and Neo-liberalism

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

This book is a collection of papers written and presented at the Panel Discussion on Globalization and Neo-liberalism, held on April 19th 2006 in Zagreb. This Panel Discussion was organized by the Political Science Research Centre Forum. It gathered eminent Croatian scientists from different scientific fields of research (sociology, political sciences, economics, history, law, philosophy and others). Multidisciplinary approach ensured a fruitful discussion resulting with this book which aims to enlighten many globalization issues from different aspects and points of view. Understanding the changes in contemporary society connected with processes of globalization and the neo-liberal doctrine and the ways in which they reflect on Croatian society and state requires systematic and multidisciplinary scientific rethinking. In the scope of this comprehension the book intends to provide at least an overview of possible responses to the challenges of the world we live in. Although primarily based on scientific and theoretical ground, papers presented in this book also aim to offer some pragmatic ideas and solutions, which is particulary important for the positioning of Croatian society in the context of transition, European integration and adaptation to global processes. Following the given framework of globalization and neo-liberalism, papers presented in this book examine and question different issues starting with the definition of globalization, neo-liberal globalization and globalism in terms of concepts and contents. Also, putting these phenomena in a historical context offers a basis for understanding of contemporary transformation of society and social structures. Various aspects of global relations have been discussed: the role of major and powerful states, the role of international organizations and transnational corporations, changes in labor conditions, position of small countries, transformation of the welfare state and emersion of new forms of social solidarity, security on global and local level, global environment destruction, antiglobalization responses and others. From different points of view the papers in this book examine almost all important specific implications of the influence globalization and neo-liberalism have on economies, politics, welfare state, regulation, security, environment and social issues, aiming especially at pointing out positive and negative consequences for Croatian society.

Правна рамка на регистрите на юридическите лица с нестопанска цел: оценка и предложения за промени

Author(s): Maria Yordanova,Dimitar Markov,Miryana Ilcheva,Galina Sapundzhieva / Language(s): Bulgarian

Improvement of registration of non-profit organisations (NPOs) is a necessary precondition for strengthening the civil society and increasing its transparency and accountability. An easy and simple registration procedure, with no duplication of information and functioning automatic exchange of data, would allow the civic sector to concentrate on its substantive priorities. The registration of NPOs and its subsequent maintenance determines to a large extent the relations between those organisations and the state authorities and is an indicator of the will of decision makers to lighten excessive administrative burden and thus facilitate the civil sector's development. The concept offered and the recommendations for legislative changes provide support to institutions in achieving that aim.

Keeping up with the Private Security Sector – II

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

Study Keeping up with the private security sector – II, is a part of the continuation of the project “Regulated private security sector – Safer life of citizens” implemented by the Center for Euro-Atlantic Studies from Belgrade (CEAS) with support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway in Belgrade.The goal of this project, which was implemented in cooperation with the Private Security Association with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, is to exert public pressure on the government representatives to include the situation in this important and large economic and security area, as well as its legal regulation, among their priorities, by using all available methods of public advocacy, namely: publication of research; organizing public debates; discussions with representatives of the proposers of laws and regulations; interviews with the deputies; consultations with experts; consultations with the representatives of professional associations; consultations with civil society and through media appearances.Study “Keeping up with the private security sector – II” contains two analyses: Training and licensing in Private Security and Incompatible Activities of Members of the Ministry of the Interior with activities of private security. The first is primarily focused on the process and legal solutions that regulate training and licensing in private security, as well as all formerly adopted secondary legislation acts, and provides an overview of conclusions and recommendations. The second analysis addresses the issue of incompatible activities of police officers against the activity of private security. It analyzes the normative framework in which this issue is regulated, and provides an overview of conclusions and recommendations.

Keeping up with the Private Security Sector - I

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

The Center for Euro-Atlantic Studies from Belgrade (CEAS) published today its new report "Keeping up with the private security sector", as a final part of the project "Regulated private security sector - safer life of citizens", supported by the ROyal Norwegian Embassy in Serbia.One of the purposes of the project was to influence representatives of the authorities to thoroughly review the existing state in this field and its place legal regulation of it among their priorities, through a campaign of public advocacy.

Open Data Readiness Assessment. Social accountability for the education reform in Moldova.

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

Open data readiness assessment is carried out as part of “Scoala Mea - Empowered citizens enhancing accountability of the education reform and quality of education in Moldova” Project. The main goal of the project is to encourage Moldovan citizens to engage with local, regional and national authorities in evidence-based policy and budget dialogue regarding the reform of educational sector, the quality of services and the development priorities of primary, lower secondary and upper secondary schools, and to create an environment where the social accountability initiatives could develop. In this context, the data opening in educational system is both a condition and a factor in the development of the social audit of schools. Thus, taking into account the crucial importance of the data opening in the social audit of schools, the aim of this assessment is to present a complex picture of the availability of open data in education, which could be used first of all to foster development of social audit in schools.

Uloga organizacija civilnog društva na podnacionalnom nivou u pregovaračkom procesu – Preporuke za Srbiju

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

MACEDONIA: Gearing up for Presidential Elections (ICG Balkans Report N°77)

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

Six candidates will contest the 1999 presidential elections, all of them backed by political parties. A number of independents who earlier declared their intention to run in the elections either failed to gather the necessary signatures or withdrew before submitting the necessary documentation to the State Electoral Commission. Plans by the ruling coalition to field a common candidate fell apart, and all three coalition parties nominated their own candidates. The opposition also failed to agree on a joint candidate, as did the two major Albanian parties (one of which is in the government, the other in opposition).

WAITING FOR UNMIK: Local Administration in Kosovo (ICG Balkans Report N° 79)

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

This report seeks to identify the main reasons why this uncomfortable position has been reached, and identify a way forward. UNMIK’s administrators have arrived late in their assigned municipality, with little clear guidance about the job facing them and the circumstances they would be working in. Lack of funding and personnel leaves them in a position where they continuously have to improvise, while still waiting for guidelines from headquarters in Prishtinë/Priština. They are in many cases forced to tell the self-proclaimed Albanian communal authorities, which they cannot formally recognise but must work with on a day-to-day basis, to wait a little longer. The waiting is then handed down to the population, which remains unserved and unserviced into the fifth month. Growing impatience can be observed at every level. This report argues for a negotiated and therefore more pragmatic approach: while the UN should hold the political authority in municipalities, the existing structure should be co-opted as a non-political executive.

ALBANIA: State of the Nation 2003 (ICG Balkans Report N°140)

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

Political feuding virtually paralysed the Albanian government in the first half of 2002, until the European Parliament brokered an agreement between the main political parties which led to the election of retired army general Alfred Moisiu as the consensus choice for president. Although the 73-year-old Moisiu leans to the right, he has pledged to represent all Albanians equally. After a long period of confrontation, the country entered a phase of political dialogue. The opposition Democratic Party (DP) ended its boycott of local government institutions and began to work with the ruling Socialist Party (SP). In August 2002 parliament voted in a new Socialist-led government with the SP chairman, Fatos Nano, as Prime Minister for a third time. By early 2003, however, this unusual consensus appeared to have unravelled, returning politics to its more normal fractiousness. Political tensions are expected to rise as October local elections approach.

Why Algerians don’t make Revolution?

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

After decades of political sclerosis and inertia, the Maghreb and the Middle East have brutally become a row of dominoes. In this part of the world that has been considered as culturally resistant to any democratic change for a long time, values of liberty and democracy are brandished like banners by young people yearning for a major change in their lives. Algeria didn’t escape the movement. In January 2011 several unrests took place in the country. Five people were killed and several hundred injured. Unemployed and poorly housed made up the bulk of protesters. All the ingredients were gathered for a revolution: a spark (rising prices of food), a sclerosis policy, an aging leader at the helm for over 10 years, a growing inequality despite oil wealth, corruption, etc. And yet the country stood relatively intact by the massive upheaval that was rocking all around in the Arab world. For a nation built with revolutions, it’s quite surprising. So let’s try to see why.

Pomalé tání: příčiny omezených dopadů arabského jara na jordánský režim

Author(s): Jakub Záhora / Language(s): Czech

This briefing paper explains why there are no protests in Amman and other Jordanian cities on the scale we could see in Cairo before the fall of Mubarak's government. It turns out that the moderation on the part of the protesters does not only stem from the character of the regime itself and its ability to make concessions. Amman enjoys foreign support and Jordanian society is deeply divided on fundamental issues, pitting native Jordanians against those of Palestinian origin who push a different reform agenda. In addition, under the influence of events in neighboring Iraq, there is concern in the country about the possible outbreak of sectarian violence, which could break out as a result of the collapse of the regime and subsequent instability.

Electoral Promises between Populism and Constitutional Compliance. Analysis of the socio-economic components of the candidates’ programmes in the 2020 presidential elections.

Author(s): Adrian Lupușor,Stas Madan / Language(s): English

The electoral promises should be in compliance with the constitutional mandate (constitutional compliance), provide realistic instruments that would ensure their feasibility (e.g. funding sources, implementation tools, concrete targets) and be judicious for the balanced and sustainable socio-economic development of the country. At the same time, we condemn the irresponsibility of those electoral contestants who compete in promises, without taking into account the financial possibilities and the fiscal space of the country, as well as the mandate assigned by the Constitution to the president of the Republic of Moldova. We call on civil society and media to critically and thoroughly analyse, monitor and inform the general public about the essence of electoral promises and, subsequently, about their implementation. This would make the politicians more accountable and, in the long term, would increase the quality of the political class, which is one of the main preconditions for reforming and modernizing the country.

POLITICAL & SECURITY STATEWATCH - Tendencies for the period of May - June 2005

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

This monthly Bulletin has as objective to analyze some elements of external, internal policy and the security factors in the Republic of Moldova. To monitor with accuracy the Institute for Development and Social Initiatives (IDIS) ‘Viitorul’ publishes the Political and Security Statewatch Indicators that contribute to a better understanding of the increase and decrease and the direction of the democratic changes in the Republic of Moldova. These variables are published in every issue of the Bulletin and determine the topic of the analyses.

POLITICAL & SECURITY STATEWATCH - The Dynamics of PSS Indicators for the Period June-July, 2005

Author(s): Ghenadie Mocanu,Timur Onica / Language(s): English

The relatively large bulk of laws adopted on the last hundred meters by the Parliament of Moldova show a new move of solidarity by the political forces of the country. The “Decalogue”, put forward by the parliamentary factions to President Voronin during his last re-election on April 4, brought new hope to the seemingly divided adversaries to establish a lasting truce and solve the anguishing problems of Moldovan politics. The question then raised by the political thinkers was: will the President keep his promises given to the opposition? The question now is: is the truce strong enough to lead to modernization and Europeanization?

POLITICAL & SECURITY STATEWATCH - The Dynamics of PSS Indicators for the Period July-August, 2005

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

The PSS methodology is a synthetic model designed to evaluate the perception of a pool of 10 independent experts on political and security risks in tree areas: Domestic Policy, Foreign Policy and Issues of Special Interest. The PSS monitoring contributes to the identification of potential and effective threats that impact the stability of public institutions and assures the coherence of early warning analyses. The PSS rating should not be considered an absolute indicator. The reason for PSS indicator is to form general ideas. The dynamics of PSS indicators can be found throughout the text of the PSS and reflects the rhythm and the direction of democratic changes occurring in Moldova. To find out more about the methodology, check the addenda.

POLITICAL & SECURITY STATEWATCH - № 2008-01

Author(s): Ion Marandici,Sergiu Panainte,Alexandru Lesanu / Language(s): English

CONTENT: Since its independence, the Republic of Moldova is deemed as a “partially free” country (by Ion Marandici) // The never ending story: “we came, we saw and we left" (by Sergiu Panainte) // Transnistrian conflict: old game-new players? (by Alex Leşanu)

Protection of Whistleblowers by making Public Disclosures (Alerting the Public)

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

Public disclosures may be made, without prior notice to the employer or authorised agency, in case of imminent peril against life, public health, security, environment, large-scale damage, i.e. imminent peril of evidence destruction. Albeit there are understandably tightened requirements for direct public address, the law noticeably places the bar for peril requirements too high – it is not sufficient to have a peril at hand (against life, public health, security, environment, large-scale damage, evidence destruction), but it must also be imminent. The term ‘imminent’ relates to a precisely specific moment when the specific peril occurs and becomes certain. Only then is a whistle-blower entitled to address the public without repercussions and with hopes of court protection.

Izveštaj o kapacitetima i potrebama organizacija civilnog društva i neformalnih grupa

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

The assessment of the capacity and needs of civil society organizations (CSOs) and informal groups (IGs) was conducted within the project "Local Call for EU: Rule of Law and Cultural Diversity at the Local Level to Enhance Social Cohesion and Sustainable Development of Local Communities." The project aims to strengthen local initiatives promoting cultural diversity and participatory democracy, contributing to the development of a democratic, decentralized society and EU integration. The assessment, carried out via a questionnaire, gathered data on the characteristics, capacities, and collaboration of CSOs and IGs across Serbia to design an appropriate support program, with the participation of 177 organizations from various regions of the country.