Democracy that Delivers: Unlocking the Potential of Transition

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

This publication contains the materials from an international conference, “Democracy that Delivers”, held on May 21, 2008, in Sofia. The construction of democracy has never been an easy undertaking. The constant trade-offs between openness and security, oversight and efficiency, between pluralism and the need for consensus on strategic reforms make sure that democracy is never taken for granted. Its advancement becomes all the more difficult when– in times of transition from repressive regimes – it is associated with great expectations that have to be met within short periods of time. The massive transformation from authoritarian regimes to open access societies that was prompted by the fall of communism required the unbundling of the concept of democracy. Reforms had to be sequenced, the provisions of public goods prioritized, the need for various institutions demonstrated. Post-communist transition became a giant laboratory for the engineering of democratic governance.

Държавното управление: Нагласи на общественото мнение и политическия елит

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

Since the end of 1999 Vitosha Research with the Center for the Study of Democracy and Freedom House foundation, has been working on an international project entitled Accountable Government: Self and Public Perception. Activities under this initiative included the conducting of sociological surveys in Romania, Slovakia, and Bulgaria. Fieldwork was conducted in the period March 23 - April 15, 2000. The present paper outlines the findings of the surveys conducted in Bulgaria among the general population and MPs from the 38th National Assembly.

Izborni modaliteti Predsjedništva BiH (poticaj odluke Sejdić/Finci)

Author(s): Mirza Korajlić / Language(s): Bosnian

Član 5 Ustava Bosne i Hercegovine regulira instituciju Predsjedništva BiH. Predsjedništvo Bosne i Hercegovine se sastoji od tri člana: jednog Bošnjaka i jednog Hrvata, koji se svaki biraju neposredno sa teritorije Federacije, i jednog Srbina, koji se bira neposredno sa teritorije Republike Srpske. Članovi Predsjedništva biraju se neposredno u svakom entitetu, tako da svaki glasač glasa za popunjavanje jednog mjesta u Predsjedništvu Bosne i Hercegovine. Najupadljivija karakteristika Predsjedništva BiH je da je to institucija sastavljena od tri člana, a ne jedinstvena izvršna funkcija. Tročlano Predsjedništvo, kao i druge državne institucije u BiH, kreirane su tako da se dijeli moć između tri konstitutivna naroda, da ni u jednom državnom organu predstavnik bilo kojeg konstitutivnog naroda nema prevlast. Ovaj dio Ustava izražava etničku dimenziju unutrašnjeg uređenja države Bosne i Hercegovine i gotovo isključivo se bavi postojanjem i djelovanjem tri „konstitutivna naroda“, ili tri etničkovjerske skupine, Bošnjaka, Hrvata i Srba. U tom dijelu „Ostali“ narodi, kao i „građani“, mada se spominju u Preambuli Ustava BiH, praktično su ostali izvan domašaja ustavne regulacije. Dakle, dva su glavna problema današnjih izbora članova Predsjedništva BiH: 1. U Predsjedništvo mogu biti izabrani samo pripadnici konstitutivnih naroda i na taj način se isključuju (diskriminiraju) „Ostali“. Znači, „Ostali“ nemaju pasivno biračko pravo, kao jedno od osnovnih političkih prava građana u savremenim demokracijama. Dok je aktivno biračko pravo opšte, pasivno biračko pravo je ograničeno. 2. Kombinacija teritorijalnih i etničkih propisa isključuje (diskriminira) Bošnjake i Hrvate iz Republike Srpske i Srbe u Federaciji BiH da budu izabrani u Predsjedništvo BiH, ali i da glasaju za člana Predsjedništva svoje etničke grupe, tako da se aktivno i pasivno biračko pravo uskraćuje za oko 45% građana BiH. Takvim pravilom se samo pripadnici određene etničke grupe mogu smatrati potpuno lojalnim građanima entiteta, koji mogu braniti njegove interese. Prema tome, postoji diskriminacija u oba entiteta sva tri konstitutivna naroda: Bošnjaka, Srba i Hrvata, kao i nacionalnih manjina, a posebno se diskriminiraju građani Bosne i Hercegovine, jer nemaju ista politička prava u izbornom procesu na cijeloj teritoriji BiH. Slijedi da je ugrožen princip jednakosti građana u pogledu pristupa najvažnijim državnim funkcijama. Na osnovu toga se može zaključiti da izbori za Predsjedništvo BiH nisu u potpunosti slobodni izbori i da ograničavaju aktivno i pasivno biračko pravo, kao i neke od osnovnih principa demokratskih izbora, jednake mogućnosti i puno učešće građana u političkim procesima. Presudom Evropskog suda za ljudska prava u predmetu Sejdić i Finci protiv Bosne i Hercegovine, sistem izbora članova Predsjedništva BiH i Doma naroda Parlamentarne skupštine BiH proglašen je diskriminirajućim u odnosu na „Ostale“. Problem diskriminacije Srba u Federaciji i Bošnjaka i Hrvata u Republici Srpskoj nije odlučen u pomenutoj presudi. Iako u Katalogu ljudskih prava koja sadrži Ustav Bosne i Hercegovine nije izričito nominirana lista političkih prava, s obzirom na međunarodne standarde koji su sadržani u Ustavu, može se zaključiti da su garancijama političkih prava obuhvaćena prvenstveno: prava koja uključuju slobodu mišljenja, savjesti i vjere; slobodu izražavanja i štampe; aktivno i pasivno biračko pravo, kao i pravo na demokratske izbore; zabrana diskriminacije u skladu sa članom 2 (4) Ustava BiH. To znači da građani pod uvjetima opće jednakosti i bez diskriminacije po bilo kojem osnovu, imaju pravo da biraju i da budu birani, te da bez ikakve diskriminacije upravljaju javnim poslovima i da im bude, pod jednakim uslovima, dostupno vršenje javne službe. Iako bi se iz ovoga moglo zaključiti da izborno pravo, kao i druga politička prava, pripadaju građanima u Bosni i Hercegovini na cijelom njenom teritoriju i bez bilo kakve diskriminacije, ipak postoji nesklad i kolizija ovih ustavnih odredbi u odnosu na ustavne norme koje uređuju pitanja izbora, između ostalog, i Predsjedništva BiH.

Příručka k aktuálním tématům a změnám v oblasti rodinné politiky, Gender Studies, o.p.s. 2012

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

Family Policy: Parental and Maternity Leave in the Context of Work-Life Balance and Equal Opportunities for Women and Men

Author(s): Jiřina Kocourková,Linda Sokačová,Alena Křížková,Hana Maříková,Alexandra Jachanová Doleželová,Kateřina Machovcová / Language(s): English

Family policy in the context of parenting and equal opportunities is a system of provisions, programs and policies sharing the common goal of supporting families and other types of partnerships. They are financial, material and legislative instruments that influence people’s decisions about family and having children. The foundation of family policy is the form of maternity and parental leave, possibly including the provision of father leave . The goal of family policy in regard to parenting should be the creation of a family-friendly environment in which people can freely decide whether they want to have children and how many. In such an environment people need not worry about their and their children’s socioeconomic situation and about their future, and can therefore freely decide to have as many children as they really wish. In the long term, this approach to parenting support is more effective than temporary pro-population measures which typically aim to stimulate the birth rate of some age groups but do not create stable conditions for parenting in the long run. Creating and fostering a positive environment is also more useful than implementing policy approaches based on penalizing one-child or childless families as some family policy or retirement concepts propose. Family policy that observes equal opportunities principles and promotes work-life balance, allows for a variety of life strategies both for those who decide to balance work and family as well as for those who prefer to look after their families full-time. Neither social group should be neglected or discriminated against – be it by the system of maternal and parental leave or by an associated policy (the retirement system, for instance), as it happens today. A good system of maternity and parental care is grounded in anti-discrimination principles which actively prevent discrimination of parents and other caregivers and promote equal opportunities. Ideally, a family policy that provides equal opportunities does not support only the types of idealized family units that are in accord with the party lines of the governing political party. On the contrary, a fair family policy understands families are dynamic entities that take many of well-functioning and responsible forms. [...]

What works, what doesn't: International perspectives on balancing work and care

Author(s): Nina Bosničová,Jitka Kolářová,Linda Sokačová,Julia Kubisa,Mária Jacková,Oľga Pietruchová,Theresa Baumeister,Kateřina Jonášová,Pavla Frýdlová,Simona Hanusová / Language(s): English

Dear readers, This publication will present you with examples of work-life balance provisions in several European countries: the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany and Poland. International perspectives from countries which are geographically, culturally and historically related to the Czech Republic can lend direction and inspiration to the policy makers who shape the family, social and employment policies in the Czech Republic now and in the future. Although we culturally share many notions on gender roles and the position of women and men with our neighbors, the texts in this publication show there are great differences among the specific policies in each country and their impact on the real lives of women and men. Julia Kubisa from Poland, for example, describes the development of family policy in Poland in the last decade and its effects, including the legal aspects regarding professional babysitting, the abolishment of the parental allowance, and the policy of paternity leave. Good practices in these areas are discussed by Oľga Pietruchová and Mária Jacková, who describe work-life balance provisions and flexible parental allowance mechanisms in Slovakia. In addition, examples from Germany illustrate a well-conceived and stable approach to family policy. A series of interviews with Czech women living abroad gives a comparative perspective on work-life balance policies in different countries and the ways these policies affect families’ choices and living conditions. [...]

The 3rd Alternative Report on the Implementation of CEDAW and Women’s Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina with Annex on Changes in Law and Practice

Author(s): Aleksandra Petrić,Fedra Idžaković,Gordana Vidović,Natalija Petrić,Mara Radovanović,Diana Šehić,Sabiha Husić,Selma Hadžihalilović,Sadžida Tulić / Language(s): English

BiH is still burdened by ethnic and national divisions, which hinder the social, economic and political development, and dominate the public discourse. Thus the issues of gender equality, realization of women’s human rights in public and private spheres, and the application of domestic laws and international obligations, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) have been pushed into the background. Despite the progress that has been realized in regards to development of the formal and legal framework and public policies in the field of promoting and protecting women’s human rights, women in BiH do not have equal opportunities to participate and are underrepresented in political decision-making within the legislative, executive and judicial authorities at all levels. The State has failed to ensure the harmonization of the BiH Election Law with the Law on Gender Equality in BiH. Women have been excluded from the processes of negotiations, peace processes, post-war reconstruction and the European integration process, which remain exclusively reserved for men. Discrimination against women continues to be deepened and maintained by appointing men to managing positions in public companies and steering boards, as well as executive bodies in the economic sector. Institutional mechanisms for gender equality in BiH remain largely isolated within the institutions of the system due to a lack of understanding of their role and resistance to issues of gender equality and women’s human rights. BiH has not invested real efforts to ensure the positioning of the Gender Equality Agency of BiH as the institution that would be directly responsible to the Council of Ministers. Additionally, there are no tangible results in practice regarding raising awareness and building capacity of government bodies at all levels on implementation of CEDAW.

Dodatak 3. Alternativnom izvještaju o implementaciji CEDAW konvenciji i ženskim ljudskim pravima u Bosni i Hercegovini

Author(s): Aleksandra Petrić,Fedra Idžaković,Gordana Vidović,Sabiha Husić,Mara Radovanović,Selma Hadžihalilović,Sadžida Tulić / Language(s): Bosnian,English

Dodatak trećem alternativnom izvještaju je nastao kao rezultat zajedničkih napora grupe aktivistkinja i aktivista iz nevladinih organizacija u Bosni i Hercegovini sa dugogodišnjim iskustvom u direktnom radu sa ženama čija su prava ugrožena ili direktno povrijeđena, kao i aktivnostima zalaganja za usvajanje rodno osjetljivih i odgovornih zakona i javnih politika u oblasti zaštite ženskih ljudskih prava i ravnopravnosti polova. Dodatak ima za cilj usmjeravanje pažnje na promjene u ključnim oblastima koje su predmet trećeg alternativnog izvještaja, a koje su se desile nakon 2010. godine, te na nezavisnu analizu i nove podatke koji nisu bili uključeni u treći alternativni izvještaj, a odnose se na stanje zaštite i ostvarivanja prava naročito višestruko marginalizovanih kategorija žena u Bosni i Hercegovini. [...]

PIAȚA INTERNAȚIONALĂ A COCAINEI

Author(s): Gabriel Călin NISTOR,Sergiu-Adrian VASILE / Language(s): Romanian Publication Year: 0

Organized crime groups are in full expansion and development, with ever-increasing revenues obtained from illicit activities. Drug trafficking represents an important source for these groups, constituting a permanent threat to the security of states. In smaller or larger proportions, each state is faced with this problem born from drug consumption and trafficking. The period 2010-2020 was a flourishing decade for the cocaine market, setting new records in terms of production, and a permanent increase in consumption among the population (the global area of coca leaf cultivation – 234,000 cultivated hectares, 1982 tons of cocaine pure produced – up by 11% compared to the previous year, 1424 tons of different purity confiscated by the authorities – up by 4.5%, the total number of consumers – 21 million.). The western and central European area represents the second market after North America (in Europe the cocaine market is the second largest after the cannabis market, only at the level of the European Union, in 2021 the number of consumers aged between 15 and 64 was 3.5 million (young consumers between the ages of 15 and 35 – 2.2 million), and the number of people who have consumed cocaine at least once in their life amounts to 14.4 million.). In the next article we will take a look at the global cocaine market; we will analyze the main producing countries: Colombia, Peru and Bolivia, we will also analyze the main traffic routes and methods, the key moments of the last years of the market, the European cocaine market and we will conclude with a series of conclusions.

ȘEF SAU LIDER - ASPECTE ALE MANAGEMENTULUI SITUAȚIILOR DE URGENȚĂ

Author(s): Ion Peligrad,Andrei-Cătălin Caragea / Language(s): Romanian Publication Year: 0

The aim of this paper is to analyse the personality of a boss in antithesis to the personality of a leader by defining and differentiating them. The methodology of the research carried out is to start from the initial emergence of these terms to the present day. The paper includes both a theoretical comparison of the two types of leadership and a practical comparison of two known historical personalities, and on the basis of the results obtained, leadership styles in emergency management are highlighted. The essential conclusion of this paper is the notion of innate leadership resulting from the analysis as well as the identical result of comparing the two typologies mentioned above regardless of the historical moment in which it takes place.

METODICI EXPERIMENTALE DE SPECTROMETRIE ÎN CERCETĂRI DE MEDIU

Author(s): Irinel Alexandru Precup,Liviu Valentin Bălănescu / Language(s): Romanian Publication Year: 0

Spectrometry and measurements of radioactive background are used to detect and quantify levels of ionizing radiation in various environments, including air, water, and soil. These techniques allow the determination of the type and quantity of radionuclides present in a sample and can be used to evaluate the impact of radiation on human health and the environment. Spectrometry involves detecting and analyzing the radiation emitted by radioactive materials, while measurements of radioactive background refer to measuring the level of background radiation in a particular environment or location. Measurements of radioactive background are important in assessing the risks associated with exposure to radiation in a given environment. These measurements are carried out using measuring instruments such as dosimeters, radiation detectors, or spectrometers and allow the monitoring of radiation levels in various environments, including areas where there are natural or artificial sources of radiation. Overall, spectrometry and measurements of radioactive background are essential for evaluating the risks associated with exposure to radiation and for protecting human health and the environment.

Privire de ansamblu asupra monitorizării progresului dezvoltării durabile

Author(s): Simona-Rodica Şoldan / Language(s): Romanian Publication Year: 0

From the emergence of the concept of sustainable development to the present day, this model of development has been a global policy with economic, social and environmental implications, of major importance for our common good. Achieving sustainable development goals requires a holistic, long-term approach. The realization of the sustainable development vision and the monitoring of progress are based on indicators of achievement that need to be linked to specific actions over a time horizon. Identifying the right indicators and interpreting them is crucial. This paper provides an overview of the challenge of measuring indicators for monitoring progress on sustainable development and is a starting point for future in-depth analysis of the indicators associated with the 17 SDGs and the criteria for their selection.

BETWEEN THE TWO WORLD WARS (1918-1941)

Author(s): Mario Jareb,Hrvoje Čapo / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Between the two world wars, the Croatian society developed in a multinational state under the rule of the Serbian royal dynasty of Karađorđević. The newly created Yugoslavia was, as Robert Gerwarth has observed in his book The Vanquished: Why the First World War Failed to End, 1917-1923 (p. 14) a “‘multi-national empire in miniature’, but ‘with reversed ethnic hierarchies’ than the failed Austro-Hungary Monarchy.” There are several reasons why the State of SCS united with the Kingdom of Serbia, the key ones being the military-political goals of Serbia and Italy. The Kingdom of Serbia announced at the very beginning of the war that it would fight to achieve this goal and the Serbian Prime Minister Nikola Pašić understood unification as expanding the territory and creating a Greater Serbia. Furthermore, a group of Croatian, Slovenian, and Serbian politicians who had been working abroad as the Yugoslav Committee since 1915 advocated South Slavic unification. This group vehemently opposed the provisions of the secret Treaty of London of 1915, which promised Italy the Eastern Adriatic with a majority Croat population in exchange for entering the war on the side of the Entente. Finally, in the weakened Austro-Hungarian monarchy, a Yugoslav club of Croatian and Slovenian politicians who advocated a trialistic arrangement of the Monarchy was active from 1917. The Kingdom of Serbia had an international reputation and position that exceeded the influence of the Yugoslav Committee with which it negotiated the draft of the future state. The most specific result of their cooperation was the Corfu Declaration of July 1917, by which Nikola Pašić on behalf of Serbia and Ante Trumbić on behalf of the Yugoslav Committee confirmed that the new state would be based on the principles of equality and freedom of choice – only the instruments ensuring the protection of the citizens of the State of SCS were not envisaged. The state of SCS was basically an unacknowledged state formed on the ruins of the Habsburg Monarchy, as it was only recognized by the Kingdom of Serbia. It was clear that it was only a transitional solution towards unification with Serbia.

Устойчиво финансиране чрез "зелени" облигации: фактори за успех, ползи и предизвикателства

Author(s): Katerina Vojcheska-Nikodinoska / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

Sustainable finance as a key area continues to gain momentum as governments and corporate issuers pay increasing attention to environmental, social and governance factors, and investors, regulators and other stakeholders encourage more robust ESG practices. Interest in sustainable finance accelerated in 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the need for funds to help economies, businesses and people recover in a responsible way that addresses environmental and social challenges. The report is structured in three parts: a literature review exploring the success factors, benefits and challenges of issuing green bonds as identified by researchers in different countries; then we use the methodological potential of the analyzed area to formulate expert research; and we summarize the results of the study and suggestions for its further development. The results show that the issuer’s reputation, good credit rating and environmental, social and governance performance are key considerations for the success of issuing green bonds. The main benefits of green bonds are that they carry low investment risk with the ability to raise large investment amounts while providing quantifiable visible benefits. While the challenges related to the issuance of green bonds include greenwashing, the questionable role of the green bond market in environmental protection, and insufficient financial and economic benefits of issuance.

Iran’s Policy in the Caspian-Black Sea Region

Author(s): Zafar Najafov / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The article explains the essence of Iran’s policy in the Caspian-Black Sea region. In the context of the geopolitical structure of this huge region, the strengths and weaknesses of Iran’s foreign policy are examined, the factors threatening its national security and adequate steps against them are characterized. Especially after the Second Karabakh War, Iran’s relations with Azerbaijan and Armenia are subject to deep analysis.

НАТО и геополитическият възел в Черноморския регион

Author(s): Kalin Karakolev / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

The report presents the results of the analysis of conceptual approaches and ways to achieve dominance in the Black Sea space and establish a sustainable security environment between NATO and Russia. It examines the directions underlying the development of the Western and Eastern model concepts from the years of the Cold War to Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine. An assessment of the geostrategic orientation and geopolitics of the member and partner countries of NATO in the Black Sea Basin is also presented, drawing conclusions regarding the interconnections and interdependencies between them and the peculiarities of the factors shaping the security environment in the region.

Процес на вземане на решения в политическите партии в България

Author(s): Mihail Stavrev / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

This article analyzes the decision-making process in the political parties in Bulgaria. The decision-making mechanisms, which are legally enshrined in the statutes of the political parties, are conditionally distinguished from the actual decision-making process, examined through the lens of part of the national representative and national management (operational) bodies of the political parties. Special attention has also been given to the question of internal party democracy as an important factor in the specific decision-making process. In view of the large number of political parties in Bulgaria, the study is limited to an analysis of the decision-making processes in BSP (Bulgarian Socialist Party), DPS (Dvizhenie za prava i svobodi), GERB and PP (Produlzhavame promyanata).

Transition to a Sustainable Blue Economy – From a Global Framework to a National Context

Author(s): Atanaska Nikolova / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The sustainable use of ocean and marine resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and the sustainable health of ocean and marine ecosystems is the leading theme of the decade declared by the United Nations General Assembly as the Decade of Ocean Science (Ocean Decade 2021 – 2030). Global challenges related to climate change, overexploitation of natural resources, environmental pollution, as well as intensive urbanization of coastal areas determine the importance and relevance of the transition to a sustainable blue economy. The topic is particularly relevant for Bulgaria, because the sectors of the blue economy make a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the country, but due to the vulnerability of the Black Sea ecosystem, the economic potential of the Bulgarian coastal and marine ecosystem is exposed to the risk of anthropogenic and climatic pressure. Despite the challenges, Bulgaria has the potential to transform the Bulgarian Black Sea coast not only into a center of sustainable economic growth, but also into a model for applying the principles of the blue economy. The publication presents the results of a study whose main objective is to analyze the development of policies related to the transition to a sustainable blue economy in an international, European, regional and national context and to provide an analytical basis for the formation of a recommendations for a policy framework for an effective transition to a sustainable blue economy in Bulgaria. The analytical method applied is a critical review of the framework “external” to the country, which to a large extent regulates the process of transformation of the blue economy sectors, and of key national policies leading the process of transition to the blue economy. Conclusions are drawn for the policy development process for a sustainable blue economy, and key catalysts for accelerating the transition to a sustainable blue economy are identified, such as improved governance, monitoring and control; changing production and consumption patterns ensuring a transition to a low-carbon economy and society, zero pollution and a circular economy; focus on technological innovations and science-based ocean solutions; and involving stakeholders in the process. Recommendations are also formulated for making a transition to a sustainable blue economy at the national level, including changing the models of isolated sector management and investment and developing a national policy framework to provide a platform for improved governance and coordination between institutions and stakeholders in blue economy sectors.

Държавна регулация на цените на храните: икономически последици и предизвикателства

Author(s): Madlen Mitkova / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

In recent years, the issue of rising food prices has become one of the most significant socio-economic issues. Global supply chains, inflationary pressures, rising production costs and geopolitical crises contribute to price volatility, posing serious challenges to consumers, businesses and governments. In response to the rising cost of living and societal pressures, many countries, including Bulgaria, have begun to discuss or implement measures to contain prices through government regulation. Although such interventions are often presented as a mechanism to protect households from speculative price gouging and social inequality, economists warn that they can lead to deficits, a decline in investment and distortions in the competitive balance of the market. This article will analyse the main factors leading to food price rises, the role of the state in price regulation and the potential effects of such measures on the economy, consumers and retailers. Is it possible for the state to effectively control prices without negative consequences, or does the free market remain the best mechanism to regulate the value of goods?

СЗО – новото световно правителство

Author(s): Georgi Kyuchukov / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

The idea for creation of an organization, coordinating the efforts to protect global public health appeared at the end of XIX century. The creation of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948 helped for the effective control of many disease. The COVID-19 crisis showed the necessity but also the weaknesses of the organization. After the end of the crisis WHO activated its efforts for preparation of a global Pandemic agreement, providing the organization exclusive rights, that sometimes affect the sovereign rights of states. Some dubious questions in the proposed Pandemic agreement are discussed in the article.