Abstract The advent of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, promises to revolutionize precision agriculture. By enabling the targeted application of plant protection products (PPPs), drones offer significant environmental benefits, reduced costs, and increased operator safety compared to traditional ground-based machinery. However, their deployment in the European Union is not straightforward. Operators face a complex and high-stakes regulatory environment governed by two distinct and parallel legal frameworks: EU-wide aviation safety rules and EU-wide (but nationally implemented) pesticide application laws. This article analyzes this dual-pillar regulatory system. It first examines the EU aviation framework, which categorizes all pesticide spraying as a ‘specific’ operation requiring a formal risk assessment (SORA) or adherence to a Pre-Defined Risk Assessment. It then investigates the critical barrier of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (SUPD), which enforces a general ban on all aerial spraying, penetrable only via national derogations. The analysis concludes that while a clear path for authorization exists, its complexity requires a harmonized approach between aviation and agricultural authorities to unlock the full potential of this technology.

Abstract As more and more people shop online, the e-commerce industry has become more scalable. People are forced to shop online because they were afraid to go to physical stores during the pandemic, and are used to it after the pandemic is over. This research will focus on the details of e-commerce around the world as well as the issues of protecting consumer rights online, with a specific focus on consumer rights when purchasing food products online and the regulatory framework of the European Union (EU). Are the eight basic consumer rights recognized by the UN included in e-commerce operations and are they sufficient to protect consumers or do consumers need other principles that fit the new phenomenon in e-commerce operations? The main objective of this research are to study the current situation of e-commerce around the world and identify the principles of online consumer protection. The legal jurisprudence approach was used, supplemented by illustrative research, and the intensive desk research approach was used to collect data. The study employs a legal-analytical methodology to evaluate how EU regulations, including Directive 2011/83/EU on consumer rights, Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002 on food safety, and Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 on food information to consumers, guarantee fairness, traceability, and transparency in online food markets. The results showed that there is no objection to using the basic rules for protecting the ordinary consumer, but there is a need to create additional laws to protect the electronic consumer, or to amend what is existing in line with the developments, which would protect individuals from deceptive and misleading policies and practices of unfair commercial conduct that takes place over the Internet.

Abstract The article explores the social landscape of Canada and of the European Union (EU) with a focus on immigration and the social integration of immigrants, of asylum seekers or of persons seeking other forms of international protection due to their persecution, racial, religious, national grounds, holding political opinions, belonging to a social group in their countries. The article aims to analyse the policies of Canada and the EU in implementing the criteria of the Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees (1951), into their policies and legislation. The research results show that Canada’s approach to immigration in the twenty-first century reflects its longstanding identity as a country of immigration and its reliance on newcomers to support demographic stability, labour-market needs and social development. Canadian policy is grounded in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) of 2002, which established a modern framework balancing three core objectives: economic selection, family reunification, and humanitarian protection. Over the last two decades, Canada has admitted historically high numbers of immigrants and refugees, relying on a points-based system to attract skilled workers, while also expanding pathways for temporary residents, international students, and provincial nominee programs. The article further provides a comparative overview of the EU Member States’ approaches towards the implementation of EU legislation, with particular attention to the Pact on Migration and Asylum (2024). The integration of migrants into host societies remains essential, given the EU’s ageing demographic profile and the growing labour market shortages faced by employers. Over the last fifteen years, the locus of policymaking on asylum seekers and refugees has gradually shifted away from national governments and towards the European Union, as the Common European Asylum System has developed. In Canada, refugee protection remains a central pillar of Canada’s migration model, combining overseas resettlement with inland asylum procedures. Canada is recognized as a global leader in private refugee sponsorship and continues to play a significant role in international resettlement efforts, receiving over 10 percent of global resettled refugees in recent years. Policy adaptations since 2000, including reforms to asylum procedures, enhanced security measures, and cooperation with the United States under the Safe Third Country Agreement, reflect an attempt to balance humanitarian commitments with effective system management.

Abstract This study explains why Brno’s municipal participatory budgeting (PB) has become durably institutionalised and scaled, whereas Bratislava’s remains fragmented. National fiscal and programme-budgeting frameworks are treated as moderating conditions that enable or constrain local design choices, not as the primary object of analysis. Using a most-similar systems logic, we conduct a comparative multi-case analysis with embedded units – annual PB cycles, project types, core institutions/platforms, and, for Bratislava, boroughs. Evidence derives from publicly available municipal legal and budgetary documents and formally adopted PB rules and reports. The analysis integrates mechanisms from institutional theory (institutionalisation), actor – network theory (socio-technical robustness of identity, workflow, and data infrastructures), deliberative democracy (input/throughput/output legitimacy), and principal – agent perspectives (transparency and auditability). Findings show that Brno’s stable funding envelope, dedicated participation unit, codified cycles, secure digital identity, and auditable end-to-end pipeline underpin predictable delivery despite clustered turnout. Bratislava’s borough-led PB enables experimentation but creates coordination frictions, heterogeneous rules, and uneven links to programme budgeting. The study offers a portable, mechanism-based diagnostic for post-socialist municipal contexts.

Abstract The article explores the interconnection between the reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2023–2027 and the fundamental legislative changes in spatial planning and construction in the Slovak Republic since 2022. The CAP reform introduced an integrated strategic framework that merges direct payments and rural development, requiring alignment of national strategies with the European Union’s environmental and climate objectives. In Slovakia, a parallel reform of spatial planning and construction legislation has taken place, culminating in the adoption of Act No. 200/2022 Coll. on Spatial Planning and the new Construction Act No. 25/2025 Coll. The new legal provisions introduce an integrated procedure for construction intentions, digitalisation of administrative processes, and decentralisation of executive powers through the establishment of new regional offices with extended competences. The authors highlight the benefits of the new system (faster permitting processes, simplified administration) as well as potential risks (tight deadlines for municipalities, legal uncertainty post-2032). They underline the need to harmonise spatial planning tools with CAP objectives, particularly concerning land use, nature conservation, and infrastructure, in order to prevent conflicts between legislation and rural development strategies. The article also aims to analyse the challenges in implementing the environmental goals of the CAP, which are often inadequately fulfilled due to poorly designed eco-schemes and inconsistent funding. The article also includes a comparison of various EU member states’ approaches to CAP implementation.

Abstract The farm register was introduced by Article 9 of Presidential Decree No. 503/1999. It is a mandatory instrument for all entities engaged in agricultural, agri-food, forestry, and fisheries activities. It simplifies administrative procedures and serves as the foundation for accessing support under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and national or regional schemes. Managed within the National Agricultural Information System (SIAN), the register has evolved into an integrated digital platform aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency. Despite technological advancements, challenges persist in data management and in the interaction with control mechanisms. These difficulties highlight the need for further reforms to simplify the system. This analysis explores the legal framework, procedural aspects, content, and operational challenges of the farm register.

Abstract The study aims to investigate the impact of climate change on wine tourism from the perspective of Hungarian organic wineries. During the qualitative research, we examined the perceptible signs, the positive and negative aspects of climate change and its impact on wine tourism based on the example of five organic wineries in different Hungarian wine regions. We focused on organic production and explored why the interviewees use this method and how it affects wine tourism. In addition, we examined the sustainability efforts and plans of the wineries. It can be concluded that organic wineries have perceived the effects of climate change for about 10–15 years in wine production and wine tourism; the weather has become more unpredictable. The wineries protect against adverse effects by planting other grape varieties and introducing new procedures. Climate change did not induce organic production, but sustainable management is essential for the examined companies.

Abstract The purpose of this article is to present selected aspects of bee health protection against pesticide poisoning from the perspective of European Union and Polish law. In order to accomplish the research purpose defined in such a way, it was necessary first to address the concept of apicultural activity, which was not defined in Polish law, but its definition was proposed by the doctrine. Next, the harmfulness of pesticides to the health and life of honey bees was demonstrated, and the regulations in EU and Polish law concerning the protection of the health of Apis mellifera from pesticide poisoning were presented. Finally, conclusions were provided concerning, among other things, problems with the application and enforcement of legal norms in practice and the lack of a regulation dedicated to this issue in Polish law.

Abstract The subject of Zamestik judgment (Court of Justice of the European Union, C-343/21) examined hereby is a Bulgarian farmer who was ordered by the Bulgarian authorities to repay the part of an agri-environmental grant from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) because, during the period of his commitment to the EAFRD, his agricultural holding was reparcelled and he was unable to fulfil his commitment to ensure the use of entire territory of the land for five years. The Opinion of the Advocate General and the judgment took different positions. From this decision we will learn about the concepts of reparcelling, reparcelling measures and approved land-consolidation, whether this concept should have a uniform EU interpretation and what kind of measures of Member States can be considered as reparcelling measures. The link between reparcelling, approved land-consolidation and agri-environmental objectives of the EAFRD and the “traditional land policy“ room for manoeuvre of the Member States will be examined.

Abstract The position of self-employed farmers (SEF) in the business environment is a topical issue, as self-employed farmers play a key role in the agricultural sector and in rural development as well. Independent farmers often operate as small and family farms, contributing to the economic stability and food security of the regions in which they operate. However, their position in the business environment is influenced by factors such as legislative conditions, access to financial resources, the number of market opportunities, and support mechanisms from the state or the European Union. The main goal of the paper is to describe the position of the self-employed farmer and his role in rural development. In the contribution, we are devoted to the legislative definition of the legal form of independent farming of a farmer, which defines the main advantages and disadvantages of this type of business. In the next part of the post, we are devoted to the development of the number of SEF in Slovakia, where we record the number of these entities over a long period of time. In the end, we provide an overview of financial support options for self-employed farmers. For the future of the Slovak countryside and agriculture, it is crucial to constantly support young and small farmers and create conditions for their growth and development