This paper investigates the intergenerational transmission of poverty in Slovakia using microdata from the 2019 ad hoc module of the EU Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC). The analysis explores how parental education, economic activity, household composition, and material deprivation shape the risk of poverty in adulthood. Descriptive results indicate strong associations between higher parental education and adult income levels, as well as between maternal labour market participation and household well-being. Logistic regression reveals that the absence of a mother during adolescence, larger household size, lack of access to school supplies, and inability to afford annual vacations significantly increase the likelihood of poverty in adulthood. In contrast, parental employment and a higher number of working household members act as protective factors. Overall, the results point to a persistent influence of early-life disadvantage on adult economic outcomes in Slovakia, in line with international empirical evidence. From a public policy perspective, the findings highlight the critical role of early interventions, particularly those aimed at improving educational opportunities and material living conditions during childhood.

This study examines the challenges and opportunities to educational access for refugees and asylum seekers in Bulgaria amid the ongoing mixed migration inflows to the European Union. Considering the country’s ongoing demographic crisis, including the constantly declining number of students at the university level, this paper identifies critical gaps between legal entitlements and practical implementation in their access to education. The study argues that the inclusion of beneficiaries of international protection in the education system in Bulgaria remains limited due to administrative and capacity shortcomings, and an overall lack of political will. It further underscores the pivotal role of education in facilitating successful integration and outlines advanced targeted policy recommendations to address these systemic shortcomings, including any disparities in treatment among the various groups of individuals granted international protection.

The parliamentary system in Jordan, established by the 1952 Constitution, contains a double executive structure composed of the king and the government. Article 30 of the Constitution grants the monarch immunity from government liability, requiring that such liability be transferred to the Council of Ministers. The constitutional changes introduced in 2016 and 2022 have created exceptions that allow the king to issue unilateral decrees, raising questions about parliament's role and responsibilities. This qualitative study is based on in-depth interviews with legal and political experts (n = 15) to explore the historical development, practical application, and constitutional compatibility of these provisions within Jordan's unique institutional framework. Particular attention is paid to the principle of ministerial advice—a key mechanism designed to ensure government responsibility—which the recent expansion of the royal privilege has increasingly circumvented. The finding suggests that the growing use of exceptions undermines ministerial responsibility and challenges the constitutional balance of powers. The study requires redefining or limiting these exceptions to maintain constitutional legitimacy and democratic administration. Comparative knowledge is drawn from European and regional systems to contextualize Jordan's experience and reform design.

This study examines the determinants of effective cluster policy design in Europe, with the aim of identifying how governance, funding, and stakeholder engagement shape outcomes. We analyse 21 policy instruments across eight territories using a mixed‑methods approach: expert‑panel benchmarking, descriptive analysis with Eurostat and ECCP/ESCA data (2018–2022), and hierarchical cluster analysis of seven design factors. The results reveal five distinct policy archetypes, differentiated by budget scale, ERDF/S3 alignment, duration, and co‑financing rules. Most instruments are ERDF‑funded and S3‑aligned, and a simple “political effort” measure, policy budget as a share of national GDP, proves useful for comparing territories of different economic sizes. Between 2018 and 2022, all territories expanded their cluster base, though persistent barriers remain, including bureaucracy, trust deficits, and limited managerial capacity. The findings highlight the importance of coherent governance, sustained funding, and active stakeholder involvement, and provide actionable recommendations for tailoring policy tools to cluster maturity. By clarifying constructs and reporting replicable measures, the paper advances transparency in cluster‑policy evaluation and offers practical insights for policymakers, regional development agencies, and cluster managers.

Abstract Predatory publishing practices undermine the credibility of scientific research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite international concern, little is known about how researchers themselves perceive and respond to this phenomenon – especially in post-Soviet contexts such as the Republic of Moldova. This study aims to explore Moldovan researchers’ awareness, experiences and attitudes towards predatory journals and conferences, as well as to identify potential policy and educational interventions to combat such practices. A quantitative, descriptive survey was conducted among researchers, PhD candidates, supervisors and academic staff in Moldova using a standardised online questionnaire. A total of 539 valid responses were collected. Descriptive statistics and thematic coding of open responses were employed to analyse the data. While over 85% of respondents had heard of predatory journals, only 68% were aware of predatory conferences. Senior researchers and those holding scientific titles demonstrated higher awareness and confidence in recognising such outlets. However, 25% of respondents reported uncertainty about whether they had previously published in or attended a predatory event. Key motivators for engaging with such platforms included pressure to publish for career advancement, faster publication timelines and limited awareness of predatory characteristics. These patterns indicate that the structural logic of the national academic system – focused on quantitative outputs – is the primary catalyst for the persistence of predatory publishing. Notably, most respondents recognised the negative impact of such practices on academic reputation, research quality and public trust. Educational interventions and checklist-based guidance were identified as preferred solutions, alongside calls for reforming national research evaluation criteria. The study showed that the Moldovan academic community is significantly aware of predatory publishing but lacks adequate institutional mechanisms for prevention and support. Targeted educational programmes, structural reforms and improved publication literacy are urgently needed to reduce systemic vulnerability.

Abstract This article examines how the undefined concept of “national security” in both the EU Whistleblower Protection Directive and the Polish Whistleblower Protection Act complicates the application of whistleblower safeguards. It highlights the practical challenges authorities face in determining when the national security exclusion applies, and calls for clear criteria and procedures to balance transparency and whistleblower protection with legitimate national interests. The article argues that the vague nature of this exception in both EU and Polish laws generates legal uncertainty and may enable Member States to circumvent whistleblower protections without adequate justification. The Polish Whistleblower Protection Act excludes disclosures related to national security, particularly those that would violate legal confidentiality. Court of Justice of the European Union jurisprudence, however, requires that such exclusions be grounded in a concrete threat to fundamental state interests. This creates a significant interpretive burden for administrative and judicial authorities, undermining legal certainty and consistent application of the law.

Abstract In recent years, Kazakhstan has actively adopted project management practices in the public sector to improve the efficiency of government programs, optimize resource use, and enhance transparency. A central element of this transformation has been the establishment of project management offices (PMOs) within government agencies. However, the maturity of these PMOs – and their capacity to support strategic objectives through advanced project management methods – remains underexplored, particularly in the context of developing and transitional economies. This study aims to contribute to the international discourse on public sector project management by assessing the maturity of PMOs in Kazakhstan using the Portfolio, Program, and Project Management Maturity Model (P3M3). Data were collected through a structured survey of public officials responsible for project oversight and analyzed using cluster analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and descriptive statistics to identify maturity levels and common barriers. The findings revealed that the majority of PMOs are in the early stages of maturity (P3M3 levels 1 and 2), with limited institutional integration and inconsistent project governance practices. Key challenges include inadequate staff training, weak procedural frameworks, and poor alignment between project management activities and broader public administration systems. This study provides empirical evidence to support targeted interventions aimed at improving PMO maturity in government institutions. It offers a practical framework for policymakers, public managers, and researchers to design reforms that strengthen project governance and advance public sector performance in Kazakhstan and comparable contexts.

Abstract This study assesses the impact of constitutional law on shaping government structures and political stability in the Middle East using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The purpose is to identify and prioritize the constitutional elements that most significantly influence governance and stability in the region. The AHP method allows for a structured analysis by decomposing the complex problem into a hierarchy of criteria and subcriteria, facilitating pairwise comparisons and weight calculations. The analysis focuses on two main criteria: government structures and political stability, each further divided into subcriteria such as separation of powers, rule of law, electoral systems, civil liberties, judicial independence, and conflict resolution mechanisms. The results indicate that the separation of powers holds the highest global weight (48.75%), highlighting its paramount role in promoting effective governance and stability. The rule of law and civil liberties also emerge as critical factors, with global weights of 18.75% and 15%, respectively. The relevance of this topic lies in the ongoing quest for stability in the Middle East, where constitutional reforms can play a pivotal role. By identifying key constitutional components that enhance governance and stability, policymakers can prioritize reforms that have the most significant impact.

Abstract A recent study delved into the burgeoning fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) within civil and private law. The study, which focused on analyzing 140 academic papers published from 2017 to 2023 using software tools such as RStudio, VOSviewer, and Excel, revealed a significant rise in publications, particularly since 2020. Key research topics have examined the application of AI in decision-making on civil and private law, argument, persuasion and progress in the legal processing of natural language through deep learning techniques. The study also identified leading contributions from scientists in the US, Canada and the Netherlands. However, it also recognizes the need for further research to evaluate the effectiveness of various AI and ml methodologies in legal contexts. This in turn would support civil and private evidence-based rights in various sectors and geographical regions, which would increase their usability and integration.

Abstract Agricultural subsidies are a vital instrument for fostering the development of Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector. This study evaluates the effectiveness of government support in enhancing agricultural productivity and explores farmers’ perceptions of subsidy programs. The research analyzes key economic indicators, including subsidies, loans, and investments in fixed assets, to understand their influence on labor productivity. Additionally, survey data from 323 farmers provide insights into the challenges and benefits associated with subsidy mechanisms. The results highlight that subsidies and loans positively impact productivity, while excessive employment growth and over-reliance on subsidies may reduce efficiency. Farmers view subsidies as essential for sustaining their activities but identify challenges such as insufficient funding, complex application processes, and technical issues with automated systems. Furthermore, regression analysis reveals that expanding acreage, increasing income, and improving access to credit significantly enhance productivity, whereas short-term investments require further optimization. This study contributes to the existing literature by addressing the role of state support in transitional economies and providing policy recommendations to improve the efficiency and accessibility of agricultural subsidies. The findings emphasize the need for balanced resource allocation, enhanced financial literacy among farmers, and streamlined subsidy distribution processes to foster sustainable growth in Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector.