Balkan Nations Research Articles

The Enigma of Ownership of the Balkan Epic

The Balkans, characterized by complex historical, political and cultural dimensions, presents a rich and diverse ethnic, cultural and social picture. This complexity is explored in Adela Peeva's documentary Who Is This Song?, which investigates the contested origins of a folk song claimed by many Balkan nations. The documentary is a truth about the cultural diversity in the Balkans and the difficulty to identify the belonging of almost every cultural product that belongs to the folklore of these parts. This study focuses on Albanian, Bosnian, Croatian, and Macedonian folklore, using phenomenological and comparative methods to uncover common motifs, themes, and narrative structures, as well as differences. The study highlights the rich cultural heritage of the region shaped by various historical influences and contributes to a deeper understanding of the cultural identity of the Balkans. From this research it is concluded that the peoples living in this geographical space have exchanged among themselves over the centuries, so that in modern times, the folklore contents that we have analyzed are so close in terms of theme, motif and narrative structure that if they are not shown in the different language it would be difficult to understand that they belong to some nations. Received: 14 September 2024 / Accepted: 28 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Exploring the Nexus between Greenhouse Emissions, Environmental Degradation and Green Energy in Europe: A Critique of the Environmental Kuznets Curve

This study examines the intricate relationship between economic growth and European environmental degradation via the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC). Our results contest the traditional inverted U-shape model of the Environmental Kuznets Curve, indicating that the theory may not be consistently applicable across European countries. Utilizing CS-ARDL and MMQR modelling, we reveal substantial regional disparities. Western European nations demonstrate a typical Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) pattern in the short term, characterized by an initial increase in emissions alongside GDP development, followed by a subsequent fall. Conversely, Eastern and Balkan nations exhibit a U-shaped connection, described by an early decline in emissions followed by a subsequent increase as their development levels increase. The influence of renewable energy differs, as it decreases emissions in the short term in Western Europe. However, its long-term impacts are variable, especially when contrasted with its more pronounced effect on emissions in Eastern and Balkan countries. Furthermore, trade openness intensifies environmental degradation in the short-term across all regions, although its long-term impact diminishes, particularly concerning greenhouse gases (GHG). The relationship between renewable energy and trade openness is substantial for the short-term reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, but this effect declines with time. The results indicate that a uniform environmental policy throughout Europe may lack efficacy. Customized strategies to expedite the transition in Western Europe and more specific interventions in Eastern Europe are essential to harmonize economic progress with environmental sustainability. Future research should examine the determinants of the diminishing long-term effects of renewable energy and the interplay between trade and environmental policies.

On relations between cyber security index and iso 27001 standard index in western balkan countries

My aim in this article was to illustrate the relationships between the Western Balkan nations’ ISO 27001 index and the cyber security index, given the growing global interest in cyber security. The primary findings of this study were derived from the research methodology, which involved gathering data and information about the degree of cyber security applications in the Western Balkans, as represented by the cyber security index, as well as data about the degree of ISO 27001 standard application in Western Balkan countries, processing data for ISO 27001 certificates, creating an index of ISO 27001 certificates, and managing a regressive analysis on the relationships between the cyber security index and the ISO 27001 certificates index, while examining the path toward EU integration, they are also working to address concerns related to cyber security. This is because gaining a competitive edge in fields like information technology, artificial intelligence, digitalization, e-commerce, and e-government necessitates robust cyber defenses. The primary suggestion is that Western Balkan nations may better respond to cyberattacks and cyberthreats by implementing ISO standards including the ISO 27000 family of standards, particularly ISO 27001.

A collaborative framework for cross-border disaster management in the Balkans

Disasters, marked by their sudden and profound impacts on human life, property, and the environment, necessitate a comprehensive management approach. This approach comprises mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery phases, involving the engagement of various stakeholders (state/government, first responders' agencies, humanitarian organisations, emergency management research institutes). Preparedness, in particular, is essential to ensure an effective response to disasters. This research explored disaster management, with a specific focus on cross-border disasters within the Balkan region. Cross-border disasters, which extend beyond international borders and impact multiple countries and communities, present distinctive challenges due to the need for coordination and cooperation between diverse national governments and organisations. The research's exploration concentrated on the dimension of emergency preparedness management in the context of cross-border disasters in the Balkans, with a specific emphasis on the strategic preparedness phase of cross-border emergency management. This endeavor marked the pioneering attempt to provide a holistic and integrated approach to a joint cross-border preparedness disaster management framework for the Balkan region. The developed cross-border framework represents the final elements that needed to be present for all the Balkan countries when dealing together with cross-border disasters. It stems from the unanimous agreement, through the implemented Delphi study, of all the representative emergency management groups of experts from the participating countries. The outcomes serve as the foundation through the framework and hold the potential to lay the groundwork for the establishment of the first Balkan Civil Protection Observatory, providing support to the Balkan nations in civil protection and disaster management.

NAVIGATING LEGAL FRONTIERS: ADDRESSING CHALLENGES IN REGULATING THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

Background: The integration of digital technologies into various facets of society has given rise to the digital economy, transforming the economic landscape. Western Balkan nations face challenges from this digital transformation, necessitating effective regulatory frameworks. Recognising and addressing regulatory gaps is crucial for fostering a secure and innovative digital environment. This study examines regulatory challenges in the Western Balkans' digital economy, focusing on public-private partnerships (PPPs) in cybersecurity. The research question revolves around identifying gaps in legal frameworks, understanding PPP dynamics in countering cyber threats, and assessing the potential impact of the EU's Digital Market Act and Digital Services Act on the Western Balkan regulatory sphere. Methods: The research employs a qualitative approach, analysing the legal and policy frameworks of six Western Balkan countries. Data is gathered through an in-depth examination of cybersecurity laws, strategies, and action plans, with a specific emphasis on provisions related to PPPs. Comparative analysis is utilised to discern patterns and variations across the countries while also considering the potential impact of the Digital Market Act and Digital Services Act. Results and conclusions: The analysis reveals a common challenge – the lack of specific regulations for the digital economy, creating a legal vacuum. Varying PPP integration levels exist across the Western Balkans. Significant findings include ethical considerations, challenges related to data privacy, and the need for robust competition regulations. Examination of the Digital Market Act and Digital Services Act highlights potential harmonisation opportunities and challenges. In conclusion, the research underscores the urgency for comprehensive regulatory reforms in the Western Balkans to address the challenges of the digital economy. The study advocates for developing specific laws governing digital platforms, strengthening PPPs to enhance cybersecurity, and incorporating ethical considerations in legal frameworks. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, emphasising the necessity of adaptive and forward-looking regulatory approaches in the ever-evolving digital landscape, considering the potential impact of EU initiatives such as the Digital Market Act and Digital Services Act.

Study the effect of labneh balls fortified with zinc salts on the proportions of nitrogenous substances, micro-textural structure, and some nutritional indicators

Background: Labneh is a dairy product with many of the same benefits as yogurt. The total solids percentage is raised during production by draining the whey out of the yogurt. This is done by hanging the yogurt in cloth bags until the desired texture is achieved. Labneh, after being sweetened, can be used in place of cream cheese, sour cream, or cake cream. Labneh is known to have fewer calories than common condiments such as cream cheese and sour cream. This is due to its reduced fat content Labneh is a popular cuisine all over the world, particularly in the Middle East and the Balkan nations. In conclusion, the effect of fortification was clear in the results of the nutritional experiment conducted on mice, as zinc salts had an effect in maintaining the weight gain of the experimental animals, in addition to a role in strengthening the immune system.Objective: This study aimed to explore the effects of enhancing traditional labneh cheese with mineral salts—specifically sulfate and zinc acetate—at concentrations of 7.5 and 15 mg/kg. The focus was on evaluating the alterations in chemical composition, particularly nitrogenous compounds, and the micro-textural properties. Additionally, the study assessed how these enhancements influenced the sensory qualities of the labneh both immediately after production and following a storage period of twenty days.Materials and Methods: Raw, whole cow's milk (12% T.S., 4% fat) was used to make labneh in the lab. After being heated to 90 °C for five minutes in a water bath, the milk was cooled to 45 °C, and a CH1 starter was added. The mixture was then incubated at 45 °C for three to four hours. The cloth was allowed to cool at room temperature for one hour after it had coagulated completely. After chilling overnight at 15 degrees Celsius, it was salted at 5 degrees Celsius for 22 hours, by placing it in a clean cloth bag and storing it in the fridge.Results:The experiment revealed a non-significant rise in nitrogenous substances for the control group versus the zinc-treated labneh. However, there were no notable differences in nitrogen content between the control and zinc-enhanced groups. The treatment labneh balls were less white than the control treatment balls, suggesting that the fortification process with zinc salts caused this difference. Increased cohesion and hardness of the manufactured Labneh compared to the control treatment had an apparent effect on the micro-textural structure of the treated Labneh, as the interstitial spaces were reduced, and the casein tissue closed. In addition to its role in bolstering the immune system, the results of the nutritional experiment on rats showed that zinc salts influence maintaining the weight increase of the trial animals.Keywords: Labneh balls, zinc salts, texture, flavor, chemical composition, body weight.

Economic convergence of the Balkan countries towards the European Union

This paper aims to analyze the economic performance of Balkan countries in comparison to the European Union (EU) average, with the objective of assessing the convergence of Balkan nations toward the EU during the period 2000–2019. The economic variables under consideration encompass per capita income, the corruption perception index (CPI), salary levels, and direct foreign investments. Employing β-convergence, rooted in neoclassical growth theories, this study aims to test the hypothesis that economically disadvantaged countries experience more rapid growth in per capita income than their wealthier counterparts. The empirical findings of this investigation reveal a discernible long-term convergence among the Balkan countries themselves, as well as towards the EU member states. The rate of convergence exhibits variations contingent upon the developmental status of the respective countries, along with nuances related to their economic structure and corruption levels. Despite these observed convergences, a substantial gap persists, and the pace of economic integration of Balkan nations into the EU appears to be a gradual process. This study underscores the complex relationship between economic convergence, country-specific characteristics, and the broader context of regional integration.

Crimes against the Person under the Common Law of the Balkan Nations

Crimes against the Person under the Common Law of the Balkan Nations

Ottoman supremacy and the political independence of the Balkan and Central European states

The article deals with the nature of the political relationship between the Ottoman Empire and the Balkan states. The various forms of dependency led to varied limitations on the functioning of these states, especially in the field of their international politics. The Ottoman Empire's relations with weaker, allied, vassal and subordinate states were shaped by the following factors: the historical period, the political and legal nature of the mutual relations, religion, the current political and military situation. On the basis of analysis of the sources and scientific literature, it has been shown that the Ottoman Empire was unable to prevent more or less official policy by its subordinate centres, as long as they had any state structures (even if they were only of a self-governing nature). In the 14th century, most of the Balkan states found themselves as allies and tributaries of the Ottoman Empire. The alliance with the Ottomans did not limit political relations with countries uncommitted against the Ottomans. In the 15th century there was a process of more and more clearly political subordination of the Balkan states which added two important elements to earlier financial and military obligations - investment and obedience. In the 16th century, it was extremely important to surrender to the King of Hungary John Zápolya under the authority of Sultan Suleiman. It also resulted in the Ottoman Empire taking over direct political control of the Romanian principalities: Wallachia and Moldavia. The Sultan was not able to fully control them, they often carried out independent political activities, connected with the Poland-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Holy Empire, and Transylvania. In the 18th century the process of building the Balkan nation states launched, albeit very slowly. In the 19th century, any independence, even very limited, was conducive to the rapid formation of their own independent statehood.

Turkey’s Policy towards the Balkans during the Cold War

This research examines the foreign policy of the Republic of Turkey towards the Balkan region during the Cold War. The article aims to elucidate the fundamental principles underpinning Turkey’s approach to the region within the context of the bipolar international system. With the onset of the Cold War, the Balkan Peninsula found itself bifurcated into two blocs, reflecting the reconfigured international order. Consequently, segments of the Balkan states fell under Soviet sway. While Turkey had previously maintained a stance of active neutrality during the Second World War, there was a swift shift in its foreign policy. Driven by security imperatives and apprehensions regarding the Soviet threat to its territorial integrity, Turkey aligned itself with the Western bloc. This article seeks to address the nature of Turkey’s policy towards the Balkan nations that were part of the opposing political and military bloc and the factors influencing its relations with these countries.

Are There Serbs in Serres? The Serbian Consulate in Serres and The Macedonian Question at The Turn of the Twentieth Century

This article examines the brief history of the Serbian consulate in Serres in 1897–1899 as a failed attempt at state-building. Drawing on evidence from recently published materials by the Serbian State Archives, the article argues that the Serbian consuls in Serres, Branislav Nušić and Sima Avramović, played an important role in the efforts to promote Serbian national identity and defend Serbian political interests in Ottoman Macedonia. The consulate in Serres was part of an expanding Serbian diplomatic network in Macedonia, which proved instrumental to other Serbian initiatives, such as the creation of new schools and the appointment of Serbian priests in the region. The Serbian consular activities in Serres formed an aspect of a wide-ranging transnational strategy of deploying consulates across Macedonia in the wake of the Serbian-Bulgarian War of 1885. Such institutions served to advance national interests and protect national subjects outside the borders of the fledgling Balkan states. Reviewing recent scholarship on Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece, the article concludes by comparing the Serbian example to those of other Balkan nations and suggesting further venues for comparative and entangled historical research.

Mehmet Akif Ersoy’un Orta Asya Türk Dünyası İle İlgili Müşahedeleri

In his poems, Mehmet Akif Ersoy expresses the troubles and sufferings of the Central Asian, Caucasian and Balkan nations that were left unclaimed during the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. In this study, the issue of Central Asia and its problems in Ersoy's works will be discussed. The research draws attention to the backwardness, poverty and suffering of the local people of the Turkish world. Akif takes his place among the most important poets of Turkish Literature with his originality of the world of thought and his strong style in the language of poetry. The unique features of the poet's poems played an important role in Akif's special place among many poets of his time. The world view shaped around these values in Akif's works of understanding of Turkishness and Islam attracted attention not only in Anatolia but also in other places. Akif clearly describes some of the negative situations experienced by the geography of the Turkish World in his works. By drawing attention to the problems of the society in which he lives, he investigates how the problems arise and looks for ways to solve them. Akif also attaches special importance to the Turkish world living in the geography of the Islamic world. The poet, who describes the difficulties and poverty in the Turkish world in his works, tells the general situation in the Turkish world. In his work, Süleymaniye Chair, Abdürreşid İbrahim sheds light on the important issues of the region with his own words. The information about Central Asia in the poet's works reflects the understanding of national unity and integrity. Akif's influences in the Turkish World increased with Sırat-ı Müstakim, and it was effective in his transformation into a man of action. In this article, the characteristics of Akif, which are considered remarkable by the poets of the Turkish World, are discussed. In the examination, in which the interest shown by some Turkish World Poets to Akif's poems and personality is reflected in comparative texts, the identification of poets who had direct contact with Akif or who carried his influence into their poems, and the context in which they were affected, were evaluated considering the social and political conditions of the period. This study was carried out in order to determine the themes such as the problems of the Central Asian Turkish World, independence, awakening, underdevelopment and poverty in the works of Mehmet Akif Ersoy. In order to achieve this aim, qualitative research and comparison method was used in this study. In order to collect data in the research, the document analysis method from the qualitative research motifs was used. The data obtained are also given within the framework of the work “Safahat”. Key Words: Mehmet Akif Ersoy, Türk World, Safahat, Suleymaniye Kursusunde, Sırat-ı Müstakim.

Dimitris Stamatopoulos, ed. Imagined Empires: Tracing Imperial Nationalism in Eastern and Southeastern Europe

Dimitris Stamatopoulos, ed. <i>Imagined Empires: Tracing Imperial Nationalism in Eastern and Southeastern Europe</i>

Polityka wzrostu urbanizacji i jej skutki w gospodarce Albanii w latach 1984–2020

Numerous scholars have studied the connection between urbanization and economic growth for particular nations or regions. In their research, urbanization is considered both a cause and a consequence of the process of economic development. By continuing to experience significant economic growth, Albania has recently set itself apart from the other Balkan nations. Urban areas, particularly those that have expanded substantially, have seen the repercussions of such a transformation – both positive and negative – in the economic and spatial realms as well as in people’s daily lives. Although there is a considerable correlation between urbanization and economic growth in other countries, Albania has yet to address the question of whether urbanization drives economic growth or vice versa – they are independent of each other. The analysis of the connection between urbanization and economic growth in the Albanian reality in the years 1984–2020 is the main goal of the article. World Bank data for the years 1984–2020 were used for this purpose. The methods used are the regression analysis and the Granger causality test.

Statistical Analysis of Genetic Data for the Balkans plus Historical Evidence

Initial statistical analysis of genetic data on the Balkan nations showed the extent of their genetic links to each other. A careful review of the data highlighted an interesting feature: relatively large genetic differences between Greek regions. This is clearly expressed in the cases of Northern Greece, whose population is genetically much closer to the population of Bulgaria than to the population of Central and Southern Greece, whose population is genetically closer to the Albanian population than to the population of Northern Greece. These conclusions are based on numerical values from the results of statistical analysis of genetic data from EUPEDIA. The article also presents several historical testimonies that offer an explanation of the established regional genetic features of the population of today's Greece.

Effects of Covid-19 on cultural relativism and state sovereignty

The COVID-19 pandemic has generally affected the attitudes, behaviors, and lifestyles of people and states. Although there is still no definitive position on the causes of the new species from the coronavirus family, there have been articles and discussions leading to the blaming of Chinese cultural tradition of eating the meat of bats - mammals which were also considered by scientists as potential transmitters of SARS-CoV-2. To measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the changing attitudes towards the doctrine of cultural relativism, in anthropological and sociological terms and state sovereignty in political terms, respondents from several Western Balkan countries, such as Kosovo, Albania, Serbia, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina answered a series of questions. The research findings show that changing the attitudes towards cultural relativism and state sovereignty is significantly dependent on bilateral relations between the Western Balkan nations with Chinese Foreign Policy rather than the COVID-19 pandemic.

Front bałkański wojny rosyjsko-tureckiej 1877–1878 w publikacjach warszawskiego dziennika „Kurjer Warszawski”

The Balkan Front of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878 in the publications of the Warsaw daily “Kurjer Warszawski” The Russo-Turkish war of 1877–1878 is an important element of the international relations in the 19th century, which not only constituted the rivalry between great powers to expand or secure spheres of influence, but also brought about a significant transformation of the political map of the European continent in its south-eastern part. The war, waged under the banner of the “cross against the crescent” slogan, was perceived with optimism by the Balkan nations experiencing Turkish rule, nevertheless they interpreted the Berlin Treaty ending this conflict as an attempt to limit their national goals. These issues, important from the point of view of European politics, were closely followed by the only mass medium of the time – the press. One of the newspapers that commented on the war in the Balkans was the daily newspaper “Kurjer Warszawski” that was being published in Warsaw from 1821, whose editors did not limit themselves to presenting agency reports, but also made successful attempts to critically analyze the situation at that time. Therefore, the newspaper appears to us as an interesting source of information about the events taking place in the Balkans.

Investigation of the sunspots and GDP nexus: The case of Balkan countries

The phenomenon known as sunspots refers to regions of the Sun?s photosphere that are darker than their surroundings because their surface temperature is lower. The sunspot growth theory, however debatable, is one of the first explanations for economic development that explains how variations in the Sun?s activity affect the business cycle. Jevons developed the sunspot hypothesis in 1875. To reevaluate this notion, this research uses correlation and regression analysis to explore the relationship between sunspots and GDP in the context of 11 Balkan nations over the years 1960-2021. By extending the sample of nations in panel regression models to include all nations on Earth, further robustness testing is accomplished. It was found that there exist significantly negative medium strength correlations between sunspots and gross domestic product values of 8 out of 11 Balkan countries. Similar findings were obtained using simple linear regression analysis. The results of the cross-country panel regression models further highlight the negative impact of solar activity on economic activity, which is also associated with nations that are located at higher latitudes.

The Regional Cooperation of the Western Balkans and the Challenges on the Path of Integration in the European Union

This paper aims to highlight the importance of regional cooperation in the Western Balkan countries and the difficulties on the path to European Union integration. The objectives of the study are to emphasize the advantages of regional collaboration; the aspiration of the Western Balkan nations to join the EU as a catalyst for cooperation by opening up fresh avenues for political, social, and economic advancement; initiatives, processes, and agreements are undertaken under the auspices of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Commission for co-operation between them and preparation for EU integration; as well as obstacles and challenges to effective regional cooperation in the Western Balkans. The research method is based on Desk research and includes the study of literature, analysis, and monitoring conducted by independent institutions and bodies on regional cooperation and integration and integration into the European Union. Membership in the European Union as a common goal of the Western Balkan countries has promoted the whole Region for economic, social progress, and regional stability. Greater economic cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans could be one of the main sources of economic growth in the coming years. The methods of regional cooperation have been the subject of frequent criticism by the governments of individual countries, which considered them arbitrary and unrelated to their reality. The situation created after the Russian attack on Ukraine has made all countries, regions, and international structures re-evaluate the aspects of economic development, political, social, local, regional, and global security.&#x0D; &#x0D; Received: 26 September 2022 / Accepted: 29 November 2022 / Published: 20 December 2022

The Patriotic Spirit of the Bulgarian Army in the First Balkan War presented in the Reports of Major Gheorghe A. Dabija

"The companion of the 19th and 20th centuries found the Balkan nations in the fullness of the generative process for the legitimation of identity and international recognition. The destiny of becoming a nation has destined those peoples to be truly grumpy and warlike, with territorial claims beyond the limits of the violence allowed by public sensibilities in a prosperous and emancipated Europe. Territorial conquests, followed by expulsions and purifications, of forced cultural assimilation, made the Balkans the “gunpowder barrel” of Europe, detonated by the great European powers in the competition for the Ottoman heritage. Geographically positioned at the periphery of the Balkan world, Romania's national project was focused more on Central and Eastern Europe, where several million Romanians lived under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian and Russian Empires. However, the threatening Russian expansion into the Straits led Carol I to opt for an alliance with the Central Powers. Therefore, during this period the official nationalist rhetoric was focused on the issue of the Balkan Romanians. Context in which the army, together with the other institutions of the Romanian state, was mobilized in the effort to define and affirm the historical right of the Romanian nation in the Balkans, receiving the mission to identify and inform on realities and political-military, economic-social and cultural activities south of the Danube, facts that we bring to attention from the perspective of military documents. "