EU Deal Research Articles

Process optimization and reduction of production costs in modern beet sugar manufacturing

Exploding fuel prices and increasing costs for emission certificates motivate sugar manufacturers to invest in new processes to reduce production costs. A critical part of the optimization is, without any doubt, the reduction of steam consumption of the factory, and the minimization of carbon footprint. Technological development projects in the EU and worldwide deal mostly with the i) reduction of steam/electricity consumption and ii) environmentally motivated projects. Environmental protection represents a strong driving force for the optimization and technological development in the sugar branch. The paper summarizes the experience of a long-term development project in two of the best EU beet factories. Unlike conventional sugar factories, one of these plants is already equipped with vapor recompression, thus, suits the trend of using power in sugar manufacture. Some challenging technological improvements have been realized between 2009 and 2022. The experience with optimizing process technology and reducing manufacturing costs is described in detail. Two modification packages are presented in simplified form based on engineering tools used for the optimization tasks. Selected projects are structured in terms of investment costs, from moderate and mid-term improvements to strategic investment. The payback and return on investment play a dominant role in this paper. The most challenging issue is how to reduce the overall energy requirement for the process, concurrently to identify the right technology significantly lowering CO2-emissions, in a financially viable way.

Turkey's geopolitical importance in maintaining EU energy security

Demonstrating Turkey’s importance to the EU, how Turkey and the EU deal with energy among themselves is the main research question. Based on a descriptive and analytical approach, an attempt has been made to understand the content of Turkey’s role and influence in ensuring EU energy security, which is a kind of complementarity in the EU and Turkey’s energy policy. Turkey is of great importance to the EU in providing energy security as an economic resource and later as a security resource. This importance is reflected in the transportation of several oil pipelines to the European Union, the neighborhood of several countries rich in oil and natural resources.

A relations-based evaluation framework to support collaborative research and innovation (R&I) networks

The majority of the projects funded under the European Research Framework Programme (FP) require a collaborative effort in order to tackle complex societal challenges. The underlying assumption is that collaborative networks boost research productivity and the attainment of the goals set out by the European Commission's agenda. In general, the production of scientific knowledge increasingly takes place within networks and consortia with a wide diversity and interlinkages of disciplines, expertise, backgrounds and approaches. This relational dimension has become even more important in the Horizon Europe FP, which has moved from a project-focused to a mission-oriented approach whereby a portfolio of projects is managed in coordination in order to stimulate cross-learning and experimentation. Starting from key concepts and theories of evaluation research, including ten years of experience for the Italian National Research Council (CNR) team as an internal evaluator, we are proposing a new approach, namely a Relations-based Evaluation (RE) approach, that analyses, assesses and builds relationships, both internal and external, with the ultimate aim of supporting collaborative research and innovation (R&I) projects. The framework originated within the context of EU projects and deals with the specific case of consortia funded under the EU FPs. However, it could be easily applied to other types of research consortia and project networks with similar features.

Introduction: EU constraints and opportunities in the COVID-19 pandemic—the politics of NGEU

This Special Issue focuses on how EU politics, policies and institutions, all nested in the past, have a bearing on welfare states in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this introductory article, we first provide a brief overview of the growing scholarship on the impact of the pandemic on both national welfare systems and EU policies. We then contextualise the initial pandemic policy responses by highlighting the economic challenges to European welfare states leftover from the Great Recession and Eurozone crisis before outlining the timeline of the EU reaction to the COVID-19 crisis, culminating in the Next Generation EU deal. Finally, we summarize the distinctive empirical and theoretical perspectives of each contribution to this Special Issue. Taken together, the articles in this issue offer a much-needed analysis of the interplay between EU level and member state politics that furthers our understanding of the social and economic policies implemented in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe.

Authoritarian consolidation in Belarus: What role for the EU?

The aim of this article is to review the EU’s relations with Belarus over recent decades; to examine the patterns, opportunities and limitations of the EU’s policies vis-à-vis the authoritarian regime; and to evaluate the effectiveness of the EU’s responses to the brutal crackdown on civil society and political opposition following the flawed presidential elections in August 2020. It is argued that, despite its careful balancing act between principled approach and pragmatic engagement, the EU’s perception of the Belarusian regime has been overly optimistic and often influenced by the appeal of short-term geopolitical and economic gains. How should the EU deal with a consolidating and increasingly ruthless dictatorship at the heart of Europe? By way of conclusion, the article maps a number of ‘lessons learned’ and suggestions for future EU policy towards Belarus.

Rapid adaptive modelling for policy support towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals: Brexit and the livestock sector in Wales

Sustainable use of land is central to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). However, implementation of policy targeting SDG delivery can be driven off track by external factors. There is a pressing need for rapid, adaptable modelling approaches to support policy development against a background of dynamic changes in environmental and political conditions. An example is the imminent departure of the UK from the EU (Brexit), which requires responsive inputs of robust evidence to inform decision making. We combine existing agri-economic modelling with well-tested environmental models, driven by farm survey and landscape data in an adaptive, participatory approach to assess potential agricultural sector responses to Brexit. We explore potential Brexit impacts on land use, environmental outcomes and agricultural jobs in Wales, UK, where agriculture is dominated by animal production on grassland systems. Three potential post-Brexit trade agreements scenarios are considered: EU Deal; No Deal; and Multilateral Free Trade Agreements. For each scenario potential changes in animal numbers in livestock systems in Wales are converted to predicted land use change at field and farm scale and combined with national data sources and models to explore consequences for the environment and jobs. Potential changes in grazing animal numbers range between − 30% (sheep for No Deal and MFTA) and + 53% (No Deal dairy), affecting 3% (EU Deal) to 17% (No Deal) of agricultural land and creating potential losses of 700 (EU Deal) to 7000 (MFTA) full time jobs. Environmental outcomes are mixed, with reductions in greenhouse gas emissions (− 1% EU deal to − 16% MFTA) and variable impacts on pollutant loads to water (N ranges + 3% for No Deal to − 14% for MFTA) across all scenarios. Air pollution is most scenario dependent (+ 11% No Deal to − 12% MFTA), and biodiversity showed a mixed response to each scenario. The findings of this study support Welsh government in developing programmes to manage the Brexit transition proactively, mitigating risks to the environment, rural communities and agricultural sector..

The Directive Facilitating Cross-Border Exchange of Information

The main aim of EU´s Vision Zero is “no fatalities or serious injures through road accidents should be met by 2030”. With this long-term road safety strategy, the EU wants to purposefully and gradually overcome the failures of previous measures that have failed to result in reducing the number of road accidents victims. The last three years of EU policy on road safety have improved this area only minimally. This paper provides an analysis of the EU road safety strategies and deals mainly with the directive on the cross-border exchange of information. This directive seems to have become an effective tool for the prevention of cross-border traffic offences from a long-term perspective. The main aim of this directive is to take preventive action against road traffic offenders in order to correct their road behaviour through sanctions to discourage them from committing more serious offences, including fatal accidents. This article also outlines current crucial findings resulting from the application of this directive, which should be resolved by its planned revision.

Il dumping sociale nel settore dell'autotrasporto europeo: in viaggio tra differenziali di costo e imprese cartiere

Il saggio ricostruisce alcune delle principali dinamiche che caratterizzano il lavoro subordinato nel settore dell'autotrasporto all'interno dell'Unione europea mettendole in relazione con il fe-nomeno del c.d dumping sociale. L'Autrice riflette sui differenziali di costo tra i Paesi dell'Unione e affronta la questione delle cc.dd. imprese cartiere, altamente diffuse nel settore dell'autotrasporto, analizzando il rilevante quadro normativo eurounitario al fine di evidenziar-ne contraddizioni e lacune. Infine, il saggio ripercorre le tecniche di contrasto al dumping so-ciale messe in atto dal legislatore europeo, applicabili anche al settore oggetto di analisi, con particolare attenzione al coordinamento dei servizi ispettivi.

What should governments do to deal with the economic crisis? Exploring Portuguese laypeople’s support for government strategies

ABSTRACT The economic crisis that hit European countries has been the object of various studies, aiming to understand how laypeople construct their opinions and guide their actions to deal with the difficulties stemming from the implementation of austerity measures. The present study analyses the responses given to an online survey by 630 Portuguese adults. Focusing on their support for possible government strategies to manage the crisis, it examines the changes which have occurred over time in their opinions, and compares them with opinions expressed in other European countries hit by the crisis. The main results suggest that support for strategies differs according to the attribution of responsibility for the crisis either to the people or to supranational institutions. In line with the findings from other countries, conformity to European Union demands is supported by higher class right-wingers, rationalization of the public sector by somewhat insecure centrists, and exit from the European Union by more vulnerable left- and right-wingers. Results also show a global decrease in support for the European project, which questions the way the EU deals with the problems of its member states as well as the ideals it pursues.

One decade onwards: assessing the impact of European Union membership on Bulgaria and Romania

ABSTRACT The main aim of this Special Issue is to critically analyse the impact of the EU on Bulgaria and Romania, during their first decade as members of the European community, in several poignant areas of membership. The rationale for this endeavour is twofold. On the one hand, very few studies have looked in depth at the post-enlargement experience of the two countries and how the EU factor has played out and influenced various domestic policies and issues, ranging from national policies to the rule of law. On the other hand, there is little knowledge regarding the way the two countries experience EU membership or deal with their counterparts in Brussels.

Collective Redress in the Financial Sector and the New EU Deal for Consumers

This article examines the role of collective redress in financial services, highlighting current obstacles for financial services users to access justice, and providing an overview of relevant EU measures and international best practices. Particular attention is devoted to various national dispute resolution models and major cases with the potential to affect a large number of financial services users across Member States. On the regulatory side, the article explores in detail the extent to which the New EU Deal for Consumers will introduce meaningful changes in the financial services sector. In particular, it will assess the new proposal for a Directive on representative actions, evaluating its advantages and weaknesses in light of the likely implications for consumer redress. collective redress, financial consumer protection, access to justice.

Green Deal for Europe: More Climate Protection and Fewer Fossil Fuel Wars

A Green Deal for Europe can set standards for ambitious climate protection, for an investment programme in future markets and for strengthening the European economy and European and non-European security. Climate protection and a sustainable energy transition not only create economic opportunities but also reduce geopolitical disputes, thus securing peace within and outside Europe. In order to meet the emission reduction targets of the Paris climate agreement and the EU deal, the share of renewable energy sources would have to increase significantly faster.

China’s sovereignty violations in the East and South China Seas: How should Europe respond?

The EU has been content to remain a marginal actor in the maritime sovereignty disputes in the East and South China Seas. It has adopted a diplomatic strategy that stresses the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and confidence building between the states party to the conflict. As argued here, this approach does not take account of the crucial interests Europe has at stake in the conflict. It is made even less tenable by China’s increasingly assertive behaviour towards securing its sovereignty in the region. Europe is at a crossroads: the EU may seek to overcome internal and external challenges to enhance its hard power capabilities, or it may continue to pursue a wholly soft power approach. Either way, how the EU deals with the current dispute will determine, in large part, its future role as a global security actor.

Canada‐style trade deal most likely Brexit scenario

▀ All options for the Brexit endgame remain on the table. A free‐trade agreement (FTA) along the lines of the EU's deal with Canada looks like the most likely outcome. The two sides will also need to reach agreements on customs and regulations, with the latter involving the UK compromising on maintaining a high degree of regulatory alignment, to provide a permanent fudge on the Irish border issue. But there is still a sizeable risk of a “no deal” outcome. ▀ We expect a transitional deal to be agreed relatively quickly. The UK has suggested it would prefer a bespoke arrangement, but the EU is unlikely to offer such an option. We expect the UK to remain bound by EU rules during the transition, with the transitional period ending on 31 December 2020. ▀ If the two sides continue to pursue the preferred option of a FTA, it is unlikely to be completed by the end of the transition period. We expect the EU to reject the UK's request for a comprehensive agreement including services and insist on a Canada‐style deal. The Irish border issue means that customs and regulatory agreements would need to accompany such a deal. We place a 40% chance on this outcome. ▀ The question of regulatory alignment and the time required to negotiate a detailed FTA could spin the talks off in one of two opposing directions. If the prime minister is unable to get her party to agree to maintain a high degree of regulatory alignment, the talks could break down. If this occurs, we think it's very unlikely that the UK would honour the phase‐one agreement to maintain regulatory alignment, and we see a 30% chance that the UK walks away from the talks, resulting in a “cliff‐edge” Brexit in 2019. ▀ If the UK accepts the need to maintain regulatory alignment with the EU, it could conclude that joining the EEA and participating in the single market are better than lengthy FTA negotiations, resulting in an inferior deal. But the need to respect the four freedoms means this remains a relatively low probability outcome (20%). Wth Parliament seemingly committed to Brexit, remaining in the EU looks unlikely (10%).

From the European Security Strategy to the EU Global Strategy: explaining the journey

What should be the European Union’s role in international politics? How should the EU deal with the challenges posed by instability, terrorism, radicalisation and conflict to the South and the East? Can the EU’s commitment to democratisation, human rights and international law be upheld or does it require rethinking and reorientation? The European Council tasked the EU High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, to address these questions in a Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign and Security Policy (EUGS). This article unpacks the EU’s journey towards a comprehensive foreign and security strategy—the EUGS. It does so by comparing the elements and main messages of the 2003 the European Security Strategy, under the leadership of Javier Solana, EU High Representative at the time, with HRVP Mogherini’s EU Global Strategy 13 years later, of which the author was the lead pen-holder.

The preliminary reference procedure: challenge or opportunity?

This contribution approaches the theme of access to justice from an EU law perspective and deals with the question: to what extent can the preliminary reference procedure serve as an empowering tool for individuals and civil society? The first part of the contribution deals with the structure of the EU legal system and the theoretically empowering function of preliminary references. Based on interviews with litigants and their counsellors, the second part deals with this notion from a sociological and empirical perspective. The analysis reveals the practical obstacles to realizing ones rights by preliminary references, and thus nuances the empowerment thesis found both among legal- and political sciences theories as well as in the legitimating rhetoric by propagators of the EU legal system.

The Strategic partnership between NATO and EU

The study tends to identify the strategic partnership of both EU and NATO. As result, the research found that EU has many responsibilities based on its normative powers ambition than NATO which is militarily oriented organization. EU deals with mainly economic and social affairs without neglecting its security necessities, while NATO is very much concerned about the security perspectives. Furthermore, examining the historical background of both institutions in this particular study, the author found that the strategic partnership and their future plans are based on their mutual understanding during their meetings. So, having consensus before any decision is the strategic approach that is strengthening the cooperation between both institutions. Another angle that the author found out is that EU might be replaced by NATO for military operation in any time of need, due to the EU normative powers economic and social activities ambition in the international arena. In this paper, we describe the formatting guidelines for CIR Journal Submission.The entire paper must be in A4 size and Moderate margin

Russian PNR system: Data protection issues and global prospects

The usage of Passenger Name Record (PNR) for security purposes is growing worldwide. At least six countries have PNR systems; over thirty are planning to introduce them. On 1 December 2013, a Russian PNR system will be implemented. But enhanced collection of personal data leads to increased surveillance and privacy concerns. Russian authorities state that passengers' rights will be respected, but a closer look at the Russian regime reveals a number of critical points. From a global perspective, the Russian regime is only one of many PNR systems, including new ones to come in the future. Apparently, for the majority of them, similar challenges and problems will apply. At the same time, for the EU, with its strict data protection requirements, PNR requests by third countries (i.e. non-EU countries) create conflicts of laws. In order to resolve them, the EU concludes bilateral PNR agreements. However, the current deals, especially the one between the EU and the USA, involve a number of weaknesses. Accepting the latter, and having a pending proposal on the EU PNR system, the EU has weakened its position in negotiations with third countries. How will the EU deal with the Russian as well as with all the future requests for PNR? This paper provides legal analysis of the Russian PNR regime, pointing out common problems and giving prognosis on the global situation.

The Screening of Phthalic Acid Esters in Operating Fluids of Vehicles

Many different types of liquids and materials are used during service of motor vehicle, for example fuels (petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG), lubricants (oils, plastic lubricants), brake fluids and cooling fluids, cosmetics, etc. Vehicles are made from different construction materials also. Especially it can be steels, glass, lights metals, textile, leather, plastics, thermoplastics, etc. These operational and constructional materials must satisfy many requirements from the view of function which are demanded for example additional stability of construction of cars, minimal weight, heat removal (cooling fluids), transfer of braking power (brake fluids), optimizing of friction but they have to be researched from the view of health and ecology hazard. Materials which interiors are made from often release volatile and partly volatile substances. With the regard on human health, equipments of cars should be made from materials which release chemicals at a minimum level, which hasn't negative impact on quality of air in a closed space. Health impacts could increase in case when substances react together, although the intensity of releasing of these substances is decreasing during first weeks. For the improvement of elasticity chemical materials plasticizer based on the esters of acid phthalate (PAE) are used. The PAE are a big hazard for human health. Exposition of population can be by inhalation, oral, and by skin-resorption. Ten samples of new operation materials for vehicles have been examined for the detection of the presence of acid esters (PAE). The results show that almost in all investigated samples the presence of phthalate acid esters was proved. Phthalates are animal carcinogens which are capable to cause necrosis or malformation of tissues. They are dangerous for liver action and they can cause the reproduction toxicity of laboratory animals. Neither the legislation of the Czech Republic nor EU deals with such problems.

EU and Iraq sign deal on nuclear disposal

EU and Iraq sign deal on nuclear disposal