EU Support Research Articles

What does it mean to be European? How identity content shapes adolescent's views towards immigrants and support for the EU

AbstractAdolescents support Eurosceptic and far‐right movements more and more. Since adolescents' years are a formative period for political orientations, it is important to promote a shared sense of belonging together among Europeans to counteract these tendencies. This could be achieved by fostering a European identity, however, only if its content is civically defined. We examined adolescents' understandings of being European, and how they relate to intolerance, EU support, and other predictors. Our sample included 1206 German adolescents (51% female, Age: M = 14.4, SD = .6, 27% ethnic minority adolescents). European identity was assessed via open answers and five closed questions. We conducted latent class analysis to identify identity classes. Three classes emerged: a living‐based (47%), a culture & value‐based (27%), and an ancestry‐based class (26%). Classes did not differ regarding EU support, but regarding intolerance (highest: ancestry‐based, lowest: culture & value‐based). Our results indicate that German adolescents differed in their understanding of being European and that it is important to consider how youth define Europeanness to understand European identity's effect on their views. Furthermore, our study argues for assessing identity openly to capture nuances of identity content adequately.

Stronger together? EU Support for Ukrainian Local Authorities Facing Cyber Attacks (2022-2023)

Stronger together? EU Support for Ukrainian Local Authorities Facing Cyber Attacks (2022-2023)

Instrumenty unijnego wsparcia sektora kultury i sektora kreatywnego w okresie kryzysu migracyjnego (2015-2018) i pandemicznego (2020-2021)

INSTRUMENTS FOR EU SUPPORT TO THE CULTURAL AND CREATIVE SECTOR DURING THE MIGRATION (2015-2018) AND PANDEMIC (2020-2021) CRISES The migration and pandemic crises affected cultural and creative industries (CCIs) across Europe. The EU institutions reacted relatively quickly to the changes in the political landscape as a result of the waves of migration and to the need to assist cultural institutions and artists in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Union has proposed methods of support for artists and the arts that are supplementary to Member States. It is these EU cultural methods and instruments that are the subject of qualitative analysis, based on two research questions: 1). To what extent has the modification of instruments of support for the cultural and creative sectors (CCIs) had an impact on strengthening the European concept of intercultural dialogue? 2). Did the EU support instruments applied to the CCIs during the Covid-19 pandemic result in building the resilience of these areas? A qualitative analysis will be made of the European Union’s documents, reports and commissioned studies. The main research hypothesis of the analyses is: European crises contributed to the reconstruction of some of the substantive assumptions of programs dedicated to culture and creative industries, resulting in the widening of the field of influence of culture on other EU policies, reinforcing the principle of intersectorality.

UKRAINIAN MEDIA ON HUNGARY'S PRESIDENCY OF THE EU COUNCIL

This article examines the reaction and coverage by Ukrainian media of Hungary's presidency of the Council of the European Union. The aim of the article is to analyze and systematize the approaches of Ukrainian media to covering Hungary's presidency of the EU Council, assess their impact on shaping public opinion in Ukraine on this issue, and explore how the media interpret the potential consequences of the Hungarian presidency for Ukraine's European integration aspirations and its support from the EU in the context of Russian aggression. The relevance of the topic is due to the complex Ukrainian-Hungarian relations and Hungary's ambiguous position on the Russian-Ukrainian war, which causes concern in Ukrainian society and media space. The paper analyzes key aspects of this topic's coverage by leading Ukrainian media, including news portals, analytical publications, and television channels. Special attention is paid to how the media interpret the potential impact of the Hungarian presidency on EU support for Ukraine and Ukraine's European integration process. The study reveals that Ukrainian media demonstrate a balanced but vigilant approach to covering this topic. They carefully analyze statements and actions of the Hungarian government, especially regarding issues related to Ukraine. The media also focus on possible contradictions between the official EU position and Hungary's position on supporting Ukraine. The article also examines how Ukrainian media involve expert assessments for deeper analysis of the situation and its potential consequences. It highlights the media's role in shaping public opinion on this issue and their contribution to understanding complex geopolitical processes. Special attention is paid to how Ukrainian media cover this issue in the context of ongoing Russian aggression, which adds particular urgency to the discussion. It analyzes how media balance between the need for objective coverage and a patriotic position in wartime conditions. In conclusion, the article emphasizes the important role of Ukrainian media in shaping public discourse on international politics and Ukraine's European integration processes. It stresses the need for further development of a critical and analytical approach in media to ensure full and objective information to society about complex international relations and their impact on Ukraine.

Europeanisation in the aftermath of COVID-19: the organisational adaptation of the central governance of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan in Italy

AbstractWhile much of the recent literature on the impact of COVID-19 has focussed on governance at the EU level and specific policy areas, the changing political institutional arrangements within the EU Member States themselves have received significantly less attention. This article aims to contribute filling this gap by asking: how, and to what extent, has the core executive in Italy changed to manage and implement the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP)? Italy has been heavily hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and has subsequently been allocated the largest proportion of the Next Generation EU (NGEU) funds: it is therefore a ‘most likely’ case of organisational adaptation. We argue that the implementation of the NRRP triggers centralisation of power in the core executive. Such concentration of power, however, takes different forms depending on the composition of the executive. We also find that ‘coordinative’ Europeanisation occurs through the continuous interaction and exchange between the executive actors (political and administrative) based in Rome and the European Commission in Brussels. Such interaction showcases the attempt to manage both further integration and politicisation of the EU. The collaboration between the European Commission and the national executive is based both on the recognition of the value of the political ownership of the NRRP and the importance of the EU support for post-pandemic recovery.

The European Union's support of the implementation of the peace process in Colombia

AbstractThe Peace Agreement in Colombia signed on September 27, 2016 ended one of the deadliest armed conflicts in Latin America, which lasted for half a century. The agreement is an effective peacemaking and peacebuilding model because it tackles the conflict's root causes and the process is led by Colombians. The actors of the conflict perceived the international community and the European Union's support as extremely positive because it remained consistent, combined political and financial support, and supported Colombian‐led policies. The EU's support for the peace process is also an excellent example of a match between the Colombia's demands for support and the tailor‐made support offered by the EU. Moving forward, key challenges are for Colombian authorities to continue accelerating the agreement's implementation—instead of reinventing the wheel after each presidential election—and for the international community to continue providing consistent political and financial support while prioritizing empowerment of local actors.

On the implementation of the green deal policy in Ukraine

Purpose: to conduct a comprehensive study of the process of Ukraine's European integration into the European Union by amending national legislation in order to adopt and adapt the Green Deal policy and its provisions to Ukrainian realities, especially for the agricultural sector. Research methods: general (analysis, synthesis, comparison, induction, deduction) and special research methods (system-functional, formal-logical, formal-legal) were used in combination. Results: The article analyzes and studies the legal acts regulating the process of Ukraine's European integration and the fulfillment of its commitments in the field of ecology and EU support for achieving climate neutrality. Successful implementation of the Green Deal policy in Ukrainian legislation requires a comprehensive approach that considers legal aspects. Therefore, these aspects should be addressed in cooperation with international partners who are experienced in successful implementation of such reforms. Discussion: In the context of the current challenges of the climate crisis and the need for transition to a sustainable economy, the Green Deal policy is becoming a key tool for ensuring environmental sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As it supports the basic principles of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which were introduced to create a greener living environment. However, the implementation of this policy in laws of Ukraine faces numerous practical problems and requires improvement of legal base (laws) in many areas. Therefore, this includes the adoption of new laws and regulations, the creation of financial support mechanisms, regulation of emissions, and the promotion of innovation. Only with an appropriate legislative framework Ukraine will be able to effectively implement the principles of sustainable development and join the pan-European efforts to deal with Climate Change.

EU experience in the digital transformation of administrative services

The EU’s experience in the digital transformation of administrative services is important because it demonstrates effective approaches to increasing transparency and efficiency of public administration. Studying European practices helps improve digital services in other countries seeking to modernise their administrative systems, including Ukraine. The purpose of the study is to analyse and summarise the EU experience in implementing digital technologies in the field of administration, highlighting successful practices, challenges and opportunities for further development. The case study method, which examines particular instances of successful implementation of digital projects in the field of administrative services in various EU countries, highlighting success factors and challenges, and general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis are used in the research methodology. Such a comprehensive study can be an important contribution to understanding the processes of digital transformation in the administrative sector. Based on the results, the following recommendations are made for the use of the EU experience in Ukraine. Expanding administrative service delivery in Ukraine with the support of the European Union may include a number of initiatives and measures aimed at modernising and effectively using digital technologies. The main areas of EU support for the modernisation and effective use of digital technologies in Ukraine include the following: development of e-governance; development of a network of administrative service centers; further development of electronic identification; improvement of digital literacy; cooperation with European partners. In 2024, administrative services are viewed from the perspective of establishing communication between the government and society, where a number of factors are key to success, including the number of requests, the format of requests, response time, relevance, etc. These initiatives are aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of administrative services in Ukraine with the support of the EU and can contribute to improving the efficiency of public administration and meeting the needs of citizens and businesses. The practical value of this study is the possibility of improving public administration in Ukraine through the introduction of effective digital technologies and improving the quality of administrative services based on the EU experience. This will also help to increase the digital literacy of the population, strengthen cooperation with the EU, and create more convenient services for citizens and businesses, which will improve the economic climate in the country

A decision support system for effective implementation of agro-environmental measures targeted at small woody landscape features: The case study of Slovenia

Years of agricultural intensification across Europe’s plains, valleys and hills had left behind a more or less generalized land use pattern dominated by profitable land cover types. Small landscape features with no direct (financial) benefit to the farmer, have been, in many cases, removed and converted to arable land. This study investigates the possibilities to integrate small woody landscape features (SWLF) into the new (2023–2027) CAP measures, which are in conjunction with the EU Green Deal ambitions and support biodiversity preservation in agroecosystems. A spatial SWLF preservation/restoration algorithm, based on the most recent European (SWF2018) and improved national level (SWLF2015) status databases, was developed and then applied to identify priority SWLF management regions and areas in Slovenia. In addition, a self-standing (LPIS independent) information, monitoring and decision support system has been designed for a target priority area (Goričko) in different spatial scales (from regional, 1 km, 300 m, AH to parcel level) to bypass existing gaps in SWLF-targeted CAP measure implementation strategies in Slovenia. Such results are urgently needed across all European countries to easier, faster and better realize CAP national strategic plans.

Is there a geography of Euroscepticism among the winners and losers of globalization?

ABSTRACT Support for EU membership has long been an important topic of study. Individual-level research shows that winners of globalisation, including the higher educated, express greater EU support as they profit from economic and cultural conditions resulting from European integration. Recent context-focused work suggests that individuals in ‘left-behind’ places are less supportive of EU integration because of their home regions’ weaker long-term economic conditions. This paper brings these two research strands into conversation with each other by examining how the relationship between EU support and individual-level education is contingent on subnational economic conditions. Using harmonised Eurobarometer data from almost 750,000 respondents spanning 2004–2019, combined with subnational economic data from 201 European regions, we find no evidence that subnational economic conditions influence the relationship between EU support and respondents’ education level. At the same time, when cross-sectionally comparing long-term differences between regions, we find that EU support is positively related to regional GDP per capita (though unrelated to regional unemployment), among both the higher and lower educated, and especially in the post-Great Recession period. Longitudinally, EU support is positively related to declining regional unemployment, both among the higher and lower educated, but not to increasing regional GDP per capita.

Substantiating EU citizenship: an unintended route to anti-establishment support

ABSTRACT This study explores the relationship between European Union citizenship and support for anti-establishment parties across the EU’s older and newer, post-communist democracies. By conceptually linking EU support to substantive EU citizenship, this study identifies the contingent nature of EU citizenship’s effect on support for anti-establishment parties. We conduct a multilevel regression analysis across 22 EU member-states, using data generated by a Eurobarometer survey conducted in 2018. This survey counts on support for EU coordinated foreign policy, in addition to conventional EU support measures, enabling an analysis at different levels of EU politics. Findings show that citizens’ support at these different levels depresses their support for anti-establishment parties across old democracies, yet increases it across new democracies. Hence, the effect of EU citizenship emerges as being contingent on whether citizens are in an old or a new, post-communist democracy of the EU, and on where the borders of the EU are drawn. This contingency has potential to be an instrument of deepening the emerging transnational cleavage between liberal, cosmopolitan and traditional, authoritarian values for old democracies and of manipulation by inward looking parochial, populist politics for new democracies. This will affect the nature of European politics and the future of integration.

The end of endless reign in Montenegro: identifying factors in DPS’s loss of power after thirty years of rule

ABSTRACT After thirty years of uninterrupted rule, the Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro (DPS) lost the elections in 2020. This paper explores four competing, yet not mutually exclusive, hypotheses that examine the factors contributing to the fall of the DPS. These factors include the conflict between the DPS and the Serbian Orthodox Church, a perception of the country moving in the right direction, the deceleration of the EU integration process, and the declining authority of DPS party leader Milo Djukanović. Bivariate statistics, trend analysis, and regression analysis have been used as methods to test specific hypotheses. Through statistical analysis, it becomes evident that these factors are interconnected and hold significance. However, it can be argued that the negative trends in the country’s direction and the decline in the authority of the party leader were more significant factors compared to the EU support or the conflict with the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Gulf of Guinea: EU Support

Gulf of Guinea: EU Support

THE EVOLUTION OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS IN THE COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY IN LIGHT OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN FOR 2023-2027

The article presents the origins and key transformations of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the most significant factors that have influenced its current shape. It is shown that since its inception, the CAP has undergone significant changes involving both its goals and operational tools. It was found that over the years and under changing circumstances, the CAP has transformed from a policy aimed at increasing agricultural production and productivity into a tool that determines the development of rural areas and stimulates pro-environmental measures. The validity of this perspective is also supported by an analysis of the financial aspects of its functioning. In the context of the findings, the second part of the study characterizes the current shape of the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy for 2023-2027 (CAP SP), which defines the main financial instruments for achieving the objectives of the CAP. It was found that compared to the previous programming period, significantly less funds were allocated to payments according to agricultural area (a decrease in the share from 43% to 35%), redirecting them to various types of payments related to pro-environmental measures. These changes are in line with the direction of the CAP’s evolution. However, the way in which additional payments are linked to the implementation of pro-environmental measures is debatable, creating numerous implementation problems for farmers. The result is a low share of eco-schemes in the payment applications submitted by farmers in 2023, which will reduce the amount of EU support they will absorb.

Barreiers and opportunities of the Republic of Moldova as a future member of the European Union

Introduction. The article explores the challenges and prospects faced by the Republic of Moldova in its ambitions to become a member of the European Union. Moldova’s geopolitical location, situated between EU member states and Ukraine, makes it a significant participant in the Eastern Partnership program. The main barriers hindering Moldova’s path to EU membership, such as political instability, corruption, and economic disparities, have been analyzed. The impact of the Transnistria conflict on the country’s European integration ambitions has also been studied. Potential opportunities and advantages Moldova possesses, such as commitments to democratic reforms and association agreements with the EU, have been examined. The continuous support from the EU towards Moldova’s European integration through financial assistance and cooperation in political matters has been highlighted. A roadmap for realizing Moldova’s European ambitions has been proposed, and the consequences of its potential future membership in the European Union have been revealed.
 Purpose. The aim of the article is to analyze the economic, political, and geopolitical issues influencing the Eurointegration processes in the Republic of Moldova, particularly its status as a candidate for European Union membership.
 Methods. To achieve the stated goal of the article, several specialized research methods were employed, including analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, abstraction and concretization, systematization, and elements of comparative analysis. The methodological foundation for the research included national normative legal acts of the EU member states and the Republic of Moldova, as well as joint documents regulating integration processes. Additionally, scholarly works of domestic and foreign researchers, statistical reports, and other sources of information were utilized. This comprehensive approach facilitated a profound analysis and substantiation of conclusions regarding Moldova’s Eurointegration prospects and the necessity for implementing reforms to ensure successful membership in the European Union.
 Conclusions. The Republic of Moldova faces significant barriers, such as political instability, impeding the adoption of long-term reforms; widespread corruption affecting the business climate and investment potential; and economic disparities hindering regional development. Several promising opportunities for Moldova were identified during the research. These include commitments to democratic reforms and cooperation with the European Union. The conclusion was drawn that successful EU membership would grant Moldova substantial benefits, such as enhanced economic development, foreign investment attraction, access to the European market, and the promotion of contemporary standards across various sectors. The importance of implementing necessary reforms and changes to achieve Moldova’s Eurointegration goals and EU support in this process were emphasized.
 Discussion. The research findings indicate that the Republic of Moldova encounters internal and external barriers complicating its path to becoming a future member of the European Union. Political instability, corruption, and economic disparities remain significant obstacles to European integration. However, Moldova possesses the potential and opportunities for reforms and cooperation with the EU, increasing its chances of obtaining membership. EU support and commitment to democracy and European standards open doors to realizing potential advantages of EU membership. To succeed in Eurointegration processes, Moldova must continue implementing reforms and maintaining cooperation with the EU.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIAL EFFECTS OF SME INVESTMENTS UNDER OPERATIONAL PROGRAMS IN 2014–2020 IN POLAND

Aim: The importance of SMEs for the Polish economy, their financial condition, and the rules of allocating EU funds to beneficiaries raise the question of the effects of SMEs’ participation in the EU regional policy support. As the matter has not been investigated from the financial perspective of 2014–2020 so far, the study aims to fill this gap. Method: The database included 5679 investments carried out by SMEs located in Mazovian Voivodeship, Poland. The qualitative data included inter alia, information on the main beneficiary type, the exact location and title of the project, the name of the operational program, and its priority and action. Quantitative data included the total value of the investment as well as the value of qualified costs and EU funding. Standard qualitative data analysis (QDA) was applied to analyze the textual information of the entries, while descriptive statistics and comparative analysis were used to make conclusions based on the quantitative data. Results: SMEs in Mazovian Voivodeship (Poland) were very active beneficiaries of operational programs in 2014–2020, which is confirmed by the main financial and quantitative effects of their investment activity. As of March 31, 2023, the total value generated in projects by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises equaled 10.5 billion PLN. The SMEs’ investments covered a wide range of topics, supporting both the development of enterprises themselves and, at the same time, the social, eco­nomic, and environmental development at the local and regional levels. However, some of the actions under operational programs supported this sector during COVID-19 to enable its survival and further functioning. Conclusions: All three subcategories of SMEs, i.e., micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in Mazovian Voivodeship, benefitted from the EU support, carrying out projects of different values, scopes and thematic profiles, irrespective of their legal form.

Sustainable performance management in the EU SME sector. A review and analysis of concepts and methods of strategic management accounting

Purpose: The paper’s main objective is to structure the knowledge of the existing regulatory frameworks, projects and actions that support sustainable performance management (SPM) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) against the backdrop of the growing significance of the circular economy. The paper will also evidence how strategic management accounting (SMA) assists this process, what individual metrics, dashboards or scorecard concepts have been proposed and how their use may be assessed. Methodology/approach: The research methods include (1) a descriptive systematic analysis of the policies established by the policymakers and regulators in the EU, (2) a comparative analysis of various organisations’ initiatives, actions, delivered toolkits and their outputs, and (3) a literature review of the essential works and research studies on sustainable business models (SBMs), circular business models (CBMs) and SPM in the context of SMEs. Findings: The policies established in the EU support SPM by encouraging SMEs to be involved in sustainable business practices and indicating how to embark on a green transition. Recently, multiple initiatives have been aimed at indicating the opportunities the closed-loop economy system offers SMEs. Many toolkits have also been developed to help SMEs measure their sustainable performance. Although this measurement is vital for SMEs, the business practice falls behind the regulatory framework. Therefore, internal initiatives from the SME sector are needed to popularise the sustainability concept. Research limitations/implications: SMEs show lower levels of compliance with environmental requirements and are unaware of how their activities affect the environment. A limitation of the research is that, in many cases, SMEs are not ready to respond properly to the ESG requirements imposed by regulators. The reason may be a lack of knowledge, experience and limited funds. Therefore, future research should focus on recognizing the gaps in this area and identifying what may be impeding the development of sustainability performance management in SMEs. Originality/value: The work presents the evolution path from the traditional business models (TBMs) through the SBMs to innovative CBMs and addresses their distinctive features. It contributes to the existing knowledge about SMA in SMEs by analysing its links with SPM.

The Wind That Shakes the Turbines: Analysis of Irish Energy Production and Sovereignty

Ireland’s answer to transitioning, greening and securing energy production is essentially to develop offshore wind, thereby leveraging its large maritime territory. Ireland supplies and runs an all-island grid, and has export potential to other EU countries by means of interconnectors. This article argues that energy transition is an opportunity for Ireland to rank as a key energy supplier and technological leader for offshore wind. Reaching these positions requires a range of political and industrial measures to achieve strategic management of Irish waters. The Irish government, together with the national electricity company, the Electricity Supply Board, is now rolling out a roadmap of programmes and investments to dramatically increase offshore wind share in the national energy mix by 2030. A very clear governmental transition strategy, the recent launch of several infrastructure construction works and significant financial firepower, combined with strong EU support, give confidence that Ireland can deliver on its objectives.

헝가리 비(非)자유민주주의적 정책과 유럽연합의 대응

Hungary’s Prime Minister Orbán Viktor and Fidesz came to power by exaggerating the opinions of some disaffected segments of the Hungarian population, particularly by capitalizing on anti-EU sentiment in the election. The Orbán government's policies have been labeled illiberal democracy. Hungary's undemocratic policies are characterized by restrictions on freedom of speech, assembly, and association, negative policies toward LGBT people, and unfriendly policies toward refugees. However, the Hungarian public recognizes the Orbán government's use of undemocratic policies, but supports it because it is accompanied by economic development. The European Union has criticized Hungary's undemocratic political behavior and has used the threat of suspending subsidies to force Orbán to change his policies. Hungary's economic development is largely due to EU support. Without the EU's economic and political support, it would be difficult to see Hungary's economic development in the future, so it is likely that Hungary will be more receptive to the EU's demands. In reality, the Hungarian government has no other alternative than to go against the EU. Of course, this assumes that Hungary's economic growth continues. If the economic situation deteriorates, there is plenty of room for Hungarian public opinion and the Orbán government's attitude to turn sharply anti-European.

The European Union and Transcaucasus (South) Countries: On a Cross-road

This study is an attempt to analyze EU policies towards the SouthernCaucasus that deals basically with the changes in EU policies from1999 to date. The EU policy towards the region can be analyzed in twophases. First, the study will discuss the EU support during the 1990-1999 phase in relation to the economic and technical aid offered to theregion. Second, the study attempts to analyze the EU's active policiessince 1999 in terms of changes in EU policies as well as the causes ofthis change and the importance of the region for the EU. The studywill conclude by asserting that political and economic stability cannotbe reached without solving the problems in the region. In this context,the importance of the EU in the establishment of peace and stabilityin this framework are also discussed.