EU Integration Research Articles

STATE SUPPORT FOR THE ECONOMIC COOPERATION DEVELOPMENT BETWEEN UKRAINE, THE EASTERN PARTNERSHIP COUNTRIES AND THE EU

This comprehensive analysis discusses the reform of Ukraine's state administration, emphasizing the need to integrate global public management theories and practices, and the experiences of Eastern Partnership countries. It highlights the shift from state-centric to human-centric governance, focusing on efficiency, effectiveness, and citizen-oriented services. The document examines the challenges in implementing EU integration mechanisms like Twinning, TAIEX, and SIGMA in Ukraine. It underscores the importance of a unified coordination center for effective implementation and the need to align Ukrainian policies and practices with EU standards, highlighting the necessity for Ukraine to develop its own national concepts of management and public administration, integrating both national and international experiences. Keywords: economic cooperation, EU, Eastern Partnership, development, state support.

THE ROLE OF UKRAINE’S CIVILIZATIONAL IDENTITY IN THE INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF ITS EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

The article examines the issue of institutionalization in Ukrainian society with special emphasis on the process of European integration and the role played by civilizational choice and civilizational identity in this matter. The research overviews the peculiarities of the institutionalization process of Ukraine as a post-Soviet country, the challenges it faces in the development of European integration and the general perception of Ukraine as a predictable international player. The author briefly reviews the process of institutionalization of European integration in Ukraine and shows that the European civilizational choice and the factor of Russian aggression play a decisive role in revitalizing this process, based on direct public demand for such institutionalization, which is now less dependent from the changes in political leadership. As an example of institutional changes caused by the civilizational choice of the Ukrainian people, there are changes in the practice of diplomacy, in particular regarding the use of civilizational rhetoric, as well as changes in the very functioning of the state system, which now combines the efforts of domestic and foreign policy departments for the development of Ukraine’s European integration. Ukrainian diplomats turned out to be the environment that was most sensitive to the public demand for a change in the civilizational direction of Ukraine’s development. The article also provides ideas for further development of this topic.

The legal regulation of artificial intelligence security in Ukrainian banking

The need to expand the range of banking services in Ukraine is stipulated with technological progress, the European integration processes and the legal regime of martial law introduced in the country. Under the conditions of war, the need to strengthen the security of banking activities and protect the banking system from the influence of any internal and external factors gains meaning. The topical direction of economic and legal research of scientists today is the possibility to introduce digital technologies with elements of artificial intelligence (AI) into the banking activity in Ukraine to improve its protection. The AI law as an independent branch of the Ukrainian law has not been developed so far. The sources of AI law, its functions, tasks, scope, risks and limits of legal responsibility for prohibited practices of artificial intelligence have not been defined. The purpose of the article is to analyze the theoretical and legal provisions that underpin the regulation of AI application in Ukrainian banking. The comparative legal method made it possible, considering the provisions of the draft law on AI of the European Union, to determine the trends in the development of the legal regulation of AI in Ukraine. Following the study, proposals to the legislation of Ukraine were formulated, which will contribute to the legal regulation of banking activities using digital technologies with elements of AI.

Health policy in the European Union

The purpose of this article is to present the problem of medical law in European terms. This article discusses the topic of European Union health policy. The history of EU integration in terms of the law governing medical standards will be traced. Specific provisions of the treaties and the most important directives will be discussed as well as landmark cases decided by the CJEU. Another element of the article is a summary of the community’s activities in terms of EU funding for health programmes through the European Health Plans. The change in funding and the emphasis on different is gradually transforming the way EU health policy is viewed. The article explains how the EU’s solutions work and the phenomena occurring within it, and this translates into understanding and being able to create future solutions that are better for Europeans.

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS OF STATE GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS IN THE ECONOMIC COOPERATION SPHERE OF THE EASTERN PARTNERSHIP COUNTRIES

This scientific research explores the key aspects and challenges associated with Ukraine's European integration process, as well as the country's role and place in global globalization processes. The main focus is on analyzing the impact of these processes on the Ukrainian state governance system, its adaptation to the standards and practices of developed countries, particularly in the context of rapprochement with the European Union. The study examines the legal and regulatory aspects of European integration, identifying the obstacles and opportunities arising in the integration process, including the lack of clear long-term planning, coordination problems among government bodies, and insufficient staffing and financial provision. The research also includes an overview of the current state of relations between Ukraine and the European Union, revealing stagnation trends and regression in these relations, as well as analyzing issues related to the limitation of democracy and human rights violations in Ukraine. The study concludes with recommendations for improving the mechanisms for implementing Ukraine's European integration policy. A comprehensive approach is proposed, which includes adherence to the state strategy, resolution of conflicts in the European integration process, ensuring citizen participation and establishing public control, and ensuring transparency and accountability of government bodies. This approach involves the active engagement of all stakeholders in the integration process, aligning internal reforms with European standards, and ensuring Ukraine's sustainable development on the path to European integration. Keywords: globalization, integration, Eurointegration, integration policy, public control, state governance.

Views on Understanding the Adaptation of Public Administration to the Conditions of Martial Law

Purpose: The aggression by Russia has led to the introduction of martial law in Ukraine, the conditions of which affect all spheres of life in Ukrainian society. Public administration bodies are forced to adapt to the new working conditions, and, unfortunately, these conditions mostly complicate and sometimes even slow down the European integration processes in Ukraine.
 
 Method: The article uses general and special scientific methods.
 
 Results: The legal regime of martial law significantly restructures the system of public administration in Ukraine. However, it is possible to understand the mechanism, internal nature and further development of such restructuring only through the prism of analyzing the essence of the process of adaptation to martial law.
 
 Conclusions: The authors distinguish two components of adaptation to martial law: first, in the field of economic and business activities; second, in the field of law enforcement activities. Based on the comprehended problematic aspects and components of adaptation of public administration to martial law, the following areas of its improvement are identified: interaction of security and defense forces; ensuring rational implementation of all types of management activities in the course of the digitalization of social relations; observance of the rights of persons with disabilities under martial law.

Ensuring National Security in the Process of Implementing Forms of Direct Democracy at the Local Level

The relevance of the work is determined by the existing threats to national security, which have been exacerbated by the full-scale military invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, as well as by the processes of European integration of Ukraine.
 The authors set out to study the issues of ensuring Ukraine's national security in the process of implementing various forms of direct democracy at the local level. To achieve this goal, the article uses the analysis of written sources, logical analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction and description.
 The article examines the place of foreigners in public life at the local level in terms of the right to participate in local elections, local referendums, general meetings, as well as local initiatives and public hearings. The authors analyze the risks to national security in case of granting foreigners voting rights at the local level, as well as the right to participate in the referendum.
 The article analyzes the legal regulation of foreigners' participation in direct forms of democracy not only under Ukrainian law, but also under the laws of the United States of America, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Estonia, Slovakia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and the European Union acquis.
 The authors formulate various options (methods) for ensuring national security in the process of realizing the right of foreigners to participate in various forms of direct democracy. Further research is promising and necessary for choosing the best option for legal regulation.

Legal regulation of the international transport sphere in the conditions of European integration

The article conducts a scientific and practical study of the organizational and legal issues of the integration of the transport system of Ukraine into both European and world transport systems with the aim of forming and further developing a single trans-European transport network.
 The international documents of the European Union and the national legislation of Ukraine in the international transport sphere were analyzed in order to identify problematic issues, search for effective organizational and legal mechanisms for their solution and priority forms of cooperation in this sphere.
 It was revealed that the main concepts, ways to achieve the goal and even specific actions regarding the creation of a modern transport network are outlined in the strategy of the European Commission "Transport - 2050: road map for the formation of the Single European transport space - on the way to a competitive and resource-efficient transport system” - " White book - 2011”.
 One of the main goals of cooperation in accordance with the Association Agreement between Ukraine, on the one hand, and the European Union, the European Atomic Energy Community and their member states, on the other hand, was specified, and its content was formed.
 It was emphasized that the situation with European integration in the international transport sphere remains difficult and this is a negative phenomenon and a joint responsibility of the Government and the Parliament regarding the obligations of Ukraine's implementation of mandatory and directly related regulations and directives of the European Union.
 The necessary steps for the implementation of the organizational and legal mechanism of European integration processes regarding the liberalization of international transportation and the development of the international transport sphere with the European Union and its member states are proposed, which can be the conclusion of bilateral agreements between Ukraine and the European Union on the simplification of the permit system between Ukraine and the member states of the European Union. of the Union for transit transportation by transport, making appropriate changes to already existing bilateral agreements regarding the conditions of transit transportation of goods between Ukraine and the member states of the European Union, in general, resolving issues regarding the obligations of implementing the Association Agreement between Ukraine, on the one hand, and the European Union , the European Atomic Energy Community and their member states, on the other hand, in the field of infrastructure, acceleration of the stages of reform in Ukraine within the framework of the implementation of the Association Agreement, in particular, the approval by the parliament of European integration bills in the field of transport infrastructure.

Innovative development of Ukraine in the context of European integration processes....

The article emphasises the importance of European integration for Ukraine, which is positioned as a key step towards approximation to European standards, gaining access to new markets and stimulating economic development. The relevance of the topic is substantiated by the transformational potential of innovations in combination with European integration for the future of Ukraine. The purpose of this study is to analyse the current state of cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union in the innovation sphere and, on this basis, to propose strategies for creating favourable organisational and institutional conditions that would accelerate Ukraine’s integration into the European innovation space. The study uses general scientific methods, including systematic analysis, structural analysis, historical and logical method, scientific abstraction, analysis and synthesis, and systematic generalisation. The article analyses the innovation sector in Ukraine and identifies the challenges that hinder its development: insufficient funding and investment in innovation, lack of effective mechanisms to support start-ups, and an education system that does not give due priority to innovation. The positive impact of European integration on innovation development in Ukraine is highlighted. The authors propose directions for the development of the innovation sector in Ukraine, which focus on strengthening cooperation between business, science and government, developing infrastructure to support innovation and creating incentives for investment in innovation projects. The results of this study are of practical importance for the formation and implementation of a set of organisational and institutional measures that will accelerate the pace of Ukraine’s integration into the European Innovation Area

Quality of draft laws in the field of economy: european integration vector

The article examines the issue of the quality of draft laws in the field of business, taking into account the European integration vector. It is noted that as a result of the European integration process in Ukraine, the share of national legislation, which is based on norms adopted at the level of the European Union, is gradually and constantly increasing. It was concluded that the European integration vector has significantly influenced and will continue to influence the national legislation of Ukraine, therefore the developed projects as well as the already adopted laws require a proper assessment of their effectiveness. The association agreement acts as a kind of idea (proposal) of the need to develop an act, which is analyzed by the parties in the field of business. A significant number of adopted European integration norms does not always indicate the quality of adaptation, therefore the systematic analysis of the implementation measures of the EU acquis is an important work for evaluating the effectiveness of policies (legal regulation) and legislation. The effectiveness of legislation indicates the ability of the terminology and structure of the act to implement public policy and contribute to its effectiveness. Adherence to the rule of law principle, which is achieved through the criteria of clarity, precision, unambiguity, stability (predictability) and simplicity of language, helps to create an appropriate design of the act, which is extremely important for determining its place in the legislative system. Professional terminology, the structure of certain market processes, and the peculiarities of control by public authorities indicate the complexity of building the architecture of a project in the field of economic activity and the likely presence of exceptions and reservations. The quality of the project and the law depend on a qualitative examination, which would not be carried out hastily, but with the involvement of experts from different fields and at different levels in accordance with the structure of the legislative process for the purpose of objective assessment.

Prognosis and Prediction of Asymptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage After Endovascular Thrombectomy: A Multi-Center Study.

The impact of asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (aICH) on functional outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) remains unclear, and tools for forecasting this complication are lacking. We aim to evaluate the clinical relevance of aICH and establish a prediction model. Data of patients who received EVT for acute anterior-circulation large vessel occlusion in 3 comprehensive hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. Asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was defined as any hemorrhage detected after EVT that did not fulfill the definition of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study. Logistic regression models were performed to assess the impact of aICH on 90-day functional outcomes and identify the predictors of aICH, which were then used to establish a prediction model. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility of the model were evaluated. This study included 460 patients, among whom 152 (33.0%) developed aICH after EVT. Asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was negatively associated with 90-day excellent outcomes (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.414, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.230-0.745, p=0.003) and good outcome (adjusted OR: 0.603, 95% CI: 0.374-0.971, p=0.037), but not with mortality (adjusted OR: 1.110, 95% CI: 0.611-2.017, p=0.732) after adjusted for other predictors of functional outcome. Pre-stroke anticoagulant therapy (OR: 2.233, 95% CI: 1.073-4.647, p=0.032), Alberta stroke program early CT score (OR: 0.842, 95% CI: 0.754-0.939, p=0.002), site of occlusion (internal carotid artery occlusion as the reference; M1 segment of middle cerebral artery occlusion, OR: 2.827, 95% CI: 1.409-5.674, p=0.003; tandem occlusion, OR: 3.928, 95% CI: 1.752-8.806, p=0.001), intravenous thrombolysis (OR: 2.091, 95% CI: 1.362-3.209, p=0.001), and successful recanalization (OR: 0.383, 95% CI: 0.213-0.689, p=0.001) were identified as the predictors of aICH, which were incorporated into a nomogram model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model was 0.707 (95% CI: 0.657-0.757), and the calibration plot demonstrated good consistency between actual observed and predicted probability of aICH. Decision curve analysis showed that patients might benefit from the model. Asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was negatively associated with favorable functional outcome after EVT. We established a nomogram model for predicting aICH, which requires external clinical validation. The impact of asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after endovascular thrombectomy on mid-term functional outcome has been controversial. We found that asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage may also decreased the likelihood of 90-day favourable functional outcome after endovascular thrombectomy, supporting the notion that asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage at the acute stage may not be benign. Moreover, we established a prediction model for this complication, which may improve clinical evaluation and management of patients who would receive endovascular thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion.

INTEGRATION OF UKRAINIAN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE INTO THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT

In light of the war in Ukraine and the global economic crises, science is becoming increasingly important. The role of agricultural science in solving global food security issues is felt to be especially necessary. The article defines the important role of Ukrainian agricultural science in the economy of Ukraine and the post-conflict restoration of agricultural lands. The purpose of the research is highlighting the importance of the role of Ukrainian agricultural science in the global environment. In the process of writing a scientific article, сreation of objects of intellectual property law at the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, and also the results of the commercialization of scientific and knowledge-intensive products of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine were determined. The main international institutions of which the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine is a member are outlined. Defined the main strategic directions of scientific support for the socio-economic development of the agricultural sector of Ukraine. Characterised Bank of plant genetic resources and Bank of animal genetic resources which was made by NAAS. Defined priority tasks for innovation of development of NAAS. Established that the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine is an important component of Ukrainian and international science, which is aware of modern realities and implements measures for the development of the scientific sphere. In particular the academy overcomes negative trends and challenges, taking into account the war in Ukraine. Responsibility for scientific and production indicators of activity is increased, an action plan is formed to identify problematic issues and eliminate the causes of their occurrence. The academy takes an active part in post-conflict reconstruction of agricultural territories of Ukraine. The resources of the scientific, technical and material base are mobilised, the dependence on commercial structures is reduced, conditions are created for the strengthening of scientific and industrial complexes, coordination of their work and development at the local level. The academy develops at the expense of innovative infrastructure, taking into account European integration processes and access to international investment resources.

Revisiting the asymmetry thesis: negative and positive integration in the EU

ABSTRACT The ‘asymmetry thesis’, articulated by Fritz Scharpf, holds that EU governance is characterised by an asymmetry between positive and negative integration. The EU has well-developed capacities for negative integration but only limited capacities for positive integration. The present paper challenges the orthodoxy that this thesis has become in EU law and political science scholarship. It argues that the asymmetry thesis no longer accurately depicts European integration, revisiting its key legal and institutional assumptions. Taking the internal market as the most likely case to test the thesis, we show that negative integration has become weaker, positive integration has gained in strength, and both developments have had an impact on the substance of EU law and policymaking, which is promoting non-economic concerns and market-correcting policies to a greater extent than it used to. These shifts, so we contend, could be even more pronounced in other areas of European integration.

ІННОВАЦІЇ В ФІНАНСОВІЙ НАУЦІ ТА ЄВРОІНТЕГРАЦІЙНІ ПРОЦЕСИ УКРАЇНИ

The problems of innovation in financial science and European integration processes have a significant impact on the formation of the modern financial system of Ukraine. The authors have addressed these issues in a collective monographic work that reflects the evolution of the financial system of Ukraine: from the theoretical basis, through the realities of functioning to the prospects for its development in the context of European integration aspirations.

A weakly supervised deep learning model integrating noncontrasted computed tomography images and clinical factors facilitates haemorrhagic transformation prediction after intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke patients

BackgroundHaemorrhage transformation (HT) is a serious complication of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). Accurate and timely prediction of the risk of HT before IVT may change the treatment decision and improve clinical prognosis. We aimed to develop a deep learning method for predicting HT after IVT for AIS using noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) images.MethodsWe retrospectively collected data from 828 AIS patients undergoing recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) treatment within a 4.5-h time window (n = 665) or of undergoing urokinase treatment within a 6-h time window (n = 163) and divided them into the HT group (n = 69) and non-HT group (n = 759). HT was defined based on the criteria of the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study-II trial. To address the problems of indiscernible features and imbalanced data, a weakly supervised deep learning (WSDL) model for HT prediction was constructed based on multiple instance learning and active learning using admission NCCT images and clinical information in addition to conventional deep learning models. Threefold cross-validation and transfer learning were performed to confirm the robustness of the network. Of note, the predictive value of the commonly used scales in clinics associated with NCCT images (i.e., the HAT and SEDAN score) was also analysed and compared to measure the feasibility of our proposed DL algorithms.ResultsCompared to the conventional DL and ML models, the WSDL model had the highest AUC of 0.799 (95% CI 0.712–0.883). Significant differences were observed between the WSDL model and five ML models (P < 0.05). The prediction performance of the WSDL model outperforms the HAT and SEDAN scores at the optimal operating point (threshold = 1.5). Further subgroup analysis showed that the WSDL model performed better for symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (AUC = 0.833, F1 score = 0.909).ConclusionsOur WSDL model based on NCCT images had relatively good performance for predicting HT in AIS and may be suitable for assisting in clinical treatment decision-making.

Роль вищих органів державної влади в євроінтеграційних процесах України

This scientific article examines the process of preparation and accession of the state to the European Union (EU) with an emphasis on the work of higher authorities. The authors analyze the key aspects and stages that include the transition to European norms and standards, as well as the reforms necessary to comply with EU standards. The article examines the role of parliament, government, and other authorities in the implementation of European policies and legislation, and evaluates their effectiveness in this process. The study is based on the analysis of practical steps and strategies that have been used by various countries during their path to EU accession. The main conclusions of the article are aimed at revealing the key factors of successful entry and work of higher authorities in this context, including political will, reform measures and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating progress. Among the highest state authorities that that play an important role in the process of Ukraine's accession to the European Union are are: 1) the Parliament of Ukraine, which provides legislative regulation of the process of European integration process. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, which has adopted a number of laws, aimed at harmonizing the current legislation with the EU requirements, in particular, in the human rights, corruption and economic reforms; 2) the President of Ukraine, who acts as the head of the delegation Ukraine's President, who acts as the head of Ukraine's delegation in negotiations with the EU. His active support is important to facilitate the process of European integration. The President has ordered a number of reforms and initiated important international agreements, such as Association Agreement with the EU; 3) the Government of Ukraine, whose key task is to implement reforms and European standards. Among the main priorities are justice, anti-corruption policy, increasing economic stability and social and social protection of the population.

Модернізація діяльності правоохоронних органів України в сучасних умовах

Annotation. The current conditions of law enforcement agencies in Ukraine are extremely complex, which requires increased efficiency in this area. The purpose of this article was to highlight the main directions of modernization of law enforcement agencies of Ukraine. This study was carried out within the limits of the set goal using the following methods: information-analytical method, system approach method, anamnestic method, descriptive statistics method, descriptive analysis method, forecasting method. The specificity of law enforcement agencies' activities in modern conditions is determined by: the introduction of martial law and a change in the qualitative and quantitative composition of crime; globalization and European integration processes and universalization; digitization of law enforcement activities; establishing international cooperation in the fight against crime and ensuring national security. Proposals for improving law enforcement activities should be combined into one document, such as the Program for the Modernization of Law Enforcement Agencies of Ukraine, which will include the following areas: law enforcement agency activities under martial law; provision of socially oriented law enforcement activities; democratization and depoliticization of the law enforcement sphere; improvement of the legal framework of law enforcement activities based on international standards and foreign experience; ensuring the appropriate educational and qualification level of law enforcement officers; implementation of digital technologies and information systems; cooperation with governmental and non-governmental organizations and the public; international cooperation. This study cannot be considered exhaustive, but it opens perspectives in the development of research in this area. In particular, this concerns the establishment of cooperation with governmental and non-governmental organizations and citizens in ensuring national security in the conditions of martial law.

Strategic Integration and Geopolitical Repositioning: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Path Towards the European Union

Bosnia and Herzegovina, rich in cultural diversity, is challenged by religious, national, and ethnic divides, leading to societal deadlock. Despite making strides towards internal peace and security, ongoing economic struggles continue to hamper its development. As the country advances towards European integration, prioritizing its own interests and goals is crucial, rather than merely aligning with those of the European Union. The country needs to meet fourteen key conditions to open negotiations for joining the EU. These conditions can serve as a guiding framework to transform the state from its current negative geopolitical position into one where it can become an engaged player in international relations. Its diverse constituent peoples already have established influences with peoples from diverse backgrounds such as Arab and Muslim countries, the European Union’s member states, Russia, and the Eastern European states. These influences have never been utilized in a coordinated and constructive way, but were rather always seen through the prism of conflict. The state can leverage these relationships and position itself as a symbolic bridge between the Western, Eastern, and Muslim Arab worlds. This strategic geopolitical repositioning will not only enhance Bosnia and Herzegovina’s prospects for a brighter future for its citizens but also enable it to play a significant role in regional dynamics. Focused on its unique interests and values, Bosnia and Herzegovina must ensure its voice and values are reflected in the European integration process, shaping a beneficial future, lasting stability, and long-term prosperity for its citizens and the region.

A virtual consultation system for very rare tumors in children and adolescents – an initiative of the European Cooperative Study Group in Rare Tumors in Children (EXPeRT)

BackgroundVery rare tumors (VRTs) in children and adolescents are orphan diseases defined by an annual incidence of <2/1000,000. For a long time, VRTs have been outside of clinical and research groups in the field of pediatric oncology. As a result, exchange of experience and development of therapeutic standards have not been promoted. After the foundation of several national VRT working groups and the European Cooperative Study Group on Pediatric Rare Tumors (EXPeRT), a virtual consultation system (VCS) has been established, which specifically aimed at facilitating access to clinical consultation in complicated cases of VRTs. MethodsThe VCS has been open to physicians. After initial registration, they can present VRT patients free of charge. Patient consent and data pseudonymization were mandatory. Within the VCS, disease specific interdisciplinary panel discussions with at least three experts from the EXPeRT group and partners have been opened, and at the end of the discussion, a written summary and recommendation was provided. ResultsBetween Mai 2017 and March 2023, 160 cases from 27 countries (20 European, 7 non-European) have been discussed in the VCS. The most common diagnoses were adrenocortical carcinoma, malignant skin tumors and malignant ovarian tumors. In a survey three months after panel discussion, more than 90% of requesting physicians evaluated the VCS to be easy to use, helpful and to have a significant impact on patient management. ConclusionA VCS may provide significant assistance in the management of children and adolescents with VRTs. Furthermore, it may help to overcome inequalities in access to adequate treatment in countries with lower health care system resources or without established VRT study groups. Therefore, EXPeRT will continue to support the VCS. For this purpose, the VRT panels have been integrated into the Clinical Patient Management System (CPMS) within the European Reference Network Initiative (ERN PAedCan).

Olfactory neuroblastoma in children and adolescents: The EXPeRT recommendations for diagnosis and management

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ON) is a rare tumor commonly presenting between 50 and 60 years of age. In pediatric age this tumor is even rarer, with an estimated incidence of 0.1 per 100,000 children up to 15 years. It arises from the olfactory neurorepithelium of the nasal cavity, and it can be locally aggressive, spreading to the orbital cavity, skull base, intracranial cavity. In rarer cases it can also give distant metastasis, more frequently to regional lymph nodes and less commonly to distant sites like liver, lungs and bones. Prognosis varies depending on the stage at presentation (including dural invasion, regional nodal involvement, and distant metastasis), the histological grade, and aspects related to the treatment, such as the possibility to achieve clear margins with surgery and the multimodal approach. Chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy have been used to treat these patients and the different approaches have been reported in the literature. Given the rarity of the disease no shared guidelines exist for the management of this entity in children, but some suggestions can be given to optimize the ON management.This study presents the internationally recognized recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of ON in children and adolescents, established by the European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors (EXPeRT) group within the EU-funded project Pediatric Rare Tumors Network - European Registry (PARTNER).