European Strategy Research Articles

Інституційна ефективність у контексті євроінтеграційних перспектив України. Стаття друга: Інституційні євроінтеграційні перспективи України

The article provides a few evaluations of institutional efficiency in Ukraine according to the methodology of the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators. The presented institutional dynamics give reasons to assess institutional efficiency in Ukraine as low not only in relation to the average European level, but also in relation to European countries with low institutional efficiency (Bulgaria and Romania). According to the vast majority of indicators of institutional efficiency, downward institutional dynamics are observed. In order to determine the factors of effective institutional adaptation of Ukraine, the work displays the experience of successful (Estonia) and less successful (Bulgaria) EU member states. On this basis, institutional risks are shown and it is substantiated that a rational European integration strategy should include appropriate approaches from the point of view of integration risk management, including the creation of national reserves and maintaining the ability to maneuver in case of shock situations. It is shown that for the successful implementation of European integration processes, it is necessary to create one's own institutional architecture, adequate to the nationally rooted type of economic development, based on Ukrainian identity.

Revisiting the strategy for marine litter monitoring within the european marine strategy framework directive (MSFD)

Marine litter and non-degradable plastic pollution is of global concern. Regular monitoring programs are being established to assess and understand the scale of this pollution. In Europe, the goal of the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) is to assess trends in Good Environmental Status and support large-scale actions at the regional level. Marine litter monitoring requires tailored sampling strategies, protocols and indicators, that align with specific objectives and are tailored for local or regional needs. In addition, the uneven spatial and temporal distributions of marine litter present a challenge when designing a statistically powerful monitoring program. In this paper, we critically review the existing marine litter monitoring programs in Europe. We discuss the main constraints, including environmental, logistical, scientific, and ethical factors. Additionally, we outline the critical gaps and shortcomings in monitoring MSFD beaches/shorelines, floating litter, seafloor litter, microplastics, and harm. Several priorities must be established to shape the future of monitoring within the MSFD. Recent developments in analytical approaches, including optimizing protocols and sampling strategies, gaining a better understanding of the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of litter and its implications for survey design and replication, and the inclusion of newly validated methodologies that have achieved sufficient technical readiness, must be considered. Although there are well-established methods for assessing beaches, floating and seafloor litter, it will be necessary to implement monitoring schemes for microplastics in sediments and invertebrates as robust analytical methods become available for targeting smaller particle size classes. Furthermore, the inclusion of indicators for entanglement and injury to marine organisms will have to be considered in the near future. Moreover, the following actions will enhance the effectiveness of monitoring efforts: (1) creating an inventory of accumulation areas and sources of specific types of litter (e.g., fishing gear), (2) monitoring riverine inputs of litter, (3) monitoring atmospheric inputs including microplastics, (4) accidental inputs during extreme weather events, and (5) studying how species at risk may be transported by litter. We provide recommendations to support long-term, effective, and well-coordinated marine litter monitoring within the MSFD to achieve a comprehensive and accurate understanding of marine litter in EU waters. This will allow the development of measures to mitigate the impacts of marine pollution and eventually to evaluate the success of the respective measures.

The New Law of the European Data Markets: Demystifying the European Data Strategy

Abstract The European Data Strategy, published in 2020, aims to turn the EU into a society empowered by data which captures its benefits to generate improvements in health, well-being, the environment, transparent governance, and convenient public services. This article examines the European Data Strategy, focusing on the Data Act and Data Governance Act, and situates them within broader data governance discussions. It argues that the Strategy has at its centre a tension between fostering a robust, fair data market versus scepticism towards market-based data governance mechansims, and analyses to what extent the regulatory techniques the Data Strategy proposes can address this tension.

Evolving Threats, Emerging Laws: Poland's 2023 Answer to the Smishing Challenge

In the face of rising cybersecurity threats like 'smishing'—SMS-based phishing attacks—this article examines how legislative efforts can effectively address these challenges. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of cybersecurity challenges, focusing on the still growing phenomenon of 'smishing', within the legislative context. In particular, it explores the legal landscape of cybercrime through the lens of Poland's recently enacted Act on Combating Abuses in Electronic Communication, as well as the European Union's Cybersecurity Strategy for the Digital Decade. The first one serves as a significant case study for examining legislative efforts aimed at mitigating cybersecurity risks in the field of electronic communications. The article describes the multi-layered, collaborative business-state approach of the Polish law, which can provide a solid framework for addressing current and future cyber security threats. The act stands as a promising tool for fortifying national cybersecurity infrastructure and could serve as a useful example for other jurisdictions grappling with similar issues. The law also engages citizens actively in its cybersecurity initiatives, promoting collective responsibility. In the broader European Union context, while the Polish Act undergoes scrutiny, this analysis also seeks to explore its alignment with the objectives outlined in the 2020′s European Union's Cybersecurity Strategy for the Digital Decade. This examination aims to evaluate the extent to which the Polish legislative framework resonates with the overarching goals set forth by the European Union, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the synergy between national initiatives and the broader European cybersecurity strategy context.

The European Vocational Education and Training System: Towards a Unified Approach

The European vocational education and training system exhibits significant diversity, with each country implementing its unique approach. While a unified European solution is desirable, a lack of comprehensive knowledge in this area hinders the development of policies that could establish a basic model applicable to all countries, albeit with necessary variations due to socio-economic nuances. European policymakers and stakeholders recognize the importance of vocational education and training, including formats like Dual School and Work-based Learning. Nations have committed to common targets in their education and training strategies, driven by globalized competition and the need for professional workers skilled in new technologies. Nevertheless, with the support of established systems, this European solution shows great potential for seamless operation and effectiveness. A successful European strategy would take into account the advancements in technology, the unique regional and national characteristics of the workforce in terms of traditional skills and competencies, and notably, the available natural resources. These resources have become a crucial factor in industrial efficiency and competitiveness. Implementation of dual school models varies at the European level, influenced by national strategies shaped by local factors. Some countries prioritize collaboration with stakeholders and regulatory frameworks to optimize professional training, while others, like Romania and Bulgaria, are just beginning to adopt dual school laws, with emerging examples of best practices. Romania, in particular, has largely followed the German model due to economic influences. In 2006, the European Council recognized vocational training through dual schools as an excellent investment, yielding high returns, surpassing initial costs, and delivering long-term efficiency and productivity benefits.

Analysing the impacts of a reform on harmful fishery subsidies in Spain using a social accounting matrix

The effects of discontinuing harmful fishery subsidies in Spain were analysed using a social accounting matrix. The study found that the removal of these subsidies would have negative consequences for the economy. Specifically, there would be a significant decline in the production value of marine resource industries, and industries dependent on fish and shellfish as inputs would experience increased production costs. The exports, mainly to EU countries, would also be impacted, and certain marine resource sectors would experience significant job losses. Fishing families would suffer the greatest reduction in income once subsidies are removed. However, there is potential to mitigate most of the negative impacts by redirecting the removed subsidies, as it is shown for the case of their redirection to research and development industries. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for EU policymakers in implementing specific policies to address the potential consequences on affected sectors, families, and employers as part of the next European strategy, Horizon 2021–2027.

Environmental Impact, Mechanical Properties, and Productivity: Considerations on Filler Wire and Scanning Strategy in Laser Welding

Abstract Sustainability, as well as high-quality outcomes, pose significant challenges within the context of current manufacturing cycles, in alignment with European strategies aimed at decarbonization. This framework encourages a systematic evaluation of manufacturing processes in terms of their performance and carbon footprint. One sector where this is particularly relevant is the production of batteries for electric mobility, thanks to its exponential growth. Out of all the processes involved, laser welding stands out as being a critical step since it offers potential energy savings through optimization. With the dual goals of achieving mechanical strength and environmental sustainability, this study investigates alternative solutions for laser welding of aluminum sheets. Different laser welding configurations are tested to evaluate the effect of process setups on weld quality and carbon emissions across different productivity scenarios. The key findings can be summarized as follows: (1) the selection of welding setup significantly influences both quality and sustainability requirements; (2) the optimal conditions for meeting strength requirements may diverge from those aimed at minimizing environmental impact; (3) the choice of the final solution is influenced by the specific industrial scenario. The study specifically demonstrated that aluminum alloys can be welded with higher quality (porosity below 1% and equivalent ultimate strength up to 204 MPa) when filler wire is introduced alongside an active wobbling scanning strategy. Conversely, filler wire can be omitted in scenarios prioritizing high-productivity and low-carbon emissions, such as when employing a linear scanning strategy, resulting in a reduction of equivalent carbon emissions by up to 140%.

Using the Amount of Plastic Packaging Placed on the Market to Determine the Annual Amount of Plastic Packaging Waste Generated in Poland to Enable Sustainable Waste Management

A new category of own resources based on national contributions, which are calculated on the basis of the amount of non-recycled plastic packaging waste (PPW) (EUR 0.80 per kilogram), was introduced in 2021 by the decision of the EU Council (EU, Euratom, 2020/2053). In accordance with the European strategy for plastics, the Union budget can contribute to reducing pollution from PPW, which is consistent with sustainable waste management. To calculate the own resource of plastics, it is necessary to determine the amount of non-recycled PPW by taking the difference between the amounts of generated and recycled PPW. Data on the amount of recycled PPW can be obtained from recycling facilities. The challenge, however, is to determine the actual amount of PPW generated in a given year. For this reason, the present study was undertaken to determine the amount of PPW generated annually, based on the amount of plastic packaging placed on the market (PPM) (i.e., with the use of the placed-on-the-market approach). To perform the calculations, the Polish entities that place products in plastic packaging on the market were identified. It was assumed that the amount of PPM was the sum of the amounts of packaging stated by producer responsibility organizations (PRO), as well as self-compliers (SC), private imports (I), and free-riders (FR), minus the amount of packaging privately exported (E). To obtain the relevant data from the records linked to the amounts of plastic packaging imported to and exported from Poland, a detailed methodology was developed. A complementary analysis was concurrently conducted to estimate the amount of plastic PPM by free-riders. The results of these analyses indicate that the amount of packaging transparently reported by the PRO accounted for almost 97% of the total amount of PPM. The analysis found 19,728 SC who placed 2.22% of the total plastic packaging on the market. The total amount of privately imported plastic packaging was 17,304,666 kg (1.37%). Plastic packaging placed on the market by FR is 24,788,196 kg (1.97%). However, the amount of plastic packaging privately exported was 30,571,691 kg (2.43%). Thus, in 2021, the amount of plastic packaging placed on the Polish market was 1,259,345,296 kg; this figure constitutes the basis for determining the own resources based on non-recycled PPW. It also indicates the potential of PPW to serve as a resource for the production of new products, which is in accordance with the principles of a circular economy.

The IFMIF-DONES Diagnostics and Control Systems: Current Design Status, Integration Issues and Future Perspectives Embedding Artificial Intelligence Tools

As an integral part of the European strategy for advancing fusion-generated electricity, IFMIF-DONES represents a high-intensity neutron irradiation plant with the main purpose of assessing the suitability of materials for fusion reactor applications. Its primary mission is to examine how materials respond to irradiation within a neutron flux that mimics the conditions expected in the first wall of the proposed DEMO reactor, which is intended to succeed ITER. Consequently, IFMIF-DONES, whose construction is slated to commence shortly, plays a pivotal role in aiding the development, approval, and safe operation of DEMO, as well as future fusion power plants. This paper provides a quick overview of the current development of the IFMIF-DONES neutron source with a particular snapshot of the present engineering design status for what concerns the instrumentation and control systems together with its complex diagnostics, that guarantees the safe monitoring, supervision and regulation of all operations. The current status of design, after the completion of the preliminary design phase is presented, as well as the existing and future plans for their integration also using some of the new capabilities offered by Artificial Intelligence tools.

EUROPEAN POLICY OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE: CHALLENGES FOR UKRAINE

Ukraine, despite the damages and losses inflicted on agriculture by Russian large-scale aggression, actively participates in the implementation of the main tasks of the global goals defined by the European strategy for sustainable development. The purpose of the article is to analyze the relationship between the policy of sustainable rural development of the European Union and the possibilities of its implementation in various spheres of life, economic, social, ecological, and institutional to support sustainable rural development in Ukraine. Ukraine is an active participant in the implementation of the system of transfer of knowledge and innovations in the agricultural sector – Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems at the regional level, since the rural population needs to increase its own level of awareness of opportunities and potential risks in conducting economic activities and understanding of rational use of resources. The methodology includes analysis of the report on monitoring progress in achieving the goals of sustainable development in the context of the EU, which are directly related to agriculture or the development of rural areas, directives of the Commission of the European Union, statistical data of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, primary and secondary sources. The originality of the article lies in the fact that in the article for the first time covers a detailed analysis of the indicators of the goals of sustainable development of agriculture and rural areas and their correspondence to the tasks of the strategy of the common European agricultural policy. The results of the analysis can be used in planning future projects for rural communities or agricultural enterprises to improve their social and economic situation

European strategy for achieving climate neutrality and analysis of legal instruments for its implementation

European strategy for achieving climate neutrality and analysis of legal instruments for its implementation

Improving primary health care for children and adolescents in Europe

Primary health care for children in Europe is often not optimal. Primary care providers might not have been trained adequately in dealing with common conditions affecting children and adolescents, and outdated practices often persist. To address these problems, WHO developed the Pocket Book of Primary Health Care for Children and Adolescents. It is for use by doctors, nurses and other health workers who are responsible for the care of children and adolescents at the primary health care level. It summarizes guidance on how to manage – and when to refer – children and adolescents presenting with common complaints and conditions. It includes information to enable primary health care providers to coordinate the continued care of children and adolescents with long-term conditions and diseases managed by specialists. Preventive and promotive measures from the newborn period to adolescence include advice on the timing and content of well-child visits, the promotion of early childhood development and health messages for adolescents.The recommendations of the Pocket Book apply across the WHO European Region and may be adapted by countries to suit their specific circumstances. A mobile APP for Android and IOS phones is available to facilitate uptake and dissemination. The Pocket Book and APP aim to improve quality of care for children and adolescents at the primary health care level. Quality of care is at the core of the comprehensive European Child and Adolescent Health Strategy that is being developed by Member States supported by WHO and partners to refocus attention on child and adolescent health after the COVID-19 pandemic had scooped attention and resources away from this age group. Countries are encouraged to adapt Pocket Book and Strategy to improve the situation of child and adolescent health and well-being in their settings and monitor progress.

207b - Exposure modelling in Europe: how to pave the road for the future as part of the European Exposure Science Strategy 2020–2030

207b - Exposure modelling in Europe: how to pave the road for the future as part of the European Exposure Science Strategy 2020–2030

207a - Elevating exposure science: fostering education, training, and communication in alignment with the European Exposure Science Strategy (2020−2030)

207a - Elevating exposure science: fostering education, training, and communication in alignment with the European Exposure Science Strategy (2020−2030)

Electricity in Public Passengers’ Transportation and the Impact on Consumption in the National Energy System

Abstract Electric drive systems in mobility solutions are increasingly being used by the manufacturers in the global automotive industry. The European strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050 is also transposed into Romania’s Energy Strategy. An important part of this strategy is the use of electricity in public passenger transport to significantly reduce pollution in urban areas. The rapid pace in terms of the renewal of conventional urban transport with modern electrified solutions requires, at the same time, an analysis of the pressure that this new consumer can exert on the national energy system.

European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIFs) and Regional Development across the European Union (EU)

This scoping review synthesizes the evidence from eleven key studies to assess the impact of European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIFs) on regional development across the European Union (EU), focusing on fund efficiency, regional disparities and convergence, governance quality, economic freedom, and fund management. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases to identify the relevant literature published up to 2023. Eleven studies were selected based on the date published and their focus on ESIFs’ role in regional development, employing a range of methodological approaches including Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), spatial econometrics, and multivariate analyses. The thematic analysis identified four main categories: Methodological Approaches in Evaluating Fund Efficiency, Regional Disparities and Convergence, The Interconnection between Governance Quality, Economic Freedom, and the Efficiency of Structural Fund Management, and The Absorption Capacity and Fund Management. The review highlights the importance of sophisticated analytical tools in evaluating fund efficiency, with DEA and spatial econometrics providing critical insights into fund management efficiency. Studies underscored the nuanced efficacy of ESIFs in reducing regional disparities, albeit pointing to the need for more targeted fund allocation. Governance quality and economic freedom emerged as pivotal factors enhancing fund management efficiency, suggesting the potential of governance reforms in optimizing ESIF allocation and utilization. Challenges related to fund absorption and management were illuminated, advocating for enhanced institutional management capabilities and the development of innovative performance indicators. The findings of this scoping review contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding ESIFs’ impact on regional development within the EU. They underscore the critical importance of governance quality, economic freedom, methodological rigor, and strategic fund allocation in enhancing the effectiveness of ESIFs. The review calls for tailored policy interventions and the integration of national and European funding strategies to maximize the impact of these programs on regional development and SME support. Future research should continue to refine these methodological approaches and explore the causal effects of funding, to enhance our understanding of ESIFs’ efficiency in promoting regional development and convergence within the European Union.

Practicing Multilevel Governance: The Revision of the Piedmont Regional Territorial Plan

The regional level plays a relevant role in spatial governance and planning in Europe, as it constitutes the most suitable scale to both program European Union funding and territorialize international development strategies. In this light, regional spatial planning instruments play a crucial role in translating general objectives and recommendations (e.g., those included in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development) in place-based implementation practices. This contribution reflects upon the implementation of a methodology aimed at engaging a multidisciplinary team of students in the revision of the Piedmont regional territorial plan (PTR), developed in close cooperation with the regional public administration. This problem-based learning activity supported the integration of supranational strategic objectives and funding streams with the regional territorial development priorities. In so doing, it represents a possible way to practice multilevel governance in concrete terms, employing the PTR as a meaningful catalyst.

The principle of adequate social protection in the European Pillar of Social Rights: Assessing the instruments used to realise its potential

Improving the social security protection of atypical workers has been high on the EU agenda in recent years. With the adoption of the European Pillar of Social Rights in 2017, the EU wished to break away from a decade of austerity measures. The EU further developed the right to adequate social protection in the Pillar through the Recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed. This instrument urges EU Member States to ensure adequate access to social protection for workers, regardless of their employment relationship, and the self-employed. As part of the EU's recovery strategy during and after the Covid-19 crisis, several financial instruments were developed to support EU Member States. Through the Temporary Support to Mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency, EU Member States received support for job retention schemes. The EU also adopted the Recovery Resilience Facility, which provided grants and loans. Another support instrument was the European Social Fund Plus. This article discusses those recent EU initiatives, focusing on unemployment and the protection of atypical workers and the self-employed. With the introduction of the European Employment Strategy (1997), a closer link was made at EU level between unemployment, increasing labour market participation and activation measures. Less attention was paid to ensuring adequate unemployment protection. In recent years, however, it appears that the EU has been playing an increasing role in providing funding for temporary support and in introducing changes to EU Member States’ policies.

PROVIDING FOOD SECURITY IN ROMANIA. CHALLENGES AND FINANCING

In the current geopolitical context, food security has become once again a very important target. The paper presents Romania’s current situation, analysed on the basis of GFSI (Global Food Security Index) developed by Economist Intelligence Unit/ Economist Impact (EIU). The guarantee of an objective analysis is to examine the Romanian food security situation based on the interpretation of indicators that are recognised at international level. Food security in Romania is challenged by the current socio-economic context like in many other EU member states. The major challenge is the European strategies aiming at a greener agriculture according to the European Green Deal. This is reflected in the way the agricultural sector is financed, meaning a greener CAP budget

The white paper on artificial intelligence as a source for the formation of European Union legislation in the field of artificial intelligence

The article analyzes the provisions of the White Paper on artificial intelligence as a source of the formation of European Union legislation in the field of artificial intelligence. It is noted that the study of legal regulation of artificial intelligence in the European Union will contribute to the formation of the domestic source base in the field of application of artificial intelligence. It has been analyzed that in scientific circles, the provisions of the White Book on artificial intelligence are highlighted by domestic scientists in a fragmentary manner, which makes it difficult to comprehensively perceive the content and meaning of the White Book as a whole. The article states that the legislation of Ukraine needs improvement, which consists in compliance with European standards in the field of artificial intelligence. It has been established that it is advisable to enshrine provisions on the use of artificial intelligence at the legislative level. The article examines the provisions of the European Data Strategy, which recognizes artificial intelligence as an important component of the data economy. It has been studied that the provisions of the European Data Strategy provide for a combination of technology, industry, digital infrastructure and regulatory framework. It was noted that the provisions of the Strategy regarding artificial intelligence were further developed in the White Book. The article specifies the concept of artificial intelligence in accordance with the provisions of the White Book. It is noted that the Provisions of the White Book are aimed at ensuring consultation of interested parties, collection of feedback as a basis for future decision-making processes. It has been proven that the White Paper can be considered a political document containing the goals and possible actions of the European Commission regarding the regulation of artificial intelligence and contains a list of political proposals, intentions and recommendations. It is noted that the White Book is a framework for future legislative proposals on the formation of a legal framework related to artificial intelligence in the European Union. The article defines the structure of the main provisions of the White Book and establishes the fundamental principles that determine the development and implementation of artificial intelligence. Attention is focused on chapter 5 of the White Paper, which is devoted to the «Ecosystem of Trust: Regulatory Framework for Artificial Intelligence», which is devoted to the key elements of the regulatory framework for artificial intelligence in Europe.